For thousands of years, Nile had been in the hands and free will of few nations because of many pushing cases that came to happen in the colonial era. However, now the time seems approaching to utilize the water among riparian countries fairly and equitably because many countries are flexing muscle to unlock the resource; and the old scenario and grime mentality to grab the Nile is crumbling.
In fact, some are still dreaming to stick to colonial era agreements In line with this same issue, experts, politicians drawn from various background forward their ideas and opinions. While few suggest the timeworn agreements to continue, many peoples underscore the critical importance of new and transformational agreements that ensure the fair utilization of the water among the Nile riparian countries.
According to Assistant Professor Yacob Arsano (PhD), Dean of Political Science and International Relations Department at Addis Ababa University, the two treaties made in 1902 and 1959 are unjust and outdate treaties. Above all, they are not mandatory by all the riparian states to be abided; and at this juncture, new institution that could deal with the whole nations’ interest should be framed. As there is no rule that could benefit any nation to use the Nile water solely, there is ground or law that could support the claims of other nation to coming together, deal with in more cooperative fashion and utilize the water equitably, fairly, and in more cooperative fashion.
To this end riparian effort to establish Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) could be one step to address the concerns of all riparian in line with cooperation and ensure lasting development in the region. It is high time to make sure each riparian country benefit from the Nile, in the spirit of cooperation rather than confronting disagreements, he opined.
Mentioning that Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda signed the agreement on this very first day and five days later Kenya joined them. Burundi also joined the signatories. South Sudan and The Democratic Republic of Congo are expected to follow suit, he added.
CFA is an agreement that could strengthen cooperation and govern relations among the basin countries with regard to the Nile River Basin to promote integrated management, sustainable development, and harmonious utilization of the water resources of the Basin, as well as their conservation and protection for the benefit of present and future generations. In addition the Framework allows for the establishment of a permanent Nile River Basin Commission through which member countries will act together to manage and develop the resources of the Nile.
The signing of the CFA is a significant development in the process of negotiations on the utilization of the Nile Waters. For the upper riparian, the signing of the CFA marks the realization of a goal toward which all the riparian’s have been negotiating for over a decade. CFA is expected to enter into force when two-third of the riparian countries signatories to the agreement ratified it. Thus, he urged riparian countries to sign the Framework soon.
Ambassador Indris Ibrahim also underlined as it is a real time to deal with others’ concern and develop the resource for the benefit of all riparian countries; not for a single nation. The articles incorporated in the cooperative agreement are well framed to utilize Nile waters in their territories, take all appropriate measures to prevent that could causing of significant harm to other Basin states and let courtiers establishes institutions in line with respective states.
While speaking to media, Eastern Nile Technical Regional Office (ENTRO) General Manager, Fekiahmed Negash said that Nile is a blessing for all riparian countries and nations should look their future under the umbrella CFA. Countries should not stick to the colonial treaties that do not acknowledge the concerns of the respective nations.
CFA is the only line that could shape the concern of each country. The Treaty could play a key role in catalyzing economic growth, reducing poverty, facilitating regional integration, and promoting regional peace and stability. Its adoption by all basin states would represent a sign of their commitment to cooperate in the development and utilization of their shared water resources.
The Ethiopian Herald April 29/2020
BY MENGESTEAB TESHOME
