EU suspends its development aid to Mali

BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, March 23, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- EU Development Commissioner, Andris Piebalgs, made the following statement:

Following yesterday's coup d'etat in Mali, I decided to suspend temporarily European Commission's development operations in the country until the situation clarifies. This decision does not affect humanitarian aid. I reiterate the call of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, for a speedy resolution of the crisis, restoration of constitutional order and the holding of democratic elections as soon as possible. Mali has achieved steady development progress in recent years which can only be preserved in a stable and democratic environment. In the face of the deteriorating security situation in the North of Mali and the looming food crisis in the region I urge all the parties to ensure protection of civilians and respect for human life.

Background

For the 2008-2013, the European Commission planned to allocate €583 million of development aid to Mali. This aid aims to strengthen sustainable and inclusive economic development of Mali and support poverty reduction. In addition, these funds are used for food security programmes, improving access to drinking water, support civil society and the migration policy.