MOZAMBIQUE: Cardinal Ambongo Calls for Solidarity with Mozambique Flood Victims
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
Following the devastating floods affecting Southern Africa and particularly Mozambique, the President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) has called for solidarity with thousands who have lost their loved ones and livelihoods.
In a statement dated Saturday, January 31, His Excellency Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo Besungu of the Archdiocese of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, said in his address: “Let us work together to respond to this crisis with compassion, solidarity, and generosity.”
According to the Cardinal, the prolonged rainfall has caused destruction and despair, which “serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of human life and the urgent need for our collective response to this humanitarian crisis.”
“Our hearts go out to the thousands of people who have lost their homes, livelihoods, and loved ones…. We urge the International Community and all people of goodwill to provide prompt assistance to those living in various accommodation centres, who are lacking the most necessities,” he said.
The Cardinal appealed further, urging people to support the affected communities in restarting their lives, rebuilding their homes and livelihoods, and regaining their dignity and hope, noting that collective efforts should be guided by the values of “justice, equality, and human dignity.”
Speaking on behalf of the Bishops in Africa, he said, “We pray for the souls of the deceased and for the swift recovery of those affected, “and appealed to the Mozambicans, “Please accept our heartfelt prayers and solidarity in this time of need.
In a separate statement issued by the Commonwealth Secretary General on the same concern of floods in Mozambique, Ms. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey echoed SECAN’s appeal on the need for “unity, co-operation and decisive multilateral action to strengthen resilience and protect lives.”
“We must mobilise swiftly in support of Mozambique, ensuring that lifesaving assistance, engineering expertise, food, shelter, health services and protection reach those most in need,” the statement reads in parts and continues, “The Commonwealth will continue to champion the resources, partnerships and climate action required to help our members withstand and recover from such increasingly frequent and destructive climate-driven disasters.”
