The UN Secretary-General António Guterres was in Mozambique assessing the traces of destruction left by Cyclones Idai and Kenneth, which have devastated the country in recent months. Over there, Guterres said the phenomena were “a clear demonstration of what climate change is producing.”
Invited by Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi, António Guterres said the visit was “a matter of the heart”. The country in Southeast Africa was hit by two cyclones in just over a month, leaving more than 2 million people in need of humanitarian aid. “Despite that, Mozambique does not really contribute to global warming, but it is at the forefront of the victims of global warming,” he said.
According to estimates by the Mozambican government, the country needs more than 3 billion dollars to rebuild. The amount raised so far, however, does not reach 50% of what is needed.
“Mozambique has the right to demand strong solidarity and strong support from the international community both in response to the dramas created by the storms that plagued the country and in preparing the country for the reconstruction and preparation for future situations,” he argued
The reconstruction and the next steps of the country
The second-largest city in the country, Beira was the most heavily hit. According to official figures, 90% of the city was destroyed by Cyclone Idai. During the visit of the Secretary-General, part of the population came to affirm “nothing left to go back for”.
The European Union has expressed support at this moment of reconstruction of Mozambique. In addition to the 200 million euros raised to help rebuild the country, the organization intends to invest in the development of the Mozambican rural sector.
According to António Sanchez, EU ambassador to Mozambique, the investments will be made in the provinces of Nampula and Zambézia in the amount of 340 million euros. The money will be applied in the following sectors: road rehabilitation; sustainable energy; agriculture; nutrition; protection of biodiversity; and development of a business environment.