AFRICA: EAST- 10 MILLION IN NEED DUE TO CATASTROPHIC DROUGHT

Agenzia Fides REPORT – Given the catastrophic situation resulting from the severe drought experienced by the Horn of Africa as well as East Africa and affecting more than 10 million people in Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Kenya, Caritas Africa, through the Caritas Africa Solidarity Fund created to support the victims of drought, has granted 25 thousand euro to support the efforts made by the respective Caritas members in the above mentioned countries, who are already doing their utmost to respond to the emergency situation and bring relief to the victims of the drought. Caritas Africa, in a statement sent to Fides, emphasizes that it is not only reacting to the present emergency, but is also responding to the wish clearly expressed by the Synod Fathers in Proposition 17 of the final message delivered at the end of the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops in November 2009, which states: "it is imperative to develop relations of solidarity between dioceses and within the Episcopal conferences themselves. Thus, it is urgent to establish a solidarity fund between the dioceses across the continent through Caritas network". Caritas Africa appeals to all Caritas members of the Africa region inviting them to organize fund raising campaigns at all levels, so that everyone can contribute to the concretization of the Caritas Africa Solidarity fund. It is desirable to gradually build up the Solidarity Fund so that financial support may be provided in the shortest possible delay without having to wait for new donations, the statement concluded. (PA)

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