African Union Thanks The Imf For The Sierra Leone Debt Relief Aid

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Monday, 09 March 2015; The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, acknowledges and appreciates the debt relief aid for Sierra Leone, approved by the executive board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) .

This aid comes at a time where the economy of Sierra Leone had taken a dip as a result of Ebola and other challenging economic factors.

“The Ebola disease has had a negative impact on the three most affected countries; Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia. As such, we need to start thinking about what comes after the eradication of the disease, which is to restore the infrastructure and the dignity of the people in these countries. The IMF disbursements are welcomed and truly valued, in the context of the AU Summit calls for debt cancellation for these countries.” explained Dr. Dlamini-Zuma.

The aid will amount to USD 114.63 million and will assist the government of Sierra Leone to manage the potential output contraction, continued price pressures and balance of 2015 payment deficits.

“We are working hard as Africans to fight against Ebola and we will not stop until the three countries are Ebola-free, and their health systems resilient to cope with such public health emergencies. We continue to make progress, with the solidarity of all Africans and the help of our friends from the international community,” concluded Dr. Dlamini-Zuma.