The Nile River Basin Initiative: Too Many Cooks, Too Little Broth

Abstract: Hydropolitics in the Nile River Basin have been dominated by Egypt, which has developed its water-related infrastructure unilaterally. As a result of Egypt's policies, relations with both Ethiopia and Sudan have deteriorated over time, increasing the potential for contentious issues to escalate into conflict. Recent population and agricultural trends have only further exacerbated already tense relations. The challenge lies in cooperation. Basinwide initiatives have been attempted, but, until recently, have largely failed. The most recent Nile Basin Initiative holds the strongest potential for establishing a basinwide framework for cooperation. Nevertheless, a subbasin model would be more appropriate and effective because it would diffuse existing tensions first without jeopardizing basinwide cooperation prematurely.