Breaking: African countries ask for Moratorium extension ‘until 2021’

Last updated on September 11th, 2021 at 08:22 am

African nations came out swinging during the United Nations General Assembly,// calling for dramatic fiscal measures, in order to help economies survive the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

African countries estimate they need an annually support of $100 billion for the next three years, pointing out it is only a fraction of the trillions of dollars, some richer countries are using to revive their economies.

They have also asked that the current mortorium in effect be further extended.

Several countries have said maintaining the debt moratorium until 2021 was necessary, claiming debt cancellation is needed to free up more resources to tackle the virus and its effects, which includes the fight against other deadly diseases like malaria and HIV/AIDS.

Alongside Senegal, Niger and Côte d’Ivoire also expressed their concerns. Ivory Coast President Ouattara stated that the fight against COVID-19 and its economic effects has represented around 5% of the West African country’s GDP.

One of the world’s fastest-growing economies before the pandemic, Ivory Coast hopes to obtain further international support to get its economy back on track.

(AFP)