Metro

Pressure groups dare Guinea’s junta, call for mass protest despite government ban

Published

2 years ago

June 10, 2022

Guinea’s pressure group, The National Front for the Defense of the Constitution (FNDC) has called for a nationwide demonstration against the West African country’s military junta.

The group, which also led protests against former President Alpha Conde, called against the ban imposed by the junta on public protest.

According to a statement released on Friday by the group, it stands against “the junta’s manifest desire to remain in power forever,” its “refusal” of dialogue and its “unilateral management” of affairs.

The proposed “peaceful citizen demonstration” is planned for June 23 in the Conakry area and aimed to demand “a reasonable and consensual deadline” other than the 36 months set by the junta to return power to civilians.

Having revealed that it has received “proposals” for a political transition from different bodies, Guinea’s military leader, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, two weeks ago announced a 39 months transition period before the country returns to civilian rule.

The West African country had asked for more time to come up with a timetable for the transition after missing the April 25 deadline for transition into civil government by the regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

In a related development, another pressure group, the Action by Christians for the Abolition of Torture (ACAT-France) and Agir ensemble pour les droits humains (AEDH) has urged the Guinea authorities to restore the right to demonstrate “without delay.

Guinea is one of the West African countries that have recently experienced a military takeover of government. Mali and Burkina Faso are part of the negative trend.

Metro

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

Published

9 hours 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

1 day 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.