South Sudan: Minister Affirms Right to Build Nile Dams Despite Concerns

South Sudan is not afraid to develop dams on the River Nile despite concerns over possible opposition from downstream countries, Energy and Dams Minister Agok Makur said on Thursday. Makur said South Sudan has the right to develop its water resources as a member of the Nile Basin. “We are not afraid to build our dams because we have a right and we are sovereign, and also South Sudan is part of the Nile Basin,” Makur told journalists in Juba. His remarks came after Egypt reiterated its opposition to unilateral projects on the Nile that it says could affect its water security. Makur said the Nile Basin Council of Ministers had approved a number of projects, including dams, and that Egypt was part of it. “One of the resolutions of the Council of Ministers is passing 34 projects. These 34 projects include dams,” he said. Makur said South Sudan therefore has no reason to fear developing its hydropower potential. “There is no fear because the countries passing these projects, part of it is Egypt,” he said. The minister said he had already briefed President Salva Kiir Mayardit on government preparations to develop dams in South Sudan. “As Minister of Energy, I am the one who declared that we are going to build our dams,” Makur said. “I gave a report to our president” on the preparations, he added. Makur said investors and foreign ambassadors had expressed interest in the projects but declined to provide details, saying the government would release more information at a later stage. “Most investors and ambassadors come to us and knock on the door now. But it is not the time to come out with the full details,” he said. He reiterated that the government is ready to proceed with dam construction. “As a Ministry of Energy, we are ready for building our dams,” Makur said. Political and diplomatic challenges South Sudanese policy analyst Boboya James told Radio Tamazuj that the country’s failure to develop its hydroelectric potential had been influenced by political and diplomatic challenges, including its relations with Egypt. James said South Sudan should pursue hydropower projects while maintaining constructive relations with Egypt and other Nile Basin countries. The policy analyst said South Sudan had made progress in developing hydropower plans after the signing of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, with support from international partners, including Norway. “South Sudan actually began very well in 2008 when they had engagement with the international community, especially with the Norwegian government to help the government of South Sudan at the time to build a power station at the Nile,” he said. James said studies supported by Norway had identified several potential hydropower sites between Kajo-Keji and Juba, including Sokoli Falls, Baden Falls and Fula Falls. He said political developments later affected efforts to implement the projects. James alleged that Egypt had played a role in obstructing hydropower development in South Sudan, but he did not provide evidence to support the claim. “The role of Egypt in interfering on the hydroelectric power station in South Sudan has catastrophically impacted South Sudan power needs,” he said. He called for South Sudan to work with international partners to develop its hydropower resources while maintaining mutually beneficial relations with Egypt and other Nile Basin countries. “The diplomatic ties with Egypt should be built in a way that is mutual respect, mutual benefits and mutual agreements that promote the values of these two countries and also the values of the Nile Basin countries,” he said. James said increased access to reliable electricity could support industrialisation, job creation and economic growth in South Sudan.