CNN: Bye-bye Nile, Why East Africa has not discussed the fight over the Nile?

Out of all the Eastern African countries that are represented, not one has mentioned the constant conflict over access to the Nile River. Ethiopia, North Sudan, South Sudan, Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda are all states affected over the conflict that has Ethiopia and Eritrea up in arms.

These two states have been feuding for decades whether it be relating to ethnic conflict, political regimes, and now water scarcity. The borders of the two are constantly filled with military personnel conducting training and practice as a demonstration of power. While they argue and bicker over the Blue Nile portion of the river, Egypt has not made a stance on its reliance on the Nile River either. While arguing with the Middle East, it seemingly removes itself from the equation of this imperative problem.

It calls to question whether or not any of the listed delegations realize that the Nile is no longer flooding and covering its banks with slit; the nutritious soil makes the Nile River Valley fertile.

Rising sea levels are affecting the river’s delta, emptying the freshwater into the sea. No one is suggesting possible infrastructure to preserve the area. Many of these countries are concerned with desalinization when a 10-liter container of water has been steadily increasing in price over the last 7-10 years.

Ethiopia has vigorously advocating for water preservation due to the increased desertification of the Sub-Saharan region but forgets that the belly of the longest river in the world is in her domain.

North and South Sudan have forgotten that their ethnic conflict has not allowed for prosperous climate discussion. As a newly divided state, either has the footing to hold to any resolution passed that does not provide amply guidance or funding.

Congo has stated that desertification has a paramount influence on not only its climate but its economy, however; for desertification to slow, soil must be used. Without vegetation in soils that are susceptible to such a damaging process, the Sub-Sahara will simply be the Sahara.

Rwanda and Uganda championed sanitation methods and best practices without mentioning the bodies of freshwater that their populations use the most. Its concerning seeing that both of these countries have been suffering through drought, famine and fruitless harvests as well as a rise in malnutrition and spread of disease.

The largest, quite arguably, most vulnerable asset in this region is virtually forgotten. The biodiversity provided by the Nile River is will no longer exist. The livelihood of these countries and the vitality of their people are at risk due to the willful ignorance of the representatives present.nile pic

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