By Yohannes Fentahun
An International law expert says the cooperative framework agreement (CFA) and the Nile Basin Initiatives are signs of Ethiopia’s commitment for equitable and reasonable utilization of the Nile water.
During interview with EBC World, the expert, Feven Samuel, underscored the need for Ethiopia to work cooperatively over the Nile water with all riparian countries.
International water laws govern the management, utilization, and protection of trans-boundary water resources shared by two or more countries. These laws aim to ensure sustainable and equitable use of water bodies, prevent conflicts, and promote cooperation among riparian states. Based on this principle according to Feven
ʺEthiopia has been building its flagship project (GERD) in line with the UN water course convention of equitable and reasonable utilization principle of article 5 and the prevention of significant harm of article 7,ʺ Feven said.
ʺEthiopia has been encouraging the use of shared water resources equitably and reasonably, considering the needs of all riparian states and ensuring no state is unfairly disadvantaged in water use,ʺ according to the expert.
Treaties governing trans-boundary water sources play a crucial role in establishing legal frameworks, rights, and obligations among riparian states sharing water bodies. As for Feven ʺThe colonial and early post colonial treaties signed with the exclusion of Ethiopia the major contributor of the Blue Nile water has no binding effect based on the UN Vienna convection of treaties.ʺ
Since Ethiopia is not signatory to these treaties between Sudan, Egypt and their colonial rulers, it cannot be forced into a legally binding agreement, she argued.
The signing of the Declaration of principles (DoP’s) of 2015 is an expression of its commitment to cooperation for an equitable share and utilization of the Nile, Feven said.
Finally recalling the current status of Ethiopia over the finalization of the Dam Feven urged the need for Ethiopia to work together with all riparian countries for the effective and future utilization of the Nile water in the basin. //