Metro

15 killed in twin car bomb blasts in Central Somalia

Published

2 years ago

January 5, 2023

Somali authorities have confirmed that 15 people were killed in twin car bomb blasts in Central Somalia’s Hiraan region, included soldiers, militiamen and civilians.

The attacks, which have been claimed by the al-Shabab militant group, occured on Wednesday in the town of Mahas where two military bases were targeted, security officials said.

A shopkeeper in the town who witnessed one of the bombing, said apart from those who died, several others were wounded.

“I have counted 15 dead people including soldiers, militiamen and civilians. Dozens were wounded,” the shopkeeper, Abdullahi Osman.

“Dozens were wounded. Many houses were destroyed. Fragments of the bombs injured people far from the site. The death toll may rise,” he said.

Mohamed Moalim Adan, a leader of the Mahas community militia however, said “nearly 20 people died in the blasts.”

Another community leader, Mohamud Suleyman, said 52 people were wounded and “most were transported to Mogadishu for treatment.”

In a statement issued by al-Shabaab’s media office said its fighters had detonated explosives at military bases in Mahas and also attacked another base in Dadan ‘Ad, about 17km (10 miles) from the capital Mogadishu.

The statement added that al-Shabab had targeted “apostate militias and soldiers.”

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Metro

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

Published

18 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.