Ethio-Egyptian Hydropolitical Relations on Nile River: Changes and Continuities Since 1999

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to identify the possible basic changes and continuities of Ethiopia and Egypt relations on Nile hydro politics. The researcher used qualitative research approach and case study research design. Purposive sampling was employed to select informants. The data were collected through interview. Documents were also used as source of data. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the obtained data from interview and document, which were triangulated side by side. The research found that Ethiopia's ability to develop water projects by challenging Egypt's status quo, Egypt readiness to sign CFA, the

alliance of the Sudan and South Sudan with Ethiopia and the proliferation of hydrological experts in Ethiopia as changes after 1999. However, trust deficit, pending and delaying tactics to sign agreements by Egypt, Egypt's absolute dependence on Nile River are found to be the continuity of hydro political relation of Ethiopia and Egypt. Generally, the study implies that the Ethio-Egyptians relation over Nile is tending towards a shared utilization of Nile River by trying to solve the discrepancies they have.