The World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and other bilateral and multilateral lenders have been encouraged by Catholic bishops in East Africa to enhance concessional lending in Africa to combat climate change.
The Catholic Bishop of Solwezi and President of the Association of Episcopal Conferences of East Africa, CHARLES KASONDE, claims that funding is desperately needed on the continent due to the catastrophic effects of climate change.
Bishop KASONDE stated during a vigil hosted by a number of clergy members and debt campaigners in Washington, DC, that wealthy nations must step up and assist Africa by providing funding to combat climate change.
In addition, Charles Chilufya, executive director of the Jesuit Justice and Ecology Network Africa, has encouraged lenders to prioritize debt relief and restructuring in order to save lives in Africa.
Additionally, the World Bank and IMF’s Spring Meetings need to take action to preserve lives on the African continent, especially given how badly the continent is being affected by climate change, according to Jubilee USA Network Executive Director ERIC LeCOMPTE.