Haiti - How can Africa Help?

Like all of you, I have been watching the international news coverage of the mobilization of relief for the survivors of the Haitian earthquake. However here in Africa there is less of an attitude of "what can we do" than I imagine is being felt in the US and elsewhere. Simply put, most African nations do not have the abundance of resources (read: wealth) to devote to Haiti. Still the hearts, minds and prayers of the African people have been focused on Haiti. Last week Ghana's president John Atta Mills sent a letter to president Rene Preval of Haiti:

"While the scale of destruction is still being assessed, it is already clear to us in Ghana that a tragedy of huge proportions has hit your beloved country.

"I therefore hasten to express on behalf of the people and Government of Ghana, and in my own name, heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the people of Haiti and your Government for the incalculable loss your country has suffered,"

Mills also made reference to tangible support for Haiti:

"We are marshaling our resources and will in due course make our modest contribution to your national effort to bring relief to the people of Haiti,"

Meanwhile, up the coast in Senegal, the president is offering a unique form of aid - free land and repatriation:

President Abdoulaye Wade said Haitians were sons and daughters of Africa since Haiti was founded by slaves, including some thought to be from Senegal.

"If it's just a few individuals, then we will likely offer them housing or small pieces of land. If they come en masse we are ready to give them a region."