News in Brief

DPM and FM Demeke Mekonnen briefs diplomatic community in Addis Ababa on current situations in Ethiopia

China-Africa partnership benefits the global community- DPM and FM Demeke Mekonnen

TICAD 8 Summit Convenes in Tunis

Ministerial meeting of the Nile Basin Initiative held in Dar es Salaam

Africa and the African Union

Drought-ridden parts of the Greater Horn region are bracing for a fifth successive failed rainy season, which will aggravate the crisis in the region, impacting millions and bringing starvation to many, say United Nations agencies. At a UN press conference on Friday (August 26), WMO spokesperson Clare Nullis said at a UN press conference that different humanitarian agencies are dealing with the “terrible drought in the Horn of Africa.” “Unfortunately, you’re going to hear even more in the coming weeks and months because the drought is set to continue,” said Nullis.

Vera Songwe, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), has stepped down, effective September 1, 2022, after five years of dedicated service to the ECA and its Member States. Announcing her decision to step down during a town hall meeting on Monday (August 22), Songwe thanked ECA staff for their team spirit and support during her tenure.

Ethiopia

After finishing a working visit to Algeria, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his delegation have returned to Ethiopia. The Prime Minister and First Lady, Zinash Tayachew, together with a ministerial delegation, arrived in the North African city of Algiers on Sunday (August 28) for a working visit. The Prime Minister tweeted: “pleased to meet with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria where we discussed strengthening relations between our two countries.” “Ethiopia and Algeria have long enjoyed historic relations, and there are plenty of areas in which our cooperation can be strengthened.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen and State Minister Ambassador Tesfaye Yilma briefed on Thursday (September 01) Addis Ababa-based diplomats and representatives of international organizations about current developments in Ethiopia. The speech provided by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister focused on the conflict that the TPLF had just re-ignited, the present humanitarian situation, and the federal government’s continued efforts to bring the conflict to a peaceful conclusion. (See full text)

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia Demeke Mekonnen took part in a virtual meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Coordinators meeting on August 18/2022. The purpose of the meeting was to assess the progress of implementation of the outcomes of the 8th FOCAC Ministerial Conference, which was held in Dakar, Senegal, in November 2021. (See article)

Abraham Belay, Defense Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, held discussions on Wednesday (August 31) with Taban Deng, Vice President (Chairman of the Infrastructural Cluster) and  Tut Gatluak, President Salva Kiir’s Security Affairs Advisor. Following the Minister’s briefings on the current affairs of Ethiopia, the South Sudanese high officials have reaffirmed their country’s firm stance to stand by the side of Ethiopia in any situation. The two sides have exchanged views with regard to the peace and security affairs of the region and underscored the need for cooperation among the states. (See article)

The duty of halting the terrorist group TPLF in its destructive activities has fallen on the government and people of Ethiopia, according to the Government Communication Service. In a statement issued on Thursday (September 01), the Government Communication Service noted that innocent civilians are being killed, many are being displaced, and properties are being destroyed. The statement added that the duty of halting the terrorist group from its destructive activities has, therefore, fallen on the government and people of Ethiopia. This is so “because the terrorist group must be prevented from disturbing our peace and destroying our country.”

The government of Ethiopia, while responding steadfastly to attacks launched by the TPLF in various directions, has still not closed off the options for peace, the Government Communication Service said. In a statement, the Government Communication Service issued on Wednesday (August 31) said the TPLF has continued utilizing its worn-out human wave strategy that places children, youth, and the elderly people of Tigray as sacrificial lambs. The government of Ethiopia, while responding steadfastly to attacks launched by the TPLF in various directions, has still not closed off the options for peace, the statement said.

In an interview with SABC, Muktar Kedir Abdu, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to South Africa, discussed how the TPLF reignited the conflict by rejecting peace efforts made under the aegis of the African Union.  The Ambassador cited the Ethiopian people’s interest in peace as justification for the Ethiopian government’s unwavering dedication to peace, peace negotiations, and collaboration under the direction of the African Union.

On Tuesday (August 30), Ambassador Teshome Toga gave a media briefing to the South China Morning Post and China Radio International (CRI) at the Embassy regarding TPLF’s attack in the northern part of the country and current national issues. In his briefing, the ambassador explained that, ignoring the Ethiopian government’s repeated calls for peaceful resolution of the conflict, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has started the war again and is committing heinous atrocities on the people of Tigray and the peoples of the neighboring Amhara and Afar regions.  It’s also looting food and fuel supplies that were transported to the Tigray region for humanitarian aid purposes, said the Ambassador. Moreover, he called on the international community to refrain from the unbalanced expression or “bothsidesism” and to condemn the atrocities being committed by the TPLF and to support the government’s call for peace.

Speaking to BBC World on Friday (September 02), the Ethiopian Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva, Ambassador Zenebe Kebede, underlined that the TPLF started the war in the Afar and Amhara regions. He said Ethiopia has no logical reason to start the war, and while it is committed to peace, the government has an obligation to defend the sovereignty of the nation and the security of its people.

Tizita Mulugeta, the ambassador of Ethiopia to India, gave an interview to The Indian Express News Agency. The discussion centered on the current state of affairs in Ethiopia, in particular the historical context and precipitating factors of the conflict in the nation’s north as well as the character of the TPLF, which consistently downplayed the peace effort, failed to reciprocate the confidence-building measures taken by the Federal Government of Ethiopia, and most recently launched an offensive war on nearby regions in the Amhara and Afar regional states of Ethiopia. She underlined the commitment of the government of Ethiopia to engage in peace talks without precondition, at any venue and at any time under the leadership of the African Union’s peace process to end the cycle of violence.

Somalia

Al-Shabaab fighters have attacked a small town in the Galgadud region in central Somalia amid ongoing military operations against the militant group. Reports from the Bahdo area indicate that the militants bombed water wells and telecommunications centers in Marsamage and Cadokibir under Galmudug state. There are reports of casualties as a result of the overnight attack, but the details are still murky as local authorities have yet to comment on the incident. Al-Shabaab has lost 100 members in Bahdo after local militia and government forces jointly repelled its attack.

The new US Africa Command Gen. Michael Langley arrived in Mogadishu, the Somali capital, on Monday (August 29), his first trip since his appointment this year. US Ambassador André welcomed him at the airport. The US Africa command boss held a meeting with Somalia’s defense minister, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, and other officials.

The Prime Minister of Somalia, Hamza Abdi Barre, held a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Yoshimasa Hayashi, in Tunis at the TICAD8 conference. During the talks, they discussed the strengthening of historical relations, cooperation, and cooperation between Somalia and Japan. The Somali PM appreciated Japan for its support to Somalia in state building and other areas, including humanitarian and development. Both officials pledged to strengthen trade, security, and political ties, as well as to contribute to people-development programs.

The Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, has received a written message from the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, pertaining to bilateral relations and ways to develop and promote them. Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, received the message during his meeting with the Special Envoy of the President of Somalia for Humanitarian Affairs and Drought, Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, on Wednesday (August 31).

South Sudan

South Sudan celebrates a national holiday on Tuesday (August 30th), where President Salva Kiir urged citizens to attend the unified forces graduation ceremony at Dr. John Garang Mausoleum. President Salva Kiir: “It is almost 4 years since we signed the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.” “Out of all the chapters of the agreement, the graduation of the unified forces under Chapter 2 has been the most challenging and yet the most important.”

President Salva Kiir met with a delegation from the United States on Saturday (August 27), comprising of former members of Congress, as well as business representatives, to discuss areas of mutual cooperation and how to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

President Salva Kiir visited on Sunday (August 28) Dr. John Garang Mausoleum, acquainted with the ongoing preparations for the graduation ceremony of the first batch of the national unified forces scheduled for August 30th, 2022.

On behalf of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Minister of Defense Abraham Belay attended the South Sudanese United Army inauguration ceremony on Tuesday (August 30). The minister expressed his delight that the forces were able to unite their armies today and create a national army, while mentioning Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to bring about a lasting peace in South Sudan. He expressed his confidence that the parties who signed the peace pact in Addis Abeba in 2018 would continue to deepen their commitment and fully carry out the remaining provisions. He added that Ethiopia will continue to step up its support. In their remarks, President Salva Kiir Mayardit and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar recognized Ethiopia’s contribution to the process’ success. At the graduation ceremony, leaders from Sudan and Uganda were joined by guests from other nations and regional and international organizations.

The Ethiopian ambassador to the Republic of South Sudan, Ambassador Nebil Mahdi, on Friday (August 26), held a discussion with Mahmoud Solomon, Interior Minister of the Republic of South Sudan. The two have exchanged views on ways of reinforcing cooperation on joint security concerns as well as averting any possible threats to the peace and stability of both countries. They have also discussed with regard to establishing border areas of shared facilitations towards the freedom of movement for the people of both countries by avoiding illegal engagements.

Sudan

The Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, confirmed that he had requested access to former ousted President Omar Al Bashir concerning cases of alleged war crimes in Darfur. At a press conference on Thursday (August 25), the ICC prosecutor stated that “we must respond to the aspirations of the people of Darfur to achieve justice for the victims, but we cannot achieve anything without cooperation”.

The newly appointed US Ambassador to Sudan, John Godfrey, says that the establishment of a civilian-led government is key to facilitating better US-Sudan cooperation. Last week, Ambassador Godfrey arrived in Khartoum to take up office as the first fully ranked US ambassador to the country in 25 years. On his first day in the post today, he met with Sudan’s acting Foreign Minister, Dafallah El Haj Ali, for talks on US-Sudan relations.

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DPM and FM Demeke Mekonnen briefs diplomatic community in Addis Ababa on current situations in Ethiopia (Full speech text)

Excellencies,

I thank you for being here today for this briefing on current developments in Ethiopia.

In this briefing, I will dwell on the conflict reignited once again by the TPLF, the current humanitarian situation in the country, and our ongoing efforts for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

First on the conflict. The TPLF has all along been threatening to wage war for the duration of the humanitarian truce. We knew that they were forcefully recruiting young people, preparing them for this round of conflict. We consistently informed many of you that they are mobilizing the population and holding town hall meetings and bragging about their ability to impose their will on the rest of Ethiopia. Some of you, undoubtedly, knew what this group was doing. Others labored to protect the unilateral humanitarian truce. We sincerely appreciate the efforts of countries that tried to contribute to our efforts to prevent another round of bloodshed in Ethiopia.

That being said, this does not give us the whole picture. We are disappointed to see and endure the open hostility of some actors, on the other hand, profess partnership with our country. We implemented a re-engagement strategy to reset our relations with several countries. We have registered encouraging progress.

Some entities and sub-national elements have persisted with a very negative view of this country. Very few have gone the extra mile of supporting the TPLF. Some have promised to support them in open meetings. Others have given them their support in subtler ways.  Still, others have used their social media platform and personal accounts to give their support.

The worst manifestation of hostility to the Government has gone as far as supplying the TPLF with military hardware. The Ethiopian Air force has successfully stopped one such attempt to supply weapons to the TPLF. This is a blatant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ethiopia. Other countries in Africa must take notice of this dangerous development and understand that their national security could be willfully threatened at any time.

The TPLF’s all-out assault against our forces starting on August 23, 2022, is, without any doubt, primarily its responsibility. You would, however, agree that others have, deliberately or otherwise, contributed to the vicious attacks it has launched against civilians in the Afar and Amhara regions.

For the second time, people in these two regions are being subjected to the TPLF’s indiscriminate shelling, looting, and destruction of their property being rebuilt, destroyed during the last TPLF invasion, only some months ago.

The TPLF reignited this conflict, blatantly violating the unilateral humanitarian truce. It now says the Government started it. We are confident that nobody will be fooled by this travesty. The conflict is now in the Amhara and Afar regions. It is thus obvious that the TPLF started it. It is attacking the two regions to again widen the conflict. The TPLF had made it clear that unless its demands are met it would launch this attack. It is using child soldiers for its twisted political goals. It stole fuel destined for the delivery of aid to the people in the Tigray region. Undoubtedly, it will be primarily the people of Tigray that will suffer the consequences of these heinous actions.

The TPLF is forcefully displacing people, killing civilians, looting, and destroying property and infrastructure. It has returned to attack the same neighboring localities in both Amhara and Afar regions. These communities have lived side by side together with Tigrayans and intermingled with them throughout history. The TPLF is, by its vicious attacks and hate propaganda, trying to sow inter-ethnic hatred and discord, culminating in bloodshed. It cannot be allowed to continue terrorizing people. The Government is forced to take all necessary measures to stop the TPLF from victimizing again these communities. It must be stopped.

We are taking these measures with utmost care to avoid civilian casualties. We know, and you know that the TPLF uses civilians as human shields. We have been alerting civilians to protect themselves and stay away from military installations.  We shall continue giving out these warnings, even at the cost of compromising our military objectives. The TPLF is using our warnings to concoct lies about civilian victims. We might not be able to avoid hundred percent unfortunate incidents, despite our maximum care. What the TPLF has said these past couple of days comes as a package of its propaganda. It has used these tactics with maximum effect before and during the unilateral humanitarian truce. Some foreign officials and media outlets diligently echo the TPLF’s talking points the minute it has issued them.

All should expect that the TPLF will continue playing the victim, accusing and demonizing the Government, and claiming victories, all at once. Nothing will deter us from discharging our constitutional responsibilities of protecting the lives and livelihoods of all Ethiopians, wherever they may be, and from defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ethiopia.

Another reason, for the Government not to start this round of conflict is the dire humanitarian situation. We declared a unilateral humanitarian truce for the very purpose of expediting aid to all affected people, primarily in the Tigray region, a task undertaken successfully. While we thank and admire the commitment and dedication of humanitarian workers and agencies, I appeal to humanitarian actors to always remember that they must respect the principles of impartiality and independence that must govern their conduct. They should not be used by the TPLF for its hostile propaganda.

For instance, from the time the TPLF attacked the Northern Command in November 2020, the DG of the WHO has been consistently using this organization’s platform to attack the Government. This former senior member of the TPLF has now intensified his campaign with no restraint. But, some of your countries came together and successfully advanced his second tenure, further encouraging him to continue violating principles and codes of conduct for international civil servants. This cannot continue. We have lodged a complaint with the Executive Board of the WHO to take the necessary corrective steps for his grave misconduct. It must be clear that we will not tolerate, agencies and NGOs, taking partisan views and advocating for the TPLF, bypassing or ignoring the principles of impartiality and independence in their humanitarian work. That being said, we will continue working with OCHA, the WFP, and others tirelessly trying to reach affected people to reduce human suffering due to TPLF’s renewed attacks.

My third point is that even during these increased hostilities, we have to talk about the prospects for peace. You all know our position on this matter. Our commitment to peace is not symbolic. We informed you in our last briefing that we have prepared a possible ceasefire draft proposal. In contrast, the TPLF continues with its preconditions and demands, vacillating to accept the African Union-facilitated peace efforts. It has now gone public in confirming that it has reignited the conflict to force the Government to accept these preconditions for it to accept the AU’s efforts.

Finally, you might wonder what Ethiopia expects you to do in these situations. First, no meddling, covert or overt, we warn those caught supporting the TPLF not to try again, we will not tolerate it when our sovereignty is violated.

It is of great importance to us that none of you would take measures that will exacerbate the situation. Equating the Government with this outlawed terrorist group is a grave mistake. Calling on both sides and apportioning blame is wrong. The TPLF reignited the conflict, stole fuel destined for humanitarian aid, and is refusing peace efforts under the auspices of the African Union. It must bear the consequences. Insults and denigrating the African Union must be condemned. Let’s try not to repeat some of the mistakes made by some in the international community when the TPLF launched its previous aggression. We shall continue to inform you regularly on the evolving situation as frequently as possible. Please feel free to make comments and pose questions. I thank you very much for your attention.

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China-Africa partnership benefits the global community- DPM and FM Demeke Mekonnen

Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, took part in a virtual meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Coordinators meeting on August 18, 2022.

The purpose of the meeting was to assess the progress of implementation of the outcomes of the 8th FOCAC Ministerial Conference, which was held in Dakar, Senegal, in November 2021.

The meeting was chaired by Wang Yi, State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China, and Aissata Tall Sall, Foreign Minister of Senegal.

In his address, DPM and Foreign Minister Demeke said that the impact of the China-Africa partnership on global governance, diplomacy, and the economy extends beyond China and Africa’s borders and benefits the entire global community. He emphasized that the FOCAC action plan should take into account the impact of current global developments.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister further stressed that some of the programs of the 8th FOCAC Ministerial Conference require immediate attention and action, citing the issue of a common framework for debt treatment as critical to Africa’s financial access. He stated that without increased trade and FDI, efforts to mobilize more finance, create decent jobs, boost exports, build manufacturing capacity, and transfer technology would suffer marginally.

He expressed gratitude to China for organizing a conference on peace, security, governance, and development in the Horn of Africa, and reaffirmed Ethiopia’s determination to implement the conference’s outcomes.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, for his part, stated that China strongly supports African development in accordance with the principles of South-South Cooperation.

He indicated that China will contribute to the expansion of Africa’s representation in multilateral forums, including the UN Security Council, while emphasizing the principle of non-interference in domestic affairs and the One China policy.

Last November, with the concerted efforts of China and Africa, the Eighth FOCAC Ministerial Conference was successfully convened in Dakar, Senegal. Four outcome documents, including the Dakar Declaration, were adopted. President Xi Jinping announced the launch of nine programs for China-Africa cooperation. It was a highly cordial and results-oriented conference, one of great significance for growing our traditional friendship, cementing solidarity and cooperation, and building a China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era. 

It has been over half a year since the conference was held. Despite the evolving international situation, rising global challenges, and repeated external disturbances, China and Africa have stayed on course in enhancing solidarity and focusing on cooperation. They have made good progress in implementing the outcomes of the conference.

The FOCAC mechanism has traveled a journey of over two decades and has played a positive role in charting the right course for international cooperation with Africa. Under the new circumstances, China will continue to work with African friends to enhance the institution-building of FOCAC to jointly boost its well-established credentials. Institutionalizing the coordinators’ meeting and work to mobilize more resources in favor of Africa needs to be actively considered. FOCAC will continue to be a standard-bearer of cooperation with Africa with the joint efforts of both partners.

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TICAD 8 Summit Convenes in Tunis

The 8th Summit of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) gathered in Tunis, from 27-28 August 2022, to deliberate on Japan-Africa partnership. The summit, hosted by Tunisia, was co-organized by the United Nations, the African Union and the World Bank. African Heads of State and Government, including President Mack Sall of Senegal, who is also the current Chairperson of the African Union; Musa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission; Amina Mohamed, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations; and representatives of international organizations and the private sector were in attendance. The Ethiopian delegation, led by State Minister, Ambassador Tesfaye Yilma, attended the foregoing summit.

The summit focused on boosting the Japan-Africa partnership in the priority areas of economic and social development as well as peace and security in Africa. Key speakers at the gathering called for enhanced implementation of the decisions of the various TICAD summits. TICAD is a triennial gathering launched by Japan in 1993 to enhance the Japan-Africa partnership.

The Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, who addressed the gathering virtually, promised Japan’s continued support for Africa’s economic and social development as well as peace and security on the continent. The Premier announced more than 40 billion USD for financing Africa’s development in various sectors, of which 30 billion USD is earmarked for private sector investment.

The Prime Minister pledged 4 billion USD out of the indicated budget to finance green growth in the continent. Similarly, 5 billion USD is allocated for Africa’s debt service while a little over a billion USD is meant to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Africa’s economy. The funds are to be channeled through designated international organizations in the coming three years, according to the Prime Minister’s address to the summit.

In his address, State Minister, Ambassador Tesfaye Yilma, commended Japan’s significant support to Africa’s development in the crucial areas covered by the TICAD framework and called on the Government of Japan to scale up its support to Africa. Ambassador Tesfaye suggested that Ethiopia’s home-grown economic reform, green legacy initiative, and irrigated wheat production could be benchmarked as best practices for replication in other African countries under the TICAD cooperative framework.

In the deliberation dedicated to the state of peace and security in Africa, State Minister, Ambassador Tesfaye, proposed the inclusion of a peace fund needed for financing peacekeeping operations in Africa in the United Nations Member State’s assessed contribution. The State Minster assured the summit of Ethiopia’s resolve to support peacekeeping operations in Africa.

The summit came to a conclusion by adopting a declaration aimed at strengthening the Japan-Africa partnership in the areas of economic and social development and peace and security in Africa, as well as the reform of the United Nations Security Council.

Initiated by Japan in 1993, the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) is a summit-level international conference on the development of Africa. This forum’s goal was to encourage high-level communication between African leaders and development partners.

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Ministerial meeting of the Nile Basin Initiative held in Dar Salam

On Friday (August 19,2022), a one-day ministerial meeting of the Nile Basin Initiative council meeting was held in Dar eSalam, Tanzania, with regional water ministers, ambassadors, and high-level invited guests in attendance. The delegation from Ethiopia, including Habtamu Itefa, Minister of Water and Energy, and Ambassador Shibru Mamo, Ethiopia’s Ambassador in Tanzania, attended the regional Water Initiative meeting.

During the session, Dr. Eng. Habtamu Itefa, Ethiopia’s Minister of Water and Energy, and his counterpart, Sam Cheptoris, Uganda’s Minister of Water and Environment, made a call to the initiative’s members to expedite the ratification of the Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA).

In his opening remarks, Habtamu Itefa, reiterating the establishment of the NBI, said, “The NBI was founded as a transitional institution based on a jointly articulated and adopted shared vision by nine founding Member States. From the very beginning, it was recognized by the founding Member States that the NBI would serve as a transitional arrangement until a permanent Nile River Basin Commission (NRBC) comes into existence on the basis of a legal framework agreement.”

Regarding the need for a legal binding foundation and arrangement for transboundary cooperation to be sustainable, the Minister noted, “The transitional nature of NBI should constantly remind us of the truth that for transboundary cooperation to be sustainable, there needs to be a legal foundation and arrangement by which all Member States abide and are governed.” He recalled that for over two decades, the member countries have exerted a collective effort to put our cooperation on a robust legal foundation. The Water Minister furthermore recalled that “we have successfully concluded the negotiations and that four NBI Member States have already ratified the CFA as national law.”

Among other things, Habtamu calls out that the task of completing this process, i.e., bringing the number of ratifying countries to the required level, is ongoing and needs to be finalized, upon which the CFA will come into force, thus enabling the NBI to transition into a permanent commission, as was initially envisaged. 

The Water Minister also underlined the urgency to complete the CFA ratification process needs to be emphasized so that strategic and transformative basin development and management priorities which NBI, as a transitional mechanism, cannot undertake now will be accomplished. 

Ethiopia’s stance is that NBI, therefore, needs to be mindful of this imperative and should be careful so that any of its ongoing activities will not, even inadvertently, undermine this effort of Member States or otherwise compromise our efforts regarding the CFA, he added.

At the annual event, the NBI Council of Ministers (COM) also, among other sessions, discussed new transboundary investment projects, national projects with transboundary significance, and regional basin-wide strategies on equitable utilization of and benefits from the common Nile Basin waters. The Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) was established in 1999 in Tanzania as an intergovernmental partnership of 10 Nile Basin countries, namely Burundi, DR Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.