Reflection blog

 Writing these blogs over the past several weeks, I have learned that cross-boundary conflicts in Africa often have a colonial root. The problem that Egypt has over the GERD is the same problem any dry, downstream country would have if its upstream neighbour were to restrict access to its freshwater so Egypt’s worry is completely justified. However, it is also reasonable for Ethiopia to want to utilise its resources to develop its economy. The question then becomes how the needs of both of these countries can be managed and it is clear that there have to be compromises. In this context then, one can see how unhelpful historical, colonial treaties are to the discussion. It can be argued that they give Egypt an unfair advantage if they were to be respected as they are not agreements created out of a level playing field; Ethiopia’s needs were ignored in many of these treaties. Whatever the two countries end up agreeing on, it is highly improbable that it will be achieved diplomatically and not militarily.

Also, keeping the blogs neutral has been one of the main challenges. I have no particular affinity to any sides of the GERD issue however in presenting the case of one country, it can be easy to appear biased. The aim of these blogs was only to present the case of a transboundary water conflict and resolution in Africa and I hope I have been somewhat successful in that regard.