The United States said yesterday it would suspend some aid to Mali after last week’s coup, saying it estimated $60 million (€45 million) to $70 million (€52 million) may be affected but it would keep giving food and humanitarian assistance.
“We have now taken a decision to suspend our assistance to the government of Mali pending a resolution of the situation,” state department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said.
“We want to see the elected government restored as quickly as possible.
“We will continue . . . to provide humanitarian and food assistance to those displaced by the conflict in the north and those affected by the region’s food crisis but the rest of our government-to-government assistance will be suspended,” Ms Nuland added.
Last week’s coup ousting President Amadou Toumani Touré was born out of frustration among mainly low-ranking soldiers over a lack of equipment in the conflict against Tuareg-led rebels fighting for independence for the vast desert north of the country. – (Reuters)