Brazil’s federal police respond to reports that water used by the indigenous Guarani-Kaiowa tribe was poisoned by nearby landowners attempting to gain control over disputed land. Since 2009, the dispute has led to the deaths of three tribesmen, who say the water runs through sacred land.
Work on the controversial $13 billion Belo Monte dam is halted after protesters burn buildings at three dam sites.
Northeastern Brazil sees growing conflicts after severe drought reduces water availability. News agencies report that one person a day is being killed from “water wars,” which involve locals fighting over scarce supplies.
Several incidents of protests, injuries, and deaths are reported in regions of Peru where residents oppose large mines because of concerns over water quality and water rights. Police kill four protestors in clashes over the proposed Canadian-operated $5 billion dollar Minas Conga gold mine.
Protests because of concerns over water quality and water rights around the Xstrata Tintaya copper mine lead to two deaths and 50 injuries.
Farmers from the Abu Simbel region in Egypt hold over 200 tourists hostage to protest inadequate irrigation water. The farmers capture the tourists after they visit nearby monuments, but release them after officials agree to a temporary release of water.
Public protests over drinking and irrigation water shortages take place across Egypt. Several protests turn violent: in Beni Suef, one person is killed and many injured during a conflict over irrigation water; in Minya, villagers clash with officials over water shortages and water pollution; in Faiyum, hundreds of people protesting water shortages block a highway and set fires.
Somali Al Shabaab insurgents poison a well and damage water infrastructure near the port city of Kismayo, Somalia. Insurgents are fighting against Kenyan peacekeeping troops participating in the African Union mission in Somalia.
Violence, including several deaths, occurs during disputes over access to water in the poorest slums around Nairobi, Kenya.
Uzbekistan cuts natural gas deliveries to Tajikistan in retaliation over a Tajik hydroelectric dam which Uzbeks say will disrupt water supplies. Gas flows resumed after a new contract is signed.