EU to help African countries secure debt relief amid coronavirus pandemic

A top European Union official said the bloc plans to work with African countries to help secure debt relief, so their economies can better cope with the new coronavirus.

Speaking on Tuesday, after talks with the leaders of Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger, European Council President Charles Michel said the debate about debt relief had to opened as part of ways to support  African countries.

He said the 27 EU countries will work together on the question with the five countries of northern Africa's Sahel region and global partners like the International Monetary Fund.

Michel said EU and Sahel nations will hold new talks on the issue within three months.