Jacob Dut Chol Riak, Ph.D., Emmanuel Ayok Akol Wol

Abstract
This study investigates the role of the African Union in bridging shared trans-boundary resources conflicts amongst the riparian states. It deeply explores security threats that are facing Nile river in the region. The study further identifies challenges created by the colonial powers and how the African Union continued to intervene to address those negative legacies and further mitigations to address these shared trans-boundary rivers contestations. Doing so, the study deploys descriptive survey design which employed structured questionnaires to respondents drawn from Nile Basin Communities. The study sample size consisted of 70 participants, selected using simple random sampling to ensure representation across gender, age and educational background. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, with findings presented in percentages. The findings showed that all respondents (100%) recognized the critical importance of rivers in sustaining life and ecosystems. About 74.3% agreed that Nile Basin states heavily depend on the Nile river, while 44.3% disagreed that these states fully own the Nile, revealing the influence of colonial legacies. Furthermore, 72.9% believed such legacies contribute to political tensions. A significant majority (68.6%) attributed water scarcity to rapid population growth and poor management, whereas 81.4% agreed that water hegemony by downstream countries especially Egypt has intensified regional disputes. Lastly, 55.7% strongly agreed that the African Union should play a stronger mediating role than the feeble role it is currently doing to resolve the water conflicts, and 57.1% believed the AU can foster lasting peace, although some respondents expressed doubts about its effectiveness. The study concludes that while the Nile river remains a vital lifeline for the Basin’s countries, its management continue to be hindered by historical injustices, population pressures, and unequal power relations. Effective and sustainable governance of the Nile river requires regional cooperation, modernization of colonial-era treaties, and strong institutional frameworks underpinned by fairness and inclusivity. The study recommends the establishment of National Water Institutes (NWI) in each Basin country, strengthening of AU mediation mechanisms, and enhanced collaboration through the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI). It also calls for national water policies addressing population growth and pollution, environmental education, and increased support from civil society and donor agencies to promote sustainable water use.

Keywords: Hydro-Political, Security Threats, Shared, Trans-boundary, Water Resources, Nile Basin States, Colonial Legacies, Role, the African Union, Nile River.

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