African diplomats have launched a fundraising campaign to assist Caribbean countries recovering from Hurricane Melissa, which killed 50 people and caused widespread destruction across Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba. The League of African Ambassadors announced the Hand of Friendship and Advocacy Initiative to coordinate relief efforts and mobilize international support for reconstruction.
Ambassador Kufa Chinoza of Zimbabwe, who serves as the league's general secretary, said historical and cultural connections between the two regions make the tragedy deeply personal for African nations. The Category 5 storm struck Jamaica on Tuesday of last week with devastating force, destroying up to 90 percent of structures in some communities and cutting power to 60 percent of the island. Ambassador Nwanne Ominyi of Nigeria, the league's president, joined Chinoza in calling for emergency assistance from United Nations agencies and humanitarian groups.
The diplomatic organization urged the creation of an Africa-Caribbean Partnership on Climate Resilience, arguing that developing nations suffer disproportionately from environmental disasters despite contributing minimally to global warming. Chinoza emphasized that vulnerable countries need better access to climate financing and infrastructure support to prevent future catastrophes.
Ambassador Kufa Chinoza of Zimbabwe, who serves as the league's general secretary, said historical and cultural connections between the two regions make the tragedy deeply personal for African nations. The Category 5 storm struck Jamaica on Tuesday of last week with devastating force, destroying up to 90 percent of structures in some communities and cutting power to 60 percent of the island. Ambassador Nwanne Ominyi of Nigeria, the league's president, joined Chinoza in calling for emergency assistance from United Nations agencies and humanitarian groups.
The diplomatic organization urged the creation of an Africa-Caribbean Partnership on Climate Resilience, arguing that developing nations suffer disproportionately from environmental disasters despite contributing minimally to global warming. Chinoza emphasized that vulnerable countries need better access to climate financing and infrastructure support to prevent future catastrophes.
