Africa’s Christian Professionals Urge Solidarity with Morocco, Libya after Disasters

They add, “It is our sincere hope that the international community will also come together to assist in its recovery efforts.”

“Together, we can help the affected families find solace, rebuild their lives, and strengthen their resilience in the face of such adversity,” the Christian Professionals say, and continue, “As an organization rooted in the protection of family values and the sanctity of life, ACPF believes in the power of solidarity, compassion, and love for our nations, irrespective of their religion or race.”

Mediterranean Storm Daniel caused flooding in many towns of Eastern Libya. Derna city has been most affected by the tragedy after two dams outside the city collapsed following the floods. 

“In a city of 100,000 people, entire neighborhoods are thought to have been swept away, with waves reaching three meters in some places. Cars are submerged beneath the flood waters and buildings have collapsed, with bridges and buildings damaged as torrents of water rushed through the street,” the British Red Cross has said in a September 13 report.

Meanwhile, at least 2,901 people have been killed and 5,530 injured following what has been described as Morocco’s “deadliest earthquake since 1960”. 

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In their September 14 statement shared with ACI Africa, ACPF members say their hearts “are heavy with grief as we witness the devastation and suffering caused by these natural disasters.”

“The Africa Christian Professionals Forum (ACPF) expresses its deepest condolences and unwavering support for the people of Morocco and Libya and their families who have tragically lost their loved ones in the recent earthquake and massive floods that have engulfed these countries,” they say.

ACPF members go on to say they stand by the people of Morocco and Libya and all nations in times of crisis. 

“Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we remain dedicated to working towards a brighter and more hopeful future for all,” they say.

Pope Francis expressed his “spiritual closeness” with the people of God in Libya.

In a September 12 telegram message addressed to the victims of the Libyan floods on behalf of the Holy Father, the Vatican Secretary of State said the Pope “was deeply saddened to learn of the immense loss of life and destruction caused by the flooding in the eastern part of Libya, and he sends the assurance of his prayers for the souls of the deceased and all who mourn their loss.”

“His Holiness also expresses heartfelt spiritual closeness to the injured, to those who fear for their missing loved ones, and to the emergency personnel providing rescue and relief assistance,” Pietro Cardinal Parolin said.

Pope Francis also offered Morocco “prayerful communion” and expressed “his deep solidarity with those who are touched in their flesh and their hearts by this tragedy.”

Magdalene Kahiu is a Kenyan journalist with passion in Church communication. She holds a Degree in Social Communications from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Currently, she works as a journalist for ACI Africa.