Diplomacy of water sharing: a case of Egypt and its Nile basin counterparts

Abstract

This study examines the diplomatic exchanges between Egypt and Sudan on one hand and the other members of the Nile basin in as far as their relationships are concerned. It looks at Egypt and Sudan‘s position as desert countries that almost entirely depend on the Nile River for their water needs as opposed to their upper riparian neighbours which have the advantage of numerous sources of water including more than sufficient rainfall. The fact that Egypt has clung on to the pre-colonial water treaties and considers any possible interference with the Nile as a national security matter has affected relationships in the whole basin causing rebellious responses from Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. The study proposes viable ways of harmonizing these relationships through equitable and harmonious water sharing mechanisms rather than escalated conflict and soft diplomatic interaction.