Metro

Zambia: Political analyst knocks govt over anti-corruption war

Published

9 months ago

February 11, 2024

Zambian political analyst, Daimone Siulapwa, has knocked the President Hakainde Hichilema-led administration and the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) over the ongoing war against corruption in the country.

Siulapwa, who lambasted the government in a statement on Saturday, said despite the public commending the government for the recent establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Court as a beacon of hope, the generality of Zambians were currently disillusioned by the unfulfilled campaign promises made by administration.

“However, what was intended to be a symbol of resolve has devolved into a symbol of disillusionment, as it languishes in a state of inertia, failing to live up to its mandate,” Siulapwa said.

He argued that the people of Zambia were not fools as they quickly saw through the smokescreen and mirrors of political posturing in the fight against corruption.

“The UPND government must heed the loud and clear call of the people and deliver on its solemn promise to root out corruption with unwavering resolve,” Siulapwa said.

He further noted that in the wake of the 2021 elections, hope reverberated through the hearts of Zambians, as they believed that change had come but expressed concern that the promise of a new era under the UPND was heralded by a resounding commitment to dismantle the fortress of corruption erected during the previous regime and to hold the perpetrators accountable, but that to the contrary the wheels of justice was grinding at a pace reminiscent of a lethargic tortoise, while corruption continued to haunt the nation with impunity.

“During the fervor of the electoral campaigns, the UPND, under the leadership of Hakainde Hichilema, boldly proclaimed its mission to uproot corruption and restore faith in governance.

“The tales of plunder and embezzlement under the Patriotic Front (PF) rule were vividly painted, fueling the collective resentment of a populace weary of being preyed upon by those entrusted with safeguarding their interests,” he said.

He however pointed out that the deafening silence surrounding the conclusion of corruption cases speaks volumes, breeding suspicion and disillusionment among the populace was worrying.

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Metro

EU launches initiative to reintegrate over 417,661 out-of-school children in Nigeria

Published

10 hours ago

November 15, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The European Union (EU) has launched an initiative to reintegrate over 417,661 out-of-school children in Nigeria, particularly in the northwestern parts of the country.

Mrs. Tobi Ransomed, who is the consortium lead, disclosed this during the launching of the “Accelerating Basic Education and Livelihood Opportunities for Children and Youth in North West Nigeria Program” (ABEP), held in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State, on Thursday.

While declaring the event open, Ransomed noted that the high rate of out-of-school children in the region required a holistic approach from all relevant stakeholders to ensure these children reached their potential.

Speaking further, she said the ABEP three-year pilot program would be implemented through Save the Children International, PLAN, and Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAG) across twelve local government areas in Kano, Jigawa, and Sokoto States.

“Data from Save the Children International (SCI), has shown that 10% of the world’s out-of-school children are in Nigeria, with over 10 million primary school-age children not in school. Approximately 25% of girls and 10% of boys in the country have been victims of sexual violence,” she stated.

“The program aims to increase access to safe, quality, and inclusive alternative and accelerated education programs for 324,000 young girls and boys, as well as 32,400 persons with disabilities, supporting their transition into formal or non-formal education.

“This project plans to increase access to livelihood opportunities, vocational education, and green job opportunities for 60,000 youths and 6,000 persons with disabilities, with 20,000 beneficiaries in each participating state.

“The overall objective is to contribute to the empowerment of the poorest, underserved, and most marginalized population groups, including women, girls, and youth, by providing access to quality, inclusive, gender-sensitive, and conflict-sensitive education in northwestern Nigeria with a special focus on Kano, Jigawa, and Sokoto States,” she stated.

Metro

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

Published

1 day 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.