Water's Power in Africa: A Security Perspective
Water, often taken for granted, is a critical component of national security. Its control is essential for economic stability and prosperity. Water supports jobs, businesses, and livelihoods, and when managed effectively, it strengthens a country's economy and security.
The field of trans-boundary river research explores the clash between the legal concept of sovereign equality and the rights associated with river flows and border demarcations. Disputes over rivers, such as the Chobe and Orange rivers in southern Africa and the Nile in the north, highlight the impact of water access and control on social stability, migration, investment, and international relations.
The Chobe River's small island, named Kasikili in Botswana and Sedudu in Namibia, exemplifies border disputes. After Namibia's independence, it claimed ownership of the island, leading to a legal battle. The International Court of Justice ruled in favor of Botswana, citing the thalweg, the deepest part of the river channel, as the legal border.
This legal demarcation is often contested, especially when determining access to minerals in rivers and the sea. The Orange River, the longest river in South Africa, passing through four countries, showcases a similar issue. The border between Namibia and South Africa was defined along the Namibia bank of the river, ignoring the international legal norm of using the thalweg due to colonial-era tensions between Britain and Germany.
Water control creates various forms of security. Flood control, through dam construction, safeguards against flooding and drowning. Capturing water in dams ensures a stable water supply during droughts, fostering societal growth. However, water management is a contentious issue, as evident in the Nile River dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Water can also enhance a country's security. Cape Town's Day Zero crisis in 2018, where the city faced water depletion, highlighted the vulnerability of water resources. Effective water management, including waste recovery and seawater desalination, is crucial for long-term security.
National security is intricately linked to water security. Migratory populations bring capital, skills, and financial resources, influencing social stability and economic well-being. Water management must align with human migration patterns. South Africa's past influx control policy, rejected for human rights violations, led to uncontrolled migration, straining infrastructure and water services.
The population's rapid growth has created a new national security crisis. Investors are hesitant to flow into areas with inadequate water supply and sanitation services, impacting social stability and economic growth. Therefore, understanding water as a national security risk is vital for policy reforms that enable human flourishing and capital flow.
Anthony Turton, a retired professor, has received funding from various organizations, including the Water Research Commission and the Swedish Foreign Ministry, emphasizing the importance of water security in Africa's development.
