Conflicts on the Nile

  Perhaps the most complex transboundary river basin in Africa is the Nile basin. Shared by 10 different countries, management of this transboundary water resource has been challenging and often a source of conflicts. This blog will investigate how the historical dominance of Egypt in the region has led to a power imbalance in negotiations and how the rise of other nations in the area has increased the tension within the region.
  As one of the earliest human civilisations, Egypt has been the dominant power in the Nile region for much of recorded history. Indeed, this dominant status enjoyed by Egypt has led to a belief among Egyptians that the Nile is a birthright and its use should therefore be controlled by Egypt (Rahman, 2012). Indeed, this notion of Egyptian supremacy has defined water management strategies of the region. Not only is this supremacy reinforced through bilateral agreements that recognises the control exerted by Egypt over the Nile, but also tacitly through the lack of challenge against Egypt's water management decisions by other riparian countries. Indeed, conflicts over the Nile has thus far not troubled Egypt and the nation still feels dominant enough in the region to threaten other riparian countries with war should they undertake measures that would affect Egypt's access to Nile water. Egypt's relative power in the international community has also meant that it is able to gain international support in order negotiate cooperative arrangements that are in its favour. As a result, Egypt has arguably benefited disproportionately from the Nile as its water needs were ensured.
  However, this dominant position is increasingly challenged by the rise of other nations in the region such as Ethiopia. Indeed, Rahman hypothesises that the emerging nation of Ethiopia, coupled by the increasing demand for water due to growing populations, would lead to increased conflicts in the region.