The World Bank on Wednesday said it was “alarmed” by efforts to overthrow the democratically elected government in Niger, and had suspended disbursements in the African country until further notice, except for private-sector partnerships.
Niger has one of the largest World Bank portfolios in Africa, amounting to $4.5 billion covering the country’s priority sectors, and it has also received $600 million in direct budget support from the bank between 2022 and 2023.
“The World Bank believes that peace, stability, and rule of law are fundamental for creating a world free of poverty on a livable planet. We are alarmed by efforts to overthrow the democratically elected government in Niger,” it said in a statement.
“As a result, the World Bank has paused disbursements for all operations until further notice other than private sector partnerships which will continue with caution.” The World Bank said it would continue monitoring the situation.
Responding to the World Bank monetary sanction on Niger and Nigeria’s cut of electricity supply to the country, a Kenyan youth, Myron Mhindi said,
“They call Russia inhuman when they block the grain deal with Russia. But they are okay with Nigeria cutting electricity supply to Niger, when all human support is not allowed. They have sanctioned monetary systems of Niger. Double standards of the West. ECOWAS is a puppet Union. It should be ignored.”