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Where is the missing link in the Cape-Cairo railway, and why was it never finished?
Question
#95867. Asked by author. (May 19 08 5:58 PM)
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neelie_447
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"While most sections of the Cape to Cairo railway are in operation, a major part is missing between Sudan and Uganda."
"British interests had to overcome not only the formidable obstacles posed by country and climate, but also interfering ambitions by other powers. The French attempted an West-East connection of their possessions from the Western Sahara or French North Africa to Djibouti. Their attempts were foiled at the Fashoda incident. The Portuguese tried unsuccessfully to link Angola and Mozambique. Opposition to British rule in South Africa was settled after two Boer wars. Germany had secured a critical piece of real estate in East Africa that precluded completion of the North-South link. However, with the defeat of Germany in 1918 most of this territory fell into British hands and politically the link was closed. However, while after 1918 the British Empire possessed the political power to complete the Cape-Cairo Railway, economic issues precluded its completion between the World Wars. After World War II, the national struggles of the African peoples, and the demise of colonialism removed the foundations for its completion."
http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Cape-Cairo_railway/id/1945191
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