Following the devastating impact of Cyclone Gezani, which struck Madagascar’s eastern coast on 10 February 2026, the Government of Madagascar declared a national disaster and issued an international appeal for assistance. In response, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has deployed an African Union Humanitarian Assessment Mission composed of experts from the African Union Commission’s Humanitarian Affairs team, in collaboration with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The mission will take place from 16 to 21 March 2026 and aims to assess the humanitarian situation, strengthen coordination with national and international partners, and demonstrate the African Union’s solidarity with the people affected by the cyclone.

The mission will focus on several key objectives, including conducting field visits to cyclone-affected areas to assess the humanitarian impact and identify priority needs; engaging with government institutions and national disaster response coordination mechanisms; holding consultations with humanitarian partners, United Nations agencies, and civil society organizations; and exploring opportunities for medium- to long-term recovery and resilience-building.

As part of this solidarity effort, the delegation will facilitate the distribution of approximately USD 20,000 worth of food and non-food items to vulnerable households affected by the cyclone. In addition, the Chairperson of the Commission has authorized USD 200,000 as a solidarity gesture from the Humanitarian Gesture Fund to further support humanitarian assistance efforts in Madagascar.

During the visit, the AU delegation will engage with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Disaster Risk Management Office (BNGRC), international humanitarian partners, and diplomatic representatives of AU Member States. The delegation will also conduct field visits to cyclone-affected regions to interact directly with impacted communities.

This mission underscores the African Union’s commitment to standing with the Government and people of Madagascar during this challenging period and reaffirms the continent’s dedication to collective action and the “One African Response” in addressing humanitarian emergencies.

For more information about the mission, please contact:
1. Ms. Rita Amukhobu | Head Humanitarian Affairs Division, Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development| Email: AmukhobuR@africanunion.org
2. Mildred Linet Nafula Ouma | Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development | Email: mildredl@AfricanUnion.org

For media inquiries, please contact:
Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate (ICD), African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africanunion.org