Metro

Thousands hold anti-gay protests against proposed Botswana LGBTQ bill

Published

1 year ago

July 23, 2023

Thousands of demonstrators Saturday took to the streets of Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, to protest against a legislation seeking to make same-sex relations and the rights of the LGBTQ legal.

The massive protests followed the one staged by religious leaders on Thursday which prevailed on the country’s parliament not to consider passing the bill.

The protesters which were backed by religious groups, marched across the city to voice their opposition to the bill that aims to comply with a 2019 court ruling in favour of LGBTQ rights, carrying placards with inscriptions like “we say no homosexuality” and “protect our children”.

According to one of the leaders of the demonstration, Pastor Pulafela Mabiletswane Siele of the Evangelical Fellowships of Botswana, who delivered a petition to the parliament, passing the bill “would open floodgates of immorality and abomination”.

“We urge our parliament to opt for a referendum regarding this matter,” Siele told journalists during the protest.

An opposition member of parliament, Wynter Mmolotsi, who recieved the petition on behalf of his colleagues, said MPs would take into consideration the views of the church.

A Botswana High Court had, in 2019, ruled in favour of campaigners seeking to strike down jail sentences for same-sex relationships, declaring the punishment to be unconstitutional.

The government had sought to revoke the ruling but lost an appeal in 2021.

Homosexuality and gay sex had been banned in since 1965 in the conservative African nation with offenders facing up to seven years in prison if found guilty.

The bill that is expected to be discussed in the coming weeks removes the related provisions from the penal code.

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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.