By Kei Emmanuel Duku
A radical overhaul of Nile River governance is required to move power away from centralized authorities and into the hands of local communities, women, and youth to ensure the survival of the shared waterway.
During the 20th Nile Basin Initiative celebration held in Juba, officials argued that top-down management is no longer sufficient to address modern challenges. Paulnio Lokudu, the Deputy Governor of Central Equatoria State (CES) noted that those living along the river often suffer the most from distant policy decisions.
“Communities play a very vital role in water management, often bearing the brunt of the water discourse,” the official stated. Lokudu stressed the need for inclusivity in water governance to address the specific needs and challenges of the people, specifically calling for increased women and youth representation in water management committees.
The call for decentralization aims to strengthen community-led water management by building on existing social structures and networks. The Deputy Governor noted that empowering local communities to participate in decision-making is essential for sustainable outcomes and for addressing shared threats like climate change, water viscosity, and pollution.
“Let’s empower the local communities to participate in the decision-making process, ensuring their voices are heard,” the speaker added. Added the Deputy Governor of Central Equatoria State (CES), who insisted that the Nile’s shared resources demand collective, localized efforts.
Lokudu, urged stakeholders to focus on the engagement of youth and women in water governance as the region honors the river. He argued that investing in localized water management will directly translate into tangible benefits for the population.
“We believe that when we invest in water, we will have the Nile’s transport, hydroelectric power, irrigation, and many other benefits of the Nile,” he said. He further called for the promotion of inclusive decision-making and collaboration among the government, civil society, and communities to achieve lasting water security.
The urgency for a new management model was further highlighted by Taban Paride Lokasmoi, the Chairperson of the South Sudan Youth Union. Lokasmoi pointed out that historical agreements, such as the 1929 and 1959 water treaties, failed to fully include all stakeholders, creating a legacy of challenges that must now be addressed through cooperation and economic transformation.
“The Nile has sustained ancient civilization, now it must sustain modern economies,” Lokasmoi declared. He noted that while the Nile is a cultural and social lifeline, it must now become a platform for youth employment and industrialization along the Nile corridor.
Lokasmoi warned that without economic opportunities for the youth, who make up the majority of South Sudan’s population, frustration and instability will grow. He appealed to the government and private sector to integrate youth employment strategies into Nile Basin plans and to view the river as an investment opportunity for smart agriculture and green industries.
“South Sudanese youth are ready to work, to innovate, to protect the Nile and ready to turn water into wealth and opportunities,” Lokasmoi stated. He concluded that water governance must go hand in hand with economic empowerment, ensuring that the Nile Basin transforms into a hub of productivity driven by youth innovation and cross-border cooperation.