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Africa

Africa: Abbay Showdown – Encouraging Egypt to Reap CFA’s Benefits

todayOctober 4, 2024 2

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The ongoing dispute between Ethiopia and Egypt over Nile River utilization remains unresolved, with both nations accusing each other of obstructing progress. At the recent 79th United Nations General Assembly, Ethiopia raised concerns about Egypt’s failure to adhere to the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), which is set to transition into the Nile Basin Commission (NBC). This impasse raises critical questions about the implications if Egypt continues to resist this multi-member initiative.

Ethiopia has taken steps to deescalate tensions and seek a sustainable resolution, encouraging Egypt to join the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) on the Nile, which promotes equitable resource utilization among all riparian states. Ethiopian Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Yosef Kassaye, emphasized that Egypt has a “golden opportunity” to restore peaceful relations with Nile riparian states by ratifying the CFA.

Six riparian countries have now ratified the CFA, meeting the minimum requirement for the formation of the Nile River Commission. Political-Economic Analyst Lawrence Freeman commented on Egypt’s escalating tensions, suggesting that it should reconsider its approach. He highlighted that regional economic development will be driven by Ethiopia, rather than ongoing militarization. Freeman noted a growing sense of statesmanship among regional leaders.

Egypt’s representative at the UN accused Ethiopia of unilateral actions and a lack of consensus regarding Nile water use. In response, Ambassador Yosef stressed that the Abbay Dam is fostering regional integration through energy and trade, which Egypt fails to acknowledge. He criticized Egypt for seeking a colonial-era monopoly over Nile waters. “Egypt attempts to exert veto power over the water development efforts of countries that originate the Nile waters.”