MAKEBI ZULU DISMISSES CLAIMS EDGAR LUNGU IS ALIVE, CONFIRMS VIEWING OF THE BODY
By: Thomas Afroman Mwale
Spokesperson for the family of the late former President Edgar Lungu, Makebi Zulu, has described as unfortunate suggestions circulating that the former Head of State might still be alive.
Mr Zulu said it is regrettable that the death of Zambia’s sixth Republican President has been reduced to a joke, arguing that such claims undermine the dignity and legacy of Mr Lungu.
He has, however, firmly dismissed the allegations, confirming that members of the Lungu family, himself, former Mines Minister Richard Musukwa, and other close associates personally viewed Mr Lungu’s body at the mortuary.
Speaking on That Zed Podcast, Mr Zulu questioned why doubts continue to persist despite Mr Lungu’s daughter, Tasila Lungu, publicly confirming her father’s death in a widely circulated video.
Meanwhile, Mr Zulu revealed that the matter surrounding Mr Lungu’s burial remains before the South African courts, with a Notice of Appeal already filed.
He said the record of proceedings and legal arguments will be submitted, after which the court will announce a date for the hearing.
Mr Zulu maintained that the family’s wish is to accord Mr Lungu a dignified funeral in line with their wishes.
Mr Edgar Lungu died on June 5th, 2025, but has not yet been buried due to an ongoing legal dispute over his final resting place. #SunFmTvNews
Battle half won, as Mundubile becomes Tonse Alliance chairperson
WHILE powder has been recently used to baptise Bembas during the death of their queen, this time, the white substance was used to sprinkle on the head of Mporokoso member of Parliament, Brian Mundubile for becoming Tonse Alliance chairperson.
Mundubile emerged victorious at the Tonse Alliance elective congress, defeating Christian Democratic Party (CDP) leader and alliance vice chairperson professor Dan Pule.
His election comes barely days after he defied orders from the Given Lubinda-led PF and alliance faction, which had instructed its members to stay away from the Pule-led Tonse Alliance.
Mundubile instead filed his nomination and paid the K50,000 fee, insisting that the contest was a democratic process.
In his victory speech, Mundubile paid tribute to Pule for steering the alliance through turbulent political waters.
“I stand before you as a deeply humbled man to accept the high privilege you have bestowed upon me to lead this great, inimitable alliance as president,” Mundubile said.
He praised Pule for resisting political pressure and preserving unity at a time when the alliance was threatened by splits and defections.
“This great man stood firmly against political bullying and, with the highest integrity, guided us through this delicate process of choosing who will lead the alliance in defeating the outgoing UPND government,” he said while drawing loud applause from delegates.
Mundubile called for unity across party lines, saying Tonse was a convergence of different political ideologies that must now compose a unifying melody for the country.
The Mporokoso MP said Tonse Alliance under his leadership can’t wait to unify Zambia again and drive it to prosperity that is all-inclusive and not just for a few chosen ones
“I humbly invite every citizen and party, including my fellow PF members, NGOs and citizens in the alliance and movement.”
“There is no time to divide the country any further and sacrifice its prosperity at the altar of political anger and selfishness. What we lack is the luxury of time,” said Mundubile.
Man Arrested in Chipata for Masquerading as Woman to Lure Men.
Police in Chipata have arrested a 22-year-old man for masquerading as a woman in order to lure men for monetary gain.
The suspect, Fred Tembo, also known as Rita Jere, was apprehended early this morning near Choppies Mall in the Chipata Central Business Area after reports of his activities at East Point Night Club.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed to Breeze FM News that Tembo disguised himself with plaited hair, lipstick, and chitenge material to appear as a woman. During questioning, the suspect admitted that he sometimes presents himself as a female.
Investigations revealed that Tembo had been married just a week prior to his arrest. He remains in police custody as inquiries continue.
Caption / Disclaimer: “Note: This image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes and does not depict real individuals involved in the incident.”
The Zambian government has disclosed that it has not yet received a notice of appeal from the family of former President Edgar Lungu, who intend to challenge a court order directing that his body be repatriated to Zambia for burial.
In an exclusive interview with Diamond News, Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha says the Zambian government has not been served with either the notice of appeal or the grounds of appeal.
Mr. Kabesha has however, noted that the Lungu family has up to February 11, 2026, to file their submissions in line with the court order.
In December last year, the South African Court of Appeal granted the Lungu family permission to appeal the order for Mr. Lungu’s body to be repatriated.
It has now been 237 days since Mr. Lungu died on June 5, 2025, and he is yet to be buried.
🇿🇲 EXPLAINER | Meaning of Kabwe High Court Ruling for PF and the 2026 Elections
The Kabwe High Court has placed the Patriotic Front under a legal freeze, with direct consequences for its leadership contest, candidate adoption process, and readiness for the 2026 general elections.
In a ruling dated 27 January 2026, High Court Judge Kelvin Hancubwili Limbani upheld an injunction he first granted in November 2025 in favour of Morgan Ng’ona. The order restrains the Patriotic Front faction led by Given Lubinda from holding a General Conference, convening meetings, occupying the PF Secretariat, using party materials, or purporting to act in the name of the Patriotic Front until the matter is heard and determined at a full trial.
The judge’s reasoning was unambiguous. He held that the plaintiff had demonstrated “a clear right to the relief sought” and that “there is a serious question to be tried.” On that basis, the court found that “the balance of convenience tilts in favour of granting the injunction,” warning that irreparable injury could occur if the Lubinda-led faction was not restrained from acting as the Patriotic Front while the dispute remains unresolved.
Most significantly, the ruling expressly bars the holding of any elective convention of the Patriotic Front pending final determination of the case.
That finding immediately invalidates recent public statements by PF officials that the party is preparing for a February 2026 General Conference. Legally, such a conference cannot take place. Any attempt to proceed would amount to contempt of court and expose organisers and participants to sanctions.
The political consequences are severe.
With general elections scheduled fo August 13 and Parliament expected to dissolve in May, political parties are already entering the decisive phase of candidate selection and mobilisation. Adoption papers, endorsements, and authorisations must come from legally recognised party structures. The court order now raises a basic but destabilising question for PF MPs and aspiring candidates: who has the authority to adopt candidates on behalf of the Patriotic Front?
The ruling places the Lubinda-led faction in a constrained position. Regardless of its grassroots strength or historical claim to legitimacy, it is legally barred from acting. At the same time, the injunction protects the position of Morgan Ng’ona, from the Robert Chabinga-led faction, as the party figure whose rights the court has chosen to preserve pending trial.
This does not amount to a final declaration of who leads PF. Courts do not settle internal party politics at interlocutory stage. What the ruling does is determine who must pause, and who cannot be interfered with, while the dispute is being resolved. Practically, control follows restraint. The faction that is restrained cannot act; the faction whose position is protected gains procedural advantage.
For sitting PF Members of Parliament, the situation is precarious. Aligning with a faction that is restrained by court order risks invalidating future political actions, including adoption and nomination. Aligning with a faction perceived as holding interim legal standing may be politically uncomfortable but offers procedural certainty in an environment where electoral timelines are unforgiving.
The ruling also exposes a deeper contradiction within PF’s current strategy. Public messaging speaks of unity, conferences, and readiness for government, but the party is immobilised by unresolved leadership litigation. At the same time, PF figures are actively campaigning in by-elections and Tonse Alliance platforms, even as the party’s own legal capacity to organise remains contested.
Electoral reality is unforgiving. Zambia now has 226 elective parliamentary seats. Campaign costs have risen sharply under the new legal framework. Candidate filing deadlines are strict. Parties that fail to resolve internal legitimacy disputes early are often eliminated not by voters, but by procedure.
This judgment does not decide who will lead the Patriotic Front into 2026. It decides who cannot act now. Until the substantive case is heard and determined, PF remains legally constrained, internally divided, and strategically exposed.
For its MPs, candidates, and supporters, clarity will not come from rallies or press statements. It will come from the courts. Whether that clarity arrives in time to meaningfully contest the 2026 elections is now the defining question hanging over the Patriotic Front.
ALL IS SET FOR THE MAYORAL SEAT BY-ELECTION FOR KASAMA
Wednesday, 28th January, 2026
Polls for the Kasama Mayoral by-election are scheduled to take place tomorrow Thursday, 29th January, 2026. Voting will start at 06:00 hours and close at 18:00 hours.
Names of Candidates contesting the Mayoral seat.
1. Mary Bukisa -New Focus Party
2. Kapambwe Mukuka – United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia – UPPZ.
3. Mubanga Joseph – Socialist Party – SP
4. Simposya By well – United Party for National Development – UPND
5. Yuda Peter C – Tonse Alliance Forum for Democracy and Development – FDD / Patriotic Front – PF
The Kabwe High Court has upheld an injunction earlier granted in favour of PF leader ROBERT CHABINGA, restraining the GIVEN LUBINDA faction from proceeding with its planned party convention.
Kabwe High Court Judge-in-Charge KELVIN LIMBANI delivered the ruling, stating that the injunction would remain in force to prevent potential irreparable damage to the Patriotic Front.
Judge LIMBANI ruled that the court’s decision was necessary to safeguard the party from actions that could cause lasting harm.
Meanwhile, the Kabwe High Court has granted PF Secretary General MORGAN NG’ONA leave to commence contempt proceedings against the GIVEN LUBINDA PF faction should it proceed with the planned convention
The decision follows an earlier injunction issued in November last year, which restrained the LUBINDA PF faction from presenting itself as party leadership and from announcing a roadmap towards a convention until further notice.
The court further ordered the faction to vacate the PF Secretariat pending further determination of the matter.
Additionally, the court directed that, during the period under review, faction leaders must not use PF letterheads, issue receipts in the name of the party, or wear party regalia.
In a separate matter, the Constitutional Court has dismissed a petition filed by PF Secretary General MORGAN NG’ONA seeking to have the MATERO Parliamentary seat declared vacant.
THE DEVIL’S CHILDREN ARE TRYING TO SCANDALIZE JITO – Tukuta
“….they are bitter for him the same way they hate me to see me work for the president…”
Sunday, 25th January, 2026
By Ballot reporter
FORMER presidential photographer and diplomat, Chellah Tukuta says there are people, whom he termed as sons of the devil who are trying to scandalize Special Assistant and advisor to the president on investment and Finance, Mr. JITO Kayumba.
In a Facebook post, the renowned photographer said it was only lazy people who hated to see hardworking and passionate people like Mr. Kayumba.
He has, however, made a bold assurance that scandalizing Mr. Kayumba won’t be a successful venture for the perpetuators because president Hakainde Hichilema knows all of his people around him very well.
“Jito is [just] a very good and hardworking human I know, and I have seen people trying to scandalize him but they won’t manage because HH knows all of us very well.”
“Lazy people hate to see hardworkers who are just passionate about their jobs.”
There has been growing debate among UPND netizens to have Mr. Kayumba poised to succeed the incumbent president in 2031, at the end of his tenure of office, the latest one being from George N. Mtonga, a UPND member and resident of the United States, who ignited the debate within political circles and publicly endorsed Jito Kayumba as a potential successor to President Hakainde Hichilema as UPND president.
Mr. Mtonga argued that the party must begin early discussions on post-HH leadership to inorder to avoid confusion and disorganization ahead of the 2031 elections. According to him, Kayumba represents a generational transfer of vision and continuity within the ruling party.
BUSINESSMAN HARRY FINDLAY CONVICTED FOR MULTIPLE PASSPORT, FORGED STAMP OFFENCES
The Lusaka Magistrate’s Court has convicted and fined businessman Harry Findlay a total of ZMW 240,000 for two separate immigration-related offences flatly rejecting his legal team’s fervent plea for acquittal in a high-profile immigration fraud case.
Findlay faces four (4) and six (6) months simple imprisonment respectively should he fail to pay the fine.
The first charge was for Holding more than one passport, contrary to Section 22(1) as read together with Section 22(2) of the Passport Act of Zambia, specifically acquiring passport ZP021382 on March 14, 2014, after claiming to have lost passport ZP013259.
The second, more severe charge, possessing a passport with a forged Mwami Border Control immigration endorsement dated October 3, 2022.
This offence contravenes Section 52(4)(e) as read together with Section 56(1) of the Immigration and Deportation Act No. 18 of 2010.
Throughout the trial, Findlay’s defence, led by Milner & Paul Legal Practitioners and D. Findlay & Associates, maintained a strong position of innocence. In their final submissions, they argued that the State “failed to prove the offences beyond all reasonable doubt” and “did not produce any evidence” for the second count, beseeching the court for a full acquittal.
Findlay himself, during his defence, claimed the disputed stamp was merely “blurred but genuine” and justified holding multiple passports due to a reported loss and a need to preserve a valid visa.
The prosecution team urged the court to find the accused guilty based on evidence adduced which proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.
Magistrate Sylvia Munyinya-Okoh found that the State had successfully proven both counts beyond a reasonable doubt, contrary to the defence’s claim of a failed prosecution.
The court imposed a fine of ZMW 240,000 for the combined counts. These sentences will run concurrently, meaning the total effective time he will serve in default of the fine is six months simple imprisonment.
The conviction highlights the government’s continued focus on enforcing national security and immigration laws. NPA PR UNIT
VLOGGER SIMON MWEWA REPORTS LUSAKA TOWN CLERK TO ACC OVER ALLEGED CORRUPTION
Lusaka-based vlogger Simon Chitambala Mwewa has reported Lusaka Town Clerk Liftery Ndaba to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) over alleged corruption, following plans by the Lusaka City Council (LCC) to repossess land his family business has been leasing and using as a car park since 1988.
Mr. Mwewa says his business applied for a long term 13-year lease for the piece of land on Kalusha Bwalya Road it has rented from the council for over three decades after efforts to buy it off proved unsuccessful following consistent rejections.
In a live video posted on his Facebook platform, he explains that he was subsequently summoned by the full council to justify his application.
Mr. Mwewa claims that councilors voted in favor of granting him the lease, as reflected in the minutes of the council meeting held after his appearance.
However, Mr. Mwewa says that despite the council’s alleged approval, he was this morning served with a letter dated 26th January, 2026, from the Town Clerk informing him that the council has decided not to renew his initial lease and instead intends to convert the car park into a bus station.
Mr. Mwewa argues that repossessing the land would severely affect his family business located at Simonson Building on Simon Mwewa Lane, as it relies heavily on the parking space to thrive.
He further states that since 1988, the land in question has been leased by his family business and used as a car park adding that rentals have always been paid with the last payment to the tune of K111, 000 made in November 2025.
Mr. Mwewa accuses the Lusaka City Council of preferentially granting long-term leases to foreign nationals who are able to pay higher amounts, while delaying or denying similar applications from Zambian citizens.
But in a statement issued by the Lusaka City Council (LCC) public Relations Unit, the local authorityhas dismissed Mr Mwewa’s claims as baseless describing the corruption accusations levelled against the Lusaka Town Clerk Liftery Ndaba as unfounded.
The Council says Mr Mwewa’s actions are an attempt to deflect attention from his own illegal activities, specifically, the barricading of the Council car park along Kalusha Bwalya Road without Council permission.
The local authority says it recently resolved to utilize the car park for public use but that Mr Mwewa has proceeded to barricade the property for his personal business activities, thereby overriding public interest.
It says the decision not to grant Mr Mwewa a 13-year lease was made in strict accordance with the Council’s regulations and policies and it is evident that Mr Mwewa’s actions are motivated by a desire to hold on to public property.
The council has warned that the it will not tolerate any form of illegality that undermines its efforts to improve operations and serve the people of Lusaka.
Zimbabwe Fast-Tracks BRICS Membership Amid Shifting Global Alliances
Zimbabwe is moving to fast-track its bid to join the BRICS bloc as global geopolitical tensions rise and U.S. trade policies under President Donald Trump continue to reshape international alliances.
With new tariffs affecting exports and travel restrictions straining diplomatic relations, Harare is increasingly looking beyond traditional Western partners. Authorities see BRICS…comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new member states…as a strategic platform for deeper global integration, expanded trade, increased investment, and reduced reliance on Western financial systems.
Zimbabwean officials argue that closer ties with BRICS could open access to alternative development financing, infrastructure investment, and new markets, particularly in Asia and the Global South. The bloc’s emphasis on multipolar cooperation and the use of non-Western financial mechanisms is viewed as especially attractive amid growing uncertainty around U.S. and EU trade policies.
Analysts note that Zimbabwe’s push reflects a broader trend across Africa and the developing world, where countries are reassessing long-standing economic relationships in response to sanctions, protectionism, and shifting power dynamics.
For Harare, BRICS membership is seen not only as an economic opportunity, but also as a political signal of strategic independence.
However, challenges remain. Full integration into BRICS would require economic reforms, policy alignment, and diplomatic consensus among existing members. Critics also warn that expectations should be managed, as BRICS is not a substitute for domestic economic stability and governance reforms.
As global power balances continue to shift, Zimbabwe’s BRICS ambitions highlight a growing desire among developing nations to diversify partnerships and navigate a world no longer dominated by a single economic centre.
The “Great Reversal”: China Becomes Africa’s Primary Debt Collector as Financial Flows Flip.
On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, a landmark report by the ONE Data initiative revealed that Africa has officially become a net exporter of capital to China, marking a historic “$52 billion swing” in financial relations over the last decade.
The analysis, released by the new Development Finance Observatory, shows that the continent shifted from receiving a net inflow of $30.4 billion between 2015 and 2019 to a net outflow of $22.1 billion during the 2020–2024 period.
This “Great Reversal” is driven by a dramatic collapse in fresh Chinese lending, which plummeted from a peak of $28.2 billion in 2016 to just $2.1 billion in 2024, while annual debt-servicing payments to Beijing surged to over $17.4 billion.
While the trend is described by economists as a “net negative” for governments struggling to fund public services, it has forced a pivot toward domestic accountability and a greater reliance on multilateral lenders like the World Bank and IMF, who now provide 56% of the continent’s net financial flows.
Beijing’s strategic retreat from “mega-loan” diplomacy marks a permanent shift toward what officials call “Small is Beautiful”, targeted, high-yield investments rather than massive sovereign infrastructure projects. In an effort to manage non-performing loans and mitigate dollar liquidity pressures, Chinese lenders are increasingly denominating new agreements in Yuan, with Kenya and Ethiopia recently beginning the process of converting their U.S. dollar-denominated debt into the Chinese currency.
Despite these adjustments, the pressure of peak repayment continues to strain national budgets across the Global South; a decade ago, China was a net drain on only 18 developing countries, but by early 2026, that number has ballooned to over 60 nations. As Washington and other Western powers view this as a “generational opening” to re-engage with the continent, the reality for many African treasuries is a decade-long slog of prioritizing foreign debt servicing over domestic industrialization.
BREAKING NEWS: Bobi Wine To Pocket 50 Billion From Museveni’s Government. Here Is How And Why
Insiders at the IPOD Secretariat say that in case Robert Kyagulanyi humbles himself in ways that satisfy Gen Museveni and once again qualifies for IPOD money, his NUP will be getting Shs10bn every year because of the 50 MPs they have managed to get in 2026 elections. In five years, that will be Shs50bn, which isn’t bad money at all.
Of these, 41 are from Buganda region, followed by Busoga and Bugisu where JB Nambeshe comes from. Under the new arrangement, sources say that, Museveni is willing to allow each party with an MP in parliament to be getting Shs50m per quarter for every MP they have in parliament.
A financial year has 4 quarters each of three months. This means that each MP will fetch for the party 200m in a year, which has four quarters. Out of NUP’s 50 MPs in the 12th parliament, Kyagulanyi will be earning Shs10bn per year.
In case this proposal of Shs200m per MP per year doesn’t get operationalized, Kyagulanyi will still have the Shs5bn per year. Under the current arrangement of IPOD, each MP fetches a party Shs100m per year, translating into Shs25m per quarter.
🔥 Heads up: GOP REP SLAMS TRUMP DEPORTATIONS, DEMANDS MASS AMNESTY AFTER KILLINGS
A Republican congressman just ran to the New York Times to declare Trump’s deportation policy “not working” — right after a far-left protester was killed while trying to interfere with federal immigration officers in Minneapolis.
Instead of blaming the radicals who attack law enforcement, he’s blaming the people enforcing the law.
Mike Lawler’s big idea?
He wants Congress and Trump to embrace what he gently calls “a new comprehensive national immigration policy” — Washington-speak for mass amnesty dressed up in focus-group language.
He openly pushes “a path to legal status” for millions who broke our laws but haven’t yet been caught committing other crimes.
Notice the pattern: a tragic confrontation in Minneapolis, a far-left activist dead, and instantly the political class rushes to use the blood on the street as leverage to weaken enforcement.
The extremists on the ground escalate, and the “moderates” in Congress reward them with legal status.
Meanwhile, Trump’s entire approach — enforce the law, secure the border, restore deterrence — is painted as heartless and “divisive,” even though it’s the only strategy that ever actually reduced illegal crossings in modern memory.
Under Trump, the message was clear: America is a country, not a suggestion.
Ivory Coast President Names Brother as Vice Prime Minister in Major Cabinet Reshuffle.
On Friday, January 23, 2026, Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara appointed his younger brother, Téné Birahima Ouattara, to the newly created position of Vice Prime Minister. The appointment was a centerpiece of a cabinet reshuffle dubbed “Mambé II,” occurring just two days after Robert Beugré Mambé was reappointed as Prime Minister following the ruling party’s landslide victory in the December legislative elections.
Téné Birahima Ouattara, often referred to by his nickname “Photocopy” due to his striking resemblance to the President, will serve in this elevated role while simultaneously retaining his influential portfolio as the Minister of Defense. This structural shift places the junior Ouattara at the apex of the government hierarchy, reinforcing the 84-year-old President’s grip on power as he begins his fourth term in office.
While the 35-member cabinet maintains a theme of continuity, the promotion of the President’s brother has intensified international speculation regarding the nation’s political succession. Most senior ministers, including Vice President Tiémoko Meyliet Koné and Interior Minister Vagondo Diomandé, retained their posts, signaling a preference for stability amidst Ivory Coast’s robust economic growth.
However, the creation of the Vice Prime Minister post specifically for Téné Birahima Ouattara is viewed by political observers as a move to groom a trusted successor and consolidate authority within the Ouattara family.
Despite criticisms from opposition figures who have long accused the administration of nepotism, the Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) justifies the move as a necessary step to ensure security and administrative efficiency in West Africa’s most resilient economy.
Zimbabwe Achieves Lowest Inflation in 29 Years Amid Bold Currency Reforms.
On Monday, January 26, 2026, Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Finance officially announced that the nation’s annual inflation rate plummeted to single digits for the first time since 1997, marking a pivotal milestone in the country’s economic recovery. Data released for January 2026 shows inflation slowing dramatically to 4.1%, a sharp decline from 15% in December 2025 and a staggering 82.7% recorded as recently as September.
Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube characterized the achievement as a “historic moment,” attributing the rapid stabilization to the effectiveness of the gold-backed ZiG (Zimbabwe Gold) currency and the central bank’s implementation of rigorous monetary and fiscal discipline. Analysts note that this 78-percentage-point decline within just four months reflects enhanced foreign exchange stability and improved supply chain conditions that have significantly lowered costs for domestic producers.
The success of the ZiG is viewed as essential for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s long-term plan to phase out the U.S. dollar and establish a unified national currency by 2030. Introduced in April 2024, the gold-backed currency now accounts for roughly 40% of daily transactions, supported by foreign reserves that rose to $1.2 billion by the end of 2025. While the economy still faces structural challenges—including a persistent parallel market premium of approximately 20%—the current 4.1% rate brings Zimbabwe’s inflation in line with international standards for the first time in nearly three decades. This newfound stability has triggered a surge in foreign investor activity on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange, signaling a cautious but clear return of global confidence in the country’s economic fundamentals.
Hon. Mr. Justice Kelvin Hancubwili Limbani the Judge-in-Charge of the Kabwe High Court has upheld an injunction he granted earlier in November 2025 to Morgan Ng’ona against the Patriotic Front party led by Hon. Given Lubinda
In his ruling dated 27th January 2026, restrained the Patriotic Front from holding its General Conference or holding meetings in the name of the Patriotic Front until the matter has been heard in a full trial.
“Having found that the Plaintiff (Morgan Ngona) has a clear right to the relief sought and that there is a serious question to be tried, it follows that the balance of convenience tilts in favour of granting the injunction.”
“This is in order to protect the Plaintiff from the irreparable injury that may occur if the Defendant or its agents are not restrained from occupying the PF Secretariat, using PF materials, holdings meetings in the name of the PF, and purporting or holding an elective convention of the PF pending the final determination of the action.
“For the above reasons, the Plaintiff is granted the inter parte order of injunction restraining the Defendant or its agents and or whosoever as per paragraph 1.1 above. Costs in the cause”.
In November 2025, Kabwe High Court Judge Kelvin Hancubwili Limbani granted an ex- parte injunction to Morgan Ng’ona of the Robert Chabinga-led faction of the Patriotic Front (PF).
The order initially prevented the rival, Given Lubinda/Miles Sampa-led PF faction from holding a general conference, using the PF secretariat, or using party materials.
KABIMBA CASTS DOUBT ON AKA’S OPPOSITION UNITY ROLE
Wynter Kabimba of the Economic Front has questioned veteran politician Aka’s renewed push to unite Zambia’s opposition parties, saying Aka does not have the credibility to lead such an effort given his previous political record.
Kabimba argued that Aka had earlier opportunities to help bring opposition groups together but failed to achieve meaningful unity at the time. He said it is inconsistent for Aka to now present himself as a champion of coalition building without addressing the reasons those earlier attempts fell short.
He emphasized that successful opposition unity requires more than speeches and public positioning. According to Kabimba, it demands disciplined leadership, shared political goals, clear coalition structures, and the ability to manage internal rivalries that have historically undermined opposition cooperation.
Kabimba also pointed to long-standing challenges within Zambia’s opposition, including leadership conflicts and competing ambitions that have repeatedly weakened efforts to form a credible alternative to the ruling party. He said opposition leaders should prioritize building trust among voters through transparency and consistency rather than attempting to reinvent their political image.
In his view, poorly coordinated unity drives risk creating more divisions instead of strengthening opposition momentum. He cautioned that unity initiatives driven by personal ambition rather than collective purpose could damage public confidence in opposition leadership.
As discussions continue around possible opposition alliances ahead of upcoming elections, Kabimba’s comments highlight deeper questions about leadership accountability, political credibility, and whether opposition leaders can overcome past failures to build a more cohesive and effective political front.-Daily revelation
TONSE SAYS LUBINDA BENEFITS FROM PF–TONSE CONFLICT
The Tonse Alliance has accused Patriotic Front acting president Given Lubinda of taking advantage of ongoing divisions between PF factions and the Tonse political grouping, arguing that he is benefiting from confusion rather than working toward meaningful opposition unity.
Tonse spokesperson Lawrence Mwela said Lubinda appears to be comfortable with continued instability within PF ranks, claiming that political disorder strengthens his influence while rival factions struggle to establish legitimacy.
Mwela argued that opposition leadership should be rooted in constitutional authority, democratic processes, and genuine efforts to unify fragmented political forces. He questioned Lubinda’s credibility to speak on behalf of Tonse, noting that leadership within alliances must be earned through formal procedures rather than public posturing.
According to Tonse, Lubinda has not demonstrated concrete commitment to reconciling internal disputes within PF or promoting cooperation across opposition formations. Instead, Mwela said, his political stance has prolonged uncertainty among party members and voters who are seeking clarity on the future direction of opposition politics.
Mwela further stated that legitimate leadership within Tonse remains tied to figures appointed through established alliance structures, adding that attempts to claim authority without formal backing undermine organisational integrity.
The Tonse Alliance has called on opposition leaders to respect constitutional frameworks, uphold internal democratic standards, and avoid political manoeuvres that deepen factional conflict.
As political tensions persist within PF and related opposition groups, Tonse says sustainable unity can only be achieved through lawful processes, transparent leadership, and shared commitment to collective political objectives.
CONCOURT DISMISSES PETITION TO DECLARE MATERO SEAT VACANT
By Nelson Zulu
The Constitutional Court has dismissed a petition filed by Patriotic Front Faction Secretary General Morgan Ng’ona seeking a declaration that the Matero parliamentary seat is vacant.
Mr. Ng’ona had challenged Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti’s decision not to declare the seat vacant following the expulsion of Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa from the Patriotic Front on 3 July 2024, arguing that the inaction breached article 72(1) of the constitution..
The petition cited the Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha and the National Assembly as first and second respondents and sought an immediate declaration of vacancy, as well as notification to the Electoral Commission of Zambia-ECZ- to facilitate a by-election.
Delivering the majority judgment, Constitutional Court Judge Mathews Chisunka ruled that the speaker was precluded from declaring the seat vacant while Mr. Sampa’s expulsion was subject to judicial review before the High Court.
The court found that once the expulsion was challenged, the speaker was legally restrained from taking steps that would notify the ECZ and initiate a by-election.
The court relied on established authorities, including the Chishimba Kambwili v Attorney General decision, and explained that article 72(e) affords a Member of Parliament a period to respond to or challenge an expulsion, a safeguard intended to prevent politically motivated removals.
Eight Months to Edgar Lungu: Frozen Death Haunts Zambia
“A French phrase captures the mood: “La mort poursuit toujours les coupables”—death always pursues the guilty. Whether guilt lies with the man, the state, or the silence of institutions, the haunting is undeniable.”
Amb. AM-27 Jan. 26
On a dim January morning, the ghost of Shakespeare’s Macbeth seemed to whisper across Lusaka: “Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more.” Yet here, death itself refuses silence.
Edgar Chagwa Lungu, Zambia’s sixth President, lies suspended in Pretoria’s cold vaults, eight months unburied, eight months haunting the living.
The Daily Nation Zambia Ask Chawama, soon Kasama, I hear ECl will be there.
The tragedy recalls Macbeth’s tortured nights, where guilt and ambition conjured daggers in the dark.
In Zambia, it is not daggers but legal writs that keep Lungu frozen, a court order halting his widow, Esther, from laying him to rest by the chief government lawyer, so-called AG.
The Attorney General’s silence deepens the mystery, leaving citizens to wonder: is this justice, politics, or punishment beyond the grave?
A French phrase captures the mood: “La mort poursuit toujours les coupables”—death always pursues the guilty. Whether guilt lies with the man, the state, or the silence of institutions, the haunting is undeniable.
Bookstores across Lusaka echo with demand for Lungu’s autobiography, Against All Odds, Edgar Lungu.
At East Park’s Bookworld, shelves thin quickly, readers hungry for fragments of a life now trapped between history and limbo. Only five copies remained on the shelves on Tuesday.
The irony is sharp: a leader who governed seven years against storms of criticism now governs memory itself, his frozen body a symbol of unresolved power.
Citizens murmur that ECL haunts the corridors of justice, the whispers of politics, the conscience of those who delayed his burial. Like Macbeth’s ghost at the banquet, his presence unsettles the feast of the living.
Ambassador Anthony Mukwita, author of the biography, recounts how even strangers urge him to write more, to supply more copies, to keep the story alive.
He promises free editions, many free editions in Lungu’s memory, a gesture of defiance against silence. In Zambia today, the book is more than paper—it is a candle against the frost, a reminder that history cannot be frozen indefinitely.
On February 5th, Guinness World Records may note him as the first African president not buried for eight months. But records cannot capture the sorrow, the anger, the haunting.
Zambia waits, restless, as the frozen body of Edgar Lungu becomes a mirror of Macbeth’s lament: ambition, guilt, and death entangled in shadows.
The question remains: is ECL haunting Zambia? In the bookstores, in the courts, in the whispers of citizens, the answer is yes. Death, denied its rest, has become the country’s most sorrowful ghost. Where’s the justice?
–Amb Anthony Mukwita, author of‘ Against all Odds, Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s Rough Journey to State House.’
Matero Becomes a Crowded Political Battleground as Voters Weigh Leadership and Presence
Matero Constituency has firmly emerged as one of Lusaka’s most crowded and closely watched political battlegrounds, with no fewer than eight to ten aspirants actively working the ground ahead of the 2026 general elections. Rather than a contest defined by one or two individuals, the race is increasingly shaped by broader questions of leadership, presence, and connection with the people.
The constituency has, for a long time, been associated with Miles Sampa, the sitting Member of Parliament, whose past energy and visibility helped build strong ties with residents. However, sentiments expressed both on social media and on the ground suggest that many voters are now questioning whether that same level of engagement still exists. The discussion in Matero is no longer only about legacy, but about continuity of presence and responsiveness to everyday community concerns.
At the same time, several aspirants have stepped up to fill the political space, each attempting to demonstrate relevance through consistent ground work. Names such as Dickson Jere, Alexander Mumba, David Kakoma nd other emerging figures continue to surface in community conversations, with residents noting their visibility, mobilisation efforts and participation in local activities. These aspirants, many of whom have “always been on the ground,” are increasingly being measured by how well they recognise, listen to and engage the people of Matero.
Within this crowded field is also Nawa Nawa, the youngest of the aspirants and a contender on the United Party for National Development (UPND) ticket, which itself has five active hopefuls. His presence does not dominate the race, but it adds another layer to the unfolding narrative. As a youthful and resilient entrant, Nawa Nawa represents a generation seeking recognition through humility, steady engagement and community work rather than political seniority.
The central question emerging in Matero is not about choosing one vibrant individual, but about leadership that reflects the people’s lived realities. Residents are openly asking whether they should give the sitting MP another chance, whether the narrative is shifting as it did in constituencies like Chawama, or whether one of the many hardworking aspirants has done enough in the limited time before 2026 to earn their trust.
As competition intensifies, voters appear to be weighing tangible actions over promises: who has visited them, who has spoken with them, who understands their challenges, and who can carry forward the energy they once felt with previous leadership. With multiple contenders pushing from different angles, Matero’s race is shaping into a referendum on presence, resilience and people-centered leadership.
Ultimately, the outcome will rest with the people of Matero themselves—deciding whether continuity, change, or a blend of both best serves their aspirations in the next chapter of the constituency’s political journey.
🇿🇲 BRIEFING | Oasis Forum Seeks to Withdraw Bill 7 Constitutional Petition
The Oasis Forum has asked the Constitutional Court to allow it to discontinue a petition challenging the legality of the Technical Committee appointed to review proposed constitutional amendments under Bill 7 of 2025.
In submissions filed before the court, lawyer Linda Kasonde of LCK Chambers, acting on behalf of the petitioners, said her clients had elected not to proceed with the matter after further consideration.
“After further consideration and upon instructions, the petitioners have elected not to proceed further with the petition,” Ms Kasonde submitted.
She told the court that the decision to discontinue was voluntary, made in good faith, and consistent with Order X Rule 3 of the Constitutional Court Rules. The application, she said, was made without any admission of liability or concession on the merits of the case.
“The discontinuance of the petition will occasion no prejudice to the respondent. No final determination has been made by this court,” the submission reads.
Ms Kasonde added that allowing the withdrawal would serve the interests of justice, judicial economy, and orderly case management.
The petition was filed under the Oasis Forum, whose members include the Law Association of Zambia, the Non-Governmental Organisations Coordinating Council, the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia, the Council of Churches in Zambia, the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the LCK Freedom Foundation.
The Attorney General was cited as the respondent, while the Consortium of Civil Society Organisations on Governance and lawyer Eric Sakala joined the proceedings as interested parties.
The petition sought to nullify the establishment, mandate, and outputs of the 25-member Technical Committee appointed by President Hakainde Hichilema on October 2, 2025, to guide proposed constitutional amendments under Bill 7. The petitioners alleged breaches of several constitutional provisions, including Articles 1(2), 5, 8, 9, 90, 91(2), 91(3), 92(1), 92(2)(f), and 92(2)(j).
In their application to discontinue, the petitioners noted that the issues raised overlapped with other ongoing cases, including 2025/CCZ/0015, 2025/HP/1614, and 2025/CCZ/009, raising concerns about parallel proceedings before the courts.
The Constitutional Court is yet to rule on the application to discontinue the petition.
🇿🇲 VIEWPOINT | IMF Wraps Up Zambia Programme, Unlocks Final USD190 Million: What It Means
The International Monetary Fund has closed the books on Zambia’s 38-month Extended Credit Facility programme, approving a final disbursement of about USD190 million and bringing total IMF support under the arrangement to roughly USD1.7 billion since August 2022. For markets, policymakers, and creditors, the signal is clear: Zambia has completed a difficult stabilisation chapter, but the discipline phase is only beginning.
The IMF’s Executive Board says Zambia’s performance under the programme was broadly satisfactory, despite operating in a tough environment marked by drought, global tightening financial conditions, and lingering debt pressures. Most of the programme’s quantitative targets were met, with shortfalls recorded only on net international reserves and the pace of clearing spending arrears. Structural reforms progressed more slowly, but key milestones were delivered, including submission to Parliament of a revised Banking and Financial Services Act aligned with international standards. That reform was treated as a prior action for the final review.
From a macro perspective, the Fund paints a relatively upbeat picture. Economic growth is estimated at 5.2 percent in 2025, driven by strong mining output and record maize production, and is projected to accelerate to 5.8 percent in 2026 as electricity generation improves and services remain robust. Inflation, which has been elevated in recent years, is expected to ease gradually and return to the 6–8 percent target band by 2027, provided policy discipline holds.
Debt remains the central risk. The IMF now classifies Zambia’s public debt as sustainable, but still places the country at high risk of overall and external debt distress. Progress on restructuring has been made, with five bilateral agreements signed and talks with commercial creditors continuing. The Fund’s message is conditional: if fiscal consolidation stays on track and borrowing remains cautious, Zambia could move to a moderate external debt risk over the medium term. Any slippage would reverse that trajectory quickly.
Fiscal policy is where the IMF wants continuity. With the programme concluded, the focus for 2026 shifts to maintaining credibility. That means sticking to budget discipline, strengthening domestic revenue mobilisation, improving public financial management, and protecting social spending. The IMF is explicit that reform fatigue now would undermine hard-won gains.
On the monetary side, the Fund urges caution and consistency. Inflation control remains a priority, alongside rebuilding foreign exchange reserves and preserving exchange rate flexibility. Financial sector stability is another watch point, with reforms such as a deposit insurance scheme and updated banking legislation expected to reduce systemic risks.
Beyond macro numbers, governance and sector reforms matter for growth quality. The IMF singles out agriculture and energy as critical bottlenecks and opportunities. Better policy frameworks in these sectors are seen as essential for improving the business climate, crowding in private investment, and supporting diversification and climate resilience.
For investors, the completion of the ECF removes a major layer of uncertainty and reinforces Zambia’s re-entry into orthodox macro management. For government, it narrows the room for policy missteps. The IMF cheque is not a victory lap; it is a bridge. What comes next depends on whether Zambia treats the end of the programme as a finish line, or as the baseline for governing without IMF guardrails.
MUTALE MWANZA LAWYERS SEEK TIME ON NOT-GUILTY PLEA
LAWYERS representing media personality Mutale Mwanza have applied for time to obtain fresh instructions regarding her plea of not guilty in a matter where she is accused of harassing fellow media personality Daisy Mwansa Lusumpa, popularly known as Chichi Daisy.
The alleged harassment was carried out through electronic communication, contrary to Section 69 of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act.
Defence lawyer Kingsley Malupenga told Magistrate Mbuywana Sinvula that he wished to receive accurate instructions from his client before proceeding.
Mr. Malupenga therefore applied for an adjournment to February 6, 2026.
It is alleged that on November 7, 2024, Ms. Mwanza used her Facebook page, M-Nation, with the intention to intimidate, harass, or cause emotional distress to Ms. Lusumpa.
Ms. Mwanza, a journalist and media socialite, is further alleged to have published unpalatable remarks against Ms. Lusumpa, whom she also accused of having an affair with a named politician.
ARCHBISHOP IGNATIUS CHAMA OF KASAMA URGES THE ELECTORATE IN KASAMA TO GO AND CAST THEIR VOTES AS KASAMA TOMORROW VOTES IN A MAYORAL BY-ELECTION
Wednesday, 28th January, 2026
As Kasama District tomorrow Thursday, the twenty-ninth (29th) January 2026 votes in a mayoral by-election, Archbishop of Kasama, His Grace Ignatius Chama, has urged the electorate to go and cast their votes.
Archbishop Chama says it is the duty of eligible residents to choose a mayor of their own choice, urging them NOT to forget that their voting is secret as nobody else, apart from an individual voter, will know the candidate one has voted for.
The Archbishop of Kasama says sometimes some confused individuals dish out money, mealie meal, beer, and other things, telling the voters that if they do NOT vote for their candidate, they will follow them since they will know that they did NOT vote for their candidate.
This is a lie which a voter should NOT entertain, he advises, further advising the electorate in Kasama to accept what they are being given as inducements to vote for their preferred candidates.
But when it comes to voting, vote for a candidate you want to occupy the Mayoral seat, he adds, saying if you elect a candidate who gave you gifts, it will mean he or she robbed you of liberty to choose a candidate of their choice.
Electorates in Kasama are tomorrow voting in a mayoral election necessitated by the death of the late Kasama Mayor, Theresa Mulenga Kolala Khumalo, who died last month on the fifth (5th) December 2025.
HH Still Not Fully Fit – EFF President Calls for Extended Rest in Choma
By Current Zambia
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) President Kasonde Mwenda has advised State House to allow President Hakainde Hichilema to continue resting in Choma, stating that the Head of State has not yet fully recovered and should not be rushed back into intense national engagements.
Speaking during a political commentary, Mr. Mwenda expressed concern over President Hichilema’s recent public remarks, particularly his statement suggesting that African countries trade very little among themselves.
According to Mwenda, such remarks carry the risk of frightening away investors because they present an inaccurate picture of Africa’s growing regional trade networks.
The EFF leader emphasized that the President’s health must come first, urging State House to allow HH more time to rest and fully recover in Choma, away from pressure and national duties.
POLITICS IS FOR THE MATURED- SIMBAO CAUTIONS YOUTHS
OPPOSITION Zambia We Want (ZWW) Party presidential candidate, Kapembwa Simbao, has cautioned young people venturing into politics, warning that the field is ungrateful and wasteful.
Mr. Simbao said that while it is encouraging to see many young people eager to engage and participate in the 2026 general elections, there is a need for them to understand the realities of political life.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka, Mr. Simbao said that politics requires mature minds and individuals who are prepared to face challenges, criticism, and even defeat at any given time. .
“Young people should fully mature politically before aspiring for top leadership positions such as ward councillor, Member of Parliament, or President,” said Mr. Simbao.
And Mr. Simbao stressed that although young people are often the preferred choice for leadership, older politicians should not be sidelined, as they bring valuable experience.
He said that every dispensation needs the young and experience from the elderly, saying that politics is no exception.
Chief Chitimukulu Thanks Government, President Hichilema for Support Following Wife’s Death
By Current Zambia
Paramount Chief Chitimukulu has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government and President Hakainde Hichilema for the emotional and financial support rendered to him following the death of his wife, Bernadette Mwamba.
Ms. Mwamba died last Tuesday after being involved in a tragic road accident, an incident that has plunged the Bemba Royal Establishment into deep mourning.
Speaking when Defence Minister Ambrose Lufuma and Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane paid a condolence visit to his palace in Mungwi District on Tuesday afternoon, the Paramount Chief said he was deeply touched by the solidarity shown by the Head of State and the government.
Chief Chitimukulu said he was honoured to receive personal messages of condolence from President Hichilema, Vice President Mutale Nalumango, senior government officials, and fellow traditional leaders across the country.
He noted that the gestures of compassion and unity had helped ease the pain of his loss and provided comfort during a very difficult time.
The traditional leader further revealed that the passing of his wife comes barely a year after he lost his two sons, describing the period as one of the most painful chapters of his life.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Ambrose Lufuma assured the royal household that Government stands in solidarity with the Chief and the entire Bemba Kingdom during this time of mourning.
He said the loss of a spouse is painful and encouraged the Paramount Chief to draw strength from God as he walks through the journey of grief.
Minister Lufuma emphasized that the nation mourns with the Chitimukulu and remains committed to supporting him throughout the bereavement period.
THE training of over 1,500 soldiers under the Zambia National Service (ZNS) who passed out last Friday in Kabwe lacked transparency, the People’s Pact Movement has said.
People’s Pact Movement vice president for strategy Peter Sinkamba said in an interview the discreet manner in which the recent ZNS training had been conducted raised suspicion on United Party for National Development (UPND) government’s motive.
“The lack of transparency has created speculation among various stakeholders, who are wondering whether the programme was aimed at fusing a particular group of people into the security and defence wings,” Sinkamba said.
Sinkamba, who is also the Green Party (GP) president, questioned whether the programme sought to advantage the UPND in the August 13 general elections.
“Successive governments [UNIP, MMD, and PF] all used to advertise for recruitment and training in these sensitive defence and military wings,” he said.
Sinkamba said the UPND had gone against the principles it promoted while in the opposition.
He said the contradictions were seen in the manner the UPND was doing things they condemned while in the opposition.
“Zambians are wondering what has changed because UPND now seems quick at embracing the same things they had promised Zambians they would correct once elected into power in 2021,” he said.
Sinkamba warned government to be careful with its ambitious recruitment of defense and military personnel.
Meanwhile, Sinkamba expressed concern over government’s plan to deploy special forces to curb illegal mining.
“Again, government risks being misunderstood as using the special forces to safeguard the interests of some prominent political leaders having stakes in the mines. Let them intensify the fight against junkies terrorising citizens on the streets. The UPND should accept that they caused illegal mining when they failed to empower cooperators, they promised mining deals,” he said.
Responding to a query from The Mast, Ministry of Defence principal public relations officer Paul Shalala clarified that more than 1,500 recruits from intake 27 of 2024 who passed out at the ZNS Kabwe Training on Friday were drawn from serving civilian employees in the ZNS.
” President Hakainde Hichilema, the Commander-in-Chief of the Zambia Defence Force, gave a policy direction to upgrade civilian employees who had served the Service diligently,” Shalala said.
He explained the internal ZNS recruitment was meant to upgrade the civilian employees who had served well in the military sector.
Elon Musk and Telegram founder Pavel Durov have weighed in after Meta was sued in the United States over allegations that WhatsApp misled users about the privacy and security of its messages.
Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov took to X, claiming Telegram had earlier analysed WhatsApp’s encryption system and identified “multiple attack vectors.” He went on to say that anyone who still believes WhatsApp is secure in 2026 is “braindead”.
“You’d have to be braindead to believe WhatsApp is secure in 2026. When we analyzed how WhatsApp implemented its “encryption”, we found multiple attack vectors,” Durov wrote.
You’d have to be braindead to believe WhatsApp is secure in 2026. When we analyzed how WhatsApp implemented its “encryption”, we found multiple attack vectors. https://t.co/BC1TWFAIlc
Tesla and X owner Elon Musk echoed the criticism, reposting content related to whistleblower allegations against Meta. “WhatsApp is not secure. Even Signal is questionable. Use X Chat,” Musk wrote, casting doubt not only on WhatsApp but also on Signal.
WhatsApp is not secure. Even Signal is questionable.
What the lawsuit alleges Durov and Musk’s reactions followed a Bloomberg report on a lawsuit filed in a US District Court in San Francisco, accusing Meta Platforms of falsely claiming that WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption prevents the company from accessing users’ communications.
The lawsuit claims that despite WhatsApp’s assurances that only senders and recipients can read messages, Meta stores, analyses and can access the substance of user communications. The case has been filed by an international group of plaintiffs from countries including India, Brazil, Australia, Mexico and South Africa, and cites unnamed whistleblowers.
Meta rejects claims Meta, however, has strongly denied the allegations, calling the lawsuit “frivolous.” A company spokesperson said any suggestion that WhatsApp messages are not encrypted is “categorically false and absurd,” adding that the platform has relied on end-to-end encryption for nearly a decade.
Responding directly to Musk’s post, WhatsApp head Will Cathcart also dismissed the claims as baseless. “This is totally false. WhatsApp can’t read messages because the encryption keys are stored on your phone and we don’t have access to them,” Cathcart wrote in the comments.
“This is a no-merit, headline-seeking lawsuit brought by the very same firm defending NSO after their spyware attacked journalists and government officials,” he added.
UGANDAN MAN KIDNAPPED, FORCED INTO RUSSIAN ARMY AT GUNPOINT—THEN UKRAINE SAVED HIS LIFE
This is Richard from Uganda. He thought he was going to work as a security guard or in a restaurant in Russia. Instead, he walked into a nightmare that nearly cost him his life.
Richard and 10 of his friends left Uganda after a “friend” promised them good jobs in Russia. When they arrived, everything changed.
They were locked in a room. They waited until nightfall. Then, Russian officials forced them at GUNPOINT to sign military contracts—papers they couldn’t read, papers that would send them to fight Ukraine against their will.
“We had no choice,” Richard recalls. At 2 AM, they were thrown into vehicles and driven for hours into the middle of a forest for military training. This wasn’t a job. This was human trafficking. This was modern-day slavery.
One friend suggested they commit suicide and jump from the moving vehicle. But Richard refused. “We haven’t committed any crime,” he told them. They were innocent men trapped in someone else’s war.
THEN CAME THE ESCAPE.
Richard ran. He ran through the forest not knowing if he’d be shot, captured, or killed. And then, he encountered Ukrainian soldiers.
Terrified, he begged them: “I was forced to join the Russian army. Please don’t hurt me.”
The Ukrainian soldiers’ response? “Don’t worry. We won’t hurt you.”
They took Richard in. They cared for him. They treated him with humanity when he expected none. While Russia trafficked him into war, Ukraine gave him safety, dignity, and life.
AFRICA, UGANDA—SAY THANK YOU TO UKRAINE. 🇺🇦🙏🏿
This isn’t just Richard’s story. This is happening to countless African men lured with job promises, only to be forced into Russia’s war machine. Young men from Uganda, Nigeria, Kenya, and across the continent—trafficked, exploited, and sent to die in a war they never chose.
Richard survived because of his courage and Ukraine’s mercy.
But how many more Richards are still trapped? How many African mothers are waiting for sons who will never come home?
Check the comments for Richard’s full video testimony.
This is what human trafficking looks like in 2025. This is what happens when desperation meets deception. And this is why Africa must stand with those who show us humanity not those who exploit us.
🔥 Historic Win for South Africa: Global Leaders Choose SA to Host the 2027 World Economic Forum Africa Summit — A Massive Vote of Confidence in Our Democracy, Economy and Vision, and a Diplomatic Headache for the Trump Administration
South Africa has just achieved something huge on the world stage — we’ve been chosen as the host nation for the World Economic Forum’s Africa Summit in 2027! This isn’t a small event; it’s one of the world’s most influential global economic and policy gatherings, bringing together presidents, CEOs, thinkers, and investors from across the planet to debate big ideas and shape the future.
So why South Africa?
🇿🇦 Proven capability — Our country has shown it can run major international events smoothly and professionally, especially after successfully hosting recent global gatherings. Governments and global institutions have taken notice of our strong institutions and ready infrastructure.
🌍 Strategic voice for Africa and the Global South — South Africa isn’t just another host city. We’re recognized as a gateway for investment and development in Africa. WEF leaders see us as a platform to spotlight inclusive growth, innovation, sustainability, and pan‑African cooperation.
💼 Economic and social impact — Hosting this summit isn’t just diplomatic prestige. It will stimulate jobs and growth across hospitality, tourism, transport, and logistics, positioning South Africa as a key centre for global investment and partnership.
But here’s where it gets politically spicy…
🇺🇸 Not everyone in Washington is cheering — The Trump Administration has been at odds with Pretoria on multiple fronts, including trade tensions and controversial claims about South Africa’s domestic policies. That friction has already led to boycotts of some forums and diplomatic coolness. Seeing South Africa elevated as a trusted host on the world stage — even as relations with the U.S. leadership strain — highlights a clear divergence between how the world views South Africa and how the Trump White House has chosen to posture.
In short: the world sees South Africa as a global partner worth listening to — invited to host a summit of world leaders — while Trump’s rhetoric and policies have isolated Washington from many in the room. That contrast makes this announcement not just great news for South Africa, but also a symbolic moment that might make the U.S. Administration a little uneasy as global influence shifts.
Breaking news How disgruntled colonel built secret military network in failed coup plot against Tinubu
Fresh intelligence details have surfaced on the foiled coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, shedding light on how a serving Army Colonel allegedly assembled a covert, cross-service network to undermine the constitutional order before security agencies moved in.
Vanguard recalls that the Defence Headquarters announced the arrest of 16 officers for acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations, following weeks of quiet tension within the Armed Forces
In October 2025, rumours of an alleged coup plot against President Tinubu’s administration spread across social media. At the time, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) dismissed the claims as “false and misleading,” even as the sudden cancellation of the Independence Day parade fuelled speculation about deeper security concerns.
In October 2025, rumours of an alleged coup plot against President Tinubu’s administration spread across social media.
At the time, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) dismissed the claims as “false and misleading,” even as the sudden cancellation of the Independence Day parade fuelled speculation about deeper security concerns.
Breaking news Brig Gen. Musa Sadiq: The mastermind behind failed coup against President Tinubu
According to PM News report on 27 January, 2026, Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq, 49 years old, a senior officer of the Nigerian Army, has become the central figure in one of Nigeria’s most high‑profile military security investigations, the alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu.
Sadiq, is currently under intense scrutiny following allegations that he played a key role in a clandestine plot aimed at destabilising the Tinubu administration.
While investigations are ongoing, the development has sent shockwaves through the military and political establishment, given Sadiq’s long-standing service record and previous strategic postings.
Born on January 3, 1974, in Nasarawa State, Sadiq began his military career at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), where he was admitted as a cadet of the 44th Regular Course in August 1992.
He completed his training in September 1997 and was commissioned into the Infantry Corps, widely regarded as the backbone of the Nigerian Army’s ground forces.
Over nearly three decades of service, Sadiq built a reputation as a disciplined officer with extensive operational and administrative experience.
Before the controversy that now surrounds him, he held several critical command positions across the country.
One of his most notable appointments was as Garrison Commander, 81 Division, Dodan Barracks, Lagos, where he was responsible for overseeing security operations and safeguarding key military installations in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
The role placed him at the heart of strategic security coordination in Lagos, a city considered vital to national stability.
He also served as Commander, 3 Brigade, Kano, a major operational command in northern Nigeria.
Sadiq was in charge of troop deployments, logistics, and civil-military relations in a region often affected by security challenges.
Breaking News : NEARLY 2 MILLION SOLDIERS LOST: NEW REPORT REVEALS SHOCKING SCALE OF UKRAINE WAR C∆SUALTIES
A new in-depth assessment by the US-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has revealed that the war in Ukraine has resulted in close to two million military c∆sualties, making it one of the de∆dliest conflicts of the modern era.
According to the report, Russian forces have suffered the heaviest losses, with total casualties estimated at up to 1.2 million, including as many as 325,000 soldiers unalived since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Analysts note that no major military power has endured losses on this scale since the Second World War.
Ukrainian forces have also paid a devastating price. The study estimates between 500,000 and 600,000 Ukrainian military c∆sualties, with approximately 100,000 to 140,000 troops unalived over the course of the war. Combined losses on both sides are assessed at around 1.8 million, with projections indicating the figure could reach two million by early 2026 if the intensity of fighting continues.
The report highlights a significant gap between official c∆sualty figures and independent estimates. Ukrainian authorities have previously acknowledged tens of thousands of military de∆ths, while independent Russian and Western researchers tracking obituaries and open-source data have identified more than 160,000 confirmed Russian f∆talities, suggesting actual numbers are considerably higher.
Beyond the battlefield, the civilian cost continues to rise. United Nations monitoring data indicates that 2025 recorded the highest civilian de∆th toll of the war, with more than 2,500 civilians unalived and over 12,000 injured during the year alone. Verified civilian de∆ths since the start of the invasion now approach 15,000, a figure widely believed to understate the true scale of the tragedy.
The findings come as diplomatic efforts involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States struggle to gain traction, while heavy fighting persists across multiple fronts. The report underscores that the war has evolved into a prolonged conflict of attrition, with human losses reaching levels rarely seen in the 21st century.
Source: NDTV, citing a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
Renouncing American citizenship as a naturalised citizen is not a common move, yet for one tech founder, it represents the ultimate act of self-determination. He shared his immigrant success story, evolving through various industries before reaching the pinnacle of the tech sector. While he maintains that the US is one of the world’s greatest places for transformation, he posts that the relationship between a citizen and a nation must provide a reasonable exchange of value. Having acquired multiple passports, he has determined that his future goals are better served outside the American system.
“I’ve officially renounced my US citizenship. The US is one of the greatest places in the world where you can go from nothing to something,” entrepreneur Adam Nasir, who resides in Dubai, wrote.
He shared that he relocated to the US with his parents in 1996. “I remember my first job at McDonald’s at 15, then evolving into different hustles. Selling iPods at Circuit City (before iPhones), working at a mall kiosk, Door to Door sales, flipping cars, flipping houses, then moving into the software game.”
In the following lines, he explained the reason behind his decision. “At this stage of my life and in future stages predictively, the US no longer serves me.”
He continued, “Forever grateful to the United States and still embody the spirit of being American although I no longer hold an active passport.” In a video he posted, he shows holes in his US passport, indicating that his passport is void.
An individual commented, “Congratulations, Adam. Do you ever think you’ll want a life back in America in the future?” Another added, “Love that for you! I’m a dual citizen and can totally understand where you are coming from! I’m so proud of you and how you go after it so relentlessly.”
A third expressed, “What’s your new citizenship in, or is there a transition period? I’m in Minnesota, so it’s definitely been eye-opening. You need a book launch to share your story!” Nasir replied, “I have a Moroccan passport by birth. I purchased a Caribbean passport a few years ago and am currently in the process of getting another passport by investment.”
A fourth wrote, “I would never recommend anyone to do that. People literally give up their lives to become a US citizen. Generational wealth tends to get squandered in a few generations, and then you’re back to square one.”
A 36-year-old woman from Shangqiu in central Henan province has shared her painful experience after her husband divorced her following hair loss caused by vitiligo, a chronic skin condition.
According to a report by the South China Morning Post, two years ago, a large area of hair on the woman, surnamed Li, suddenly turned grey.
Doctors later diagnosed vitiligo, a disease that leads to loss of pigment in the skin, hair, and mucous membranes.
As the condition developed, Li’s hair loss became more visible and her appearance aged rapidly, Henan TV reported.
Abandoned during illness: According to Li, support at home slowly disappeared.
“I have devoted myself to the family. I take care of our child, wash clothes, prepare food, and do other domestic chores,” Li said.
Medical treatment became a lonely journey. Li went to the hospital alone. Her husband did not ask about her condition and refused to help pay medical expenses.
Li’s husband avoided taking her to public events, believing her appearance would cause him embarrassment.
Due to her hair loss, children on the street mocked Li by calling her Qiu Qianchi, an unattractive character from the television drama The Romance of the Condor Heroes.
Moving forward after divorce: After 16 years of marriage, the couple divorced, with guardianship of their child granted to Li. No response from the husband has been reported.
“I will let go of my past and cooperate with the treatment in a positive manner,” said Li.
A senior doctor from a Henan hospital said vitiligo can affect any part of the body and occurs in up to two percent of the global population.
Despite the hardship, Li said she wants to let go of the past, continue treatment, and move forward with a positive mindset.
🚨 CONTROVERSIAL X PERSONALITY GOOLAM VAWDA FOUND DEAD IN LUXURY SANDTON HOTEL JUST AS POLICE ARRIVED TO ARREST HIM ON MULTIPLE SERIOUS CHARGES, SPARKING NATIONAL SHOCK, QUESTIONS AND INTENSE DEBATE ABOUT ONLINE POLITICS, PRESSURE AND THE COST OF DIGITAL WARS 🚨
South Africa woke up to disturbing news after Goolam Mohammed Suliman Vawda, the man behind the highly controversial @goolamv account on X, was found dead in a luxury hotel in Sandton on Tuesday morning.
According to information released by authorities, police officers had gone to the hotel at around 9:30am to arrest him in connection with a series of serious cases, including alleged fraud, cyberbullying, hate speech, defamation and a crimen injuria complaint linked to former cabinet minister Lindiwe Sisulu. Before the arrest could be carried out, Vawda was discovered unresponsive in his room.
An inquest has been opened by Gauteng police. At this stage, there are no official signs of foul play, and a post-mortem examination will determine the exact cause of death. Investigators are treating the matter as a sudden and unexplained death pending forensic results.
Vawda was a well-known and highly polarising figure on South African social media. Through the @goolamv account, he built a large following by posting political memes, sharp commentary and controversial claims, often targeting senior political figures such as EFF leader Julius Malema and members of former President Jacob Zuma’s family. Supporters saw him as a fearless digital activist exposing what he believed were abuses of power. Critics accused him of harassment, spreading misinformation and crossing legal and ethical lines.
In the hours after the news broke, reactions poured in from across the political and social spectrum. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi issued a message of condolence to the family, calling the death tragic and urging the public to allow the law to take its course. On social media, some expressed shock and sadness, while others speculated about the intense pressure Vawda had been under due to legal battles, public scrutiny and online conflicts.
It is important to note that any claims about how or why he died remain unproven. While some online users are suggesting suicide or linking his death to stress, legal troubles or the impact of his political exposés, authorities have not confirmed any of this. Only medical and forensic findings will provide clarity.
What is clear is that the case has reopened a broader national conversation about: • The psychological toll of life under constant online attack and controversy • The legal limits of political commentary and satire on social media • The responsibilities that come with running influential anonymous or semi-anonymous accounts • The growing number of criminal and civil cases linked to digital platforms in South Africa
For now, Goolam Vawda’s death remains under investigation. The circumstances, motive, and medical cause will only be known once official reports are finalised. Until then, police have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.
Why Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Is Always Seen Covering His Phone Cameras – What You Need to Know About His Extreme Digital Security Habits
Have you ever noticed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu often has tape or covers over the cameras on his phones? It’s not a random habit – there’s a very practical reason behind it.
As one of the most high-profile political leaders in the world, Netanyahu lives in a constant environment of digital threats. Phones and devices can be hacked, and even cameras that appear off can be remotely activated by skilled hackers. Covering the lenses is a simple, low-tech way to protect against being spied on.
This practice is common among intelligence officials, military leaders, and security experts worldwide. It’s part of a strict operational security routine that helps protect sensitive conversations, private moments, and national secrets. For someone in Netanyahu’s position, every device is potentially a vulnerability.
So next time you see him covering a camera, remember: it’s not paranoia – it’s extreme caution. In a world where cyberattacks are real and constant, Netanyahu is simply making sure no one is watching when they shouldn’t be.
