Afghanistan: The Taliban take control of the country after the withdrawal of US-led foreign forces.
The World Bank’s Governing Council has confirmed the transfer of $280 million from the frozen trust fund to two aid agencies to help Afghanistan deal with the humanitarian crisis that erupted following the US withdrawal. , two sources familiar with the matter said Wednesday.
Sources said the 31 donors to the World Bank-administered Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) must approve the transfers before the funds can go to the World Food Program and UNICEF, Sources said the sponsors are expected to meet on Friday.
The World Bank Council met informally on Tuesday to discuss transferring up to $500 million of the $1.5 billion in the ARTF to humanitarian agencies, who are familiar with the plan. previously told Reuters.
Afghanistan’s 39 million people face a frayed economy, winter food shortages and growing poverty three months after the Taliban took power as US troops finally pulled out of 20 years of war.
Afghanistan experts say the aid will help, but big questions remain, including how to get the money into Afghanistan without exposing any financial institutions involved in the sanctions. America.
While the US Treasury Department has provided a “letter of comfort” assuring banks that they can handle the transactions humanely, concerns about US sanctions continue to prevent the passage of funds. Basic supplies, including food and medicine.
Any decision to redirect ARTF funds requires approval from all donors, with the United States being the largest donor.
The White House and the Treasury Department were not immediately available for comment on the World Bank panel’s endorsement of the money transfers to the World Food Program and UNICEF.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and was automatically generated from the feed provided.)
