Violent riots broke out in Tiaret, Algeria, after months of water shortages left residents without access to drinking water. Protestors wearing balaclavas set tires on fire and blocked roads in protest of water rationing in the city. President Abdelmajid Tebboune called for emergency measures to address the suffering of the population, sending government ministers to apologize and promise the restoration of water access.
The riots come as Tebboune is expected to run for a second term as president in the oil-rich nation. Northern Africa has been heavily impacted by climate change, with a multi-year drought depleting critical reservoirs and reducing rainfall to replenish them. The region relies on shrinking dammed reservoirs for its water supply, which are now at only 20% capacity due to a lack of rain.
To address the water shortage, Algeria plans to pipe water from larger dams and invest in desalination plants. In the meantime, water is being imported from nearby sources, with new pipelines planned to bring groundwater to Tiaret by July. Despite tensions in the region, coverage of the riots has been limited in Algeria due to restrictions on press freedom and state-controlled media.
The situation in Tiaret highlights the urgent need for long-term solutions to address water scarcity in the region, as climate change continues to exacerbate drought conditions. The unrest in Tiaret serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by communities in the face of water shortages and the need for sustainable water management policies.
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