Water shortage could worsen conflicts in Africa
The World Meteorology Organisation(WMO) has warned that the rapid changes in climate observed in Africa could worsen the continent’s political and social stability issues.
In its recent report titled “Africa state of climate: Increasing demand and decreasing supply of water may worsen conflicts”, the WMO states that 2021 was the third hottest year in Africa as temperatures moved to +0.03°C between 1991-2021. It equally states that Africa sends out about 2-3% of carbon dioxide in the air but the continent has recorded severe floods and droughts which might worsen by 2030.
Over half million people have died due to droughts in the last 50 years and presently, about 250 million Africans are in need of water.
In Cameroon, more than 30.000 Cameroonian have run to Chad for safety and many others have become internally displaced after a clash between the Mosgoum and Arab Choa in the Far North region over water in December 2021. The WMO adds that water tides are higher in coastal areas, causing more floods as well as landslides. They fear if African leaders do not take the issue seriously, about 700 million of them could be displaced by 2030 to areas with proper water supply and this could cause tension in many cities.
Cameroon is currently experiencing a socio-political crisis in its North West and South west regions, boko haram insurgency in tthe Far North and also on it’s eastern border with rebels from the Central African republic occassionally pushing in and causing havoc.
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