Metro

Seven killed, thousands forced to flee homes as Jihadist attacks resume in Mozambique

Published

2 years ago

June 15, 2022

Seven people have been reportedly killed while as many as 10,000 have fled the gas-rich Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique as renewed jihadist attacks resume in parts of the country, the United Nations reports.

According to the UN Refugees Agency, the fresh attacks came a few years after suspected jihadists launched a bloody insurgency in 2017 where more than 4,000 prople were killed, sparking a regional military mission last year that temporarily restored a sense of security.

The report noted that between Monday and Tuesday, four people were beheaded in the remote village of Natupile as terrified residents fled the area.

“People from Natupile took photos, so we know it happened,” Antonio Kalimuka of the UN High Commission on Refugees, said.

On Tuesday, suspected jihadists killed three workers at an Australian-owned graphite mine, Triton Minerals, while two security staff were injured, Kalimuka added in a statement.

“The following day, southern African regional military forces staged an attack on the insurgents in a forest in Macomia district north of Pemba, the provincial capital.

“During the joint operation, terrorists were killed and others suffered severe injuries, while the military forces suffered one death and six injuries,” the UN mission said in a statement.

The total number of displaced people varies from month to month, but in May it was estimated at more than 730,000 by the U.N. refugee agency.

“Displaced people were witness to killings, beheadings, rape, houses being burned, and abductions, and reported the kidnapping of several boys,” British charity, Save the Children, also said in a statement on the situation, adding that more than 80% of those forced to flee their homes are women and children.

Related Topics:Deaths Featured Jihadist Attacks Mozambique

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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.