International conference : "Water: A Vector of Peace in the Sahel"

This international conference, held in Dakar from September 22 to 24 at the initiative of the G3+ Francophonie partners — Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar (UCAD), Université Libre de Bruxelles, University of Geneva, and University of Montreal — brought together public decision-makers, diplomats, academics, and water experts around the theme “Water: a Vector of Peace in the Sahel.”

The event focused on sharing best practices and policy frameworks for inclusive and peaceful water management in the Sahel and West Africa. Among the key participants was Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, whose presence highlighted the importance of linking water governance with human rights and peacebuilding.

Bakary Faty, Director of Water Resources Management and Planning at the Ministry of Water and Sanitation, emphasized that access to water can fuel conflict, highlighting the need for dialogue and cooperation around this shared resource that connects energy, agriculture, and livestock.

Professor Awa Fall Niang, Director of UCAD’s Doctoral School on Water, Quality, and Uses, stressed that water should be seen as a factor of cohesion rather than division.

The Geneva Water Hub, a long-standing partner of Pôle Eau Dakar, also participated, reaffirming its collaboration with UCAD and its commitment to advancing water diplomacy and peace in the Sahel.

Participants underlined that effective water management is vital as demand continues to rise due to climate change and population growth.