Metro

Ahead COP27, Egypt arrests Deputy Editor of state-run media for criticising President Al-Sisi

Published

2 years ago

November 2, 2022

The Deputy Editor of Egyptian state-run Radio and Television Magazine, Manal Ajrama, has been arrested by security forces at her home in Cairo for allegedly criticising President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi over a clampdown on activists ahead of the COP27 summit starting next week.

Local media reports that Ajarma who is also a prominent human rights lawyer, was arrested for writing posts on social media criticising Al-Sisi.

According to the reports, the 61-year-old Ajarma who suffers from the after effects of spinal surgery, has been very critical of the Al-Sisi government over its consistent clampdown on opposition figures especially those opposed to his policies.

“As the UN climate summit to be hosted by Egypt approaches, journalists, rights groups and politicians are raising the pressure on the Egyptian government to stop committing mass violations,” one media reports.

“Several Egyptians have called for protests on 11 November to protest Al-Sisi’s oppressive rule and in response, the government has launched a mass arrest campaign to try and prevent any kind of demonstrations to coincide with COP27,” the report said.

In April the government had announced it would begin a national dialogue and has since released roughly 1,000 political detainees.

However, there are some 60,000 political prisoners in jail, detained in dire conditions, many of whom are tortured and denied medical care, activists say.

Rights advocates have also described the release of prisoners as welcome but put in place for international consumption and to create an impression that the government is reforming.

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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.