Researchers: Underground Lake Could Bring Peace to Darfur

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Democracy Now! reported recently:







"In Darfur, a team of international geologists say they’ve discovered the imprint of a vast underground lake that could help put an end to the mass killings there. Researchers say the so-called ‘mega lake’ is three times the size of Lebanon. Farouk el-Baz of Boston University’s Center for Remote Sensing said the potential water source could be the key to peace.

"Farouk el-Baz [said]: 'What most people don't really know is that the fight, the war, the instability in Darfur, is all based on the lack of water, simply put, nothing else. So now, if you find water for the farmers, if you find water, in addition to that to the nomads, if you find water in addition to these two for agricultural production, to feed them, to give them grain, then you resolve the problem completely.'

"Up to 400,000 people have been killed in the conflict between Sudanese-backed militias and rebel groups. In a report last month the UN Development Programme said widespread environmental problems are the root of the violence."

Listen to an interview on CBC's The Current with Dr. el-Baz.

See also Geology Inspires Desert Wonders?

Comments

sondjata said…
Though I understand the sentiments in regards to "it's the water," I must disagree that it is THE problem. Think of it this way. If we lived in a neighborhood and we ran out of water or what-have-you, would we start killing each other or would we co-operate in order to survive? Would we kill each other or possibly find another place to live? I ask these questions because I still think this is about a mentality. Killing another human being over water is a totally avoidable act. While I'd be as happy as anyone to see this conflict ended, I'd be happier to see the Sudanese not resort to violence over a crisis that is going to unfortunatly happen again due to climate changes (natural or man made).
12:41 pm
Minister Faust said…
I completely agree, Br. S. I appreciated the take on the issue I posted because it was so unlike everything else I'd heard in media on the Darfur massacres and civil war. As always, complex problems have complex, multiple causes and will require complex, multiple solutions.

MF
12:47 pm
Omar said…
While the imprint is undeniable scientists are divided on whether the lake still contains water or is dry.
3:16 am
DaProkah said…
I fear discovery of said water will only exacerbate the situation, much like the discovery of oil in Nigeria.

Indeed, many Nigerians have commented that they wish it never had been found. With environmental devastation, community degradation, land grabs, the near obliteration of the local fish trade, corruption, murder and the blind eye turn to maintenance and kickbacks by the likes of Shell and other conglomerates, the people have suffered for the black gold they have no share of.

Unless fair legislation is enforced by local-communities, and upheld by government and an international body, this may happen all over again. Damn.
10:55 pm
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