World Bank President David Malpass announced the suspension of the bank's partnership framework with Tunisia after President Kais Saied's statements regarding migrants sparked racially motivated violence. In a note sent late Sunday to employees, Malpass stated that "the bank has temporarily halted the partnership framework with Tunisia and postponed its board meeting that was scheduled for March 21 to review a new strategic engagement with the country until further notice."
He noted that "the World Bank considers the steps announced by the Tunisian government to protect and support migrants and refugees a positive move and will monitor its impact." President Kais Saied called on his government on February 21 to take urgent action against irregular migration of citizens from sub-Saharan African countries, stating that "their presence in Tunisia is a source of violence, crime, and unacceptable practices."
