Iran has reportedly issued an “ultimatum” to hotel owners in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, warning that hosting US military personnel could make their properties legitimate military targets.
The warning follows reports that US forces have sought refuge in regional hotels after Iranian missile strikes and allied militant operations hit American bases across the Middle East. It applies immediately to any facility hosting foreign troops, Fars said, citing Xinhua.
US personnel are allegedly using civilian sites like a logistics base near Beirut’s old airport, Damascus’ Republic Palace, Four Seasons, and Sheraton hotels. US Marines were recently relocated to Djibouti International Airport via Istanbul and Sofia.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi echoed the threat on Thursday via X, accusing US soldiers of fleeing GCC bases to hide in hotels and offices, using Gulf citizens as “human shields.” He urged hotels to reject them, likening it to US policies barring risky bookings.
The escalation stems from February 28 joint Israel-US strikes on Tehran and other cities, which killed Iran’s then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, top commanders, and civilians. Iran hit back with missiles and drones on Israel and US bases, while tightening Strait of Hormuz controls to block affiliated vessels.
US and Israel Deliver Devastating Blow to Iran’s Missile Tunnels in Isfahan.
In a bold overnight operation, American and Israeli air forces hammered an underground missile production and storage tunnel in Isfahan, Iran. Reports confirm over 100 complete and incomplete ballistic missiles were wiped out, along with dozens of Iranian scientists and engineers tied to the regime’s weapons program.
This strike fits the pattern of relentless pressure on Tehran’s war machine. Since the conflict heated up, the US-Israel team has systematically taken out launchers, bunkers, and factories that threaten Israel and freedom of navigation in the region. Iran’s underground hideouts, once thought safe, are proving vulnerable to precision firepower and bunker-busters.
The attached video shows massive secondary explosions lighting up the night sky at the industrial site, a clear sign of munitions cooking off.
While some online skeptics question timing, the footage aligns with the ongoing campaign to degrade Iran’s ability to rain missiles on civilians.
Tehran keeps blustering with threats and scattered launches, but their arsenal is shrinking fast.
Launchers destroyed, tunnels sealed, production lines shattered. The mullahs’ dream of dominating the Middle East through terror is crumbling under superior resolve and technology.
U.S. Marines Poised to Seize Iran’s Oil Lifeline on Kharg Island
American forces are closing in on a bold move that could cripple Iran’s war machine without firing a shot at its precious oil terminals.
Speculation is mounting that U.S. Marines will launch an amphibious or airborne assault on Kharg Island, the tiny Persian Gulf outpost that handles nearly 90 percent of Iran’s crude exports.
Once ashore, troops could dig in behind the massive loading facilities, creating an impossible choice for Tehran: blow up its own economic heart to dislodge American forces, or watch its oil revenue dry up and the regime’s funding collapse.
This is classic leverage. Destroy the terminals and Iran loses its main cash flow for missiles, proxies, and terror. Leave them intact under U.S. control and the mullahs lose their stranglehold on global energy chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz.
The timing fits the moment. The USS Boxer and its Amphibious Ready Group, carrying thousands of Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, are surging toward the region after departing California. President Trump has already ordered precision strikes that obliterated Iranian military targets on the island while sparing the oil infrastructure—for now. He made clear that continued Iranian aggression, especially any blockade of shipping lanes, changes everything.
Kharg is no backwater. It’s Iran’s crown jewel for exporting over a million barrels daily, feeding its economy and its ability to fund chaos across the Middle East. Seizing or neutralizing it starves the regime of the money it needs to threaten America and its allies.
Critics warn of risks—missile barrages, Iranian desperation—but strong American air and naval superiority, combined with Marine training for exactly these kinds of rapid strikes, tilts the odds heavily in our favor. This isn’t endless nation-building; it’s a targeted strike at the enemy’s wallet to force de-escalation on American terms.
BREAKING: President Trump Sympathizes With Tiger Woods After Latest Florida DUI Rollover Arrest
Golf legend Tiger Woods was arrested for DUI following a rollover crash in Florida on Friday, according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
This marks yet another self-inflicted mess for the once-dominant champion who seems unable to stay out of trouble behind the wheel. Woods, worth hundreds of millions, apparently couldn’t be bothered to hire a driver despite his well-known history of prescription painkiller issues and prior brushes with the law.
President Trump weighed in with sympathy, stating, “I feel so badly… There was an accident and that’s all I know. A very close friend of mine — he’s an amazing person, an amazing man.”
While personal loyalty is one thing, conservatives know personal responsibility matters more. Woods has battled back surgeries and pain management for years, but endangering the public by getting behind the wheel impaired is unacceptable. With his resources, there’s zero excuse—no chauffeur, no self-driving option, just reckless choices that could have killed innocent people on the road.
Law enforcement did their job hauling him in. Now the system needs to hold him accountable without the usual celebrity slap on the wrist. Get help, Tiger, but stop putting lives at risk. America has had enough of elites thinking the rules don’t apply to them.
UAE Slams Door on Iran Ceasefire: No Deal Until Nuclear and Missile Threats Are Crushed
The United Arab Emirates just drew a hard line against the Iranian regime. In a blunt Wall Street Journal op-ed, Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba declared a simple ceasefire is not enough. Tehran must have its nuclear program, ballistic missiles, drones, terror proxies, and blockade tactics dismantled for good.
No more half-measures. No more letting the mullahs hold the world hostage.
The UAE is ready to team up with the US and allies to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the critical chokepoint carrying one-fifth of global oil. Iran has threatened to shut it down. The Gulf states are done playing nice with a bully that launches missiles at their ports and civilians.
This marks a sharp shift from past caution. After absorbing Iranian attacks on its territory, the UAE is prioritizing real security over empty diplomacy. Arab neighbors are waking up to the fact that Iran’s aggression endangers everyone, including their own economies and people.
Adding muscle to the alliance, the UAE is standing firm on its massive $1.4 trillion investment commitment in the United States over the next decade. That money will fuel American infrastructure, energy, tech, and manufacturing, creating jobs and strengthening ties under strong leadership.
Military analysts view a land invasion of Iran as “a very difficult and high-risk undertaking.”
Iran maintains a sizable armored force, with an estimated 1,500–2,800 main battle tanks, including T-72S, domestically produced Zulfiqar, and the newer Karrar platform, alongside upgraded legacy systems such as T-54/55 and M60.
In addition, Tehran fields roughly 2,100–5,000 armored vehicles and over 7,000 artillery and rocket systems, forming a dense defensive network designed for sustained ground warfare.
Military analysts warn that any large-scale ground invasion would be highly complex and costly, as Iran’s combination of terrain, manpower, and layered firepower significantly increases the risks of prolonged conflict.
LAWYERS IN THE LINE OF FIRE — JO’BURG HIT SPARKS FEAR OF ‘MAFIA-STYLE’ TARGETING
The brutal killing of South African labour lawyer Chinette Gallichan in central Johannesburg has sent shockwaves through the country’s legal community, raising fears of a chilling new pattern of targeted assassinations.
Gallichan was gunned down on her way to court just days ago a brazen attack that comes shortly after the September 2025 killing of insolvency specialist Bouwer van Niekerk. The back-to-back murders have intensified concerns that lawyers handling sensitive cases from labour disputes to corruption and corporate collapses are being singled out by organised crime networks.
Recent findings from the Madlanga Commission have already exposed alleged links between criminal syndicates, police, and state officials, fuelling fears of a deepening “mafia-state” grip.
As the nation reels, Gallichan’s husband has spoken of his anguish, describing the killing as “barbaric” and almost impossible to comprehend.
Israel strikes key steel facilities across Iran in widening air campaign
Israel has reportedly launched airstrikes targeting multiple steel production facilities in Iran, signaling an expansion of its operational scope beyond military and nuclear sites.
The strikes are said to have hit the Khuzestan Steel Complex in Ahvaz, as well as major facilities in Isfahan, including Mobarakeh Steel and Sangan Steel plants—key pillars of Iran’s industrial infrastructure.
While official damage assessments remain unclear, the targeted sites play a critical role in supplying materials for construction, energy, and potentially defense-related industries.
The move suggests a broader strategy aimed at weakening Iran’s industrial and logistical backbone, rather than focusing solely on strategic military assets.
Analysts warn that targeting economic infrastructure could deepen escalation dynamics, increasing the likelihood of retaliatory measures and prolonged regional instability.
Namibia Cuts Fuel Taxes By 50 Percent To Protect Consumers From Higher Pump Prices Namibia has cut fuel taxes by 50 percent to protect consumers from higher pump prices, after the government announced a three-month fuel levy reduction to cushion motorists from rising global oil costs.
The temporary measure, announced on Friday, 27 March 2026, will run from 1 April 2026 to the end of June 2026. The decision comes as global oil prices continue rising due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
According to Reuters, Namibia’s Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Modestus Amutse, said the intervention was necessary to stabilise domestic fuel prices.
“This measure is necessitated due to the high price volatility of petroleum products, which resulted from the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East,” Amutse said during a media briefing on Friday, 27 March 2026.
He said Namibia will draw from the National Energy Fund to cushion motorists and businesses.
“The objective is to smooth price volatility and ensure stability in domestic fuel prices,” Amutse added.
The move makes Namibia one of the few countries in the region to reduce fuel-related taxes while global prices rise.
Fuel Prices Still Going Up From 1 April Despite the tax cut, Namibia confirmed fuel price increases effective 1 April 2026.
NBC Digital News reported on 27 March 2026 that petrol will increase by N$2.50 (approximately US$0.14, about R2.59) per litre, while diesel will rise by N$4.00 (approximately US$0.22, about R4.15) per litre.
The new pump prices at Walvis Bay will be:
Petrol 95: N$22.08 (approximately US$1.20, about R22.89) per litre
Diesel 50ppm: N$23.63 (approximately US$1.29, about R24.49) per litre
Diesel 10ppm: N$23.73 (approximately US$1.29, about R24.60) per litre
Pump prices across Namibia will be adjusted accordingly.
Pump prices across Namibia will be adjusted accordingly.
Amutse explained that the government reduced fuel levies to cushion consumers.
“Cabinet has resolved to reduce fuel levies by 50% for three months to mitigate the impact on consumers,” he said.
The minister also warned against panic buying and unsafe fuel storage.
“The country has sufficient resources to sustain supply for another two months,” Amutse said.
“Namibians are advised against bulk storing fuel in unsafe conditions, as this could pose significant risks,” he added.
Authorities also warned against illegal fuel resale.
“Only authorised parties are permitted to resell fuel,” Amutse cautioned.
Zimbabwe Motorists Paying One Of The Highest Fuel Prices In Region Namibia’s move comes as Zimbabwean motorists continue paying some of the highest fuel prices in Southern Africa.
Petrol in Zimbabwe is now US$2.17 (approximately R40.15) per litre, making it one of the most expensive in the region.
By comparison, Namibia’s petrol price of approximately US$1.20 (about R22.89) per litre is nearly half of Zimbabwe’s fuel price.
Zimbabwe’s fuel price includes approximately 85.7 cents in taxes per litre, a 65 per cent increase from the previous 52 cents earlier in the month.
Namibia, on the other hand, has opted to reduce taxes to cushion consumers.
Reuters also reported that Namibia consumes approximately 100 million litres of petrol and diesel each month and remains dependent on imports.
Despite global uncertainty, the Namibian government reassured motorists.
“Fuel stocks are adequate to meet national demand for one to two months,” Amutse said.
Namibia hopes to begin producing its first oil by 2030, but until then, the country remains vulnerable to global price shocks.
North Korea and Belarus Sign Friendship Treaty, Elevating Alliance Against the West in Multipolar World Power Struggle
A strategic move that has drawn global attention: Kim Jong-un’s grand welcome of Alexander Lukashenko in Pyongyang led to the formal signing of a “Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.” This marks a significant step in strengthening ties with non-Western allies.
State media reports indicate the agreement covers cooperation in multiple dimensions, including politics, security, economics, and technology, amidst a global context facing pressure from various regional conflicts, particularly wars in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
The welcoming ceremony was a grand affair in typical North Korean state ceremonies, featuring a gun salute, a military parade, and a large gathering of people waving flags to welcome the Belarusian leader—a historic visit for a presidential leader from Minsk.
In a politically charged statement, Lukashenko stated that the world is entering an era where “international norms are disregarded by great powers,” and that independent nations need to “unite to protect their sovereignty,” while Kim reiterated his stance against Western pressure. North Korea expressed its support for Belarus in all aspects.
Furthermore, both sides exchanged symbolic gifts. The Belarusian leader presented a rifle, jokingly adding, “Just in case an enemy shows up,” while North Korea offered a sword and large porcelain artifacts, reflecting both “power” and “prestige.”
Strategically, analysts view this cooperation as more than just a bilateral relationship; it’s part of a new power structure linked to the Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping axis, which is pushing the concept of a “multipolar world” to reduce Western influence.
Belarus played a crucial role in the Ukrainian war as a strategic base of operations for Russia, while North Korea is seen as a source of weapons and military technology support for its allies. This collaboration could significantly expand military and logistical cooperation networks.
This deal is not just “friendship,” but a strategic move on the global chessboard—a grouping of states seeking to challenge the existing world order and create a new balance of power in an era of escalating conflict on multiple fronts.
This game is not just being played in Pyongyang, but resonates across Washington, Brussels, and Moscow simultaneously.
A beauty queen suffered an embarrassing outing on stage after her veneers fell off during her ramp walk.
Kamolwan Chanago, representing Pathum Thani, experienced an unprecedented mishap during the preliminary competition of Miss Grand Thailand on Wednesday, March 26.
While delivering her introduction on the runway, the contestant’s veneers suddenly slipped off. Quickly regaining her composure, she calmly fixed them, smiled, and continued. Her composure went viral, earning praise ahead of the pageant finale.
The finale of Miss Grand Thailand is scheduled for Saturday, and the winner will go on to represent Thailand at Miss Grand International 2026 in India.
US President Donald Trump’s signature will appear on U.S. dollar bills, marking the first time a sitting president’s name will be printed on paper currency, the Treasury Department announced.
The move is part of activities to commemorate the country’s 250th anniversary. Traditionally, U.S. paper currency carries the signatures of the treasury secretary and the treasurer.
“The president’s mark on history as the architect of America’s Golden Age economic revival is undeniable,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. “Printing his signature on American currency is not only appropriate, but also well deserved.”
U.S. paper currency has featured the treasurer’s signature alongside that of the treasury secretary, or the register of the treasury, since it was first issued in 1861.
The development comes at a time when many Americans remain concerned about the economy, citing rising inflation and the high cost of living. Oil prices have also increased amid the Iran conflict, adding to public frustration.
Trump’s signature on dollar bills is not the only representation of him expected on U.S. currency this year. A federal commission recently approved a design featuring his image on 24-karat commemorative gold coins, also tied to the 250th anniversary. The design still requires final approval from the Treasury.
Adding his name to U.S. currency is the latest in a series of moves aimed at leaving a lasting imprint on federal institutions. His name has also been attached to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, as well as initiatives such as discount drug programs, savings accounts, and proposed warships.
Survivors of late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government and Google after their identities were mistakenly revealed in documents published online by the Justice Department.
The Department of Justice released more than three million files in January related to its investigation into Epstein, including his connections to high-profile figures. However, officials were forced to act quickly after discovering that names of victims, who were meant to remain anonymous, had not been properly redacted.
According to the lawsuit, the DOJ “outed approximately 100 survivors of the convicted sexual predator, publishing their private information and identifying them to the world.”
The plaintiffs also allege that despite the government acknowledging the error and removing the documents, the information continues to circulate online. “Even after the government withdrew the information, online entities like Google have continued to republish it, ignoring victims’ pleas to take it down,” they said.
The lawsuit further claims that Google still displays victims’ personal information in search results and AI-generated content.
Reports also indicate that journalists reviewing the files discovered dozens of explicit images that included identifiable faces.
Epstein, who was convicted in 2008 for soliciting sex from minors, died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on additional sex trafficking charges.
“Survivors now face renewed trauma. Strangers call them, email them, threaten their safety, and accuse them of conspiring with Epstein when they are, in reality, his victims,” the filing stated.
The plaintiffs argue that the U.S. government violated the Privacy Act of 1974, while Google is accused of breaching California laws related to invasion of privacy, negligent infliction of emotional distress, and unlawful business practices.
Police in the UK have reopened an investigation into s£x abuse allegations made against influencer Andrew Tate.
Hertfordshire Constabulary has decided to reinvestigate alleged r@pe and s£xual assault offences reported by three women between 2014 and 2015. The case was closed in 2019 following a four-year investigation.
The decision comes a day after the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said a former detective constable could face gross misconduct proceedings for “alleged failures to properly investigate” the case.
Hertfordshire Constabulary said in a statement: “We are committed to doing what is right and ensuring that allegations of such a serious nature are properly, thoroughly and fully investigated, no matter how long ago they occurred.”
The IOPC also said two former detective sergeants who supervised the investigation are being probed for alleged misconduct.
In a joint statement issued through their legal team, the three women who made the reports to the force said: “We are grateful that the IOPC has taken steps to investigate potential issues with how our reports were handled. From the beginning, all we have wanted is for our cases and the evidence to be fully and fairly considered by those with the power to do so.”
Tate’s three alleged victims have since taken their claims to the High Court alongside a fourth woman. They all allege that the former professional kickboxer subjected them to s£xual violence. One of the claimants also alleges Tate assaulted her with a belt and grabbed her by the throat on a number of occasions in 2015.
Tate’s lawyers previously vehemently denied the claims made against him, saying the allegations are “false” and that they “were not controlled and did not behave as though they were controlled” by him.
A spokesperson for the influencer also said at the time that the allegations outlined in the documents are “unproven and untested”, and “categorically” denied.
A civil trial is due to take place in June this year.
The legal team representing the three women, McCue Jury & Partners, said the Crown Prosecution Service’s (CPS) decision not to authorise charges in the case is currently the subject of a victim’s right to review.
In September last year, the CPS said the legal test to bring criminal charges had not been met.
Tate is also facing legal proceedings in Romania alongside his brother, Tristan Tate, with both men denying any wrongdoing.
The pair are due to be extradited to the UK following the conclusion of proceedings in Romania, after Bedfordshire Police secured a European arrest warrant in relation to separate allegations of r@pe and human trafficking involving different women.
Those allegations, which the brothers “unequivocally deny”, date back to between 2012 and 2015.
Israeli army warns politicians of insufficient power over Iran
Israel’s military leadership is raising serious concerns, warning politicians that the country may not have enough capacity to sustain a prolonged war against Iran.
According to reports, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has told government ministers that the army is under severe strain due to ongoing multi-front conflicts…including Iran, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank.
The warning highlights several key issues:
Manpower shortages: The Israeli Defense Forces are reportedly short by thousands of soldiers, including combat troops
Overstretched forces: Heavy reliance on reservists and continuous deployments are pushing the military to its limits
Risk of future weakness: At the current pace, the army may soon struggle to carry out even routine missions
Military leadership has reportedly raised “red flags” to the cabinet, stressing that without urgent legal and structural changes…such as extending military service and expanding conscription…the army could face serious operational decline.
This comes as tensions with Iran continue to intensify, with growing fears of escalation into a wider regional conflict.
At the same time, Israel is managing multiple active fronts, increasing pressure on military resources and long-term readiness.
What this means
The warning is not that Israel cannot fight…but that it may not be able to sustain a long, multi-front war at its current capacity.
It also highlights growing tension between military leadership and political decision-makers, as strategy and capability begin to diverge
Trump says he’s protecting the free world. Brazil’s president says he’s acting like he owns it.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva delivered one of the sharpest public rebukes of U.S. foreign policy at the CELAC summit in Bogotá on March 21.
Speaking before 33 nations, Lula said no one can wake up and decide to take Greenland, the Panama Canal, Cuba, or Venezuela — or bomb Iran. Countries have sovereignty, he said, and it must be respected.
Lula did not name Trump directly, but the target was unmistakable. He also called the United Nations a “total and absolute failure” for not stopping the wars in Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran, and renewed calls for Security Council reform.
The speech came three weeks into the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and amid ongoing fallout from the U.S. military intervention in Venezuela earlier this year. Lula has consistently condemned both actions as violations of international law.
MUNDUBILE CHARGED WITH ‘CORRUPT ACQUISITION OF PUBLIC PROPERTY’
Tonse Alliance Presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, has been formally charged with ‘corrupt acquisition of public property’ for allegedly failing to deliver on a road works contract linked to two companies he is associated with, Build Trust and Omni, according to State Counsel George Chisanga.
“The Anti-Corruption Commission alleges that he did not complete the road works despite being prepaid through his companies. Yet, government verification was conducted and officially confirmed the works had been done to satisfaction long ago,” SC Chisanga, himself a lawmaker, told reporters.
He described the charges as a “ obscure and a fishing expedition” aimed at slowing down the Mporokoso legislator and Tonse Alliance leader, who has been gaining national traction ahead of the 13 August presidential polls.
Chisanga further noted the irony of the case, recalling that former Minister of Local Government Gary Nkombo had publicly commended Mundubile’s companies for their road works.
On 17 January 2025, Nkombo delivered a speech in Mongu during the launch of Integrated Development Plans (2024–2034) for Western and Southern Provinces.
In that address, he singled out Build Trust and Omni for their commendable works on the Itezhi-Tezhi roads, stressing their contribution to rural infrastructure was good.
The Mongu event, held at Acamms Gardens, unveiled 18 IDPs—16 for Western Province and 2 for Southern Province, including Chirundu and Itezhi-Tezhi.
Hon Nkombo’s recognition of the contractors underscored the government’s commitment to accountability and quality in public works, in contrast to past criticisms of poorly executed projects.
The Itezhi-Tezhi roads were highlighted as vital for linking communities and unlocking the district’s economic potential, including hydroelectric and tourism assets.
“Ironically, the government owes Hon. Mundubile’s companies significant sums, not the other way round. It will be interesting to see how the ACC navigates this charge when it comes to court, but we are ready for them,” SC Chisanga added.
This marks Mundubile’s second brush with the law in recent months. On 19 March, he was detained and charged with cyber-related offenses as he attempted to fly out of Zambia for business meetings. He spent a night in custody.
Despite these legal hurdles, sympathizers say he remains one of the major front-runners in the presidential and general elections set for August, a contest widely seen as crucial as President Hakainde Hichilema seeks re-election.
International bodies, including the UN Human Rights Commission, Amnesty International, the U.S. State Department, and Zambia’s Law Association (LAZ), have recently expressed concern over what they describe as a shrinking democratic space in the country.
Chisanga wonders why a person owed money by the government is being charged with a crime.
PF faction Deputy Secretary General for Administration, Celestine Mukandila, has described Pamodzi Alliance President Makebi Zulu as a messiah sent by God to put Zambia on the right trajectory.
Speaking when he featured on Sun FM TV’s Public Forum the Lusaka-based lawyer said Mr. Zulu an established legal counsel possesses the expertise to decisively handle legal matters and address concerns surrounding selective justice in Zambia and the judiciary.
Mr. Mukandila also criticized the forfeiture of properties belonging to family members of the late former President Edgar Lungu.
He cited an example where Mr. Lungu’s son, Daliso Lungu, stated that he received the properties as a gift from his father.
He questioned the move to hold Daliso Lungu accountable, arguing that it raises concerns, especially considering that the late former President was an established lawyer who could have legitimately acquired significant wealth.
Mr. Mukandila further claimed that the fight against corruption is not genuine as long as it remains under State House control.
The Socialist Party has written to the Electoral Commission of Zambia objecting to the decision to hold presidential and parliamentary nominations on the same day.
In a letter dated March 27, 2026, General Secretary and First Vice-President Cosmas Musumali addressed the Commission Chairperson, expressing concern that the arrangement places unnecessary pressure on political parties.
Musumali argued that separating the two processes would ease the burden without disrupting the electoral calendar.
He added that many political parties consulted share the same view.
The Socialist Party has appealed to the Commission to reconsider its decision, hoping the request will receive favourable consideration.
REGISTRAR OF SOCIETIES GOES MUTE ON FDD CONVENTION OUTCOMES
By KBN TV Staff Reporter
The Registrar of Societies under the Ministry of Home Affairs has left the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) second guessing its next steps following the silence the party has been subjected to after it communicated outcomes of the recently held convention.
Information reaching KBN TV suggests that the Registrar of Societies has remained mute on the submissions made by the FDD based on an assessment that the party did not follow the due process of the law regarding its convention.
“To start with, we didn’t see any announcement from FDD that they are holding a convention as per law established,” an insider told KBN TV.
Under Zambia’s Societies Act, registered societies are required to give proper notice before holding conventions or general meetings.
“Specifically, the Act requires that members be notified at least 30 days in advance of such a convention,” said the source.
A press query sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday, March 23, 2026, still remains unanswered.
KBN TV wrote to the Ministry seeking, among other things, confirmation that the Registrar of Societies has not admitted submissions made by FDD following its recently held convention.
When a call to FDD President Chifumu Banda went unanswered, we left him the message below, which has also not been responded to:
“We are working on a news story regarding your correspondence with the Registrar of Societies, and we wanted to get your opinion.”
Some of the key provisions on Conventions in the Societies Act include the requirement that a society must issue a minimum of 30 days’ notice before holding a convention or general meeting.
The FDD convention ratified State Counsel Chifumu Banda as party president and also approved the decision to make the party a special purpose vehicle for the Tonse Alliance.
COSTA “CROSS EXAMINES” MUNDUBILE – DID BM ACQUIT HIMSELF WELL?
Yes, he acquited himself well. I didn’t have to agree with everything he said but he exemplified knowledge, wisdom and leadership. And yes, he is Presidential material.
Costa gave Brian Mundubile an opportunity to comment and explain a number of issues.
He commented on his interrogation at the airport by individuals that described themselves as from the office of the President.
In Zambia, when individuals describe themselves as coming from the office of the President, it means they are intelligence officers.
This is a red flag. Intelligence officers must only gather intel which must be passed on to the pollice who must then interrogate a suspect.
But here in Zambia, this happens as though it is the right thing to do. On second thought, they may not have even been the mainstream and traditional intelligence officers.
The latter are not a police force. They are not part of the criminal justice system. They are part of the office of the President. The latter is their client.
Whatever info they gather is primarily meant for him. For them to go and interrogate Mundubile is the same as Hichilema interrogating his opponent.
When Mundubile was eventually locked up, arrested and charged, it meant Hichilema did all this to his opponent!
This goes against every grain of democratic norms which require the separation of powers.
Hichilema cannot be an arresting officer and a political contender at the same time but he is in the case of Mundubile because it was officers from his office who went to interrogate him.
Apparently, ruling parties in Zambia have had the bad habit of running parallel structures that mimic the official ones or forcing party caders into security institutions.
BM says they asked him about his connection with Katumbi of the DRC who he said he has heard about but has nothing to do with him.
He was asked about former DRC President Kabila, again, he denied having anything to do with him.
He was also asked about Xaviour Chungu, the former Intelligence Chief, BM described him as his brother but spoke to him a couple of months back.
They justified their questions on the premise that they suspected that he was planning to destabilize this country.
In no uncertain terms, he reminded them of his patriotism and that he couldn’t destroy a country he was seeking to lead.
Despite these questions, Mundubile was shocked that he was later charged with an issue that was more than three years old – that he was funding some social media page to spread and promote hate speech.
As he rightly observed, the charges are politically motivated. They are intended to keep him busy in courts and if possible, lock him up so that he doesn’t contest. It’s imingalato in progress.
On the persistent allegations that he received payment for works his company had not delivered, Mundubile couldn’t be any more clearer.
“On five occasions, my company has been audited to verify these allegations and each time, they have been proved false”, he said.
Another persistent question was in respect of opposition unity – why can’t Mundubile join hands with others?
“There’re 25 organizations – political parties and NGOs – that are part of Tonse Alliance of which I am President, what further evidence of unity must go beyond this?” Mundubile answered.
He further wondered why it was only unity if there were certain names in the equation. I thought that was a brilliant response whatever the contradictory opinion might be.
Costa gave BM an opportunity to let the nation in on his manifesto. He talked of farming blocks serviced by road and communication infrastructure.
He talked of these as his strategy for employment creation. He shared some stats to this effect. You could put up some mathematical arguments but he came out confident in what he was saying. He reserved details for the manifesto which he said is due out soon.
Closely related to agriculture, the topic every candidate must have an opinion about is mining, after all, it’s the goose that lays the egg.
He chose not wholesale condemnation but raised two issues: Why Mopani was “given away for nothing”.
The terms on which government gave Mopani to the present investors were controversial then and will remain so until a new government comes in.
I suspect to this day that given the questionable governance structures of our political system, clarity on this matter may only come when Hichilema is no longer President.
The second question he raised was the rate of the Mineral Royalty Tax. He said the Minister of Finance was asked why he was reducing (or was it proposing?) it from 6% to 3% and consequently forego a staggering 600million dollars?
For a country under an IMF program and under intense pressure from her foreign creditors, it’s indeed curious why a Minister of Finance would be giving away such a large chunk of money in the name of attracting foreign investors. Or did he give another reason?
Global trends indicate that the tax in question is often charged within the 1-12% band. So, whichever number any government picks I guess will be debatable as the justification may be subjective.
However, I must be quick to add that I haven’t independently verified the current rate although some sources suggest that rather than reducing the Mineral Royalty Tax, the Zambian government chose the sliding scale mineral royalty system which adjusts informed by prevailing copper prices.
This means, the rate could go down in case of lower copper prices. For those of you able to check the current status, kindly check with the Ministry of Finance.
Still on the mines, Mundubile was skeptical of government goal of reaching 3million metric tones of copper production annually by 2031.
He said those were government figures and not industry figures. However, there’re indications that government arrived at these figures based on industry performance now in addition to the new mines coming on stream.
For instance, if 2024 figures indicate a production of over 820,000 metric tones while 2025 was inching towards 1million, it was not farfetched to estimate 3million tones per annum by 2031.
This aspiration becomes even more feasible if you take into account expansions at First Quantam Minerals – S3 expected to produce 270,000 metric tones; upscaling Lumwana Super Pit, KCM, Lubambe Copper Mines and Mopani with a combined capacity of 593,000 metric tones; and Mingomba and Kitumba, a combined capacity of 700,000 metric tones.
On Bill 7, Costa tried to push hard like typical cross examinations do, but BM stood his ground – it was not about content but process. He reminded Costa of that several times.
I understood his point. I didn’t have to agree with him but his point was logically laid out – it was about process and not content.
You’ve got to give it to the man – he’s not just a lawmaker, he’s a lawyer. And not just a lawyer, but a constitutional lawyer.
On fuel imports and the current Middle East crisis, Mundubile tapped into his experience as a former ERB chairperson. He explained the use to which they applied both the TAZAMA Pipeline and Indeni. In addition, he talked about the strategic importance of storage facilities and the need to increase them. On this question, it was clear that he was on familiar turf.
On the medicine procurement challenges, Mundubile demonstrated knowledge regarding procurement and management challenges.
Since these functions were transfered from the Ministry of Health, he has noticed that the process of weaning off and separating the two entities required careful navigation.
On the US health deal, clearly, the man was on top of things. He categorically stated that personal data must be defended and protected under privacy laws.
He wondered why data must continually be shared for 20yrs after the expiry of funding which in itself is 5 years.
However, he said overall, the deal was okay but only needed to be renegotiated.
At the end of the interview, I could see why Mundubile is ready and ripe to lead: his time in public service has exposed him to just about every thematic area of governance.
He has a working knowledge of the systems of governance. Therefore, he will not be getting into government to learn on the job.
Throughout the interview, he kept his cool and answered every question to the best of his abilities.
To his credit, Costa gave Mundubile ample time to answer the questions put to him.
Where he interrupted, it was because, in broadcasting, time is of the essence.
If he sounded disrespectful by alleging greed for seeking the Presidency to the exclusion of others, it was because the word is already in the public domain. So, he gave his guest an opportunity to address the issue. And Mundubile did address the issue with grace, honor and dignity.
Agree or disagree with him, what you can’t accuse Mundubile of is ignorance. He knows statecraft and he knows what he wants to do for Zambia.
Breaking News : Iran Warns Hotels Housing U.S. Troops Are “Legitimate Military Targets” as American Forces Relocate from Bases
Iran has escalated its rhetoric against U.S. military presence in the Gulf, with multiple senior Iranian officials and state-linked media declaring that hotels and civilian facilities sheltering American troops across the Middle East are now considered legitimate military targets.
Fars News Agency, the semi-official outlet with direct ties to the Isl∆mic Revolution∆ry Gu∆rd Corps (IRGC), reported that a significant number of U.S. military bases in the region had been destroyed or rendered inoperable, forcing American forces to relocate to hotels and offices in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. The outlet stated that any facility hosting U.S. military personnel would be treated as a valid military target.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi amplified this position on March 26, posting on X that U.S. soldiers had abandoned their bases in Gulf Cooperation Council countries and were hiding in hotels and civilian offices. He accused American forces of using GCC citizens as human shields and called on hotels across the region to refuse bookings from U.S. military personnel.
Armed Forces spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi went further on Iranian state television, stating that any location becomes a legitimate target once U.S. troops enter it. “When all the Americans go into a hotel, then from our perspective that hotel becomes American,” he said.
The IRGC also issued a direct message to regional civilians, urging them not to shelter American troops and to report the locations of U.S. forces, framing this as an Islamic duty.
Crucially, the New York Times independently confirmed that thousands of U.S. troops had been dispersed from their regular bases and were operating from improvised locations, including hotels, office buildings, and temporary facilities, maintaining intelligence and targeting functions using portable systems. It is important to note that the claim that U.S. bases were destroyed and rendered inoperable originates solely from Iranian state and IRGC-linked sources and has not been independently verified.
Sources: Fars News Agency, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (official X post), Iranian Armed Forces spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi (state television), IRGC public statement, The New York Times.
Topson Pythias Kunda has resigned as District Commissioner for Chitambo, expressing gratitude to President Hakainde Hichilema for the opportunity to serve.
In a statement, Kunda said, “I wish to thank my father, President Hakainde Hichilema, and the good people of Chitambo.”
He added that he is stepping down to actively campaign for President Hichilema ahead of the 2026 elections. Kunda has also resigned from the civil service to pave way for his bid for Member of Parliament in M’kushi.
ACC Questions Mundubile Over K1.5 Billion Road Contracts
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has summoned Mporokoso Member of Parliament Brian Mundubile for questioning over the awarding of road contracts.
ACC Acting Head of Corporate Communications, Chilufya Chisanga, confirmed that Mr. Mundubile was interviewed by the commission in Lusaka this morning. She stated that the probe concerns contracts worth over K1.5 billion awarded to companies in which he has an interest.
The contracts reportedly cover road projects across Northern, Eastern, Western, and Central provinces.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mundubile, through his lawyer George Chisanga, maintained that the transactions had already undergone a forensic audit, which found no evidence of payments for unexecuted works.
MAYORS BACKING PRESIDENT HICHILEMA PRAISED FOR PEOPLE-CENTRED LEADERSHIP
Aspiring Lusaka mayor Simon Mulenga Mwila has commended the mayors of Kitwe, Chipata and Mansa for their decision to support President Hakainde Hichilema, stating that their move reflects a commitment to serving the interests of the people.
Mr Mwila said he wished his colleagues well, noting that such decisions were not made lightly, especially given the weight of responsibility that comes with leadership positions.
He explained that leadership at that level demands prioritising the needs of citizens above political affiliations.
He observed that politics, at its core, is about service, and that leaders are sometimes required to make difficult but necessary decisions for the benefit of those they represent.
According to Mr Mwila, the mayors’ decision was likely driven by a genuine desire to foster development and progress in their respective cities.
Mr Mwila further expressed confidence that the leaders would continue to act in the best interests of their communities, adding that he wished them wisdom and strength as they embark on this new political direction.
He emphasised that true leadership should not be defined by loyalty to political sides, but rather by unwavering dedication to the people.
You Cannot Change the Rules at the Last Minute Before the Tournament” – Fred M’membe
Speaking when he featured on Phoenix FM, Socialist Party (SP) President and 2026 People’s Pact Presidential Candidate, Dr. Fred M’membe, has strongly condemned recent electoral changes by the Electoral Commission of Zambia, describing them as a calculated move to disadvantage opposition political parties ahead of the August general elections.
Dr. M’membe stated that it is fundamentally unjust and undemocratic to alter electoral rules at the last minute when political stakeholders have already prepared based on the existing legal and procedural framework.
“You cannot change the rules at the last minute before the tournament. Elections are a serious democratic process, not a game to be manipulated for political convenience,” said Dr. M’membe.
He emphasized that most political parties have already invested significant time, resources, and planning in line with the established electoral guidelines, and any abrupt changes risk undermining the credibility, fairness, and integrity of the electoral process.
Dr. M’membe further expressed concern over remarks made by the President of the ruling party, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, during his address at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, where he indicated that failure of Bill 7 to pass would negatively affect the ruling party’s electoral chances.
According to Dr. M’membe, such remarks confirm fears that the proposed changes are not intended to strengthen democracy, but to secure political advantage.
In addition, Dr. M’membe raised serious concern over what he described as a shrinking democratic space, alleging that opposition political parties are being denied the right to freely mobilize and engage citizens.
“The United Party for National Development has not been allowing its competitors to hold political meetings. The Socialist Party alone has applied 34 times to hold rallies, and as of last week, none of those applications had been approved,” he revealed.
He warned that denying opposition parties the right to assemble and campaign freely undermines the principles of democracy and raises questions about the credibility of the upcoming elections.
Dr. M’membe also cautioned that silence from citizens should not be mistaken for acceptance, but rather as a sign of growing resolve.
“He should be worried when people don’t speak. When citizens become quiet, they are preparing to speak through the ballot. And when they do, their message will be loud and clear.”
The Socialist Party has since called on the Electoral Commission of Zambia and relevant authorities to uphold transparency, fairness, and equal political space for all stakeholders, and to resist any actions that may undermine Zambia’s democratic process.
EXCLUSIVE | Copperbelt Tilts As Hichilema Consolidates Ground With Defections, Crowd Momentum
President Hakainde Hichilema has concluded a politically significant two-day working visit on the Copperbelt, marked by large public turnouts, structured engagements and a wave of defections that signal a shifting political undercurrent in one of Zambia’s most strategic regions.
The visit opened in Luanshya, where thousands gathered at the Technical and Vocational Teachers’ College grounds, creating a charged atmosphere that blended political mobilisation with community interaction. The President moved through the crowd before attending a prayer service at the United Church of Zambia, a sequence that reflects a now familiar pattern in his provincial visits.
Governance, religion and political messaging are increasingly being layered into a single platform, projecting both authority and accessibility.
What followed across Kitwe and surrounding districts was more politically consequential.
At the Cricket Club in Kitwe, President Hichilema received a coordinated group of defectors drawn largely from the Patriotic Front and independent ranks. The numbers are significant. More than 8,000 individuals are reported to have crossed over, including Kitwe Mayor Mpasa Mwaya, Chipata Mayor George Mwanza and Roan Member of Parliament Joel Chibuye. Several councillors from Kitwe and Ndola were also part of the movement, bringing with them local structures that often determine electoral traction on the ground.
This was not a quiet defection.
It was staged, visible and politically deliberate.
The messaging from State House was equally direct. The President framed the UPND as an open political platform, stating that there is “ample space” for those willing to join. This framing matters. It positions the ruling party not as a closed incumbent structure, but as an expanding political centre capable of absorbing both allies and former opponents.
The tone of the crowd reinforced that narrative. Chants of “Bally” and “HH 2026” were visible across multiple stops, accompanied by party regalia and coordinated mobilisation. In political terms, optics are not incidental. They are currency. The Copperbelt visit delivered both volume and visibility.
The defections themselves must be read beyond individual decisions.
Local government figures such as mayors and councillors are not just symbolic entrants. They carry networks, influence over community structures and proximity to voters. When such figures move, they do not move alone. They bring organisational weight. For a region like the Copperbelt, where political loyalty has historically swung, these shifts point to a recalibration rather than isolated events.
At the same time, the underlying motivations remain layered.
Defectors cited confidence in the current administration’s economic direction and development agenda. That language is familiar in Zambian politics. It signals alignment with power, but also reflects a pragmatic reading of political momentum. In election cycles, perception often drives migration as much as policy.
What is emerging from the Copperbelt is therefore not just a series of rallies.
It is a consolidation phase.
The ruling party is tightening its hold on a region that has previously defined opposition strength. The opposition, meanwhile, is contending with internal divisions and an increasingly fluid base at local level. The contrast is becoming visible.
Still, political momentum is not permanence.
Crowds can gather. Structures can shift. Alliances can expand. The decisive test remains electoral translation. Whether this Copperbelt surge converts into votes in 2026 will depend not only on mobilisation, but on policy delivery, economic conditions and the ability of rivals to reorganise.
For now, the signal is clear. The Copperbelt is not static.
UPND COUNCILLOR TAKES BACK COFFINS AFTER PUBLIC OUTRAGE
Kanyama 13 UPND councilor Leonard Chello has withdrawn the 70 coffins he donated for people who were expected to die in the area.
This week, Chello took to social media to announce that for the future deaths in the ward, he had committed to provide 70 coffins, a move he said is aimed at easing the financial burden associated with funerals.
Chello said the initiative was intended to support vulnerable families during times of loss in an area where burial expenses remain a major challenge for many households.
He urged residents in need of assistance to visit his office, where the coffins will be distributed to qualifying individuals within the ward.
But the free of charge offer was not welcomed by people on social media who denounced the UPND councillor for donating coffins instead of investing in preventing mortalities in the ward.
Federal judge BLOCKS Hegseth from banning Anthropic, calling it “classic First Amendment retaliation,” in a historic legal blow.
Judge Rita Lin ruled that directives from Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordering agencies to stop using Anthropic tools cannot be enforced. She made it clear the government was trying to “cripple Anthropic” and “chill public debate.”
Judge Lin: This appears to be classic First Amendment retaliation.
That ruling means Anthropic’s AI, including Claude, will continue being used across government and military contractors while the case plays out.
The fight started after Hegseth demanded the ability to have AI kill without human oversight, and spy on Americans. When Anthropic said no, Trump & Hegseth said they either needed to comply, or make them a “supply chain risk,” meaning all of government was banned from using them.
But the judge noticed something important.
Judge Lin: Trump and Hegseth referred to Anthropic as “woke” and “left-wing nut jobs,” not its lack of security. If this were merely a contracting impasse, DoD would presumably have just stopped using Claude. The challenged actions, however, far exceed the scope of what could reasonably address such a national security interest.
The Pentagon claims it was about security. The judge wasn’t buying it. This wasn’t about safety. It was about punishing speech and control.
This is a developing story — one that fascism is losing.
Iran claims mass mobilization as public enlistment surges
Reports indicate Iran has mobilized up to one million personnel in preparation for a potential ground conflict, as large numbers of civilians respond to a nationwide recruitment drive.
The mobilization includes regular army forces, IRGC units, and Basij volunteers, reflecting a shift toward large-scale territorial defense posture.
While the figures remain unverified, the development signals rising readiness and heightened tensions amid fears of possible ground escalation.
US Air Force Hammers Iranian Underground Missile Bunker with Massive Bunker-Busters
Local Iranian sources report that American warplanes just slammed an underground missile storage site near Qods in central Iran with GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs.
The strike targeted deeply buried facilities packed with ballistic missiles, part of the regime’s arsenal built to threaten Israel and shipping lanes. No major Western outlets have confirmed the exact hit yet, but the pattern fits the ongoing campaign to rip out Iran’s ability to launch more attacks.
Videos circulating online show heavy explosions and secondary blasts lighting up the area, with what appear to be missile transporters caught in the chaos. Similar footage has popped up before during confirmed strikes, underscoring how the mullahs have hidden their weapons deep underground, thinking no one could reach them.
The U.S. has repeatedly used these 30,000-pound monsters, dropped from B-2 stealth bombers, to crack open hardened sites that Iran spent years and billions fortifying with North Korean help. Earlier operations already gutted key nuclear and missile spots.
Iran’s missile program is getting systematically dismantled. Hundreds of launchers are gone or buried and useless.
Spain’s Death Cult: Young Rape Victim Euthanized After State Failed to Protect Her
Noelia Castillo Ramos was just 25 when the Spanish government ended her life on March 26 through legal euthanasia. This wasn’t mercy. It was the final betrayal in a string of failures by a leftist regime that prioritizes open borders and assisted suicide over protecting its own citizens.
Back in 2022, while placed in a state-run care facility for vulnerable youth, Noelia was gang-raped. Reports point to North African migrants as the perpetrators. Traumatized and broken, she attempted suicide by jumping from a fifth-floor window. She survived the fall but was left paraplegic, trapped in chronic pain and despair.
Instead of delivering justice, hunting down the rapists, or providing real mental health support, Spanish authorities offered her a lethal injection. Under the country’s 2021 euthanasia law, courts repeatedly sided with her request over her father’s desperate legal battles to save her. The European Court of Human Rights even rejected last-minute pleas to halt it. Her organs were reportedly already allocated before the procedure.
This is the rotten fruit of progressive policies: mass migration without assimilation leads to skyrocketing crime against women and girls. When victims crack under the weight, the same state that failed them hands out death as the easy fix. No accountability for the predators. No serious rehabilitation. Just “compassionate” killing to tidy up the mess.
Jack Posobiec nailed it: the state that couldn’t protect her from rape offered suicide instead. Spain’s socialist government under Pedro Sánchez has turned assisted dying into a shortcut for dodging hard truths about failed integration and cultural collapse.
Europe’s elites love to lecture about human rights while erasing the vulnerable. Real compassion means securing borders, punishing criminals, and fighting for life, not ushering broken young women to an early grave. Noelia deserved protection and healing. What she got was abandonment and a lethal dose from the very system meant to safeguard her.
Rest in peace, Noelia. May her story wake up the West before more innocents are sacrificed on the altar of “progress.”
Images show heavy damage in Tel Aviv following reported hypersonic strike
Images circulating online show significant structural damage in parts of Tel Aviv, reportedly following a high-speed missile strike attributed to Iran’s Fattah system in recent days.
The visuals suggest impact from a powerful strike, though details regarding the exact weapon type and extent of damage remain under independent verification.
Authorities have yet to release full assessments, as the situation continues to be closely monitored amid ongoing regional escalation.
ISRAEL FEARS THAT IRAN IS LAUNCHING TERROR OPERATIONS AGAINST JEWISH COMMUNITY WORLDWIDE.
Israeli authorities have issued a grave warning that Iran is reportedly mounting an unprecedented wave of terrorist attacks targeting Jewish communities and Israeli interests abroad .
According to a report by The Times of Israel on March 25, 2026, a senior official from Israel’s National Security Council revealed that security veterans cannot recall any prior effort on this scale by Tehran to strike abroad.
“Authorities are witnessing record Iranian motivation to achieve immediate results anywhere, by any means, without restraints or barriers,” the official said, describing the situation as unprecedented in determination and scope.
With the Passover holiday approaching , the National Security Council is urging Israelis traveling overseas to exercise extreme caution, particularly around public gatherings and Jewish sites that are not tightly secured.
Officials warned that public Seder events and open venues with high Jewish attendance should be avoided unless fully protected.
Saudi signals support for continued strikes, calls it “historic opportunity”
Saudi Arabia has reportedly signaled backing for ongoing U.S. military pressure on Iran, describing the situation as a “historic opportunity” to reshape the Middle East balance.
While not directly entering the conflict, Riyadh indicated it is prepared to take further steps if diplomatic efforts collapse, underscoring a cautious but strategic alignment.
The stance highlights shifting regional dynamics, with Gulf powers weighing deeper involvement as tensions continue to escalate.
THE Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has cautioned Mporokoso Member of Parliament Brian Mundubile regarding the manner in which K1.5 billion road construction contracts in Northern, Eastern, Western, and Central provinces were awarded between 2014 and 2020.
The ACC today summoned Mr Mundubile for questioning in relation to an ongoing investigation.
In a statement, ACC Acting Head of Corporate Communications Chilufya Chisanga said the Commission has since recorded a warn-and-caution statement from Mr Mundubile concerning the manner in which the road construction contracts in the named provinces were awarded to companies in which he has an interest.
“The contracts were awarded between 2014 and 2020 at an estimated value of over K1.5 billion. Further details in this matter cannot be provided at this time as investigations are still ongoing,” Ms Chisanga said.
THE Lusaka High Court has allowed former Chawama Member of Parliament Tasila Lungu-Mwansa to challenge the legality of the process which led to the declaration of the Chawama seat vacant by the Speaker.
On November 28, 2025, the Chawama parliamentary seat was officially declared vacant after Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti, ruled that Ms Lungu had failed to attend parliamentary sessions for months on end, beginning in June.
Ms Lungu has been outside Zambia since the death of her father, former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, who passed away on June 5.
Her prolonged absence from Parliament attracted a point of order from a lawmaker, who asked whether she was in order not to attend parliamentary sittings for several months.
Ms Mutti ruled that Ms Lungu was out of order and later declared her seat vacant, triggering a by-election.
Unhappy with the decision, Ms Lungu went to the High Court to seek judicial review regarding the manner in which the Speaker arrived at her decision.
In the application for leave to seek judicial review, she submitted that she seeks to challenge the Speaker’s decision, contained in her ruling dated Friday, November 28, 2025, to invoke the provisions of Article 72(8) of the Constitution on allegations that she had breached the prescribed code of conduct by failing to attend parliamentary sittings.
Ms Lungu argues that this decision was illegal and unreasonable, hence the need for judicial review, a process which allows the Judiciary to ensure that the exercise of powers by other arms of government is not abused.
She wants the court to decide whether the decision-making process was illegal and unreasonable according to the dictates of judicial review, in line with the Standing Orders (2024) of Parliament on parliamentary privileges and absences.
In her ruling, Judge Newa granted Ms Lungu’s application for judicial review but denied her plea to halt the execution of the Speaker’s decision to declare the seat vacant.
“Tasila Lungu has demonstrated that there is a case that is fit for further investigation. I accordingly grant leave to Tasila Lungu to commence judicial review proceedings,” the judge said.
The judge, however, noted that the by-election for Chawama Constituency had already taken place, and that the application to stay execution of the Speaker’s decision had been overtaken by events and was consequently not granted.
DRAMATIC DEFECTION AS PF LOYALIST KINGS MALEMBE HAILS HH IN EMOTIONAL KITWE SCENE
In a charged and emotional political moment, longtime Patriotic Front (PF) loyalist Kings Malembe Malembe officially crossed over to the United Party for National Development (UPND), declaring unwavering support for President Hakainde Hichilema.
Speaking during the high-energy event in Kitwe, Malembe did not hold back, passionately praising the Head of State:
“President HH is the best president so far!” he proclaimed to a roaring crowd.
In a deeply personal endorsement, he attributed improved livelihoods within his own family to the current administration.
“My wife and my sisters started working after UPND formed government. Those who say President HH is divisive are lying. He must win again and continue leading for another five years,” Malembe declared.
The moment reached a dramatic peak when Malembe, visibly overwhelmed, repeatedly referred to President Hichilema as his “father,” exclaiming:
“He is my daddy now!”
Amid chants and thunderous approval from thousands of supporters—echoing slogans of “Salt Sana! Salt Sana!”—Malembe pushed forward, demanding to greet and embrace the President in a symbolic show of loyalty, sealing one of the most striking political defections witnessed at the gathering.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is set to have a “morning chat” with Mporokoso Member of Parliament, Brian Mundubile, today at exactly 09:00 hours- disclosed Binwel Mpundu
This comes just weeks after an audio made the rounds on social media, where former political heavyweight Chishimba Kambwili confidently prophesied that Hon. Mundubile would soon have a date with the ACC.
According to His claims in the audio, the meeting wouldn’t be over tea and scones, but over some invoices and road contracts allegedly awarded to him during PF government, projects that Hon Kambwili says, seem to exist more in paperwork than on the ground.
SABC: KALUSHA EXPLAINS HOW ZAMBIA CLINCHED ARGENTINA FRIENDLY BUT DOES NOT REVEAL MONETARY BENEFITS FOR THE MATCH!
Here is the SABC Sport report in full:
Zambia’s national team technical committee vice president Kalusha Bwalya has explained to SABC Sport how Chipolopolo secured a high-profile friendly against world champions Argentina next week.
Chipolopolo are set to face the Lionel Messi-led side at the iconic La Bombonera in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, as Argentina fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming global showpiece in the Americas later this year.
Bwalya revealed that initial talks were sparked when the South Americans learned they would be facing African opposition in Algeria at the tournament.
“I think we are indebted to the Argentinian football association. We have been on this road for a long time, and sometimes you get lucky and get a call from somebody asking you if you’re interested. Of course you fall off your chair because you’re talking about the world champions.”
Zambia head to Buenos Aires with George Lwandamina as their interim coach and Bwalya says Chipolopolo will pick the cream of the crop – and so will Argentina.
“They wanted to face African opposition because they share a group with Algeria, and so they wanted to test themselves against a team like ours.
“This is probably the last games that Lionel Messi will be able to play at home in Argentina at the home of Boca Juniors, so they will be coming with their A-squad.
“As for George Lwandamina, he is a battle tested Zambian coach, who achieved World Cup qualification with the u/20’s.”
Bwalya would not reveal the monetary terms of their agreement with Argentina but alluded to the fact that talks had been ongoing for some time.
Despite Zambia not qualifying for the World Cup this year, Bwalya insists they will not be out of place when they step on to the pitch at La Bombonera.
