TRUMP ADMINISTRATION DEMANDS VENEZUELA CUT ALL TIES WITH RUSSIA, CHINA, AND IRAN
The price of cooperation is becoming clear.
The Trump administration is pressuring Venezuela’s interim government to sever all ties with foreign adversaries and exclusively partner with the U.S. on oil exports.
The demands:
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated U.S. goals include expelling Iran from the region and dismantling ties with Russia, China, and Cuba.
Trump announced Tuesday that Venezuela will turn over 30-50 million barrels of crude to the U.S., specifically noting the intent to “get the Chinese out of their oil fields, or the Russians.”
U.S. oil majors are being invited to rebuild Venezuela’s infrastructure and will be reimbursed through the oil they extract.
The leverage:
The naval blockade initiated in December 2025 remains in place.
The administration believes Venezuela will run out of money within weeks without cooperation, leaving the interim government unable to pay security forces.
What’s at stake for adversaries:
-China: Currently buys 430,000 barrels per day from Venezuela.
Still owed billions from “loan-for-oil” deals. Faces potential default.
-Russia: State-owned Roszarubezhneft holds rights to fields with an estimated 2.3 billion barrels.
Those assets could be seized or marginalized.
-Cuba: Faces total collapse of subsidized oil imports.
The response:
China called it “hegemonic.”
Russia offered “solidarity” but no military assets.
Brazil’s Lula said the U.S. “crossed an unacceptable line.”
The administration calls it “America First” energy policy.
President Donald Trump has said Venezuela will turn over 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States after a military operation to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
Interim authorities in Venezuela will turn over “sanctioned oil” to be sold at market value and with the proceeds controlled by the US, Trump said on Truth Social.
The US will use the proceeds “to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!” he wrote.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright has been directed to “execute this plan, immediately,” and the barrels “will be taken by storage ships, and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States.”
Trump wrote, “I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of high-quality, sanctioned oil to the United States of America.
“This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!”
Trump added, “I have asked Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute this plan immediately. It will be taken by storage ships, and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States.
“Thank you for your attention to this matter!””
President Trump says Venezuela will turn over 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil to US His comment came a day after Delcy Rodríguez, formerly Venezuela’s vice-president, was sworn in as its interim president. Maduro has been brought to the US to face drug-trafficking and weapons charges.
On Monday the US president told NBC News: “Having a Venezuela that’s an oil producer is good for the United States because it keeps the price of oil down.”
Russia has thrown its full weight behind Venezuela’s new interim President Delcy Rodríguez, following her swearing-in on January 5, 2026, amid dramatic U.S. intervention that saw former leader Nicolás Maduro captured and extradited.
In a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry on January 7, Moscow praised Rodríguez’s assumption of office as a decisive move to preserve Venezuela’s sovereignty.
“This step shows the determination of the Bolivarian Government to assure unity and preserve the power vertical created in compliance with the national legislation, mitigate the risks of a constitutional crisis and create the necessary conditions for further peaceful and stable development of Venezuela in the face of outrageous neo-colonial threats and external armed aggression,” the ministry declared.
Russia, a longtime ally of Venezuela, reaffirmed its “unwavering solidarity with the Venezuelan people and Government.” It wished “authorised President of Venezuela Delcy Rodríguez success in resolving the tasks facing the Bolivarian Republic” and expressed “readiness to continue rendering necessary support to friendly Venezuela.”
The statement insisted that “Venezuela should have the guaranteed right to determine its destiny on its own, without any destructive interference from the outside,” while calling for de-escalation through “constructive dialogue and respect for international law, primarily the UN Charter.” It emphasized that “Latin America and the Caribbean must remain a zone of peace” with sovereign development for regional countries.
Meanwhile, Rodríguez has signaled openness to Washington, extending an olive branch despite the tensions. In a social media post, she stated: “We extend an invitation to the U.S. government to work together on a cooperative agenda, oriented toward shared development, within the framework of international law, and to strengthen lasting community coexistence.”
This conciliatory gesture comes as Rodríguez navigates internal stability and external pressures, with Russia positioning itself as a staunch defender against perceived U.S. overreach in the region.
President Yoweri Museveni has said Uganda is considering allowing Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by billionaire Elon Musk, to operate in the country if it proves cheaper than existing underground fibre-optic connections.
The President revealed on Sunday that he has held discussions with Musk, who informed him that recent advances in satellite technology have significantly reduced costs. Museveni said the government is now studying whether Starlink could make digital connectivity more affordable for Ugandans.
“I have been in talks with Elon Musk; he has been telling me that his satellite, it is called Starlink. He has been telling me that satellite is now cheaper. We are studying that. If it is true, we shall allow Elon Musk to bring his satellites here if they can make digital connection cheaper than the underground,” Museveni said.
His remarks come less than two weeks to Uganda’s general elections, a period when internet and digital communication disruptions are widely anticipated, based on precedent from previous polls.
In anticipation of a possible internet shutdown, several Ugandans have reportedly imported Starlink equipment into the country to maintain online connectivity. This prompted intervention by authorities. The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) imposed restrictions requiring anyone intending to import Starlink equipment to first obtain clearance from the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
In addition, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) wrote to Starlink expressing concern over the equipment that had already entered the country. In response, Starlink stated that it had not been licensed to operate in Uganda and subsequently cut off all internet connectivity provided through its equipment within the country.
For years, the government has invested heavily in the National Optical Fibre Cable Backbone, laying underground internet infrastructure along major highways to connect different parts of the country and support digitalisation and automation of public services.
Museveni recalled that Uganda previously relied heavily on satellite communication, which he said was prohibitively expensive and prompted a strategic shift to fibre-optic infrastructure.
“People were communicating by radio, by digital electronic through satellite, but it was very expensive. I am the one who worked very hard to bring the backbone – the underground network; the internet,” Museveni said.
He explained that the expansion of undersea cables linking Africa to Asia and Europe, including connections through Mombasa and Dar es Salaam, significantly reduced internet costs by enabling fibre connectivity into Uganda and beyond.
“Today, there is undersea cable to Mombasa, to Dar es Salaam, and then underground cable from Mombasa and Dar es Salaam to here. That is how the cost came down,” he said, adding that the fibre backbone is now being extended to more parts of the country as critical national infrastructure.
The President also revealed that the government had previously rejected attempts by telecommunications companies to monopolise internet service provision, insisting on an open and competitive market to protect consumers.
The government’s ongoing assessment of Starlink is expected to focus on cost, regulatory compliance, and how the service would integrate with Uganda’s existing digital infrastructure, amid heightened public interest in affordable and reliable internet access.
Andre Yarham, believed to be the UK’s youngest dementia patient, has died aged 24 after battling a rare and aggressive form of the disease.
Andre, from Dereham, passed away on December 27 at a hospice, just days after Christmas. He was diagnosed at 22 with frontotemporal dementia, a rare condition caused by a protein mutation that affects only a small fraction of dementia patients.
His family first raised concerns after noticing changes in his movement, speech and awareness. An MRI scan later revealed that Andre’s brain resembled that of a 70-year-old, shortly before his 23rd birthday.
Paying tribute, his mother, Sam Fairburn, described him as having “a heart of gold” and said the family made the decision to donate his brain to science to help advance research into the disease.
“There’s not enough awareness of how cruel this disease can be,” she said. “There are different
She added: “We made the decision to donate Andre’s brain to medical research. If in the future, Andre has been able to help just one more family have a precious few more years with a loved one, that would mean the absolute world.”
Andre’s condition deteriorated rapidly in the final months of his life. He eventually lost his ability to speak, struggled with movement and required full-time care before being moved into a nursing home. In his final weeks, he was transferred to Priscilla Bacon Lodge Hospice, where he died peacefully.
Andre, who loved wrestling, football and video games, had previously worked for luxury car manufacturer Lotus in Norwich but was forced to leave due to his declining health.
His death places him among the smallest percentage of people in the UK diagnosed with dementia before the age of 65. His family has urged the public to seek medical advice early if they notice concerning changes in loved ones, saying early testing can make a difference.
Scientists are warning that tattoos may carry hidden biological risks beyond regret over names, spelling mistakes or outdated designs, as growing research suggests tattoo ink can interact with the body in ways not fully understood.
According to Dr Manal Mohammed, a medical microbiology lecturer at University of Westminster, UK, tattoo ink does not remain fixed in the skin after it is injected.
“Once tattoo ink enters the body, it does not stay put,” she explained. “Beneath the skin, tattoo pigments interact with the immune system in ways scientists are only just beginning to understand.”
While tattoos are generally considered safe, scientists say their long-term health effects may be less harmless than once assumed, particularly as permanent body art has surged in popularity in recent decades.
One concern is the composition of tattoo inks, which are often complex chemical mixtures. “Many pigments currently in use were originally developed for industrial applications such as car paint, plastics and printer toner, rather than for injection into human skin,” Mohammed noted.
She added that some inks contain trace amounts of heavy metals, including nickel, chromium, cobalt and, in some cases, lead. “Heavy metals can be toxic at certain levels and are well known for triggering allergic reactions and immune sensitivity.”
Black inks, commonly made from carbon black, may contain carcinogenic compounds linked to cancer, while coloured inks — particularly red, yellow and orange — are more frequently associated with allergic reactions and chronic inflammation.
Tattooing involves injecting ink deep into the dermis, prompting the body to treat pigment particles as foreign material. “Immune cells attempt to remove them, but the particles are too large to be fully cleared,” Mohammed said. “Instead, they become trapped inside skin cells, which is what makes tattoos permanent.”
US special forces have arrived in the United Kingdom as Washington moves to intercept a sanctioned oil tanker accused of evading the Trump administration’s blockade on Venezuelan crude and racing toward Russia.
Cargo aircraft carrying helicopters and personnel landed at RAF Fairford, as US and allied forces stage for a possible high-risk boarding operation against the tanker Marinera, formerly known as Bella 1.
The vessel, described by US officials as part of a “shadow fleet” used to bypass international sanctions, is believed to be operating under a Russian flag in the North Atlantic, roughly 500 miles west of Ireland, en route to Russia.
US special forces arrive in UK ?to seize Axis of Evil tanker? as it races towards Russia after beating Trump blockade
Troops from America’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as the Night Stalkers, have reportedly deployed Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters capable of fast-roping commandos onto large vessels. Three V-22 Ospreys operating out of RAF Mildenhall have also joined the mission, alongside surveillance aircraft and refuelling jets.
US and UK military activity intensified after the tanker was tracked resurfacing at sea, having previously slipped away from US forces in the Caribbean following Donald Trump’s announcement of a “total and complete blockade” on Venezuelan oil exports.
The tanker is alleged to be linked to Iran and accused of helping sanctioned regimes — including those of Vladimir Putin and Nicolás Maduro — continue oil trading despite restrictions. During the pursuit, the crew reportedly painted a Russian flag on the hull and later re-registered the ship under a new name in Russia.
US officials told American media that the preference is to seize the tanker rather than sink it, mirroring a helicopter-borne raid carried out last month on another sanctioned vessel. A decision on whether to proceed with the operation is expected within days.
Defence sources said the build-up at RAF Fairford indicates preparations for a hostile boarding, while naval patrol aircraft continue to monitor the tanker’s movements.
The chase comes as Washington tightens pressure on Venezuela’s oil lifeline, with more than a dozen tankers reportedly fleeing the country using deceptive tactics such as falsified tracking data and flag changes since the blockade was announced.
Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen reportedly dropped his accreditation and threatened to quit Nigeria’s AFCON squad entirely after his row with teammate Ademola Lookman during Monday night’s emphatic 4–0 victory over Mozambique in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations round-of-16 clash.
The Super Eagles produced one of their most commanding displays of the tournament on Monday evening as they went on to book their place in the quarter finals.
Sadly, the victory was overshadowed by Osimhen’s outburst with teammate Lookman on the pitch.
In pursuit of a hat-trick, the Galatasaray striker was caught on camera angrily confronting teammate Ademola Lookman during their emphatic 4–0 victory over Mozambique at the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday night.
Lookman had made one assist to help Osimhen score his brace before the outburst broke out.
Still visibly furious, the Galatasaray forward gestured to the bench for a substitution and was duly taken off, with Moses Simon coming on in his place.
https://youtu.be/wGxTnCYhCtQ?si=QAdAQACdVBpVZ-5F
Following the final whistle, he headed straight down the tunnel, opting out of the usual post-match handshakes and team prayer with his teammates. He was also the first Nigerian player to head for the team bus.
According to Arise News, confirmed reports from within the camp say Osimhen stormed out of the stadium after the match, dropped his accreditation, and declared he was “done” with the national team, insisting he was returning to Turkey.
It was also gathered that senior Nigeria Football Federation figures moved to reach him, with the federation’s president reportedly seeking to pacify the striker. However, some officials were said to believe he should be left alone to cool off.
Trump administration officials told US lawmakers that former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, sustained head injuries while attempting to flee US forces during their arrest.
In a new report by Reuters, according to officials familiar with the briefing, Maduro and Flores ran inside their compound and tried to hide behind a heavy steel door. The door frame was low, and both reportedly hit their heads while attempting to escape. US Delta Force operators later apprehended them and administered first aid after extracting them from the compound.
Maduro and Flores appeared in court with visible injuries. Flores’ attorney told the judge that she sustained significant injuries during the operation and may have suffered a fracture or severe bruising to her ribs. The attorney requested an X-ray and a full medical evaluation to ensure her health going forward.
During the court hearing, Flores was seen swaying and lowering her head at intervals, while Maduro appeared to struggle when sitting down and standing up. Courtroom sketches showed Flores with bandages on her head. Officials who briefed lawmakers later described her head injury as minor.
Maduro and his wife hit their heads as they attempted to flee US forces, new report claims
Some US Delta Force operators were also injured during the operation following a large firefight with a Cuban quick reaction force stationed near Maduro’s compound. The injuries were caused by bullets and shrapnel but were described as non-life-threatening, with all injured personnel expected to recover fully.
Nearly 200 US personnel were involved in the operation on the ground in Caracas. Officials said they did not have a clear estimate of how many Venezuelan or Cuban forces were killed, though Cuba’s government stated that 32 of its military and police officers died. US officials suggested the number could be higher, describing the confrontation as an intense and sustained gunfire battle.
Officials stressed that Maduro’s capture was not intended as a regime change operation. Venezuela’s government remains largely intact and is now being led by his deputy, Delcy Rodriguez. US officials described her as more pragmatic and as someone they believe they can work with, noting that opposition figures would likely be unable to control the country’s security forces.
The administration’s approach toward Rodriguez was informed by a classified intelligence assessment examining the immediate and short-term implications of Maduro no longer being in power. Officials said the assessment was not based on expectations of a broader regime collapse.
US officials have been in contact with Delcy Rodriguez and her brother, the president of Venezuela’s national assembly, for several months. They described the communications as part of efforts to influence behavior rather than to orchestrate Maduro’s removal.
Rodriguez also serves as Venezuela’s oil minister. US officials expect her to cooperate on rebuilding the country’s oil infrastructure and potentially allow American companies to operate there in the future. However, officials said there is no formal agreement in place, only an expectation that continued US pressure, including a strong naval presence in the Caribbean, will influence future decisions.
BREAKING: U.S. BACKS SECURITY GUARANTEES FOR UKRAINE FOR THE FIRST TIME
For the first time ever, the U.S. is formally backing long-term security guarantees for Ukraine, a move that basically tells Russia: you’re not winning this, now or later.
Announced at a summit in Paris with Ukraine’s European allies, think of it as the West putting a permanent security down payment on Ukraine’s future with military training, intel support, long-term weapons deals, and real deterrence.
The U.S. has officially entered a binding commitment to support the Zelensky if Russia attacks again.
After months of stalled U.S. aid, congressional drama, and war fatigue, this changes the tone: Washington’s not just helping Ukraine now, it’s pledging to defend it in the years ahead.
U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff, who has led talks with Russia, said after the summit that Trump “strongly stands behind security protocols.”
These guarantees are more than just symbolism, as they lock in Western alignment, tie Ukraine’s fate to U.S. and EU interests, and make clear that cutting Ukraine loose is no longer an option.
But for the Kremlin? It’s a geopolitical slap in the face.
The Cuban government has declared two days of national mourning following the deaths of 32 military personnel during the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro.
The names, ranks, and ages of the 32 Cuban military personnel killed during the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro were published by the Cuban government.
Among the deceased are colonels, lieutenants, majors, captains, and some reserve soldiers, aged 26 to 60.
The personnel belonged to the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior, Cuba’s two main security agencies. The publication did not specify their missions or how they died.
VENEZUELA UNDER MADURO SHIPPED GOLD WORTH $5.2 BILLION TO SWITZERLAND
VENEZUELA transported gold worth almost 4.14 billion Swiss francs ($5.20 billion) to Switzerland during the early years of the leadership of ousted President Nicolas Maduro, customs data shows.
The South American country sent 113 metric tons of the precious metal to Switzerland from 2013 when Maduro took office to 2016, according to data reviewed by Reuters.
The gold originated from Venezuela’s central bank, Swiss broadcaster SRF said, at a time when the government was selling down gold to support its economy. There were no gold exports from Venezuela to Switzerland from 2017, when EU sanctions were imposed, to 2025, customs data showed.
Maduro was seized by U.S. special forces in a raid in Caracas on January 3, and faces charges in a New York court including drug trafficking and narco-terrorism.
On Monday, Switzerland ordered the freezing of assets held in the country by Maduro, and 36 associates, but did not give any information on possible value or source of such funds.
It is unknown if there is any link between any such assets and gold transferred from the central bank. The gold, from Venezuela’s reserves, was likely transferred to Switzerland for processing, certification and onward transport, SRF reported.
Switzerland is one of the world’s biggest centres for gold refining, with the country hosting five large refineries.
The Central Bank of Venezuela has sold down its gold reserves to support the country’s economy and raise hard currency in the face of U.S. sanctions.
“There was big distress selling by the Venezuelan central bank from 2012 to 2016. A lot of this will have come to Switzerland,” said Rhona O’Connell, a markets analyst at StoneX.
“Thereafter it could have stayed with counterparties in the financial sector, or sold as small bars to Asia, or anywhere in the world.”
The gold exports to Switzerland fell to zero in 2017 when the European Union sanctioned various Venezuelan individuals accused of human rights violations or undermining democracy. Switzerland adopted the EU sanctions in early 2018.
The sanctions did not contain a general Swiss embargo on gold imports from Venezuela.
“There was probably a major drop-off in exports after because the Venezuelan central bank simply ran out of gold,” said StoneX’s O’Connell.
Mother in-law sues daughter in-law for playing ‘Nalitumpa Ine’ song on Christmas Day THE Matero Local Court has heard how a vulgar-tongued daughter in-law marinated her mother in-law in a bowl of insults on Christmas Day while playing the famous song ‘Nalitumpa Ine’ which was also one of Adada’s favourites.
Bertha Masuku, 55, of Lusaka’s Appolo Compound complained to the court that her daughter in-law, Anna Nkandu, 31, who also happens to be her neighbour was fond of playing condescending music within their premises without regard for the family relationship the duo shared. Masuku said what shocked her the most was when Nkandu came back home around 23 hours on Jesus’s birthday playing ‘Nalitumpa Ine’ while mentioning her mother in-law’s name and branding her a dog. Like a staunch Nkana supporter on derby day, Nkandu even threatened to vandalise her mother in-law’s properties for birthing a son ‘without manners.’
“I just heard her outside, shouting that “imwe bamake Dumiso, you are a dog, your son can’t be beating my young sister. I was so hurt that I I wanted to go out and respond but my husband refused me to go out,” she said.
“I still don’t know where that was coming from and if she had quarreled with my son, I don’t know how I was involved in their fight.”
Masuku complained that Nkandu had even threatened to braai and barbecue her with the ferocious Luapula kind of lightning while chorusing hymns of pork laden insults on the Seventh Day Adventist member.
In her defence, Nkandu admitted to hurling insults but denied mentioning her mother-in-law’s name, saying the words were directed at Masuku’s son.
She said she was instead shocked to learn that Masuku had allegedly sent her youngest son to beat the Nkandu sisters one by one. Nkandu told the court that Masuku’s youngest son, Dumiso, had beaten her younger sister and that, as the eldest sibling, she was merely defending her family.
“Her youngest son beat my young sister and as he was doing that, he kept mentioning that “kwasale iwe,” mum told me that I should be beating you one by one. Those insults were targeted at her son and not her,” she said.
After hearing sides of the duo’s witnesses, it was established that Nkandu had indeed insulted her mother in-law. Magistrate Lewis Mumba counselled the two that they were family and that, given the relationship they shared, it was best to resolve the matter through a family meeting.
“Nkandu, you can’t be insulting your in-laws. You have to be disciplined, you didn’t behave well. I advise you to go back home and have a meeting and reconcile. Nkandu, I order you to go and kneel down before your in-laws and apologise,” he ruled
The magistrate stated that had it not been for the child linking the two families, he would have fined Nkandu K5,000. “For the sake of the child, go and reconcile, fining you will just bring unnecessary enmity,” said Magistrate By Catherine Pule Kalemba, January 7, 2026
ZRA EMPLOYEE DENIES GIFTING A VEHICLE TO ARCHBISHOP ALICK BANDA
I have never seen or touched the vehicle that ZRA claimed I bought from the institution and sold to Archbishop Alick Banda, says Mulopa Kaunda, a man who has suffered over four years of public ridicule for supposedly dragging a high-ranking Catholic priest into a dirty deal.
In this exclusive interview, Kaunda explains how fraudulent receipts and other documents were generated in his name by his named supervisor, in a deal that was meant to facilitate the illegal disposal of government vehicles from the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).
Since 2022, the law enforcement agencies in Zambia have been investigating a case of abuse of office among ZRA employees and the illegal possession of proceeds of crime involving private beneficiaries, among them the incumbent Catholic Archbishop of Lusaka, Alick Banda.
During the reign of late former President Edgar Lungu, several government institutions were ordered to release vehicles for use in the election campaigns for the ruling party, while some were gifted to PF sympathisers.
Under the ZRA, at least 22 motor vehicles were ‘disposed of’ under questionable circumstances, and records show that some of the vehicles were passed on to employees and private individuals, as well as entities aligned to the ruling party at the time.
Former ZRA Commissioner General Kingsley Chanda and his Director of Administration Callistus Kaoma were convicted and sentenced to six years and nine years respectively for not following procedure in disposing of government vehicles.
According to ZRA and RTSA records seen by News Diggers, one of the vehicles, a Toyota Hilux registration number ALF 7734, was purportedly sold to a ZRA employee named Mulopa Kaunda, who is said to have changed the car documents into his name on 21st April 2021 and then gifted it to the Catholic priest Alick Banda, who also changed the vehicle ownership documents into his personal name the very next day on April 22, 2021.
Records also show that another vehicle which came from ZRA was gifted to Heart of Mercy.
“I don’t know Alick Banda, I never sold or gave him a vehicle”
In a surprising turn of events, Kaunda reveals that he never participated in any tender or auction to buy the said vehicle from ZRA, and that he has never met or communicated with the high-ranking Catholic priest in his life.
He now narrates the agony, frustration and reputational damage he suffered since the public scandalisation started, leading to his hospitalisation, after Emmanuel Mwamba released fraudulent documents linking him to the scandal.
Sitting in his office in Ndola on 17th December 2020, Kaunda, a ZRA employee, received a surprise internal email from the accounts department with an attachment of a receipt. The receipt was an acknowledgment for a payment received from him towards a vehicle he had apparently bought from the institution through an auction sale.
In shock, he responded, saying he had not bought any vehicle from ZRA and he certainly did not make any payment to the institution for that purpose. Little did he know that the purchase of the said vehicle was going to be forced on him officially, as a new receipt was going to be issued for the same transaction.
On Tuesday 6th January,2026, PeP President Sean Tembo held an illegal virtual Tonse Alliance Meeting when the leadership of Tonse were busy campaigning in Chawama by-election.
He has announced ghe following illegal changes.
1. Removal of PF as Anchor Party 2. Removed Hon. Given Lubinda 3 Constitutional amendments
4. Claims leadership has now gone to Apostle Daniel Pule as Chairperson and Vice Chairperson as Dr. Chifumu Banda
TONSE ALLIANCE PRESS STATEMENT
7th January, 2026
COMPREHENSIVE CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES TO GUARANTEE PROGRESS AND VICTORY IN AUGUST 2026
YESTERDAY in the evening, 6th January, 2026, the Tonse Alliance Council of Leaders was convened virtually from 18hours to 22hours to review, discuss, respond and make resolutions on a number of constitution amendments following a petition from some of the Alliance members.
The meeting which was chaired by myself, Prof. Danny Pule as Tonse Alliance Co~Chairman was virtually well attended by most leaders from Tonse Alliance political parties, civil society organisations, parliamentarians and renowned citizens.
Based on the petition from our four member organisations, this council of leaders discussed nine key constitutional amendments and made resolutions on each as follows:
1. Tonse Alliance will no longer recognize “PF Party” but only embrace and work with the “ECL PF Political Movement” in order to honour the wishes of Dr. ECL and make progress
The Council of leaders unanimously observed and agreed that the Tonse Alliance has been held at ramson/hostage, delayed to make progress and made to look institutionally disorganized as a result of the leadership crisis, wrangles, court battles, factionalism, divisions, rivalry and chaotic politics in PF as the anchor party for many months especially after the death of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
Hence, the Council resolved that the Alliance shall henceforth only maintain the membership of “ECL PF Political Movement” as per constitution as guided by Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu himself and has officially done away with anyone and anything to do with “PF party” that is in court with Hon. Robert Chabinga.
The Council believes that this is the only way the Alliance shall honour ECL’s Plan B, ECL’s wishes and political legacy since he brought and left “ECL PF Movement ” to Tonse Alliance himself when his party was treacherously taken away from him.
By definition, the council approved that the “ECL PF Movement” is a non registered political pressure group consisting of all former and current PF Ministers, PSs, MPs, DCs, diplomats, council Chairpersons, Mayors, Councillors, party officials, members and structures countrywide loyal to ECL himself as former President and his legacy outside the formal party aligned leadership in court with Chabinga.
As we speak, the council agreed that the gallant PF MPs who openly opposed Bill 7 and patriotically denounced it by not voting for it are a good example of members of the ECL PF Movement as opposed to the PF MPs who voted for it.
As Most Zambians are aware and know, Tonse Alliance was formed in July 2023 as an alternative political platform of Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu and his loyal followers/supporters in PF and outside PF when it was clear that ECL was betrayed by some PF leaders after the “PF party” was officially traded and politically sold to UPND and HH as well as when the UKA project completely failed him. Therefore, Tonse Alliance shall henceforth not entertain any association with PF party.
2. The Constitution has been amended in order to allow all Tonse Council of Leaders Eligible and Free to Contest Any Position including the Chairmanship, 2026 Presidential Candidacy and other electable positions
The Council deliberated and collectively resolved that, since ECL, the Constitutional Chairman and 2026 Presidential candidate is dead, Tonse Alliance has abolished the exclusivity of associating the coalition Chairmanship and 2026 presidential candidature to Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu himself and his “ECL PF Movement”.
The Alliance resolved that from now onwards, anyone who is a member of the Council of Leaders shall be free and eligible to contest any position including the Chairmanship as well as the 2026 presidential candidacy.
3. Tonse Alliance to Democratically elect it’s new Chairman and 2026 Presidential candidate this month, January, 2026
Based on resolution number two above, the Council of Leaders unanimously agreed and resolved that the Tonse Alliance General Congress shall elect it’s new Chairman and 2026 Presidential Candidate within the month of January, 2026 as well as all other key electable positions. The Council reaffirmed that The greatest political crisis and paralysis Tonse Alliance has faced since the death of Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu has been failure to elect a new legitimate chairman and 2026 Presidential Candidate.
4. The Concept of ANCHOR PARTY revised to reflect the Current Political Dynamics & Membership Status in the Council of Leaders
The Council observed that following the death of ECL and continued divisions, wrangles, rivalry, factions, court battles and leadership crisis within PF, the political potency, popularity and standing of the “ECL PF Movement ” has been drastically affected as it no longer enjoys its original VIP and leadership status of anchor organization in the Tonse Alliance.
Hence, the Alliance resolved to effect the following constitutional changes to the Tonse Alliance Council of leaders in terms of the number of official representatives per member organisation :
~ In recognising its countrywide membership, structures and Mobilisational Leadership, the “ECL PF Movement” shall only reduce from it’s current 15 representatives in the Council of Leaders to 7;
~ All Political parties that are Founding members of the Alliance and are recognised in the Constitution shall be represented by 4 officials in the Council of Leaders;
~ All political parties who are currently members of the Alliance but are not founding members shall be represented by 3 officials in the council of leaders ;
~ All civil society organizations that are founding members of the Alliance and are recognised by the constitution shall be represented by 3 officials in the Council of leaders ;
~ All civil society organisations who are members of Tonse Alliance but are not founder members shall be represented by 2 officials in the council of leaders;
~ All political parties that shall join Tonse Alliance after January 2026 shal be represented by the standard one (1) official in the Council of Leaders; and
~ All civi society and non political party organisations upon joining the Alliance shall not be automatic members of the Council of Leaders unless when invited and approved by the Council of Leaders.
5. Membership to the General Congress has been reviewed and revised to reflect the number of officials in the Council of Leaders per member organisation by three
The General Congress is the highest decision making organ of Tonse Alliance. This is what most political parties call the National Convention. As such, it is the Tonse Alliance General Congress that shall convene this month to elect the new Chairman, 2026 Presidential candidate and other important office bearers.
Following the revision to the concept of anchor organisation in Tonse Alliance, the Council of Leaders resolved that the number of officials in the Council per organisation by three shall be the number of delegates each member shall bring and accredit to the Tonse Alliance General Congress.
For example, the ECL PF Movement shall bring 7 by 3 which is 21 delegates. All political parties that are founding members shall bring 4 by 3 which is 12 delegates each. All political parties who are currently members but are not founding members or all civil society leaders who are founder members of Tonse Alliance shall bring 3 by 3 which is 9 delegates per organisation.
6. After a thorough discussion, the Council resolved that all Disciplinary matters, procedures and actions from henceforth shall move from the office of Tonse Alliance Spokesperson to the Tonse Alliance National Legal Chairperson who shall be complimented by the office of National Coordinator. In like manner, the disciplinary committee shall be composed of Chairpersons of Disciplinary Committees from member political parties and shall be report and be accountable to the Council of leaders on all matters.
7. In order to enhance leadership inclusion and diversity, the council thoroughly discussed and consequently resolved that the Alliance shall henceforth have Two Vice Chairpersons ( First Vice Chairperson and Second Vice Chairperson).
To that effect, the Council appointed State Counsel, Mr. Chifumu Banda, Acting FDD President and Mr. Kelvin Bwalya Fube (KBF), ZMP President as Acting First Vice chairman and Second Vice chairman respectively.
8. On the harmonisation of the office of the Tonse Alliance Secretary General and Tonse Alliance National Coordinator, the Council reaffirmed and resolved to keep the Constitutional Position of National Coordinator to be the Chief Executive Officer of the Alliance. The National Coordinator shall independently lead and manage the Secretariat outside political party members under the supervision of the Alliance Chairman.
The council recognised and approved the original provisions in the Tonse Alliance constitution.The council further resolved that there shall a Council of Tonse Alliance Secretary Generals that shall initiate, recommend and implement political programs and campaign activities of the Alliance with it’s own leadership but shall be coordinated by the office of the National Coordinator.
9. Interim Leadership Before General Congress Elections Within January, 2026
Unanimously, the Council of Leaders resolved to abolish the concept of interim co~chairmanship and appointed Prof. Danny Pule, Christian Democratic Party President as the Tonse Alliance CareTaker Chairman until the new Chairman and 2026 Presidential candidate is elected this month.
In like manner, SC Mr. Chifunu Banda, Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) Acting President was appointed Acting First Vice Chairman while Mr. Kelvin Bwalya Fube (KBF), ZMP President was appointed Acting Second Vice Chairman.
Lastly, the Council of Leaders unanimously appointed Dr. Chris Zumani Zimba as the official face and chairman of the “ECL PF Political Movement” as someone who understand the “ECL PF movement” better in the Alliance and as Lead Consultant who brought it to Tonse Alliance with Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu himself its founder leader.
I want to thank you all and may God bless Tonse Alliance and Zambia.
PROF. DANNY PULE TONSE ALLIANCE CARETAKER CHAIRMAN AND CDP PRESIDENT
Davies Mwila has earned his place in Zambia’s political memory. Long before the 2021 elections, he warned the Patriotic Front leadership that power without discipline would end in arrests, prosecutions, and humiliation. Events proved him right. Many who once towered over the state now answer to courts, not cadres. This record gives Mwila credibility. History has been kind to his foresight.
More recently, Mwila has argued that the PF, as a political force, is finished, and that after August 2026 what will remain are memories of violence, corruption, and cadreism. Whether one agrees or not, his assessment reflects a seasoned reading of the political moment. He speaks from experience, not impulse. That matters.
But this note is not about his analysis. It is about the man.
Public appearances show a Davies Mwila who looks frail, pale, and visibly drained. The years have taken their toll. Politics has taken its toll. And the current environment is no longer the one he helped shape. The PF he once served as Secretary General is deeply fractured, ideologically hollow, and fighting internal wars that cannot be solved by prophecy or nostalgia.
There is growing discomfort in seeing Mwila repeatedly pulled into factional battles, particularly by camps seeking historical legitimacy rather than new ideas. Experience should guide. It should not be exploited. Wisdom should counsel. It should not be weaponised.
Zambia’s politics has shifted. The terrain is different. The actors are different. The stakes are different. What remains constant is the value of health, dignity, and rest. Mwila has already given his contribution. He has already left his imprint. He owes the public no more predictions.
At this point, rest is not retreat. It is responsibility.
As a publication, we respect Davies Mwila’s voice and the accuracy of much of what he has said over the years. But we also recognise when it is time for elders to step back from the frontlines. Not every season demands participation. Some demand preservation.
When John Sangwa launched the Movement for National Renewal (MNR), the ambition was sweeping. One million followers by December 31, 2025. A mass civic awakening driven by constitutionalism, ethics, and reform. The numbers now tell a different story. With just 34,391 followers on the party’s Facebook page, the gap is stark: a deficit of 965,609.
This is not a verdict on Sangwa’s intellect. His strongest asset remains intact. He is among Zambia’s most respected constitutional lawyers, with over 27 years of legal practice, a formidable command of the law, and a public record of principled argument. In courtrooms and studios, Sangwa has been precise, consistent, and formidable. But politics is not litigation. And the country has reminded him of that.
Zambian politics is not won by ideas alone. It is won by organisation, endurance, and presence in spaces that do not look like seminars. It requires rallies, ward structures, ground coordinators, and the slow grind of mobilisation. Sangwa is not a rally politician. He is not a mass organiser. His appeal is elite, urban, and issue-driven in a political culture that still rewards charisma, proximity, and constant visibility.
The terrain has also exposed a strategic misread. MNR launched as a “movement,” but movements in Zambia are built through networks, not platforms. Social media is an amplifier, not a base. UPND learned this the hard way over two decades in opposition. Sangwa appears to have underestimated the time and sacrifice required to translate intellectual authority into political traction.
This week’s optics have not helped. During Archbishop Alick Banda’s appearance before the Drug Enforcement Commission, Sangwa stood alongside figures from the old political class. To many observers, this blurred the line between renewal and recycling. Instead of projecting a fresh alternative, MNR looked absorbed into a familiar, bitter crowd with unresolved battles and no new organising energy.
There is also a noticeable retreat. Sangwa’s media appearances have reduced. The early momentum has slowed. Reality has set in. This is not failure; it is the first collision with political gravity. Zambia’s history shows that credibility does not convert automatically into votes. Even President Hakainde Hichilema spent years building structures before momentum followed.
If MNR is to survive, it will need patience and humility. It will need organisers, not just lawyers. It will need to leave studios for constituencies. And it will need to accept that movements are built in years, not announcements.
The numbers are unforgiving, but they are honest. They are not an insult to Sangwa’s intellect. They are a lesson in politics.
ZAMBIA NEEDS DEMOCRATIC INDEPENDENCE, WE CAN’T SPEAK – LUO
FORMER Minister of Higher Education Professor Nkandu Luo says Zambia needs to regain its democratic independence because citizens cannot speak.
Speaking when she, alongside other PF women including former Lands Minister Jean Kapata, former Works and Supply Minister Sylvia Chalikosa among others, visited former first lady Vera Chiluba, Tuesday, Prof Luo said there was also need to be free from the colonial type of economy.
She recalled that the late former president Fredrick Chiluba was the father of democracy, and that a lot of work needed to be done for the country to regain its democracy.
“The father of democracy in this country is Dr Chiluba. People now talk about democracy, and because we don’t write these things, this new generation don’t even know who the father of independence is, who the father of democracy is. You are a symbol of what Dr Chiluba stood for, to give freedom to people, being able to trade, all these businesses people are talking about are as a result of president Chiluba. When I look at the journey, those of us who have been there, we are still looking for two other things: independence, freedom from having the colonial type of economy, to take ourselves to an indigenous Zambian economy. Former presidents Sata and Lungu started giving us that independence. Today we still have to get another freedom, which takes the Zambians into total freedom, where we are independent in terms of democracy because as it is in Zambia, we can’t speak,” said Prof Luo.
“I reflect on all the presidents and I say work is still there. It’s just this sickness that has befallen you, as first lady, you were helping my father to liberate this country, going into the doldrums, into the villages and taking development to the people in the villages. You had enough strength that you would even lift a bag of mealie-meal, we would get surprised. God is merciful, he has spared up to this time for a purpose that we can come back to you, visit you, we can cry to you. We are very lucky to be able to associate with you”.
Meanwhile, Chalikosa said there was need for God’s blessings to liberate the country as it had gone many years backwards.
“During your time as first lady, you were a great inspiration to a girl child because the way you carried yourself gave confidence to anyone. Making use of your high office to meet everyone regardless of where they were coming from. And I remember admiring you, you brought charisma into the office of the first lady. For those of us who just joined politics, it also showed that it doesn’t matter your background, you can still make it as long as you’re determined. So that still stands today,” said Chalikosa.
“May God grant us the blessings to do what we can to liberate our country because right now we seem to have gone many years backwards. Whatever we achieved has gone down. We hope that we will pray together for the emancipation of this country, totally on the basis of democracy and to expect people to have the due justice and move away from this individual persecution that we are going through. A lot of people are complaining about the way we are living. We pray that God helps our country to be the way it should be in 2026, even the peace we are enjoying should continue”.
WHY ARE THEY NOT TAKING ME TO COURT – NYASULU … are they scared because I mentioned some people at State House?
Former Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) director general Victor Nyasulu is wondering why the UPND administration is hesitant to take him to court about the cause of his dismissal.
Nyasulu also said the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) was scared to take him to court because of the revelations he brought out about the pressures some State House officials were exerting on him over procurement matters at ZAMMSA.
”The nation will remember that four statutory investigations by ZP, DEC, ZAMMRA & Presidential Forensic Audit following the 61 medicine containers saga. To date none of those reports have been publicised for the nation to know the truth about Hon. Sylvia Masebo’s hollow hullabaloo! What sort of governance https://dailyrevelationzambia.com/why-arent-they-taking-me-to-court-nyasulu-are-they-scared-because-of-some-people-i-mentioned/
CENTRAL PROVINCE PF CHAIRMAN BILLY SICHAMBA REJECTS HON BRIAN MUNDUBILE PROVINCIAL CAMPAIGN TEAM APOINTMENT.
Good afternoon, Distinguished Leaders of the Patriotic Front,
I convey to you my seasonal greetings.
I wish to formally clarify that I have received several calls indicating that I had allegedly been appointed as Central Province Campaign Manager for the team of Hon. Brian Mundubile. I consider it necessary to address this matter promptly and transparently.
As a loyal member of the Patriotic Front and a member of the Central Committee, I remain guided by party structures, resolutions, and collective decision-making. I am fully aware that the Central Committee has not passed any resolution establishing parallel structures or endorsing any candidate at this time. Indeed, as a Committee, we resolved that *we would not endorse any candidate*, and my team and I remain firmly committed to that collective position.
Accordingly, I have declined the purported appointment. There was no prior consultation, no consensus reached, and I was neither informed formally nor issued with any appointment letter to that effect.
My commitment is, and remains, to the unity, cohesion, and constitutional integrity of the Patriotic Front. We are merely organs of the Party, subordinate to its supreme decision-making processes, and we must act in a manner that promotes unity rather than division.
I remain hopeful that our Party Leadership will soon provide clear guidance on the way forward. Once the Patriotic Front proceeds to Convention, in whatever lawful form, and a President is duly elected, we shall all have an obligation to rally behind and campaign for our duly elected Presidential candidate.
I remain resolute in serving the Patriotic Front with discipline, loyalty, and a firm commitment to unity.
UPND disrespect towards Catholic Church angers Bishop Mwamba UNIP president Dr Trevor Mwamba says as a Bishop in the Church, he is angered by the disrespect and attack on the Catholic Church undertaken by the UPND administration.
In a statement yesterday, Bishop Mwamba stated that for unfathomable reasons the government has embroiled itself in an unnecessary tussle with the Catholic Church, especially with the Archdiocese of Lusaka, and its leadership, which has led to specific incidents of police action and legal summons.
”I recall the incident at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus, Lusaka, on October 28, 2024, when heavily armed police officers https://dailyrevelationzambia.com/upnd-disrespect-towards-catholic-church-angers-bishop-mwamba/
PF CB HAS NOT ENDORSED ANY OF RESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE YET
STATEMENT ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF CAMPAIGN STRUCTURES ON THE COPPERBELT
Wednesday, 7th January 2026
The Copperbelt Provincial leadership has taken note of information in circulation regarding the constitution and public announcement of a campaign team, in which same Copperbelt Provincial office bearers have been cited as part of structures purportedly established to campaign for Presidential candidate Hon. Brian Mundubile.
The Provincial leadership wishes to state, in the clearest terms, that the Copperbelt Province has not endorsed any individual candidate in the ongoing internal party processes. At this stage, the overriding obligation of the Provincial leadership is to preserve unity, cohesion, and institutional order within the party, and not to advance, or be perceived to advance, the interests of any particular individual.
In line with party discipline and established procedure, all office bearers at provincial, district, constituency, and branch levels are required to maintain strict neutrality. I wish to remind all Office bearers that our obligation as the leadership is to carry the collective responsibility of the entire province and the party at large.
The Provincial leadership is concerned that the establishment or announcement of campaign structures, particularly those that include serving office bearers and are formed outside sanctioned party processes, has the potential to create confusion and may lead to the emergence of parallel structures. Such actions undermine established party organs, weaken internal discipline, and pose a serious threat to party unity.
In this regard, I wish to reiterate on behalf of the province our firm commitment to order, discipline, and strict adherence to party structures and procedures. The unity of the Patriotic Front remains paramount and must not be compromised by premature alignments or actions that divide the membership.
I further wish to call upon all members and stakeholders in the province and outside to respect existing party structures, to refrain from any conduct that may cause division or instability, and to place the collective interests of the party above personal ambition.
Issued by: Hon. Emmanuel Mulenga Patriotic Front Copperbelt Chairperson Member of the Central Committee
THE Catholic Church cannot be prosecuted for receiving a donation, Movement for Good Governance leader Binwell Mpundu has said.
Mpundu, a Nkana member of Parliament has since urged the government to stop using “lawfare” to stifle critical voices.
Speaking in an interview with The Mast, Mpundu said the law should not be administered without using logic and common sense.
“Receiving a gift, in itself, does not constitute a crime. The Church’s life and mission depend on offerings and donations made in good faith by the faithful and well-wishers. If pastors are now expected to investigate the full legal and economic history of every donation before accepting it, the Church would be forced to abandon its primary pastoral work and become an investigative body,” he said.
Mpundu wondered how different the donation of a Toyota Hilux to the Lusaka Archdiocese, Archbishop Dr Alick Banda, by the previous administration was from the several donations President Hakainde Hichilema had continued making to churches and charities without similar scrutiny by recipients.
“If there were procedural irregularities in disposing of public property, accountability should rest first with those officials responsible for that process, not with Church leaders who received a donation in good faith. Singling out one Archbishop for such treatment inevitably raises questions about motive,” he said.
He said confidence in the impartiality of those in authority was weakened when law‑enforcement bodies focus on clergy and critics while appearing less visible in tackling large-scale corruption and economic crimes by those close to power.
“This creates a climate of fear, shifts attention away from pressing national issues, and undermines belief that the fight against corruption is genuine rather than selective. When the Church’s prophetic voice is intimidated, the poorest, who rely on that voice, are the most harmed,” Mpundu said.
Mpundu said he had since petitioned the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) on the need to issue a statement affirming the right and duty of the Church and its leaders to receive legitimate gifts in good faith and to speak openly on governance, justice, and human dignity without fear of reprisal.
“The Church must state a united pastoral stance declaring that the harassment or selective targeting of one bishop on account of his moral teaching or pastoral witness is an attack on the Church’s mission as a whole,” he SAID.
Mpundu also proposed a High‑level engagement between the church and State to express concern over the treatment of Archbishop Banda and to urge that investigative institutions act with impartiality, proportionality, and respect for the Church’s work.
If the President is Unwell, Just Say It, Don’t Stress, Don’t Panic
#BanaBaabo~ Being ill should never be framed as weakness. What is weak, however, is the painfully transparent desperation displayed by M23 in their attempt to concoct an alleged poisoning narrative, clumsily assembled through a laughable, poorly structured AI generated essay 🙉🤷🏾♀️🙄.
Let’s not insult public intelligence, the fingerprints are obvious. I can tell exactly who put it together, even with a robot 🤖 doing most of the heavy lifting.
When incompetence is this loud, it doesn’t need exposing,it exposes itself. I can spot it from a mile away, and so can anyone paying attention.
You know that Zambians are superstitious, ati bottled water was aimed at chani chani 😷😩.
Guys when a person opts to be the head of State, citizens have the right to know about the health of their Kachema… end of. It’s should no longer be hidden like akasaka ka dobo 🚬 🌿
BURIED TREASURE: THE COUNTRIES SITTING ON TRILLIONS 💰
From oil-soaked deserts to mineral-rich forests, some nations are quite literally standing on fortunes worth tens of trillions of dollars. According to data from Statista (2021), Russia tops the global league table, boasting an eye-watering $75 trillion in natural resource wealth, driven largely by oil, gas, coal and vast mineral reserves.
The United States comes second with $45 trillion, thanks to its mix of coal, timber, natural gas and precious metals. Close behind is Saudi Arabia on $34 trillion, where oil remains the backbone of national power and influence. Canada follows with $33 trillion, rich in timber, oil sands and minerals.
Further down the list are Iran, China, Brazil and Australia, all packed with energy resources, metals and agricultural wealth. Rounding out the top ten are Iraq and Venezuela, both heavily dependent on oil.
But while these numbers are staggering, experts warn: natural riches don’t always translate into prosperity, how resources are managed makes all the difference.
GOVT REASSURES THAT ALL FARMERS WHO SUPPLIED MAIZE TO FRA WILL BE PAID BY JANUARY 10
Government has re-echoed assurance that farmers that outstanding payments for maize supplied to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) will be concluded by January 10, 2026.
Chief Government Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, confirmed that 90 percent of the funds have already been released to banks, with the remaining 10 percent expected to be disbursed today, 7th January, 2026.
Speaking during a press briefing yesterday, Mr. Mweetwa attributes the delays, to the fiscal pressures caused by the drought, emergency maize imports and electricity imports to stabilise power supply..
He notes that these decisions were necessary to safeguard lives and keep the economy running.
He further notes that some delays in payments have also arisen from challenges in transitioning farmers to new digital payment systems.
Mr. Mweetwa says the Ministry of Agriculture is engaging banks and farmers to resolve these issues and ensure swift disbursement.
GOVERNMENT URGED TO REGULATE FIREWORKS DISPLAYS BY RESTRICTING THEM TO DESIGNATED AREA.
Medical for Quality Healthcare in Zambia (MQHZ), has urged the government to regulate fireworks displays by restricting them to designated areas away from residential neighborhoods, limiting their duration and timing.
Speaking in an interview, MQHZ Director General, Dr. Quincy Mwabu, said while a complete ban on fireworks may be difficult to enforce due to cultural and social traditions, urgent measures are needed to protect public health.
Dr. Mwabu’s comment follows the recent incident where a 76-year-old woman of Lusaka died of high blood pressure (BP) triggered by loud fireworks.
He said loud fireworks can trigger panic and accidents, further emphasizing that loud fireworks can pose serious health risks, particularly for older adults and people with high blood pressure, heart conditions, or anxiety.
Dr. Mwabu, said sudden, intense noises can trigger dangerous spikes in blood pressure, potentially leading to life-threatening medical emergencies further calling on Healthcare facilities to be prepared during festive periods to respond promptly to cases triggered by fireworks-related stress, ensuring timely care for vulnerable individuals.
And Dr. Mwabu, has called on the government through the Ministry of Health to conduct public awareness campaigns to highlight the risks for vulnerable populations.
UNZA Graduate working as Bus Conductor on Town-Mtendere Route
Dr Rozious Siatwambo Wrote;
Bane, this story stopped me in my tracks.
A University of Zambia graduate, Bachelor of Education in Sociology of Education and Civic Education, class of 2019… today working as a bus conductor on the Mtendere–UTH route.
Some people will rush to call this failure. I call it character.
At 33, Timothy Banda chose dignity over pride, responsibility over excuses, movement over waiting. He understood something many of us struggle with: idleness is more dangerous than any temporary job. Work is work. Honest sweat is never shameful.
While waiting for formal employment, he did not fold his arms and blame the system. He picked up what was available, because bills don’t wait, mouths don’t wait, and responsibility does not pause for your CV. He is taking care of his elderly grandmother and two children left behind by his late brother. That alone tells you the kind of man we are talking about.
Bane, let me say this clearly: education is not wasted because you are not yet in the office you imagined. Education trains your mind, your discipline, your perspective. It does not expire because you are temporarily wearing a different uniform.
We have made a mistake in society by ranking dignity according to job titles. That’s why people would rather sit at home broke than be seen doing “small jobs.” Yet the same people will ask God for progress. Progress comes through motion.
I always say this: you don’t wait for motivation to work; work creates momentum, and momentum attracts opportunity.
Timothy’s story reminds me of my own early days, selling books, standing in traffic, doing what needed to be done while holding on to the bigger vision. Purpose is not cancelled by detours. Sometimes the bus you are conducting today is simply transporting you to tomorrow’s breakthrough.
To the youth, hustlers, graduates, and tamanga: don’t despise honest work. Don’t let pride rob you of provision. Don’t confuse waiting with preparation. Do something. Move. Learn. Serve. Show up.
And to Timothy Banda, if you ever read this: your resilience speaks louder than any title. God sees you. Zambia sees you. And your season will come. May God bless your hustle muntu wanga.
Bane, remember this: no honest work delays destiny.
21st Century International Relations: Africa, a Global Superpower in a Multipolar World
By Dr. Malusi Mncube, PhD Research Associate (Politics & International Relations), University of Johannesburg Founder & Principal Consultant – Dr. Malusi Mncube Global Management and Diplomacy Advisory
To: Chairpersons, Secretariats, and Policy Officials African Union (AU) BRICS Secretariat CODESRIA Relevant Trade Unions and Regional Policy Bodies
Subject: Sovereignty at Risk: The Venezuelan Kidnap and the Emerging Multipolar Contestation
Dear Colleagues and Esteemed Leaders,
I am writing to draw your urgent attention to the recent kidnapping against President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela, an act that represents a direct nullification of internationally recognized sovereignty. This incident is not isolated; it is emblematic of an emerging pattern of bellicose great power contestation where established norms of international law and sovereign equality are increasingly subordinated to unilateral enforcement strategies.
Venezuela serves as a strategic node where the mechanisms of coercion economic sanctions, asset seizure, regime recognition doctrines, and the threat of military intervention, intersect with the broader architecture of global resource and development governance. The implications for Africa and the Global South are immediate: states pursuing resource nationalism, South-South cooperation, and infrastructure-led development are increasingly vulnerable to external coercion.
China’s unprecedented 72-hour ultimatum to the United States, demanding the release of President Maduro and respect for Venezuelan sovereignty, signals the collapse of tacit imperial restraint. The confrontation demonstrates that sovereignty can no longer be assumed secure under a unipolar system; multipolar resistance is asserting itself, yet the absence of robust crisis management and agreed-upon norms increases the risk of escalation. The Venezuelan case is therefore a bellwether for similar future conflicts in other parts of the Global South, including Africa
Key Takeaways for Policy Consideration:
Sovereignty Nullification as Systemic Risk: Venezuela exemplifies how unilateral action by dominant powers undermines the principle of sovereign equality. African states must recognize that economic, political, and infrastructural vulnerabilities can be weaponized in the absence of coordinated resistance. Multipolar Coordination and Strategic Autonomy: The rise of China,Russia BRICS, and allied Global South actors provides an opportunity to assert collective defence of sovereignty. Institutional mechanisms, through the African Union, AfCFTA, and regional financial arrangements should be strengthened to mitigate exposure to external coercion.
Infrastructure and Development as Frontlines: Ports, railways, energy grids, and digital networks are no longer neutral assets; they are strategic infrastructures embedded within global power competition. Protecting these assets requires both legal insulation and regional solidarity.
Preventive Policy and Early Warning: Coordinated diplomatic, financial, and strategic monitoring of high-risk scenarios, including potential great power escalations, is essential to safeguard the interests of the Global South.
I submit this letter and the accompanying study not only as an academic assessment but as a strategic call to action. The Venezuelan kidnapping is a warning: if sovereignty is not actively defended through institutional coordination and multipolar solidarity, states in the Global South may face similar pressures and coercion, with destabilizing consequences for development, security, and peace.
I respectfully urge the African Union, BRICS, CODESRIA, and allied organizations to take cognizance of this pattern, to convene relevant policy discussions, and to explore mechanisms for collective protection of sovereignty, economic resilience, and infrastructural security across the Global South.
RAMAPHOSA URGES UN ACTION AFTER US CAPTURE OF VENEZUELA’S PRESIDENT MADURO
SOUTH African President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep concern over recent US military action in Venezuela, calling for the immediate release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Ramaphosa warned that the developments pose a serious threat to regional stability and international peace, urging the United Nations Security Council to intervene.
Speaking on the issue, Ramaphosa said the capture of President Maduro constitutes a violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. He stressed that the Security Council is the only international body mandated to address matters of peace and security and called on it to exercise its collective wisdom to resolve the crisis.
Ramaphosa cautioned that the incident could set a dangerous precedent, effectively giving “carte blanche” for military interventions against sovereign states. He said such actions undermine the global rules-based order and must be addressed through multilateral institutions.
International reaction has been sharply divided. China and Russia have led condemnation of the US move, describing it as unlawful and destabilizing, while other countries have voiced support, deepening global divisions. Africanews
US DISCUSSING OPTIONS TO ACQUIRE GREENLAND, INCLUDING USE OF MILITARY, SAYS WHITE HOUSE
US President Donald Trump has been discussing “a range of options” to acquire Greenland, including use of the military, the White House said.
In a statement, the White House told the BBC that acquiring Greenland was a “national security priority”.
It comes after Trump repeated over the weekend that the US “needed” Greenland, a semi-autonomous region of fellow Nato member Denmark, for security reasons.
The White House statement was also issued hours after European leaders rallied behind Denmark, whose Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, warned on Monday that any attack by the US would spell the end of Nato.
The White House said on Tuesday: “The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilising the US military is always an option at the Commander-in-Chief’s disposal.”
Nato is a trans-Atlantic military group where allies are expected to go to each other’s aid in case of external attacks.
On Tuesday, six European allies backed Denmark in a joint statement.
“Greenland belongs to its people, and only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relations,” the leaders of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Denmark said.
Stressing they were as keen as the US in Arctic security, the European signatories of the joint statement said this must be achieved by Nato allies, including the US “collectively”.
They also called for “upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders”.
A South African man has ignited intense debate after calling on US President Donald Trump to arrest President Cyril Ramaphosa, drawing direct comparisons to Venezuela, where Nicolás Maduro was taken into custody.
He claims that in other countries, leaders in similar situations would already be arrested, and questions why different standards appear to apply from one nation to another. His comments have spread rapidly on social media, dividing public opinion.
The statement has left many asking a simple but powerful question:
👉 Is it right or wrong for a South African to call for foreign intervention against President Ramaphosa, using Venezuela and Maduro as the example?
🔥 ANC DEFENDS MADURO: Why South Africa Is Being Dragged Into Venezuela’s Crisis — And What It Means for Ordinary South Africans 🇿🇦🇻🇪
The ANC has publicly called for the release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, escalating South Africa’s involvement in a highly controversial international crisis. The ruling party says its stance is based on anti-imperialism, respect for sovereignty, and opposition to foreign interference, particularly by the United States and its allies.
But this position is raising serious questions at home.
🔎 Why is the ANC involved?
The ANC has a long history of solidarity with governments and movements that supported it during the struggle against apartheid. Venezuela, under Hugo Chávez and later Maduro, was seen as part of a global bloc opposing Western dominance. The ANC argues that Maduro is being targeted for political reasons, not justice, and that his detention represents a dangerous precedent where powerful countries arrest or remove leaders of weaker states.
⚠️ Why this matters to South Africans
South Africa is facing deep domestic crises:
High unemployment
Load shedding and infrastructure collapse
Rising food and fuel prices
A weakened rand and slow economic growth
By taking a strong stance on Venezuela, the ANC risks:
Straining relations with key trade and investment partners
Undermining South Africa’s image as a neutral mediator
Distracting from urgent local issues affecting millions of citizens
There are also fears that aligning too closely with controversial leaders could expose South Africa to economic retaliation or diplomatic isolation, which would directly hurt jobs, trade, and investment.
🌍 The geopolitical risk
The Venezuela issue sits at the center of a global power struggle involving the US, Russia, China, and regional Latin American states. By openly siding with Maduro, the ANC is effectively choosing a side in this conflict — a move critics say could compromise South Africa’s foreign policy independence.
🧭 What the ANC needs to do
Many South Africans are calling on the ANC to:
Prioritise South Africa’s national interests over party ideology
Focus on diplomacy and international law, not blanket political loyalty
Clearly explain how this stance benefits South Africans
Invest the same energy in fixing local economic and governance failures
❓The big question
Should South Africa be defending foreign leaders accused of serious abuses — or should it be focusing on fixing its own house first?
💬 Your view matters: Is the ANC standing on principle, or risking South Africa’s future for ideological loyalty?
💔 KZN MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER OF DJ WARRAS — SOUTH AFRICANS CONFRONT CRISIS OF VIOLENCE
Johannesburg is reeling after the tragic shooting death of popular DJ Warras on December 16, 2025. Police have confirmed that Victor Majola, a man originally from KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa, is facing murder and premeditated murder charges in connection with the fatal incident.
The shocking event took place in one of Johannesburg’s busy nightlife districts, where witnesses say an argument escalated, ending with gunfire that claimed the life of DJ Warras, a local artist known for his vibrant presence in the city’s music scene.
⚖️ LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS
Victor Majola has been formally charged with: • Murder • Premeditated murder
He is currently in police custody as investigations continue. The case has drawn widespread attention, not only because of DJ Warras’ popularity, but also due to the broader conversation it has sparked about crime and societal blame in South Africa.
🖤 SOUTH AFRICANS REACT
Social media and community forums are filled with grief and frustration. Many are calling for: • Stricter crime prevention • Accountability for violent acts • Reflection on why fellow South Africans are turning against each other
Citizens are also using this tragedy to highlight the need for unity, urging society to stop blaming foreigners or history alone and start addressing crime and violence within communities.
This incident serves as a harsh reminder that South Africa’s biggest enemy might be internal divisions and unchecked violence, not just external factors.
💬 What do you think needs to change to prevent more tragedies like this? How can South Africans start taking responsibility for their own communities?
Maduro’s “Anti-Stealth Shield” Backfires: China’s $Million Radar Fails Against US Forces!
Maduro thought he had the ultimate defense for Caracas — China’s YLC‑8E “anti-stealth” radar, advertised as capable of detecting America’s F‑22 and F‑35 stealth fighters. He spent millions, claiming it would stop US air attacks. But when the real test came, it failed spectacularly.
💣 Here’s what went wrong: • Total radar blackout – US electronic warfare planes jammed the YLC‑8E, rendering it useless almost immediately. • Missiles couldn’t lock on – Without radar guidance, Venezuela’s air defense network was paralyzed.
• Stealth tactics exposed – US jets and drones bypassed defenses without detection. • Training & maintenance gaps – Many radar units were poorly maintained and operators were unprepared for real combat.
• Overhyped hardware – What China promised in brochures did not match battlefield reality.
📌 Why the US dominated: ✔ Advanced electronic warfare – Jamming, deception, and suppression disabled Venezuelan defenses. ✔ Stealth & strategy – Coordinated stealth aircraft and drones avoided radar detection entirely. ✔ Careful planning – US intelligence mapped radar sites, vulnerabilities, and blind spots.
😱 The shocking outcome: Even with the “world’s best anti-stealth radar,” Maduro’s capital was left exposed, and Chinese military advisers reportedly couldn’t believe the failure. The system that was supposed to be a fortress ended up useless against modern US air power.
⚠️ Lesson: In modern warfare, technology alone doesn’t win battles — integration, strategy, and electronic warfare capabilities matter more than flashy hardware. Maduro’s gamble backfired, leaving Venezuela vulnerable and embarrassed on the global stage.
Putin Stays Silent as US Snatches Maduro: Is Russia Afraid, Strategizing, or Watching Its Ally Fall? – Moscow’s Close Ties with Venezuela Tested Amid Global Tension
The world was shocked as the United States successfully captured Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro in a bold operation, leaving many questions about Russia’s reaction — or lack thereof. Vladimir Putin, Maduro’s long-time ally, has remained unusually quiet, raising speculation about Moscow’s strategy and intentions.
Russia and Venezuela have shared deep political and economic ties for years. Moscow has provided Venezuela with loans, military support, and oil deals, making Maduro one of Putin’s closest international partners. Despite this, there has been no official condemnation from Russia, no public threat, and no sign of intervention. Analysts are debating whether Putin’s silence is a calculated strategy or a sign of caution.
Some experts argue Putin may be “playing it smart,” weighing the risks of confronting the US directly, especially after Venezuela’s operation showcased America’s reach and military precision. Others say it could reflect the limits of Russia’s power to protect allies abroad, showing that even a close partnership can be tested under global pressure.
Social media is ablaze with opinions. Some accuse Putin of abandoning Maduro, while others suggest his silence is a masterstroke — waiting for the right moment to respond or negotiate behind the scenes.
🌎 The incident has sparked global debate: Can Russia protect its allies in today’s world, or is even a powerful Moscow forced to “close its eyes” when the US acts? The situation continues to unfold, and international eyes remain on both Russia and Venezuela
7 EUROPEAN NATIONS BACK DENMARK ON GREENLAND AFTER TRUMP ADVISOR REFUSES TO RULE OUT MILITARY ACTION
France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, UK, and Denmark issued joint statement today affirming Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland. Response to Trump administration rhetoric suggesting U.S. control.
Stephen Miller, Trump’s homeland security adviser, refused to rule out military action. Called Greenland a “colony that should join the U.S. for Arctic security.”
His wife Katie posted image of Greenland in U.S. flag colors. Caption: “SOON.”
That’s not diplomacy. That’s a threat with graphic design.
Denmark and Greenland rejected U.S. overtures. Cited 1951 U.S. defense pact and UN principles. Translation: We already have agreement, you already have Thule Air Base, back off.
European coalition forming tells you how seriously they’re taking this. Seven nations don’t issue joint sovereignty statement over abstract threat. They do it when threat becomes concrete.
Timeline context:
Trump tried buying Greenland 2019, got told no.
January 3, 2026: Trump invades Venezuela with 150 aircraft, captures president from fortified compound.
January 6, 2026: Miller refuses to rule out military action on Greenland, wife posts “SOON” with U.S. flag colors.
Europe watching Trump demonstrate he’ll actually use force for territorial objectives. Now he’s eyeing their ally’s territory. They’re forming defensive coalition.
But here’s the problem. Joint statements don’t stop 150-aircraft operations planned over five months with embedded CIA teams
Venezuela’s government also rejected U.S. pressure. Issued statements about sovereignty. Called invasion “kidnapping.”
Didn’t matter. Maduro’s blindfolded on USS Iwo Jima.
White House insiders claim Donald Trump refused to back Maria Machado’s presidential bid in Venezuela for one explosive reason: she accepted the Nobel Peace Prize — an honour Trump reportedly believed should have been his.
According to officials, the mood could have flipped overnight. “If she had rejected it and said, ‘I can’t take this, it belongs to Donald Trump,’ she’d be Venezuela’s president today,” one source alleged.
DENMARK WARNS NATO COULD COLLAPSE OVER GREENLAND: PM SAYS US THREATS RISK SHATTERING POST-WWII SECURITY ORDER
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has issued one of the strongest warnings ever directed at a NATO ally, saying the world must take the US president seriously over renewed talk of taking Greenland — but stressing that any military action against a NATO member would destroy the alliance itself.
Frederiksen said Greenland is not for sale, not negotiable, and not a bargaining chip, reminding the world that the Arctic territory is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and protected under NATO’s collective defence framework.
She warned that if the United States were to use military force against another NATO country, it would mark a historic rupture:
NATO would effectively cease to function
Trust among allies would collapse
The global security system built after World War II would be fatally undermined
The Danish leader described such a scenario as unthinkable but dangerous to ignore, arguing that alliances only survive on mutual respect for sovereignty and international law.
Greenland, while autonomous, has repeatedly rejected any idea of foreign control. Its strategic importance — rich in minerals, close to Arctic shipping routes, and hosting a US military base — has made it a geopolitical flashpoint amid rising global tensions.
Frederiksen’s message is clear: if a superpower turns its weapons on its own allies, the rules-based world order collapses — and no country would be safe.
💬 What do you think? Could NATO survive an internal military conflict? And what does this mean for global power politics in an increasingly unstable world?
