The World Bank is blocking a $60 million loan for Mali while the country is in financial difficulties, the country's finance minister, Alousséni Sanou, said during an intervention before the National Transitional Council.
The international institution is proposing unfavorable conditions for the disbursement of this amount, the official explained. Bamako signed a contract with Niamey to buy oil at advantageous prices in order to support its energy sector. However, the World Bank requires Mali to buy electricity from the countries of the Senegal River Development Organization, of which Niger is not a member, he noted.
In addition, the bank is demanding a reduction in the workforce in order to mobilize the sum – a measure that could lead to layoffs and have a negative impact on the economic situation, the minister added.
The $60 million loan was negotiated last April. It was intended to "improve energy supply" and finance the installation of photovoltaic infrastructure to diversify the country's energy sector.