South Sudan Ratification Enables Nile Basin Initiative Countries to Cooperate, Share Water Fairly

Addis Ababa, August 1/2024(ENA)  The recent South Sudan ratification of the Nile Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) will enable the Nile Basin Initiative countries to work together and use shared water resources in an equitable and reasonable manner, Nile River Basin Investment Program Regional Coordinator Adanech Yared said.

The coordinator at the Nile Basin Initiative Secretariat told ENA that the ratification of the CFA by South Sudan is a big progress.

“It shows the progress that the countries are making to become part of this framework from time to time by understanding the importance of the cooperation of member countries to work together and use shared water resources in an equitable and reasonable manner,” Adanech noted.

The ratification is fostering regional cooperation as different countries come on board. 

“We already have regional cooperation through the Nile Basin Initiative temporary institution. This strengthens even more when the Nile Basin Initiative comes to the commission.”

With South Sudan ratifying the CFA after Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Burundi,  the Nile Basin Commission can be established and come into full force.

According to the coordinator, the ratification of the sixth country would unify more voices of Nile Basin countries.

“This ratification unifies member countries voices, rather than one or two countries talking about the benefit of cooperation. When all member countries talk together, the difference is very high.”

It would also contribute to improve water resource management, economic and investment opportunities in the basin as well as decision-making processes regarding the utilization of Nile water.

Highlighting the principle of  CFA, Adanech said with the CFA ratified the Nile Basin countries  can manage water resources in an integrated manner.

Therefore, the ratification of the CFA plays pivotal role in promoting bilateral and multilateral infrastructures that benefit the people in the basin.

Furthermore, platform for dialogue, peace and stability, and conflict resolution, that ensures the interests of all countries would be created, she explained.

Adanech revealed that Ethiopia has played important role diplomatically and technically with its commitments to regional importance of cooperation in the Nile Basin. 

The Nile Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) outlines rights and obligations for the development of the Nile Basin water resources, and promotes the equitable and reasonable utilization of the River.

The process of ratification of the CFA started in June 2013, four years after its signature, by Ethiopia, followed in August of that year by Rwanda. Tanzania ratified the CFA in 2015, followed by Uganda in 2019. Burundi ratified the CFA in 2023.