Metro

Report attributes Moroccan migrant border deaths to stampede, asphyxiation

Published

2 years ago

July 14, 2022

A report by a Moroccan-based human rights group, the National Council on Human Rights (CNDH), on Wednesday, said those who lost their lives last month during an attempt by hundreds of migrants to storm the border between the North African kingdom and the Spanish enclave of Melilla, died as a result of asphyxiation following a stampede of an “unprecedented nature, followed by tactics used and scope.”

The incident had led to the deaths of 23 migrants, mostly from Sudan and Chad, which the CNDH said would have been prevented if the border security had handled the attempt differently.

In addition to the deaths, 200 Moroccan and Spanish law enforcement officers and more than 70 civilians were injured in the melee.

The 30-page preliminary report on the events of the June 24 incident, following a fact-finding mission the group sent to the shared border between Morocco and Spain and the surrounding areas.

The report noted that about 2,000 migrants had attempted a massive crossing to Melilla, and when they reached the crossing station, the migrants jostled in a very narrow and tightly secured space.

It said the mission gathered from authorities, NGOs, and injured migrants at the hospital that Moroccan law enforcement officers did not use lethal weapons but used tear gas and truncheons to block the storming.

“Reports from the NGOs showed videos of Moroccan policemen poking migrants lying on the ground with batons, and was told by authorities they were isolated and individual cases,” the CNDH said.

The CNDH concluded that asphyxiation was the main cause in the deaths, but said the report was not conclusive as “only an autopsy can accurately determine the exact individual causes of death.”

Related Topics:Asphyxiation Featured Melilla migrants Morocco Spain Stampede

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Metro

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

Published

11 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.