Metro

Zambia’s Bishops Council calls for stringent laws against LGBTQ

Published

11 months ago

December 31, 2023

The Zambian Bishops Council has called on the National Assembly to enact a stringent law that allowa for the arrest of members of the LGBTQ community.

Secretary General of the Council, Bishop Abel Kaela, who made the call while addressing journalists in Lusaka on Saturday, said he was aware that the country’s law was silent on the arrest of the homosexuals and gays, hence the need for a stiffer law to be put in place.

Kaela, who noted that Zambia was a Christian country, said he was of the view that allowing those practicing homosexuality to be on the loose would enable them to multiply in the country.

Reacting to President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent denouncement of homosexuality, Kaela said law enforcement agencies now had the empowerment to act.

Hichilema had, on Friday, condemned the act of homosexuality and vowed that he would not “tolerate Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) practices.”

“Zambians cannot allow people practicing homosexuality to be free and if such continues, it will be deemed normal in society,” the bishop said.

“Our call is that the police and other law enforcement agencies need to enforce the law so that those people practicing homosexuality are caged.

“We can’t allow such things continue happening in the country. So, it is our wish as a Church that the process to enforce the law is expedited,” Kaela said.

Click to comment

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.