Zimbabwe declares national drought disaster, President Mnangagwa calls for $2 billion aid

Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a national disaster in response to a severe drought sweeping across much of southern Africa. Joining Zambia and Malawi, Zimbabwe seeks urgent international aid, estimating a requirement of $2 billion to combat the hunger crisis resulting from the drought’s impact on maize crops.

The El Nino-induced drought has caused widespread devastation, with more than 80% of Zimbabwe experiencing below-normal rainfall. Neighboring Malawi and Zambia have similarly declared states of disaster, with millions facing food insecurity. The World Food Programme reports that 13.6 million people across the region are currently experiencing crisis-level food insecurity.

President Mnangagwa emphasizes the urgency of securing food for all Zimbabweans, stating, “No Zimbabwean must succumb to or die from hunger.” The situation has led to soaring food prices and heightened inflation, exacerbating the already precarious economic conditions in Zimbabwe.

International aid agencies, including the United Nations and local businesses, are urged to contribute towards humanitarian assistance. However, despite efforts to mobilize support, many vulnerable populations may still struggle to access aid. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) estimates that 20 million people in southern Africa require food relief, a situation likely to persist into early 2025.

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