Chemnitz asks for help for twin city Timbuktu
Last May, the Mayor of Chemnitz, Barbara Ludwig, called for donations to help 15 million African people who were threatened by famine following an extreme drought. Mali and Chemnitz's twin city Timbuktu were also affected. Now that the situation has deteriorated further as a result of political unrest, Chemnitz is once again appealing for donations for its African twin city.
At the moment, information is needed above all on how and with what specific help can be provided. "We are looking at our twin city Timbuktu with attention and great concern. We are trying to get information, but that is difficult given the situation. The infrastructure is lacking and employees of development organisations have not been on site for a long time. From an email we received from the mayor shortly before Christmas and from subsequent feedback, we have an idea of how difficult the situation is," says Lord Mayor Barbara Ludwig, who, together with TU Rector Arnold van Zyl, approached Development Minister Dirk Niebel and asked him to support Chemnitz in future aid projects for the African twin city.
Chemnitz had already initiated many aid projects in recent years: These included planting trees to prevent Timbuktu from silting up and providing materials for schools. Medical equipment and supplies as well as medicines are particularly needed in the city's hospital. There is a lack of malaria prophylaxis as well as medical equipment and other medicines. There is also an urgent need to provide materials for the schools looted by the rebels. An appeal is therefore being made to the people of Chemnitz to make such aid campaigns possible with donations. Donations can be made to a special account set up for this purpose.
The Chemnitz city council has also invited Timbuktu's mayor Halle Ousmane to Chemnitz to discuss specific aid measures together with the Chemnitz-Timbuktu Partnership Association. He is expected to visit Germany in March. Reports on the situation of Timbuktu's inhabitants have already reached Chemnitz in advance. It is currently uncertain how many of the 55,000 inhabitants are still in Timbuktu. The rebels had looted the hospital there and the infirmary set up with help from Chemnitz, as well as public buildings and schools.
Donation account of the city of Chemnitz:
Account no.: 350 100 9282
BANK CODE: 870 50 000
Reason for payment: 1111100.50111000 Timbuktu