Metro

Terrorists hit Mali’s largest military base with bombs in latest attack

Published

2 years ago

July 22, 2022

Following a coordinated series of insurgent attacks on Thursday, suspected jihadist rebels have attacked Mali’s Kati military base on the outskirts of the capital city Bamako.

Malian authorities confirmed the attacks were through explosions and gunfire on Friday morning. Two vehicles loaded with explosives detonated at the camp at about 5 a.m., according to a statement issued by the military.

Report says it is the first time Kati, Mali’s largest military base, has been targeted by extremist rebels in the more than 10-year insurgency.

According to the statement by the military, killed two attackers by the Malian Armed Forces. “The situation is under control and a sweep is underway to find the perpetrators and their accomplices,” said the statement.

“The situation is under control, and a sweep is underway to find the perpetrators and their accomplices,” the Malian military said in a statement, adding that two assailants had been killed.

The Mali War is an ongoing armed conflict that started in January 2012 between the northern and southern parts of Mali in Africa. According to a UN report, jihadists, armed militias and the armed forces in Mali killed close to 600 civilians in 2021.

Terrorist activities is becoming has become a feature of the West African sub-region. States do not seem to have the capacity to fight terror squarely as the monopoly of violence is now shared with deadly non state actors. More disturbing is audacity of terrorist who have transcended attacking soft targets in civilians, to attacking military bases.

For instance, there have been reports of terror attacks in other African countries like Burkina Faso and Nigeria, whose most garrison state, Kaduna has become a den for kidnappers and bandit.

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.