Catholic Official in Angola Advocates for “care for the elderly, children” amid Drought Linked to El Niño Phenomenon

As for youths, Fr. Epalanga continued, “those who can work, we must see how they can engage in some projects because we do not want to perpetuate this paternalistic paradigm. What we want is to assist the most vulnerable and then work with those who are able and willing to address the challenges in their communities.”

“We are talking about more than 5 million people affected in this part of the country. Therefore, we cannot let some die while saving others,” he said.

The Angolan Catholic Priest went on to underscore the importance of long-term planning that involves research-based approaches. 

“We need to conduct a thorough study to find sustainable solutions instead of continuing with palliative measures. Otherwise, this will only tire us and those contributing to alleviate the situation,” he said.

Despite having limited resources, Fr. Epalanga said that the Church is “actively working to alleviate the crisis, partnering with organizations such as Caritas Angola and the Southern Platform, a coalition of local humanitarian groups.”

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“We are not saying we will replace the government – we certainly cannot, as we lack the resources. However, we cannot sit back and watch our brothers and sisters die of hunger,” he said. 

In the December 5 interview, the Executive Secretary of the CCJP of CEAST shared details of his three-day visit to affected communities in Benguela Province, which he said included stop overs in Lubango, Matala, and Benguela. 

“We are still deeply concerned about hunger. It has been raining, albeit irregularly, but it is not yet harvesting season. Many people are not planting because they have no seeds or resources,” Fr. Epalanga told ACI Africa. 

João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.