Navigating the Complex Politics of River Nile Dredging in South Sudan
By PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd
Tuesday, 19 September 2023 (PW) — South Sudan is at the epicentre of a contentious debate surrounding the Nile and its tributaries. To unravel the intricacies of this issue, we turn to Professor Tag Elkhazin, an esteemed expert with over 50 years of experience in Nile waters, who also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. Prof. Elkhazin has been actively engaged in various initiatives involving the Netherlands and the Government of South Sudan.
In an exclusive interview with Radio Tamazuj, Professor Elkhazin provided valuable insights into the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Egyptian Government and the Government of South Sudan. His assessment of the MoU was damning, characterizing it as “ugly” and a “sellout” to the Egyptians, all for approximately USD 24 million. This candid evaluation underscores the critical need for transparency and scrutiny when dealing with such magnitude and consequence agreements.
To comprehend the ongoing dilemma, distinguishing between the White Nile, which flows through South Sudan, and the Blue Nile, originating in Ethiopia, is essential. While the Blue Nile contributes a substantial 86 per cent of the Nile’s total water discharge, the White Nile provides a steady 14 per cent. This distinction is vital in understanding the dynamics at play.
One significant challenge facing South Sudan is the absence of a cooperative framework agreement governing the utilization of the White Nile and the Nile as a whole, despite the Nile’s status as the world’s longest river. The existing cooperative framework agreement hinges on Article 14B, with two opposing versions—one championed by Egypt and Sudan, which seeks to secure the lion’s share of water, and another favoured by the Great Lakes countries, emphasizing equitable water distribution. Revisiting historical agreements, such as the 1929 accord between Egypt and Great Britain and the 1959 agreement between Sudan and Egypt, offers valuable context for the ongoing negotiations.
Central to this complex issue is the distinction between water policies and water politics. Water policies entail the responsible management of water resources, while water politics involve exerting pressure to secure one’s interests, a tactic employed by Egypt and Sudan. However, South Sudan is building its capacity in water management, leaving it vulnerable to the intricacies of water politics.
Professor Elkhazin highlights the crucial difference between dredging and clearing of rivers. Dredging involves altering the river’s profile and course, potentially endangering ecosystems and livelihoods. Conversely, clearing removes obstacles, debris, and invasive species without fundamentally changing the river’s natural flow—a less invasive approach with potentially fewer risks.
The critical issue of dredging versus clearing looms large in Unity State, where South Sudan entered into an MOU with Egypt. Prof. Elkhazin’s critique of this agreement underscores transparency and due process concerns. Robust, evidence-based feasibility studies are imperative to comprehensively assess the potential repercussions of river management decisions.
The Jonglei Canal project is a stark example of the risks associated with massive dredging. This project, dating back to 1904, raises questions about its impact on South Sudan’s ecosystem and the livelihoods of communities along the river.
The consequences of river dredging or clearing extend beyond South Sudan, affecting weather patterns and ecosystems along the Nile’s path. Protecting the welfare of communities reliant on the river’s natural rhythms should be paramount in any decision-making process.
Therefore, the politics of River Nile dredging in South Sudan is a multifaceted issue marked by historical agreements, competing national interests, and the imperative to safeguard ecosystems and livelihoods. South Sudan must prioritize rigorous studies and transparency to ensure that decisions align with its long-term interests and those of its neighbours in the Great Lakes regions.
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