OAU donates US$ 100,000 to alleviate the plight of Congo's volcano-stricken people

The Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of African Unity in charge of Political Affairs, Ambassador Said Djinnit, on behalf of the Secretary General last week handed over a cheque for the sum of US$ 100,000.00 (one hundred thousand dollars) to the UNHCR as OAU's symbolic contribution to help alleviate the plight of the unfortunate victims of the recent volcanic eruption of Mount Nyiragongo near Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ambassador Djinnit stated that the contribution was to assist the affected population and to support the efforts of the international community, as well as a reflection of the partnership between the OAU and the UNHCR. In this regard, he appealed to OAU member states and the wider international community to extend urgently required humanitarian and other forms of assistance to all those affected by the catastrophe, according to an OAU press release.

Receiving the contribution, the UNHCR Representative in Ethiopia, Mrs. Zobida Hassim Ashagrie expressed appreciation to the OAU for the contribution and affirmed that the donation would be judiciously utilized in assisting the people most directly in need.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Secretary General responsible for Community Affairs, Ambassador Lawrence Agubuzu, acting for the Secretardy General, received and held discussions with Honourable Mag. Barbara Prammer, Member of Parliament, Chair of the Committee for Equality Issues in the Austrian Parliament and Inter-African Committee's Spokesperson to the European Union who led an official delegation to the OAU Headquarters, in Addis Ababa.

Hon. Mrs. Prammer who was invited by the Inter-African Committee to attend its Executive Board Meeting and contribute in preparing a Convention on the elimination of dangerous traditional practices, underscored the importance of the voices of African women being heard at all levels.