The question of life and death: Who really owns the Nile?

The Nile is one of the world's largest rivers and runs through East Africa, from the tributaries Blue and White Nile. Ever since time immemorial, people have relied on its life-giving waters, but today the river is also at the center of a protracted conflict, with elements of nationalist armament and concern for war.

A dispute that raises the question: who really owns a river?

The Blue Nile flows from Lake Tana in northern Ethiopia, but before the border with Sudan, the river now crosses the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Ethiopia wants the giant construction, Africa's largest hydropower plant, to be a springboard towards a modernized economy.

- For Ethiopia, it is very important to have electricity. Trust me: that over 60 percent of the population lacks it is a disaster, says Mammo Muchie, Ethiopian professor of innovation research, to SVT.

Muchie emphasizes that the hydropower plant will also benefit downstream countries, but not everyone is convinced. Information this week that the pond is being filled has diluted dissatisfaction.

Egypt in particular is concerned and demands binding agreements and guarantees for future water flows.

- We are talking about 100 million Egyptians and their lives. I hope it can be solved - it must be solved, says Hani Sewilam, Egyptian professor of sustainable development to SVT.

- It is not an option to wait for someone to open or close the locks.

This type of disagreement is nothing new. This is what Ashok Swain, professor of peace and conflict research at Uppsala University, says.

According to him, both Ethiopia and Egypt are partly right. Ethiopia is right that a power plant does not consume water per se, and the electricity generated can be of great benefit. On the other hand, it is understandable that the Egyptians are worried about the flow, as the two countries may disagree on when the water is needed most.

- The question is how to match the needs of the two countries and balance them against each other, says Swain.

Swain believes that a diplomatic solution is needed, but regardless of the outcome of the negotiations, the dispute puts the finger on one thing:

That water can not only give rise to life, but also be a source of both cooperation and conflict. Not least in an increasingly warmer world.