Congo Joins South Sudan, Mauritania, Alexandria as Rising Sea Levels and Climate Change Are Making Key African Cities Uninhabitable by 2026

Published on October 25, 2025

The ongoing impacts of climate change are transforming our planet in unprecedented ways. Among the regions most affected by these changes is Africa, where rising temperatures, extreme weather events, desertification, and flooding are making certain areas increasingly uninhabitable. With predictions suggesting these shifts will intensify by 2026, many cities and countries across the continent are facing existential challenges. These environmental changes are not only altering the landscape but also displacing communities, endangering ecosystems, and threatening centuries-old cultural heritage. This article takes a detailed look at some of the African cities and regions that could be rendered uninhabitable in the near future due to these climate impacts.

1. Egypt: Rising Seas and Flooding in Alexandria

Egypt, a country largely dependent on the Nile River, faces an immense threat due to sea-level rise. One of the most prominent examples is Alexandria, a historic city located on the Mediterranean coast. This city, which has a population of over 5 million people, is home to vital infrastructure, cultural landmarks, and historical sites. However, it is rapidly becoming one of the most vulnerable locations in Africa due to its proximity to rising sea levels.

The Nile Delta, where Alexandria is located, is particularly at risk because the land is already sinking at an alarming rate. Experts predict that by 2050, Alexandria could lose up to 30% of its land area due to coastal flooding. The sea-level rise caused by global warming is expected to submerge much of the Nile Delta, where millions of Egyptians live and farm. This would displace countless people and disrupt the country’s agricultural production, which relies heavily on this region.

The impact on Alexandria is already being felt. Coastal erosion, rising groundwater, and more frequent flooding events are damaging infrastructure, including roads, harbors, and buildings. Additionally, the agricultural land that lies on the delta, a major food source for the nation, is at risk of being washed away by the encroaching sea. While efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change are underway, Alexandria’s future looks increasingly uncertain if climate change trends continue.

2. Mauritania: Desertification Threatens Chinguetti

Located in the western part of the Sahara Desert, Mauritania is facing a dire situation as desertification increasingly affects its landscape. One of the most at-risk areas is Chinguetti, a historic city once a prominent center of trade and learning in the medieval Islamic world. Today, however, it is fighting against the advancing sands of the Sahara that threaten to bury it.

Chinguetti, located about 400 kilometers northeast of the capital Nouakchott, is one of the most ancient cities in the region. It holds immense cultural and historical value, with old libraries containing manuscripts from centuries ago. However, sandstorms and the encroaching desert are making it more difficult to sustain life in the region. Once a thriving town, it now faces severe water scarcity, as rainfall in the area has dramatically decreased over the past decades.

The situation in Chinguetti is not unique. As the Sahara Desert expands, Mauritania and other North African countries are seeing vast swathes of land turning to desert. With water sources becoming scarce and agriculture becoming increasingly unfeasible, livelihoods are being severely affected. Migration from rural areas to cities has increased, as people try to escape the deteriorating conditions, making Chinguetti a prime example of how desertification can render entire areas uninhabitable.

3. South Sudan: The Sudd Wetlands at Risk from Flooding

In the heart of East Africa, South Sudan faces a grave situation as the Sudd, one of the world’s largest wetlands, faces unprecedented flooding. This vast, swampy region is not only ecologically significant but also provides livelihoods for local communities. However, climate change has drastically altered rainfall patterns, causing an increase in flooding that threatens both the natural environment and human settlements.

Over the past few years, climate change has intensified the region’s rainfall patterns, leading to extended flooding during the rainy season. In 2024, massive floods devastated large parts of South Sudan, including the Sudd region, submerging thousands of acres of land and displacing more than 1 million people. The situation worsened as the rivers in the region overflowed, flooding villages and making it increasingly difficult to grow food or access basic resources like fresh water.

If these trends continue, the Sudd wetlands could become completely uninhabitable. The flooding not only destroys infrastructure but also erodes the land and displaces entire communities. South Sudan, already facing political instability and ongoing conflict, now faces a climate crisis that is threatening the livelihoods of its people, further complicating efforts for recovery and peace.

4. Democratic Republic of the Congo: Uvira’s Struggle with Rising Water Levels

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a vast country rich in natural resources, is another African nation grappling with the devastating effects of climate change. One of the most affected regions in the DRC is Uvira, a city located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Over the past decade, rising water levels and increasingly frequent flooding have put Uvira at great risk of becoming uninhabitable.

Lake Tanganyika is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, and its importance to local communities cannot be overstated. However, due to climate-induced changes, the lake’s water levels have been rising at alarming rates, flooding surrounding areas, including the city of Uvira. As of 2024, several neighborhoods in Uvira were submerged, displacing thousands of people and causing extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and farmlands.

The rising water levels in Lake Tanganyika are not only a threat to Uvira but to other lakeside cities as well. These areas are witnessing changes in the ecosystem, including fisheries being impacted and agricultural land being inundated. If these climate-induced changes continue, Uvira and other cities along the lake could become completely submerged, leaving them uninhabitable.

Broader Impact of Climate Change on Africa

The examples of Alexandria, Chinguetti, South Sudan, and Uvira illustrate a broader trend that is becoming increasingly common in Africa. Across the continent, climate change is altering weather patterns, causing extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and desertification. These environmental shifts are pushing entire regions to the brink of becoming uninhabitable, displacing millions of people in the process.

Mitigation and Adaptation Efforts

As these regions face mounting pressures, the importance of climate adaptation and mitigation strategies becomes clearer. While some African nations are making efforts to reduce their carbon emissions and protect their ecosystems, the challenges of managing the impacts of climate change are vast. Many countries in Africa lack the resources to implement large-scale solutions, making international support and climate financing crucial for the continent’s future.

Efforts to combat desertification, improve water management, and adapt agriculture to changing climate conditions are essential. If these efforts fail or are insufficient, the future of regions like Alexandria, Chinguetti, and Uvira may involve the complete abandonment of once-thriving cities and communities.

Conclusion

Africa is at a crossroads as climate change continues to exacerbate the environmental challenges that many of its countries and regions already face. The growing uninhabitable conditions in cities such as Alexandria, Chinguetti, Uvira, and South Sudan are stark reminders of the urgent need for climate action. By 2026, more regions could face similar risks, unless comprehensive efforts are made to reduce carbon emissions, promote sustainable development, and help communities adapt to the rapidly changing environment.

As the situation unfolds, it is critical that governments, organizations, and communities work together to find solutions that will preserve the lives, cultures, and ecosystems of the people most affected by climate change.