JONGLEI CANAL: THE FLAWED LOGIC OF HYDRO-DIPLOMACY IN THE NILE BASIN

Water disputes have remained a global challenge since the 20th century. For instance, the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, originating in Turkey and cutting through both Syria and Iraq, have experienced drastic reductions in water flows in recent years, primarily due to Turkish hydro-engineering and regional droughts. In contrast to many other parts of the world, Africa’s water resources vary in geographical extent and time. Thus, the escalating problem of water scarcity has already reached alarming dimensions in several regions of the African continent, where water is becoming increasingly crucial for economic development and societal well-being, alongside the establishment of complex energy and irrigation projects along river basins to sustain livelihoods. The Nile River is a case in point. This case study presents the Jonglei Canal project in South Sudan, a proposed effort to finish the half-completed engineering megaproject funded by Egypt, and the flawed logic of hydro-diplomacy in the Nile Basin. Disputes have since escalated and led to severe tensions between upstream and downstream riparian states. These states have approached conflict over resource control and wielded power against one another, which can be attributed to political development within each state. The author conducted a study, using descriptive survey design to sample university students and political leaders within the Nile Basin, to gauge informed opinions on the state of this protracted and complicated situation. Results are provided, along with commentary based on contemporary evidence and historical context. The results suggest that the Jonglei Canal project, as an ongoing hydro-construction project in South Sudan, is an immediate consequence of Egypt’s growing demands for water. The article concludes with sufficient recommendations for a peaceful settlement.