Abstract
This paper provides an analytic study for the disputes between the three African countries (Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia) concerning the Renaissance Dam crises. The main cause of the issue is Ethiopia’s obstinate position concerning the operation of the dam and its ramifications on Egypt and Sudan.
This paper started by presenting a historical brief on the water dispute between the Nile Basin countries. It also outlined the significant agreements aiming to find a settlement for the dispute over the water between the countries during distant periods of time; it presented a position analysis for Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia’s positions from the construction of the Renaissance Dam, the disputes over its operation, and the ongoing negotiations.
Lastly, this paper studied the ramifications of the Ethiopian position concerning the operation of the Renaissance Dam over each Egypt and Sudan, in addition to the damage resulted from the Ethiopian obstinate position.
Based on the current circumstances of the disputed parties, this paper expects Ethiopia to continue its fait accompli policy in filling the dam until Egypt acquires a more pressuring stance, hence an agreement considerate of all parties’ interests can be reached, which all parties are bound to.
Note: this paper did not cover the confrontation mechanisms of parties, but settled for presenting Egypt and Sudan’s current positions.