Metro

Condition of jailed Egyptian activist on hunger strike unknown, family says

Published

2 years ago

November 11, 2022

The family of jailed British-Egyptian pro-democracy activist, Alaa Abdel-Fattah, who embarked on a full hunger strike on Sunday, says his condition has been hidden from them after they were informed that he was forcefully given a medical intervention.

The family, in a statement by his sister, said says the Egyptian and prison authorities have not told them any specifics about the nature of the medical intervention which was against his will.

The development came a few days after Abdel-Fattah, who had been on a partial hunger strike for several months, decided to embark on a full hunger strike which meant he would stop drinking water on November 6 to coincide with the opening of the United Nations Climate Summit, COP27, which began in Egypt on Monday.

The statement added that despite pleas by the UN, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, for Abdel-Fattah to be released, the authorities have denied both his family and lawyers access to him.

The Secretary-General of Amnesty International, Agnès Callamard, has also called for independent medical care for Abdel-Fattah “because the prison system in Egypt is abysmal in its treatment, medical treatment of prisoners,” all to no avail.

The statement also said Abdel-Fattah’s mother has made daily trips to the prison where her son is being held but has not received any information about his condition.

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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.