Metro

Burkina Faso: Death toll in Seytenga’s Jihadist attack reaches 79 as search continues

Published

2 years ago

June 14, 2022

Death toll from the latest attack by suspected jihadists in the town of Seytenga, Burkina Faso has reached 79.

The latest score is according to a new government report released on Tuesday.

The report, which revealed that search was still ongoing, says “twenty-nine new bodies have been found. This figure is in addition to the fifty or so lifeless bodies already found, bringing the provisional death toll from the killings to 79.”

The attack reportedly happened on Saturday night, in what appears to be a reprisal for an attack on the gendarmerie brigade in the town on Thursday, June 9.

With the number of casualties rising by the day, the attack seems deadly than the previous one which was carried out in the commune of Madjoari and left at least 50 civilians dead.

The European Union through it head of European diplomacy Josep Borrell in a statement said “the process used by the terrorist group that carried out the attack, namely the systematic execution of anyone encountered in the village, is appalling,”

It is “observed throughout the national territory, in memory of the victims of the attack perpetrated by unidentified armed individuals against the town of Seytenga, in the province of Séno, Sahel region, during the night of June 11 to 12,” the text said.

“During this period, flags will be flown at half-mast on all public buildings and in Burkina Faso’s representations abroad,” the decree said, adding that “popular celebrations and recreational events are prohibited.

Related Topics:Burkina Faso Featured Seytenga

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Metro

World Bank pledges $3b to support Zambia’s development goals

Published

40 minutes ago

November 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The World Bank Group has pledged to avail Zambia with approximately $3 billion to support the country’s development goals under the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for 2025-2029, with nearly half of the funds already disbursed.

World Bank Country Manager, Achim Fock, who made this known at the CPF launch at the Mulungushi Conference Centre in Lusaka on Wednesday, outlined the global lender’s focus areas, which included enhancing jobs, human capital, and climate resilience.

Fock highlighted that $200 million had been approved to strengthen Zambia’s social protection programs, including the Refugee and Host Community Project.

He also expressed optimism for upcoming approvals, including the Climate and Economic Resilience Financing and the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector.

Zambia’s Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, who also spoke at the event, noted that 2.3 million Zambian households have so far benefited from social protection interventions such as the Cash for Work Programme, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives amid crises like the recent drought.

Musokotwane further reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting lives during times of crises such as the recent drought.

“More than two thirds of the Zambian population was affected by the drought. It was the government’s view that the first priority was to save lives,” Musokotwane stated.

Metro

Chinese mining giant CNMC set for $1.6 billion investment in Zambia

Published

23 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A Chinese mining giant, China Nonferrous Metal Mining Company (CNMC), has announced the investment of over $1.6 billion in Zambia, following successful discussions with President Hakainde Hichilema at the State House on Tuesday.

CNMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Wen Gang, who held the discussions with Hichilema along with the Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, confirmed the company’s commitment to furthering Zambia’s economic development.

“We are actively investing in critical sectors of Zambia’s economy,” Gang said after the meeting.

He noted that CNMC was currently pumping water from Shaft 28 at Luanshya Copper Mine, where 29.9 million cubic liters have been cleared as part of intensified dewatering efforts, adding that the company plans to inject an additional $200 million to develop a greenfield mine on the Copperbelt.

President Hichilema who welcomed CNMC’s commitment, highlighted the potential economic impact of the firm’s investment which will include job opportunities for Zambians.

“This $1.6billion investment, alongside advanced technology and expansion, will extend operations and create more jobs and opportunities for Zambians, especially in mining contracting and supply,” the President said.

He also expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government for their shared commitment to fostering growth and cooperation between the two countries.