By Juliet Ekwenugo
Abuja
The League of African Ambassadors has expressed deep solidarity with Caribbean nations affected by Hurricane Melissa, which has caused massive destruction across Jamaica and other island countries.
In a statement issued from Lusaka, Zambia, the League described the tragedy as “one that strikes a chord of profound empathy and shared concern within our African hearts.”
President of the League and former Nigerian High Commissioner to Zambia, Ambassador Nwanne O.M. Inyi, said Africa stands firmly with the Caribbean in their time of distress.To the governments and peoples of the Caribbean, we say: you are not alone. Africa stands with you. Our solidarity is expressed through our diplomatic voice, our moral authority, and our commitment to ensure your call for help is heard and acted upon across the world,” Ambassador Inyi said.
“To the governments and peoples of the Caribbean, we say: you are not alone. Africa stands with you. Our solidarity is expressed through our diplomatic voice, our moral authority, and our commitment to ensure your call for help is heard and acted upon across the world,” Ambassador Inyi said.
He noted that while the two regions are separated by oceans, they are united by deep historical, cultural, and ancestral ties.“The pain of our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean is our pain. Their loss is our loss,” the League said.
“The pain of our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean is our pain. Their loss is our loss,” the League said.
The group also announced the launch of the “Hand of Friendship and Advocacy” initiative — a diplomatic effort aimed at mobilizing global support for humanitarian response and long-term recovery across the affected Caribbean nations.
As part of the initiative, the League urged the United Nations, the Red Cross, and other international humanitarian bodies to intensify emergency response, provide logistics, and send in disaster management experts to coordinate recovery efforts.
It also pledged full diplomatic backing to facilitate global assistance and coordination.
Looking beyond emergency relief, the League proposed a sustained Africa–Caribbean partnership to champion climate justice and advocate for increased climate finance for vulnerable nations.
According to the League, both African countries and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) continue to bear the brunt of the global climate crisis despite contributing the least to its causes.
The statement reaffirmed that the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa highlights the enduring bonds of history, culture, and humanity that connect Africa and the Caribbean.“This moment is a testament that our shared humanity is the most powerful force against adversity,” the League said.
“This moment is a testament that our shared humanity is the most powerful force against adversity,” the League said.
The League of African Ambassadors is a continental body representing African nations, committed to promoting Pan-African unity and advancing shared diplomatic interests on global issues
