In March 2019, Tropical Cyclone Idai was one of the worst tropical cyclones on record to affect Africa and the Southern Hemisphere. Cyclone Idai tore into the center of Mozambique before barreling into neighboring Zimbabwe and Malawi, bringing flash floods and ferocious winds, and washing away roads, cars, and houses. The storm caused catastrophic damage in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, leaving thousands dead and missing, and more displaced.

"Cyclone Idai lays bare the fundamental injustice of climate change. Cyclone Idai should be a sobering reminder that in many parts of the world, people don’t have the luxury of ignoring climate change. Its destruction is already here." Eric Holthaus on Mar 19, 2019. Eric Holthaus is a meteorologist and columnist for Grist, covering climate science, policy, and solutions. He has previously written for the Wall Street Journal, Slate, and a variety of other publications.

To date, Cyclone Idai has affected more than five million people in Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe combined. Children are among the worst affected by the disaster, with the United Nations Children’s Fund declaring that over 1.5 million children’s lives are hanging in the balance in the three affected countries. The agency has expressed its “concern about the spread of water-borne diseases due to current conditions including stagnant waters, infected water sources, lack of hygiene, decomposing bodies, overcrowding in temporary shelters.”

The final death toll is yet to be established and might never be known. Cholera outbreak among survivors was declared and malaria is a growing concern as floodwaters continue to recede in parts of the region.

Calling on the Diaspora

We can do something to reduce the sufferings from this disaster with Hometown and Professional Associations, National Groups, the Artists coming together -City by City in various countries in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, Middle East. The only people to save Africans are Africans. External partners can assist, but Africans must lead their own determination.

The World Bank called for “global collaboration” as recovery and reconstruction gets underway for poor and vulnerable populations “in the face of climate and disaster risk.” Diaspora, let us join forces with our resources and collaborate with those at home to help the victims. It is a clarion and conscience call.

While we are still struggling to find $100 million for relief funds following the devastating Cyclone in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe. Almost 900 people dead, half a million homeless, several thousands sick with malaria and cholera... Relief organizations, including Catholic Charities already on the ground, cannot raise enough money to take care of humans in need, King Amon N'Douffou V., the king of Krindjabo, capital of the Sanwi kingdom, in the south-east of Ivory Coast, will donate to the reconstruction of the famous Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris cathedral, where Louis Aniaba was baptized in the 1700s. "I am in full consultation with my notables, we will make a donation for the reconstruction of this monument," said King Amon N'Douffou V.

Kingdom of Sanwi is a traditional kingdom located in the south-east corner of the Republic of Ivory Coast in West Africa. It was established in about 1740 by Anyi migrants from Ghana. In 1843 the kingdom became a protectorate of France. In 1959 it was merged with Ivory Coast and at that time the tribal population was estimated to be around 40,000 people in 119 settlements.

"The images (of the fire) disturbed my sleep and I could not sleep, because this cathedral represents a strong link between my kingdom (the Sanwi, a French protectorate since July 1843) and France", pointed out the sovereign of the Akan kingdom - large ethnic group that extends from Côte d'Ivoire to Togo.

At the age of 15, Prince Aniaba, a local noble, was taken to France in 1687 by the Chevalier d'Amon as a pledge of fidelity to Louis XIV. He had been baptized by Bossuet and had taken the name of his godfather: Louis. He became Louis Aniaba, before being appointed officer in the Royal Regiment, with the rank of captain.

Louis XIV distinguished him from "the Order of the Star of Our Lady" and on February 12, 1701, he received the insignia of his order in Notre-Dame Cathedral before returning to Côte d'Ivoire. (Source Le Figaro).

By Ms Joe.

Courtesy: Africa Union Citizen Journal