Development and Peace — Caritas Canada is proud to announce the release of Boiling Over: Global Warming, Hunger and Violence in the Lake Chad Basin, a landmark report produced by its Nigerian partner, Social Action.
The report on the conflict and socioeconomic turmoil in the Lake Chad basin draws on insights from displaced persons, activists, journalists, academics and government officials. It analyses causal and contributory factors, including climate change, and explores potential solutions. It is the product of three years of research undertaken by Social Action in the course of its monitoring, advocacy and ecological justice work supported by Development and Peace.
A shrinking lake
Lake Chad was once one of Africa’s largest freshwater bodies. From a peak of about 26,000 km2, its surface area has now shrunk to under 1,500 km2. While its expanse has varied historically, the shrinkage has been accelerating in recent years, likely largely because of climate change. The Boiling Over report exposes how the lake’s depletion is exacerbating socioeconomic and political strife in the four countries that constitute its basin — Chad, Cameroon, Niger and Nigeria.
A rising tide of violence
The Boko Haram Islamist insurgency, now entrenched in the entire Lake Chad basin, has already claimed 20,000 lives. It is now increasing the displacement of people who were already uprooted by ill-conceived dam projects and poverty.
The drying up of Lake Chad is benefiting Boko Haram in several ways. Driven to conflict by competition for the lake’s increasingly scarce waters, poor fisherfolk and pastoralists are becoming susceptible to the allure of extremism. The now-dry lakebed is also making it easier for the insurgents to cross borders to spread terror, recruit hard-pressed youths and evade capture.
Routinely raped, sexually enslaved, widowed and left to fend for large families in circumstances of displacement and destitution, women are among the most vulnerable victims of the situation.
A call to action
Dr. Isaac Asume Osuoka, director of Social Action, who co-authored the Boiling Over report, says, “As a country reputed for its leadership on climate change and human rights issues, Canada can help redress the situation.” Development and Peace echoes his call for the Government of Canada to increase international aid for measures that help communities in the Global South adapt to climate change; to promote the recognition and protection of human rights in the Lake Chad region; and to support programs that build local civil society capacities.
A chance to understand
At a series of public events in Ontario, Canadians have the unique opportunity to learn about the report and what went into its production directly from Dr. Osuoka. He will be accompanied by Ms. Victoria Filibus, who, since losing her husband to a Boko Haram attack, has been living in penury with her nine children in a refugee camp in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Her testimony will reveal the human cost of the complex conflict in the Lake Chad Basin.
To meet Dr. Osuoka and Ms. Filibus, attend one of the following events:
List of events
Hamilton
Date: Sunday, November 24
Time: 12:30 to 2:15 p.m.
Venue: Annunciation of Our Lord Parish Hall
280 Limeridge Road West
Hamilton, ON L9C 2V2
Schedule: 12:30 p.m.: Doors open + light lunch
1:15 to 2:15 p.m.: Presentation of the report
Sarnia
Date: Monday, November 25
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Venue: St. Benedict’s Parish Hall
1011 Oak Avenue
Sarnia, ON N7S 1J4
Schedule: 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.: Potluck dinner
7:00 to 8:00 p.m.: Presentation of the report
Toronto
Official Canadian launch event
Date: Wednesday, November 27
Time: 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Venue: York University
Room HNE 141, Health Nursing & Environmental Studies Building
4700 Keele Street
Toronto, ON M3J 1P3
Please register on Eventbrite or sign up on Facebook
Ottawa
Side event to the Summit on Canada’s Global Leadership
Date: Thursday, November 28
Time: 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Venue: University of Ottawa
Sacré-Coeur Church
591 Cumberland Street
Ottawa, ON K1N 7K3
Please register on Eventbrite
