Metro

Guinean demonstrators hit UN building in Brussels, Belgium over junta’s anti-protest policy

Published

2 years ago

August 15, 2022

Guinean opposition coalition have staged a demonstration in front of European Union (EU) buildings in Brussels, Belgium on Sunday in reaction against the ruling junta’s decision to ban public protest.

An order by the ruling military junta in Guinea suspended a major collective, National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (NFDC) that has been protesting against it.

According to document signed by Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation, Mory Condé, “the de facto grouping known as the National Front for the Defence of the Constitution is dissolved” and “this order (…) takes effect from the date of its signature.”

“The country or death!” organizers exhorted the crowd, which was watched over by a small contingent of Belgian police.

The rally demanded the exit of junta leader Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, who overthrew former president Alpha Conde in September last year.

“We are going to try and tell authorities here (in the EU) that, no, it’s not working in Guinea, no, there has been treason,” said one Guinean civil society activist, Naby Laye Camara.

“They (the CNRD) haven’t come for democracy, they have effectively come to confiscate power and even the liberty of people,” he said.

The decision to suspend the pressure group has been criticized by the opposition. Cellou Dalein Diallo, who is the main Guinean opponent under former president Alpha Conde, condemned the decision, and rated it “a blow to freedom, justice, democracy and peace” on social networks.

Metro

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

Published

6 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.