Metro

Tunisia fishermen retrieve bodies of eight migrants

Published

2 years ago

October 10, 2022

Tunisian fishermen in the southern town of Zarzis, on Monday, retrieved the bodies of eight illegal migrants who drowned after their boat reportedly sank off the coast late last month as they tried to cross the Mediterranean Sea into Europe, a Red Crescent official told journalists.

“The fishermen who went out specifically to search for the drowned in this boat found eight bodies, waiting to be known precisely,” the Red Crescent official, Mongi Slim, said.

“Families of the missing immigrants who were mostly from sub-Saharan Africa, have been protesting since last week in Zarzis, saying that the state was not doing enough to determine the fate of their sons as it was likely their boat, carrying 18 people, had sunk,” Slim said.

On Friday, Red Crescent volunteers in Libya discovered 15 bodies on a beach near the city of Sabratha in the north African country, after they were allegedly killed and their boat set on fire by rival human traffickers.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in a statement, had blamed the incident on human trafficking syndicates who fell out with rival gangs as well government security agencies who torture and abuse the migrants.

“Migrants often face horrific treatment at the hands of smuggling gangs and armed groups operating under state auspices often torturing and abusing them whenever they are apprehended.”

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Metro

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

Published

15 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

2 days 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.