Egypt and Sudan Reject the Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement
Egypt and Sudan have rejected the newly ratified Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA), stating it undermines historical water agreements from 1929 and 1959. The countries urge adherence to the 1999 Nile Basin Initiative and stress that the CFA, endorsed by six upstream states, does not represent all Nile Basin countries. Tensions around the agreement were evident with the cancellation of a planned summit. Both nations reaffirm their commitment to cooperative water management based on mutual agreement and inclusivity.
Egypt and Sudan have officially rejected the newly ratified Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA), which came into force on October 13, after being endorsed by six upstream nations. Following a recent meeting of the Egyptian-Sudanese Permanent Joint Technical Commission for the Nile Waters, the two nations expressed their opposition through a joint statement, urging all Nile Basin states to adhere to the 1999 Nile Basin Initiative and to avoid any actions that may deepen the rift between upstream and downstream countries. They emphasized that the six-state commission formed based on the incomplete CFA cannot adequately represent the entire Nile Basin. Historically, Egypt and Sudan contend that the CFA contravenes the established agreements from 1929 and 1959, which allocate significant water rights to them. Egypt particularly highlighted a 1989 ruling by the International Court of Justice, asserting that water agreements possess the same fixed nature as border agreements, therefore cannot be altered without unanimous agreement among all stakeholders. The PJTC criticized the draft CFA from 2010 for lacking the necessary consensus and disregarding established international legal principles that support sustainable development. Both Egypt and Sudan reiterated their commitment to constructive cooperation with all Nile Basin nations, advocating for inclusivity and mutual consent in all agreements concerning Nile waters. They pointed out that the CFA, initially endorsed by four upstream states, does not reflect the interests of all riparian countries and violates customary international law principles. The CFA’s ratification follows the approval by Ethiopia and several other upstream states earlier this year. The new agreement aims to establish the Nile River Basin Commission (RNBC), tasked with managing the Nile’s resources. However, tensions surrounding this agreement were evident when a planned summit in Uganda was canceled. The management of the Nile’s waters has historically been governed by two treaties, the earliest from 1929, which granted Egypt and Sudan preferential rights. The 1959 accord, currently in effect, further solidifies Egypt’s substantial water allocation, leading to ongoing disputes with upstream countries regarding Nile water sharing reforms.
The Nile River is a critical water source for multiple African nations, notably Egypt and Sudan, both of which possess established rights to its waters through historical agreements. The CFA, initiated in 2010, sought to provide a modern framework for cooperation among the Nile Basin countries but has faced widespread resistance from downstream nations who perceive it as a threat to their historical claims. The rejection of the CFA by Egypt and Sudan underscores the complexity of managing transboundary water resources in a politically charged environment where historical treaties still heavily influence current negotiations. The tension between upstream and downstream countries regarding water rights and allocations remains a significant challenge for regional stability and cooperation.
In conclusion, Egypt and Sudan’s rejection of the Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement highlights the enduring complexities of Nile water management and the challenges in reconciling historical agreements with contemporary demands. The commitment of both countries to uphold their established rights while advocating for comprehensive dialogue underscores the need for a collaborative approach to prevent conflict over this vital resource. The situation remains delicate, as the failure to achieve consensus could lead to further regional tensions in the management of the Nile’s waters.
Original Source: www.agenzianova.com
