The World Bank (WB) has announced the suspension of disbursements to Niger, a week after the military coup that overthrew democratically-elected President Mohamed Bazoum.
The Bank said in a statement that it was "alarmed" by the coup. "In response, the World Bank has paused disbursements for all operations until further notice other than private sector partnerships, which will continue with caution," the financial institution said in a statement.
The World Bank spent $1.5 billion in the West African country in 2022 through various aid programmes and had so far disbursed $730 million since the start of this year, according to data published on the institution’s website.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) also has several aid programmes but has so far not suspended its disbursements. The first review meeting of one of its main programmes is scheduled for later this year.
IMF disbursements under programmes signed with beneficiary countries are linked to intermediate obligations that the countries undertake to meet at regular intervals.
Progress on these conditionalities is discussed at regular meetings between the institution and the government in question, leading to disbursement after agreement between the two parties and validation by the IMF’s Executive Board.
The IMF’s latest $131.5-million aid programme for Niger, signed on 5 July, is not due to have its first progress meeting until later in the year.
A coup in Niger, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, overthrew elected president Mohamed Bazoum last week.
Niger’s West African neighbours have threatened to use “force” if President Bazoum is not restored to office by Sunday.
