The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has launched a humanitarian appeal for more than US$5.5 billion to support over 61 million people affected by an El Niño-induced drought and floods.
Large parts of southern Africa experienced below average rainfall during the just-ended 2023/24 rainfall season, with Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique Zambia and Zimbabwe receiving less than 20 percent of expected rainfall, affecting rainfed agriculture production.
At least three of the countries – Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe – have declared the drought a state of disaster and appealed for external support.
Other countries in the region were affected by floods, which damaged infrastructure and claimed lives in parts of Madagascar, Malawi and Mozambique.
SADC said in a statement that the regional humanitarian appeal was launched by SADC chairperson João Lourenço during an extraordinary virtual summit of the 16 heads of state and government on Monday.
Lourenço appealed to “the international community, the private sector and individuals of good will to assist to meet the needs of the affected populations.”
He also appealed to SADC member states with the capacity to render their support.
“Charity begins at home, so we say, may I appeal to SADC member states that have the capacity to assist the affected member states to do so in keeping with our long-standing tradition of regional solidarity and cooperation,” the Angolan president said.
The appeal is aimed at augmenting domestic resources of the affected Member States, including efforts for resource mobilisation from national, regional and international partners in response to the impact of El Niño-induced drought and floods.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has pledged US$33 million, while the Food and Agriculture Organisation has pledged an amount of US$10 million.
JN/APA