THE LEAGUE of African Ambassadors has, in a statement of solidarity with Caribbean nations, expressed profound sorrow for the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa and announcing a multi-pronged initiative to provide immediate and long-term support.
In a press statement signed by its President, Ambassador Nwanne Ominyi, Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to the Republic of Zambia, the League extended its “deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies” to the people and governments of Jamaica and all other Caribbean nations impacted by the catastrophic storm.
The statement emphasised the “deep historical, cultural, and ancestral bonds” between Africa and the Caribbean, noting that despite the geographical distance, “the pain of our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean is our pain. Their loss is our loss.”
Citing the principles of Pan-Africanism, the League declared it is compelled to stand with the region in its time of need. This solidarity has been translated into a concrete action plan dubbed the “Hand of Friendship and Advocacy” initiative.
The initiative comprises three key components, The first is an urgent call for international aid – in which the League is calling on the international community, including the United Nations and major humanitarian organisations to “rapidly deploy emergency teams and scale up assistance.” The body has offered its diplomatic support to help facilitate these coordinated relief efforts.
The second is the deployment of technical experts in which the League is specifically urging global bodies and NGOs with disaster response expertise, such as OCHA and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, to immediately mobilise and deploy technical experts to the region for effective assessment and coordination.
The third is a long-term climate resilience partnership, where the League announced its intention to establish an “Africa-Caribbean Partnership on Climate Resilience Initiative.” This partnership would focus on joint advocacy for climate justice and finance on the global stage. This plan highlights that Small Island Developing States and African nations are disproportionately affected by a climate crisis they did little to create.
“To the governments and peoples of the Caribbean, we say to you that, you are not alone. Africa stands with you!” the statement read, affirming that the continent’s solidarity would be expressed through its “unwavering diplomatic voice” and moral authority to ensure the Caribbean’s call for help is heard worldwide.
The League also framed its response as a testament to the power of unity, stating that the goal is to “demand a global response worthy of the resilience and spirit of the Caribbean people.”
The League of African Ambassadors is a collective body of ambassadors representing African nations. It is dedicated to promoting Pan-African solidarity, advancing shared interests, and providing a unified voice on matters of continental and global importance.
