Contributions of diplomatic approaches in resolving conflicts over the river Nile water resources among the member states of the Nile basin initiative (a case of South Sudan 2011-2016)

Abstract

This research examined the contributions of diplomatic approaches such as negotiations in resolving conflicts among member states of the Nile Basin Initiative in using water resources of River Nile with specific reference to South Sudan in the period 2011-2016. There have been several efforts of negotiations to restore the peace in using and sharing water resources of River Nile among member states such as Egypt, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda, Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Eritrea as observer since 2010. However, the conflict has continued to date. Hence this research set to identify the diplomatic approaches by the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) in resolving conflicts in using water resources of River Nile involving South Sudan and the rest of member states; to find out the actors and issues to the conflict in using water resources; to examine the limitations of diplomatic approaches to conflict resolution; and to assess ways through which the peace can be enhanced in using water resources among member states. The study used a cross-sectional design and both quantitative and qualitative approaches of data collection were used. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were employed. The study used a sample of (253) respondents, selected using Slovin’s (1967) formula for determining sample size, questionnaires, and interviews, were the major tools for primary data collection. Primary data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, such as frequency tables and percentages. Nevertheless, the research identified the specific parties and issues to the conflict in using water resources of River Nile in the period 2011-2016. The research particularly found out that the instrument of negotiations alone had failed to restore equitable utilization of water resources among member states of the Nile Basin Initiative. This line of reasoning renders the continuity of conflictover river Nile invisible among member statesin the region; however, there are reports which provide historical and legal evidence which show that conflicts relating to the use and sharing water resources of River Nile continue regardless of the various negotiations to resolve them. In conclusion, theoretically, the negotiation theory was significant for resolving intra and inter-state conflicts. The research recommended that the Nile Basin Initiative should be supported to eradicate historical policies, which had been much controlled by Egypt. NBI to support the policy that, no country should tamper with its minimal water quota keeping the country’s survival. The NBI should enhance diplomatic approaches to support collective negotiation on peaceful use of water resources.