African Union Donates $200,000 to Support Zambia’s Drought Relief Efforts

The African Union (AU) has donated $200,000 to help mitigate the devastating effects of the severe drought, which has affected millions. The funds, allocated to the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), and were approved by the AU Commission’s PRC-SUB Committee on Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons.  

The ongoing drought, exacerbated by El Nino weather patterns and climate change, resulted in President Hakainde Hichilema declaring a national disaster on 29 February 2024. The crisis has disrupted agriculture, water supply, and energy production, leaving 6.6 million in critical need of assistance.  

The donation was handed over in Lusaka by DMMU’s Ambassador Churchil Ewumbue-Monono, Cameroon’s Representative to the AU and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). Speaking during the ceremony, Ewumbue-Mono described the donation as a demonstration of solidarity among African nations and a testament to shared humanity. Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation, expressed her gratitude for the AU’s aid, emphasising its significance in alleviating the effects felt by the drought.

DMMU National Coordinator Gabriel Pollen assured that the government is actively implementing measures to mitigate the drought’s impact. He highlighted efforts to ensure food security despite the 1.5 million tonne maize deficit. Additionally, Ewumbue-Mono has announced plans to visit to the most affected areas in the Lusaka Province as part of the AU’s humanitarian mission.

The donation of $200,000 demonstrates a united commitment to addressing Zambia’s water and security challenges.