Message of Solidarity with the people of Sierra Leone on the occasion of the floods and mudslides that have killed more than 400 people and displaced many
17 August 2017
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Region has learnt with sadness the demise of over 400 Sierra Leone nationals who have died in one of the worst floods in Africa, which have devastated parts of Sierra Leone’s capital and disrupted normal life. This is an unprecedented and dreadful time for the People of Sierra Leon who have lost loved ones and whose homes and property have been damaged in the floods.
On behalf of the SADC Region, her citizens and the Office of the Chairperson of SADC, I wish to convey our condolences and solidarity with Sierra Leon and her people during this devastating period of mourning and recovery. The people of SADC are touched by the suffering of the people and wish them strength during this difficult period.
SADC has noted the appeal by His Excellency President Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone, for urgent help to support the thousands of people affected by the devastating mudslide on the outskirts of the country’s capital. The people of the SADC region stand ready to assist in every way possible way and call upon the international community and partners to strengthen their efforts, and urgently assist in the search and rescue process, so that there is a speedy return to nominalization of the way of life of the people. On behalf of the region, SADC would like to assure Sierra Leon‘s nationals of SADC’s continued support.
Honourable Maite Nkoana-Mashabane
Chairperson of the SADC Council of Ministers
and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the
Republic of South Africa
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
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