Browsing by Author "Okech, Cornel Otieno"

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    African Union in Management of Transboundary Conflicts: Case of Grand Ethiopia Renaissance Dam
    (Kenyatta University, 2023-05) Okech, Cornel Otieno
    Egypt and the riparian countries in its neighborhoods have been at odds for nearly a century over the utilization of the Nile's water. Several treaties made by Egypt with Britain in 1902, 1929, and 1959 guarantee Egypt's exclusive access to Nile River waters. In 1960, the struggle over the Nile River initially came to light when the Egyptian government objected to Ethiopia's plans to construct the Grand Ethiopia Renaissance Dam (GERD) dam at the meeting of the White and Blue Niles. This situation persisted until 2020, when Ethiopia expected to finish building the GERD dam and begin using it. In 2020, Egypt caused a stir when it declared it would employ "all means," including military force, to prevent Ethiopia from flooding the dam. The study analyzed the role of the African Union (AU) in mediating the GERD conflict between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan, assessed the impact of the GERD conflict on regional cooperation, sustainable development, and conflict resolution in Africa and identified potential strategies for addressing similar natural resource conflicts in the future. The origins of the conflicts, the AU's involvement, and the difficulties that have arisen as a result of that engagement were central themes in this literature study. Analysis of the dispute's participants' actions was grounded in political reality theory. The study employed qualitative and exploratory research strategies. The study used a sample size of eighty two (82) respondents but only 81 were responsive. Academics, diplomats, and researchers, among others, who are experts in the field, made up the bulk of the intended audience. Ethic concerns were explored as part of the study. Based on the objectives, the data was examined and presented thematically, and findings and recommendations were made. In conclusion, the study established that the AU's role in mediating the GERD conflict underscores the AU's importance as a mediator in complex geopolitical disputes, emphasizing the need for neutral platforms and regional organizations in conflict resolution. Despite challenges, the AU demonstrated the potential for diplomatic solutions and the capacity of African nations to address their conflicts. The GERD conflict highlighted the multifaceted consequences of resource disputes, straining regional cooperation but also showing the potential for diplomatic resolutions through the AU's efforts. It stresses early engagement, transparent data sharing, inclusive dialogue, and sustainable development in conflict resolution. The conflict offers valuable lessons and strategies for managing resource conflicts in the future, focusing on early engagement, legal frameworks, inclusivity, data sharing, third-party mediation, conflict prevention, regional cooperation, sustainability, conflict transformation, international law, scenario planning, capacity building, and public engagement. Recommendations include strengthening regional mediation mechanisms, investing in regional organizations' capacity, promoting inclusive engagement in future conflicts, and prioritizing sustainable resource management. This approach can help mitigate conflicts, promote regional stability, and ensure responsible resource utilization.
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    The Impact of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) Conflict on Regional Cooperation, Sustainable Development, and Conflict Resolution in Africa
    (CEDRED, 2023-12) Okech, Cornel Otieno; Wasonga, Joseph
    The purpose of this article is to examine the impact of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) conflict on regional cooperation, sustainable development, and conflict resolution in Africa. The contention of this study is that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is a monumental infrastructure project situated in the Nile River Basin; a region historically marked by complex hydro-political dynamics. The GERD conflict has ignited multifaceted repercussions, impacting regional cooperation, sustainable development, and conflict resolution in Africa. While it has strained diplomatic relations and created tensions among Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt, it has also led to increased engagement in negotiations facilitated by international mediators. The conflict's complexity is evident in both cooperative and conflicting instances, emphasizing the need for ongoing diplomatic efforts to address tensions and foster collaboration. This underscores the importance of nuanced diplomacy in navigating transboundary water issues. The GERD conflict's multifaceted consequences on sustainable development vary among the affected African countries. Ethiopia anticipates economic benefits from the dam's energy generation, while downstream nations express concerns about agriculture, food security, and access to clean water. A balanced approach to development in the Nile River basin must consider these diverse impacts and address downstream concerns. This necessitates comprehensive strategies and underscores the importance of achieving sustainable development objectives for all nations involved. The evaluation of diplomatic efforts and conflict resolution mechanisms highlights the critical role of international mediation, particularly by the African Union (AU). However, the enduring complexity of the GERD conflict, with ongoing disagreements on fundamental issues, underscores the formidable challenges that diplomatic efforts face. These findings emphasize the necessity for persistent and inclusive diplomacy to address the intricate dynamics of the GERD dispute and promote long-term regional stability. The lessons learned from this conflict have broader implications for managing transboundary water disputes and underscore the importance of diplomacy in finding sustainable solutions to complex hydropolitical challenges. Recommendations to address the ongoing challenges in the Nile River basin include enhanced diplomatic engagement, conducting a comprehensive impact assessment of the GERD, and implementing inclusive sustainable development initiatives. Continued diplomatic negotiations, facilitated by international mediators, should prioritize open dialogue and confidence-building measures. A thorough and impartial assessment of the GERD's impacts on downstream countries should be conducted, and inclusive development initiatives should focus on water resource management, agriculture, and clean water access. These recommendations aim to promote stability, cooperation, and sustainable development in the region, ultimately contributing to the resolution of the GERD conflict.