Pan-African Risk Management Mutual Group to release aid to Ivorians

Ivorians at risk from extreme weather events will receive compensation from the Cote d’Ivoire’s government today.

The benefits, up to $600,000 administered by the Pan African Mutual Risk Management Group, will compensate for 2019’s drought, which negatively affected the nation’s primarily agricultural economy. The recipients include roughly 6,500 households, mostly from the country’s central region, who have been worst affected by the lack of rainfall. A shortfall in agricultural production this year could have worldwide ramifications as Cote d’Ivoire accounts for 30% of global cocoa output.

The government hopes that the windfall will stimulate economic growth that may have been lost from the drought as well as assist its most vulnerable citizens. Although the economy, solidarity and agriculture ministers will preside over the official cash transfer, expect incumbent President Alassane Ouattara to take advantage of the largesse to boost his image for the upcoming election. Ouattara announced that he would run for a controversial third term after the death of his prime minister and successor, Amadou Gon Coulibaly, upset his retirement plans.

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