TOPLINE
The World Bank suspended its aid to Sudan, it announced in a statement Wednesday, the latest international body to distance itself from the country since Monday’s military coup shook the fledgling democracy.
KEY FACTS
World Bank Group President David Malpass said in the statement that the organization “paused disbursements in all of its operations” on Monday and has “has stopped processing any new operations” while they monitor the situation.
The World Bank’s decision was first reported by Agence France-Presse.
Seven people have been killed and 140 injured in violent clashes between soldiers and protesters, according to a health ministry official cited by Reuters.
BIG NUMBER
$700 million. That’s the amount of aid the United States cut off to Sudan hours after security forces detained Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and other top officials in a military coup.
KEY BACKGROUND
Hamdok and his wife were released Tuesday and are being kept under “heavy security” at home in the capital city Khartoum. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan dissolved civilian rule and declared a state of emergency Monday as part of the military takeover. The ousting came after weeks of rising tensions between the civilian government and the military, building since a failed coup attempt in September.
FURTHER READING
“Doctors, oil workers to join disobedience movement against Sudan military takeover” (Reuters)
“African Union suspends Sudan over coup” (Al Jazeera)
“US Cuts Off $700 Million In Aid To Sudan Amid Military Coup” (Forbes)
“Sudan: Abdalla Hamdok returned to home, remains under guard” (Al Jazeera)
By Téa Kvetenadze, Forbes Staff