Metro

‘COP27 is about climate, not hunger-strike activist’, says Egypt’s Foreign Minister

Published

2 years ago

November 12, 2022

Egyptian Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, has told those clamouring for the release of jailed British-Egyptian pro-democracy activist, Alaa Abdel-Fattah, who is currently on hunger strike that the focus of the United Nations Climate Summit (COP27), should be on climate change and global warming and not on the activist.

The call for the release of Abdel-Fattah has been growing with several international bodies, activists and NGOs, telling the Egyptian government to free him.

On Friday, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz who are all in Egypt for the COP 27 session, also called on Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to release Abdel-Fattah.

But in an interview on Saturday, Shoukry said the issue of the activist who is now receiving medical care during his detention, should not be the focus at the summit.

“I concentrate on highlighting the importance of the COP27 and trying to focus the attention of the parties, the international community and civil society on the existential challenge related to climate change. I think it is beneficial for achieving our objectives to continue focusing on this issue. This is why we are here,” Shoukry said.

While responding to another question, Shoukry pointed out that such concerns could distract the gathering from the failure of some countries to fulfil their climate-related commitments.

“Other issues that are not directly pertaining to the climate might detract from the issue and, potentially, give justification to those who would prefer to concentrate on other issues to avoid having to deal with what they need to do and how they need to implement their obligations and responsibilities,” the Minister asserted.

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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.