World Bank Pauses Mali Payments After Coup
The World Bank said on Friday it had temporarily paused payments to operations in Mali following a military coup.
The Bank's actions add to pressure
on Mali's military leadership after chief security ally France announced on
Thursday it was suspending joint operations with Malian troops in order to
press for a return to civilian rule.
The military's overthrow of Mali's
transitional president last week, its second coup in nine months, has drawn
international condemnation and raised fears the political crisis will weaken
regional efforts to fight militants.
The World Bank, whose International
Development Association (IDA) is currently financing projects to the tune of
$1.5 billion in Mali, confirmed the suspension of payments in a statement to
Reuters.
"In accordance with the World Bank policy
applicable to similar situations, it has temporarily paused disbursements on
its operations in Mali, as it closely monitors and assesses the
situation," it said.
Assimi Goita, the colonel who led
both coups, was declared president last Friday after having served as vice
president under Bah Ndaw, who had been leading the transition since September.
Ndaw and his prime minister resigned while in military custody last week.
