Sink or Swim: Abrogating the Nile Treaties While Upholding the Rule of Law

Abstract

Water is the foundation of life. Water is the cornerstone of public health and enables food and energy production, transportation and development. The unique transboundary nature of water, and specifically of the Nile River, creates tension among riparian States, which argue over how to allocate this limited resource. The Nile’s 6,695 km long path flows through one of the most water-deficient parts of the world. Though the Nile is the world’s longest river, its water volume is much lower compared to other rivers of similar length, making it even more precious for its ten riparian countries.