Metro

Botswana LGBTQ community battles religious bodies over same-sex bill

Published

1 year ago

July 25, 2023

LGBTQ rights activists in Botswana and Christian communities have clashed over a controversial same-sex bill which has been presented before the country’s parliament for consideration.

The tension between the two groups peaked after members of the evangelical church community organized a protest march on Saturday against the bill that could decriminalize same-sex relations.

But the LGBTQ community have kicked against the religious body after a 2019 High Court ruling supported LGBTQ rights in Botswana, a situation that has sparked a clash between the two groups, as the National Assembly gets set to debate the controversial bill this week.

The High Court had ruled that consensual same-sex relations were unconstitutional in the country but Tshiamo Rantao, the lawyer who represented the LGBTQ community in the 2019 case, said parliament had no mandate to debate the bill, but instead must respect the judgement.

However, members of the LGBTQ community are not pleased with religious leaders who they accuse of trying to influence the legislators.

Executive Director of Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana (LEGABIBO), Thato Moruti, who addressed a press conference on Tuesday, said it was sad that religious leaders would concern themselves with issues affecting gay people.

“I believe that the church might be starting a very dangerous trend by manipulating the legislators and the courts,” said Moruti.

“It is important that we understand that the church’s move may be causing some sort of destabilization of democracy in the country because they are trying to push this Christian fundamentalism on Botswana.

“It is important that we push for non-combative approaches especially with all organizations and institutions. This, I believe, will allow for trust with stakeholders and also foster progress on common justice goals.

“It is also important to focus on issues of prevention and not redress. It is very important that we seek to prevent human rights abuses before they occur,” Moruti said.

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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.