Legal and political implications of shared water resources; A case study of lake victoria basin

Abstract

This work seeks to find out the genesis of the Nile Conflict and its implications for the riparian states of the river. The objectives of the study focus on finding ways and means to enhance equitable utilization of the Nile as a shared water resource in addition to suggesting ways of protecting Lake Victoria and the Nile. An analysis of the causes of conflicts among the riparian states of the Nile is made and past and present legal regimes on the Nile critically examined in so far as they affect the East African States and other riparian states to the river. The study established that the Nile conflict is a natural resource based conflict. Further, it was established that Egypt, a key actor in the conflict, has shaped the prevailing legal regime on the Nile with a view to controlling the resource for its survival. From the study, it also emerges that other riparian states favour a change in the status quo in order to also benefit from the shared water resource of Lake Victoria and the Nile. The interests of each of the riparians, issues and various actors in this regard are analysed at length. The study propones that Egypt's interpretation of the prevailing legal regimes (i.e Colonial treaties) on the NlTeis the cause of the conflict. As a way forward, the research concludes that a multidisciplinary approach be applied to resolve the Nile Conflict.