Kenyan politician Raila Odinga has announced his ambitious plan to make the River Nile navigable again, connecting the African continent to the Mediterranean Sea, as he campaigns for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC).
Odinga’s vision for a rejuvenated River Nile route was shared during high-level meetings with European diplomats in Nairobi, where he emphasized the need for expanded cooperation on pan-African policy priorities.
Museveni’s dream
Odinga’s proposal aligns with recent statements made by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who highlighted the advantages of reopening the River Nile route to the Mediterranean Sea.
Museveni noted that Uganda’s strategic location in the center of the African continent, coupled with its abundant renewable energy sources, makes it an ideal hub for trade and connectivity. However, the country’s landlocked status has hindered its potential for growth.
During colonial times, the Nile River was a vital transportation route, with rail loops around the seven cataracts allowing for seamless connectivity.
However, wars in Sudan closed this route, and it has remained dormant for decades.