Ethiopian Nile waters will muddy regional rivalries

Significance

This comes at a time when Ethio-Egyptian competition over the Nile has intensified once more. The Nile is vital to both countries: water for the livelihoods of the concentrated populations in Egypt’s Nile valley; hydro-power for Ethiopia’s growing urban populations and ambitious industrialisation plans. However, while vast, the Nile’s resources are finite, and both countries believe the other’s interests impinge upon their own.

Impacts

• Support for Nile waters claims may be bartered for concessions on other regional rivalries, such as the Gulf crisis or South Sudan.
• Climate change, deforestation and population growth could aggravate water pressures and associated tensions.
• Egypt's deepening ties with Eritrea and Somaliland will magnify rumours of Egyptian military deployments along Ethiopia's periphery.