Africa and the politics of water

Access to clean water, for drinking and sanitation, is denied to a growing number of people in many countries. According to the
World Health organisation half the population of the world will live in water-stressed areas by 2025. Parts of Africa are already experiencing the effects of severe water scarcity – caused by a combination of climate change, the impact of interference with river catchments, industrial pollution of water sources, and urbanisation unsupported by infrastructure, as well as the effects of conflict on public health provision.

Russian Communists reject Putin’s constitution power grab

The Russian Federation is due to hold a national referendum between 25 June and 1 July 2020 on amendments to the federal constitution proposed by Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party. The amendments include changes which would potentially allow Putin to maintain his grip on power as president for a further two six-year terms. Putin’s current term in office ends in 2024.