The Grand Renaissance Dam (GERD), The Nile River and the Nile Basin States: A golden opportunity turned to crises by failed Policies of Egypt?

The dispute on the use of Nile River, one of the longest rivers in Africa remained contentious now for centuries of course sometimes showing a commendable progress towards a middle point that would possibly bring the countries to agreement. The tension among the countries escalated in 2011 when Ethiopia started a Mega Project to generate a Hydro-electric power which would make the latter an African Power House generating 16,153 GWh per year . The project, Ethiopia believes, helps to lift its citizens from the absolute poverty of centuries. However, the recent rift and conspiracy among the Nile basin states , specially, Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia is totally a blow to the progresses made in the past decade towards an equitable use.

Egypt, a country which claims an absolute right over the river remained ignorant of the riparian states, especially Ethiopian right to use the river against established principles of International Law. Egypt, which constructed multiple mega projects on Nile even to the extent of changing the river course without any consultation with riparian states now wants either to be involved in the decision making of the GERD or totally stop the project from construction to thereby maintain its absolute power on the use of the river. The disputes of such kind on the trans boundary rivers are common in any parts of the world. However, the position of Egypt in Nile negotiation is always weird. It wants a country that contribute to the river to the extent of close to 90% get nothing, literally nothing, from the river.

Despite the fact that it is almost close to 90% of Nile water source, Ethiopia never claimed a substantial share on Nile. What it claimed rather is simply a very unsubstantial share-to build a hydro-electric power plant that would have an insignificant effect on the volume of water that the downstream countries receive. Ethiopia's move under the Nile Basin Initiative since 1999 to insure a fair share among the riparian state remained frustrated because of Egypt's blind and outdated policy.

Worst, Egypt began a common but new form of conspiracy on Ethiopia believing that it would kneel down the latter that way. If such unfounded and irrational moves are not curtailed with all possible means, it would totally put the peace, security and stability of the Eastern and North African region at stake.

Nile is in no way a source of conflict. Rather poverty is. If we are really to build a just global society where everyone enjoys maximum liberty, freedom, peace and prosperity, no one has to be left behind. Ethiopia's quest which is in line with this objective is one and clear-uplifting more than 3/4 of its population from absolute poverty.

If the international community are really guanine towards the principles under the UN charter (1945), the subsequent international treaties , and the dominant international plans such as the MDG and SDG, they have to make sure that such threats to international peace, security and development everywhere has to be stopped. Otherwise, it would be na?ve to think of overcoming poverty and related problems that the global society are facing. In this regard, the current US administration move to de-link its aid policy from the giant Blue Nile hydropower dam is a positive measure that has to be applauded. The other superpowers and aid providers should also follow a similar path and revise their uninformed aid policies towards the Global South. Aid policies should not be used as a tool to further impoverish the target group intentionally or erroneously.

The outdated old, blind and irrational policy of Egypt on Nile would not hold water anymore in the 21st Century. The very childish conspiracy to trap Ethiopia in to a war of proxy would seriously cost Egypt itself. By doing so, Egypt is making Ethiopia its eternal enemy. It is an idiocy and would help nothing than pushing Ethiopia and other riparian countries to a more rigid position in the negotiation. Working together for a better benefit of the people of the region and sustainable development is not an alternative for the Nile countries. It is mandatory.