Chakwera calls for climate support at democracy summit
President Lazarus Chakwera on Wednesday urged his US counterpart Joe Biden to help Malawi with humanitarian aid and financing to help the country rebuild following the devastation caused by Cyclone Freddy.
Addressing delegates to the Second Summit for Democracy hosted by Zambia, Chakwera hailed the US government and its allies for the support rendered to Ukraine following Russia’s invasion, describing the intervention as crucial to sustaining global democracy and liberty.
The Malawian leader, however, observed that there are other existential threats, such as extreme weather events induced by climate change that could undermine global cooperation and the “enjoyment of freedom and human rights.”
He, therefore, urged his US counterpart to provide Malawi with the financing it needs to rebuild its infrastructure and provide humanitarian efforts after Cyclone Freddy killed 676 Malawians and destroyed 100 000 homes, leaving over 500 000 people homeless.
Said Chakwera: “And considering that Malawi did not bring this attack on itself, but is suffering the consequences of industrial actions by other nations, I ask you this one question: Is it not a moral duty for you who love freedom to come to Malawi’s aid with substantial resources for relief and reconstruction that address the global challenge of climate injustice?”
In a joint press statement with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Biden, who chaired the plenary session, said “strengthening transparent, accountable governance” is essential to safeguarding the interests of the global community and tackling the “world’s greatest challenges”.
The Presidents of Ukraine, Moldova, Panama, Niger, Ecuador, Slovakia and Denmark also attended the three-day event which was held under the theme ‘Free, Fair and Transparent Elections in Africa’.
