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AU commends IMF for Sierra Leone debt relief

Xinhua, March 10, 2015 Adjust font size:

The chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has commended the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for approving a debt relief aid for Sierra Leone.

A statement released here Monday and signed by Wynne Musabayana, deputy Head of Division, Information and Communication Directorate of the AU Commission, said the aid had come at a time the economy of the West African country had taken a dip as a result of outbreak of the Ebola Viral Disease.

"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 people in these countries," said Dr. Dlamini-Zuma.

"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 114.63 million U.S. dollars and will assist the government of Sierra Leone to manage the potential output contraction, continued price pressure and balance of 2015 payment deficits.

"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. Endi