SADC Launches $5.5 Billion Appeal to Help 61 Million People Affected by El Niño Drought and Floods
On May 20, 2024, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) launched a major humanitarian appeal to raise at least $5.5 billion. This fund aims to support over 61 million people suffering from severe drought and floods caused by El Niño.
The appeal was announced by João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of Angola and current Chairperson of SADC, during a special virtual summit with other regional leaders.
President Lourenço called on the international community, private sector, and kind-hearted individuals to contribute to the fund.
He also encouraged SADC member countries that have the ability to help to support their neighbors, emphasizing the region’s tradition of solidarity and cooperation.
He urged the media to highlight the dire needs of those affected to attract global attention and support for the humanitarian effort.
So far, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has pledged $33 million, and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has committed $10 million to the appeal.
The humanitarian plan was developed with the help of partners like FAO, OCHA, and the World Food Program (WFP), along with other regional and international aid organizations.
