Malawi has donated 30 metric tonnes of beans to the Mozambican government towards supporting people affected by the incursions in Cabo Delgado.
President Dr Lazarus Chakwera, as Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), made the pledge during the Extra-Ordinary SADC Summit held on 12th January, 2022 at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC).
Malawi committed to donate the beans as part of the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) in the wake of the ongoing insurgency in Cabo Delgado which resulted in displacement of some civilian populations.
The handing over ceremony took place on Wednesday (6th April, 2022) in Tete Province, Mozambique.
Delivering the donation on behalf of President Chakwera, Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs; Charles Kalemba said the gesture symbolises the solidarity within the SADC region and friendship between President Chakwera and President Filipe Nyusi.
Kalemba said the people of Cabo Delgado province are going through the trauma of being forced away from their homes having their livelihood disrupted in terrible circumstances hence the need for assistance.
“It is in moments of hardship and suffering that societies need to close ranks and assist one another.
“This is the tie that binds the people of the two countries; who if not only for the lines that mark the geographical boundaries, are but one in historical and cultural sense,” said Kalemba.
He added that the needs of the displaced people are many so the donation by Malawi government is aimed at contributing to the ongoing assistance that various friends of the Mozambican government are making to alleviate the suffering of the displaced people.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the Mozambican President and government, the President of the National Institute for Disaster Management, Luisa Celma Meque saluted the good gesture by the Malawi government in efforts to minimise the suffering of the affected.
Celma Meque said while they are dealing with the invasions in Cabo Delgado, Tropical Storm ANA and Cyclone Gombe deposited yet another burden on the affected population.
“On behalf of our President, we extend our utmost gratitude to President Chakwera, his government and the people of Malawi for honouring the pledge and reaching out to our people suffering from effects of terrorists attacks and Tropical Storm ANA induced-floods,” said Celma Meque.
According to her, ANA hit Mozambique on 25th of January through Mutalala District affecting about 35,000 families while the terrorist attacks have affected almost 807,000 people.
She said: “There is need for the two countries to work together in addressing issues of disasters because of the common multi-hazards that affect them.”
Celma Meque visited Malawi in February this year after Tropical Storm ANA affected some parts of the southern and central region and donated 60 metric tonnes of assorted food and non-food relief items to the affected people on behalf of the Government of Mozambique.
During her visit, she, together with Kalemba visited Nsanje to appreciate the impacts and interacted with the displaced people who were in various camps in the district.
The Malawi delegation to Mozambique also visited one of the biggest bridges in Tete, Ruvubwe bridge which was cut-off by Tropical Storm ANA induced-heavy rains and floods.
