Metro

Sudanese protest against UN, want envoy to leave country

Published

2 years ago

June 2, 2022

Hundreds of Sudanese protesters have hit the streets of the the capital Khartoum demanding for the United Nations Mission as well as its country envoy, Volker Perthes, to leave the country.

The protesters including supporters of Islamist groups critical of efforts by Perthes to resolve the political crisis in the country since last year’s military coup, on Wednesday, rallied in front of the UN mission shouting slogans and carrying placards with different inscription urging the mission to leave their country.

The rallies came as the UN Security Council said it was considering extending the mission’s mandate beyond June 3rd, with many, especially government officials, accusing the envoy of interfering in Sudan’s internal affairs.

One of the leaders of the protest, Mohammed Sayed, who explained the essence of the demonstration to journalists insisted that Perthes must leave the country or he will be forced to leave.

“Volker must leave today, before tomorrow. If he doesn’t, we will make him leave by force. We will not plead, write reports or speeches to the UN. It will be by force, by direct force,” Sayed said.

Another angry protester, Ahmed Ali, accused Perthes involving himself in the country’s affairs which is no longer acceptable.

“Volker came to involve parties of the Forces of Freedom and Change back in the Sudanese society. The Sudanese society is against these parties.

“These people work for their own benefit, and their work involves exclusion and vengeance. We will not stop, and we will not calm down until the problems in Sudan are resolved by the Sudanese,” Ali said.

The UN mission, along with the African Union and regional Eastern African bloc Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), have been pushing to facilitate Sudanese-led talks to resolve the crisis that has engulfed the country since the October 2021 coup, to no avail.

As part of efforts to pave the way for dialogue, military leader Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on Sunday, ordered the lifting of the state of emergency imposed since the coup to set the stage for “meaningful dialogue that achieves stability for the transitional period.”

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Related Topics:Featured Protest Sudan United Nations

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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.