STATEMENT SADC Chairperson The SADC region is in a humanitarian crisis resulting from two consecutive drought years which is impacting on the lives and livelihoods of nearly 40 million people. While the region was largely able to cope with the drought in the 2014/15 rainfall season through its own means, the severity of the El Niño induced drought of 2015/16 has overwhelmed the disaster preparedness capacity in most of the affected Member States. It is for this reason that the region is issuing this Regional Appeal for Humanitarian and Recovery Support. Analysis of the rainfall performances indicates that the October to December 2015 period, which represents the first half of the cropping season, was the driest in more than 35 years in several southern parts of the region. During the same period, higher than average temperatures were consistently experienced across the region. Consequently, the region has faced widespread crop production failures and loss of thousands of livestock and wildlife. As most of our rural population depend on own food production, the widespread loss of crops and livestock has led to severe food shortages. The drought has also led to scarcity of water supply for both human and animal consumption. Unsafe sources of water are now widely used and this has increased the risks of water borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid. In addition, water levels in most major dams in the region have declined significantly, thereby affecting hydro-electric power generation in the region. Power shortages are adversely affecting individual households, industrial production and social services such as hospitals and schools. I, on behalf of SADC issue this appeal to bring to attention the plight of the citizens of our region. We must ensure that our citizens do not only survive the threat posed by the drought, but bounce-back better and stronger. This Appeal is meant to complement the response efforts at individual Member States level, including national partners, as a lot has been done by the countries. Let me also assure you that the region continues building up Member States’ resilience to future shocks. Finally, may I appeal to all Member States with the means to assist affected countries to do so in solidarity. To our partners in the international community, I call upon your goodwill to assist the region. With your support, we can prevent loss of lives and rebuild the livelihood of our vulnerable people in the region and our economies. 8 Lieutenant General Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA AND CHAIRPERSON OF SADC