Metro

Rwanda ready to receive first batch of migrants from the UK

Published

2 years ago

June 13, 2022

As the June 14 deadline for the deportation of asylum seekers from the United Kingdom to Rwanda, the East African country says it is getting ready to greet the first set of migrants when their flight arrive on Tuesday.

Despite worldwide opposition to the plan by the British government to transfer the migrants to Rwanda, including the United Nations, Pope Francis, Prince Charles and human rights activists, the UK says the plan will still proceed with the first batch of 30 migrants expected to be air lifted on Tuesday.

An official of a committee set up by Kigali to see that the migrants are welcomed properly and are given all the comfort and assistance they require, said the arriving asylum seekers will be housed at a four-star facility in the capital, the Hope Hostel.

“Rwanda is a good country that loves Rwandans and foreigners, we welcome the migrants warmly.

“Their new homes have been prepared and they will be safe. We are happy because others have come to seek shelter here. Rwanda is recognized for its hospitality,” the committee member said.

The Hope Hostel manager, Ismael Bakina, also echoed the same sentiments.

“This is not a prison. It’s a home like our home. Just, we serve them, the migrants, as a hotel. In a hotel, a person will be free in everything they want. So when they want to go out of the hotel, no problem,” Bakina, said while taking journalists around thr hostel.

Since the plan worth £120 million to Rwanda was signed in April, it has been widely slammed by human rights groups but also by politicians of all parties from both countries.

While some British politicians have kicked against the plan, back home in Rwanda, opposition figures have also kicked against the moves.

Victoire Ingabire, the president of the opposition Development and Liberty for All Party, said in a statement on Sunday:

“We have thousands of young Rwandans who do not have jobs. If you cannot give work to your own population, to your young people, if the Rwandan youth do not have jobs, how can the government promote work for these refugees who are going to come here to Rwanda?”

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Metro

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

Published

5 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.