Canada suspends Burkina aid after army seizes power

Canada Tuesday suspended development assistance to Burkina Faso after the West African countrys military seized power.
Given the current climate, it is not possible to provide development assistance dollars directly to the government of Burkina Faso and ensure they are spent effectively and as intended,‌ International Development Minister Christian Paradis said in a statement.
Paradis said that he has also ordered a review of other aid programs currently operating in the country through 20 non-governmental organizations.
Canada provided $35.6 million in aid between 2012 and 2013, according to government figures, for agriculture, entrepreneurship, womens rights, technical training, and health.
Funding would be restored when Ottawa is “satisfied that a legitimate and accountable civil authority has been re-established,‌ Paradis said.
Paradis urged military leaders now in control to set a timetable for a full return to democratically-elected authorities.