The recent failure of the tripartite talks on the Abbay Dam, involving Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan, has once again highlighted Egypt’s hegemonic possessive stance and its unwillingness to pursue peaceful negotiations to resolve disputes. Despite Ethiopia’s pursuit of an accommodative resolution and its commitment to equitable and transparent negotiations, Egypt’s sticking on the colonial-era pact and its refusal to acknowledge Ethiopia’s right to utilize the Abbay River have hindered the progress towards a mutually beneficial agreement.
Central to the current impasse is Egypt’s insistence on relying on a colonial-era pact that did not take into account Ethiopia’s legitimate interests and development aspirations. The Nile Waters Agreements of 1929 and 1959, which Egypt has continued to invoke, were concluded without the participation or consent of Ethiopia, the primary source of the Nile River which contributes over 80% of the water. These agreements, which allocate the majority of the Nile’s waters to Egypt and Sudan, disregarded the needs and rights of Ethiopia and other riparian states.
Ethiopia’s Chief Negotiator, Ambassador Seleshi Bekele (PhD), recently emphasized that the negotiations have failed to reach consensus due to Egypt’s rejection of Ethiopia’s inalienable right to use the Abbay River during times of drought. Ethiopia, a landlocked country with a burgeoning population and growing energy needs, seeks to harness the hydropower potential of the Abbay Dam to support its socio-economic development. Ethiopia’s pursuit of a fair and cooperative resolution, as demonstrated by its readiness to release water even during drought periods, highlights its commitment to responsible water resource management.
Despite the agreement reached by Egyptian and Ethiopian leaders to come to the final agreement on the Dam issue within four months, Egypt’s negotiators have exhibited an unyielding stance, impeding progress in the talks. Egypt’s refusal to negotiate over issues that could threaten Ethiopia’s future development raises concerns about its commitment to peaceful resolution and regional stability. Moreover, Egypt’s recent announcement, which can be characterized as aggressive, not only undermines Ethiopia’s rights but also violates international laws.
It is crucial to recognize that the Nile water is a shared resource, and the collective responsibility of all riparian states is to seek equitable solutions that promote mutual development and cooperation. Ethiopia’s efforts to engage in transparent negotiations and its adherence to the Declaration of Principles signed by both countries in 2017 demonstrate its commitment to resolving disputes through peaceful means. Egypt, on the other hand, must recognize the imperative of negotiating in good faith and relinquishing outdated agreements that perpetuate an inequitable distribution of the resource.
Egypt’s intransigence and its unwillingness to sustain peace through negotiation pose a significant threat to regional security. By perpetuating a confrontational approach, Egypt undermines trust and cooperation among riparian states, potentially leading to heightened tensions and even conflict. In an era where water resources are becoming increasingly scarce and competition for them intensifies, it is essential for all countries to embrace diplomatic channels and dialogue to resolve disputes.
Given the failure of the recent tripartite talks, it is crucial that the African Union (AU) takes a role in reinitiating negotiations and facilitating a fair and lasting agreement. The AU, as a neutral mediator, can help bridge the gaps between Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan, ensuring that the negotiations continue until a final agreement is reached taking African solutions for African problems as a pretext. The AU’s involvement is particularly important in preventing the escalation of tensions and fostering a cooperative spirit among the riparian states.
Ethiopia’s stance and commitment to peace regarding the construction of the Abbay Dam have been evident throughout the negotiation process. Despite having full rights over the utilization of its own water resources, Ethiopia has consistently demonstrated a willingness to engage in peaceful discussions and reach a mutually beneficial agreement with Egypt and Sudan.
Firstly, Ethiopia’s pursuit of an accommodative resolution showcases its commitment to finding a balance between its own development needs and the concerns of downstream countries. Ethiopia recognizes the importance of cooperative water resource management and has expressed its readiness to release a significant amount of water from the Dam, even during times of drought. This gesture highlights Ethiopia’s commitment to addressing the water needs of downstream countries and mitigating any potential negative impacts.
Secondly, Ethiopia’s transparency and willingness to engage in negotiations demonstrate its commitment to resolving the issue diplomatically. Throughout the negotiation process, Ethiopia has actively participated in multiple rounds of talks, engaging in discussions and attempting to find common ground. Ethiopia’s Chief Negotiator, Ambassador Seleshi Bekele, has consistently emphasized the country’s pursuit of an equitable and cooperative resolution, based on empirical evidence and the principles enshrined in the 2017 Declaration of Principles.
Moreover, Ethiopia’s commitment to respecting international law and engaging with international mediators, such as the African Union, further underscores its commitment to peace. Ethiopia recognizes the importance of involving neutral parties to facilitate negotiations and ensure a fair outcome.
It is important to note that Ethiopia’s construction of the Abbay Dam is primarily driven by its developmental aspirations, aimed at addressing the energy needs of its growing population and supporting economic growth. As a landlocked country, Ethiopia sees hydropower development as a crucial component of its long-term sustainable development strategy. The construction of the Dam is not intended to harm downstream countries but rather to leverage its own resources for the benefit of its people.
It is to be recalled that the 4th round of the tripartite talks on Abbay Dam held here in Addis ended without consent due to Egypt’s stuck on the colonial-era pact that did not concern Ethiopia. Thereupon, Western countries and the international community shall take several actions in order to push Egypt to engage in peaceful negotiations regarding the Abbay Dam and promote a cooperative approach.
For instance; Western countries and international institutions, such as the United Nations and the African Union, can play a crucial role in mediating and facilitating negotiations between Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan. A neutral mediator can help bridge the gaps, foster dialogue, and encourage constructive discussions towards a mutually acceptable agreement.
Additionally, Western countries shall apply diplomatic pressure on Egypt to emphasize the importance of peaceful negotiations and the need to find a fair and equitable solution. They can encourage Egypt to adopt a more flexible and cooperative stance that takes into account the legitimate development aspirations and rights of Ethiopia, while also addressing Egypt’s concerns.
Moreover, western countries can emphasize the importance of adhering to international law, particularly the principles of equitable and reasonable utilization of trans-boundary water resources. They can encourage Egypt to recognize the rights of Ethiopia as an upper riparian state that contributes large amount of water and engage in negotiations based on international legal frameworks and principles.
Raising public awareness about the importance of peaceful negotiations and the potential benefits of cooperation can also create pressure on Egypt to embrace a cooperative approach. Western countries and international organizations can support public awareness campaigns, promote dialogue between civil society organizations, and encourage people-to-people exchanges to foster understanding and build trust among the riparian states.
It is also seemingly important for providing technical assistance and capacity building support to all riparian states, including Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan, can help build expertise in water resource management, infrastructure development, and environmental impact assessment. Enhancing technical capabilities can facilitate informed decision-making and foster cooperation in finding sustainable solutions.
All in all, it is crystal clear that Ethiopia’s stance and commitment to peace regarding construction of the Abbay Dam are evident through its willingness to engage in negotiations, its transparency, and its adherence to international law. Ethiopia has consistently demonstrated a desire to find a mutually beneficial solution that takes into account the concerns of all parties involved. While asserting its full right over the utilization of its water resources, Ethiopia has emphasized cooperation and the pursuit of equitable development for the region.
However, Egypt’s possessive stance and its unwillingness to sustain peace and resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiation undermine regional security and perpetuate an inequitable distribution of resources. It is imperative for Egypt to acknowledge Ethiopia’s legitimate rights and aspirations and engage in constructive negotiations that foster mutual development and cooperation.
The international community, particularly the African Union, should play an active role in facilitating a fair and lasting agreement, ensuring a sustainable future development for all riparian states. Only through dialogue, cooperation, and respect for each other’s concerns can a mutually beneficial resolution be achieved, promoting regional stability and prosperity.
It is, therefore, of paramount importance for Western countries and the international community to approach the situation with neutrality, understanding the concerns and interests of all parties involved. By encouraging Egypt to embrace peaceful negotiations and facilitating a fair and equitable resolution, they can contribute to regional stability, cooperation, and sustainable development in the Nile basin.
BY HIZKEL HAILU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 23 DECEMBER 2023
