Metro

32 killed, scores injured as cattle rustling gang sets homes on fire in Madagascan village

Published

2 years ago

July 31, 2022

At least 32 people were killed and scores injured when a gang of cattle rustlers known as the ‘Rebekah Gang’, invaded a village in the north of Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, the country’s Ministry of Defence said on Sunday.

According to the statement, army helicopters were deployed to locate the suspects and help ground troops searching the Ankazobe area about 75 kilometres north of the capital.

“The army will do everything possible to arrest the perpetrators of this massacre as soon as possible,” Defence Minister Richard Rakotonirina told local media as he visited the Ambolotarakely village on Saturday.

While also reacting to the massacre, the country’s President, Andry Rajoelina, in a national broadcast, vowed that the criminals must be found and punished.

“The perpetrators must be found and punished according to the law. The Malagasy army is in charge of rescuing the local population and hunting down the outlaws,” he said.

The incident, according to police, occurred on Saturday night after the gang of about 12 bandits attacked the village of Ambolotarakely, in Ankazobe, on a mission to steal cattle and other domestic animals.

The attackers called ‘Dahalo’ in the local language, rounded up the victims inside three houses and set the buildings on fire, police said.

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Metro

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

Published

8 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.