Water Scarcity as a Catalyst of Conflict and Transformation in Sudan's Regional Politics

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Abstract

Freshwater scarcity, exacerbated by global climate change, poses major challenges for many African countries. Amid socio-economic and political instability, water crises acquire conflict potential, influencing economic development trajectories and, in some cases, the formation of foreign policy. This is particularly relevant for states within major transboundary river basins, where water access is vital for populations. The article examines the characteristics of water resources and their role in the political and economic development of the Republic of the Sudan, which has experienced protracted conflicts since gaining independence in 1956, partly fueled by resource competition. It also analyses the evolution of the Sudanese authorities' stance regarding water allocation mechanisms for the Nile – Africa's largest river – among basin countries, and concerning the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). This unfinished project has the potential to reshape the geopolitical landscape of Northeast Africa.

About the authors

T. S Denisova

Institute for African Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences

Email: tschen@hotmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-6321-3503
PhD (History), Leading Researcher, Head, Centre for the Study of Africa South of Sahara Moscow, Russia

S. V Kostelyanets

Institute for African Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences

Email: sergey.kostelyanyets@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-9983-9994
PhD (Political Science), Leading Researcher, Head, Centre for Sociological and Political Sciences Studies Moscow, Russia

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