By: SINTAYEHU TAMIRAT
Nile Riparian nations are on the verge of establishing a Nile Basin Commission (NBC), designed to ensure that all member states reap the benefits of the Nile River.
This new commission is set to be a stronger and legally binding entity, enhancing cooperation and resource management among the countries that share this vital waterway. Water and Energy Minister, Habtamu Itefa (PhD), made the remark. Furthermore, he told EBC Addis Dialogue that the progress of the establishment is hindered by downstream states.
“Due to certain reasons, which we can boldly say our brothers from downstream, have been intentionally delaying the formation of the Commission. Their actions have had a notably detrimental effect on the initiatives and operations of the Nile Basin Initiative. Each year, during our conferences and meetings attended by the ministers of water and energy from all member states, we encounter recurring disputes, particularly from our brothers in Sudan and Egypt, who express dissatisfaction with our progress and decisions.
Founded in 1999 by the water ministers of the countries sharing the Nile, the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) aims to promote sustainable socio-economic development through the fair use and shared benefits of the water resources found within the Nile basin. The establishment of the NBC now makes this objective achievable, as it has been anticipating the implementation of the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA). Minister Habtamu has indicated that the CFA is expected to be enacted as it holds the status of international law. If the CFA is submitted to the African Union and subsequently comes into effect, it will facilitate enhanced collaboration among the Nile basin countries, promoting sustainable socio-economic development.
The Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) is set to become active following its submission to the African Union, with at least six signatories advocating for the establishment of a commission. Once this commission is legally formed, it will receive a clear mandate outlining its responsibilities and enforcement mechanisms, thereby establishing a framework of international law. The recent agreements among the upstream Nile states, particularly with the contributions from Burundi and South Sudan in 2023/24, mark a significant milestone in our long-standing efforts for collaboration. This commitment to cooperation is the standard we have been striving to uphold.
The minister expressed gratitude for the dedication demonstrated by the riparian states in their collaborative efforts regarding the Nile. He highlighted the positive momentum among upstream countries, especially Uganda, Tanzania, and Burundi, emphasizing the importance of working together for the mutual benefit of their populations along the Nile River. With the groundwork laid through the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), the establishment of the Nile River Basin Commission is now imminent.
Additionally, he acknowledged the successful projects achieved under this initiative, made possible through the support of development partners such as Germany, the World Bank, and the African Development Bank. Minister Habtamu emphasized that the CFA, which has garnered widespread endorsement from member states, is crucial for the formation of the Nile Basin Commission.
"We are fortunate to be on the verge of establishing the Nile Basin Commission, with anticipation building as we await the necessary actions to be completed within 60 days of submission to the African Union. Once this process is finalized, the commission will gain legal status, paving the way for significant progress. We look forward to a summit convened by Ugandan President Museveni, where member states will formally endorse the commission, demonstrating their commitment to collaborative efforts regarding the Nile River Basin."
On August 14, 2024, the ratification of the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) was successfully completed, with South Sudan being the last country to ratify it. This milestone is expected to trigger the agreement's entry into force on October 13, 2024, marking a pivotal moment for the establishment of the Nile River Basin Commission.