Metro

1,000 African migrants died trying to reach Europe in the first half of 2022 – Report

Published

2 years ago

July 22, 2022

A report released on Friday by a Spanish non-governmental organisation, Caminando Fronteras (CF), has revealed that about 1,000 African migrants have died or gone missing while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea into Europe in the first half of 2022 alone.

The report by the NGO titled “Monitoring the Right to Life: January-June 2022,” indicated that an average of five migrants lost their lives every day while attempting to make the dangerous journey to Spain while 28 shipwrecks resulting in 800 deaths, occurred during attempts to reach the Spanish Canary Islands, located 100 kilometers west of Morocco’s coastline.

The report also noted that the “Canary Islands have become a hotspot for migrants mainly Sub-Saharan Africans, trying to reach Europe.”

“The remaining casualties were recorded on the Alboran sea route (35 deaths – three shipwrecks), the Algerian route (101 deaths – 11 shipwrecks), and the Strait of Gibraltar route (two deaths – two shipwrecks).

“To all these victims should be added the 40 deaths on the land border, between Nador and Melilla, as a result of the June 24 tragedy,” the NGO report said.

“The victims came from up to 23 different countries, including Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Syria, Guinea, Mali, Sudan, Nigeria, Niger and Ivory Coast.

“So far, 87.83% of the victims have been identified. Among the victims were 118 were women and 41 were children,” it added.

Related Topics:Africa Deaths Europe Featured Mediterranean Sea migrants

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Metro

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

Published

16 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

2 days 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.