Zambia’s Acting Foreign Minister, Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, led the country’s delegation to a virtual SADC Extraordinary Council of Ministers Meeting on May 19th, 2024. The urgent session focused on the devastating drought gripping the region, particularly Zambia, which has caused a domino effect on agriculture, energy production, and public health.
Haimbe emphasized the critical situation, highlighting a drastic decline in agricultural output due to lack of rainfall. This, in turn, has crippled Zambia’s hydropower generation, a major source of the country’s energy. The low water levels also raise concerns about an increase in animal and crop diseases, along with potential water shortages and sanitation issues that could threaten public health.
Despite these challenges, Haimbe reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to regional cooperation. He stressed the importance of working together to foster economic growth, social progress, and improved living conditions for citizens across Southern Africa.
The Council meeting delved deeper into the drought’s impact on the 2023-2024 farming season, with a report outlining the climate situation, its economic and social consequences, and the rising cost of basic goods.
As a key response measure, the Ministers agreed to launch the SADC Regional Humanitarian Appeal. This initiative aims to bolster domestic resources in affected member states and attract additional support from national, regional, and international partners to tackle the drought and potential floods.
The Extraordinary Council of Ministers paves the way for an upcoming Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government scheduled for May 20th, 2024. This high-level meeting will address the El Niño-induced drought’s severe impact on the region’s population and livelihoods.
The Summit will also see the launch of the SADC International Appeal, outlining the affected population’s needs and urging immediate assistance from regional and international partners to address these critical issues.
