PRESS STATEMENT

Recent News Reports And The African Development Bank

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast – May 27, 2020 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/-In recent weeks and over the last few days especially, I have been overwhelmed by the tremendous support received from around the world. I have absolute confidence in the integrity of the Bank that I lead and its governance systems, rules and procedures.

In spite of unprecedented attempts
by some to tarnish my reputation and prejudice the Bank’s governance
procedures, I maintain my innocence with regard to trumped up allegations that
unjustly seek to impugn my honor and integrity, as well as the reputation of
the African Development Bank.

I sincerely appreciate the support
of the Bank’s shareholders.

At this time, I remain confident that ultimately and as one
collective, the Bank will emerge stronger than before and continue to support
Africa’s development drive. I draw great inspiration from my heroes, Nelson
Mandela and Kofi Annan, whose lives have shown that through pain we grow. As
Martin Luther King Jnr. once said, “the arc of the moral universe is long,
but it bends towards justice. “

I am confident that fair,
transparent and just processes that respect the rules, procedures and
governance systems of the Bank, and the rule of law, will ultimately prove that
I have not violated the Code of Ethics of this extraordinary institution.

I will therefore continue to work
with each and everyone of our shareholders to ensure that the African
Development Bank maintains its hard earned global reputation; and that our
credible and well-functioning institutional and governance systems are
reinforced, as we collectively press on to fulfill the mission of our founders
to accelerate and transform Africa’s development.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of The African Development Bank Group.