Mnangagwa presents SADC’s US$5,8 billion aid request at UN General Assembly

By Staff Reporter

Harare – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has presented regional body SADC’s US$5,8 billion begging bowl to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) urgently seeking assistance to combat the devastating impacts of an El Niño-induced drought.

Mnangagwa assumed leadership of SADC at the bloc’s summit held in Harare, Zimbabwe in August, but was unable to attend the UNGA, delegating foreign affairs minister Frederick Shava to deliver his speech.

On Wednesday night, Shava, delivering Mnangagwa’s speech, emphasized the severity of El Niño induced drought which caused food shortages and nutrition security in the region.

“The devastating impact of climate change is our common challenge that requires collective action to enable vulnerable communities to adapt while at the same time mitigating the impact.

“Our SADC region has been affected by the El Nino-induced drought that has created a serious food and nutrition security (challenge).

“In that context, the SADC Heads of State and Government launched an international humanitarian appeal amounting to US$5,8 billion at the end of May 2024,” said Shava.

“That figure will go up as more countries of the region complete their national assessments.

“The overarching objective is to meet the immediate needs occasioned by the El-Nino induced drought, while, at the same time, building resilience for future shocks, including through the establishment of early warning systems,” added Shava.

The drought has left approximately 68 million people, 17 percent of the SADC region population at risk of hunger, as food crops have wilted early in the farming season.

Economies in the SADC are struggling, and nations are racing to secure aid until April 2025, when food supplies are expected to normalize.

Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi are facing the brunt of the El Niño induced drought.

Rural communities in these three countries report unprecedented hardships, with many expressing deep concerns about their future.

UN climate crisis coordinator Reena Ghelani noted: “Rural communities we have met on the ground tell us they have never seen anything like this.

“They are extremely worried about their future,” added Ghelani.

In light of the situation, Zimbabwe is implementing a government-funded feeding program for schoolchildren in vulnerable areas, with additional food aid promised for affected rural communities.

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