Assessment of the Role of Preventive Diplomacy in Management of Water Security Disputes in the Nile River Basin, 1929 - 2023
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Date
2024-08
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Management of transboundary water resources is increasingly becoming a contentious issue among riparian states. This study examined management of transboundary water disputes which has become an international security issue among riparian states that lie along the Nile water basin through preventive diplomacy. The specific objectives of this study were to: investigate preventive diplomacy mechanisms employed by actors in the management of Water security disputes in Nile River Basin, assess effectiveness of preventive mechanisms in containing water security disputes in Nile River and to explore alternative mechanisms for the management of water security disputes in the Nile River Basin. This study reviewed scholarly works to shed light on study variables and objectives and applied the theoretical framework of problem-solving negotiation to demystify preventive diplomacy and management of water security disputes in the Nile River. To guide this study, cross- sectional survey design was used. This study was carried in the Nile Basin Initiative headquarters and Embassies of riparian states within East Africa. The target population was officials of the Nile Basin Initiative, officials from respective embassies and International Relations experts. A sample size of 130 respondents was used in this study. The qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches were employed to conduct the study. This study relied on both secondary and primary sources of data. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews. Descriptive statistics were used in presenting and analyzing quantitative data while thematic and content analysis was applied in analyzing qualitative data presented in narratives and verbatim. The findings of the study revealed that there are various strategies employed by actors in management and containment of water disputes in Nile River Basin including treaties, consensus building, and the Nile River Basin Initiative. Despite these efforts, the preventive measures so far enacted have been largely ineffective, as stakeholders view them as insufficient and inapplicable. Furthermore, the findings revealed the alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation, arbitration, conciliation, and judicial settlement were seen as viable options in containing the disputes. The findings conclude that although various diplomatic efforts have been initiated, their effectiveness remains limited. To improve outcomes, this study recommends promoting conciliation among riparian states to facilitate voluntary participation in dispute resolution, enhancing regional integration among basin states, reducing dependency on single water sources, and encouraging more negotiations and judicial interventions to resolve the existing conflicts decisively.
Description
A Research Thesis Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degreee of Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy of Kenyatta University, August, 2024
Supervisor:
1.Xavier Ichani
2.James Nyawo