Metro

Kenya deploys regional troops to Congo DR amidst terror attack

Published

2 years ago

November 2, 2022

Kenya on Wednesday deployed troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo as activities of rebel groups continue to plague the east African country.

The deployment is part of Kenya’s regional military intervention to support the Congolese regime against rebels operating in eastern DRC.

Kenyan President, William Ruto announced made the announcement on Wednesday that”as neighbors, the fate of the DRC is linked to ours,” President Ruto said in Nairobi at a ceremony, noting that the regional contingent also includes troops from Burundi, Uganda, and South Sudan, sent “on a mission to protect humanity.”

Demonstrators hit the streets of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday over the alleged involvement of Rwanda terror activities in the country.

The diplomatic brouhaha between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda went on a downward sloop again as the DRC has given 48 hours to the Rwandan Ambassador to leave the country.

The United States also on Tuesday reiterated the position that Rwanda is supporting rebel group M23 in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

According to US diplomatic spokesman Ned Price, “state support for armed groups is unacceptable and we reiterate our concerns about Rwanda’s support for M23.”

President Ruto made the announcement while speaking at a ceremony in Nairobi, he said the troops were “on a mission to protect humanity”. “As neighbours, the destiny of DRC is intertwined with ours.”

“We will not allow any armed groups, criminals, and terrorists to deny us our shared prosperity.” He added.

The diplomatic brouhaha between the countries went on a downward sloop again as the DRC has given 48 hours to the Rwandan Ambassador to leave the country.

Metro

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

Published

19 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.