Metro

Burundi charges 24 homosexuals to court in fresh crackdown on LGBTQ

Published

2 years ago

March 9, 2023

At least 24 LGBTQ advocates have been charged to a court in Burundi in a crackdown on homosexuals in the East African country, a human rights activist reported on Thursday.

The suspects, according to the activist, were arraigned on charges of “homosexual practices,” in what LGBTQ activists say is a war against them.

The President of ACAT-Burundi which defends human rights in the country, Armel Niyongere, told journalists the after interrogations which lasted about 10 days, 17 men and seven women “were charged with homosexual practices and incitement to homosexual practices by the public prosecutor before being imprisoned in the central prison of Gitega, and will remain in prison until their trial.”

He said police arrested the 24 on February 23 in Gitega, where members of MUCO Burundi, an NGO working to combat AIDS, were holding a seminar.

“Neighbors alerted security services after seeing teenage boys and girls at MUCO headquarters. Police found condoms and documents on gay rights on the premises, another activist told reporters.

“They were accused of promoting homosexuality and homosexual acts, considered crimes punishable by imprisonment,” he added.

The penal code was promulgated in 2009 by the late President Pierre Nkurunziza, which stipulates punishment for “sexual relations with a person of the same sex,” punishable by three months to two years in prison.

His successor, Évariste Ndayishimiye, has also vowed to stamp out homosexuality from the country.

In a speech last week, the President had blasted “homosexuals, even those living outside the country.”

“I ask all Burundians to curse those who indulge in homosexuality because God cannot bear it. They must be banished, treated as pariahs in our country because they bring us the curse,” he had said.

Related Topics:Burundi Court Featured Homosexuality LGBTQ

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Metro

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

Published

13 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.