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AfDB pledges US$18 million to support Somalia’s reconstruction

AfDB has appealed for a rapid action on the process of clearing the country’s external debt so that development activities can be taken up. (Image source: Utenriksdept/Flickr)

The African Development Bank has pledged its support for Somalias reconstruction with a commitment of US$18mn over a period of three years

African Development Bank President Donald Kaberuka made the commitment during the closing day of atwo-day Somalia conference, which concluded in London on 7 May 2013.

Referring to an action plan presented by the Somali government for 2013-2016, Kaberuka said, “We will concentrate on whatever area the Somalia government considers priority.

“Beyond the domain of public financial management, we consider the entire area of statistics and infrastructure planning as important.”

Kaberuka appealed for a rapid action on the process of assessing and clearing the country’s external debt, estimated at US$3bn. He also called for flexibility in support of Somalia.

The Somalia conference was attended by participants from 54 countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Djibouti and Ethiopia amongst others. International organisations such as the United Nations, African Union and International Monetary Fund also took part in the meet.

The conference discussed the progress the country has made so far in the areas of peace and security, public financial management, justice and policing, and issues on arrears and long-term assistance.