GERD unites Nile Basin states: Study

By Worku Belachew

Addis Ababa- The construction of the Grand Renaissance Dam (GERD) has created unity and cooperation, changing old fashioned trends with an unprecedented dynamics within the Nile basin nations.

Dr. Tesfaye Tafesse

Presenting his study at First Pan African and Second College of Social Sciences (CSS) Monthly Seminar Series of the Addis Ababa University on Thursday, Dr. Tesfaye Tafesse Head of Centre for African and Oriental Studies of AAU, stressed that the previous political situation which revolved around the water utilization of Nile waters has been significantly improved particularly over the past three years owing to the construction of GERD project.

According to the study other contributing reasons for the positive stride are; the joint common positions upstream states hold for the respect of their natural rights as far as Nile waters is concerned which also include the rejection of colonial and post colonial agreements , nullification of Egypt's “historic rights” , and the emergence of new financial sources. It was also discussed that Sudan’s support of GERD is also a great catalytic factor.

Tesfaye argued the existence of an all-inclusive institutional setup and legal framework is fundamental to serve the best interests of Nile riparian nations. In this regard he noted the previous institutions such as Hydromet which failed to be inclusive while Tesfaye appreciated Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), still operational, for being strong breakthrough towards cooperation. He also put that the latest Cooperative Framework of Agreement (CFA) is “still outstanding” awaiting for the ratification of signatories to establish Nile River Basin Commission sooner than later. It was also unveiled that the CFA would help to increase the volume of water in the basin and suggested that nations that do not enter their signature such as Egypt need to revisit their stand.

He remarked that the benefits of GERD to the three countries namely Egypt , Sudan and Ethiopia need to be strong base for cooperation.

The university academic community including renowned professors was in attendance during the discussion.

It is to be recalled that the majority of Nile basin nations signed the CFA while Ethiopia followed by Rwanda took the agreement to their respective parliaments and ratified it. It is expected that other would follow suit and the Commission is expected to come to function.