Metro

Police arrest opposition figures in Madagascar while protesting against high cost of living

Published

2 years ago

July 24, 2022

The police in Madagascar on Saturday arrested and detained two leading members of the main opposition party during a protest in the capital against rising living costs and economic hardship as hundreds of protesters took to the streets of the capital Antananarivo.

A police report on the arrest of the activist said they arrested Rina Randriamasinoro, the Secretary General of the opposition Tiako I Madagasikara (TIM) party, and its National Coordinator Jean-Claude Rakotonirina, “following tensions between demonstrators and security forces.”

“They were arrested and placed in police custody because they made comments inciting hatred and public unrest,” Antananarivo’s police prefect, Angelo Ravelonarivo, said in the statement.

Organisers of the protest had earlier stated that they wanted to hold the rally inside a warehouse belonging to opposition leader Marc Ravalomanana, but demonstrators arrived to find security forces blocking access to the venue.

“The rally was authorized by the prefect and then this morning (Saturday) we discovered the police outside the gate,” said opposition lawmaker Fetra Ralambozafimbololona.

The arrests of Randriamasinoro and Rakotonirina had sparked further protests with demonstrators vowing not to leave the area until the two men were released, before eventually dispersing in the afternoon.

Randriamasinoro and Rakotonirina were eventually let go early in the evening, a police spokesperson said, adding that authorities were yet to decide whether to press charges against them.

Inflation in the Indian ocean African country has soared to the highest level in decades fueled by the war in Ukraine and the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

While protests are rare in the nation which is rated as one of the poorest in the world, opposition and rights groups have continued to accuse the government of President Andry Rajoelina of stifling dissent and rarely allowing demonstrations.

Related Topics:Featured inflation Madagascar Opposition Protest

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Metro

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

Published

9 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.