Environment

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam: Navigating Tensions on the Nile In the heart of East Africa, a monumental project is reshaping the region’s energy landscape and stirring a pot of geopolitical tensions. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)—the largest hydroelectric power project on the continent—stands as both a beacon of potential progress for Ethiopia and a point of contention for its neighbors, particularly Egypt and Sudan. Recently, Asheber Balcha, the CEO of Ethiopia Electric Power, characterized Egypt's…

In the heart of Adamawa State, tragedy has struck with the emergence of devastating flash floods that have claimed the lives of 23 individuals and rendered thousands homeless. In a desperate bid to provide refuge, a makeshift camp has been established at Aliyu Musdafa College in Yola, where essential supplies are being distributed. However, one can't help but wonder: how does a community regain its footing in the wake of such calamity? The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has underscored the vital role played by…

As global leaders gather in Zimbabwe for the momentous 15th Conference of the Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15), an incredible opportunity unfolds before us. What if we were to rethink our relationship with wetlands? These precious ecosystems are not merely landscapes of marshes and swamps; they are, in fact, dynamic survival hubs for millions of species and a linchpin for securing food resources in our ever-changing world. Yet, with each passing year, we witness a heartbreaking decline in their presence,…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has taken a firm stance against the recently imposed 30% tariff by U.S. President Donald Trump. He characterizes this decision as a "unilateral" action that lacks solid backing from trade data. Announced to take effect on August 1, this tariff highlights a peculiar dynamic, as South Africa is the only sub-Saharan nation singled out in Trump's proclamation. This distinction underscores a complicated and often strained relationship between the two leaders. In a letter addressed to Ramaphosa, Trump…

The Zimbabwean government finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with unmet commitments regarding essential infrastructure. Promises of upgraded treatment plants, modern pump stations, and prepaid meters have faded into empty rhetoric, particularly following a substantial loan of U.S.$144 million from the China Exim Bank intended for Harare's water treatment system enhancement. As a means to address the escalating debt, a new water levy was instituted in March, placing an additional financial burden on the citizens. The…

In The Gambia, the livelihoods of countless fishermen have plummeted into a crisis that deepens daily. The declining fish stocks have painted a bleak picture, exacerbated by soaring fuel prices and the relentless presence of foreign trawlers stripping the waters of vital marine life. Fish such as sardines and bonga, once abundant and processed in local factories, have seen their fate redirected to European and Chinese markets, primarily for aquaculture feeding. This shift threatens not only local economies but also the…

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has officially reported a devastating toll of 100 lives lost due to the relentless floods that have ravaged the region. This heart-wrenching figure may continue to rise, as numerous individuals remain unaccounted for, prompting ongoing search and rescue operations in the affected areas. How much more sorrow can a community endure? Tragically, the majority of the deceased are from the OR Tambo District, a key area that has suffered immensely. Among those lost, 37 children—22 of whom…

The High Court in London has delivered a significant ruling, establishing that Shell plc and its former Nigerian subsidiary must be held accountable for long-standing oil pollution in the Niger Delta. This decision signals not only a potential shift in legal precedents but also raises critical questions about corporate responsibility in environmental matters. In this instance, the Bille and Ogale communities in Rivers State have brought forth serious allegations. They assert that the infrastructure owned by Shell has led to…

In recent weeks, typhoons of unrelenting rain and ferocious winds have swept through our province, inflicting not just damage but heartbreak. As communities grapple with loss, the government, in collaboration with municipalities and private partners, is mobilizing to deliver crucial relief and recovery services. The tragedy has claimed 78 lives across various districts, leaving behind a trail of sorrow and upheaval. What does it take to rebuild after such devastation? The answer lies in a blend of resilience, teamwork, and…

Tragedy struck in the northwestern region of Equateur Province as at least 30 lives were lost when a boat capsized, sending ripples of sorrow throughout the community. Rescue teams are diligently combing the waters in a frantic effort to locate dozens of individuals still unaccounted for. Local officials suspect that overcrowding, coupled with the treacherous weather conditions, may have contributed to this heart-wrenching incident. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, rivers and lakes serve as vital arteries for…