International Crisis Group: Solutions to Water Crises and Conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa

Senior Research Fellow Nidhi Nagabathla represented UNU-CRIS at the latest roundtable on “Solutions to Water Crises and Conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa” organised by the International Crisis Group on April 25, 02.00-04.00pm (UTC).

This closed meeting brought together experts from various disciplines to discuss the conflict risks associated with water scarcity, water excess, and transboundary water management in the Nile Basin and Cameroon. They explored areas of concern and policy recommendations that require further analysis, and developed pragmatic policy solutions to prevent and resolve conflicts related to water crises.

Nidhi shared reflections from her recent research work in the Lake Chad and the Congo Basin, explaining how the water crisis in those areas is affecting all countries in the region by limiting access to safe drinking water and sanitation. In addition, compounding factors such as inflation, inconclusive hydroelectric power projects, and political volatility create a risk of escalating water-related tensions. Meaningful solutions for mitigating crisis and maintaining peace and security are thus desperately needed. 

Find out more about Dr. Nagabathla’s work on this issue in the following publications:

‘Impacts of Climate Change on Hydrological Regimes in the Congo River Basin’ (March 31, 2023)

‘Water Infrastructure and Regional Governance – The Co-Constitution of Regional Politics and Massive Infrastructures in the Transaqua Water Project’ (March 15, 2022)

‘Assessing the Impacts of Climate Change on Climatic Extremes in the Congo River Basin’ (March 1, 2022)

‘Water, Conflicts and Migration and the Role of Regional Diplomacy: Lake Chad, Congo Basin, and the Mbororo Pastoralist’ (April 25, 2021)