Africa Up Close

May 16, 2013

French Article Translation of the Week

“Plus de 3 milliards d’euros promis pour la reconstruction du Mali”

“Quatre mois après le déclenchement de l’opération militaire française “Serval” contre les troupes islamistes, de nombreux pays ont promis des aides (près de 3,25 milliards d’euros au total) pour la reconstruction du Mali, selon François Hollande. Le président français précise que ce montant est supérieur aux objectifs des organisateurs de cette conférence – l’Union européenne, la France et le Mali –, qui ambitionnaient de lever environ 2 milliards d’euros.”

“Four months after the launch of the French military operation ‘Serval’ against the Islamist forces, many countries have pledged aid (around $4.2 billion in total) for the reconstruction of Mali, according to Francois Hollande. The French president said that this amount exceeds the objectives of the organizers of this conference – the European Union, France and Mali – who aspired to raise about 2.6 billion dollars.”

This article has been translated from French. Click here to read the original version on Le Monde.

By itself, the European Union will table more than 645 million dollars between 2013 and 2014. France has, for its part, indicated that its contribution should be around 362 million dollars. The World Bank has contributed $250 million, as has the Islamic Investment Bank. The United States pledged $367 million, the United Kingdom and Denmark $194 million each and Germany 129 million, according to diplomatic sources. This money will take the form of grants or loans. Some of the money is simply the release of amounts that were frozen after the coup of 22 March 2012.

Elections on the Horizon

President Holland said that the international conference was “a great success.” “I hope that Europeans are proud of what Europe is doing for Africa,” he said, before stressing: “We have not finished with terrorism in Mali. There are still forces being put to the test.”

Mali will be a priority issue for the Elysee in the coming days. Mr. Holland will answer questions on the subject during his press conference on Thursday, May 16. The next day, he will receive Dioncounda Traore at the Elysee.

The French government still wants Mali to organize elections in July. But these elections are “to be held throughout the country,” said Mr. Holland. “I insist: the whole territory of Mali. No part should be deprived of the possibility to organize the elections.”

This election must provide the country with legitimate authorities able to revive the dream of national unity that drowned in the  conflict. Over the past year, the state has been headed by a transitional president and government.