South Sudan’s CFA ratification crucial for Nile Basin cooperation – Premier

Addis Ababa, July 17, 2024 (FBC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) stated that South Sudan’s ratification of the Agreement on the Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework (CFA) is crucial for fostering regional cooperation in the Nile Basin.

He also referred to this event as an “historic moment” for Ethiopia.

In post published on his X (formerly Twitter) page, the Prime Minister stressed that this milestone is a significant step in the region’s collective aspiration for regional cooperation in the Nile Basin.

“Historic moment for Ethiopia as the Agreement on the Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework (CFA) is ratified by South Sudan,” he noted.

The Premier further emphasized, “This diplomatic milestone marks a significant step in our collective aspiration for regional cooperation in the Nile Basin.”

“The ratification will provide impetus for working towards the common good of our people through the establishment of the Nile Basin Commission,” Prime Minister Abiy stated.

Commenting on South Sudan’s ratification of CFA, Foreign Minister of Ethiopia Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, stated on X (formerly Twitter) that “all that we yearn to be for the future of our collective development through robust and genuine cooperation.

According to him, CFA is a result of deep foresight, hard-work and patience. Taye believes that it will bring the people of the Nile together, “the first of many great things to come to all riparian countries.”

Recall that the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) of the Republic of South Sudan has ratified the agreement on the Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework on Monday, July 8, 2024. This agreement is said to be a significant milestone in the long-standing efforts to ensure equitable utilization and sustainable development of the Nile waters among the riparian states.

The Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year, has been a pivotal player in advocating for its transformation into a Permanent Nile Basin Organization. The initiative, which began on February 22, 1999, in Dar es Salaam, culminated in the development of the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) after a decade of intense negotiations.

The ratification of the CFA is essential to transition from the NBI, a transitional arrangement, into the Nile Basin Commission, a permanent river basin commission.

The primary objective of the CFA is to ensure the long-term and sustainable management and development of the shared Nile waters. The formation of the Nile Basin Commission would significantly enhance cooperation among the Nile’s riparian states, fostering joint projects and establishing a rule-based administration for the shared river. This cooperative framework is expected to bring immense benefits to each riparian state, including South Sudan.

For South Sudan, the CFA’s ratification aligns with the framework’s main objective of ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of the Nile waters among all riparian countries, it was stated.

The establishment of a legal regime governing the river basin will secure South Sudan’s fair share of water for essential services and development needs. This stable and predictable water supply will support the country’s agricultural growth and ensure reliable water provision.

A recent statement by TNLA mentioned that the ratification of the Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework underscores South Sudan’s commitment to collaborative and sustainable management of the Nile waters, paving the way for a prosperous and cooperative future for all riparian states.