Metro

Family of slain Cameroon journalist allege death threats from officials under investigation

Published

2 years ago

March 23, 2023

Family members of slain Cameroonian journalist, Martinez Zogo, who was murdered in January, have cried out over death threats they have been receiving from goverment officials and powerful individuals who are under investigation on their suspected involvement in the murder.

The popular and outspoken broadcaster was abducted and subsequently killed after he exposed official corruption among politicians.

Zogo’s mutilated remains were found near a bush in Yaounde on January 22, five days after he was abducted by unknown individuals.

While authorities have arrested a number of suspects including a media mogul, Jean-Pierre Amougou Belinga, the owner of pro-government media outfit, Vision 4 TV channel, security personnel and top officials in connection with Zogo’s murder, his family members say they are being inundated with death threats.

Zogo’s widow, Diane Zogo, who revealed the threats to the family at a press conference in Yaounde on Wednesday, said she and her children have been intimidated by threats and physical assaults.

Diane said in one incident, the occupants of a car following her pulled up alongside her vehicle and opened fire, destroying the windshield before driving off when witnesses started shouting for help.

The family lawyer, Calvin Djob, who confirmed that Zogo’s wife and children have been receiving death threats, said some family members and friends have received bribes to support burying the journalist before results of the investigation are made public from officials who are being investigated.

Djob said Zogo’s spouse has made it clear that her husband will not be buried if results of investigations ordered by Cameroon President Paul Biya into Zogo’s death are not made public.

“Officials who are being investigated for killing Zogo believe that Zogo’s wife, Diane, is in possession of some information or documents that may incriminate the officials who are being investigated,” he said.

“Diane Zogo and her children need protection, without which they may be silenced by officials who are currently under investigation for killing Zogo,” Djob added.

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Metro

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

Published

6 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.