First African Country to Formally accept China’s Yuan for mining taxes and royalties
The Bank of Zambia confirmed that payments in renminbi began in October, marking a significant shift in how Africa’s second-largest copper producer manages its mining revenues.
Bloomberg reported that Chinese mine operators are now settling part of their tax obligations in yuan, reflecting the growing role of China as both Zambia’s biggest copper buyer and one of its largest creditors.
The central bank said the change aligns with its reserve-management strategy and export realities.
“A large portion of copper exports go to China and the Chinese mining firms already receive some, if not all, of their payments for their exports to China in renminbi,” the Bank of Zambia said.
“The Bank of Zambia has the diversification and building-up of its reserves as a key objective, and purchasing renminbi enables the bank to actualize this objective.”
The bank added that holding yuan also makes it cheaper to service Chinese debt, saying it would allow Zambia “to service its debts to China in a more cost-effective manner.”
Last month, the Bank of Zambia began publishing an official renminbi-kwacha exchange rate, allowing mining companies to choose whether to sell dollars or yuan to pay taxes.
Zambia’s move comes as Africa becomes a testing ground for China’s long-running push to internationalize the yuan.
To support the change, the Bank of Zambia last month began publishing an official renminbi-kwacha exchange rate, allowing mining companies to choose whether to sell dollars or yuan to pay taxes.
The system builds on rules introduced in 2018 and expanded in 2020 that forced miners to sell foreign currency to the central bank to boost Zambia’s depleted reserves during its debt crisis.
The shift to yuan payments signals that China’s influence in Africa’s mining economy is now being matched by its growing currency footprint.
Arakan Barracks troops ‘invade’ army commander’s home in uncommon fashion
SOLDIERS from Arakan Barracks in Lusaka on Wednesday morning temporarily dumped discipline, drill and decorum and instead unleashed whistles, ululations and badly coordinated dance steps as they marched to the official residence of Zambia Army commander, lieutenant general Geoffrey Zyeele in a laughter-filled invasion.
The men and women in uniform, who for once were not in uniform, descended on the commander’s residence clad in bizarre and funny costumes that left motorists on Independence Avenue slowing down to confirm whether Zambia was still at peace.
The walking comedy troupe, led by officers and soldiers who had clearly agreed to suspend their routine macho appearance, turned the usually quiet army neighbourhood into a carnival as singing, dancing and comic marching echoed through the streets.
Among the most outstanding offenders against military fashion was lieutenant colonel Patrick Chingoma, whose eye-watering outfit instantly announced that discipline had taken a short leave pass, while warrant officer class 1, Felix Ngala, escalated matters further with a side-splitting costume that caused spontaneous laughter.
Despite the madness, the soldiers were on official business.
The troops told the commander that the dramatic march was meant to appreciate his leadership and tireless engagement with the Government and other stakeholders to ease challenges affecting soldiers’ welfare, including persistent water reticulation problems and unreliable electricity supply in military residences.
Receiving the chanting and dancing soldiers, the army commander thanked them for their dedication and resilience, noting that despite numerous operational hurdles, the Zambia Army managed to record notable successes in 2025.
Earlier, before the madness reached full throttle, the same officers and soldiers had also stormed the official residence of brigadier general Maybin Muyanga, where they showered him with praise for the guidance and leadership he continues to provide on behalf of Army Command.
The invasion fever was not limited to Lusaka alone.
At Gondar Barracks in Chipata, Eastern Province, troops also dumped routine and discipline and marched to their battalion commander’s residence to wish him well as he embarks on another year of leadership in 2026.
As the soldiers danced themselves into exhaustion and costumes slowly lost their mystery, some spectators admitted that it was their first time witnessing such an unorthodox military tradition.
Ukraine has confirmed that reports of the assassination of Denis Kapustin, the leader of the right wing Russian Volunteer Corps, were deliberately staged as part of a covert intelligence operation aimed at protecting his life and exposing Russian security failures.
Kapustin, also known by the alias “White Rex,” had been reported dead last week after the Ukrainian Armed Forces announced he was killed by an FPV drone strike in the Zaporizhzhia region. The Russian Volunteer Corps even published a tribute on Telegram at the time, vowing to avenge him and promising further details.
However, Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence of Ukraine later revealed that the death was faked during a month long special operation. The move was designed to mislead Russian intelligence services and secure a 500,000 dollar bounty that had reportedly been allocated by the Kremlin for Kapustin’s killing.
In a video released on the intelligence agency’s official Telegram channel, Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov congratulated Kapustin on his return, describing him as a personal enemy of Vladimir Putin. Budanov said the operation highlighted a major failure by Russian secret services and added that the funds obtained would be used to strengthen Ukrainian special units.
Kapustin also appeared in the video, saying his brief disappearance had no effect on the work of his fighters.
A former football hooligan and neo Nazi activist from Moscow who later lived in Germany, Kapustin relocated to Kyiv in 2017. He has been banned from entering the Schengen area since 2019 due to his involvement in far right movements linked to mixed martial arts circles.
Following Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Kapustin founded the Russian Volunteer Corps, which fights alongside Ukrainian forces. The group is designated a terrorist organisation in Russia and says its goal is to help restore Ukraine’s territorial integrity within its 1991 borders and overthrow the Russian president.
Ukrainian officials say the operation not only protected Kapustin but also embarrassed the Kremlin by demonstrating the effectiveness of Ukrainian intelligence tactics.
Ghanaian police have arrested self-proclaimed prophet Evans Eshun, known as Ebo Noah, after he predicted a global flood on December 25, 2025, causing public panic.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement published on the police’s official website on Wednesday.
In the statement, the Police said Eshun was arrested by the Inspector General of Police’s Special Cyber Vetting Team as part of ongoing efforts to monitor and address cyber-related activities, particularly in the build-up to the 31st night religious services.
The statement said, “The Ghana Police Service has confirmed the arrest of a man identified as Evans Eshun, also known as Ebo Noah, by the Inspector General of Police’s Special Cyber Vetting Team.
“The arrest was carried out as part of ongoing police efforts to monitor and address cyber-related activities, particularly in the period leading up to 31st night religious services.
“Police confirmation follows reports circulating online suggesting the arrest was linked to warnings issued by security agencies regarding the conduct of individuals making public declarations and prophecies that could cause fear or public disorder. At this stage, police have not publicly detailed the specific allegations against the suspect or the nature of the conduct under investigation.
“The Ghana Police Service has, in recent years, cautioned individuals and groups against making predictions or public statements, especially during end of year religious events, that could incite panic or threaten public peace. Security agencies have stated that such matters may be examined under existing laws governing public order, communication and cyber related offences.
“Police sources say Evans Eshun is currently in custody to assist with investigations. Authorities have not announced any formal charges, court dates, or bail conditions. They have also not indicated whether additional persons are being sought in connection with the case.
“The Police Service has urged the public to remain calm and to avoid speculation, stressing that investigations are ongoing and that any legal action will follow due process. As with all such cases, the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Further official updates are expected as police conclude their investigations and determine the appropriate next steps.”
Last month, residents were seen rushing to secure spaces inside one of eight arks built by Prophet Eboh Noah, who claims God revealed to him that the world will end today, December 25, through massive flooding.
The prophet claimed that only those inside his ark would be saved, a claim that has triggered panic, curiosity, and intense online reactions across Ghana and beyond.
Chris Okafor’s Ex-Wife Speaks Out: I left Him Because Of So Many Children Everywhere
Pastor Chris Okafor’s public apology to actress Doris Ogala has sparked a new controversy, with his ex-wife Agnes Bison Okafor breaking her 14-year silence to accuse him of deception, abuse, and moral misconduct. Agnes, who married Chris at 18, claims she left him due to his infidelity and physical abuse, not the other way around.
Agnes insists Chris’ apology is “damage control” triggered by a viral video, saying, “He knows there’s a lot on him. A whole lot. Children everywhere. That apology is not genuine”.
Agnes accuses Chris of repeated infidelity with church members and house helps, including impregnating married women. She also claims physical abuse, with medical reports from Nigerian hospitals.
Agnes discovered a previous marriage certificate hidden under Chris’ bed, which he allegedly denied when confronted. Agnes disputes Chris’ kidnapping account, saying she sold belongings and emptied her bank accounts to secure his release.
Agnes names Anita Chioma, a former deaconess, as someone who moved into their marital home after she left. She demands DNA tests to clarify paternity claims.
After 14 years, Agnes speaks out to defend her name and protect her children, saying, “Silence was never weakness. I waited for my children to grow. Now it’s my time to speak”.
An armed robber forced a four-year-old girl into a washing machine and attempted to switch it on during a home invasion in South Africa.
The incident happened in Hazelmere – KZN during the early hours of Wednesday morning, December 31, 2025.
The child’s mother, a 29-year-old Malawian national, was robbed at both her residence and the tuck shop situated next to her home after four suspects arrived at the premises impersonating Police Officers.
Although dressed in civilian clothing, they allegedly displayed SAPS name tags & badges and accused the woman of drug dealing, despite her operating a grocery tuck shop.
One suspect produced a firearm while another was armed with a knife, as the remaining suspects ransacked both the house and shop.
Approximately R200 in cash, an undisclosed amount of coins, a flash machine, a sack of cabbage, packs of Russian sausages, several cartons of cigarettes, and the victim’s cellphone were stolen.
During the ordeal, one of the suspects placed the four-year-old child inside a washing machine and attempted to switch it on, but failed.
The child and her siblings aged nine (9) and three (3) were not physically harmed. The victim was unable to contact authorities immediately as her cellphone was stolen.
Community members later assisted her and Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) was contacted on Wednesday.
The victim also informed Reaction Officers that she was robbed previously on 26 December 2025.
Several people have been killed in Iran after cost-of-living protests turned deadly, marking the most serious unrest the country has seen in three years.
Protests that began on Sunday among shopkeepers and traders in Tehran over the sharp fall in the value of the national currency have spread to other groups and regions, reaching a violent climax overnight into Thursday.
Iranian media and a Kurdish rights group reported that clashes erupted in the western city of Lordegan between security forces and protesters. A source cited by the semi-official Fars news agency claimed multiple people were killed during confrontations with what it described as armed protesters.
The rights group Hengaw said security forces opened fire on demonstrators in Lordegan, killing and wounding several people. Authorities also confirmed one death in the western city of Kuhdasht, while Hengaw reported another fatal shooting in the central province of Isfahan.
The violence represents a significant escalation in protests driven by soaring inflation, a weakening currency and worsening economic conditions. Earlier in the week, authorities had unusually suggested the possibility of opening a “dialogue mechanism” with protesters.
What started as demonstrations by shopkeepers has expanded to include university students in Tehran, with reports of protesters attempting to break into a government building on Wednesday.
REGIME IN CHAOS: New video shows protesters reportedly ripping down the gate of a government building in southern Iran.
Iran ground to a near standstill this week as businesses, universities and government offices closed under a government-ordered shutdown amid protests caused… pic.twitter.com/TfBie5Bwtv
Some demonstrators were arrested in the western provinces of Kermanshah, Khuzestan and Hamedan, according to Hengaw. Meanwhile, the Revolutionary Guards said a member of its Basij volunteer paramilitary unit was killed in Kuhdasht, with 13 others wounded.
This week’s protests are the first major demonstrations since the country was hit by airstrikes in the summer, an event that briefly stirred national solidarity. However, frustrations have resurfaced amid continued Western sanctions, inflation estimated at around 40%, and the economic fallout from Israeli and US attacks on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and military leadership.
Despite their history of heavy-handed responses to unrest, Iranian authorities appeared to strike a more conciliatory tone this week. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said officials were willing to engage directly with representatives of trade unions and vendors, though no clear details have been provided.
At the same time, reports from activist groups indicate a heavy security presence across multiple cities, with arrests, shootings and clashes recorded in several areas. State media said some detained students were later released.
The situation remains tense as authorities face growing pressure and limited options to ease the country’s deepening economic crisis.
The bodies of Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, the two friends of International boxer, Anthony Joshua, who d!ed in the car crash that occurred on December 29, have been flown abroad.
Joshua and the deceased were communting along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway when the accident occurred in Makun, Ogun State. The Lexus SUV they were riding in collided with a stationary truck along the road, killing both Latif and Sina instantly and leaving Joshua with some injuries..
The victims flew into Nigeria to spend the Christmas holiday with Joshua before the tragic incident cut their visit short.
While Joshua was discharged from hospital on Wednesday evening December 31, bodies of the two deceased men have now been released for burial.
The Ogun state police command has confirmed the arrest of the driver of a Lexus Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) in connection with the Anthony Joshua accident.
The confirmation was made by the spokesperson of the command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, on his X page on Thursday, January 1. Babaseyi mentioned that investigations into the incident were still ongoing.
“The driver of the Lexus SUV is currently in custody in connection with the Anthony Joshua accident case. Investigations are ongoing.”Babaseyi tweeted
https://youtu.be/KUQQb0Dwz1A?si=OoTKe_VxFUQHA0XC
Joshua and the two of his friends were communting along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway when the accident occurred in Makun, Ogun State. The Lexus SUV they were riding in collided with a stationary truck along the road, k!lling his friends Latif and Sina instantly and leaving Joshua with some injuries.
The victims flew into Nigeria to spend the Christmas holiday with Joshua before the tragic incident cut their visit short.
Israel has announced it will ban 37 international nongovernmental organisations from operating in Gaza after they failed to meet newly imposed security and transparency requirements, a move the United Nations and humanitarian groups warn will worsen the already severe humanitarian crisis in the territory.
In a statement on Thursday, January 1, the Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism said the organisations did not comply with a deadline to disclose full details of their Palestinian staff and other operational information.
“Organisations that have failed to meet required security and transparency standards will have their licenses suspended,” the ministry said, adding that enforcement action would follow.
Under the decision, the affected NGOs are required to cease operations by March 1, 2026. The ministry said the groups were formally notified that their licences would be revoked from January 1, 2026, after a ten month compliance window expired on Wednesday.
Israel said the regulations are intended to prevent organisations it accuses of supporting terrorism from operating in the Palestinian territories.
“The primary failure identified was the refusal to provide complete and verifiable information regarding their employees, a critical requirement designed to prevent the infiltration of terrorist operatives into humanitarian structures,” the ministry said.
Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Amichai Chikli defended the move, saying, “The message is clear: humanitarian assistance is welcome — the exploitation of humanitarian frameworks for terrorism is not.”
Several prominent humanitarian organisations are among those affected, including Doctors Without Borders, World Vision International, and Oxfam.
Israel accused Doctors Without Borders of employing two individuals allegedly linked to Palestinian militant groups Islamic Jihad and Hamas. MSF rejected the claim, saying earlier this week that the demand to hand over staff lists “may be in violation of Israel’s obligations under international humanitarian law” and stressing that it “would never knowingly employ people engaging in military activity.”
The decision has drawn strong backlash from civil society groups and international officials. On Thursday, 18 Israel based left wing NGOs condemned the ban, saying the new framework “violates core humanitarian principles of independence and neutrality.”
“This weaponisation of bureaucracy institutionalises barriers to aid and forces vital organisations to suspend operations,” they said in a joint statement.
United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk described the decision as “outrageous,” warning that it would deepen civilian suffering in Gaza. “Such arbitrary suspensions make an already intolerable situation even worse for the people of Gaza,” he said.
The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Philippe Lazzarini, also warned that the move sets a “dangerous precedent.”
“Failing to push back against attempts to control the work of aid organisations will further undermine the basic humanitarian principles of neutrality, independence, impartiality and humanity underpinning aid work across the world,” he said on X.
Earlier this week, the foreign ministers of 10 countries, including France and the United Kingdom, urged Israel to guarantee access for humanitarian aid in Gaza, describing conditions in the territory as “catastrophic.”
A fragile ceasefire has been in place since October following Israel’s war against Hamas after the October 7, 2023 attack on Israeli territory. Despite the pause in fighting, humanitarian conditions remain dire.
According to UN data, nearly 80 percent of buildings in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged, and about 1.5 million of the enclave’s more than two million residents have been displaced, said Amjad Al-Shawa.
Gabon’s sports minister has announced sweeping sanctions against the national football team following its poor outing at the Africa Cup of Nations, including the suspension of the entire squad, the dismissal of the coaching staff, and the banning of senior players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga.
The decision came after Gabon suffered a dramatic 3–2 defeat to defending champions Ivory Coast national football team on Wednesday, December 31, with Bazoumana Touré scoring a late winner. The loss marked Gabon’s third defeat in three matches, leaving the Panthers bottom of Group F behind Ivory Coast, Cameroon national football team and Mozambique.
Speaking on Gabonese television late Wednesday, sports minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula said, “Given the Panthers’ disgraceful performance at the AFCON, the government has decided to dissolve the technical staff, suspend the national team until further notice, and remove players Bruno Ecuele Manga and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.”
Although the video announcement was briefly removed from official platforms a few hours later, it was republished on Thursday, January 1.
Gabon’s campaign had already come under scrutiny after a 3–2 defeat to 102nd ranked Mozambique earlier in the tournament, a result that confirmed the team’s elimination from the knockout stages. Following that loss, Aubameyang returned to his club Marseille with a thigh injury.
President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema also weighed in on the team’s struggles, describing the situation as damaging to the country’s identity. “This has weakened part of our national identity,” he said in an official statement. He added that the national team’s problems reflected “a lack of method and the dispersion of resources.”
The president pledged what he described as “strong and structural decisions” to restore discipline, responsibility and ambition in the management of national sport.
However, the government’s intervention could draw scrutiny from FIFA, which strictly prohibits political interference in the affairs of its member football associations.
US President, Donald Trump has blamed aspirin for the large bruises frequently seen on his hand and has denied claims that he falls asleep during public meetings.
Speaking in an interview published on Thursday, January 1, Trump defended his health, insisting it is “perfect,” and expressed frustration over continued scrutiny of his physical condition. In the interview, he also corrected an earlier statement about undergoing an MRI scan in October, clarifying that it was instead a CT scan.
Trump, who at 79 is the oldest person to assume the US presidency, has long projected an image of strength and energy through frequent media appearances, constant social media activity and AI-generated memes portraying him as a superhero. However, the first year of his second term has prompted renewed attention on his health.
Persistent bruising has been visible on Trump’s right hand, often concealed with heavy makeup or bandages, while his ankles have at times appeared swollen. He has also faced criticism over moments when he appeared to struggle to keep his eyes open during public engagements, including a televised Oval Office meeting with health representatives in November. This has drawn particular attention given Trump’s repeated portrayal of his predecessor, Joe Biden, as “sleepy.”
Biden left office at 82, making him the oldest president in US history, a record Trump is expected to surpass during his current term.
Trump, who rarely exercises outside of playing golf and has openly acknowledged his fondness for fast food, explained that the bruising on his hand is caused by daily aspirin use to thin his blood.
“I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart,” he said, adding that he uses makeup or bandages whenever his hand is “whacked.”
He also attributed one of the cuts on his hand to an incident in which his attorney general, Pam Bondi, struck the back of his hand with her ring while giving him a high-five.
Trump acknowledged that there had been confusion over his medical scans. While he previously told reporters he had undergone an MRI in October and did not know what was analysed, he later told the newspaper that it was actually a CT scan.
His doctor confirmed that the CT scan was carried out to rule out any cardiovascular issues.
Rejecting claims that he falls asleep in public, Trump said he has never been a heavy sleeper and that such moments are often misinterpreted.
“I’ll just close. It’s very relaxing to me,” he said, adding that photos suggesting he is dozing off are often just images of him blinking at the wrong moment.
The CIA has assessed that Ukraine was not targeting a residence used by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a recent drone attack in northern Russia, according to US officials, contradicting a claim Putin made to US President Donald Trump during a phone call on Monday.
Sources said CIA Director John Ratcliffe briefed Trump on the assessment on Wednesday. The briefing undercut Russia’s public allegation that Ukraine attempted to strike Putin’s residence, a claim the Russian leader personally relayed to Trump.
Following the call, Trump told reporters he was troubled by the allegation, saying, “I don’t like it. It’s not good,” and describing himself as “very angry” after hearing Putin’s account. While acknowledging it was “possible” the claim was false, Trump initially said he was inclined to believe Putin.
However, officials said Ratcliffe later informed Trump that US intelligence agencies did not believe the claim was true. On Wednesday, Trump appeared to adopt a more skeptical tone, sharing on Truth Social a New York Post editorial titled, “Putin ‘attack’ bluster shows Russia is the one standing in the way of peace.”
The editorial argued that Russia had provided no evidence to support its claim and noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had strongly denied any such attack. It described the allegation as likely fabricated and criticised Moscow’s insistence that the public should accept its version of events without proof.
The disputed claim comes amid intense diplomatic efforts led by Trump and his envoys to end the war in Ukraine. Putin raised the allegation shortly after Trump met Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago, a meeting that reportedly left Trump optimistic about prospects for peace talks.
Some European officials believe the claim was intended to derail ongoing peace efforts without directly provoking criticism from Trump. Others have also expressed skepticism. The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, described the allegation as a “deliberate distraction.”
Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed that 91 drones were launched from northern Ukraine toward Putin’s residence near Valdai in the Novgorod region. According to the ministry, more than half were intercepted hundreds of kilometers away, while the rest were brought down over Novgorod between 3 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. local time on Monday.
The ministry did not explain how it determined the drones were headed for Valdai but released a map it said showed their flight paths and interception points.
Zohran Mamdani has officially assumed office as the mayor of New York City, marking a historic moment in the city’s political history.
According to The Sunday Guardian, Mamdani was sworn in just after midnight on January 1, 2026, during a symbolic ceremony held at the old City Hall subway station. He became the first Muslim, the first mayor of South Asian heritage, and one of the youngest mayors to lead America’s largest city.
In a first for New York City, Mamdani took his oath of office with his hand placed on the holy Quran, underscoring the city’s multicultural identity and growing diversity in political leadership.
The swearing-in ceremony has been widely described as a significant milestone in American urban politics, reflecting a shift toward broader representation in one of the world’s most influential cities.
Mamdani’s inauguration officially signals the beginning of a new administration as he takes charge of New York City at a time of major social, economic, and political transitions.
Ebo Noah has finally arrested by Ghanaian police for misleading people
Self‑styled prophet Evans Eshun popularly known as Ebo Noah has been arrested after his end‑of‑the‑world prediction sparked public panic.
Eshun claimed the world would end on Christmas Day 2025 in a massive flood, building eight “arks” and insisting only those inside would survive.
Police say he was detained by the Inspector General’s Special Cyber Vetting Team as part of efforts to curb cyber‑related activities ahead of New Year’s Eve religious services.
His prophecy drew global attention and fuelled fear and intense reactions online.
Don’t come with cadres on Monday, DEC boss warns Alick Banda
THE Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has warned Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda against carrying his legion of followers with him as the cleric appears at its offices on Monday morning.
Yesterday, the commission gave the Archbishop a surprise festive ‘gift,’ ordering him to appear at its headquarters.
Addressing journalists in Lusaka this afternoon, DEC director general Nason Banda confirmed that his namesake had been indeed summoned by the commission.
Banda stated that the summon is in connection with a Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Hilux that was gifted to the Archbishop years ago.
The commission’s boss stated that the summon was nothing political and the law enforcement officers were only interested in hearing the archbishop’s side of the story.
He bemoaned the circulation of call outs on social, explaining that a summon was a private document that needed to be shown to a suspect’s lawyers only.
“When there is a case, there are procedures that we follow. These procedures have nothing to do with the status of the target. The rule of law says nobody is above the law. This particular case has been running for some time. We ceased motor vehicles and some people have been convicted because government property was taken away from government and appropriated to individuals.”
“Nothing political, we just want him to give us his side of the story. We are not politicians, we are law enforcement officers, we operate at our own time, in our own space because we have laws that govern our activities. It’s that simple. There is no politics involved,” explained Banda.
He further dismissed social media allegations that government was fighting the Catholic Church, emphasising that nobody was above the law.
“I’m a very devoted Catholic myself, and I was even chairman for my parish and my wife was also a chairperson. I’m from the Lusaka archdiocese myself, his Grace Alick Banda is my Archbishop. No we are not fighting the Catholic Church,” he said.
He expressed shock that when some individuals are given summons, they flood them all over social media, stating that call outs are private documents which should not be shared with the public.
“Posting your summon on social media won’t stop us from asking you questions. No one is above the law.
“As his grace comes on Monday, let him come nicely quietly alone. Don’t bring people that are irrelevant to the case. It was not me who mentioned his name. He was mentioned in court not me. We want him to help us with investigations because he has been mentioned, he’s a Zambian like us, he needs to explain,” said Banda.https://kalemba.news/politics/dont-come-with-cadres-on-monday-dec-boss-warns-alick-banda/
THE HILUX VS THE BILLIONS: IS THE DEC CHASING SHADOWS WHILE THE HOUSE BURNS?
The Drug Enforcement Commission’s (DEC) decision to summon Archbishop Alick Banda on the eve of an election cycle has been presented in some quarters as evidence that Zambia’s law enforcement agencies are finally embracing “procedural accountability.” Yet to many ordinary citizens struggling under the weight of a collapsing economy, the move appears less like a principled stand for justice and more like a carefully timed distraction.
At the centre of the investigation is a Toyota Hilux, allegedly gifted to the Archbishop during the previous administration. In isolation, the matter is not trivial. The law must apply equally to all, regardless of clerical collar or political standing. However, context matters. And in the context of Zambia’s current economic hemorrhage, the optics are deeply troubling.
Zambia is not suffering from petty corruption; it is bleeding from grand, systemic leakages. The 2024 Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) Trends Report paints a grim picture: an estimated US$3.5 billion, approximately K81 billion, was lost to illicit financial flows in a single year. These losses stem from tax evasion, illegal mining, trade mis-invoicing, and complex corporate schemes that quietly drain the national treasury.
To place this figure in perspective, US$3.5 billion is nearly 42 per cent of the 2025 national budget. It is money that could have stocked hospitals, stabilised the kwacha, rehabilitated roads, and restored public confidence in governance. Against this backdrop, the State’s intense focus on a single vehicle feels painfully disproportionate.
Where are the summons for the directors of multinational firms flagged in FIC reports? Where are the visible investigations into the networks facilitating illegal mineral exports and capital flight? These questions remain unanswered.
The New Dawn administration swept into office on a promise of transparency and zero tolerance for corruption. Yet the years 2024 and 2025 have been punctuated by scandals that strike at the core of human survival.
The ZAMMSA scandal, involving 61 containers of medical supplies, culminated in the withdrawal of US$50 million in U.S. health aid. While a handful of junior and middle-level officials were arrested, the public has yet to see accountability commensurate with the scale of the failure, one that left clinics without essential medicines.
More troubling still was the collapse of trust in the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). In mid-2024, the ACC board was dissolved following allegations by Commissioner O’Brien Kaaba that the institution had been “captured” to shield senior officials. When the hunters are accused of being compromised by the hunted, public faith in anti-corruption efforts inevitably erodes.
It is within this climate that the summoning of a prominent cleric—who has been an outspoken moral critic of governance failures—has been received with scepticism.
As Zambia edges closer to 2026, the political stakes are unmistakably high. Opposition parties, particularly the Patriotic Front (PF), are financially weakened. Meanwhile, the Catholic Church remains one of the few institutions with both moral authority and nationwide infrastructure capable of shaping public opinion.
By shifting the national conversation from “US$3.5 billion lost under the current watch” to “Archbishop questioned over PF-linked assets,” the State effectively rewrites the headlines. This is not merely a legal manoeuvre; it is a narrative one.
The DEC insists its mandate is prevention, not persecution. But prevention must be proportional to harm. Preventing the irregular disposal of a handful of vehicles from a previous era does little to stem the category-five hurricane currently battering the economy.
The critical question confronting the DEC is simple: why does the spotlight so often find those who speak truth to power, while the architects of grand corruption remain in the shadows?
Accountability is noble. Selective accountability is not. When enforcement appears uneven, it risks becoming a tool of intimidation rather than justice.
The questioning of Archbishop Banda may yield hours of interrogation and days of social-media debate. But it will not restock empty hospital shelves. It will not recover billions siphoned through illicit networks. And it will not convince a sceptical public that the fight against corruption is being waged where it truly matters.
Zambians are not blind. They can distinguish between symbolic gestures and systemic reform. If the 5th of January is to be remembered as a day of justice rather than political theatre, the State must demonstrate the same urgency in summoning the architects of the US$3.5 billion illicit flows as it does in summoning a priest over a used truck.
Anything less is not a war on corruption. It is a struggle for political survival, waged at the expense of public trust.
The Struggle Continues
Sensio Banda Former Member of Parliament Kasenengwa Constituency Eastern Province
🇿🇲 BRIEFING | DEC Justifies Archbishop Summon as Opposition Cries Foul, Public Opinion Split
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has defended its decision to summon Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda, insisting the move is a routine investigative step with no political or religious motive, even as opposition figures accuse the State of intimidation and public reaction remains sharply divided.
DEC Director General Nason Banda confirmed that the Archbishop was summoned in connection with investigations into motor vehicles belonging to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) that were allegedly illegally disposed of and later found in his possession.
He said the call-out was issued under the Anti-Money Laundering Act and was meant to allow the named individual to explain matters appearing in official records.
“This is a professional and private process,” Mr Banda said. “It has nothing to do with politics or the Catholic Church. We summoned a name that appears in our records, not an office. Many cases are resolved once explanations are given.”
Mr Banda added that the vehicles are currently in DEC custody and can be physically verified, stressing that the summons “was not even supposed to be on social media.”
He said the Archbishop is expected to appear quietly on Monday, 5 January 2026, to assist investigations so the matter can be concluded. The summons has, however, triggered strong political reactions.
Socialist Party leader Fred M’membe described the move as “political persecution,” calling on Catholics and “all people of conscience” to accompany Archbishop Banda to the DEC offices in solidarity.
“This is not law enforcement. This is a calculated political attack meant to silence a critic ahead of the 2026 elections,” Dr M’membe said.
Patriotic Front presidential aspirant Brian Mundubile has echoed similar concerns, accusing the government of attempting to intimidate priests who have been critical of the administration.
Online, public sentiment remains divided. Some commentators argue that the Archbishop, like any other citizen, must account for assets linked to ongoing investigations.
Others view the timing and profile of the summons as sensitive, given the Catholic Church’s long-standing role as a vocal moral authority in national affairs.
At this stage, the DEC has emphasised that the summons does not amount to a charge or a finding of guilt, but forms part of ongoing inquiries.
The outcome is likely to shape both legal and political debate in the early weeks of an election year.
After careful reflection, I wish to confirm that I have rescinded my earlier decision: A response to John Sangwa
1 January 2026
Dear John,
I am deeply grateful to you for your open letter of 18 December 2025 and for the generosity of spirit with which you addressed my decision to step away from providing public political commentary on matters of governance in Zambia. I am profoundly humbled that a citizen of your standing would publicly implore me to reconsider my decision. Your appeal, together with the pleas of many other Zambians who have reached out to me both publicly and privately, has weighed heavily on my conscience.
I read your letter with great care and emotion. I was particularly struck by your observation that my voice has been “a clarion call, reminding us that democracy is a sacred covenant that must be defended at all costs.” I was equally moved by your reminder that “your insistence on truth does not dissipate into emptiness; it creates a living discourse that others recognise and into which they are inspired to lend their voices.” Such words, coming from you, are both encouraging and sobering.
Like you, I remain deeply disappointed by the passage of Bill 7, whose adverse consequences will no doubt be felt soon and for many years to come. Its impact will be borne not only by ordinary Zambians, but also by those Members of Parliament who betrayed their oath to defend the Constitution and supported the Bill under questionable circumstances, as well as by intellectuals who chose, and continue to choose, silence in the face of grave threats to our constitutional and democratic order. I feel a particularly deep sense of sadness for the intellectuals who once stood with me when the previous government violated basic constitutional norms yet now choose silence as those same errors are repeated with even greater consequences. History will be an unforgiving judge of these choices.
It is also true, as you so candidly acknowledge, that I have paid a heavy personal price for my views. This has included abuse, the loss of friendships, betrayal, and even threats to my life. These are not abstract costs. They are real, personal, and at times deeply unsettling. My decision to step back was born of extreme disappointment, not indifference. Following the passage of Bill 7, I found myself despondent, as many Zambian patriots did, that such a manifestly unconstitutional amendment could be passed by the National Assembly even after the process leading to its development had been declared unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court.
However, I have reflected deeply on that decision and on the many earnest requests urging me to reconsider, including your own powerful entreaty. I have come to the conclusion that withdrawing my voice at this moment would be a dereliction of responsibility. Our country faces profound governance challenges that can only be addressed if we collectively and courageously confront the truth and direct our concerns to those we have entrusted with the management of our public affairs.
As a professional historian, I am privileged to understand some of these challenges. With that privilege comes a moral and ethical duty not only to share that understanding with fellow citizens, but also to speak truth to power when the occasion demands. I do not, for a moment, regret the time and effort I have devoted over the years to contributing to public discourse in an attempt to make Zambia a better place. I firmly believe that we all win when we create a Zambia that works for the many, not the few.
It is my sincere hope that the government will, at some point, choose to engage meaningfully with what I and many others have to offer in discussions aimed at building a more inclusive and fair society and a just, democratic, and constitutional order for all who live in or belong to our country. After all, this is what the government promised and what the President committed to do when he took his oath of office in August 2021. Silencing or ignoring dissenting voices has never strengthened a nation; engaging them honestly often does.
After careful reflection, I wish to confirm that I have rescinded my earlier decision. I will continue to offer public comment on issues of national significance, mindful of the risks, but strengthened by the knowledge that I am not alone. As you so rightly noted, “you are not a solitary voice crying out each day; many others are joining you in the struggle for a free, just, and democratic Zambia.” Discharging this civic duty sometimes puts some of us in harm’s way. However, we cannot run away from this responsibility, no matter how dangerous this undertaking may be. If anything, carrying out this role is more important than usual as we approach elections this year. It is likely that this year will be more difficult than the one before. It may even break or save Zambia.
Thank you once again for your courage, your solidarity, and your faith in the power of principled engagement. I am sincerely grateful. As you and many other people do, I believe deeply in Zambia and in all the communities that fashion its fabric. Zambia is the centre of my being; its well-being or integrity outweighs the interests of any individual or institution within it. And if all I can do is to speak, it is for Zambia that I will speak, whatever the personal cost.
As civic-minded citizens who care deeply about our country, we have a duty to refuse to assume the sterile attitude of a spectator when it comes to matters of governance. We should not be afraid. In fact, fear and ignorance are the tools that both trainee and established dictators rely upon to survive. If we succumb to fear and allow ignorance to be the guiding darkness in our lives, then we are doomed, for a very long time. Can we cast away our fear and equip ourselves with the weapon of knowledge necessary to win our freedom? We must.
Biblically, the welfare of gospel ministers is a responsibility of church members.
God set aside the tribe of the Levites to serve as Priests.
To ensure their welfare, He decreed that part of the offerings that came into the sanctuary would be for their upkeep (Numbers 18: 21-24).
Fastforward to our time, full time gospel ministers are paid a salary that comes from the offerings church members bring.
But in addition to this, church members are encouraged to appreciate their gospel ministers by giving them gifts in whatever form they see fit.
This is in keeping with Biblical teachings that expect believers to look after the welfare of their ministers.
But the Zambian law doesn’t recognize this Biblical practice and yet it’s a Christian nation!
The declaration of Zambia was done without bringing its laws in line with some Biblical practices.
We have a day of national prayer because prayer is a Biblical practice.
We have even declared December 29 as a holiday in memory of the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation.
And yet some aspects of the Bible, like the obligation to take care of our gospel ministers, we shall not obey!
This is why some of us remained opposed to this declaration because it is not only contradictory, it’s hypocritical.
Gospel ministers, like the churches they serve, are not biblically obliged to ask their congregants the source of the gifts and offerings they are bringing into the house of God.
I expect the criminal justice system of a country that was declared a Christian nation to align with Biblical principals such as the welfare of gospel ministers.
This will mean having a law that specifically states that a church or its gospel minister shall not be a subject of criminal investigations in respect of property gifted to them in the course of their duties.
This is not too much to ask because church offerings are already tax exempt.
As long as the Zambian government doesn’t do this, law enforcement agencies will summon and subsequently prosecute gospel ministers who happen to be found in possession of stolen property.
It’s even possible that some churches shall one day forfeit their buildings to the state should it be established that they were built out of proceeds of crime!
..instead of pursuing those that gifted, he is pursuing those that received…
Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba wrote;
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has summoned Lusaka Archbishop, Dr. Alick Banda over a donated Toyota Hilux
The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has a long-standing policy of donating forfeited, seized vehicles and assorted goods to public institutions and charitable organizations.
These donations have been given to the DMMU, FIC, National Parole Board, UTH and Churches including the SDA, and the Catholic Church.
Recently President Hakainde Hichilema has recently been on a donating spree to the Church with notable and large finacial gifts given to;
1. Libala SDA Church (Lusaka)-K1.8 million. 2. Southern Zambia Union Conference (SZUC) Dorcas Rally (Rusangu)-K1.9 million, 10 cows/heifers, feeding, and 200 bags of mealie. 3. Choma Central SDA Church- K200,000.
Many have questioned the intention and source of funding for these large donations.
“They Are Way Off” – Burna Boy Laughs Off $22 Million Net Worth Estimate
Grammy-winning superstar Burna Boy has brushed off online estimates regarding his wealth, specifically Google search results claiming his net worth sits at $22 million.
The Interview
During a recent interview, the “African Giant” couldn’t help but laugh when presented with the figure. He clarified that the estimate is inaccurate, implying that his actual financial standing is significantly higher. However, he noted that he is quite comfortable with the public underestimating his wealth.
He stated:
”I prefer them saying that, that’s cool. I like that one. They are way off. Its truly a blessing to be in a situation to take change my family’s life and take care of expenses for other people“
Evidence of Wealth
The singer’s dismissal of the $22 million figure aligns with his recent spending habits in 2025. Reports highlight that he has made massive luxury acquisitions this year, including becoming the first African to own the 2025 Lamborghini Revuelto, valued at over ₦1.5 billion ($600,000). His total car collection is reportedly valued at nearly ₦19 billion ($13 million), featuring rare models like a McLaren Senna Carbon Fibre Edition and a Ferrari Purosangue.
Recent Concert Drama
The interview comes amidst a separate controversy where the singer faced backlash for ejecting a fan from his “No Sign of Weakness” tour at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Burna Boy had stopped his performance to call out a fan in the front row who was sleeping, stating that seeing such a sight “pisses him off.”
“America is the Most Dangerous” – Rapper DDG Slams Western Propaganda on Nigeria
American hip-hop artist Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr., known professionally as DDG, has dismissed Western media depictions of Nigeria as “fake” and misleading.
Safety Comparison
Currently enjoying a holiday in Lagos, the rapper argued that contrary to the scary narratives often pushed by Western outlets, Nigeria is significantly safer than his home country. He specifically highlighted the difference in gun culture and organized crime, urging foreigners to visit and judge for themselves.
He stated:
“I honestly think America is the most dangerous country. I don’t think Nigeria is as dangerous as America – nowhere near.
“No doubt, there is insecurity in Nigeria. But gun violence and gangsterism is not common in Nigeria as in America. So, if anybody is thinking about coming to Nigeria, pull up.”
Debunking Food Myths
DDG also addressed the health warnings he received prior to his trip. He revealed that he was cautioned that Nigerian food was unhealthy and was advised to boil water before drinking. However, he debunked these claims, noting that he found the local cuisine particularly Jollof rice to be very healthy.
“Heavy-Hearted” – Anthony Joshua Discharged from Hospital Following Fatal Crash
Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has been officially discharged from the hospital and declared clinically fit to continue his recovery at home.
A Somber Recovery
A joint statement released by Gbenga Omotoso, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, and Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor, confirmed his discharge on Wednesday. However, the joy of his survival is overshadowed by grief, with the statement noting that the boxing star is currently “heavy-hearted and full of emotions” over the tragic loss of his two close friends.
Identities of the Deceased
The statement identified the victims of the crash as Lateef Ayodele and Cina Gami. Before retiring to recuperate, Joshua and his mother visited a funeral home in Lagos to pay their final respects as the bodies were being prepared for repatriation.
The statement read:
“The governments of Lagos and Ogun states, once again, commiserate with the families of the two young men – Lateef Ayodele and Cina Gami – who tragically and unfortunately lost their lives in the road accident involving Anthony Joshua on the 29th Dec 2025.
“We pray that the Almighty grant the repose of their souls whilst granting their families and loved ones the fortitude to bear this very sad and painful loss.
“Anthony and his mother were at the funeral home in Lagos this afternoon to pay their final respects to his two departed friends as they were being prepared for repatriation scheduled for later this evening.
“Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu deeply appreciate the public concern and show of love and affection over this very sad and unfortunate incident.”
The officials also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support and commended the medical team at Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, for their care.
FRSC Blames Speed and Wrongful Overtaking
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has shed more light on the cause of the accident, which occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Speaking on Channels Television, the FRSC Ogun State Public Relations Officer, Afolabi Oyewole, attributed the crash to human error, specifically excessive speed and a dangerous overtaking maneuver.
Oyewole explained:
“We do speak about overspeeding and wrongful overtaking. Human factors will come into play every time there is a crash.
“What happened was that the driver who was involved in that ghastly accident involving Anthony Joshua was on a very high speed. He wrongfully overtook and hit a stationed vehicle that was parked at the extreme shoulder of the road.”
He further noted that the nature of the impact made it nearly impossible for the passengers on the right side to survive.
“There was no way he could have saved every other person in that vehicle, but fortunately enough, the side that had impact on the vehicle was the right-hand side that he wrongfully overtook and hit the truck,”
Rescue Details
It was also confirmed that following the crash, Joshua and the driver were immediately rescued from the scene by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) attached to his security detail and rushed to the hospital.
MAINA SOKO MEDICAL CENTER CONDUCTING 8 BRAIN SURGERIES MONTHLY
By Chamuka Shalubala/Raphael Mulenga
Maina Soko Medical Center says it is now conducting about eight brain surgeries every month, showcasing its increased capacity in specialist care.
Hospital Commandant Brigadier General Dr. Levy Muchemwa gave the update when Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele, visited the hospital to give hampers to new year-born babies and other patients at the health facility.
Dr. Muchemwa disclosed that in 2025, the hospital carried out over 700 surgical procedures and currently has 64 patients, with numbers almost evenly shared between service members and civilians.
He highlighted that despite manpower challenges, the hospital continues to operate normally, with an establishment review underway to strengthen staffing and improve service delivery in 2026.
And Lieutenant General Zyeele has assured that the military-run medical health center will continue to offer quality health medical care and services.
Meanwhile, Kitwe District has recorded a total of 11 new year babies, comprising six girls and five boys.
Speaking when she presented baby hampers to six health facilities across the district this morning, Kitwe Mayor Mpasa Mwaya represented by her Deputy, Alex Mwango has expressed satisfaction with the number of babies born, and wished them good health and a bright future.
BOMBSHELL WAR VET VOWS: “MNANGAGWA MUST GO, 2030 PLOT WILL DIE!”
War veterans’ leader and Vice President Chiwenga ally Blessed “Cde Bombshell” Geza has launched a blistering end-of-year broadside, declaring that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s days are numbered and that the much-talked-about 2030 Project is “dead before birth”.
In a fiery message to Zimbabweans at home and abroad, Geza said 2025 had been a year of suffering, truth-telling and political awakening, as corruption deepened and ordinary citizens were pushed to the brink. He accused Mnangagwa and what he called Zvigananda elite looters masquerading as leaders of hijacking the liberation movement to protect stolen wealth and evade accountability.
Geza insisted his stance is driven by duty, not ambition, warning that constitutional manipulation and third-term ambitions threaten the nation’s soul. He revealed he was forced into hiding for speaking out, as war veterans and citizens were arrested for demanding their rights.
But defiant to the end, Cde Bombshell vowed that 2026 would be a turning point, declaring: “Power that fears the end has already failed. Zimbabwe will rise again.”
ZELENSKY: PEACE DEAL TO END THE WAR IS “90% READY”
In his New Year’s address, Zelensky dropped a bombshell: a potential peace agreement to end Russia’s full-scale war on Ukraine is “90 percent ready.”
He confirmed he would only sign a “strong agreement” that preserves his country’s sovereignty, but let’s be honest, that missing 10% probably includes the stuff no one wants to budge on: occupied territory, security guarantees, Crimea, and how to deal with war crimes.
Zelensky framed it as progress, but also admitted it’s the hardest part left.
After nearly two years of brutal war, global economic shocks, and staggering human loss, even 90% of a deal is a glimpse at something that’s felt impossible: an endgame.
A next meeting between Zelenskyy and international leaders is scheduled for January 6 in France.
Zelensky:
“Have our arguments been heard? We very much hope so.
Have they agreed with us? Not fully. Not yet.
That is precisely why, for now, we speak of 90 percent, not the full 100 percent, readiness of a peace agreement
What does Ukraine want? Peace? Yes.
At any cost? No. We want the end of the war, not the end of Ukraine.”
Hichilema will win elections with over 80 percent votes – Sturdy Mwale
FORMER Copperbelt PF provincial chairman Sturdy Mwale says he does not regret leaving the PF because it is full of confusion.
Mwale has since stated that President Hakainde Hichilema will win this year’s general election with more than 80 percent of the votes.
“Looking at them now, the opposition will lose the general election. The ruling government will carry the day. There is total coordination in the UPND. There is no opposition and President Hichilema will get 85 percent of votes,” Mwale told ZNBC.
He said he will soon announce his next political zzzmove after wide consultations from family, friends and supporters countrywide.
Mwale who was also Defence permanent secretary in the previous administration stated that he does not regret leaving the PF as it is full of juniors trying to give orders to senior members of the party.
“I recently left PF and of course, I don’t regret leaving the PF. In the next few days, I will make my political stance known. There is too much confusion in the opposition. It made me leave the opposition, the infighting in PF is too much, the administration is bad and real, and there is lack of direction.”
“We even have SGs who are very junior, who don’t even know political lineage and making decisions for us senior members, who have been in the party for over 24 years,” explained Mwale. .
After January 12, PF will go to convention under whatever umbrella – Lubinda
PF FACTION president Given Lubinda says the former ruling party will proceed to hold its convention immediately after January 12, 2026, once two legal matters standing in the way are dealt with.
Speaking during a press briefing yesterday, Lubinda said the Patriotic Front is currently tied down by two court matters but made it clear that these will not stop the party from going to the convention.
He explained that the two legal issues are scheduled to be attended to on January 9 and January 12, 2026, after which the PF will have no excuse to delay the long-awaited convention.
“After the matters are attended to on 9th and 12th of January 2026, the party will have to go to the convention under whatever umbrella it shall choose,” he stated.
Lubinda warned party members and the public not to doubt the PF’s resolve, insisting that the convention will take place very soon after January 12.
“Make no mistake, very, very soon after 12th January 2026, members of the movement that was created by Michael Chinufya Sata and left to us by Edgar Chagwa Lungu shall hold the convention to elect its third president and its central committee,” Lubinda said.
He stressed that the convention is not optional but a constitutional requirement that must be fulfilled to give the party legitimate leadership going into the 2026 General Election.
Lubinda said the PF belongs to its members and not to court processes or individuals trying to delay internal democracy for their own benefit.
The PF has been rocked by internal divisions and leadership disputes since losing power in 2021, with multiple factions claiming legitimacy.
PF’s legally recognised president Robert Chabinga obtained a court injunction restraining the Lubinda-led faction from holding a convention, arguing that only the legally recognised office bearers have the authority to convene such a meeting.
The matter has since been dragged through the courts, with hearings scheduled for January 9 and January 12, dates which Lubinda said will clear the way for the convention.
Archbishop Alick Banda was summoned yesterday to appear before the Anti-money Laundering Investigations Unit at the former Ministry of Justice building on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 10:00 hours without fail.
This attempt by Mr Hakainde Hichilema to discredit, criminalise, and humiliate him is not new. It has been a political survival strategy of his from the very beginning of his government. It is intensified now to ensure that Archbishop Banda is removed long before this year’s August 13 general elections.
The attacks on Archbishop Banda using the Drug Enforcement Commission, which is today under his direct supervision and command, show the crassness of Mr Hichilema’s politics.
But it shouldn’t be forgotten that the Catholic Church has been under continual attack ever since the time of Jesus. Does anyone believe that it will suddenly end?
As Mr Hichilema increasingly becomes politically insecure, we can expect that he will increase his attacks on the leadership of the Catholic Church, especially on Archbishop Banda.
The Catholic Church has stood athwart the world, as it has since the time of Jesus. Catholicism is not about worldly power (even though it has involved itself in worldly matters), but its primary mission is personal salvation. Catholic history is filled with martyrs who stood for the church who died at the hands of governments and men like Mr Hichilema.
Catholics should fully expect that under Mr Hichilema’s persecution will increase. To believe otherwise is to ignore his attitude towards the Catholic leadership, especially Archbishop Banda, over the last 4 years of his government.
Again, in difficult times like these, it is important to turn to the homily of Pope Francis on this score: “Bishops must remember, particularly when under attack, that their role is to pray, be humble in knowing God chose them, and remain close to the people. In fact, a bishop does not seek refuge from the powerful, the elite, no.
It will be the elite who criticize the bishop, while the people show love toward their bishop and confirm him in his vocation. In these times, it seems like the devil, the great accuser, has been let loose, and he’s got it in for the bishops. The great accuser seeks to reveal sins, which people can see, in order to scandalize the people of God.
The great accuser roams the world seeking how to blame. The strength of the bishop against the great accuser is prayer — his own and Jesus’, the humility to feel chosen and staying close to the people of God without heading toward an aristocratic life.”
Let’s all pray for our Archbishop and accompany him to DEC on Monday.
Fred M’membe President of the Socialist Party and 2026 presidential candidate of the People’s Pact
MAKEBI ZULU CONDEMNS SUMMONING OF ARCHBISHOP BANDA
Renowned Constitutional Lawyer and Patriotic Front PF Presidential Aspirant Makebi Zulu has strongly condemned the decision by the UPND government to summon Archbishop Alick Banda under the guise of anti–money laundering investigations.
Zulu described the action as not only unwarranted but deeply alarming, stating it reflects a deliberate attempt to intimidate a respected religious leader who has consistently spoken truth to power.
“The Catholic Church has long stood as a moral compass for our nation, guiding society through principles of integrity, justice, and compassion,” he stated.
Zulu emphasised that Archbishop Banda has been a courageous and consistent voice for accountability.
“Fearlessly highlighting corruption, injustice, and poor governance,” he added.
He stressed that targeting him now is an attack on the very moral ideals and democratic values he embodies.
He observed that the incident is yet another example of selective justice.
Zulu pointed out that while ministers and ruling party officials facing allegations are shielded and their identities concealed, the government has chosen to publicly malign a man of faith.
“Such hypocrisy is not only shameful but also exposes the erosion of the democratic principles the UPND once pledged to defend. We remind those in power that authority is never permanent. Manipulating state institutions to settle political scores is a reckless and divisive path. One that breeds instability and fuels public distrust,” he remarked.
Zulu noted that the Zambian people are vigilant as they witness the growing double standards and the culture of fear that is taking root. .
“As we move toward the 2026 elections, this act will remain etched in public memory as a symbol of how far this government has drifted from its promises,” he stated.
He, therefore, urged opposition parties, civil society, and all well-meaning citizens to unite in safeguarding our democracy and defending our fundamental freedoms.
“To the UPND leadership, you were elected to serve, not to persecute, to govern with humility, not to suppress dissent. The people are watching. God is watching and history will judge,” he said.
Award winning Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono denounces summoning of Archbishop Banda
He writes:
The Drug Enforcement Commission of Zambia has summoned Archbishop Alick Banda of the Archdiocese of Lusaka to appear before its Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit.
The letter, dated 31 December 2025 and issued by the Republic of Zambia’s Drug Enforcement Commission, instructs Alick Banda to report to DEC offices in Lusaka on 5 January 2026 at 10:00 hours.
The summons is issued under Section 26(c) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act No. 14 of 2001 and is signed by the Head of the AMLIU on behalf of the Director General.
The Catholic Church in Zambia has historically been a powerful moral and political voice, often speaking critically about governance, corruption, and economic hardship. Archbishop Banda himself has been an outspoken cleric on national issues, which makes the summons particularly sensitive in a country where church and state relations carry significant political weight.
At this stage, the notice is a requirement to appear for questioning and does not amount to a charge or a finding of guilt.
However, its issuance signals that investigators believe there are matters requiring formal explanation under Zambia’s anti-money laundering framework.
The situation is likely to attract close public attention, given the Church’s influence and the broader climate of enforcement actions under the current anti-corruption drive.
GIVEN LUBINDA SAYS PF NOT INTIMIDATED BY GOVT’S MINGALATO’ THREAT
Patriotic Front acting president Given Lubinda has dismissed the ruling party’s perceived threats of ‘Mingalato’ against the opposition, saying the party is not scared of any form of political intimidation ahead of this year’s general elections.
In an interview with Phoenix News, Mr. Lubinda has urged government to focus on addressing the everyday needs of Zambians, such as food security and prompt payment of farmers for produce supplied to the state, rather than undermining the opposition.
He says citizens are the real opposition, and has advised government to prioritize their needs.
Mr. Lubinda has criticized government’s continued tactics aimed at undermining the opposition, saying such focus wastes public resources and energy that should be directed towards improving livelihoods.
He has assured that the PF will be more united, amidst reports of a new wave of ‘Mingalato’ being planned against the opposition should they unite.
FOREIGN RESERVES BUILT ON THE BACKS OF STARVING FARMERS ARE NOT AN ACHIEVEMENT
It is both tragic and morally indefensible that Mr Hakainde Hichilema’s government can publicly boast about holding a mere USD 5 billion in foreign reserves while thousands of Zambian farmers remain unpaid for maize they supplied to the state. This is not economic prudence. It is cruelty disguised as fiscal discipline.
A government that takes maize from farmers, sells part of it, benefits from the proceeds, and then withholds payment is not managing an economy. It is exploiting its own citizens. Who does that to the very people who feed the nation? What moral justification exists for celebrating reserves while farmers cannot pay for their farming inputs, service loans, or even prepare adequately for the next farming season?
Let us be clear. The money sitting in those so-called reserves does not belong to Mr Hichilema or the UPND government. It belongs to Zambian farmers. It is the sweat of rural households, the dignity of men and women who trusted the state in good faith. Any reserve built on unpaid obligations is not a reserve. It is stolen time, stolen labour, and stolen hope.
The consequences of this insensitivity will not be abstract. They will be real and devastating. Farmers who are not paid today will not plant tomorrow. Reduced planting this season means food shortages next year and the year after. It means higher mealie meal prices. It means hunger. It means instability. No amount of praise from Western embassies or international financial institutions will fill empty granaries.
Mr Hichilema appears more eager to impress the West than to protect the livelihoods of his own people. This obsession with external approval has produced a dangerous policy mindset where pleasing creditors and donors take precedence over paying farmers and safeguarding food security. The Zambia government does not exist to validate foreign economic theories. It exists to serve Zambians.
A government that claims to be pro-poor cannot build its macroeconomic narrative on the suffering of small-scale farmers. You cannot preach discipline to a farmer who has delivered maize, waited months without payment, and watched interest on loans accumulate. You cannot lecture a rural household about patience when children are sleeping hungry.
Mr Hichilema must urgently realign his priorities. Paying farmers is not charity. It is a contractual and moral obligation. It is also a strategic necessity for national food security. If the UPND government truly believes in economic justice, then it must immediately retrieve and redirect those funds to clear arrears owed to farmers.
Zambia will not be developed by press statements about reserves. It will be developed by honouring commitments, protecting producers, and placing the poor at the centre of economic policy. Anything less is betrayal.
History will not remember how loudly the UPND government boasted about reserves. It will remember whether farmers were paid, whether fields were planted, and whether children had food on the table. On that score, the current trajectory is alarming and unacceptable.
Fred M’membe Socialist Party president and People’s Pact presidential candidate
EMMANUEL MWAMBA SUGGESTS THAT THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE BATOKA GORGE POWER PLANT IS IN DISCRIMINATION OF DEVELOPING NORTHERN REGIONS OF ZAMBIA IN POWER PRODUCTION AND SUGGESTS CANCELLING PROJECT
By Shalala Oliver Sepiso
This morning Emmanuel Mwamba wrote a social media posting in which he suggested to “shelve the Batoka Hydro-Power Project” and “take the Project where there is assured water” suggesting the Northern Region of Zambia.
He further said construction of Batoka Gorge was an act of ‘insanity’. “… it is said that Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
Emmanuel Mwamba’s criticism comes in the wake of revelations that the $5 billion Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme (BGHES) is back on track following a major funding commitment and a shift in the project’s development model.
On December 30, 2025, the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) announced that Zambia and Zimbabwe had each committed $220 million ($440 million total) to the project. This allocation is officially integrated into the 2026 budget cycles of both nations to specifically fund the construction of the dam. Following the cancellation of previous contracts, a new bidding process is underway. Bids are expected by April 2025, with final selection of a new project developer targeted for late 2025 or early 2026. A resource mobilization committee has also been established to secure further funding for the 2,400 MW facility. In late 2023, UNESCO granted permission for the project to proceed despite environmental concerns regarding its proximity to Victoria Falls, a World Heritage site. To mitigate the impact on the gorge, the project will follow a “run-of-river” operating regime to minimize ecosystem disturbance.
In the new dispensation, the project has shifted to a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, exploring equity partnerships to enhance bankability rather than relying solely on traditional debt. Zambia cancelled the original 2019 contract with General Electric and PowerChina in 2024, citing a lack of transparency and irregular procurement. The current “reset” aims for a more transparent and legally sound tendering process.
Despite all these developments, Emmanuel Mwamba suggests that the project be shelved and development be taken to the north. His suggestion of shelving the project is not well thought and goes against logic, research, data and facts.
Firstly, while northern rivers like the Kalungwishi and Chambeshi have high, reliable water volumes, their development for large-scale (multi-gigawatt) hydropower is constrained by the region’s flat topography.
Large-scale hydropower requires a significant vertical drop (elevation head) and deep gorges to create high-pressure water flow. The Chambeshi River flows across a high-altitude plateau with a very gentle gradient (dropping only ~590m over 500km) before entering the flat Bangweulu Swamps. Constructing massive reservoirs in these flat landscapes would require flooding enormous areas of land to achieve even a modest “head,” leading to massive displacement and environmental damage.
Because they lack deep natural gorges, these rivers in the northern regions of Zambia are better suited for run-of-river projects or smaller micro-hydropower stations rather than massive storage dams.
Several planned projects in the northern regions, like on the Kalungwishi River, have been planned to utilize its natural waterfalls (like Kundabwika and Kabwelume) for run-of-river schemes totaling ~247 MW. This is way too little While significant, this is much smaller than the 1,000+ MW capacity of deep-gorge sites like Kariba or Kafue.
More importantly, Northern Zambia is far from the country’s primary industrial and mining centers in the Copperbelt, North-Western and even Lusaka. Building the necessary hundreds of kilometers of high-voltage transmission lines through difficult terrain to connect northern sites to the national grid is a multi-billion dollar hurdle.
So how does Emmanuel Mwamba propose to resolve these issues?
Does it make sense to shelf a 2,400MW plant and start construction of a 247MW plant which has no support infrastructure like transmission lines and all?
What he also misses, is that, since he says the Southern Region faces droughts, these new projects are simply trying to maximise usage of the same water in what is called cascaded generation.
Cascading is not failing. It is simply using the same water twice or three times to generate electricity and that’s efficiency.
For Zambia this will mean same water being used for generation at Vic Falls (108MW), Batoka (1200MW) and then Kariba North Bank (1080MW) i.e. 2388MW before we add the planned Gonye Falls (180MW). Remember the same water will also generate in Mozambique at Caborabasa.
Cascading is already happening on Kafue River. The same water is being used to generate power 3 times at Itezhi Tezhi (120MW), Kafue Gorge (990MW) and Kafue Gorge Lower (750MW) i.e. 1,860MW.
What Emmanuel Mwamba needs to understand, is that most power plants being constructed now (whether solar, coal or hydro), are being done near already existing power transmission infrastructure such as high voltage transmission lines and substations to avoid duplication of costs, overloading the systems and having bottlenecks and even transmission losses. And this was a decision taken by the colonial government, UNIP, MMD and even PF.
Mwamba should remind himself that these decisions made by the colonial government, UNIP, MMD and PF has resulted in almost all the power in Zambia produced in the Southern Region of Zambia and this is where the critical support infrastructure is: 1. Kariba North Bank 1080MW (Siavonga District) 2. Kafue Gorge Lower 750MW (Chikankata District) 3. Victoria Falls 108MW (Livingstone District) 4. Kafue Gorge 990MW (Chikankata District) 5. Maamba 300MW with another 400MW coming. (Sinazongwe District) 6. Itezhi Tezhi 120MW (Itezhi Tezhi District)
Even some of the major proposed major stations are there in the Southern region because if the reason of factors favouring the locations i.e.
1. Ever Great in Sinazongwe District (600MW) 2. Mulungwa African Coal Power Plant in Sinazongwe District (300MW) 3. Cooma Solar in Choma District (120MW) 4. Batoka in Kazungula District (2400MW)
To try and now make it sound like the UPND is doing it at the expense of the northern regions is not only mischievous but malicious and not nice to see.
🇿🇲 READER OPINION | PF’s Factional Cold War Becoming Civil War
What the Patriotic Front is experiencing today is not a sudden implosion. It is the violent surfacing of a conflict that has existed beneath the surface for more than a decade.
The PF has never been a unified political organism. It has always been a coalition of factions held together by power, patronage, and proximity to State House. While Michael Sata lived and later while Edgar Lungu controlled the instruments of the State, those factions were managed, silenced, or bribed into temporary coexistence. Out of power, the glue has dissolved.
The current hostility between Chishimba Kambwili and Brian Mundubile is therefore not personal. It is structural. It reflects unresolved ownership disputes about what PF is, who owns it, and who is entitled to lead it. At the heart of the crisis is a long-standing factional map.
First are the True Greens, largely associated with Chishimba Kambwili and early PF mobilisers. This group derives legitimacy from founding history. In their view, PF was built in markets, compounds, and streets long before defectors arrived. They see later entrants as tenants, not heirs.
Second are the Blood Greens, those linked to Michael Sata by family or close personal ties. Figures such as Miles Sampa and other relatives have historically viewed PF as an inheritance. This faction’s claim is emotional and symbolic rather than organisational, but it has consistently complicated leadership transitions.
Third are the Blue Greens, former MMD figures who crossed over during PF’s rise and consolidation. Brian Mundubile and others fall into this category. Despite holding senior portfolios and shaping policy, this faction has always faced suspicion from founding members, who see them as technocrats without revolutionary credentials.
Fourth are the “Wako ni Wako” Greens, politicians absorbed into PF during Edgar Lungu’s consolidation of Eastern Province, following his alliance with Rupiah Banda. Their loyalty has largely been transactional, tied to appointments rather than ideology.
Fifth are the Barotse Greens, a smaller but distinct bloc associated with Given Lubinda and former ULP structures. Their influence has been narrow and personality-driven, never fully institutionalised beyond Lubinda himself. Sixth are what critics label Useful Idiots, late entrants from other parties who joined PF for ministerial advantage or parliamentary survival. Their role has been numerical and symbolic rather than strategic, often to create ethnic balance or legislative votes.
Finally are the Independent Greens, MPs and figures with PF roots who lost party adoption in 2021 and now operate without firm allegiance, negotiating survival issue by issue.
This architecture explains why PF struggles to agree on a convention, a leader, or even a shared strategy. Each faction is fighting a different war. Some are fighting for history. Others for relevance. Others for survival.
The Kambwili–Mundubile clash must be read in this context. The hostility reflects deeper resistance to a Blue Green figure potentially capturing party leadership. That resistance is not new. It has merely become louder.
At the same time, factional suspicion does not exempt any aspirant from scrutiny. Calls for accountability around public contracts, governance records, or political conduct apply equally to all. Leadership in a post-State House PF cannot be based on factional immunity.
What has changed now is that there is no referee. No presidency to arbitrate. No money to pacify. No authority strong enough to silence dissent. The result is a civil war conducted through audios, press statements, accusations, and public threats.
For voters, the signal is damaging. The PF narrative is no longer about policy or alternative governance. It is about ownership battles and unresolved egos.
Unless these factions confront their history honestly and agree on rules that transcend personalities, the PF’s internal war will continue to consume whatever remains of its electoral capital.
What is playing out is not betrayal. It is exposure.
🔖 Credit: Analytical framework submitted by Richard Waga, Political Observer.
PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA WILL NOT GET LESS THAN 95% OF THE VOTES IN CHIKANKATA IN THE UPCOMING GENERAL ELECTIONS – SABAO
January 1, 2026
Chikankata Member of Parliament Jaqueline Sabao has assured President Hakainde Hichilema of overwhelming electoral support in the upcoming General Elections, declaring that the Head of State will secure not less than ninety-five percent of the votes in the constituency.
Speaking after a meeting with UPND provincial, constituency and district party officials yesterday, Ms Sabao said the pledge was anchored on visible development delivered through inclusive government policies that have enabled citizens to benefit from the national cake.
The area Member of Parliament cited the Social Cash Transfer, Constituency Development Fund, Cash for Work and the Farmer Input Support Programme as key interventions that have directly improved livelihoods across Chikankata, adding that other government programmes were also being felt at community level.
Ms Sabao explained that the meeting reviewed development progress recorded between 2022 and 2025 and resolved to strengthen mobilisation ahead of the 2026 polls through unity, love and discipline within party structures.
She noted that provincial leaders emphasised the need for the President to return to office next year to consolidate gains already made and to sustain peace, economic recovery and people-centred governance.
The MP said residents of Chikankata remain united behind President Hichilema, whom she described as a national counselor preaching unity, tolerance and development-driven leadership.
Ms Sabao thanked the President for his leadership, wished him and his family God’s blessings, and called on citizens to maintain peace and solidarity as Zambia heads toward the polls.
The fall from grace of any country does not happen abruptly or even in a big way at once. It happens slowly, and often in ways that seem small, random, or unconnected. One victimised group. One compromised profession. One captured institution. One abused individual. One at a time. In the end, it is the silence, inaction, and indifference of many that makes all the difference.
There is quote that is attributed to the prominent German pastor Martin Niemöller that best illustrates this point:
“First, they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then, they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.
Then, they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then, they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
Niemöller is today rightly remembered as the pastor who defied Nazism. His words have enduring resonance and appeal in today’s world. What many do not know is that he started off as one of its greatest supporters and was therefore its enablers.
His quoted words reflect not just his later change of heart and breakup with the party and leadership he supported but also his guilt and responsibility. The lesson from his experience and the essence of his message is that it is never too late to change course, for the better.
I hope that many of us in Zambia today will have no need to wake up tomorrow and adapt his words to our situation:
First, they came for the Archbishop and a priest, and I did not speak out — because I was not an Archbishop or a priest.
Next, they came for a former president, and I did not speak out—because I was not a former president or his supporter.
Then, they came for the judges, and I did not speak out—because I was not a judge.
Then, they came for opposition leaders, members of parliament, and a civil rights campaigner, and I did not speak out—because I was not an opposition leader, MP, or a civil rights campaigner.
Then, they came for members of other ethnic groups and regions, and I did not speak out—because I did not come from those ethnic groups or regions.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me, because they had, by then, succeeded in co-opting several news media outlets, the church, civil society, the intellectuals, and other actors and institutions.
Were that to happen, then I pray that we too will soon experience or have a moment that will inspire a change of heart so that we can point to that specific experience or moment as our turning point.
Each one of us would then be able to say that it was at that point when I realised that I was complicit in our continued fall from grace, in nurturing the hate, the division, the intolerance, the injustice, the corruption, the constant violations of human rights, and the erosion of our democracy.
Each one of us would then be able to regret to ourselves that I chose to remain silent when I should have expressed outrage at the ill-treatment of others including those who drew public attention to these ills.
Each one of us would then be able to regret to ourselves that I remained quiet when I should have spoken out on behalf of others whose plight I ignored simply because I was not affected.
Each one of us would then be able to tell ourselves that it was at that point when I realised that I secure my rights by standing up for the rights of others, including those I neither like nor support.
That it was at that point when I realised both the cost and the danger of silence, inaction, and indifference.
For when all the bad things were happening or being done to others, I, without much thought, identified with the perpetrators, saw absolutely nothing wrong with their actions, and easily called the victims all sorts of names. Now I can see clearly that I was wrong all along.
Now I can see clearly that my silence, inaction and indifference have helped to create a country whose character I no longer recognise. Now I understand why there is no certainty about our future with regard to any of our known challenges. Now I understand why Zambia continues to fall apart, to drift into a deplorable, dangerous, and unacceptable situation.
It is because of the acute lack of empathy and awareness of people like me. It is because of my indifference to what is happening around me, to the plight of others. One victimised group. One compromised profession. One captured institution. One abused individual. One at a time.
Published on 18 October 2024: https://x.com/ssishuwa/status/1847182228385567032?s=20
We have chosen M’membe as our presidential candidate for 2026 – Sinkamba
GREEN Party president Peter Sinkamba through the newly formed People’s Pact has settled for Socialist Party leader Fred M’membe as its presidential candidate for the 2026 General Election.
Sinkamba said Zambians have for a long time been demanding that opposition political parties stop fighting among themselves and instead agree on one candidate who can provide clear leadership and direction ahead of the 2026 polls.
He said the People’s Pact has now realigned itself in order to respond to the wishes of the people.
“Our presidential candidate for the 2026 election is Dr Fred M’membe,” Sinkamba said.
“The people of Zambia have been demanding that we in the opposition identify candidates in a unified manner, and today we are happy that the People’s Pact has taken that decision.”
He admitted that the opposition has in the past failed to unite, a situation which he said created confusion among citizens.
Sinkamba reminded Zambians that during the 2010–2011 period, the opposition struggled to agree on one leader under arrangements such as the UPND–PF pact, which later collapsed due to disagreements.
“That failure caused a lot of anxiety in the country because people did not know who was leading the opposition,” he said.
Drawing lessons from that experience, Sinkamba said the People’s Pact is confident that history will not repeat itself in 2026.
“We are very, very sure as the People’s Pact that victory is certain in 2026,” he said.
NOW THAT BILL 7 IS LAW, THE BALLOT BECOMES THE BATTLEGROUND
With Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 now signed into law, constitutional lawyer John Sangwa says the national conversation must shift from stopping the bill to confronting its consequences through elections. He argues that presidential assent closes one chapter of the debate and opens another, one that is no longer legal but political in nature. Once a constitutional amendment becomes law, courts may interpret it, but repeal or alteration lies only with a future Parliament. That reality, Sangwa contends, leaves citizens with a single remaining lever: the vote.
The signing of Bill 7 has deepened frustration among critics who opposed both its content and the manner in which it was passed. For Sangwa, that frustration is understandable but dangerous if it turns into withdrawal. He warns that disengagement does not weaken a law already in force; it hardens it. Silence, apathy, and low turnout, he argues, are not acts of protest but acts of surrender that allow contested legislation to settle into permanence.
Sangwa frames the next phase as one of organisation rather than outrage. Opposition to Bill 7, he says, must now be expressed through voter registration, mobilisation, and clear electoral demands. Candidates seeking office should be pressed to state plainly whether they support retaining, amending, or repealing the law. Ambiguity, in his view, is no longer acceptable now that the amendment is operative.
He also places responsibility on civic institutions, including churches and civil society groups, to recalibrate their messaging. The task is no longer to stop a bill, but to explain how laws are undone in democratic systems. That requires patience, persistence, and participation, especially among younger voters whose political engagement will shape future Parliaments.
For Sangwa, Bill 7’s enactment does not mark the end of constitutional struggle but the beginning of a longer contest. Laws endure not only because they are passed, but because citizens stop contesting them. Whether Bill 7 remains in force, he argues, will ultimately be decided not in protest alone, but in polling stations.
