Conference of Speakers of Pan-African Parliament (PAP) under the African Union (AU) has urged respective African governments and the international community to provide immediate assistance for people affected by flood disasters on the continent.
The conference expressed sympathy and support in a statement signed by its president, Chief Fortune Zephania Charumbira, at the 12th Annual Conference of Speakers of National and Regional Parliaments at the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) of the African Union (AU) in Midrand, South Africa on Friday.
It stated that the floods in Nigeria and other parts of the continent highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive response to natural disasters, driven by climate change and inadequate infrastructure.
House of Representatives deputy speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who led the Nigerian delegation to the conference, called its attention to the tragedy in Nigeria.
The speakers said their solidarity must translate into concrete actions that prioritise human dignity and resilience in the face of adversity.
They said, “We, speakers of African parliaments, convened at this important conference, express our profound solidarity with the people of Nigeria and all victims of flooding across the African continent. Recent catastrophic floods have caused widespread devastation, resulting in loss of lives, displacement of communities, and significant destruction of infrastructure.
It is our collective responsibility to stand with those affected and address the underlying challenges that exacerbate these crises.
“The floods in Nigeria and other regions have highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive response to natural disasters, driven by climate change and inadequate infrastructure. As representatives of our nations, we acknowledge the impact of these events on food security, health, and overall socio-economic stability. We recognize that the consequences of such disasters extend beyond immediate relief, affecting generations to come.
“In light of these challenges, we call upon our governments and the international community to take decisive actions, including: Immediate Humanitarian Assistance: We urge all stakeholders to prioritise the provision of immediate humanitarian aid to flood victims. This includes food, medical supplies, shelter, and psychological support for those affected by these disasters.
“We stand united in our commitment to support the people of Nigeria and all flood victims across Africa. Our solidarity must translate into concrete actions that prioritize human dignity and resilience in the face of adversity. Together, we can build a more resilient Africa, capable of weathering the storms of climate change and ensuring a better future for all its citizens”.
