Viana Kakuli Aggrey Yuyunda, Dr. Abraham Kuol Nyuon, Dr. John Leju Celestino Ladu
Abstract
The Nile River Basin, spanning eleven countries and supporting over 300 million people, faces escalating hydro-political tensions driven by climate change, infrastructure development, and regional power asymmetries. South Sudan, which contains approximately 2.5% of the basin’s water resources, remains highly vulnerable due to internal conflict, institutional weaknesses, and limited influence in regional negotiations. Understanding how hydro-conflicts impact water governance is critical for promoting sustainable development and climate resilience in this fragile context. This study examines the influence of hydro-conflicts on water governance effectiveness in South Sudan, emphasizing institutional capacity, regional power dynamics, and environmental policy. It aims to identify strategic pathways for strengthening governance frameworks, fostering cooperation, and addressing the root causes of water insecurity. Using a qualitative comparative case study approach, the research integrates semi-structured interviews with 75 stakeholders including government officials, regional organizations, and local communities and systematic document analysis of policy frameworks and institutional reports. Thematic content analysis, supported by NVivo software, was employed to identify patterns and relationships. Theoretical frameworks such as hydro-hegemony, institutional theory, and social-ecological systems guide interpretation. Comparative insights from successful basin models like the Rhine were also incorporated. Historical colonial treaties, such as the 1929 and 1959 agreements, continue to favor upstream states like Ethiopia and Egypt, marginalizing South Sudan. Institutional fragmentation, with over seven overlapping agencies operating on just 2.3% of the national budget, hampers effective management. Regional power asymmetries, exemplified by Ethiopia’s construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which aims to generate 6,450 MW of electricity, threaten downstream water security. Internal weaknesses—such as limited enforcement capacity (scoring 1.8/5) and overlapping mandates—further impair sovereignty and policy implementation. Notably, 87% of stakeholders perceive regional dominance as a primary barrier to equitable water sharing, while 76% cite internal capacity deficits. Climate vulnerabilities, including recurrent floods and droughts, exacerbate water scarcity, affecting livelihoods and increasing conflict risks. Findings suggest that strengthening institutional capacity through legal reforms, capacity-building, and resource allocation is essential. Promoting inclusive regional frameworks that ensure equitable benefit-sharing, coupled with adaptive, ecosystem-based management strategies, can mitigate conflicts. Incorporating traditional water management practices and enhancing stakeholder participation are recommended to foster resilience. Prioritizing environmental sustainability and climate adaptation will be vital for long-term stability. Addressing historical inequalities, regional power imbalances, and institutional fragmentation is crucial for advancing effective water governance in South Sudan. Strategic reforms, inclusive cooperation, and resilient management approaches are necessary to ensure water security, peace, and sustainable development across the Nile Basin.
Keywords: Impact, Hydro-Conflicts, Nile River Basin, Water Governance, Effectiveness, Functionality, South Sudan.
Download the PDF File Impact of Hydro-Conflicts in the Nile River Basin on Water Governance Effectiveness and Functionality in South Sudan
