World Bank pledges $2 billion to Sudan over coming year before head's rare visit

The World Bank pledged $2 billion to support Sudan, as a leader from the institution made its first visit to Khartoum in almost half a century.

The bank will provide Khartoum with the large sum "to reduce poverty, promote economic growth, and reduce inequality", World Bank President David Malpass told the Sudan Tribune upon arrival in Khartoum on Wednesday.

Sudanese President Hamdok, whose tenure survived a coup attempt last week, told Malpass that he wanted his country to attain economic stability, according to a statement from the Presidency's office.

H.E. Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok received at his office this morning the country's guest, President of the World Bank Group, Mr. David Malpass. Worth noting that a visit of this level last took place almost 5 decades ago. pic.twitter.com/c6qqU0AWnl

— مكتب رئيس الوزراء - السودان (@SudanPMO) September 30, 2021

Hamdok has presided over the country since a popular uprising led to the overthrow of longtime autocrat Omar Al-Bashir in 2019.

A transitional government was installed after the ousting, meant to hold place until elections are held.

Last week's coup attempt, blamed on Bashir loyalists, put the fragile set-up and the country's slow but sure economic growth in jeopardy.

Malpass said after his meeting with Hamdok that the country must show patience as it reconnects with the global economy.

"Sudan is making a transition from a violent situation, from a situation of shortages to the situation that is gradually improving," Reuters reported Malpass as saying.