Metro

Five killed, 14 injured as car bomb explosion rocks Somali regional capital

Published

2 years ago

July 17, 2022

A powerful car suicide bomb blast has killed five person and injured 14 others in the Somalia’s town of Jowhar in Hirshabele state, near the capital Mogadishu, state media reports on Sunday.

According to the report, senior regional administration officials were among those hurt in the blast which caused massive destruction to a hotel where the government officials were holding a meeting.

ISIS linked militant group, Al-Shabab, has claimed responsibility for the attack which officials say occurred when a car loaded with explosives drove to the entrance of the Nuur Doob Hotel and rammed into the front office.

Hirshabele state Humanitarian and Disaster Management Minister, Abdifatah Qoorgaab, said the attack targeted the popular hotel frequented by state lawmakers, ministers and other officials.

Qoorgaab said the wounded, including the state health minister, were transferred to an area hospital for treatment.

A member of the Somali parliament from Hirshabele, Mohamed Ibrahim Mo’alimu, said the incident was an attack on the state.

“What happened today in Jowhar the administrative capital of Hirshabele, is very shocking. To carry out an attack that targeted a private hotel is very shocking and it’s a cowardly and barbaric attack.

“I extended my condolences to victims’ families and asked Allah for the wounded people to recover quickly. The attack also caused damage to nearby businesses and buildings and a lot of people lost their wealth,” he said.

Related Topics:Al-Shabaab Car Bomb Featured Somalia

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Metro

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

Published

14 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.