"The president is offering voluntary repatriation to any Haitian that wants to return to their origin," said Mr Wade's spokesman, Mamadou Bemba Ndiaye.
Responding to the Senegalese offer, Mr Mende said the government would certainly not reject any Haitians if they wanted to move to DR Congo.
SOURCE: BBC News online at 17:39 GMT UK, Monday, 18 January 2010 - Poor DR Congo offers aid to Haiti. Here is a copy, in full:
The Democratic Republic of Congo has announced it is sending $2.5m (£1.5m) in emergency aid to Haiti, to help it cope with last week's earthquake.I hope the whole world helps Haiti. See comments online at BBC's Have Your Say: Should Africa help Haiti? Here is a copy of some heartwarming comments posted:
Some Congolese have criticised the offer. After years of conflict, which is still raging in the east, millions of people live in poverty.
The country depends on foreign aid and civil servants frequently go unpaid.
But Information Minister Lambert Mende told the BBC that DR Congo would contribute within its means.
"Congo isn't bankrupt, our own problems shouldn't prevent us from helping a brother country," he said.
But political scientist Ntanda Nkere from the University of Kinshasa told the BBC:
"It's a contradiction to see a country which is facing serious financial problems giving away $2.5m but at the same time, it's a purely diplomatic reaction, the Congolese government wants to appear like any other government."
On Sunday, Senegal's President Abdoulaye Wade said he was offering free land to any Haitians who wanted to "return" to Africa.
Most of Haiti's population are descended from slaves.
"The president is offering voluntary repatriation to any Haitian that wants to return to their origin," said Mr Wade's spokesman, Mamadou Bemba Ndiaye.
Responding to the Senegalese offer, Mr Mende said the government would certainly not reject any Haitians if they wanted to move to DR Congo.
The earthquake killed tens of thousands in Haiti, with many bodies still stuck in the remains of buildings.
Aid is slowly arriving but aid workers are struggling to distribute it to all those who need it.
Monday, 18 January, 2010, 18:49 GMT 18:49 UK
First I would like to thank you to African leaders that tried to help our brothers and sister in Haiti. This is a time we have to show the world that we are able to help our with a lettle that we have. I will say long live to our African leaders. Haitian people were our people before the end in that island. This is time for them to come. Second, I thank world leaders that put their hands to help Haiti. Specaily, United States leaders. Haitian history is our everyone that why they are in Haiti.
Simon, NJ, US Original From South Sudan
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It does not matter who helps them.
JUST HELP THEM !!
Haiti, as a country, have never harmed anyone.
Please everyone come together and help them.
Gareth, UK
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Added: Tuesday, 19 January, 2010, 08:46 GMT 08:46 UK
The Senegal president's offer is a good one. Haitians should explore living in Africa especially if conditions in their state are, relatively, not as favourable. There is good abundant farmland and opportunity for those with skills to live better in Africa. Infact, i would propose Haitians obtain African citizenship and join the African Union
Ezekiel Pombe, Kisumu
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Added: Tuesday, 19 January, 2010, 02:10 GMT 02:10 UK
yes! everywhere should help haiti!! they are in desperate need of help!
me, vegas
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Added: Monday, 18 January, 2010, 22:56 GMT 22:56 UK
May God bless President President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal,
Macaulay Akinbami, Lagos-Nigeria
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Added: Monday, 18 January, 2010, 20:20 GMT 20:20 UK
The Senegalese govt's thinking and offer is really very encouraging i enjoin other African's country to offer same olive branch and hopefully the Haitians are considering this
olaosebikan o.k (mrs), Lagos
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