Okech, Cornel Otieno2024-09-242024-09-242023-05https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/28821A Project Report Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy in the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences of Kenyatta University, May, 2023Egypt 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.enThesis