AFRICAN ROUNDTABLE OR WATER WARS?

African roundtable most definitely cannot only be for feasts; we must treat our manners to the level of resolving our own troubles. The Nile Treaty, 1959, fronted by Great Britain has never and will never be feast for all around this table. This treaty, whether lately reviewed or not, was a document drafted to limit but lately it is inspiring water wars around the Nile Basin. It should be reviewed as means of seeking environmental, historical and agricultural justice to the Lake Victoria/ Nile River co-riparian countries.

A new look of this treaty should give Sudan and Egypt face of acceptance to other coriparian and disregard that bullish clause entitling them full control of Nile water. This case of Egypt & Sudan Vs Ethiopia if not addressed or reviewed could fast precipitate into water wars of 1960 between Syria, Iraq and Turkey over Tigris-Euphrates, ET basin. Looking at Egypt’s consumption volume per annum, three African medium consumers can use it for a sustainable production. Egypt and Sudan should therefore let Ethiopia continue tapping in Blue Nile, and generate power from their River Nile dam. Legally, it is within their bounds.

Responsible use treaty can be drafted considering the demographics, agricultural and environmental productivity of the coriparian. Nile Responsible Use Treaty, NRUT, is worth rewarding the efforts of individuals and entities actively involved in campaigns and actions on restoring and balancing the bio system of the Nile source.

Oscar Omondi

Executive Director Greenspeed Ltd

/SSM @ Page IX