Water Security and Hydropolitics of the Nile River: South Sudan's National Security in the 21st Century

摘要

The purpose of this study is to understand the extent to which current and potential conflicts over Nile River water will affect South Sudan's national security strategy now that it is an independent state (July 2011). The study also explores the existing legal framework and the level of cooperation amongst the states within the Nile basin, and the threats and opportunities that exist within this region. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used in the study. One compelling finding of the study is that there has been a significant decline in the flow of the Nile River, while the demand for its water remains disturbingly high. The region is experiencing extraordinary population growth; its population is expected to reach 600 million by 2050, thereby exacerbating the water problem. The author recommends a joint management approach to solving the water shortage problem in the Nile basin. He also recommends that South Sudan pursue the enactment of national and international laws pertaining to water management in the Nile basin, and conduct feasibility studies on water-related projects.