By Djinodji SOLMENGAR Rodrigue
N’Djamena, Chad — Climate change is intensifying Africa’s water crisis. Longer droughts, heavier floods and rising temperatures are putting millions of people and livelihoods at risk.
The African Water Forum opened in N’Djamena on Tuesday. Chad and the World Bank Group are co-hosting the two-day event. Four African heads of state joined ministers, development partners and private sector leaders to discuss practical solutions to the continent’s growing water challenges.
Opening the forum, President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno said Africa is “on the front line of climate change and water security.” He urged governments and their partners to accelerate investment, stressing that “water must not be a luxury, but a fundamental right.”
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of State for Finance, Economy and Planning Tahir Hamid Nguilin underscored the role of water in development. “When people have access to water, it is not only their thirst that is quenched: their economy, health and dignity are strengthened,” he said.
He added that the forum builds on the momentum of Chad Connection 2030, the country’s national development plan, which places water at the centre of sustainable development.
Leaders are focusing on expanding access to clean water and sanitation, building climate-resilient agriculture, strengthening cooperation over shared river basins and mobilising investment for water infrastructure.
