Africa-Press. The Minister of Energy and Dams in South Sudan, Agok Makur, stated that the country is not afraid to develop and build dams on the Nile River, despite concerns about potential opposition from downstream countries to these projects.
Makur emphasized that South Sudan has the right to develop its water resources as a sovereign state and a member of the Nile Basin countries. He added, during a press conference in the capital Juba: “We are not afraid to build our dams because we have the right and enjoy sovereignty, and South Sudan is part of the Nile Basin.”
These remarks came after Egypt reiterated its opposition to unilateral projects on the Nile River, which Cairo believes could affect its water security. The Minister of Energy and Dams in South Sudan pointed out that the Nile Basin Council of Ministers had previously approved several projects, including dam construction projects, noting that Egypt was a member of the council. He stated: “One of the council’s decisions is the approval of 34 projects, which include the construction of dams.”
Accordingly, Makur confirmed that there is no reason for South Sudan to fear developing its hydroelectric potential, indicating that Egypt was among the countries that approved these projects.
He said: “There is no need to fear, as Egypt itself is among the countries that endorsed these projects.” Makur revealed that he informed the President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, about the government’s preparations to develop dam construction projects in the country.
He stated: “As the Minister of Energy, I am the one announcing that we will build our dams.” He added: “I have submitted a report to our president regarding these preparations.” The minister noted that foreign investors and ambassadors have shown interest in hydroelectric projects in South Sudan, but he declined to disclose further details about the involved parties or the nature of the projects, explaining that the government would announce more information at a later stage.
He said: “Most investors and ambassadors are coming to us and knocking on our doors now, but the time has not yet come to reveal the full details.” Makur reiterated the government’s readiness to move forward with the development of dam and hydroelectric projects, stating: “We, as the Ministry of Energy, are ready to build our dams.”
In this context, Boboia James, a political analyst from South Sudan, noted that the country’s inability to develop its hydroelectric potential has been affected by political and diplomatic challenges, including its relations with Egypt.
James argued that South Sudan should proceed with implementing hydroelectric projects while simultaneously maintaining constructive relations with Egypt and other Nile Basin countries.
The policy analyst pointed out that South Sudan had made progress in planning for hydroelectric power generation following the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, with support from international partners, including Norway.
He said: “South Sudan’s start was very good in 2008 when the country engaged in cooperation with the international community, particularly the Norwegian government, to assist the then-government of South Sudan in establishing a power generation station on the Nile.”
James explained that studies supported by Norway identified several potential sites for hydroelectric projects in the area between “Kajo-Keji” and Juba, including the “Sukoli” and “Baden” waterfalls. He added that political developments later affected the efforts to implement these projects.
James claimed that Egypt played a role in obstructing the development of the hydroelectric sector in South Sudan, but he did not provide evidence to support this claim. He stated: “Egypt’s intervention regarding the hydroelectric power station in South Sudan had a catastrophic impact on the country’s energy needs.”
He urged the South Sudanese government to work with international partners to develop hydroelectric resources while maintaining mutually beneficial relations with Egypt and other Nile Basin countries.
He said: “Diplomatic relations with Egypt should be built on the foundations of mutual respect, common interests, and reciprocal agreements that enhance the values of both countries, as well as the values of the Nile Basin countries.”
James also noted that providing reliable electricity supplies could contribute to supporting manufacturing operations, creating job opportunities, and enhancing economic growth in South Sudan.
