U.S. DROPS $11.1B WEAPONS DEAL ON TAIWAN AND DARES CHINA TO REACT
The U.S. just signed off on a $11.1B arms package for Taiwan, the biggest ever, making it crystal clear this island isn’t just a local issue.
By now, it should be crystal clear that messing with Taiwan is seen as a global power play.
The entire conflict is all about locking down the Indo-Pacific, where the U.S. is trying to block China from dominating trade routes, tech supply chains, and military influence near its rivals.
Taiwan is the flashpoint. If China takes it, Beijing gets way more than land. It gets leverage over chips, shipping lanes, and everyone in the neighborhood.
Washington putting money on the table, risking blowback, and drawing a line to defend its sphere of influence.
It’s one more sign of a bigger global shift. Cooperation is out, power blocks are in, and everyone’s picking sides.
The world’s big players aren’t chasing a shared order anymore. They’re locking down their regions, their supply chains, and their allies before someone else does.
From Eastern Europe to the Middle East to East Asia, the game has turned defensive, zero-sum, and hyper-local …with Taiwan caught dead center.
Nollywood actress turned politician Eniola Badmus has taken to social media to bemoan her prolonged single status, expressing disbelief that she went through the entire year without attracting any romantic interest.
A Dry Year
Venting on her Instagram page, the socialite lamented her lack of a love life. She noted that from January all the way to December, not a single man had approached her or even confessed to having a “crush” on her.
Questioning Her Luck
In a humorous but emotional outburst, the former screen diva wondered what she could have possibly done to God to deserve such a situation, considering the vast number of men in the world.
Trying Again in 2026
Despite the disappointment of a lonely year, she resigned herself to fate, stating that she would simply have to try her luck again when the new year rolls around.
She said:
“You mean am say since January to December, I no dey enter anybody eye? Nobody even dey crush on me on the side, from January to December. Wetin I do God? We try again next year.
“I Am Not Afraid of Jail” – Doris Ogala Breaks Silence After Release
Nollywood actress Doris Ogala has publicly addressed her situation for the first time since being released from police custody, following her arrest in connection with the conflict involving Pastor Chris Okafor.
Waiting on God
In an emotional Instagram update, the actress disclosed that there are significant developments happening behind closed doors that she intends to share with the public eventually. However, for the moment, she is holding back to seek divine direction before making her next move.
She admitted that while she is currently weighing her options, one outcome is inevitable: she will tell her side of the story without hesitation when the time is right.
Undeterred by Threats
Ogala made it clear that she harbors no ill will toward anyone, but she also emphasized that intimidation tactics and the threat of imprisonment have not silenced her.
https://youtu.be/uzz7qBCH5_g?si=zaZUIkDTMklxnOMV
She declared:
“I am not afraid of going to jail. I am not afraid of anyone. All I want is to speak my truth, and my truth I will speak.”
The Calm Before the Storm
Her statement has triggered a wave of reactions online. While some supporters are advising her to prioritize her safety and peace of mind, others are urging her to stand her ground.
For now, the actress says she is choosing wisdom and prayer over hasty actions. However, her words suggest that this silence is merely temporary and that her full account, when released, is likely to cause significant tremors.
“I Have Never Prayed in My Life” – Seun Kuti Calls Religious Rituals Childish
Afrobeat musician and activist Seun Kuti has ignited a fresh debate on social media after boldly declaring that he does not believe in the power of prayer and has never engaged in it.
Prayer is “Childish”
In a recent video statement, Kuti condemned what he views as theatrical displays of religion. He specifically criticized common practices such as kneeling, rolling on the floor, and shouting during worship, labeling these acts as immature and performed merely for public approval (“eye service”).
Life is the Real Prayer
The singer argued that true spirituality is not found in verbal requests or dramatic rituals but is defined by a person’s daily conduct. According to him, the way one lives their life is the only prayer that matters.
He stated:
“I have never prayed before in my life, I don’t believe it works. All this eye service wey Una dey do, wey Una go go kneel down for ground, dey roll for ground, dey shout, they’re all childishness. Your life is the prayer. What you do with your life is the prayer.”
Gabon captain Bruno Ecuele Manga (37, over 116 caps) has indeed earned the nickname “Paul Biya” from fans and media for his incredible longevity with the national team since his debut in October 2006.
Just like Cameroon’s President Paul Biya (in power since 1982, one of the world’s longest-serving leaders), Ecuele Manga is seen as an unbreakable fixture, outlasting generations of teammates.
https://youtu.be/dKitc7QuroQ?si=kgri8blsdkxSaJaX
He fully embraces it with humor! In a recent interview (France 24, during the AFCON Diaspora Tour), when asked about the nickname, he laughed and said:
“Paul Biya, it’s because I’m the oldest in the team… And they know that with Paul Biya, you can’t just do whatever you want!”
Barcelona’s wonderkid Lamine Yamal is making headlines again, but this time it is for his moves off the pitch. He was pictured cozying up with model Alisa for a holiday shoot, and it seems this young lad loves women pass his own body!
We rarely see this young talent alone once the final whistle blows; he always seems to be surrounded by female company. If he continues with this lifestyle, una sure say his career no go end quick like his idol Neymar Jr?
Someone needs to offer him serious advice to keep his head in the game before these distractions cut his potential short.
Tell us, do you think these are just harmless photos, or is he losing focus on the game?
“They Treated Me Like a Criminal” – Doris Ogala Claims She Was Set Up by Her Maid’s Agent
Nollywood actress Doris Ogala has shared a detailed account of her recent arrest, alleging that a domestic staff agent was used as a tool to track her down amidst her heated public fallout with Pastor Chris Okafor over allegations of marriage betrayal.
The Agent Connection
Writing on Instagram, the actress linked the police action to her ongoing feud with the cleric. She explained that the drama originated from a dispute with an employment agent who had allegedly been exploiting her financially. According to Ogala, this agent had supplied three different house helps within a span of just four months.
She explained:
“I just discovered this December that she has been extorting me, and we had an issue. I walked her out of my house,”
The Setup
Ogala narrated that tensions rose when a house help insisted on leaving on the 10th of the month, violating an agreement to stay until the 23rd. The actress claimed that the agent, fully aware of her viral controversy with Pastor Chris, allegedly contacted the cleric to exploit the situation.
A Raid for a Domestic Dispute?
She expressed shock that a simple disagreement over domestic staff resulted in a police raid complete with a search warrant.
She questioned:
“If it was a domestic issue, why would you come with a search warrant and search my house? They only saw cigarettes,”
https://youtu.be/Mjr4xtnCUxQ?si=77s6mbk3IqLkm6tk
Detention Ordeal
Describing her treatment, Doris revealed she was transported to the Force CID, locked in an isolated room overnight, and denied access to her phone, likening the experience to how a hardened criminal is treated.
Public Reaction
The revelation has stirred anger on social media, with many condemning the police’s involvement in a civil matter. One user lamented the corruption in the system, while another prayed for her vindication.
ZIMBABWE “DONATES” ITS RICHES TO CHINA, SAYS ACTIVIST
Anti-corruption campaigner Farai Maguwu has sparked outrage after declaring that Zimbabwe is effectively the biggest donor to China rather than a beneficiary of Chinese investment.
In a blistering message, Maguwu argues that vast mineral wealth, especially lithium and other undeclared resources, is being shipped out with little to show for ordinary citizens.
Pointing to Kamativi, he claims minerals are “ready for China” while Zimbabweans are left without basic services. “How can a country this rich fail to build proper roads, provide treated water, or fund its own development?” he asks.
Maguwu says Kamativi is just one example. He lists Prospect, Sabi Star, Sinomine, Gwanda, and Sandawana arguing that Zimbabwe’s lithium fields have been effectively handed over.
His conclusion is stark: the crisis is not just about leadership change, but the urgent need for patriotic, visionary leaders willing to protect national resources and end what he calls a national shame.
“Miss Chi is a Walking DNA” – VeryDarkMan Dares Pastor Chris Okafor to Go to Court
Controversial social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, has issued a defiant response to reports that Pastor Chris Okafor is filing a lawsuit against him for defamation.
The Legal Threat
The pastor’s legal team had earlier accused the activist of multiple offenses, demanding a public apology and challenging the women claiming to be the cleric’s daughters to undergo DNA testing to prove their biological relationship.
“I Like Where This is Going”
In a video response circulating online, VeryDarkMan dismissed the pastor’s assertion that the allegations were fabricated. Far from being intimidated, he expressed excitement about the legal battle, suggesting that a court case would only provide a bigger platform to expose more details.
A Past Meeting?
He also dropped a cryptic hint, challenging the clergyman to deny that they had met in person previously.
On the DNA Test
Addressing the demand for paternity tests, VeryDarkMan claimed the women are ready. However, he mocked the necessity of a test for the lady identified as Miss Chi, insisting her physical resemblance to the pastor is undeniable.
He stated:
“It’s obvious that pastor okafor don’t want a good Christmas… You call what I post false? Really? I’m coming, hold on. So he wants to claim those are not his kids? I like where this is going. Na now we go come enjoy well well.
Before I post anything further, ask him whether he has ever met Verydarkman and ask him where he met Verydarkman (laughs).
Expect the next post then I expect you guys to pursue the legal whatever you people want to call it. Who cares, let’s go to court. We will post it. When he comes and wants to do DNA test for his daughter’s, they’re ready.
But you see the problem is that the one they call ‘Miss Chi,’ they don’t need DNA test for that one. That one is a walking DNA.”
Elon Musk’s financial rise over the past decade stands as one of the most dramatic wealth transformations in modern history. 10 years ago, his net worth was estimated at $13.5 billion.
Today, that figure has surged to an astonishing $749 billion, reflecting an increase that defies traditional business growth models and reshapes how wealth accumulation is understood in the technology era.
This explosive rise was not driven by a single success, but by a convergence of long-term bets paying off simultaneously. Tesla’s dominance in electric vehicles, SpaceX’s breakthroughs in reusable rockets, and Musk’s aggressive push into artificial intelligence, infrastructure, and global communications all contributed to exponential valuation growth. Unlike conventional executives, Musk tied much of his wealth directly to company performance, accepting extreme risk in exchange for unprecedented upside.
The scale of the increase highlights how modern wealth is increasingly built on ownership of transformative platforms rather than salaries or dividends. Stock appreciation, innovation-driven speculation, and global market confidence amplified Musk’s position far beyond traditional billionaire trajectories. His net worth now rivals the economic output of entire nations, placing him in a category never before seen.
Beyond numbers, the story reflects how vision, timing, and risk tolerance can redefine financial ceilings. It also raises questions about wealth concentration, influence, and responsibility in a world where individual fortunes can grow faster than global systems can adapt.
Musk’s 10-year rise is not just a financial milestone. It is a signal that the rules of power, capital, and scale are being rewritten in real time.
Kylian Mbappé has arrived in Rabat with his family (parents and brother Ethan) and will be in the stands tomorrow (December 26) at Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah for the crucial Morocco vs. Mali group stage match at AFCON 2025.
Ousmane Dembélé is also expected to join, with multiple sources (including RMC Sport and Moroccan outlets like Le360) reporting his attendance in the VIP section.
The duo, former PSG teammates and close friends of Achraf Hakimi are coming to support the Atlas Lions captain, who is poised for a potential return from injury in this high-stakes clash.
This star-studded support adds even more hype to an already electric “People’s AFCON”!.
WHITE HOUSE MOVES TO QUARANTINE VENEZUELAN OIL AS U.S. WARSHIPS TURN SANCTIONS INTO FORCE
The Trump administration has crossed a quiet but consequential threshold in the Caribbean.
What had long been framed as economic pressure is now being enforced at sea, with U.S. warships and Coast Guard cutters turning sanctions into a physical barrier around Venezuelan oil.
The White House has ordered a two-month “quarantine” on Venezuelan crude exports, directing the U.S. military to actively interdict tankers moving oil out of the country.
Officials describe it as economic pressure first, military options second. In practice, the distinction is already blurring.
This month alone, U.S. forces intercepted two Venezuelan crude tankers and moved to seize another vessel operating within the so-called dark fleet – aging ships that sail with obscured ownership and disabled tracking systems.
One tanker, the Bella-1, chose flight over compliance, retreating into the open Atlantic after ignoring Coast Guard instructions to prepare for boarding.
Its escape did not signal weakness so much as warning: Venezuela’s oil trade now operates under pursuit.
The blockade is already reshaping energy flows across the region. Venezuela ships close to 900,000 barrels per day, much of it transported by hundreds of shadow tankers and destined primarily for China, with Cuba serving as both beneficiary and transit partner.
Each interdiction tightens the financial vise around Caracas, where oil revenue remains the regime’s primary lifeline.
U.S. officials are blunt about the objective. By late January, they believe Venezuela could face severe economic dislocation unless Maduro agrees to concessions.
The quarantine is not just about barrels of crude – it is about time, leverage, and political fracture.
The regional posture reinforces that message. More than 15,000 U.S. troops, an aircraft carrier strike group, multiple surface combatants, and stealth aircraft are now positioned across the Caribbean basin.
Officially, the deployment is framed as hemispheric defense. Unofficially, it marks a return to a much older doctrine: control the sea lanes, and you control the outcome.
Beijing has already condemned the move as gunboat diplomacy, and the concern extends beyond Venezuela.
Any sustained disruption of oil flows reverberates through Cuba, through Chinese supply chains, and through the broader Caribbean economy.
What begins as pressure on Caracas risks becoming a stress test for the region.
The administration’s calculation appears clear. Sanctions that exist only on paper can be evaded.
Sanctions backed by warships are harder to ignore.
Whether that pressure produces negotiation or escalation remains uncertain.
“I WILL NEVER REPEAT MY DAD’S MISTAKE, AS A SPORTSMAN LOVE COVERS THE FAME”
-Luca Zidane, Son of the Legendary Zinedine Zidane reveals at AFCON 2025 after choosing to play for Algeria instead of France
Luca Zidane, a goalkeeper who recently chose to represent Algeria 🇩🇿, made his tournament debut.
In his words:
“My father gave his all for France, but he was still disrespected on an international stage by Marco Materazzi, an Italian who told him, ‘You are no king here, black man,’ in the 2006 World Cup.
I will never repeat my dad’s mistake. I will never choose to play where I would be second-guessed as an option. In the end, after the game and the fame… love is the most cherished gift to a sportsman.”
Last evening, I penned a christmas message, to be shared by my team on Christmas day as the nation celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
Firstly, I want to thank all of you, beginning with family, friends, the party and members of the public who have taken time to visit me and my fellow incarcerated party officials/comrades, we are grateful and overwhlemed by your love and kindness. It uplifts our spirits to soldier on !
As for prison, the mood here is sombre, mellow, and gloomy as most inmates painfully celebrate the season away from family and friends.
No two prisoners experience the holidays the same way. Some of us eagerly embrace the holiday spirit, happy for the temporary respite from our typically not-so-cheerful daily lives. But others isolate and sink into depression, consumed by thoughts of what this season could be. I’m one of the latter.
If I’m being honest, sharing christmas while being inside with inmates is one the most touching experiences in life. And when I take a step back, it is amazing to see individuals of all beliefs and backgrounds coming together to share moments of kindness at the end of the year but behind bars. The memories we create during such holidays often become some of our fondest—and that’s as true for us in prison as it is for those on the outside. And am grateful to God, for giving me this opportunity.
The ubiquitous security windows with their glazed-pattern wire reinforcements are suddenly framed in sparkly silver tinsel in our imaginations.
Christmas in prison is a bittersweet experience, a blend of enforced routine and creative adaptation, where small moments of kindness or connection become profound symbols of humanity.
My humble message to the opposition, the Patriotic Front leadership and entire membership is that let this be the last Christmas the Zambian people will agonize under the current leadership and government.
Let this Christmas envoke a revolutionary Christmas among the opposition, the civil society, the church centered on radical love, justice, and hope, shifting focus from commercialism to Christ’s disruptive birth as God entering human history to uplift the marginalized, challenge injustice, and bring peace by turning the world’s power structures upside down (the first become last). It’s about divine love breaking boundaries, manifesting as a call to action: finding the lost, healing the broken, and sharing with the needy, creating heaven on earth through radical compassion and social change.
This time, teaches us a d reminds us of the ultimate revolution when God entered our messy world in human form, bridging heaven and earth to be with the oppressed, not just the powerful.
Let us not abscond out responsibility and duty that we remain the only hope for the hopeless, especially those of us incarcerated unjustly and denied justice in the face of broken nation.
I hope this message provokes you enough to stand up and rise to the occassion, this is not time to relax but time to reflect, introspect and restrategize our way forward as we shoulder the weight of this onerous responibility given to us by the suffering Zambian people. We must demonstrate unity of purpose, hope, promise peace and restoration through God’s presence, with political power.
This is a time, to uphold the marginalized. Jesus’ birth in a stable signals a new social order where the poor, excluded, and forgotten are elevated and centered. It’s a call to embody divine love and justice, sharing resources, challenging oppressive systems, and actively working for peace and liberation of our people.
Merry Christmas! This season, let’s embrace the revolutionary spirit of Christ: to love fiercely, share generously, and challenge injustice, bringing hope to the forgotten corners of our divided country.
This Christmas, may the radical love of the baby in Bethlehem overturn our selfish ways, reminding us that true peace comes from lifting the last to be first, and welcoming everyone to the table. Christmas is God breaking into our world to say: ‘I’m with the poor, the weary, the outcast. May we join His revolution of love and justice this season.
For those of you who have chosen to betray the cause of the Zambian people, and the liberation from the shackles of the HH and UPND led administration, you know yourselves and time will soon catch up with you.
Truth be told is that, there is nothing to be learned from a brutal dictatorship disguised in democratic robes as this one today. Today they will probably, jostle to share the crumbs falling from thier table of what they have stolen from the people, it will be all media staged, show dressing and political capital, HYPOCRISY in front of cameras as if they care.
Those of us who have remained strong, I know the forces of the Dark Side who draw their power from fear, anger, hatred, revenge and aggression continue their efforts to block the coming change come August next year. But together(TONSE) with our light saber must relentlessly continue to slash through the curtain of darkness hanging over the people of Zambia.
The best weapon of dictators is secrecy. The best weapon against dictators is free media. Therefore I implore the media to stand steadfast in thier duty to the nation.
The best battle plan against dictators is to be armed to the teeth with the truth and use the media to shine the blinding light of accountability on oppressors clinging nakedly to power.
2026, is right on the HORIZON.
To my family, much as this is a difficult time, enjoy this christmas while I am away but with you in spirit.
To my party and friends, Merry Revolutionary Christmas and Aluta Continua !
Issued By;
Hon. Raphael Mangani NAKACINDA, MCC. PF/Tonse Alliance Secretary General
WE’RE LOOKING AT EXTENDING SEATS IN PARLEY TO ACCOMMODATE MORE MPs – MILUPI
INFRASTRUCTURE, Housing and Urban Development Minister Charles Milupi says the 40 designated seats for women in Parliament after the assenting of Bill 7 does not bar them from getting more seats.
And Milupi says experts from his Ministry have been tasked to see how the Parliament Chamber can be extended to accommodate more MPs.
On Monday, former LAZ President Linda Kasonde said passing the proportional representation electoral system in Bill 7 would not redress the lack of women, youth and persons with disabilities representation in Parliament.
In an interview, Tuesday, Milupi said with the guaranteed 40 seats for women, Parliament could have more female MPs.
“Let’s start with what we have done with women; there is a 40 seat that is guaranteed. No man can compete in Parliament, so, there will be 40 that will go into Parliament as women. There will be that number of youths who will just go to Parliament, the rest of the seats do not bar women to contest together with everybody else like we are doing right now. So, we men will be able to stand for example, I stand in a constituency like Munali, it is not one of those that is designated for women. Any woman can be able to compete with me and if they win like some of them do win, that’s why we have Sylvia Masebo, that’s why we have Sibongile Mwamba in Kasama,” he said.
“So, they will be able to compete even from those numbers, we may even get more women but the base would have already been established as 40. So, whatever they get from the other competitive elections will be on top of the 40 that is already guaranteed. So, we expect members of parliament who are women will be more than the base that is guaranteed. The youths will continue to compete, that’s how we got this young man [Imanga] Wamunyima who was chairman of the [Bill 7] select committee. So, whatever they (women) will win in other places whether it is in Nkana constituency, they will then be on top of the seats that are guaranteed. That’s the whole essence of this”.
Meanwhile, commenting on Kasonde’s remark that she heard him talking about extending the Parliamentary building to accommodate new MPs, Milupi said he had tasked experts to access how the current Chamber could be expanded to accommodate more MPs.
“The other issue of where are you going to get the budget? First of all, I didn’t say we are going to construct a new Parliament. What I said is we have sent our officers which include our Permanent Secretary who is an architect, in fact he is a professor. So, they will go and look at existing sitting arrangements and see what can be done to expand that, maybe a wall here, moved here.
Even in your house you may find that your sitting room is not big or your kitchen is too small, you may move a wall from here to there to create space, reduce one room, that’s why I said let them go and investigate then they will come and tell us the best option. At no time did we say we are going to construct a new Parliament, no. That is not what we said,” said Milupi.
🇿🇲 VIEWPOINT | Chawama’s Quiet Campaign: Normal Politics on Display
For a constituency long associated with high-stakes political competition, Chawama is offering a picture that has been rare in Zambia’s by-election history. Campaigns ahead of the January 15, 2026 poll have unfolded with restraint, tolerance, and an absence of the violence that once defined such contests
The calm has drawn attention from governance watchdogs, including the Advocates for National Development and Democracy (ANDD), who say the atmosphere reflects a maturing political culture.
“The calm we are witnessing in Chawama shows that elections can be conducted without violence, intimidation or hostility, even where political competition is intense,” ANDD executive director Samuel Banda said.
This assessment matters because by-elections in Zambia have historically carried reputational baggage. Under previous administrations, particularly during the Patriotic Front era, campaigns were often marred by clashes, intimidation, and visible cadre activity. Chawama itself has not been immune to that past.
What is unfolding now stands in contrast.
ANDD observed that supporters from rival political parties have, so far, exercised restraint, with rallies and door-to-door campaigns proceeding without reported incidents of physical confrontation.
“The political maturity being demonstrated by leaders and residents in Chawama is encouraging,” Banda said, adding that tolerance had prevailed “above insults and fights.”
This relative calm has inevitably revived debate about the broader political environment under the current regime. While criticism persists over the application of the Public Order Act in other parts of the country, election periods have consistently seen expanded political space.
Campaigns proceed, rallies are held, and the police presence has remained visible but non-intrusive.
ANDD urged that balance to be maintained. “We are appealing to political parties and their campaign teams to sustain this spirit of peace as the by-election continues,” Banda said.
The organisation also directed its call to institutions tasked with safeguarding electoral credibility.
“We encourage the Electoral Commission of Zambia to remain firm, fair and professional in managing this by-election so that a level playing field is guaranteed for all contestants,” he said.
On policing, ANDD stressed neutrality. “The Zambia Police Service must continue providing security in a professional and impartial manner, without favouring any political grouping,” Banda said.
Chawama goes to the polls following the declaration of a vacancy by Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti on November 28, 2025, under Article 72(2)(c) of the Constitution. The seat fell vacant after former MP Tasila Lungu stayed away from the constituency for an extended period, leaving residents without parliamentary representation.
The context is important. By-elections often expose the true temperature of national politics. They test whether tolerance is situational or structural. They also reveal whether peace is enforced by circumstance or sustained by intent.
So far, Chawama is offering a different script. It is not a declaration of perfection. Complaints around policing, political access, and uneven power dynamics have not disappeared nationally.
But the absence of violence in this contest shows that peaceful competition is possible, even in densely populated and politically charged urban constituencies. For a country preparing for a general election cycle, that lesson is important.
Chawama is not just voting for a Member of Parliament. It is quietly answering a larger question about whether Zambia can compete politically without tearing itself apart.
The integrity of any democratic process hinges fundamentally on the credibility of its electoral register.
In Zambia, as the nation gears up for the critical 2026 general elections, calls from key stakeholders, including established political parties and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), for a comprehensive audit of the voters’ roll have grown increasingly urgent.
This demand is not merely procedural; it strikes at the heart of public trust and the legitimacy of the eventual electoral outcome.
A flawed or disputed voters’ roll can sow seeds of discontent, potentially leading to post election volatility, irrespective of the actual voting process.
Therefore, ensuring that the register is accurate, clean, and up to date before 2026 is an imperative step towards fostering a stable and truly representative democracy.
UNITY CANNOT BE BUILT ON DISRESPECT: A DIRECT RESPONSE TO DR. NEVERS MUMBA
By Thandiwe Ketiš Ngoma
Dr. Nevers Mumba, with respect, your statement is eloquent in language but fundamentally dishonest in where it places responsibility.
You speak at length about lack of trust, unity, empathy, and dignity, yet you carefully avoid the one truth that matters most in this painful matter: the expressed wishes of the deceased and the clear, consistent position of his family.
President Edgar Chagwa Lungu was not a ward of the state at the time of his death. He was a husband, a father, and a private citizen. His family holds both the moral and legal authority over his remains. To ignore this reality and instead frame the delay as a vague problem of “national mistrust” is not innocent—it is a deliberate attempt to blur responsibility and deflect accountability.
If unity truly matters, then it must begin with respect: respect for the dead, respect for the grieving family, and respect for the rule of law. Anything short of this is hypocrisy dressed up as moral concern.
You say that someone must rise above politics and make the first move. That “someone” is not the grieving family. It is President Hakainde Hichilema and his government.
Why have you not asked President HH to do the following?
1. Respect the wishes of the deceased. 2. Respect the position of the Lungu family. 3. Stop using state power to override private grief. 4. Stop turning a funeral into a political contest.
You speak of empathy, yet where is the empathy in attempting to force a burial against family consent?
You speak of dignity, yet where is the dignity in intimidation and coercion by the state?
You speak of unity, yet unity cannot be built on disrespect and force.
Let us be absolutely clear.
There is no unity in violating the wishes of the dead. There is no peace in bullying a mourning family. There is no morality in weaponising state power against private citizens.
If President Lungu’s remains are not home, it is not because of “tribalism” or “social media hatred.” It is because the government has refused to honour boundaries it has no right to cross.
So, Dr. Mumba, if your appeal is genuine, redirect it where it belongs. Ask President Hakainde Hichilema to respect the wishes of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu and his family. Ask the state to step back. Ask for humility from power. Only then can President Lungu truly rest. Only then can the nation begin to heal. Anything else is empty rhetoric.
ZAMBIA is expected to roll out Digital Identification Cards by the end of 2026.
SMART Zambia Institute National Coordinator Percy Chinyama says the move is being driven by the Digital Zambia Acceleration Project, which was approved by the World Bank Group in March this year.
The project is backed by a US$100 million grant from the International Development Association and seeks to expand access to the internet and digitally enabled public services nationwide.
DZAP places strong emphasis on digital inclusion, with particular attention to women and girls, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
The Digital Zambia Acceleration Project is part of the second phase of the Inclusive Digitalisation in Eastern and Southern Africa Programme.
Speaking during engagements in Washington DC, United States, Mr. Chinyama said Zambia has recorded progress in expanding e-government services, enhancing efficiency, transparency and security in public service delivery.
This is contained in a statement issued to ZNBC News by First Secretary for Press and Public Relations at the Zambia Embassy in Washington DC, Charles Tembo.
Sean Combs, widely known as Diddy, has filed a fresh appeal challenging both his conviction and sentence, with his legal team accusing the trial judge of overstepping his role during sentencing.
In court documents filed late Tuesday, Diddy’s lawyers urged an appellate court to overturn his conviction and order his release from prison, or, alternatively, to reduce his 50-month sentence. While the defence has lodged several appeals since his sentencing, the latest filing focuses specifically on the conduct of the presiding judge, Arun Subramanian, whom they accuse of acting as a “thirteenth juror” in the case.
According to the appeal, lead counsel Alexandra Shapiro argued that the judge imposed what she described as a “draconian” sentence by relying on allegations for which the jury had acquitted Diddy, including racketeering and s3x trafficking charges.
The filing claims Judge Subramanian improperly stated during sentencing that he could consider conduct connected to the more serious and violent charges, despite the jury’s not-guilty verdicts on those counts. Shapiro argued that doing so amounted to a violation of Diddy’s constitutional rights.
Diddy’s legal team maintains that his sentence should be based solely on the two counts for which he was convicted, violations of the Mann Act relating to the transportation of individuals for the purpose of prostitution.
In earlier appeals, the defence also contended that Diddy did not personally arrange travel or make payments for male s3x workers, and therefore did not violate the Mann Act as alleged by prosecutors.
Federal prosecutors are expected to file their response within the next two months, after which the case will be considered by the appellate court.
A 70-year-old woman from Gujarat, India, has fulfilled her long-held dream by giving birth to her first child.
The woman, Jivunben Rabari of Kutch district, welcomed a healthy baby after conceiving through in vitro fertilization (IVF) at a fertility clinic.
The pregnancy was closely monitored by doctors, who initially had reservations because of her advanced age.
Rabari told physicians she had dreamed of becoming a mother for decades, and her determination led her to pursue fertility treatment despite concerns from medical staff.
Doctors helped prepare her body for pregnancy with hormonal therapy and other supportive care before transferring an embryo created through IVF.
Follow-up scans showed normal fetal development, and she eventually delivered the baby safely via cesarean section.
Rabari’s journey has been celebrated by family and community members as a milestone achievement.
For weeks Ebo Boah has been trending both locally and internationally after his alleged prophecy went viral.
The content creator and self-acclaimed prophet alleged that God revealed to him his plans to destroy the earth.
According to him, God instructed him to build arks to save people as he plans to destroy the earth with rains and flood on December 25.
However, it seems something is amiss with the whole story due to the recent actions of the so called prophet.
Ahead of the mentioned date, Ebo has decided to spoil himself by acquiring a brand new Mercedes Benz.
In a video posted on his instagram page, Ebo is seen driving an unregistered silver-coloured Mercedes-Benz B Class W247.
Further reports revealed that the car is a latest 2025 model is valued at $89,000, raising concerns as to why he would risk it if the world is ending.
Ebo Noah’s Mercedes-Benz has ignited debates on social media, with some users poking fun at the situation. One user commented, “Person wey say the end dey come end go buy Benz.”
Meanwhile, Ebo Noah has called off the ark gathering and shared a new vision in a video, stating that “God has postponed the apocalypse”
PARLIAMENT’S LUXURY SPREE: US$400K OF PUBLIC CASH POURS INTO SENATE BOSS’S PRIVATE HOME
Zimbabwe’s Parliament secretly splurged close to US$400,000 of taxpayers’ money refurbishing the private Borrowdale residence of Senate President Mabel Chinomona, splashing out on luxury beds, curtains, appliances and décor while systematically dodging tender laws, an investigation has revealed.
Records show US$372,260 was paid to handpicked suppliers, even though individual transactions far exceeded legal thresholds that require open competitive bidding. Auditor-General Reah Kujinga flagged the spending in her 2023 and 2024 audit reports, warning that Parliament’s actions violated procurement rules and opened the door to abuse.
Among the eye-watering expenses were US$116,000 for a new perimeter wall, US$64,000 for curtains, and tens of thousands more for chandeliers, beds, fridges and kitchen appliances.
Former finance minister Tendai Biti has demanded a full forensic audit, warning that the very institution meant to guard public finances is “sinking into corruption.”
“If Parliament itself is corrupt,” Biti asked, “who then guards the guards?”
BURKINA FASO PRESIDENT IBRAHIM TRAORE BANS MEDICAL TOURISM FOR EVERY GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL OUTSIDE BURKINA FASO !
In a bid to end waste of national resources and unnecessary spending, Traore has inaugurated the University hospital of Pala and radiotherapy.
This is one of the biggest in west Africa and guess what ? It was built and equipped in just 4 months with supervision from the Himself .
In his words;
“It is penny-wise and pound-foolish to build hospitals without proper medical facilities and equipment. This has forced government officials in the past to travel abroad—to countries that mock us—for treatment of common illnesses like malaria. At this point, it all has to stop!
The government and the people must use the same fully equipped hospitals. Injury to one is injury to all.”
Drama is unfolding in Ghana following the circulation of a video showing an ark allegedly built by a Ghanaian pastor who claims God has revealed that the world will be destroyed by a flood, similar to the biblical account of Noah.
The pastor, identified as Prophet Eboh Noah, has reportedly constructed eight arks and warned that only those inside them will be saved when the anticipated flood occurs. The prophecy, which he says will be fulfilled on December 25, has prompted panic, curiosity, and widespread reactions both online and offline.
Reports indicate that large numbers of Ghanaians have been trooping to the site in an effort to secure space inside the arks ahead of the predicted “judgement on earth.” Videos and images shared on social media show crowds gathering around the structures, fueling debate and concern across the country.
Earlier in the year, Ghanaian authorities briefly arrested the prophet in connection with his claims. He was later released after officials determined that making religious prophecies does not constitute a criminal offence under the law.
The development has continued to draw public attention as Christmas Day approaches, with many questioning the impact of such predictions on public safety and social order.
Algeria’s parliament on December 24 adopted a symbolic resolution declaring French colonisation a crime against humanity.
The parliament is calling on France to formally apologise and pay reparations for abuses committed during its 132 years of rule over the country.
The motion, passed by the People’s National Assembly, urges the Algerian government to intensify efforts to seek official recognition from France of crimes committed between 1830 and 1962.
These crimes include mass killings, land seizures, forced displacement, and the use of torture during the war of independence.
Lawmakers said the resolution reflects the “collective memory of the Algerian people” and aims to protect historical truth from denial or minimisation.
Several MPs described colonisation as a system built on violence, cultural erasure, and economic exploitation.
The vote does not automatically create legal obligations for France but adds political pressure instead.
France has previously acknowledged specific abuses but has never issued a formal apology or agreeing to reparations.
French officials maintain that reconciliation should focus on dialogue and shared historical work rather than legal accountability.
Algeria gained independence in 1962 after a brutal eight-year war that left hundreds of thousands dead.
A new batch of Jeffrey Epstein files that have been released contains numerous references to United States President Donald Trump, including documents detailing flights he took on the late pedophile’s private jet.
Trump flew on convicted s£x offender Jeffrey Epstein’s private jet “many more times than previously has been reported”, according to an email from a New York prosecutor that forms part of the new batch of documents about Epstein released on Tuesday.
In an email dated January 7, 2020, the unidentified prosecutor wrote that flight records showed Trump had flown on Epstein’s private jet eight times during the 1990s. Among those were at least four flights on which Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell was also on board.
Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence for helping late financier Epstein s£xually abuse underage girls.
In a social media post in 2024, Trump said he “was never on Epstein’s Plane, or at his ‘stupid’ Island”.
Although there was no allegation in the prosecutor’s email that Trump had committed any crime.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a statement on Tuesday saying some documents included “untrue and sensationalist claims” about Trump and had been submitted to the FBI after the 2020 presidential election, which Trump lost, but it did not provide further details.
“To be clear: the claims are unfounded and false, and if they had a shred of credibility, they certainly would have been weaponised against President Trump already,” the DOJ said in a social media post.
The Trump administration had fought against the release of the Epstein-related documents and has been accused of subverting the law passed in November when a tranche of documents released last week included heavy redactions.
The latest release includes about 8,000 files, which include video and audio recordings, and 30,000 pages of documents.
“On two other flights, two of the passengers, respectively, were women who would be possible witnesses in a Maxwell case,” the document said.
On one flight, the only three passengers were Trump, Epstein, and a 20-year-old woman whose name is redacted.
Some videos were said to show the inside of a federal detention centre where Epstein died in 2019. His de@th was ruled a suicide, but speculation around the circumstances of his de@th has continued to swirl.
Trump has played down the significance of the Epstein files, stating on Monday that they were being used by his political rivals to “deflect against tremendous success” by his administration.
SEAN DIDDY COMBS FAMILY EYEING TO RELOCATE TO SOUTH AFRICA
Tribulations that come with a criminal conviction in the #USA even with as much MULA as #SeanDiddyCombs has bagged are not for the faint hearted.
..
The once celebrated cultural icon’s #legacy has been on the chopping board with his commercial empire facing the brunt of public reckoning.
At one time his networth was estimated at a cool $1 billion. The drop has been staggaring now standing at $400 million.
$400 MILL is still decent money to chill with in #SouthAfrica or anywhere in the world, right King Combs, son of Diddy’s speculation about a possible relocation to #Africa, with South Africa repeatedly mentioned online has ignited mixed reactions on the ground.
Well #SouthAfrica, the legend Diddy needs some love, are will you give it?
A South African man accused of m8rdering his 23-year-old girlfriend, Zinhle Mchunu, is set to apply for bail in late January 2026.
This follows his initial, brief appearance at the Umlazi Magistrates Court on Monday, December 22, 2025.
22-year-old Themba Xaba allegedly k!lled Mchunu, a University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) student from Ladysmith who was due to graduate next year.
He is accused of putting her body into a suitcase and burying it at the Umlazi where he was renting.
Mchunu’s body was discovered after about a month of being reported missing.
The alarm was first raised on November 22 when Mchunu’s sister, who lives in Gauteng, received a call from Xaba.
A family member, who requested anonymity, recounted that Xaba told the sister he had fought with Zinhle, resulting in her packing three pairs of pants in her suitcase and leaving late at night. Xaba claimed he did not follow her and assumed she had gone to her ex-boyfriend’s residence.
The family found this explanation suspicious and decided to travel to Durban around November 24 to meet Xaba at the police station for an explanation.
However, as they were en route, Xaba left Durban and went to his home in Ladysmith.
The family member also revealed that Xaba was found in possession of Mchunu’s bank card and cellphones, and that November WhatsApp conversations had been deleted.
Mchunu’s friends had already reported her missing and alerted the family and police to text messages where Xaba reportedly asked his landlord for tools to dig the ground.
“We arrived in Durban and went to the police station where we introduced ourselves as the parents,” the family member said.
“We were taken to where Xaba resided, and the place was searched for any clue, but nothing was found.”
While searching the yard, the family noticed a destroyed wall but didn’t see anything else.
“When questioned about the tools, Xaba claimed he needed them to burn rubbish. “We saw where he had burnt stuff, but no one thought of digging further,” she added.
With days passing and Mchunu still missing without updates from the police, the family decided to hire a private investigator, who began providing them with updates.
The situation changed dramatically on December 19, when the family received a late-night call from the police telling them not to sleep as they were on their way to Ladysmith with an update.
“When the detective arrived, he asked for water, and at that time I felt nervous, and they had asked for her ID,” the family member recalled.
After drinking water, the detective explained that they had driven to Bergville and picked up Xaba. Initially, while driving him to Durban, Xaba denied any knowledge of Mchunu’s whereabouts or her d3ath. He spent a night in the cells, but on the following day, he asked to speak to the detective. Xaba then confessed to k!lling Mchunu, putting her body into her suitcase, and burying her.
“I’m assuming that he only spoke because they were now going to search the residence he rented with the dogs,” the family member speculated.
During his court appearance on Monday, Xaba reportedly sent a message through his mother, expressing his sorrow and claiming the k!lling was a mistake.
“He is going to appear again on January 26, and he intends to apply for bail,” the family member stated.
The family is currently awaiting DNA results to proceed with funeral arrangements. Mchunu also left her three-year-old daughter, who is said to be constantly asking about her mom.
The incident was confirmed by KZN police spokesperson, Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo.
“The suspect appeared before Umlazi Magistrates Court on December 22, 2025,” Ngcobo said.
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for a direct summit with Donald Trump to address the most “sensitive” roadblocks in a developing 20-point peace framework.
As the conflict nears the four-year mark, negotiators in Florida have reached a consensus on several core pillars, though the sovereignty of the Donbas remains the primary point of contention.
Zelenskyy on Wednesday, 24 December emphasized that while technical progress has been made, final decisions regarding the eastern industrial heartland must be settled at the leadership level.
The current draft represents a significant departure from earlier versions that were previously criticized for favoring Russian demands.
Under this evolved proposal, Ukraine would retain a peacetime military of 800,000 personnel and receive robust security guarantees from the United States and European allies. These guarantees are designed to mirror NATO’s Article 5, utilizing advanced satellite technology and early warning systems to monitor the ceasefire.
The plan also maps out a clear path for Ukraine’s membership in the European Union, post-war elections, and an accelerated free trade agreement with the U.S., alongside substantial reconstruction funding.
Territorial control, however, continues to stall a final agreement. Kyiv has proposed maintaining the current battle lines, but Moscow continues to demand a full withdrawal from the Donetsk region.
To bridge this gap, the U.S. has suggested transforming disputed areas into free economic zones, a move Ukraine insists must be validated by a national referendum. Similar economic arrangements are being considered for the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
Furthermore, the document envisions a Russian withdrawal from the regions of Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv, with international monitoring forces stationed along the contact line to ensure compliance.
Ukraine may hold a nationwide referendum to vote for a 20-point Ukraine’s Peace Plan, President Volodymyr Zelensky told Ukrainian media.
Zelensky said that the most difficult point of the peace agreement is the territorial issues. The draft document states that in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions, the line of contact is fixed at the location of the troops as of the date of the agreement conclusion. That is, “we stand where we stand.”
Russia also must withdraw its troops from the Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv regions for the agreement to take effect.
Meanwhile, Russia wants Ukraine to leave the Donetsk region. The US is offering a compromise — to create a free economic zone in Donbas. This issue will have to be decided by referendum.
“That is, if we are discussing this, it must be a special format, a special decision, and therefore a referendum. Only a referendum can determine whether people agree to this path, if this is the proposal for Ukraine — either this or war,” Zelensky added.
The president also said that US representatives want a referendum to be held. Zelensky explained to them that such a referendum would have to cover the entire document, not just individual issues.
“We can hold a referendum voting on a full agreement that will end the war. A referendum requires at least 60 days. And we need a real ceasefire for 60 days. Otherwise, we will not hold it. That is, the referendum will not be legitimate,” he added.
If a free economic zone is created, international forces will monitor it. The creation of such a zone must also be approved by the Verkhovna Rada (the Ukrainian Parliament). Therefore, in addition to the referendum, the adoption of a separate law will be required
The Kremlin has confirmed that Vladimir Putin has been briefed on the latest draft and is currently formulating a response. While the framework provides a more detailed roadmap for peace—including mechanisms to avoid the monitoring failures seen in past agreements—both sides acknowledge that significant concessions remain necessary.
Zelenskyy’s push for a meeting with Trump underscores the reality that the fate of the Donbas and the finality of the borders can likely only be resolved through direct high-stakes diplomacy.
Kim Jong-un’s has inspected the construction of North Korea’s 8,700-ton nuclear-powered “strategic guided missile submarine.”
The photos show that the submarine’s hull is now largely completed.
The submarine is being built with Russian know-how.
Kim also reviewed the development of advanced underwater weapons, believed to be the Haeil series of nuclear-armed unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), described as “nuclear attack drones.”
South Korea announced last month that it will build a nuclear-powered submarine with U.S. help.
Days after the United States government released thousands of files connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, authorities have identified more than a million additional documents potentially linked to the case.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York have informed the Department of Justice that they uncovered the documents during a review related to the Epstein investigation.
In a statement, the DOJ said: “We have received these documents from SDNY and the FBI to review them for release, in compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, existing statutes, and judicial orders.
“We have lawyers working around the clock to review and make the legally required redactions to protect victims, and we will release the documents as soon as possible.”
Because of the volume of the newly identified material, officials said it could take weeks before the documents are made public.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act, passed on November 18, 2025, mandates the attorney general to release all documents and records held by the Department of Justice relating to Epstein, subject to legal redactions.
The most recent batch of files, released on December 19, 2025, included photographs of several high-profile figures. Among them was former U.S. president Bill Clinton, who appeared in images showing him in a hot tub with an unidentified woman, swimming in a pool alongside Ghislaine Maxwell, and posing with Epstein and other unidentified women.
Clinton has never been accused of wrongdoing by Epstein’s victims and has consistently denied any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities.
The files also contain images of Epstein with Britain’s Prince Andrew, formally known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, billionaire businessman Richard Branson, and late CBS News anchor Walter Cronkite. Prince Andrew has repeatedly denied any allegations of wrongdoing.
Other photographs show Donald Trump appearing alongside Epstein and unidentified women, while one image of personal items on Epstein’s desk reportedly includes a photograph of Trump. Additional figures seen in the files include Michael Jackson and Mick Jagger.
Many of the images were released without context, and authorities have not confirmed when or where they were taken. Officials have also stressed that none of the photographs released so far show or imply any criminal wrongdoing by the individuals depicted.
Drama is unfolding in Ghana as residents reportedly rush 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.
According to the prophet, only those inside his arks will be saved when the flood begins, a claim that has triggered panic, curiosity, and intense online reactions across Ghana and beyond.
https://youtu.be/qTULFtksYTQ?si=HHCWEv0y0IOdCEnh
Earlier this year, Ghanaian authorities briefly arrested Prophet Eboh Noah over the prophecy. However, he was later released after officials ruled that making religious prophecies does not amount to a criminal offence.
Niger Bans US Citizens from Entry Amid Rising Diplomatic Tensions
Niger has imposed a total and indefinite ban on visas and entry for all United States citizens, citing principles of reciprocity and national sovereignty. The decision takes immediate effect and applies to all travel categories — including diplomatic, business, humanitarian, and tourism.
Authorities in Niamey say the move responds to what they describe as hostile and punitive actions by the US in recent months. No timeline has been given for a review or possible lifting of the ban.
This development comes as relations between Niger and Western countries continue to deteriorate following recent political changes. Sanctions, aid suspensions, and shifts in security partnerships have pushed Niger to redefine its foreign policy, moving away from traditional Western allies while strengthening ties with non-Western partners.
Analysts warn the ban could seriously affect humanitarian operations, development projects, and international organisations that rely heavily on US personnel, while also complicating diplomatic and security cooperation in a region already facing insurgency and economic hardship.
The United States has yet to issue an official response, though diplomatic pushback is expected.
For now, Niger maintains that the restrictions will remain indefinite, underscoring a firm stance as it asserts greater autonomy on the global stage.
Egypt Moves to Develop Ports in Eritrea & Djibouti Amid Nile Dispute with Ethiopia
Egypt has reportedly agreed to help develop seaports in Eritrea and Djibouti, a strategic move aimed at expanding its influence in the Horn of Africa.
According to sources in Cairo cited by The National, the initiative is part of Egypt’s broader campaign to increase pressure on Ethiopia over the long-running Nile water dispute, particularly linked to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
By strengthening ties with Ethiopia’s neighbors and investing in critical maritime infrastructure along the Red Sea, Egypt is positioning itself to gain geopolitical leverage in a region vital to trade, security, and regional power dynamics.
The development signals a new phase in regional diplomacy, where infrastructure, ports, and alliances are becoming key tools in the ongoing Nile negotiations.
Morocco adopts an advanced technological system inside stadiums during the Africa Cup of Nations 2025
The system relies on smart sensors, high-resolution cameras, and real-time tracking technologies capable of detecting laser beams and accurately identifying their source within seconds
– This cutting-edge technology allows for fast and well-coordinated intervention without stopping the match or disrupting the atmosphere, showcasing a major leap in the use of modern technology to enhance stadium security and the organization of major international tournaments.
In a small but human gesture, the Kremlin says Putin sent a Christmas message to Trump, offering a heartfelt “Merry Christmas” despite the deep chill that still defines relations between the 2 countries.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the greeting just now, noting that it was delivered as a formal congratulatory message rather than a phone call.
No direct conversation between the 2 leaders was planned or expected on Christmas Day.
The exchange stands out precisely because of its simplicity.
There were no talks, no negotiations, no announcements – just a seasonal acknowledgment crossing one of the most strained diplomatic divides in the world.
In a year marked by war, sanctions, and hardened rhetoric, the message carried no policy shift, only the quiet reminder that even adversarial leaders still mark the calendar the same way.
