Metro

South African military recalls Peacekeepers indicted in sexual exploitation in DR Congo

Published

12 months ago

October 15, 2023

Eight members of the South African contingent to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force (MONUSCO) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, who were indicted in a sexual assault and exploitation case, have been recalled by the country’s military authorities.

The soldiers were on Sunday ordered home over what the military said was a serious case of “misconduct related to sexual exploitation and abuse in the Democratic Republic of Congo”, pending an investigation.

The eight suspects were arrested and detained in a military barrack early this month in the eastern city of Beni.

According to an internal memo by the Force, the eight peacekeepers, including an officer who were deployed in Beni in eastern DRC, were arrested on October 1, and were suspended a week later in connection with alleged “sexual exploitation and violence”.

The memo said all the peacekeepers belonged to the South African contingent and may be involved in internal reports described as a systematic widespread violation of UN rules.

UN spokesman, Stephane Dujarric also said MONUSCO had received reports that the personnel involved “were fraternizing, after curfew hours, at an out-of-bounds bar known to be a place where transactional sex occurs.”

In a letter recalling the peacekeepers, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) said:

“Due to the serious nature of the allegations, the SANDF took a decision to recall the implicated soldiers back to South Africa to answer to the allegations and to give account of events that transpired.”

The SANDF said that investigators had been dispatched to the DRC to conduct a formal probe.

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Metro

ZESCO says Zambians can enjoy improved power supply but offers condition

Published

9 hours ago

October 9, 2024

Isaac Dachen

State-owned Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (ZESCO) has assured Zambians of improved power supply spanning seven-hour daily, depending on the approval of its emergency tariff adjustment by the Energy Regulation Board (ERB).

ZESCO, which is Zambia’s largest power company producing about 80% of the electricity consumed in the country, made the commitment during a public hearing held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka on Monday.

In his address, Victor Mapani, ZESCO’s Managing Director, stated that the proposed tariff increase would allow the company to raise $15 million monthly to import 300 megawatts (MW) of electricity.

“ZESCO’s ultimate goal is to add 788 MW of power to the 400 MW it currently imports from South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe,” Mapani said.

Also speaking at the forum, Mark O’Donnell, representing the Business Coalition Task Office, noted that ZESCO’s tariffs were more affordable than diesel generators, which many households and businesses had resorted to due to Zambia’s energy challenges.

He emphasized the coalition’s support for the tariff hike but urged ZESCO to ensure efficient use of resources.

Ashu Sagar, President of the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM), raised concerns about ZESCO’s inconsistent load-shedding schedule, which he said had disrupted production planning and increased costs in the manufacturing sector.

On his part, ERB Board Chairperson, James Banda, announced that the board would make an independent decision on ZESCO tariff adjustment request on Thursday, devoid of political influence.

Metro

All the choices we have made are for sustainable, inclusive growth— Tinubu

Published

15 hours ago

October 9, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that all the choices his administration has made since assuming office 17 months ago have been made to stop the country’s decline and put it on a path to sustainable and inclusive growth.

Tinubu, who made the assertion at the 54th Annual Accountants Conference in Abuja on Tuesday, said it was encouraging that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product growth for the first and second quarters of 2024 was positive, giving credence to his reforms and policies.

The president, who was represented by Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Abubakar Bagudu, noted that it was gladdening that inflation was on a downward trend, and the foreign exchange market was stabilising, with encouraging investment signals.

“We are continuing with innovative reform measures: digitisation of revenue collection and government services, consumer credit system to boost manufacturing and enable access to goods and services,” Tinubu said in his address to the audience.

“Our reforms include removing punitive subsidies to the economy. Revenue bleeding has reduced, and the three tiers of government are receiving higher allocations, which enable more support to vulnerable populations.

“Social investment spending is increasing, the minimum wage has increased, student loans are available, and interventions to support NANO, MSME, farming, fishing, and the livestock sector have increased.

“Our collective vision for Nigeria’s future is anchored on strengthening our institutions and nurturing a pervasive culture of accountability,” he said.

He added that his government was committed to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to boost transparency and efficiency and cultivate strategic partnerships to pave the way for sustainable development.