The IMF has received a request for aid from the new government in Tunisia and discussions over a new loan program have already started, the Washington-based crisis lender said Thursday. The North African country is facing a serious economic crisis that is discouraging investors and donors. “We have recently received from Tunisia, from the authorities, a request for a new IMF-supported program,” said Gerry Rice spokesman for the International Monetary Fund. Tunisia entered a political crisis in July when the president sacked the government, suspended parliament and seized an array of powers. Tunis has received economic aid from the European Union and is seeking its fourth aid program in 10 years from the IMF, aiming to receive a nearly $4 billion loan before the end of the year.

Source: The North Africa Journal November 19, 2021 13:56 UTC