PF can even participate through an independent presidential candidate – Mukandila
By Mubanga Mubanga PF secretary general Celestine Mukandila says President Hakainde Hichilema must not think he has won by keeping the PF in the courts because the Zambian people have already decided to vote him out of government.
On Friday, the High Court ruled that the convention that elected Miles Sampa as president of the PF in 2023 was legally valid.
In an interview with Daily Revelation on Saturday, Mukandila said the PF was going to participate in the August 13th general elections using the special purpose vehicle the same way they have https://dailyrevelationzambia.com/pf-can-even-participate-through-an-independent-presidential-candidate-mukandila/
Makebi must stop masquerading as PF president – Mudolo
By Mubanga Mubanga PF presidential aspirant Willah Mudolo has urged Makebi Zulu to stop “masquerading” as the president of the party.
In a statement issued on Friday, Mudolo stated that Zulu and his group needed to respect the rule of law by allowing Miles Sampa to be the president of the party.
This follows the judgment vy the High Court judgment to confirm that the convention that elected Sampa in 2023 was legally constituted.
“I strongly urge Honourable Makebi Zulu and his team to cease masquerading as the leadership of the Patriotic Front and to respect the rule of law, which he is trained and duty-bound to defend. His resignation from the PF was a conscious and deliberate act, taken in disregard of the clear and unbiased advice I provided,” Sampa said.
“The Provincial Chairpersons who are aligning themselves with activities that are illegal and contrary to the party’s internal standing orders and Party constitution risk being regarded as having resigned https://dailyrevelationzambia.com/makebi-must-stop-masquerading-as-pf-president-mudolo/
BINWELL MPUNDU’S CARELESSNESS AND INDISCIPLINE CAUSE HIS LAWYERS TO WALK OUT OF HIS SEDITION CASE
A dramatic twist has rocked the ongoing sedition case involving Nkana Member of Parliament Binwell Mpundu, after his entire legal team abruptly withdrew—citing untenable instructions from their own client.
Lead counsel Leon Lemba told the court that Mpundu had taken a position that placed the lawyers in direct conflict between their duty to the Court and their obligation to represent him—an ethical line they could not cross.
The fallout stems from a heated dispute over evidence, with the defense alleging that key content from a phone—submitted as an exhibit—was tampered with while in court. The claim centers on witness Malindi Choongo, who is accused of deleting material during testimony, further intensifying tensions in the proceedings.
Faced with the impasse, Magistrate Webster Milumbe granted the application, formally removing the lawyers from the record and leaving Mpundu without representation at a critical stage of the trial.
The embattled lawmaker is now expected back in court on April 20, 2026, where he must secure new legal counsel to continue his defense.
Mpundu stands accused of publishing a controversial article on his Facebook page allegedly inciting members of the public to acquire firearms for self-defense—charges that carry serious legal implications as the case edges deeper into contentious territory.
USA ranks Zambia among safest places for Americans right now State Department reveals world’s most dangerous countries for Americans
The State Department has issued a sweeping update to its global travel advisories, elevating risk levels for several Middle Eastern nations and warning of heightened threats
State Department details US evacuation flights from Middle East, embassy closures Senior foreign policy correspondent Gillian Turner reports on U.S. evacuation efforts from the Middle East as flights are underway from UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Bahrain after drone strikes.
You can now listen to Fox News articles! The State Department has continued to update its travel advisories as the conflict with Iran and adversarial relationships with other nations continue to play out across the world.
Americans traveling abroad could be targets for arbitrary arrests or attacks, the agency has warned. In its interactive world map, the agency has branded several Middle Eastern countries as unsafe for Americans to travel to. Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain have moved from Level 2 to Level 3 advisories, meaning Americans should exercise caution or reconsider their travels to those locations altogether, the New York Post first reported.
Iran has been branded a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” destination, with Americans facing risks of wrongful detention, violence and kidnapping amid the unrest there. https://dailyrevelationzambia.com/usa-ranks-zambia-among-safest-place-for-americans-right-now/
NEWS UPDATE: SABOI DISPEL RECENT NDC CONVENTION AS “FAKE”
The National Democratic Congress, NDC, has accused the ruling United Party for National Development, UPND, of attempting to destabilise opposition political parties and interfere in its internal affairs.
In a statement issued on March 30, 2026, NDC President Saboi Imboela alleged that individuals working with the UPND recently held what she described as a “fake convention” at a government lodge, claiming to represent the NDC.
Ms. Imboela said the party will not allow impostors to hijack its leadership, adding that since 2021, the NDC has faced sustained pressure, including arrests and alleged political intimidation.
She further accused the ruling party of undermining Zambia’s democratic principles, warning against any attempts to reverse the country’s multi-party system established in 1991.
Meanwhile, the NDC says it has so far completed provincial conferences in seven provinces and is preparing to hold its national convention next month after concluding the remaining three.
Ms. Imboela has since directed party members to remain alert while continuing mobilisation efforts across the country.
The UPND has not yet issued a response to the allegations.
I WAS AIRLIFTED LIKE A BAG OF MEALIE-MEAL – NYASULU … Police exhibited thuggery by confirming they are a force not service
Former Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) director general Victor Nyasulu says police exhibited thuggery, while confirming that they are a force when they airlifted him like a bag of mealie-meal and violently bundled him into the vehicle last Friday.
In an interview over the weekend, Nyasulu said he never imagined that Zambia would revert to the vigilante practices of the old UNIP regime, and police unruliness during the PF administration, whereby police were now violently exhibiting violence in full view of the public eye.
”They manhandled me like akasaka ka bunga (a bag of mealie-meal) and https://dailyrevelationzambia.com/i-was-airlifted-like-a-bag-of-mealie-meal-nyasulu-police-exhibited-thuggery-by-confirming-they-are-a-force-not-service/
PF URGED TO PUT HOUSE IN ORDER IF IT SHOULD BE ON BALLOT PAPER
SOUTHERN African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes Executive Director, Arthur Muyunda, has urged the Patriotic Front (PF) to urgently resolve its internal conflicts if it hopes to participate effectively in the 2026 general elections.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka, Mr. Muyunda said SACCORD remains concerned about persistent divisions within the former ruling party, which have continued since it lost power, noting that the organization has been engaging PF leadership in an effort to promote dialogue and unity.
Mr. Muyunda warned that ongoing disputes within the PF, risk undermining its chances of appearing on the ballot when nominations open ahead of the 2026 polls.
“Every conflict happening in PF delays them from being part of the parties that will be on the ballot paper for the 2026 general elections,” said Mr. Muyunda.
He said the party has spent too much time engaging in internal wrangles rather than strengthening itself as a viable opposition, a development he said weakens the country’s democratic process.
“Democracy is supposed to be driven by both a strong ruling party and a strong opposition and the current situation in PF is not helping that,” said Mr. Muyunda.
He emphasized that SACCORD’s interest is to see the PF participate in the upcoming elections, but cautioned that the current trajectory could jeopardize that outcome.
“As things are going, we are seeing them still embroiled in conflicts,” said Mr. Muyunda.
Mr. Muyunda further called on the party to address any alleged external interference that may be contributing to internal confusion, urging PF leaders to take responsibility for the party’s future as they are the same people who will either destroy or build the party going forward.
He has since appealed for dialogue among party leaders to find lasting solutions to the disputes.
His remarks come in the wake of fresh tensions within the PF following the election of Makebi Zulu as president of a faction aligned to Given Lubinda, the development which has reportedly triggered legal action from another faction led by Robert Chabinga.
ANOTHER POLITICAL PARTY EXPOSES THE ROT AT REGISTRAR OF SOCIETIES
MMD has moved to intensify its battle with the Registrar of Societies, accusing the office of refusing to process its new office-bearers while ignoring what the party says was an unlawful and unexplained change of name in 2024.
The party says the matter goes beyond MMD alone. It is now watching the MNR case under John Sangwa, saying the dispute speaks directly to a wider pattern affecting political parties including the Patriotic Front and others caught in similar “mingalato” situations involving disputed leadership, altered records, and administrative silence.
According to MMD, the registrar has not responded meaningfully despite three visits to his office and a letter submitted on January 28. The party further alleges that its name was changed without the convention which is the highest organ of authority to amend the party constitution and without the knowledge of the general membership. It says the former president only announced the change in November 2025 at another illegal convention.
The party is also questioning what authority was used to permit the name change and to “archive” the MMD name in a way that prevents others from using it. It says it has since checked online, found the name available, reserved it, and printed proof of the reservation.
MMD insists the issue is not merely administrative. It says its constitution is clear that only a convention, backed by a two-thirds majority, can approve such fundamental changes and that the Society Act does not supersede the MMD party constitution or any other registered society. The party further says police have issued a letter indicating that the alleged illegality did in fact occur in 2024.
However, the party says another obstacle has emerged: police have allegedly misplaced the fingerprints needed to complete the documents required by the registrar. That has left MMD trapped in a bureaucratic stalemate, with the police withholding clearance documents while the registrar refuses to proceed without a complete file.
The party is now appealing to the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security to intervene.
At the heart of the dispute is a bigger question: whether the Registrar of Societies is applying the law uniformly, or whether some parties and individuals are being treated differently under a system increasingly viewed as opaque and political. The MNR matter under John Sangwa has sharpened that concern, with MMD arguing that what is happening to it is not isolated but part of a broader pattern of interference and selective administration.
If accurate, the allegations point to a serious test for Zambia’s democratic governance, especially where political party records, leadership changes, and legal recognition are concerned.
ZESCO UNITS ARE NOT MAGICALLY DISAPPEARING — THE TRUTH ABOUT TARIFF ADJUSTMENTS MUST BE TOLD
By Michael Zephaniah Phiri Political Activist
There is a growing and worrying attempt by some commentators and officials to confuse Zambians about why electricity units are finishing faster than before. The narrative being pushed is that nothing has really changed, that people are simply “using more power,” or that this is a technical illusion. This explanation is dishonest, insulting, and disconnected from the lived reality of millions of citizens.
The truth is simple and must be spoken plainly: electricity tariffs have been adjusted upward under the current government through the Multi-Year Tariff Framework, and this has directly affected how quickly prepaid units are consumed. No amount of public relations can erase what people see every day when they load power.
Under the Patriotic Front (PF) government, electricity tariffs were deliberately kept relatively low. This was a political choice meant to protect affordability for households, especially the poor and the working class. Yes, this approach created challenges for ZESCO, limited revenue, delayed maintenance, growing arrears, and underinvestment. That reality must be acknowledged honestly. But what cannot be denied is that ordinary citizens could buy units and use them for a reasonable period without shock and confusion.
Since the UPND government took office in late 2021, Zambia has taken a clear policy direction toward so-called cost-reflective tariffs. This shift was formalized through the Multi-Year Tariff Framework (MYTF) for 2023–2027, approved by the Energy Regulation Board. On paper, this framework promises stability and sustainability for ZESCO. In practice, it has meant higher effective electricity costs for many households, especially those consuming beyond the lifeline threshold.
The situation was made worse by the introduction of Emergency Tariffs between November 2024 and October 2025, justified as a way to raise funds for power imports during shortages caused largely by drought and reduced hydropower generation. During this period, residential tariffs rose sharply, with the highest tier reaching about K6.39 per kWh. Even though these emergency tariffs officially ended in November 2025 and rates reverted to the MYTF structure, the damage to household budgets had already been done.
Today, under the MYTF, the tariff structure may look reasonable on paper with lifeline units (around the first 100 units) costing roughly K0.44 per kWh and the next tier around K1.05 per kWh, but the reality is that most urban households do not survive on lifeline consumption alone. Once a family crosses into higher tiers, the cost per unit rises progressively, and this iswhy units now deplete much faster than they did in previous years.
To tell citizens that nothing has changed is to lie. To blame consumers for “overusing electricity” without acknowledging tariff restructuring is to avoid accountability. The people are not foolish. They know that the same K200 which once lasted two or three weeks now barely survives a few days and they know it is not because their fridges, TVs, or irons suddenly became greedy.
Yes, drought has affected hydropower. Yes, ZESCO needs money to import electricity and maintain infrastructure. But truth to power demands honesty. The government must openly tell the nation that tariff adjustments not imagination, not myths are a major reason units are finishing faster. Only then can there be an honest national conversation about balancing affordability, energy security, and economic sustainability.
Electricity is not a luxury; it is a basic service that touches every home, every business, every school, and every clinic. Policies made in boardrooms must be explained transparently to the people who feel their impact daily. Zambians deserve clarity, not spin. They deserve truth, not explanations that insult their intelligence.
Speaking the truth may be uncomfortable, but silence and distortion hurt the nation far more.
ADOPTIONS IN UPND WILL BE PERFORMANCE BASED – NKANDU
The UPND says adoptions at various levels for the forthcoming general elections will be determined by how aspirants have performed or how much support they have from the constituents.
Party deputy spokesperson Elvis Nkandu said the party leadership will listen to voices on the ground in selecting candidates.
In an interview, Mr Nkandu, who is Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, said it is important that those vying for public office cultivate a good relationship with the electorate.
He further urged the old party members to remain calm and whole-heartedly receive those joining the organisation.
UPND HAS EMPLOYED CADRES IN SERIOUS GOVERNMENT POSITIONS – CHONYA
…says some are not even ashamed to take partisan stance in the management of national affairs.
LUSAKA, MONDAY, MARCH, 30, 2026 (SMART EAGLES)
CITIZENS First Party CF Deputy National Treasurer and Member of the Central Committee Brian Chonya has observed that the UPND has employed cadres into into serious government positions.
Speaking on 5 FM radio this morning, Mr. Chonya said some have even declared that there positions starts and ends with UPND and are not ashamed to take partisan stance in the management of national affairs.
He said when CF under the leadership of party president Harry Kalaba forms government in August this year, all this will come to an end.
Mr. Chonya said government positions must be given to competent and experienced people who are able to guide government into the implementation of policies.
“Certain people having positions under the UPND don’t even have a track record in areas of responsibility, so that is a miss, under the CF government jobs will be given on merit” Mr. Chonya said.
“UPND has employed serious cadres into serious positions in government. Some have even declared that there positions in government starts and ends with the UPND and are not ashamed to take partisan stance in the management of national affairs. When CF comes into power, all this will come to a halt,” He said.
And Mr. Chonya said the current acting Auditor General is in office illegally because he was not formally appointed.
He questioned whether the country lacks qualified and experienced people to take up the position of Auditor General.
“The UPND government has failed interms of governance. I want to give you an example, currently the Law Association of Zambia- LAZ has made a decision that they want to take government back to court over the issue surrounding the appointment of the Auditor General. The question you are left to wonder is that do we lack qualified people that can hold that constitutional position?” Mr. Chonya said.
Mr. Chonya adds that the UPND came into government on a platform of good governance and that’s the reason Zambians gave them the mandate to rule.
” In the history of Zambia, it is on public record that we have a public officer who refused an audit, a public audit and those things have gone quiet. When you look at the Anti Corruption of Zambia – ACC, alot of things have been brought out surrounding shoddy deals that people aligned to the UPND are doing at ZAMMSA and all these other government institutions, but nothinghas been done to hold them accountable” Mr. Chonya said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Chonya also observed that people that speak the truth within the ruling party are sidelined.
He said CF president Harry Kalaba as extended an olive branch to these people to join hands and work with the opposition party.
🇿🇲 BRIEFING | Zambia Moves Toward 24-Hour Economy as Government Lifts Night Travel Ban
Government will begin rolling out the first phase of its proposed 24-hour economy by lifting the night travel ban on commercial trucks and buses effective 1st April 2026, in a move aimed at increasing the flow of goods and extending economic activity beyond traditional hours.
Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga said the policy shift is designed to unlock productivity across key sectors by allowing continuous movement of goods and services.
At the centre of the rollout is logistics.
The Kazungula One-Stop Border Post will transition to 24-hour operations, a step expected to improve trade efficiency and support small and medium enterprises that rely on cross-border supply chains.
“This will allow businesses to order goods at night and trade during the day.”
At face value, the move is operational.
But in context, it signals a broader attempt to recalibrate how Zambia’s economy functions, particularly in sectors constrained by time-bound activity and logistical delays.
The approach is phased.
Government has indicated that implementation will be demand-driven, with retail and service sectors identified as early adopters. This suggests a gradual expansion rather than a full-scale shift, allowing systems to adjust as participation grows.
The economic logic is clear.
Extended hours increase utilisation of infrastructure, create space for additional income streams, and potentially expand employment opportunities, particularly in urban and trade-linked areas.
But the rollout comes with external pressures.
The Minister cautioned that ongoing tensions in the Middle East are already affecting global supply chains, with likely consequences for fuel prices and currency stability.
This link is direct. Higher fuel costs increase transport expenses, which in turn affect the viability of extended-hour operations. Pressure on the kwacha could further raise the cost of imports, complicating the very trade flows the policy seeks to enhance.
This creates a dual dynamic. On one hand, Zambia is attempting to expand internal economic activity. On the other, it remains exposed to external shocks that could influence the cost and sustainability of that expansion.
The policy is therefore both an opportunity and a test.
If effectively implemented, it could improve efficiency and unlock new economic rhythms. If constrained by rising costs and weak uptake, its impact may remain limited in the short term.
What happens next will depend on execution.
Whether businesses adopt extended hours, whether infrastructure can support continuous operations, and whether external pressures remain manageable will determine how far the 24-hour model takes hold.
For now, the shift begins with movement. And from April, Zambia’s economy will begin to stretch beyond the clock.
Breaking: Israeli Internal Security Arrests Idf Reservist Over Alleged Leak Of US Fighter Jet Positions To Iran
In a major security breach, Israel’s internal security service Shin Bet has arrested a 23-year-old Israel Defense Forces reservist who was stationed at Ovda Air Base for allegedly transferring sensitive military information to Iran’s Isl∆mic Revolution∆ry Guard Corps intelligence network.
According to initial reports, the suspect is accused of filming and transmitting the precise locations of United States Air Force fighter aircraft deployed at the base, including F-22A Raptor stealth jets. The leaked information could have provided critical targeting data for potential Iranian ballistic missile strikes.
The incident has raised serious concerns within Israel’s security establishment regarding internal vulnerabilities, with early indications suggesting that Iranian intelligence efforts may be actively targeting Israeli military personnel and strategic installations.
Israel Passes Massive Defense Budget, Opposition Slams “Biggest Heist in History”
Israel has approved a sweeping 2026 budget with a sharp increase in defense spending, paving the way for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to sustain operations across multiple fronts.
The budget passed narrowly in parliament, allocating approximately 142 billion shekels to defense a significant surge aimed at supporting ongoing military campaigns, including operations linked to conflicts involving Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as escalating tensions with Iran.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich described the move as a “historic turning point,” while opposition lawmakers fiercely criticized it as “the biggest theft in the nation’s history,” reflecting deep political divisions amid wartime pressures.
Ukraine Alleges Russia Supplied Satellite Intel to Iran in Strike on U.S. Assets
Ukrainian officials have raised allegations that Russia may have provided satellite intelligence to Iran, potentially aiding recent attacks on U.S. military assets in the Middle East.
Speaking in Qatar, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that Moscow had “fully” supported Tehran by sharing targeting information. The allegation follows reports that satellite imagery of key U.S. positions — including Prince Sultan Air Base — was captured multiple times shortly before reported missile and drone strikes.
According to cited intelligence claims, the attacks allegedly resulted in damage to high-value assets, including aerial refueling aircraft and possibly an E-3 Sentry early warning aircraft, often described as a critical “eye in the sky.” However, details remain unverified and independent confirmation is lacking.
NBC News noted that the Ukrainian intelligence report did not include publicly verifiable evidence, making it difficult to confirm the claims.
Meanwhile, Russia has denied providing such intelligence, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissing the accusations as unacceptable, despite acknowledging ongoing military-technical cooperation with Iran.
The situation underscores growing concerns over indirect involvement by global powers, though analysts caution that the claims remain contested and require further verification.
Breaking News : Spain Shuts Airspace to U.S. Warplanes in Iran Conflict, Escalating Rift Within NATO
In a significant escalation of tensions within Western alliances, Spain has officially closed its airspace to U.S. military aircraft involved in ongoing operations against Iran. The decision was confirmed on Monday by Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles.
This move marks a major step beyond Spain’s earlier refusal to allow the United States access to jointly operated military bases on Spanish territory, including key installations used for transatlantic operations. By extending restrictions to its airspace, Madrid has effectively limited U.S. operational flexibility across southwestern Europe.
Spanish officials have framed the decision as part of a broader stance against the conflict, signaling clear political opposition to ongoing military actions targeting Iran. The closure forces U.S. aircraft involved in these operations to reroute, potentially increasing logistical strain and operational complexity.
The development highlights growing divisions among Western allies over the Iran conflict, with Spain taking one of the most assertive positions in Europe so far. The move could have wider implications for NATO coordination and future military cooperation if tensions continue to deepen.
Egypt’s President Begs Trump: “Please, Please, Please” Stop the Iran War Before Oil Hits $200 a Barrel.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi turned emotional at the Egypt Energy Show 2026 in Cairo, directly pleading with President Donald Trump to end the escalating war in the Gulf involving Iran.
“I tell President Trump: nobody can stop the war in our region in the Gulf but you,” Sisi declared. “Please, Mr. President, please. Please help us stop the war. You are capable of doing so.”
He added, speaking on behalf of peace: “In my name, in the name of humanity, and lovers of peace… please help us stop this war. You are a lover of peace.”
Sisi warned the conflict is driving severe supply shortages and price spikes, cautioning that “the price of a barrel of oil could reach more than $200, and this is not an exaggeration.” Such a surge would hammer global economies, fuel inflation, and hit energy-dependent nations hard.
“Iran Dominates the Energy Battlefield” Oil Revenues Surge Amid War — Analysts Point to Strategic Advantage
While the war continues to intensify on the battlefield, a different picture is emerging in the energy sector. Recent analysis indicates that Iran has significantly increased its oil revenues nearly doubling despite ongoing conflict and pressure from the United States and Israel.
Reports suggest that although around 15% of global oil supply has been disrupted due to tensions and restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian oil shipments have largely continued. Export volumes are estimated at 2.4–2.8 million barrels per day, with higher global prices further boosting income.
Iran’s so-called “shadow oil network” including indirect sales channels, covert shipping methods, and alternative financial systems has played a key role in sustaining its revenue flow. China remains a major buyer, helping maintain demand despite sanctions.
Despite military pressure and economic restrictions, analysts believe Iran’s energy infrastructure is highly resilient and decentralized, making it difficult to cripple through targeted strikes alone.
The situation highlights a critical contrast: Iran may be under pressure on the battlefield, but in the energy war, it is currently holding a significant strategic edge.
“Rare Transit Through Hormuz” Saudi Oil Tanker Heads to Pakistan Amid Ongoing Tensions
A Saudi crude oil tanker is en route to Pakistan after successfully passing through the Strait of Hormuz, in what Bloomberg described as a “rare transit” under current conditions.
According to vessel tracking data, a total of seven ships including the tanker P. Aliki departed the Persian Gulf on March 28. The tanker is carrying approximately 650,000 barrels of Saudi crude oil and is expected to reach Pakistan in the coming days.
In addition to the crude tanker, two LPG carriers and four bulk cargo vessels were also observed leaving the Gulf. Reports indicate that these ships navigated a narrow northern route between Iran’s Larak and Qeshm islands an area currently under heightened monitoring.
The LPG carriers are believed to be heading toward India.
Global energy flows remain under pressure after Iran effectively restricted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz in response to earlier strikes by the United States and Israel. The passage is one of the world’s most critical النفط corridors.
There are also indications that Iran’s parliament is considering legislation to impose transit fees on vessels passing through the strait in exchange for security guarantees.
Meanwhile, diplomatic channels appear active. Pakistan confirmed that Iran has agreed to allow additional Pakistan-flagged vessels to pass, with a reported flow of up to two ships per day.
Despite restrictions, some Iran-linked tankers continue operations by disabling transponders to avoid tracking. Estimates suggest daily shipments of around 1.6 million barrels earlier this month.
The latest developments underline a fragile but ongoing movement of energy supplies through one of the most contested maritime chokepoints in the world.
Violent Protest Erupts in East London Over Coronation of Nigerian ‘Igbo King’
Police have been deployed in force after a planned march by traditional leaders and anti-immigration activists in KuGompo (East London) turned violent, leaving 10 vehicles damaged and one building partially torched.
The demonstration, organised by groups including March and March, began peacefully at City Hall where protesters handed over a petition opposing the recent coronation of Nigerian national Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as “Igwe Ndigbo Na East London”.
Many local traditional leaders view the installation of a foreign king as an affront to South African customary law and sovereignty.
According to an official update from the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security X account, violence broke out after some marchers moved away from the handover point.
Damage was concentrated in the North End area, affecting Albany, Buffalo and Oxford Streets. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze and no injuries have been reported. No arrests have been made so far.
Public Order Policing units remain on the scene, and authorities have urged residents to avoid the affected streets and exercise caution.
The incident is the latest flashpoint in growing local tensions over foreign-led traditional structures in South African communities. Police say the situation is being monitored and further updates will be released as the investigation continues.
Breaking News : Rubio Tells Al Jazeera — U.S. Aims to Destroy Iran’s Missile and Drone Production Capability
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, confirmed that Washington is pursuing direct diplomatic talks with Tehran through intermediaries while simultaneously maintaining that military pressure will continue until Iran’s offensive weapons infrastructure is dismantled.
Rubio stated that the United States seeks to eliminate Iran’s ability to manufacture ballistic missiles and drones, noting that Tehran had been producing an estimated 100-plus ballistic missiles per month alongside thousands of one-way attack drones, which he described as a conventional weapons shield built to protect Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
He reaffirmed that President Trump prefers a diplomatic resolution to the conflict but made clear that U.S. military objectives include the destruction of missile production facilities and a dramatic reduction in Iran’s launcher arsenal.
The remarks represent one of the most direct public statements from the top U.S. diplomat on the specific military and diplomatic endgame Washington is pursuing in the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Source: Al Jazeera, exclusive interview with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, March 30, 2026
Global Panic Mode: Eight Nations Scramble as Iran War Oil Shock Hits Hard
The Strait of Hormuz shutdown from the Iran conflict has sent oil prices soaring over 50 percent. Governments worldwide are now rushing defensive moves to protect their economies from skyrocketing energy costs. A viral thread nailed most of it. Here is the no-spin breakdown.
Russia: Putin signed decrees on March 26 limiting cash exports over $100,000 and gold bars above 100 grams. The goal is to fight capital flight and the shadow economy amid the chaos.
South Korea: On March 25, officials launched a “wartime” economic task force chaired by the prime minister and rolled out a $17 billion supplementary budget. They are expanding fuel tax cuts to shield households and businesses from the energy spike.
India: Buried in a recent budget supplement, the government quietly set aside a $6.2 billion economic stabilization fund. It aims to buffer against global shocks and support exporters facing higher costs.
Turkey: The central bank burned through $30 billion in reserves this month defending the lira. Reports now suggest they may tap national gold reserves as foreign investors flee emerging markets.
Pakistan: Ahead of Eid, the prime minister announced salary cuts up to 30 percent for state firm employees and slashed fuel allocations by 50 percent. They also approved an austerity fund while claiming the economy is stable.
Iraq: Authorities banned 22 banks from USD transactions and set a July 2026 deadline for all government institutions to go fully cashless. The push for digital payments comes as oil volatility adds pressure.
Lebanon: The currency has already lost 98 percent of its value in recent years. The war piled on another $14 billion in damages, worsening a collapse that has left businesses shuttered and poverty soaring.
Egypt: Starting March 28, shops, restaurants, and malls must close by 9 p.m. for a month. The government added work-from-home Sundays for many offices and cut fuel allocations to save energy and ease the burden of doubled fuel prices.
These steps did not all happen in one magical 72-hour window. Some timing in the original thread was stretched. Egypt’s IMF funding came earlier in February, not days before the closures. Yet the core reality holds: leaders who recently insisted everything was fine are now imposing strict controls, reserve burns, salary slashes, and energy rationing.
This is what an oil shock looks like in real time. The Iran war exposed how fragile global energy flows remain. Higher prices for gas, food, and goods are coming. Governments are battening down the hatches while telling citizens not to worry.
The lesson is simple. Energy security is national security. Weak borders, reckless foreign policy, and dependence on unstable regions deliver pain at the pump and across the kitchen table. America should drill more, build pipelines, and keep strategic reserves strong instead of hoping distant conflicts stay contained. The world just got a loud reminder why.
“I Will Take Iran’s Oil” Trump Signals Intent, Tehran Dismisses as “Fantasy”
President Donald Trump has sparked fresh controversy after signaling that the United States could seek control over Iranian oil resources, while also indicating that strategic options — including potential moves involving Kharg Island — remain under consideration.
The remarks come as Washington continues to deploy additional military personnel to the Middle East, even as diplomatic efforts are reportedly still ongoing. Analysts note that Kharg Island represents a critical نقطة in Iran’s oil export network, making it a highly sensitive strategic location
In response, Iran has strongly rejected the statements, describing them as unrealistic and asserting that no foreign power would be allowed to seize Iranian territory under any circumstances.
The exchange highlights the widening gap between rhetoric and diplomacy, as tensions continue to rise despite parallel efforts to maintain dialogue.
Islamic Foreign Ministers Meet in Pakistan to Reopen Hormuz Strait
Foreign ministers from four key Islamic nations convened in Islamabad, Pakistan, to urgently discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route effectively blocked amid escalating Middle East tensions.
The high-level meeting brought together Ishaq Dar, Hakan Fidan, Badr Abdelatty, and Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, with Pakistan positioning itself as a key mediator between the United States and Iran.
Sources indicate early proposals include reopening maritime access under a regulated system similar to the Suez Canal, potentially involving transit fees and joint security oversight. Reports also suggest discussions on forming a regional coalition to manage oil shipments through the strait.
The outcome of these talks could have major implications for global energy markets, as any agreement to restore passage through Hormuz would ease pressure on supply chains strained by the ongoing conflict.
Chinese Elites Exploit U.S. Loopholes to Mass-Produce American Citizens for Beijing’s Benefit
American citizenship is not a commodity for sale to the highest foreign bidder. Yet that’s exactly what’s happening as wealthy Chinese nationals flood the largely unregulated U.S. surrogacy industry to crank out dozens or even hundreds of U.S.-born children.
A Wall Street Journal investigation exposed Chinese billionaires like video game executive Xu Bo fathering over 100 kids through American surrogates. These children get automatic citizenship under the outdated 14th Amendment interpretation, then get shipped off to China for raising by nannies while their “fathers” stay home. The price tag? Up to $200,000 per baby, with some elites dropping millions to build mega-families of preferred male heirs to take over their empires.
This isn’t innocent family planning. It’s a calculated scheme. The kids gain lifelong access to American passports, benefits, education, jobs, and voting rights. They could one day influence U.S. policy or national security from within, all while their true loyalty remains with the Chinese Communist Party. Senators Tom Cotton and Rick Scott have rightly flagged it as a potential national security threat, demanding investigations into Chinese-owned surrogacy operations.
Even U.S. Pacific territories like the Northern Marianas have turned into tropical birth factories for Chinese birth tourism, pumping out thousands of instant Americans raised overseas.
President Trump saw this coming and issued an executive order to restore sanity by limiting birthright citizenship to those truly subject to U.S. jurisdiction, not temporary visitors or surrogacy tourists. The Supreme Court is reviewing the issue now. It’s long overdue.
Weak borders, open surrogacy markets, and misapplied citizenship rules are turning America into a global baby mill for adversaries. Congress and the courts must slam the door shut before this Trojan horse strategy undermines our sovereignty. American citizenship should mean something, not serve as a cheap passport handout to China’s elite.
BREAKING: GOP Retirements Hit 100-Year Record as Trump’s Sinking Approval Threatens House Majority
House Republicans are abandoning ship at a rate not seen in nearly a century, and CNN data analyst Harry Enten says the writing is on the wall. A record 36 GOP members have already announced they will not seek reelection this cycle, surpassing the previous high of 34 set during the 2018 midterms, which turned out to be a devastating year for Republicans.
Enten was blunt about what the numbers mean. Members of Congress are smart enough to read the same polling everyone else is reading, and what they are seeing is a president sitting at just 40% approval. Historically, when a president’s approval falls below 50% heading into midterms, his party loses an average of 34 House seats. The best case scenario under those conditions? A loss of nine seats.
Democrats need to flip just three seats to reclaim the majority. Even the worst historical outcome for them still gets the job done.
The party with fewer retirements has gone on to win the House 80% of the time since 1982. Far fewer Democrats are retiring this cycle. That gap alone tells the story.
Midterms are going to be a slaughter for the GOP at this rate.
Obama’s Iran Cash Giveaway Fueled Terrorism, Not Iranian Roads
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman just exposed the ugly truth about Barack Obama’s disastrous nuclear deal with Iran. In a blistering speech, MBS laid out exactly where that massive windfall went and it wasn’t to help ordinary Iranians.
“We know that the Iranian regime is not there to serve Iran’s interests but instead the regime’s own ideology,” MBS declared. “They haven’t built a single school or road with the hundred and fifty billion dollars of frozen assets that have recently been released. Instead they’ve bought missiles targeting Saudi Arabia.”
He continued: “Instead they made missiles and drones. And they used the funds… to finance and arm terrorists like Hamas, Ansar Allah [Houthis], and Hezbollah.” The regime even harbors top Al Qaeda leaders inside Iran, including one of Osama bin Laden’s sons indoctrinated into jihad.
This wasn’t some innocent mistake. Obama’s team, including Hillary Clinton, Victoria Nuland, and Samantha Power, knew exactly what they were doing. They flooded the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism with over $100 billion in sanctions relief. Not one dime built streets, homes, or factories for the Iranian people. Every dollar went straight to missiles, drones, and proxy armies attacking Israel, Saudi Arabia, and anyone standing in the way of radical Islam.
Iran Confirms Death of IRGC Navy Chief After Earlier Israeli Claim
Iran has officially confirmed the death of Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, stating that he succumbed to severe injuries.
The announcement, broadcast on Iranian state television, described Tangsiri as having “ascended to the heavens,” praising his role in safeguarding Iran’s strategic control over the Strait of Hormuz. The statement emphasized continuity within the force, declaring that “every fighter is Tangsiri,” and hinted at potential future actions.
The confirmation follows earlier claims by Israel on March 26 that Tangsiri had been killed, marking a rare instance of Tehran publicly acknowledging the loss of a senior military figure amid escalating tensions.
Analysts note that the death of such a high-ranking commander could have operational and symbolic implications, particularly given his influence over naval strategy in one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.
“Not Enough for Full-Scale Invasion” U.S. Troops in Middle East Surge Past 50,000
U.S. military presence in the Middle East has reportedly surged beyond 50,000 troops, as the United States reinforces its position amid rising tensions with Iran, according to a report by The New York Times.
The buildup includes recent deployments such as naval and Marine forces aboard the USS Tripoli and elements of the 82nd Airborne Division, with analysts suggesting some units may be positioned within operational range of key targets like Kharg Island.
Despite the increase, military experts caution that the current force level remains insufficient for a full-scale ground invasion, noting that past operations including the 2003 Iraq War required significantly larger troop numbers.
Iran’s challenging terrain, large population, and entrenched defense capabilities are seen as major obstacles, reinforcing assessments that any potential ground campaign would be complex, costly, and far beyond the scope of current deployments.
🇨🇳🇯🇵🇺🇸 China Raises Alarm as Japan Arms Destroyers with U.S. Tomahawk Missiles
Tensions are rising as China expresses growing concern over Japan’s move to equip its Aegis destroyers with U.S.-made Tomahawk missile, a capability Beijing views as a direct security threat
According to South China Morning Post, Japan has begun full-scale integration of the missile system, with the destroyer JS Chokai undergoing upgrades and expected to conduct live-fire testing in the coming months. The system’s range up to 2,500 kilometers would allow strikes far beyond Japan’s immediate territory.
The deployment is part of Tokyo’s broader strategy to strengthen “counterstrike capabilities,” including plans to acquire up to 400 missiles from the United States.
Chinese analysts warn that this shift signals Japan’s transition toward a more assertive military posture, increasing risks of confrontation in flashpoints such as the East China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.
Breaking News : Over 70 Percent Of Combat-Ready B-1 Bombers Now Deployed To UK In Unprecedented Surge
In a highly unusual and strategically significant move, the United States has deployed a massive portion of its combat-ready B-1B Lancer fleet to the United Kingdom, marking one of the largest forward bomber concentrations in recent history.
According to emerging details, more than 70 percent of all combat-ready B-1 bombers are now stationed at RAF Fairford, a key forward operating base that places U.S. long-range strike capability within closer reach of the Middle East theater. This deployment is unprecedented in scale and reflects a major escalation in operational posture.
The United States Air Force currently operates around 44 B-1 bombers, but due to a relatively low mission-capable rate of roughly 47 percent, fewer than half are available for combat operations at any given time. This means that the aircraft now deployed to the UK represent the bulk of the actually usable fleet, significantly concentrating U.S. strike power in a single location.
Recent tracking and open-source intelligence indicate that around 15 B-1 bombers are already present at RAF Fairford, alongside additional strategic assets such as B-52 Stratofortress aircraft, bringing the total bomber presence close to two dozen.
This buildup is directly linked to ongoing U.S. operations targeting Iranian military infrastructure. The UK’s decision to allow American forces to operate from its bases has effectively reduced flight distances and increased sortie efficiency, enabling sustained high-tempo strike operations.
The B-1B Lancer plays a critical role in this campaign due to its massive payload capacity of up to 75,000 pounds, long endurance, and flexibility in carrying a wide range of precision and conventional munitions. These capabilities make it one of the most versatile platforms for large-scale strike missions against hardened and dispersed targets.
Notably, this deployment could have long-term implications for U.S. force structure. The B-1 fleet has been slated for gradual retirement as the next-generation B-21 Raider enters service. However, the current heavy reliance on the platform in active combat operations may delay retirement plans, highlighting its continued operational relevance despite aging airframes.
The concentration of such a large share of America’s bomber force in the UK underscores both the intensity of ongoing operations and the strategic importance of European bases in projecting power into the Middle East.
THERE’S A HUGE POSSIBILITY I’LL BE PRESIDENT IN FUTURE – MUNDUBILE
TONSE Alliance President Brian Mundubile says there is a huge possibility he will lead the country in future.
Speaking at UCZ Lulamba Congregation in Ndola, Saturday, Mundubile said the Church should put political leaders to task because they serve the same interest of uniting the country.
“Normally when a politician is given a platform, people immediately conclude that he is about to start doing politics. I want to assure you that today, I came as a former member of the Boys’ Brigade to attend this auspicious event.
I’ll be very quick to say that I’ll be failing in my duty as president of the Tonse Alliance, given a huge responsibility that was bestowed upon me by my colleagues seated here in front and some that have remained behind, if I don’t highlight some of the challenges that we face in the political field. But being president of the Alliance, there is a huge possibility that I will lead in the future, but what kind of country would one want to lead? Today we have a divided nation.
I would like to call upon the Church to put a lot of emphasis in uniting this country. We need to inculcate values of unity in our young boys even as they grow up, they must subscribe fully to our ‘One Zambia, One Nation’ motto because indeed we are One Zambia, One Nation,” he said.
“Our boys must learn to understand that people should not be separate, people should not be segregated, we are Zambians and that is what should be told to our little ones. A divided nation cannot develop. We therefore have to work with the Church to ensure that we unite as a nation.
The Church should put political leaders to task because we serve the same interest and its by the same token that we are calling upon the Church to unite us. It’s also incumbent upon us as political leaders to ensure that even in our discourse, we preach unity at all times”.
Mundubile noted that, over the years, society has largely neglected the boy child, leaving many feeling rejected and abandoned.
https://youtu.be/viGMI9idM50?si=p0MGyBbkTHQN3SbX
“I wish to state that this particular event is very important to us as Tonse. You may wish to know that some 43 years plus [ago], I was actually a member of the Boy’s Brigade. It’s very pleasing indeed to our dear parents when we see our young ones being led in a way where they will acquire discipline, where they will acquire Christian values as the little boys that I see in front of me today. It gives me great joy indeed because I know for sure that the boys that are here will tomorrow grow into responsible citizens.
The Boy’s Brigade has played a pivotal [role] in shaping the spiritual future of our young men in the Church. For a long time, society has paid more attention to the girl child. We all know they are valuable to society but the boy child has been neglected and often feeling rejected, and this has led to a lot of boys and men to resort into committing suicide or dying in silence, feeling abandoned and rejected,” said Mundubile.
MAKEBI LIFTS SUSPENSIONS AND ISSUES MORATORIUM TO EXPULSIONS
..as he appoints prominent Zambian author, playwright, and social activist,Mulenga Kapwepwe as MCC…
President Makebi Zulu has appointed;
1. Prominent author, playwright, and social activist, Mulenga Kapwepwe as Member of the Central Committee. 2. Former DMMU National Coordinator and MCC, Chanda Kabwe as Chairperson for National Mobilisation Chairperson. 3. Former Permanent Secretary David Shamulenge. 4. Miss Nachilima Chisala 5. Mrs. Kangwa Puta
President Zulu has implored Mr. Chanda Kabwe to coordinate with Provincial Chairpersons to finalise the the applications of individuals seeking to stand as members of Parliament, Mayors, Council Chairperson and Councillors for final approval by the Central Committee.
Meanwhile, President Zulu has lifted all suspensions.
He has encouraged Party structures to adhere to discipline even when the organization was going through its most challenging times.
He has also issued a moratorium to all those that were expelled. He has advised all those affected and willing to reconcile with the Party to get in touch with Secretariat to process their return to the Party.
This according to the statement issued by Patriotic Front Chairperson for Information and Publicity, Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba.
And Mr Mwamba has clarified that the appointments being made to the Central Committee are filling the existing vacancies. He stated that this is the same Central Committee headed by Hon. Zulu and Hon. Given Lubinda as Vice President of the Party.
USA BASED ZAMBIAN PULLED OUT OF THE PLANE, ACCUSED OF SUPPORTING KALABA
By KBN TV Reporter
A Zambian based in the United States of America got a rude shock of his life last Wednesday March 25, when he was pulled out of an Ethiopian airline plane that departs Lusaka at 02:00AM accused of supporting Citizens First President Harry Kalaba.
Kalaba disclosed that a group that identified itself to be a combined team of security agencies, pulled a Pastor Kedrick Tembo based in Kentucky USA from the plane for interrogations on accusations of politically supporting him.
Mr. Kalaba said he was disgusted to learn about the victimisation of Pastor Tembo, whom he didn’t know and had never met, but was accused of praying for him (Kalaba) and funding his party activities.
Mr. Kalaba expressed displeasure that the unnecessary political witchhunt delayed the flight by 40 minutes and the unsuspecting victim was only allowed back on to the flight after officials from the US embassy intervened.
“What’s happening is not right. I actually do not know the person who was being victimised in my name. Why should this UPND government be using security agencies to victimise innocent citizens based on who they supported,” wondered Kalaba, adding that “President Hichilema has been claiming there is no opposition in Zambia, why is he panicking?”
Mr. Kalaba urged security agencies to remain professional and resist being used as political tools.
“Let security agencies stay out of politics and concentrate on providing a service to the nation. Let them leave politics to us politicians,” he said.
There has not been any public statement issued on the incident from any of the security agencies.
ELECTIONS should not be a source of division among citizens but a reflection of the country’s mature democracy, President Hakainde Hichilemahas said.
As Zambia heads to the general elections on August 13, President Hichilema wants the country to be in peace, unity and stability.
Speaking during a church service at the New Apostolic Church Mongu Central congregation yesterday, the head of State assured the church that the electoral process will be done in a credible and peaceful manner.
“Elections should not divide the Zambian family. On our part, we will do everything to ensure there are peaceful, credible elections on August 13,” he said.
https://youtu.be/viGMI9idM50?si=p0MGyBbkTHQN3SbX
The President urged citizens to remain calm and uphold peace before, during and after the elections.
Mr Hichilema also hailed the church for its continued contribution to national development, particularly in critical sectors like education.
He is pleased with the church’s role, not only in the community of Mongu and the broader region, but countrywide.
FORMER Zambia’s Ambassador to Italy and veteran broadcaster Frank Mutubila has endorsed prominent lawyer Dickson Jere for the Lusaka Central Parliamentary seat in the forthcoming elections.
Ambassador Mutubila underscored that to be a true people’s representative, one must first recognise their qualities and achievements, as well as the discipline required to attain them.
He stressed that effective leadership demands sound personal and family management, a deep understanding of governance, and awareness of the needs of the community.
Ambassador Mutubila added that negotiation skills, the ability to identify opportunities for development, and above all, humility, are essential attributes for public service.
“Humility is what defines Dickson,” Ambassador Mutubila stated.
He affirmed that Lusaka Central and its people would be best served by Counsel Jere.
2 NGWERERE POLICE OFFICERS FOUND GUILTY IN CASE OF POLICE BRUTALITY AGAINST Maiko Zulu.
I wish to notify the press and interested members of the public that finally, the Police Public Service Commission (PPCC) has found merit in our complaint against Zambia Police Service Officers of Ngwerere Police Station and has recomended to the Inspector General of Police to take disciplinary action against two officers who were found wanting.
This is in a matter in which officers from Ngwerere Police Station verbally and physically assaulted me along Great East Road on 17th August 2023 during Presidential Route Lining duties.
Part of the ruling dated 17th March, 2026 reads:
“Arising from the evidence above, the Commission finds Merit in the complaint of harassment and loss of property against. 17447 Reserve Sergeant Brian Kunda and No.13876 Reserve Sergeant Nicholas Chilima for the following reasons: 1. Grabbing and forcefully pulling you from your car
2. Switching off the engine and forcefully removing the key from the ignition resulting in the loss of your car key 3. No.17447, Reserve Sergeant Brian Kunda used abusive language against you, deleted the evidence from a video recording thereby destroying any evidence 4. Failure to identify themselves”
The Commission has further recommended to the Inspector General to direct the Officer Commanding Lusaka Division to resolve the issue of the missing property. The Commission also exonerated No.47399, Constable Emmanuel Sinyanwe because he did not take part in the harassment.
This case should serve as reminder to men and women in uniform that the uniform you wear is not your personal property and what you do in that uniform must always be in public interest. A lot of innocent citizens have suffered and died at the hands of overzealous and untrained Police officers, confirming what the Police Inspector General said about junkies within the Police Service. Allegations of political party cadres being fused into the service wouldn’t be justified if such behavior still exists.
I urge fellow citizens not to sit and watch while the Police, who are paid by our tax, go rouge on innocent citizens. No matter how hard and how long it takes, seek justice because no matter how you run away from the law, one day it will surely catch up on you and hence the critical role of oversight institutions like the PPCC.
… says opposition PF lawmakers joining the UPND have been rejected by their people.
LUSAKA, MONDAY, MARCH, 30, 2026 [SMART EAGLES]
DEMOCRATIC Union party president Ackim Anthony Njobvu says the political reality on the ground has shifted and things are not okay for the ruling UPND.
Speaking when featured on the ” Sunday Chat” program on Christian Nation FM radio last night, Mr. Njobvu said most PF members of parliament have fallen out of favor with their electorates and chances of them retaining their seats are minimal, hence resorting to join the UPND.
He said most PF lawmakers are not joining UPND out of principle but because the grassroots have rejected them.
“Most of these members of parliament are not joining UPND out of principle, but because the ground has rejected them. When people have rejected you, what do you do, join the UPND. Things are bad on the ground and this is why President Hichilema once said that him, he might win but his MPs and councilors might not win,” Mr. Njobvu said.
And Mr. Njobvu said after having gone through some difficult circumstances when in opposition, President Hakainde Hichilema should have taken a different posture in managing the country and its resources.
He said what the country is lacking at the moment, is converting natural resources into government revenue.
” I have been disappointed by the UPND, they endured quiet a bit of ruthlessness while in opposition and we expected the best from them. They should have helped this country transform but they are doing the same things they were subjected to. And if you see people support slogans such as kwenyu and salt sana, it means they are hungry and want something from the UPND,” Mr. Njobvu said.
” UPND is scared of the opposition, they are afraid, that is why they can’t allow us to hold rallies. Last year I requested to launch my party in Chipata but authorities refused, saying the President was going to be in same district around that same time.
UPND committed to ensure that there is freedom, especially with political party leaders, we are given authority by the constitution to sale ourselves, our Manifesto and messages to the Zambians, but again the constitution is not being respected that is why we are being restricted to speak to the people, ” Mr. Njobvu said.
Makebi Zulu has started his presidency with decisions meant to steady and reactivate the Patriotic Front.
The party says Zulu has lifted all suspensions and placed a moratorium on expulsions, giving affected members a chance to reconcile and seek readmission through the Secretariat. That step alone sends a strong signal that the new leadership wants to reduce internal blockages and bring party structures back into working order.
The latest appointments also show a deliberate effort to strengthen the Central Committee. Mulenga Kapwepwe has been named as a member, alongside Chanda Kabwe, David Shamulenge, Nachilima Chisala, and Kangwa Puta. Kabwe has also been tasked with coordinating provincial chairpersons on adoption applications for parliamentary, mayoral and council positions, an assignment that places him in a critical organisational role.
These moves did not begin with one statement. On Sunday, 29th March 2026, Zulu had already made his first appointments after being elected party president on Saturday, 21st March 2026. That first group included Daniel Bukali, Isaac Nsoneka, Kenneth C. Moola, Dr. Alex Lwando, Rizwan Patel, and Max Kapantha.
The message from Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba is that these appointments are filling existing vacancies in the party’s established structure. He says this remains the same Central Committee headed by Zulu as president and Given Lubinda as vice president. That clarification matters because it frames the latest changes as an activation of party machinery, not confusion at the top.
There is also a clear practical side to the reshuffle. Candidate applications are being pushed toward final approval by the Central Committee. Provincial chairpersons are being drawn into the process. A formal channel has been opened for expelled members who want to return. Suspensions are no longer hanging over the organisation.
Zulu is expected to convene the first National Executive Committee and Central Committee meetings to deal with recent and critical developments. That will be the next real measure of momentum.
For now, the PF is projecting a message of internal reopening, vacancy-filling and early structure-building under a new president who is moving quickly to put his team and systems in place.
Shepherd Bushiri is back in the headlines, and this time the spotlight is firmly on his luxury Bombardier Challenger 604 , the same jet that has been parked at Lanseria Airport since 2020 while he’s been living in Malawi.
The North Gauteng High Court has now authorised the National Prosecuting Authority and its Asset Forfeiture Unit to sell the aircraft, valued at around R50 million (about $2.6 million). Investigators allege the jet was purchased using $1.1 million delivered in a suitcase of cash, a detail that has raised serious questions about the source of the funds.
Bushiri, however, says the move is nothing more than “persecution.” He argues that related charges were dismissed in Malawi and insists he is the one who exposed corrupt South African police officers for attempted extortion. He also claims he used his own R70 million to assist people who lost money in a forex platform.
South African authorities remain focused on tracing the origin of the $1.1 million. Bushiri maintains it was a loan, but investigators are not convinced. Meanwhile, a Malawi court has approved his extradition to South Africa, though the process is temporarily on hold pending an appeal from his legal team.
With cross‑border legal battles, disputed narratives, and a multimillion‑rand jet at the centre of it all, this saga is far from over.
