Metro

Cameroon charges prominent business tycoon in murder of journalist

Published

2 years ago

March 5, 2023

A prominent Cameroonian businessman and media owner, Jean-Pierre Amougou Belinga, has been charged with complicity in the abduction and eventual murder of a broadcast journalist, Martinez Zogo, in January.

Zogo who was outspoken against graft and financial sleaze by government officials was kidnapped and brutally murdered days after he complained on radio that he had recieved death threats over his work.

Zogo, 50, was the manager of a privately-owned radio station, Amplitude FM and host of a daily show called Embouteillage or Traffic Jam.

He had frequently named Amougou Belinga in his corruption accusations.

He was abducted on January 17 outside a police station in the suburbs of the capital Yaounde, and his mutilated corpse was found five days later.

Belinga, who is said to be close to ministers and senior government officials, has holdings in banking, finance, insurance and property, as well as owning a daily newspaper and several pro-government TV and radio stations.

He was arrested on February 6 and was charged before a military court in the capital Yaounde on Friday before being remanded, according to his lawyer.

Belinga’s lawyer, however, said his client was “not charged with the murder of Martinez Zogo,” as it was “only an indictment the judicial investigation has only just begun.”

But local media have reported otherwise, saying Belinga “was placed under a detention order… at the main prison in Kondengui after being presented before an investigating judge at the military court.”

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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.