Statement From African Development Bank Group President Dr Akinwumi Adesina Following the Devastating Earthquake in Morocco On Friday Night, 8 September 2023

10 September 2023
Content from a Premium Partner
African Development Bank (Abidjan)
press release

The earthquake that struck Morocco on the evening of Friday 8th September 2023 was devastating. With over two thousand people dead and thousands more injured, it has brought much sorrow and untold hardship to many families that lost their loved ones. It has thrown the nation and the people of Morocco into grief.

The distressing images emerging from Al Haouz, Taroudant, Chichaoua, Ouarzazate, Marrakech, Azilal and Agadir, have touched the hearts of people around the world.

I am shocked and profoundly distressed by the heavy loss of lives in this tragedy, which left in its wake enormous destruction of homes, offices, roads, hospitals, and schools.

On behalf of the African Development Bank Group, I extend my deepest condolences to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco, and every affected family. Words can scarcely convey our shared sense of grief and loss.

With our team on the ground, the African Development Bank stands in solidarity with the people of the Kingdom of Morocco and is prepared to provide much-needed support.

Given the remoteness of the epicentre of the earthquake, the African Development Bank is prioritising support for the protection of health facilities and the provision of clean drinking water, to prevent further hardship.

I wish to assure His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the people of the Kingdom of Morocco that the African Development Bank Group is ready to contribute resources and expertise to help rebuild infrastructure in the affected communities.

May the souls of the departed rest in peace. May God Almighty comfort all bereaved families and the nation in mourning. We wish a speedy recovery to all who have been injured.

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.