The
European Union (EU) has donated €9 million (D512,640,000) in support of The
Gambia efforts to fight novel coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic. The EU The
Gambia delegation released the development.
The
E.U. ambassador in The Gambia, Attila Lajos said that with that programme of
Budget Support, the E.U. contributes to rapidly mitigate the most urgent
budgetary needs of the government in the context of the coronavirus crisis, and
simultaneously supports the on-going political reforms.
He
added that it is an important milestone in Team Europe’s response to the crisis
in The Gambia but also worldwide, adding that no one is safe till everybody is
safe.
“The
Government of The Gambia has adopted a range of prevention and containment
measures against the spread of the pandemic. At the same time, the country and
the population are confronted with a drastic loss of revenues. This rapid
budget support will therefore contribute to cover unanticipated spending needs
arising from the covid-19 emergency and fending off the impact of covid-19.”
“This
should help The Gambia to remain on the path of a successful democratic
transition and economic recovery after the change of regime in early 2017.
Important milestones are ahead, including the Constitutional Referendum at the
end of this year and the much-needed Security Sector Reform.”
He
further said that “the E.U. remains committed to help strengthening the
democratic and economic governance as well as the resilience capacity in The
Gambia. The E.U. therefore supports the priorities of the Government in view of
encouraging inclusive and sustainable growth, human rights & democracy, and
the rule of law.”
“This
budget support involves the transfer of € 9,000,000 to the National Treasury of
The Gambia. These funds will be used in accordance with The Gambia’s own Public
Financial Management systems and policy priorities.”
