We are following with great concern the news of the devastating 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the Kingdom of Morocco, which has so far claimed more than 2,000 lives.

It is with deep sadness and sorrow that I extend my sincere condolences to the Moroccan people in these difficult times. The tragedy, we mourn and that has brought immense suffering to the affected communities, is the deadliest earthquake to afflict our North African brothers and sisters in decades.

While we express our solidarity with the Moroccan people, we acknowledge the immense challenges faced by the rescue teams struggling to reach those most in need. The location of the epicentre in the High Atlas Mountains, close to the historic city of Marrakech, adds to the gravity of the situation.

At this time of pain and discomfort, we must offer our support, prayers and assistance to our Moroccan brothers and sisters as they face this unprecedented crisis. I, therefore, take this opportunity to call upon African countries, the United Nations, as well as other humanitarian organizations and the international community in general, to urgently mobilize support and specialized teams to assist in search and rescue operations, as well as to cover immediate needs.

Our solidarity goes out to the families directly affected by this unparalleled disaster.

Filipe Jacinto Nyusi

President of the Republic of Mozambique and

African Union Champion for Disaster Risk Management