French President announces
possibility of debt cancellation for African countries
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| French President, Emmanuel Macron, during his televised address (ANSA) |
French President Macron on Monday opens possibility of
cancelling debt for some African countries and extends lockdown.
By Fr. Benedict Mayaki, SJ
French President Emmanuel Macron addressed French citizens
on coronavirus and confinement measures on Monday. In that address, he
announced the possibility of canceling the debt of African countries to assist
them in their fight against the Covid-19 virus.
The French President made this statement toward the end of
his speech during which he extended lockdown measures in the country till 11
May. He also called for unity in the fight against the virus. The world is at a
“moment of truth”, he said, and it is our “responsibility to build new forms of
solidarity and cooperation.”
Turning his thoughts towards Africa, he said: “We must also
know how to help our African neighbours fight the virus more effectively. We
must help them economically too by canceling their debts.”
Pope Francis’ call
During his Urbi et orbi blessing on the
occasion of Easter Sunday on 12 April, Pope Francis appealed for international
sanctions to be relaxed in the light of the present circumstances caused by the
pandemic. Noting that vulnerable people tend to be abandoned, Pope Francis made
this call so that the countries on which sanctions have been imposed would be
able to “provide adequate support to their citizens.” The Pope also reminded
the world that this is not the time for indifference, self-centeredness or
division.
“May all nations be put in a position to meet the greatest
needs of the moment through the reduction, if not the forgiveness, of the debt
burdening the balance sheets of the poorest nations,” Pope Francis said.
Coronavirus
France has been the third country most affected by the
coronavirus in Europe, after Italy and Spain. There have been 136,779 confirmed
cases with over 14,000 deaths and 35,435 recovered patients. Since 17 March,
the French population has been asked to stay home as a precautionary measure
against the spread of the Covid-19 virus. The lockdown was originally scheduled
to end on 14 April.
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