A Path for Achieving Equity in Sharing the Nile

A Path for Achieving Equity in Sharing the Nile

Yosef Yacob, JD, LLM, PhD
July 31, 2003

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The issues of equitable utilization are extremely complex and I am doubtful that any prescriptive formula will ever emerge.

However, the approaches, which are presently advocated in the Nile Basin are the very models, which have not been demonstrated to be effective in addressing the core issue in other International River Basins in Africa and Asia. The frustration is seeing the international financial institutions and donor countries pursuing a course of action in the Nile Basin knowing full well that the conventional approaches have not yielded tangible results in the other basins and similar situations.

I firmly believe that the solution lies in an approach that involves inter-basin dialogue among the ordinary citizens. This is particularly significant if a solution and conflict is to be averted. Each Government in the Nile Basin has been and continues to raise the expectations of their constituencies despite the limitations on the use of by each of the riparian. The Egyptian Government has failed to make the Egyptian people aware of the legitimate competing needs of upper riparians. Conversely, the upper riparians have neglected to inform their citizens of the legitimate needs of the lower riparians and the near total reliance of Egypt on the Nile Basins waters.

Despite the resource limitations and the rights of co-riparians each Government has chosen a course which will eventually lead to confrontation. They have for too long and continue to capitalize on the ignorance of their constituents. The citizens can check their government only when they learn the truth, which has not and will not be forthcoming from the governments. Therefore, a way must be found to promote direct inter-basin
dialogue and to build some consensus before any progress can be expected.

It seems appropriate to prescribe an approach has never been tested in the context of any of the “problem” International River Basins in Africa and Asia. I am convinced that if the ordinary citizens became aware of the facts (needs, aspirations, options, limitations etc.) and build consensus on the issues and facts they can move their governments towards a more reasonable disposition.

Reliance on western institutions and donors who have a predilection for the status quo, an aversion for fairness and justice in Africa in preference for expediency, and favor certain riparians, who are linked to western security and economic interests, over others will not achieve the desired equity. Rather than debating the legitimacy and applicability of discredited colonial treaties and depending on western interventions, which are calculated to maintain the status quo, the upper riparians have an obligation to their citizens to unite and assume a proactive role to demand an equitable share of the shared resource.