World Bank, AfDB to support Ivory Coast’s recovery as UN says $300m needed for humanitarian aid
The World Bank and its partner the African Development Bank (AfDB), say they are committed in bringing Ivory Coast back on track after the country experienced a post-elections crisis between factions of Alassane Ouatarra and Laurent Gbagbo which led to several killings.
In a joint statement copied to ghanabusinessnews.com on April 14, 2011, the two institutions said they will meet to discuss how to help the country’s recovery after the crisis.
“The World Bank and the African Development Bank will meet to discuss immediate next steps with senior officials of Cote d’Ivoire during the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group this weekend. They will also discuss how to help with other partners and supporters of the country”, the statement said.
It added: “As President Ouattara looks toward reconciliation, restoring peace, and stimulating economic recovery, both institutions stand ready to offer important assistance: financial, policy, and technical.”
Our assistance will be geared towards the rehabilitation of social and economic infrastructure necessary to put the Ivorian economy back on a sound footing, AfDB President Donald Kaberuka said in the statement.
World Bank President Robert B. Zoellick was cited as saying “We also will bring expertise to this re-engagement from our new global center on conflict and fragility in Nairobi.”
Meanwhile about $300 million is urgently needed to meet humanitarian needs in Ivory Coast, according to the United Nations Humanitarian Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).
In a Reuters report on Wednesday April 13, 2011, Valerie Amos, UNHCR Chief told the UN’s Security Council that about $300 million is needed to cover “priority humanitarian needs.”
“As of today, $57 million — only 15 percent of what is needed — has been committed…We need to act now to deliver more food, provide shelter and offer better medical treatment to those who are sick. We must not let the people of Cote d’Ivoire and the region down,” the report said citing Amos.
By Ekow Quandzie