Summary of the Seminar on the Framework Agreement and the Establishment of the Nile Basin Commission
Press Release
In line with Sudan’s focus on its water security, important perspectives were presented during a seminar on the implications of the Framework Agreement and the establishment of the Nile Basin Commission, as well as Sudan’s water future.
The seminar, held via Zoom Meeting, featured insightful and significant contributions from water experts and specialists, presented by Professor Saifuddin Hamad Abdullah and moderated by Dr. Mudathir Zurooq. Professor Saif delivered a valuable and engaging lecture lasting four continuous hours, covering content presentation and discussion. The session was attended by experts, opinion leaders, journalists, and interested members of the public.
The seminar is considered one of the most significant recent discussions on the Framework Agreement and the establishment of the Nile Basin Commission. It covered the history of cooperation among Nile Basin countries, existing and future benefits, strengthening interests, and addressing potential challenges. Participants emphasized the importance of Sudan presenting a clear vision on the establishment of the commission during the expected meeting of water ministers from Nile Basin countries in October. Additionally, they stressed the need for all parties to adhere to previous agreements related to Nile waters, the importance of prior notification for any new projects on the Nile and its tributaries, and the necessity of decision-making and voting based on consensus rather than majority to enhance mutual interests and ensure the commission’s success.
Topics discussed included TECONILE, the Transitional Committee, water security, uses and rights, and various ministerial meetings (in Kinshasa, Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh, and Addis Ababa). There was also discussion on Sudan’s suspension of its membership in the initiative and subsequent lifting of the suspension, efforts by Sudan to persuade Egypt to join the cooperation, and a detailed introduction to the Cooperative Framework Agreement. The significant roles of Sudan and Egypt in reaching the current formula and resolving disputes were highlighted, as well as the existing agreements in the Nile Basin and the difficulties in reaching solutions under UN laws.
The seminar recommended implementing the principle of prior notification in the Nile Basin without a veto right, addressing ecological systems, wetlands, and swamps, and examining customary international law and its definition. Discussions also included the historical inclusion of green and blue water, geostrategic conditions and their evolution, future water needs of the Nile Basin countries, and China’s role in the Nile Basin.
Participants and observers described the seminar as valuable due to its detailed analysis and excellent recommendations for the future. Water, legal, and diplomatic experts enriched the discussion with important interventions.
It is noteworthy that Sudan, Egypt, and South Sudan had previously opposed the signing of the Entebbe Agreement, which required South Sudan’s signature. Unexpectedly, South Sudan ratified it in early June 2024, representing the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) for the Nile Basin. This move provides the legal quorum for the signatory countries to advance the agreement to regional and international organizations (the United Nations and the African Union) for approval. The agreement allows for the reduction of Sudan’s and Egypt’s water shares and establishes the Nile Basin Organization to manage and oversee water usage. South Sudan’s signing of the comprehensive Framework Agreement (CFA) indicates its commitment to establishing a permanent cooperative arrangement among the Nile Basin countries.