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DR Congo’s President Tshisekedi accuses Rwanda is backing M23 rebels

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The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Felix Tshisekedi, on Sunday, accused the government of Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels in the country.

Tshisekedi made the accusation in Congo-Brazzavile during a state visit to DRC’s western neighbours where he held talks with President Denis Sassou Nguesso.

He accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels who have been involved in a series of clashes with the army since the end of May, leading to several deaths of civilians, an allegations Kigali has denied several times.

In his first public comments on the growing crisis between the two countries which has led to accusations and counter accusations from both Kinshasa and Kigali, Tshisekedi insisted that the M23 rebels who are now active in the Eastern part of the country near the border with Rwanda, are being trained by the Rwandan army.

Tshisekedi insisted that it was “very obvious” the rebellion in his country was being fuelled by the support the militia is getting from Kigali which has truncated every effort to find a peaceful solution to lingering crisis.

“I have always maintained that you have to build bridges rather than walls,” said Tshisekedi.

“Unfortunately, today, we are where we are. That does not constitute an opportunity for neighbours to come and provoke us.

“DR Congo’s neighbours should not mistake our desire for peace with weakness. I hope that Rwanda has learned this lesson, because, today, it’s clear, there is no doubt, Rwanda has supported the M23 to come and attack the DRC,” he added.

The allegations that Kigali was backing the M23 rebels led to the DRC suspending flights of Rwandan airline, RwandAir, as well as summoning Rwanda’s ambassador to warn him of the country’s position last week as the tension between the two countries continues to build up.

Relations between the DRC and Rwanda have been strained since the 1994 Rwandan genocide where the Hutus slaughtered thousands of Tutsis with allegations that the Hutus were being aided by the Rwandan government.

The relationship had began to thaw after Tshisekedi came into power in 2019 but the recent resurgence of M23 violence has reignited regional tensions.

The militia group were driven out of the DRC after it briefly captured the Goma province in 2012 before the army crushed their rebellion but in late 2021, the group reentered the country from their base in Rwanda, fuelling speculations that they have the backing of Kigali.

Metro

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

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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.

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

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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.

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