Trouble in the Nile Basin: Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan and the Nile stalemate

Abstract

This paper employs a semi-systematic literature review and conceptualises the concept of hydroponics to understand the current stalemate between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan concerning Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) Dam. This paper employed a qualitative research approach to critically analyze the Nile River conflict and to understand how water has become a cause of the tension between these three countries. The diplomatic impasse over the GERD has undoubtedly put African diplomacy under pressure as there have been growing calls continentally to find a diplomatic solution in order to reduce the possibilty of a direct confrontation. Findings revealed that a confrontation will not solve the current impasse; negotiations underpinned by good faith, unbiased mediation from external stakeholders, and the political will from Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia are central to finding a long-lasting solution. The Nile is an economic lifeline; hence, the African Union should play a fundamental role in ensuring the political inclusion of Nile basin countries in finding a long-lasting solution that considers the interests of all countries involved.