Africa - Illegal Dumping

7/31/2019 Africa - Illegal Dumping

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Botala Boloso, JorgeDecember 7, 2006Geol. 335 Fall 2006,Dr. Williams Doug

Illegal Dumping:

The biggest Terror Plot against Africa


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Topics:

I. Introduction:Africaa necropolis for illegal waste

II. Why Africa?(1) Historical Wounds and neocolonialism(2) Role of the Authorities(3) Economic Pressure(4) Impact of waste on Wars and other Socio-economical and Political Upheavals

III. Waste IDs, Sources, and Eventual Destination: The Somali/Ivory Coast Scandals(examples)

IV. Impact of Illegal dumping:a) Environmental impact: Wildlife Depletion, deforestation,b) Social Impact: Diseases, air, water, and soil Depletion.c) Economical Impact: Depletion of key natural resources (beaches)

V. Laws and Regulations: The Bamako convention (Mali)

VI. Analysis and Conclusions: No charity for the costof illegaldumping inAfrica (no

superfund project).

Abstract:Up to date, there are still many issues in relation to Africa that remain concealed to

the public. On this remark, the dumping of toxic waste into the continent of Africaremains a taboo, or a topic that many people may not be aware of these days. However,this activity represents a major thread that can cripple the development of many human

societies and/or other species of plants and animals in Africa during the next decades. Inaddition, among other factors, illegal dumping can also be held accountable for the rapiddeterioration of the natural habitat in Africa. Furthermore, illegal dumping can also beincluded in the list of factors that contribute to the economical hardship and thepropagation of diseases throughout Africa. Moreover, illegal dumping can also be link tomany other complex issues that are beyond the scope of this paper. In this paper, I willmostly focus on the effects that illegal dumping is producing in many societies acrossAfrican.


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I. Introduction:

Unfortunately, Africa is been used as the worlds necropolis for the dumping of

toxic materials. Nowadays, it is been obvious that this activity has become one of the

leading factors that contribute to the hasty deteriorating environment in Africa. In fact,

the effects of illegal dumping can be felt throughout many regions across Africa. On this

remark, many rivers, valleys, lakes, underground aquifers, and other drinking water

sources have been polluted by chemicals products that are released from toxic waste

materials that are illegally dumped into Africa. On the other hand, there is the daily

outbreak of unfamiliar diseases that emerge from the direct exposure of humans and

animals with contaminated sources. Furthermore, we are all concerned about the current

level of deforestation and wildlife depletion worldwide. Therefore, considering this

extinction-phobia we currently have with regard to our chances of survival, I doubt that

we think about the generations to come, some prominent people around the world

including earth scientists, human right organizations, some governments, and many other

NGOs and around the world have become more concern with the environment we live in.

These organizations have realized about the important of preserving many of the habitat

that is available in Africa since many of the species that dwelt in this habitat has been

there since the primeval times and is unique to the regions where is found. On the other

hand, illegal dumping can also influence the role of the economy and the political

structure in Africa.


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II. Factors that Contribute to the Illegal Dumping in Africa:

Why Africa?

In addition, the following is lists of factor that influence illegal dumping in Africa:

(a)Historical Wounds and Neocolonialism:Many African societies have not yet recovered from the atrocities that the members

that integrated these societies experienced during the Colonial Era. Also, added to

this fact is the disgrace that the African people underwent during the period known as

Atlantic Trade. These two factors disrupt the development of the African

institutions. Therefore, they destabilized the economy of many regions throughout the

continent, leaving Africa ever dependent from the outside world. Also, this condition

of dependency has been exacerbated in recent decades with the demand of raw

materials. Thus, the majority of the industrialized nations have kept an eye over

natural resources that are available in Africa and have tried to control these resources

using any mean to keep their economy rising. This, in conjunction with many other

factors, has been the primary cause of many scandals in Africa, including illegal

dumping.

(b)Furthermore, the ongoing wars and other socio-economical and politicalupheavals in Africa makes Africa a save heaven for any sort of illegal activity.

(c) In addition, Africas reliance on foreign aid makes it vulnerable for illegal trade.(d)On the other hand, Internal Divisions in Africa can also be blamed to some extend

for the lack of progress on human right issues in Africa, giving chance to this type

of activities as it is with the case of illegal dumping.


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(e)Also, the low cost of illegal dumping in Africa, $ 2.5 per gallon of toxic waste,compared to $250 per gallon in the US and in EEUU is another factor that can

also be blame for the disproportionate dumping of illegal waste in Africa.

III. Waste IDs, Sources, and Eventual Destination

Generally speaking, countries in Africa have contributed insignificantly to pollute

the atmosphere; however, Africa is nowadays the continent with the highest rate of

contamination levels in the world record. On the other hand, studies from many agencies

dealing with the issue of illegal dumping suggest that many of the sources that contribute

to the high contamination level in Africa have come from outside the continent. In

addition, some reports point to Europe and the US as the primary contributors to the

illegal dumping of industrial waste into Africa. On this remark, for instance, 23,000

metric tones of gray market electronic waste from Britain in 2003 ended in South-East

Asia, India, Africa and china, said the above report from AllAfrica Web Side. Also, In

the US 50-80 percent of the electronic waste collected for recycling is being exported to

developing countries, the reporter from Allfrica concluded.

Furthermore, with regard to the waste scandal in Ivory Coast, The whole

procedure was illegal," said a Green Peace activist, Andreas Bernstorff, speaking to a

reporter fromAllAfricas Web Side, reproduced in the article, Waste Headed for a Third

World Bin. Furthermore, the way this waste is being exported and how it is handled in

the countries that receive it is a subject of a broader political debate that is beyond the

scope of this paper. In general, waste that is exported to Africa is buried beneath the sand

or on the beach; dump into the sea, lakes, streams, valleys, and in municipal garbage.


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Moreover, it is even sadder to think about the fact that this waste is also dumped into the

local peoples crops. On the other hand, countries in East (Somalia) and West Africa

(Ivory Coast) appear to be the most affected by illegal dumping.

In addition, waste that is dumped into Africa also includes pesticides and other

chemicals used in the food production industries. Also, e-waste recycling is another type

of industrial waste that is currently victimizing Africa.

A. Somali/ Ivory Coast Scandals

(a) The Oil Sludge Scandal in Ivory Coast

The subject related to the oil sludge scandal in Ivory Coast was broadly covered

by a wide range of the international media, which allowed this issue to be known

worldwide. This was very unusual. In addition, many of these mediums in the past had

primarily focused on the differences and the fratricides wars that, regrettably, have been

ruining the lives of the African People from the dawn of the history of the human race.

However, that a point source of contaminants that was getting into Africa was reported

worldwide reveals a sense of awareness and of a greater concern with respect to the role

that Africa plays toward the preservation of our natural environment. Wow! Something

good might have happened for this consciousness to take place. Either the politicians may

have redefined their agenda to secure a much suitable environment we all can enjoy on

the Earth or the gods may have been kindhearted this time with regard to the African

people.

Furthermore, by making this case public, revealing the extend of the damage that

was caused by the oil sludge scandal in Ivory Coast, the international reporters


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contributed to some extend to raise the public awareness with respect to the many other

factors that are currently contributing to the degeneration of the African environment

beside deforestation and hunting from the local people, the ongoing wars there, and

others internal issues in Africa that are widely covered by the mainstream media.

In addition, many of these reports dealing with the oil sludge scandal in Ivory Coast

confirmed that this waste was dumped in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, between Aug.19-22,

causing the lives of 10 people and forcing over 80,000 others to seek medical treatment.

Furthermore, one of the sources from Sociolingos Africa blogs Web Side identified the

different locations where the waste was found and the way this waste was dumped. The

black oil sludge was discovered at 18 different open-air sites, ranging from ditches and

roads to main garbage dump. Also, thiw one-page article, IvoryCoast: Toxic dumping

health-scare over, from the above web side went further to disclosed the type of

chemicals that were contained in the waste, Main chemicals found in the hazardous

waste were hydrogen sulfide, mercaptans, phenols and hydrocarbons.In addition, there

was some skepticism regarding to the amount of waste that was dump into the city of

Abidjan, primarily into the lagoons surrounding this city. However, many of the sources I

came across with agreed on the fact that it was a very large amount of waste that was

unloaded into Ivory Coast. Actuality, this article, Africa: Waste Headed for a Third

World Bin, fromAll Africas Web Side, confirmed, The Panamanian flagged ship Probo

Koala unloaded more than 550 tonnes of toxic waste at Abidjan port in Cte d'Ivoire a

month back. Most ofthis waste is believed to have ended up into the drinking wells that

surround the city of Abidjan. Moreover, the link inFig.14., from my power point

presentation, provides more details about this whole situation.


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On the other hand, because of the fact that the waste in Ivory Coast was dumped

into residential areas across the city of Abidjan, the local people became affected by this

sludge and the victims suffered from acute respiratory infections, dry heavy coughing

and mouth bleeding, abdominal hemorrhages, unusual skin chemical reactions and

sudden death after inhaling toxic materials, confirmed the report, Africa the worlds

toxic bin,from theIOLs Web Side. In addition, hopefully, many people would feel the

extend of the damage that this oil sludge caused within the communities where it was

dumped in Ivory Coast reading this account, Global Sludge ends in Tragedy for Ivory

Coast., from the New York Time. In this article, Mr. Oudrawogol, an Ivorian citizen,

tells the story about the health pandemic that his family experienced right after waste was

dumped into their manioc and corn fields that they were growing close to their home. In

addition, Mr. Oudrawogols account revealed the struggle for survival from his own

son, Six-month-old Salam, whose body was covered with sores since he was exposed to

this toxic waste in August. In addition, F.10., from my power point presentation,

illustrates just one single aspect regarding to general discomfort of the Ivorian citizens

who gained nothing from this oil sludge but pain and the sense of disrespect to their

society.

Also, fallowing earlier reports that 3 people had died from inhaling this oil sludge,

unrest erupt in the social and political scenarios. The entire government body was

dismissed from post for corruption charges amid this scandal. A new government was

nominated. On the other hand, there were demonstrations from the citizens who chant

anti-waste and anti-government statements all across the country. Also, some government

officials were physically confronted. Moreover, the struggle between the Ivory Coast


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government officials and the international community represented by the French officials

to seek an effective solution to this crisis was also noticeable. On this remark,

furthermore, Fig. 11., Fig.12., and Fig.13. from the link to my power point

presentation give more further details about this situation.

(b) A mystery in Somalia, Days after the December 26 Tsunamis

On the other hand, the December 26 Earthquake, which triggered the tsunami that

devastated many countries across South Asia, particularly the Indonesias Banda Ache

region; India; Sri Lanka; Malaysia; and Eastern Africa, Somalia in particular; raised

another concern for the coastal residents in Somalia. The tsunami had exposed large

tanks in the sediment off the country's flat coast and pushed them ashore,said the essay,

Chemical Nuclear Alarm in Somalia After tsunami, from Afrol Newss Web Side.

Also, Fig.15-17., from the link that give an access to my power point presentation gives

more details concerning this issue.

In addition, UNEP spokesman Nick Nuttal and Somali sources report on the wide-

spread contamination through extremely harmful substances such as uranium, mercury

and cadmium, as well as hospital waste products, and industrial waste contained in

barrels which were at the bottom of the ocean, or barely buried under the sand., the

report from Afrol News Web Side was concluding. Also, the exposure of this toxic

waste let to the outbreak of diseases, many of which were unfamiliar to the local people.

Moreover, the essay, Somalia: Worries over soil contamination in ayala valley,

provided from IRINs Web Side, revealed the concern that the government in Somalia

had ordered to the approximately 18,000 people living in theAyala valley, Somaliland, to


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leave their homes because the place had been contaminated with chemicals, mainly

pesticides. Moreover, these chemicals had been stored by the Locus Organization

Control (DLCO), said the report. On the other hand, Mr. Odiyo, a Green Peace activist

working in Somalia, was shaken by the fact this report from the Ayala valley identified

other contaminated locations across Somalia beside the Ayala valley.

Furthermore, waste trafficking may have contributes to fuel the instability that exist

in Somalia this days. On this remark, according to the report from Afrol News Web

Side, The warlords received large sums in exchange for authorization to bury toxic

waste along the Somali coast, (Chemical Nuclear Alarm in Somalia After tsunami)

Finally, the new climate conditions that are currently developing in Eastern Africa

can also contribute to spread contaminants all across this region. In fact, flooding is been

very frequent in recent decades across many regions in the world; particularly, in Eastern

Africa. Thus, flooding waters may help with the transportation of contaminants from one

area to another location across Eastern Africa . For instance, contaminants from theAyala

valley may have spread to other locations across Eastern Africa with the flooding that

have been affecting this region since the beginning of November, 2006. Consequently,

leaving the entire region vulnerable to contamination and diseases.

IV. Impact of Illegal dumping:

Furthermore, speaking from Afrol News Web Side, Ms Candotti states, "the post-

tsunami effect could have devastating consequences for the entire Eastern Coast in

Africa. Not only will the inhabitants of today see their health compromised by this, but

they will also suffer from the damaging effects on fundamental activities such as fishing

and agriculture and this will create an irreversible series of damages to future


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generations. (Chemical, nuclear alarm in Somalia after tsunami). Thus, it is obvious that

neither the people living in Africa nor the rest of the world would benefit from the

destruction of the natural habitat that exists today in Africa for the cause of illegal

dumping.

In addition, the most common effects of illegal dumping were summarized with

both the scandal in Somalia and in Ivory Coast. Where we showed that illegal dumping

can contribute to wildlife depletion; soil and water contamination; air pollution; and

generate waterborne diseases. Also, key natural resources, such as beaches, and other

important economical reserves that can contribute to the increase of income in one

specific region may also be at risk from being depleted.

V. Laws Prohibiting the Transportation of Illegal Waste into Africa

On the other hand, there have been several laws and other legislations written in an

attempt to stop the illegal dumping of industrial waste into Africa; however, power and

profit deals are the keys that rule this business. In addition, according to the Bamako

Convention given in the Basel Action Networks Web Side, The import of hazardous

wastes into the continent of Africa from outside the Continent is prohibited. Also, from

the report, Waste Heading to a Third World Bin, provided inAllAfricas Web Side we

read,The BaselConvention (1989) forbids all forms of hazardous waste export from the

most industrialized countries to developing countries.


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VI. Analysis and Conclusions.

Most important about this topic of illegal dumping are our own responsibilities,

concerns, and caring toward the individuals and other living being we share our planet

with. This really is what is needed to relate to the struggle that other individuals may be

experiencing every region in the world where the smuggling of toxic waste is being

permitted. In addition, Aid from the foreign donors in Africa is relatively petite

compared to the grievances that the African people are facing in the fate of illegal

dumping. Also, the industrialized countries should stop any illegal import of weapons,

toxic waste, and other harmful chemicals to Africa if we expect to see a much better

image coming out of the motherland.


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Work Cited:

http://www.afriprov.org/maps/africa.htm

http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/0,1518,grossbild-703439-

437842,00.html

http://news.yahoo.com/photos/ss/events/wl/060205ivorycoast

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/5322760.stmhttp://sociolingo.wordpress.com/2006/09/29/ivory-coast-toxic-dumpi...

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/02/world/africa/02ivory.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/0,1518,437842,00.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sn/prehistoric_life/tv_radio/wwcavemen

http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/0,1518,437842-2,00.htmlAfrol NewsChemical, nuclear alarm in Somalia after tsunami

http://www.unep.org/tsunami/reports/TSUNAMI_SOMALIA_LAYOUT.pdf#search=%22illegal%20waste%20in%20africa%2C%20pictures%22

http://www.ban.org/Library/bamako_treaty.htmlallAfrica.com: Africa: Waste Headed for a Third World Binhttp://www.africa.upenn.edu/About_African/ww_art.html

http://es.search.yahoo.com/search?fr=slv1-msgr&p=darfur%20photos

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Africa - Illegal Dumping