SADC Calls Extraordinary Summit to Address El Niño Induced Drought Crisis
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is set to convene a virtual Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government on May 20th, 2024, to address the dire humanitarian situation arising from the El Niño induced drought gripping the region.
His Excellency João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of Angola and current Chairperson of SADC, will preside over the summit.
The ongoing drought has severely impacted an estimated 58 million people, threatening their lives and livelihoods. The Summit aims to discuss measures to mitigate the drought’s impact and tackle the food and nutrition security challenges facing the SADC region.
Key to the Summit’s agenda is the launch of the SADC Humanitarian Appeal, which will outline the affected population, their urgent needs, and call for immediate support from regional and international partners to address the crisis.
Preceding the Extraordinary Summit, a series of meetings will be held, including a Joint Meeting of Senior Officials for Agriculture, Water, Energy, and Disaster Risk Management on May 13, followed by a Joint Meeting of Ministers Responsible for these sectors on May 14.
Additionally, on May 18, the SADC Standing Committee of Senior Officials will convene, followed by the SADC Council of Ministers Meeting on May 19.
The SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, in accordance with Article 10 of the SADC Treaty, holds supreme authority over the policy direction and functions of the Community, making it the highest policy-making body of SADC.
