Donors pledge 3.25b euros to aid Mali recovery
Updated: 2013-05-16 10:23
(Agencies)
|
|||||||||||
BRUSSELS - International donors pledged 3.25 billion euros ($4.22 billion) on Wednesday to help Mali recover from a conflict with al-Qaida-linked Islamists, exceeding the West African country's target.
The development drive for Mali, one of the world's poorest countries, is aimed at halting a resurgence of the rebels driven out of major northern towns by a French-led offensive this year.
"More than 3.25 billion euros have been mobilised at this conference," French President Francois Hollande told the meeting, organised jointly by France and the European Union.
More than 100 delegations took part in the conference, including 10 presidents or prime ministers.
The EU's executive Commission will allocate 524 million euros to Mali. Large pledges by France, the United States, Britain, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, the Islamic Development Bank and others enabled the West African country to exceed its goal of raising two billion euros.
It needs the money to fill a funding gap in a 4.34 billion euro plan to keep the peace and build infrastructure over this year and next.
EU, French and Malian officials declared the conference a success. "It went beyond what we could have hoped for ... This conference marks a new chapter in the fight of civilization against terrorism," Malian President Dioncounda Traore told a news conference.
French and EU officials said that releasing the bulk of the money was dependent on Mali fulfilling its commitment to holding presidential elections on July 28.
"We cannot wait for the elections. One third of the EU commitment will be financed before, but two thirds depends on the elections," French Development Minister Pascal Canfin told Reuters.
He also said Mali must push through reforms in justice, fighting corruption, public finances and decentralising power.
Related Stories
France to start withdrawing Mali troops from April 2013-03-07 03:27
Terrorist chief reportedly killed during Mali raid 2013-03-04 09:29
Today's Top News
British visa easier to woo Chinese tour groups
Taiwan-Philippines dispute grows
Solar-grade polysilicon probes almost completed
China to increase input on the Arctic
Visa-free policy in Shanghai draws 3,800 visitors
JP Morgan cuts GDP growth forecast
China to tighten management of teachers
Telephone threats ground five planes
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Micro blogs help fight graft |
Special: Have some more tea |
Quake prompts growth in NGOs |
Flash quit |
Jaywalkers tread with care |
Old case returns to public eye |