Metro

Rwanda vows to retaliate if attacked by DR Congo

Published

2 years ago

June 1, 2022

The Rwanda government has vowed that it will retaliate if neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), continues attacking its territory after accusing the DRC of firing shells across the border last month, Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta said in a statement on Tuesday.

“If attacks continue we will not sit idly by … Rwanda will have the right to respond to protect the security of the country, to protect the security of its citizens and we have the means to do that,” Biruta told reporters at a news conference in Kigali.

Biruta added that the DRC government backed Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) fighters were among the ranks of the DRC army when their shells allegedly destroyed houses and injured people on the Rwandan side of the border.

But the DRC has denied the accusation of its army fighting alongside the FDLR.

“They cannot say that they are victims of the FDLR. The FDLR are killing our people, not the Rwandan people; it is we who suffer. Their discourse on the FDLR no longer makes sense,” DRC government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya.

Relations between the two close neighbours have been seriously strained leading to the DRC summoning Rwanda’s ambassador and suspending RwandAir flights to DRC in response to what it said was Kigali’s support for M23 rebels carrying out a military offensive in its eastern parts of the country.

Rwanda has however, denied the claims and in turn, accused the DRC army of fighting alongside the FDLR, an armed group founded by ethnic Hutus who fled Rwanda after participating in the 1994 genocide.

Related Topics:Attack DR Congo Featured Rwanda

Click to comment

Metro

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

Published

13 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.