UN General Assembly
1974

236. May I take this opportunity to thank all the friendly countries, national and international organizations, public and private, that have shown concern for the fate of the Sahelian countries. Their immediate response to the food shortage has been deeply appreciated by our people. It is on behalf of those people, who during the last year have at last found reason to hope again, thanks to the rain that is now falling there, that I express my profound gratitude. 237. That food assistance should continue, and we are grateful to those countries which, within their agricultural policies, have considered expanding their aid. Our populations still need it, for it is not possible, even with a year's sustained efforts, to remedy the cumulative effects of a long drought that has sown devastation, misery and death everywhere.