HAITI: Africa lends a hand

NAIROBI, 17 January 2010 (IRIN) - Africa has not been left behind in the scramble to provide international assistance to Haiti.

The following is a list of aid contributions reportedly pledged by African governments in the wake of the 12 January earthquake.

South Africa - The government has announced a three-phase assistance package: deployment of doctors to a search and rescue team led by Rescue South Africa, a non-profit company; deployment of forensic pathologists to help identify bodies; provision of unspecified humanitarian aid in partnership with South African NGOs.

Rwanda - US$100,000, according to Rwanda's New Times newspaper.

Senegal - President Abdoulaye Wade has pledged free land to Haitians wishing to be "repatriated", news agencies reported. Spokesman Mamadou Bemba Ndiaye was quoted as saying: "Senegal is ready to offer them parcels of land - even an entire region. It all depends on how many Haitians come."

Liberia - Independent Star radio reported the government had contributed $50,000.

Nigeria - The 121-strong police contingent serving with the UN mission in Haiti is working with rescue teams in the capital, Port-au-Prince, according to This Day newspaper. The country's Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan said in a statement: "As the international community mobilizes in aid of Haiti, it can count on Nigeria's support."

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