African Parliamentary Speakers Express Solidarity with Flood Victims Across Africa

As the curtains fell on the 12th Annual Conference of Speakers of African National and Regional Parliaments hosted by the Pan-African Parliament, Speakers of African Parliaments collectively expressed profound solidarity with the people of Nigeria and other flood victims across the African continent.

The solidarity statement was issued in light of devastating floods that have led to widespread destruction, loss of life, and the displacement of communities. The Speakers emphasized the collective responsibility of African leaders to support those affected and address the underlying causes of these crises, such as climate change and inadequate infrastructure.

Over the past month, several African countries have experienced severe flooding due to heavy rainfall and extreme weather events. In Libya, catastrophic flooding struck eastern parts of the country in early September, particularly in the city of Derna, where the collapse of two dams caused massive devastation, killing thousands and displacing tens of thousands according to reports. This flooding was linked to Storm Daniel, which also affected parts of Greece and Turkey. Meanwhile, it is reported that  countries in West and Central Africa like Chad, Nigeria, Mali, and Niger have also been severely impacted by floods, with millions of people affected and thousands displaced. These regions have faced some of the worst flooding in decades, exacerbating ongoing humanitarian crises​. Additionally, South Africa experienced flooding in the Western Cape, with evacuations and widespread disruption reported​.

The floods in Nigeria have brought to the forefront the urgent need for a coordinated response to natural disasters. African Parliamentary Speakers highlighted the disastrous effects on food security, health, and socio-economic stability, stressing that the consequences extend far beyond immediate relief efforts. In their statement, they called for a range of actions including immediate humanitarian aid, strengthened disaster preparedness, and the promotion of climate resilience to mitigate the impact of future disasters.

The conference urged regional cooperation among African nations to share resources and best practices in disaster management. The Speakers also advocated for long-term policy solutions that address poverty, inequality, and infrastructure deficiencies, which exacerbate vulnerability to climate-related disasters. They concluded with a united commitment to supporting flood victims across the continent, stressing the importance of translating solidarity into concrete action to build a more resilient future for Africa.

The Annual Conference of Speakers of African National and Regional Parliaments, hosted by the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), is a significant forum that brings together parliamentary leaders from across Africa. Its purpose is to strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation, discuss continental legislative priorities, and foster dialogue on governance, democracy, and socio-economic development. The conference serves as a platform for sharing best practices, aligning legislative actions with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and addressing pressing issues affecting the continent, such as peace, security, and sustainable development. It plays a key role in advancing legislative harmonization and promoting the vision of African unity.