At the end of a two-day visit to Niger, World Bank President David Malpass said on Thursday that security was “indispensable for the development” of the Sahel.
Mr. Malpass, who was speaking at a press conference in Niamey, considered that security in the Sahel is a key challenge, he reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to Niger, the Sahel and Africa, as he will be stepping down in June.
Two weeks prior to Mr Malpass’ visit, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had also paid a visit.
During his visit to Niger, Malpass praised the country’s efforts to counter violent extremism through job creation and youth inclusion in fragile regions which should be a good example for other countries.
In Niger, a country plagued by regular and deadly attacks by jihadist groups, the challenge of education is enormous. Thus, Niger is counting on the support and commitment of the World Bank to address the demographic problem that is the cause of poverty.