The
75 million euros that the European Union was set to disburse to the former
government of Yahya Jammeh, but later cancelled it is now set to be released to
President Adama Barrow and his government.
Neven
Mimica, European Union commissioner for international cooperation and
development, told The Point newspaper that the EU had initially decided to
disburse the 75 million euros to the former government through various projects.
“We
have already decided this, but then we were not able to do it because we
suspended direct engagement with the government,” he told this paper, shortly
after signing the 75 million financial package with new Gambia government
yesterday at Kairaba Beach Hotel, where President Barrow is temporarily
operating his office.
The
EU had initially allocated 150 million euros to The Gambia government for the
period 2014-2020 under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF).
Under
this agreement, the EU was to first give the government 33 million euros, but
this was rescinded. Subsequently, the
union suspended all direct support to the government due to the worsening human
rights situation presided over Mr Jammeh, the former president.
Commissioner
Mimica said after cutting financial support to the government, the EU was
supporting The Gambia through working with the NGOs and some other partners in
the country.
“But
now we really come back with the fully effect of the 75 million euros from the
EDF and from the Trust Fund [EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa],” he said.
The
75 million euros immediate financial package includes a project of 10.5 million
euro to reinforce access to the most vulnerable populations, including
female-headed households, to markets and socio-economic facilities. This will be done through the feeder road
rehabilitation programme.
It
also includes a project of 20.5 million euros which will aim to create growth
and employment opportunities, in particular for youths, as well as better access
to food.
A
project of 11.5 million euro is also part of the package, and it is designed to
improve food security through supporting the provision of food, cash, treatment
of acute malnutrition, as well as prevention of all forms of under-nutrition.
Under
the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa, The Gambia will benefit from
contribution of 11 million euro aimed at increasing job opportunities for
youths.
The
other project of 21.5 million euros as part of the package is to address
climate change, food security and support to civil society organizations,
democracy and human rights, among others.
150
million euro more to come
Commissioner
Mimica said in addition to the 75 million euros, the EU is already preparing a
medium term package of 150 million euros which focuses on building the
capacities of the state, and on job creation.
He
said an EU technical mission is to visit Banjul to identify and discuss areas
of mutual interest.
The
Gambian minister of foreign affairs, international cooperation and Gambians
abroad, Ousainou Darboe, described the support package of the EU as “the rescue
and revival of The Gambia”.
“The
EU in its efforts to address post dictatorship era has come to our aid,” he
said. “We wish to register our profound
gratitude for the partnership that the EU has been fostering with The
Gambia. We can assure the European Union
that The Gambia is now on the path to true democracy.”
The
EU, as The Gambia’s main development partner, has helped deliver important
development goals for the country, including for example, paving of nearly 50
per cent of the Gambian road network through projects funded by the EDF.
Analysts
said the resumption of EU aid to The Gambia is a vote of confidence for the
country’s new leader, Adama Barrow.
