Beyond a European "refoundation", "we must also know how to help our neighbors in Africa to fight against the virus more effectively, also to help them economically by massively canceling their debt" declared Emmanuel Macron from the Élysée , Monday April 13.

The African continent, affected late by Covid-19, had 15,249 cases and 816 deaths, according to a daily count of the Center for Disease Prevention and Control of the African Union, Tuesday April 14. South Africa and Egypt are the two most affected countries with more than 2,000 cases. The pandemic is also very present in Algeria and Morocco, which have more than 1,000 cases each.

Emmanuel Macron's announcement was greeted in the aftermath by Senegalese President Macky Sall, who last week called for "a debt cancellation strategy for African countries.

Our proposal for debt cancellation, supported by the joint African declaration, was also welcomed by France. I thank President @EmmanuelMacron for this mark of international solidarity.

- Macky Sall (@Macky_Sall) April 13, 2020

Debt to China amounts to $ 145 billion

But he was not the only leader to make such a request. During his Easter blessing, Pope Francis also pleaded for the cancellation of the debt of the poorest countries. Several African governments have also called in recent weeks for a moratorium, relief or cancellation of their debt estimated at 365 billion dollars. A heavy burden for the continent, as estimates predict that 20 million jobs will be jeopardized by the pandemic.

In Jeune Afrique, African politicians and economists have published a column to this effect, recalling that the Covid-19 faces "more difficulties in Africa than in many other parts of the world". They list in particular access to quality medical care or access to water. "A third of Africans cannot wash their hands regularly," they said.

According to them, initial financial support of $ 100 billion would make it possible to compensate for the rapid fall in public revenues due to the collapse in the price of raw materials, trade and tourist flows, a direct consequence of the pandemic. "In the longer term, the continent's financing needs could reach $ 200 billion," they said.

IMF emergency assistance

If Emmanuel Macron wants France and Europe to cancel Africa's debts, what about those of other countries that the continent has contracted? Of the total amount of slate from Africa, about 145 billion dollars are owed to China, including 8 billion payable this year. Is Beijing ready to make a move?

For now, only the IMF has announced emergency aid to 25 of the world's poorest countries to help them reduce their debt and better cope with the impact of the Covid pandemic. -19. The measure announced Monday after Emmanuel Macron's speech will cover debt repayments to the IMF for six months and "allocate more of their meager resources to their medical and emergency efforts. help, "said the statement.

Among the countries concerned are Benin, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Chad, DR Congo, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Togo and Yemen. A first step which could be followed by other announcements.

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