The World Bank has temporarily paused payments to operations in Mali following a military coup. The Bank yesterday said that in accordance with its policy applicable to similar situations, it has paused disbursements temporarily, as it closely monitors and assesses the situation.<br />''<br />''The Bank's actions add to pressure on Mali's military leadership after chief security ally France announced on Thursday that it was suspending joint operations with Malian troops in order to press for a return to civilian rule.<br />''  <br />''The World Bank, whose International Development Association (IDA) is currently financing projects to the tune of 1.5 billion dollars in Mali, confirmed the suspension of payments in a statement.<br />''<span style="color: #222222;"><br />''Assimi Goita, the colonel who led both coups, was declared President last Friday after having served as Vice President under Bah Ndaw, who had been leading the transition since September. President Ndaw and his Prime Minister resigned while in military custody last week.</span><br />