Metro

300 African migrants missing as make-shift boats disappear near Spain’s Canary Islands

Published

1 year ago

July 10, 2023

A migrant aid group, Walking Borders on Sunday reported that at least 300 African migrants who were travelling on three make-shift boats from Senegal to Spain’s Canary Islands had gone missing.

The WB report stated that two boats, with one carrying about 65 people and the other with between 50 and 60 on board, had been missing for 15 days since leaving the West African country in a bid to try to reach Spain.

Helena Maleno, an official of the Walking Borders told journalists that a third boat which left Senegal on June 27 with about 200 people aboard had also disappeared.

“The families of those on board have not heard from them since they left,” Maleno said.

“All three boats left Kafountine in the south of Senegal, which is about 1,700 kilometers (1,057 miles) from Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands.

“The families are very worried. There are about 300 people from the same area of Senegal. They have left because of the instability in Senegal,” Maleno added.

U.N.’s migration agency, International Organization for Migration (IMO), in a statement on Monday, confirmed the missing persons who include women and children.

“Atlantic migration route, one of the deadliest in the world, is typically used by migrants from sub-saharan African countries. At least 559 people, including 22 children, died in 2022 in attempts to reach the Canary Islands,” the IMO said.

“According to data, the Canary Islands off the coast of West Africa have become the main destination for migrants trying to reach Spain, with a much smaller number also seeking to cross the Mediterranean Sea to the Spanish mainland,” the agency noted.

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Metro

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

Published

16 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.