MOSCOW | Xinhua | Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that Russia opposes the deployment of weapons in space, stressing that Moscow sees no threat related to recent discussions about the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS.
During his annual press conference, Putin dismissed speculation surrounding the 3I/ATLAS comet.
“This is our secret weapon, we will use it only as a last resort,” Putin said.
“But seriously, we are against the deployment of weapons in space in general. There is no threat in this case,” he added.
Putin explained that the object under discussion is not artificial in origin and poses no danger to Earth, adding that it is a comet, which scientists are monitoring and is located hundreds of millions of kilometers away from Earth.
He noted that such objects may behave differently from comets of galactic origin, but experts understand the nature of the processes taking place and there is no reason for alarm.
Benin Republic has placed former defence minister and prominent opposition figure Candide Azannai in pre-trial detention as part of investigations into the failed coup attempt earlier this month.
According to an AFP journalist, Azannai was accused of plotting against the state and incitement to rebellion. He was arrested last week at his party’s headquarters in Cotonou following the attempted takeover.
Azannai’s detention comes despite his public condemnation of the coup and is the latest development after about 30 people, most of them soldiers, were jailed on Tuesday, December 16, on treason charges in connection with the foiled plot.
Soldiers had appeared on national television on December 7 to announce that they had overthrown President Patrice Talon, but loyalist forces swiftly regained control, with support from the Nigerian Air Force. Several people were killed during the unrest, while some suspected mutineers, including alleged coup leader Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri, remain at large.
After hours of questioning at Benin’s anti-terrorism court, Azannai was escorted away by police at dawn and taken into custody, an AFP reporter witnessed.
While Talon has been credited by supporters with boosting economic growth, critics accuse his administration of sliding into authoritarianism in a country once regarded as a democratic model in West Africa. In recent years, Benin has also faced growing jihadist violence in its northern regions.
President Talon is expected to step down in April after completing his second and final term in office.
A photograph released as part of the latest tranche of Epstein files shows Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor lying across the laps of five women, with the faces of the women redacted.
The undated image, which appears to be a photograph of a picture in a broken frame, also features Ghislaine Maxwell smiling in the background. The photo is believed to have been taken in front of a large fireplace.
Andrew stepped back from royal duties in 2019 following his widely criticised BBC Newsnight interview concerning his association with Jeffrey Epstein, a relationship that has continued to attract scrutiny.
Renewed attention followed the publication of Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir and the release of additional documents by the United States Department of Justice from Epstein’s estate.
The renewed scrutiny ultimately led to Charles III formally stripping his brother of his HRH style and princely title. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
US lawmakers have also criticised Andrew for what they described as “silence” after he failed to meet a deadline to respond to a request to sit for an interview related to Epstein.
On Friday night, the Department of Justice uploaded thousands of documents, including court filings, photographs and video footage, to its website. The release temporarily overwhelmed the platform, placing users in a queue due to what officials described as “extremely high volume of search requests”.
The image cache includes appearances by several high-profile figures, including Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, Mick Jagger, and Peter Mandelson.
Two photographs of Andrew’s former wife, Sarah Ferguson, with unidentified women were also included in the document release.
One image shows Mandelson with Epstein during what appears to be a birthday celebration, while another shows Jagger alongside Clinton with an unidentified woman whose face was redacted. Maxwell, Clinton and Kevin Spacey also appear in photographs taken inside Churchill War Rooms.
Additional photos show Epstein with Jackson and Maxwell standing outside 10 Downing Street. None of the images are dated, and officials stressed that they do not, on their own, establish wrongdoing.
The document release followed remarks by US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who said the need to protect victims meant that hundreds of thousands of additional documents would be released in stages.
The Justice Department was legally required to publish all Epstein-related files by midnight Friday under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Epstein was found dead in his Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal s3x trafficking charges, a death ruled a suicide.
A spokesperson for Senator Dick Durbin said the release “continues this administration’s pattern of protecting President Trump and other perpetrators”.
Clinton’s spokesman, Angel Urena, said in a statement: “There are two types of people here. The first group knew nothing and cut Epstein off before his crimes came to light. The second group continued relationships after that. We’re in the first.”
Several US lawmakers and lawyers representing Epstein’s victims criticised the heavy redactions in the files. Congressman Suhas Subramanyam told CNN: “They are absolutely in violation of the law. The law said they needed to release everything by today.”
Similarly, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the documents released were “just a fraction of the whole body of evidence”, adding that extensive redactions “violate the spirit of transparency and the letter of the law.”
Decades after the explosion of Reactor No. 4 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant near Pripyat, Ukraine, on April 26, 1986, radiation levels deep within the ruins remain lethal. Now, scientists have discovered an unexpected black fungus growing directly on radioactive surfaces.
The organism, identified as Cladosporium sphaerospermum, isn’t just surviving radiation. Unlike most organisms, which would be harmed or killed by radiation, this fungus actually uses the radiation to fuel its growth.
Why is Black Fungus Different?
The fungus contains melanin, a pigment also found in human skin, which allows it to absorb radiation. Once absorbed, the fungus converts the radiation into energy, similar to how plants use sunlight for photosynthesis. This allows the fungus to feed and grow in areas that are extremely radioactive, where other life forms cannot survive.
Scientists also found that the fungus grows faster under higher radiation, repairs its own damaged DNA, actively moves toward radioactive sources and forms dark, shadow-like patterns on reactor walls. Because of its eerie appearance, researchers call it “the reactor’s shadow.”
“The fungus contains melanin like in our skin. We’ve never witnessed anything like this in nature. They’re saying how creepy it is. They actually call it the reactor’s shadow because it really looks like a shadow coming from the reactor,” scientists say.
“There’s something growing in Chernobyl – it’s a black fungus it’s insane”“This fungi growing at Chernobyl is literally absorbing and eating the radiation around it, absorbing it and turning it into clean energy”
Discovery Caught Attention Of Space Agencies
NASA has since tested the fungus aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to study whether it could act as a living radiation shield. In space, astronauts are exposed to cosmic radiation that increases cancer risk and damages equipment.
This has led to scientists exploring whether spacecraft walls could be lined with fungal material and astronaut suits could include fungal-based radiation shielding.
Is It Dangerous?
So far, there is no evidence that the fungus poses a direct threat to people. Scientists say it does not “feed” on humans or human cells, and its radiation-absorbing behaviour is specific to extreme environments.
Some scientists speculate that this fungus may be ancient, possibly dating back to periods in Earth’s history when radiation levels were far higher than today.
One theory suggests that after massive asteroid impacts, when the ozone layer had been damaged by a giant meteor and radiation levels spiked, radiation-feeding organisms like this fungus could have flourished, helping life adapt and recover.
(BBC) A manhunt is under way after a shooting at a tavern in South Africa left nine people dead and another 10 injured.
Police said seven men and two women were killed in Bekkersdal, near Johannesburg, after about 12 unidentified gunmen arrived in two vehicles and opened fire at patrons.
The shooting happened at about 01:00 local time on Sunday (23:00 GMT Saturday) and the perpetrators “continued to shoot randomly as [people] fled the scene”, police added.
South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world. Sixty-three people were killed every day on average between April and September this year, according to police figures.
Murders are often the result of arguments, robberies and gang violence. The motive for this killing is not clear.
At the scene, deputy provincial police commissioner Maj-Gen Fred Kekana told broadcaster Newzroom Afrika that the perpetrators, armed with pistols and one AK-47, were “unprovoked”.
“The poor patrons were just enjoying themselves when people came and shot,” he said.
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Two of the victims were shot outside the tavern as they tired to flee and a third was a taxi driver who had dropped off a passenger nearby, Maj-Gen Kekana added.
Iran has executed a man accused of spying for Israel, marking the latest in a string of executions carried out since the June conflict between the two longtime rivals, according to the judiciary’s press agency.
In a statement published on Saturday, December 20, the judiciary’s official outlet, Mizan, said the death sentence against Aghil Keshavarz had been implemented after all legal processes were completed.
“The death sentence for Aghil Keshavarz, found guilty of spying for the Zionist regime, communicating and cooperating with the regime, and taking photographs of military and security sites, was carried out after being upheld by the Supreme Court and following legal procedures,” the Mizan agency reported.
Iranian authorities described Keshavarz as an operative of Israel’s foreign intelligence service, Mossad. According to the report, he was arrested between April and May in Urmia, a city in northwestern Iran.
The execution comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, following their June war, with Tehran intensifying prosecutions against individuals accused of espionage and collaboration with foreign intelligence services.
PF faction Acting President Given Lubinda says government has no authority over PF matters.
Lubinda adds that Cornelius Mweetwa’s remarks, that the expulsion of some PF MPs was a nullity shows how “arrogant and drunk” in power the UPND government is.
On Friday, Mweetwa, who is Chief Government Spokesperson said the expulsion of the PF members of parliament who voted for Bill 7 was a nullity, stating that Lubinda’s directive should be treated as ‘mere politicking’.
Commenting on this in an interview, Saturday, Lubinda said Mweetwa was a nonentity in the PF, hence had no say in the party’s internal matters.
“Now, the only thing that I appreciate is that Mweetwa is being morally upright in so far as doing [right] to people that they have paid, people that they induced to vote for them. Obviously, he can’t just watch them being expelled and doesn’t show sympathy. All he is doing is showing sympathy to those people because he knows that they used them. The UPND used those members of parliament in their pursuit of their criminal enterprise of amending the Constitution using a criminal process, an unconstitutional process. Obviously, they deserve sympathy from UPND and that is the sympathy that Mweetwa is trying to register to those people. But as far as the PF is concerned, sorry, he has no say, he has no authority whatsoever, he is a nonentity,” Lubinda said.
“He can say whatever he wants about UPND, he can say whatever he can about Parliament and the executive but sorry, when he talks about PF, he is wasting his time. He has nothing to say about the Patriotic Front. So, let him assure his friends that because they aided the rule to conclude a criminal activity, they are going to be protected, yes. Let them (UPND) protect them but not protect them from being expelled from the PF because they have no say in the matter. He is a nonentity in as far as the PF is concerned, he cannot say anything about the PF. He is something where he is known, where he has influence but in the PF he is a nonentity. They (expelled MPs) will not be able to exercise the rights of any PF member. They are no longer members of PF; they can do whatever they want but they will not have the privileges and rights of a PF member. They can go around calling themselves PF but that doesn’t make them PF. What makes a person PF is carrying the rights and privileges of membership”.
Lubinda wondered how a UPND member could declare PF expulsions a nullity.
“I wouldn’t expect that a person who belongs to Manchester United can go to say, ‘no, the coach of Man City must not field this player’. What kind of anarchy is that? How can a member of the UPND tell the PF not to expel or declare the expulsions a nullity? He is not a member of the PF; how can anyone think like that? It just shows you that these fellows are so arrogant, they are so drunk with power. Extremely drunk with power that they think that they can interfere in the processes of independent entities. That’s not how [you] govern, it’s just a sign of arrogance and a sign of misunderstanding of what their role is. This goes to show you that we are being governed by ignorance, by people who don’t understand what it means to govern. The government has no say whatsoever on what voluntary organisations do amongst themselves,” he said.
“The government’s role is to ensure that the Penal Code is not abrogated. Can that man (Mweetwa), use his head and explain to us what law has the PF breached which can encourage the government to get involved? This is a totally private matter. I know for a fact that the Executive, the Judiciary and the Legislature will ensure that those MPs that we have expelled from the party continue to occupy spaces in Parliament, that I know for a fact but that is not what I said. What I said was that we have expelled them from the PF. How will Mr Mweetwa ensure that those people continue to be members of the PF? How will he enforce that? Will he come and force those people to come and attend our meetings? For once, the man should be able to say things in the right perspective and not show the arrogance that they have in the manner in which they are governing the country”.
Further, Lubinda said Mweetwa was showing the country that the Executive had taken over all institutions.
“He is simply showing us that the Executive in Zambia has taken over all institutions and they think that they can also take over private entities such as political parties. Pretty soon, Mr Mweetwa will tell you that they will even determine when you should wake up and when you should sleep because they are in government. Pretty soon, they will tell you that they have the right to tell you which school you should go to and which school you should not go to because they are a government. Very soon, they will tell you that they have the power to determine your friends. What kind of thinking can that be?” wondered Lubinda.
In all honesty, late president Edgar Chagwa Lungu and Hon. Given Lubinda are the ones who awakened the sleeping monster, Hon. Miles Sampa aka Mbappe. In doing so, they indirectly created another monster, Hon. Robert Chabinga aka Chabz International.
If anyone is looking for who to blame for the challenges in the PF, the finger should be pointed squarely at ECL and Lubinda. Chabz is simply playing the game that was set up for him and right now he is just enjoying scoring goals.
What we are witnessing is not just the rise of an opportunist by the name of Chabz International. It is the slow death of internal political discipline. Parties do not collapse when outsiders attack them. They collapse when they lose the ability to manage ambition, popularity, and succession from within.
PF’s deeper problem is the culture of self sabotage. Every time a figure emerges who connects with the grassroots, the first reaction is reflection but suspicion. Instead of asking why the membership is responding, labels are quickly applied. Desperate. UPND project. MMD guy. Sellout.
Look at Hon. Brian Mundubile. Whether one likes him or not, it is obvious that he is one of the most popular figures in the party today. Yet instead of that popularity being studied and harnessed, it is treated as a threat. That tells you everything you need to know about the current mindset.
A party that fears its own popular figures will never defeat an opponent. A party that constantly suspects infiltration instead of listening to its base will keep creating space for opportunists. And in that space, people like Chabinga will continue to thrive.
This is not a Chabinga problem. It is a leadership failure problem.
Monsters are rarely born in politics. They are created. And once created, they do exactly what monsters do. They survive, they adapt, and they thrive in the chaos left behind.
Right now, the PF is not being destroyed by its enemies. It is defeating itself by not accepting the “obvious” successor and lead all opposition parties to work together!.. Otherwise as things stand we might just be wasting taxpayers money in printing ballot papers for 2026 as UPND will carry the day with ease. 🚶♂️
Simon Mulenga Mwila – Aspiring Mayor of Lusaka. (DBA – Candidate, MBA, LLM, LLB, Legal Practitioner, Commissioner for Oaths, Notary Public)
🇿🇲 EDITORIAL | 2026 Will Not Save PF; Organisation Might
This is the hardest moment to be Patriotic Front. The anger, grief, and confusion inside the party are real. Supporters feel besieged, disrespected, and politically orphaned. Many believe an external hand is deliberately dismantling what remains of a once-dominant movement. This sentiment deserves acknowledgment, not mockery. But sympathy cannot replace diagnosis. Politics punishes denial, not enemies.
The central truth PF must confront is structural, not conspiratorial. The party suffers from a classic founder complex. In Zambia, parties built tightly around individuals struggle to survive once the founding figure exits power or life. PF survived Michael Sata’s death in 2014 only because it was in government. State power provided money, leverage, and enforcement. Edgar Lungu inherited a functioning machine backed by authority.
Today, PF has neither power nor cash, and the illusion that the party can behave as though it still does is the root of the crisis.
What is unfolding now is not sabotage from outside. It is the collapse of internal discipline. Parties do not disintegrate when rivals attack them. They disintegrate when they lose the ability to manage ambition, succession, and popularity from within. PF normalised suspicion as governance. Popular figures were treated as threats. Loyalty was personalised. Rules were bent. That culture did not die with power. It metastasised. See what is now happening with Brian Mundubile.
The Bill 7 vote has exposed this brutally. More than twenty PF MPs broke ranks en masse, not because they were hypnotised or kidnapped, but because the party no longer commands unified authority. Some have cited constituency interests. Others cited conscience. What followed was not strategic containment but panic. Expulsions have been announced without legal clarity. Counter-statements have followed. Provincial leaders resigned. Rival centres of power spoke past each other. This is not resistance.
This is fragmentation.
Blaming the UPND offers emotional relief but avoids responsibility. The ruling party did not invent PF’s confusion. It exploited it. This is what organised parties do. For Bill 7, UPND counted votes, mapped incentives, and moved with discipline. PF issued statements, prayed, litigated, and shouted. Politics rewards numbers, timing, and structure. Moral outrage without machinery loses every time.
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There is also a dangerous turn toward grief-based politics. The constant invocation of Edgar Lungu’s memory as political capital is not strategy. It is stagnation. Zambian voters do not elect governments out of mourning. They move forward. UNIP learned this in 1996 when it boycotted elections on principle. That was integrity, but it also marked the end of its relevance.
PF today is neither boycotting nor organising. It is campaigning under a law it calls illegal while promising to repeal it after benefiting from it. That contradiction erodes credibility.
Promises to reverse law amendment No.7 after winning in 2026 sound emotionally satisfying but collapse under scrutiny. The next election will be held under this law. A Parliament of 226 elected MPs and 40 proportional seats will be constituted by it. Any government emerging from that process derives legitimacy from the same framework. To abolish it would raise questions about the validity of the very House that produced the president.
This is populism, not governance.
The uncomfortable reality is this: PF is not positioned for regime change next year. Not because voters hate it, but because it lacks a centre, a leader with uncontested authority, and the financial and organisational capacity to contest an expanded parliamentary map.
Zambian politics rarely returns former ruling parties to power quickly. UNIP did not. MMD did not. History is not sentimental
The path forward is honesty. PF must stop fighting ghosts and start rebuilding institutions. This means settling leadership through credible processes, abandoning politics of the dead, and learning to harness popularity instead of purging it.
Until then, the party will keep mistaking survival instincts for strategy. And while that continues, Hakainde Hichilema will remain president, not because he is untouchable, but because his opponents are not ready.
PF INFIGHTING SELF-INFLICTED, SAYS FORMER MIKOMFWA WARD COUNCILLOR
By Constance Shilengwe
Former Mikomfwa Ward Councillor, Victor Bowa, says the Patriotic Front (PF) has no one to blame for the ongoing infighting within the party, describing the situation as self-inflicted.
Mr. Bowa argues that the divisions could have been avoided if the party had held a convention after losing the 2021 general elections. He explains that the failure to follow established party procedures created confusion and opened the door to factionalism.
He adds that neglecting to hold a convention weakened internal democracy and deepened divisions within the PF.
Mr. Bowa has since urged PF leaders to resolve the disputes and reconcile with faction leader Robert Chabinga. He further advised Mr. Chabinga to allow aspiring councillors, Members of Parliament, and presidential candidates to freely contest under the PF ticket in the 2026 general election, warning against boycotting the polls or forming an alliance with the ruling UPND.
PF LEADERS ADVISED TO IDENTIFY A PARTY TO WORK WITH AHEAD OF NEXT YEAR’S ELECTIONS
By Cecilia Zyambo
Governance Expert Gilbert Chisenga has advised opposition Patriotic Front-PF leaders to set aside their differences and identify a political party they can work with to secure their place on the ballot in next year’s general elections.
In an interview with Phoenix News, Mr. Chisenga says while the PF remains one of the strongest and most popular opposition parties in the country, party leaders must put aside selfish interests to ensure unity and effectiveness.
He has expressed concern that pf members have spent the past four years in internal disputes, with only about eight months remaining before the general elections.
Mr. Chisenga has further called on all opposition parties to unite and collaborate if they hope to challenge and defeat the ruling UPND in next year’s polls.
When Party Discipline Meets the Constitution, The Legal Limits of Lubinda’s Declaration
Tobbius Chilembo Hamunkoyo- LLB
The public statement by Mr. Given Lubinda claiming to expel Patriotic Front (PF) Members of Parliament for supporting the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 has raised serious concern. What he said is not only worrying but also shows a misunderstanding of how the law works in Zambia.
In our country, law-making power belongs to Parliament, not to political parties. Article 62 of the Constitution is very clear on this point. Members of Parliament are guided by the Constitution and the rules of Parliament, not by party instructions, anger, or political threats. To suggest otherwise is to ignore basic constitutional principles that every former MP and Minister should know.
The problem becomes even bigger when we look at Mr. Lubinda’s own position in the PF. His claim to be “acting president” of the party is disputed. Under the law, only leaders who are legally recognised can make binding decisions for a political party. At the moment, PF leadership is not settled, and important party documents (the lugwalo) are under the custody of Hon. Robert M. Chabinga, MP for Mafinga.
Without recognition from the Registrar of Societies or a court of law, any expulsions announced by Mr. Lubinda have no legal effect. As things stand, Hon. Chabinga remains the legally recognised leader of the PF. This makes Mr. Lubinda’s declarations unlawful and more like political drama than real law.
More importantly, Members of Parliament get their authority directly from the people who voted for them. Article 68 of the Constitution makes this clear. Article 72 then lists the only reasons an MP can lose their seat. Voting in Parliament, even on a constitutional amendment, is not one of those reasons. The Constitution protects MPs so that they can vote freely, using their conscience and thinking about what is best for the nation. Threatening MPs for how they vote goes against democracy and the will of the people.
The Constitution also gives MPs special protection through parliamentary privilege, found in Articles 75, 76, and 77, together with the National Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act chapter 12 of the laws of Zambia.
These laws protect MPs from punishment or intimidation because of what they say or how they vote in Parliament. For this reason, punishing MPs for supporting Bill No. 7 is unconstitutional and violates the separation of powers. Parliament is not controlled by political parties. Any attempt to treat it that way has no legal standing and would not survive in court.
POLITICAL ANALYST WARNS AGAINST MANIPULATION OF PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION LAW
By Raphael Mulenga
Political analyst Francis Chipili has called for equity in the implementation of proportional representation in the National Assembly following the enactment of the constitution amendment bill number 2025.
Mr. Chipili who is also Zambian Institute of Governance and Civil Liberties Executive Director notes that while the amendment emphasizes the representation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities, concerns remain over whether government will uphold fairness in its application.
He has noted that in many instances, politicians have manipulated legal frameworks to serve their own interests, raising doubts about a genuine commitment to inclusive representation.
Mr. Chipili explained that although proportional representation has been successful in some societies, similar legislative efforts have largely failed in others due to weak political will.
He has however expressed optimism that the new law could still deliver outcomes that reflect the aspirations of the people if implemented in good faith and with strict adherence to the principles of equity and inclusiveness.
Never Underestimate the Quiet Strategist, The Case of Hakainde Hichilema’s Precision
By Tobbius Chilembo Hamunkoyo-LLB
Last weekend, as I sat down taking chibwantu (maheu) while watching soccer, I found myself thinking deeply about leadership in Zambia. My thoughts kept returning to one man. I realised that I have a habit of learning from veterans such as ; SC Wynter Kabimba, Vernon Mwaanga, the late Frederick Chiluba, Michael Chilufya Sata,Levy Patrick Mwanawasa among others, people who walked long and difficult roads in public service. Yet, each time I closely observe a person like Hakainde Hichilema, the 7th President of the Republic of Zambia, I learn something new. That quiet reflection is what compelled me to write this article this evening before sleeping.
Zambians must understand one important reality, Hakainde Hichilema is a leader who should never be underestimated. His politics are not built on noise, insults, or confusion, but on patience, persistence, hard work, planning, and discipline. He observes quietly, studies carefully, and acts decisively. History has repeatedly shown that those who laughed at him yesterday often realise, too late, that they misjudged him.
For fifteen long years, Hichilema remained in opposition, steadily rebuilding the UPND from where the late Anderson Kambela Mazoka left it. Step by step, when many would have given up, he endured electoral defeats, ridicule, arrests, and humiliation. Yet he never abandoned his vision. Instead of becoming bitter, he invested in party structures, organisation, and people.
It is an undeniable fact that his 2021 victory, defeating a sitting government led by the late Edgar Chagwa Lungu by over a million votes, was not luck, mwebantu (people) .In reality it was the reward of endurance, consistency, and faith in the Zambian people.
This same strategic patience is evident in his parliamentary approach. Zambians should remember Bill 10 flopped. President Hichilema understood early that it was not in the national interest, and he patiently mobilised his UPND Members of Parliament, including those across party lines, to defeat it. He mastered parliamentary arithmetic, alliances, and persuasion there by keeping his MPs at community house to avoid them voting for Bill 10.
Experience sharpened his political instincts. So when Bill 7 came, he already knew what to do, who to engage, and how to build support. Crucially, the inclusion of delimitation in the reform agenda was not accidental. It addressed long-standing concerns about representation and development equity. By responding to real constituency pressures, Hichilema was able to win over sceptical MPs and neutralise resistance very important.
That is why convincing Members of Parliament, including Hon. Christopher Kan’gombe, to support Bill 7 was not difficult. The Bill passed not because it was imposed, but because it was negotiated. Hichilema understands that politics is about people, not force, about listening, explaining, reassuring, and building trust.
Beyond Parliament, his quiet precision is also visible on the regional and international stage. At a time when Zambia is facing serious energy challenges, President Hichilema engaged President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe with diplomacy rather than confrontation. Through dialogue and regional cooperation, he managed to secure electricity arrangements that cushioned Zambia during a difficult period. This was not grandstanding, it was problem-solving. It demonstrated that effective leadership often happens away from cameras, in boardrooms and bilateral meetings, where trust and respect matter more than rhetoric from some CSOs, opposition parties and Churches.
Internationally, Hichilema has steadily restored Zambia’s standing. He has improved diplomatic relations, re-engaged cooperating partners, strengthened ties with neighbours, and rebuilt confidence with international financial institutions.
Zambia is once again viewed as a credible, predictable, and responsible partner. This opened doors for debt restructuring, investment, and development cooperation. These gains did not come from shouting; they came from credibility, consistency, and careful diplomacy.
Those who work closely with President Hichilema consistently describe him as a strong believer in teamwork. To him, leadership is not a solo performance. He values consultation, mentorship, and collective responsibility. This explains why he takes time before removing members from his team and why his Cabinet has largely remained stable.
As Hon. Chipoka Mulenga openly acknowledged, the President values dialogue over confrontation and consensus over command. President Hichilema is also fully aware of the real hardships Zambians face, particularly load-shedding. He understands the pain it causes families, businesses, farmers, and students. That is why his government is investing in energy diversification, reforms, and long-term solutions. He knows that without electricity, there can be no jobs, no growth, and no meaningful development.
Above all, Hakainde Hichilema is a peace-loving and unifying leader. He firmly rejects tribalism and politics of hate because he understands how destructive they are to national unity. He believes in talking before fighting, understanding before judging, and building before destroying. He studies people, reads documents carefully, and makes informed decisions.
Zambians must reflect carefully. This is not just a politician. This is a strategist, a negotiator, and a patient builder of consensus. History teaches us that quiet leaders are often the most dangerous to underestimate. In the case of Hakainde Hichilema, precision, not noise has been his greatest strength.
A concerned citizen, FARAI RUVANYATHI, says the past week may mark President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA’s most significant political victory since 2021.
Mr. RUVANYATHI says the successful passage of Bill 7 in Parliament, which had faced strong and sustained opposition, amounted to a major strategic and legislative success.
He says in a notable turn of events, a considerable number of opposition Members of Parliament voted in favour of the Bill, turning the outcome into a bipartisan show of support that unsettled the President’s critics.
Mr. RUVANYATHI further says the election of President HICHILEMA as interim incoming Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community –SADC- until August 2026 has added to the momentum.
He says the appointment is significant on several fronts, as it reflects regional confidence in the President’s diplomatic capacity.
Mr. RUVANYATHI says this development runs counter to claims by his adversaries, who have persistently advanced a narrative of regional rejection and isolation.
He says at a time when governments across Africa face intense political contestation, President HICHILEMA stands apart, partly because his opponents have failed to build ideological unity, policy clarity or strategic discipline.
This is according to a statement issued to ZNBC News by Mr. RUVANYATHI.
SHOCKER: Minister Alleges Top ZANU-PF Figures in Narco Scandal
Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe has sent shockwaves through the political establishment after sensationally claiming that some senior ZANU-PF officials are abusing their powerful positions to traffic drugs within the country.
Speaking in a startling disclosure that has ignited national debate, Kazembe alleged that the drug menace gripping communities is not only driven by criminal syndicates but also by individuals operating from within the corridors of power. His remarks have intensified pressure on authorities to act decisively against high-level corruption and drug-related crime.
The explosive claims come amid growing public concern over rising substance abuse, particularly among youths, and calls for tougher enforcement and accountability. While no names were mentioned, the allegations have rattled the ruling party and fueled demands for investigations to expose and punish those implicated.
Kazembe’s statements have placed the spotlight firmly on integrity in leadership, with the nation now watching closely to see whether action will follow the words.
Zambia to phase out diesel transport, set to introduce electric buses
ZAMBIANS should brace themselves for a silent revolution on the country’s roads as government has announced plans to introduce electric buses, drifting away from diesel-powered public transport.
This follows Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa’s successful test ride of an electric bus manufactured in Uganda, a development he described as a major breakthrough in Zambia’s drive towards a green economy.
Kangwa, said government is impressed with the innovation and is ready to partner with Uganda to adopt the technology rather than starting from scratch.
He added that Government will request for a quotation for Uganda’s Electric vehicles.
“The electric vehicle is the way to go, and we will do everything as a government to make sure that we get there,” Kangwa said.
“We do not have to reinvent the wheel, but we will partner with our colleagues. I have a team working on this to see how we can have some electric buses.”
He explained that the introduction of electric buses will not only reduce carbon emissions but also cut the country’s heavy fuel import bill, which continues to drain the economy.
Kangwa disclosed that government is already engaging local players to create an enabling environment that will allow the transport sector to gradually migrate from diesel to electric, with plans to eventually manufacture electric buses within Zambia.
He said the partnership with Uganda will open doors for skills transfer, local assembly and supply of components, while creating business opportunities for Zambians.
Meanwhile, Zambia Electric Mobility Innovation Alliance (ZEMIA) co-founder and president Kabayo Muhau said the adoption of electric vehicles could save the country billions of kwacha, noting that Zambia spends more than US$2 billion annually on fuel imports.
“Zambia spends over 2 billion United States dollars on fuel annually, and with electric vehicles, the country can save significantly,” said Muhau.
And Honorary Consul of Uganda to Zambia representative Joshua Ashaba said the partnership between Zambia and Uganda will strengthen regional cooperation while accelerating the green transport agenda, ZANIS reports.
With government now pressing the accelerator on clean energy transport, Zambians may soon find themselves boarding electric buses as the country drives into a quieter, cheaper and greener future.
Junior Bally, Grace Rumsey to play Hakainde and Mutinta in new movie
ZAMBIAN filmmakers have announced the production of a feature film titled ‘The Boy Who Became President’ a biographical-inspired production that traces the early life and rise of President Hakainde Hichilema, with filming scheduled to begin this week in Namwala District.
The film is being produced by Tiyanjane Film Production at an estimated cost of about US$100,000, with Albert Muteba as executive producer and Nevers Mumba as co-producer.
Thabo Machobani is the film’s director.
Speaking during a press briefing, Muteba said production would start this Wednesday, with principal photography expected to run until February 2026.
He said the film would be edited alongside shooting, with a public release targeted for April, although an official premiere date will be announced later.
The film features Christine Ngoma, 53, who plays the role of the President’s mother, Grace Rumsey as Mutinta Hichilema, and Bernard Mushingwa, popularly known as Junior Bally, portraying President Hichilema.
Ngoma said she was honoured to play the role of the President’s mother, describing the character as significant despite her personal experience of not having a son.
Ramsey said the story carried national significance, describing it as important for preserving history and national identity through visual storytelling.
“This story is very powerful and very important for national preservation and understanding the power of art and visual storytelling,” Ramsey said, adding that she was honoured to portray the President’s wife.
Bernard Mushingwa said the role marked a milestone in his acting career, describing it as a dream come true.
“It’s a great privilege to be part and parcel of this movie. I’ll make sure I do my best and make the nation proud,” he said.
Muteba further explained that the film tells the story of a young boy from a humble background who rose through perseverance, education and resilience to become President, stressing that the production is not political but inspirational.
“It doesn’t matter where you come from. If you have determination, you can always make your dream into reality,” Muteba said.
National Association of Media Arts (NAMA) Secretary General Abel Silungwe described the film as a significant contribution to Zambia’s creative industry and pledged support for its distribution locally and internationally.
“This film speaks to the very heart of who we are as a nation,” Silungwe said.
“We commit that even after the film is done and premiered, we will take it upon ourselves to make sure that it is widely distributed.”
Silungwe said NAMA was working to improve global distribution opportunities for Zambian films and revealed that the Africa Creative Market would be hosted in Zambia in June next year to connect local filmmakers with international platforms.
The filmmakers said The Boy Who Became President would be screened in local cinemas before being taken to international markets and film festivals, with the aim of showcasing Zambian stories and culture to a global audience.
Meanwhile, Nevers Mumba noted that while others countries focused on action movies, the production team chose to do a film that will inspire a generation of youths who may have lost hope, inspiration, and have taken up vices.
And Magama Mudemba spoke on behalf of the executive producer, Tabuda Mudemba, committing to supporting the team.
He emphasised the importance of the testimony behind the story of a village boy who later becomes president, likening the journey to his path of building a construction empire coming from a humble background in Mufulira.
The government has apologised to farmers in Eastern Province for the delayed payments to those who supplied maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA).
Eastern Province Minister Peter Phiri acknowledged that farmers need to be paid on time because they receive income only once a year, which is also used to plan for the next farming season.
The Minister made the statement in Katete during the handover of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) loans, grants, and community projects, after Milanzi Member of Parliament Melesiana Phiri reminded the government about the unpaid farmers.
The Minister assured farmers that the government will soon dismantle the arrears to ensure they can buy inputs, especially fertiliser.
Milanzi Member of Parliament Melesiana Phiri called on the government to ensure that FRA arrears owed to farmers are cleared to help them prepare for the 2025–2026 farming season.
Many farmers in Eastern Province have on several occasions complained that the delayed payments have affected their planning.
IS SOUTH AFRICA BECOMING A MAFIA STATE? CRIME, CORRUPTION AND CAPTURE SPARK NATIONAL ALARM
South Africa is increasingly being described by critics, analysts and civil society groups as a “mafia state” — a country where criminal networks, corrupt politicians, compromised police, and weakened institutions work hand in hand, while ordinary citizens pay the price.
A mafia state is not ruled openly by gangsters, but by criminalised elites who use state power for personal enrichment, protect their allies from prosecution, and silence whistleblowers. Many South Africans believe this description now fits the country’s reality.
🚨 WHY PEOPLE SAY SOUTH AFRICA FITS THE BILL
▪ Endemic corruption: From state capture at Eskom, Transnet and SARS to municipal looting, billions have vanished with very few high-profile convictions. ▪ Political protection: Accused politicians often remain in office, reshuffled instead of removed, while cases collapse or drag on for years.
▪ Police infiltration: Senior SAPS officers have been arrested or linked to organised crime, drug syndicates, gun-running and protection rackets. ▪ Assassinations and intimidation: Whistleblowers, activists, councillors and witnesses are threatened or killed, especially in provinces like KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
▪ Construction and taxi mafias: Armed groups extort businesses, shut down projects, and operate with near-impunity. ▪ Border and port control failures: Drugs, weapons and human trafficking flow through ports and borders, suggesting inside help.
Many citizens feel the rule of law is selective — harsh on the poor, lenient on the powerful.
🏛️ HOW THE COUNTRY IS BEING RUN
South Africa still has a Constitution, courts and elections — but critics argue that real power lies elsewhere:
Decisions influenced by tenderpreneurs and criminal financiers
Law enforcement weakened by political interference
Prosecuting authority struggling with capacity and fear
Communities forced to rely on private security, vigilantes or gangs for protection
🌍 OTHER COUNTRIES OFTEN CALLED “MAFIA STATES”
South Africa is not alone. Similar labels have been applied to:
Russia – oligarchs, organised crime and state power intertwined
Italy (historically) – Mafia infiltration of politics and business
Mexico – drug cartels influencing police and politicians
Colombia (past decades) – narco-state dynamics
Bulgaria – corruption and criminal capture of institutions
The difference, critics warn, is that South Africa is sliding in that direction while still claiming to be a functional democracy.
⚠️ THE BIG QUESTION
Can a country still call itself democratic when:
Criminals walk free
Victims get no justice
Whistleblowers need bodyguards
Communities live in fear
Corruption is punished with silence, not prison?
🗣️ Is South Africa a mafia state — or a democracy under siege? The answer may depend on whether accountability finally catches up with power… or whether crime continues to wear a suit and sit in Parliament.
Netanyahu plans to brief Trump and present NEW military strike options, possibly similar to joint U.S.–Israel strikes carried out earlier this year on Iran.
Israel believes Iran is rapidly rebuilding and expanding its ballistic missile program, which it sees as a more immediate threat than Iran’s nuclear work.
Israel argues the missile buildup threatens Israel, the region, and U.S. interests, and could soon reach thousands of missiles per month.
Trump has signaled openness to talks but also warned Iran that any rebuilding without a deal could trigger new strikes.
…Apparently the girl was just doing okay by hustling for herself after studies at Evelyn Hone College but after school she met this…
By Yona Musukwa
As one grows up, lived experiences will teach you that love has many definitions. For some, it is plenty of savanna, pizza, prawns and hungry lion. For others, it is flowers. For others, it is that paper manufactured by bo De La Rue called money. For others, it is secrets and the courage to bleed together.
On the morning of December 22, 2021, Sandra woke up in a beautiful Cape Town hotel like a Queen. She rose to the sweeping scenery of the Table Mountain meeting two oceans, a view to die for. She woke up to a life she never imagined. Breakfast in bed with the love of her life and plenty of horizontal engineering. The new couple in town was on fire, the man was firing on all cylinders. In fact, Sandra was almost tempted to call the headquarters of FIFA in Zurich, demanding that her husband be awarded a ballon d’or in horizontal engineering.
Perfect honeymoon! It is also during her honeymoon that Sandra discovered, to her shock, that Fanta and Fruiticana were not the only drinks available on earth, as most ba mwana shabulila think. She was now meeting, for the first time, cabernet sauvignon. With this discovery, her liver paid the price.
Soft life in motion! Before meeting her husband, Peter, Sandra was a hustler who woke up everyday calculating survival, chasing money and a job, dreaming of a better tomorrow.
After graduation from Evelyn Hone, Sandra couldn’t go back to Petauke, where she came from. Even though she loved Petauke, a place generous with mbeba, the place was very stingy with opportunities. She decided to stay in Lusaka.
Sandra was supplying stationary to various businesses owned by Peter’s family. And then, God knocked on the heart of a son of a well-off family. When Peter showed interest in her, she fell fast and hard. She saw in Peter, stability, safety and a prosperous future.
On 19th December 2021, they had their wedding. Even the word lavish, as an adjective, spectacularly fails to aptly describe their wedding. On December 21, Peter and Sandra flew to Cape Town for their honeymoon. Sandra felt the universe had aligned. Fate, it seemed, had finally cracked open marriage into a rich family; signed, sealed, and delivered.
Hallelujah! Four years later, with 2 boys manufactured, Sandra is wrestling with one scary inconvenience that has emerged, and about to completely redesign her. Three months ago, her father in law died. Life does not pause to mourn, it moves on. A week after burial, her husband arrived at their Ibex mansion, around 22:00, with something.
Even though their sons were fast asleep, he locked their bedroom, he also locked Sandra in the master bedroom. He switched off all the lights, including security lights outside. In total darkness, he then went outside and brought something in one of the bedrooms. He removed all the lights in that bedroom, locked it and went to have a chat with his wife.
He leaned closer to her, lowered his voice and started whispering. He explained to her that unknown to him and his siblings, his father had a ‘living thing’ he kept, that ensured they lived peacefully, comfortably, and prosperous forever. When he died, he left instructions that Peter was the one to takeover from him, because that was the altar where their family blessings came from. From that day onwards, that room was out of bounds. No further details, just enough mystery.
Since, then, only Peter goes in that room at 22:00, to leave 2 trays of eggs everyday. Sandra only goes in when Peter has travelled. She only goes in, put 2 trays of eggs near the entrance and come out. The room is kept very dark. You can’t see anything. Sandra says the room feels so heavy and dark, all she hears is something breathing very heavily, like the way obese people breath. Every time she goes in that room, she literally listens to her heartbeat argue with death.
After a month of living with this ‘thing’, she went to see her mother in law, Peter’s Mother, for some explanation. Her mother in law told her that she, just like her, just saw her late husband arrive with that ‘thing’, and went on to live with it for 36 years. Never saw it with her naked eyes but religiously put 2 trays of eggs everyday in the room. Now, it was her turn, unless she wants to destroy the family. Sandra got even more confused and scared, not only for herself but for her two boys. Just for some perspective outside the family, she decided to make a pilgrimage to the Fossil, so that he can peep in his bag of wisdom. Bane, this earth is hard. Class Dismissed!
Putin didn’t want to talk to the CIA, the State Department, or a four-star general. He asked, by name, for Steve Witkoff, a Miami real estate figure who’s been in Trump’s inner circle for decades.
A Russian oligarch passed the request through the Saudi crown prince. Putin said he would negotiate with one person only, not diplomats, not spies, not even someone who speaks Russian. Just Witkoff, and he had to come completely alone.
No translator. No aides. No official escort.
Just a direct meeting behind closed doors with someone outside the traditional diplomatic world.
Russian intelligence had profiled Trump’s team and viewed Witkoff as the most “psychologically compatible” choice to open a channel.
They ruled out General Kellogg because his daughter ran a charity in Ukraine. That detail alone was enough for the Kremlin to push for someone else.
So now the person leading sensitive talks with Moscow is a private-sector figure who sees negotiation as a matter of human connection and deal structure, not protocol.
Witkoff has met with Putin 6 times so far. One session reportedly lasted 5 hours. After one of those trips, he returned with a freed American prisoner.
He doesn’t work out of the State Department and isn’t surrounded by a large foreign policy team. He’s briefed by Sec. Rubio and the National Security Council, then reports directly to Trump.
This is who’s now shaping the U.S. approach to Russia, Ukraine, and possibly the war’s end, a war that has already caused more than 1,000,000 casualties.
Witkoff says he’s offering Ukraine access to $800B in investment if a deal is reached, though Kyiv points out he hasn’t visited them yet.
European allies say they’re not fully looped in.
But Putin is, and he’s the one who decided who would sit across from him.
ZELENSKY: “RUSSIA STILL WANTS IT ALL” AND THE WEST IS DRAGGING ITS FEET
In a brutally honest set of statements, Zelensky just spelled out what many leaders won’t: Russia’s goal hasn’t changed, which is the total occupation of Ukraine.
Post-ceasefire? Ukraine can’t maintain an 800,000-strong army, so long-term survival depends on Western security guarantees, something he clearly doesn’t fully trust at this point.
He even floated the idea of withdrawing from Donetsk, but only if Russia does too, with a clear warning: “No troops or heavy weapons in a free economic zone.”
It’s bold talk, but let’s not pretend Putin’s pulling back anytime soon.
Then he got into the West’s hesitation, and it wasn’t subtle, claiming air defense missiles are being delayed because partners are “afraid of angering Russia.”
Also, Ukraine can’t produce its own, as they haven’t been given the licenses.
And when asked about the U.S.-Russia-Ukraine meeting? He shrugged it off:
“We’ve had plenty of those. The results rarely meet expectations.”
The only good news? He says 2026 funding is locked down thanks to an EU interest-free loan. but even that feels like a temporary patch on a boat that’s still taking fire.
Zelensky’s message couldn’t be clearer: Ukraine can’t win this war alone, and he will be calling out anyone and everyone who’s preventing them from making strides in this war.
KENYA’S AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM AIMS TO BRIDGE HOUSING GAP AND CREATE JOBS
Kenya aims to close the estimated annual shortfall of 200,000 housing units in the low-income segment while also boosting employment in construction and manufacturing sectors. Funding for the initiative is partly sourced from the Affordable Housing Fund, which is financed through a 1.5% levy on employees’ gross monthly salaries, matched by their employers.
Housing options are categorized into three income brackets: Social Housing for individuals earning up to Kshs 20,000 per month; Affordable Housing for those earning between Kshs 20,000 and Kshs 149,000; and Affordable Market Housing for earners above Kshs 150,000.
Applicants interested in securing a home can access various financing options, including subsidized mortgages and the Tenant Purchase Scheme (TPS), which allows for extended monthly payments similar to rent over up to 25 years. A minimum deposit of 10% of the unit’s price is required to qualify for allocation.
REPORT: Russia & Iran deepen ties with new agreement coordinating anti-sanctions action.
During his visit to Moscow, Iran Foreign Minister Araghchi spoke at MGIMO University, the alma mater of many in the Russian Foreign Ministry. There, he made the following remarks:
“Numerous initiatives and projects are being implemented between Iran and Russia on how to combat sanctions and pursue cooperation in areas such as the oil sector and gas transmission.”
“The relations between Iran and Russia are deep and comprehensive, encompassing all political, economic, scientific, and cultural domains, including defense and security. The interactions between the two countries are now extensive.”
“One of the key pillars of cooperation between Iran and Russia is to support each other against the hegemony and coercion of the United States.”
“Iranians have a PhD in circumventing US sanctions.”
“Moscow’s stance [concerning the Israel-US war on Iran] was a historic milestone in Iran-Russia relations that we will never forget.”
“…The current situation, especially under the new US administration, suggests that all international laws and regulations are being set aside, and force and power are replacing international law… In Washington’s view, those who possess greater force believe they can impose peace on others through coercion. This situation, in essence, reflects a law of the jungle, leading us to a world where the powerful act according to their whims while the powerless are oppressed.”
Araghchi added that the US demands took the form of “unconditional surrender” until Iran successfully destroyed a sensitive radome structure at the US Al Udeid base in Qatar. Afterwards, the US proposal became an “unconditional ceasefire”.
Since the Israel-US war on Iran ended, Russia & Iran have signed a number of trade agreements in the military, scientific & industrial fields.
Iran has also attempted consolidations of its intelligence and security structures while ramping up military production.
This visit follows Iran signing three cooperation agreements with Belarus concerning international law & sanctions.
LITHUANIA UNDER PROTEST SIEGE: THOUSANDS IN VILNIUS RALLY AGAINST GOV’S MEDIA CONTROL PUSH
The pro-EU Lithuanian government’s facing massive heat in Vilnius – over 10,000 folks stormed the streets, protesting proposed laws that’d make it easier to boot the public broadcaster LRT’s director, basically handing politicians more sway over independent media.
Critics, including the European Broadcasting Union, are sounding alarms that this threatens press freedom big time, with changes to dismissal rules seen as a sneaky power grab.
Protesters chanted “hands off” the media, demanding no meddling in free speech.
This isn’t the first wave – earlier rallies early December drew similar crowds.
The government’s defending it as reforms, but the backlash is real.
As are European frustrations over lacking media independence.
Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund and a key Kremlin voice, just floated big ideas for teaming up with the U.S. in the Arctic – think joint resource unlocks and, yeah, an actual intercontinental tunnel linking Russia’s Chukotka to Alaska.
He says it could be built in under 8 years for about $8 billion, maybe with Elon’s Boring Company drilling the way.
Dmitriev’s framing it as a “Putin-Trump tunnel” to boost trade, tap Arctic riches, and flip the script on old rivalries.
Russia’s been eyeing this Bering Strait link since 2007, but now with Trump back, it’s getting fresh buzz as a symbol of thawing ties.
But here’s the head-scratcher:
For decades, Russian state media hammered the U.S. as the big bad wolf out to plunder Russia’s resources, enslave its people (hello, Dulles Plan myths), and turn everyone into McDonald’s drones.
Now? Suddenly, America’s a “respected partner” for mega-projects.
How do you sell that pivot to the home crowd without whiplash?
Dmitriev’s spinning it as mutual wins – stronger economies, less tension – but the narrative flip is real.
Die-hard nationalists might grumble, but if it means jobs and growth, maybe the masses buy in.
Either way, it’s a wild sign of geopolitical “flexibility” in action.
MIAMI POWER HUDDLE: WITKOFF SAYS GAZA NEEDS A “UNIFIED AUTHORITY” BEFORE SOMEONE WORSE TAKES OVER
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed what many suspected, the Miami talks weren’t just about a ceasefire, they were about who controls Gaza after the bombs stop falling.
The centerpiece? A proposed “unified Gazan authority,” a neutral, technocratic body (read: not Hamas, not Fatah) tasked with running Gaza, rebuilding it, and keeping the peace.
The meeting discussed the second phase of the deal involving the deployment of an international stabilization force and the development of an international body to govern Gaza.
It also includes the disarmament of Hamas, and Israel will have to move further from the so-called “yellow line” ahead of the international force taking over.
But why now? Because the ceasefire isn’t just about silence, it’s about who fills the vacuum once the guns go quiet.
And if there’s no plan, we all know what happens: chaos, power grabs, and possibly another armed group stepping in.
Witkoff says this authority would need broad international support, with buy-in from the U.S., Turkey, Gulf states, Egypt, and yes, even Israel.
So, let’s be honest: this is less about governance and more about crisis control with a suit and tie.
Everyone wants to prevent Gaza from becoming a geopolitical landmine again, they just can’t agree on who gets to hold the detonator.
But hey, if the talks can stop the missiles and keep the next war from starting by next year, it’s already doing more than most “peace plans” ever have.
🚨 BREAKING: CAF INTRODUCES AFRICAN NATIONS LEAGUE — AFCON MOVES TO EVERY FOUR YEARS 🚨
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is set to reshape African football with the launch of a brand-new African Nations League, an annual continental competition aimed at boosting competitiveness, development and regular high-level football across Africa.
⚽ How the African Nations League will work
The tournament will be played every year between September, October and November, fitting neatly into the FIFA international window.
Africa will be divided into regional groups (North, West, Central, East and Southern Africa) to reduce travel costs and player fatigue.
National teams will compete in league-style matches, earning promotion or facing relegation within their regional divisions.
The best-performing teams from each region will qualify for a final stage, where continental champions will be crowned.
🌍 Why CAF is introducing this competition
To give African national teams regular competitive matches, instead of relying mainly on friendlies.
To help develop smaller and emerging football nations through consistent, meaningful games.
To improve player exposure, rankings and scouting opportunities across the continent.
To strengthen Africa’s competitiveness on the global stage, including the World Cup.
🏆 Major change to AFCON
CAF has also confirmed that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will now be held once every four years starting in 2028, aligning it with other major international tournaments. This change aims to:
Reduce fixture congestion for players.
Increase the prestige and build-up of AFCON.
Allow better planning, infrastructure development and commercial growth.
📌 What this means for Africa
This new system is expected to modernise African football, create more balance between nations, improve standards, and give fans competitive matches every year, not just during AFCON tournaments.
African football is entering a new era — more games, more development, and more opportunities for every nation 🇿🇦🌍⚽
The Development Freedom Party (DFP) was launched today, with Brian Mutale as its leader. The party, formed in 2021, aims to uplift the lives of youths, persons with disabilities, and women.
DFP party president Brian Mutale stated that the party is built on a strong foundation, representing young people’s aspirations.
Mr Mutale thanked the Zambia police for granting the party a permit to gather and called for respect for law enforcement.
Mr Mutale urged the public to shun tribal talk and hate speech, promoting the “One Zambia, One Nation” mantra. He confidently declared DFP will win the 2026 presidential elections with a landslide, ruling out political alliances.
FDD HIT BY INTERNAL DIVISIONS OVER LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION
The Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) is grappling with growing internal divisions following the death of its long-serving leader, Edith Nawakwi, with sharp disagreements emerging over the party’s leadership succession.
At the centre of the dispute is a recommendation by some senior party members that Mr. Chifumu Banda, who has been serving as both Acting President and Vice President, should be adopted as the substantive Party President. However, the move has reportedly been met with resistance from sections of the party who argue that the process lacks broad consultation and internal consensus. The internal wrangles have been further exposed by complaints from FDD Secretary General Nathan Mulonga, who has publicly expressed concern that he is being sidelined in key party decisions. Mr. Mulonga says that as Secretary General, his role has been undermined, particularly in matters that fall directly under his mandate.
In a significant revelation, Mr. Mulonga disclosed that he did not sign the adoption certificate for the FDD parliamentary candidate in the Chawama by-election, raising questions about the legitimacy of the party’s internal procedures in selecting and endorsing candidates.
Political observers note that the unfolding disagreements point to deeper structural and leadership challenges within the opposition party as it attempts to reorganise itself after the loss of its founder member and president. The late Ms. Nawakwi was widely regarded as a unifying figure whose leadership helped keep internal differences in check.
Efforts to obtain a response from Mr. Banda by press time were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, party insiders fear that continued infighting could weaken the FDD’s electoral prospects and undermine its credibility, particularly at a time when opposition unity is considered crucial ahead of future elections.
As the situation develops, pressure is mounting on the party’s leadership to clarify succession processes, uphold internal democracy, and restore unity within the ranks to prevent further fragmentation.
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says he has reduced the size of his travelling delegation from about 120 under the previous regime to only about 25 people currently, as part of efforts to save public resources.
And BETUZ has said its membership has more than doubled thanks to massive teacher recruitment being undertaken by the New Dawn government.
Speaking at the Basic Education Teachers Union of Zambia (BETUZ) Silver Jubilee celebration yesterday, President Hichilema said his administration has also cut the length of stay during foreign trips to ensure prudent utilisation of resources.
“Before our time in government, every time there was a UN General Assembly, over 100 to 120 public servants travelled to New York. Now, if the President travels, it’s 25 people,” he said.
The event, held under the theme ‘Celebrating 25 years of unity, innovation and resilient growth’, attracted over 2,500 teachers, provincial education officers, deans of DEBS and head teachers from all 10 provinces.
President Hichilema said education is not merely a social sector but an economic one, and his administration will continue channelling more funds into it.
Student bursaries rise from 23,000 in 60 years to 53,000 under UPND – Syakalima
THE number of students accessing government loans and bursaries in public universities has more than doubled since 2021, as President Hakainde Hichilema calla for an education system focused on skills development and entrepreneurship.
During the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Basic Education Teachers Union of Zambia (BETUZ) yesterday, minister of education Douglas Syakalima said when the UPND government took office in 2021, only 23,000 students across the country were benefiting from scholarships and bursaries.
“Today, as we sit now, there are 53,000 students receiving loans and bursaries,” Syakalima said.
He said the increase covered all 10 public universities, marking a significant expansion in access to higher education.
“You can never imagine, from 1966 up to 2021, there were only 23,000 students. From 2021 up to date, there are 53,000 students receiving bursaries,” the minister said.
Meanwhile, President Hichilema reiterated his call for education reforms to go beyond academic qualifications and focus on practical skills and entrepreneurship so as to prepare young people for self-employment.
“A kid who is not good in mathematics or biology is not a failure,” the President said.
He said learners with talents in plumbing, carpentry, metalwork and other technical skills should be identified and supported early.
“If that kid is good in plumbing, in carpentry, in metalworking, let’s support him at an early age,” President Hichilema said.
The President also called for the return of career guidance teachers in schools to help learners identify their strengths.
“We must insist that we must have careers masters,” he said.
President Hichilema said the new curriculum should remain relevant to industry and promote entrepreneurial skills, encouraging learners to create jobs rather than only seeking employment.
“Let’s teach kids entrepreneurial skills, not always looking for a job. They should be able to work for themselves,” he said.
The President added that digital learning, internships and stronger partnerships between schools and industry would be key in preparing learners for the future.
“We want a curriculum that is relevant to industry,” said the President.
The Cultification of Power: How UPND Is Turning Governance into Blind Obedience
By Thandiwe Ketiš Ngoma
There is nothing more dangerous to a democracy than a ruling party that believes it is chosen, pure, and beyond question. Zambia is now facing that danger head on as the UPND under President Hakainde Hichilema increasingly operates like a political cult driven by power, arrogance, and self-righteousness.
Let us be clear. This is no longer about policy disagreements. This is about a toxic political culture where loyalty is demanded, worship is encouraged, and dissent is punished. It is a culture in which the ruling elite behaves as though intelligence, morality, and patriotism were patented by one party alone.
Criticize the government and you are attacked, insulted, or branded an enemy of progress. Question failed promises and you are told you are ignorant. Demand accountability and you are accused of supporting corruption. This is the language of cults, not democracies.
UPND supporters have been conditioned to defend every failure, excuse every contradiction, and justify every abuse of state power, no matter how obvious. The economy is choking the poor? Be patient. Jobs are disappearing? Reforms take time. Selective application of the law? Trust the President. This blind obedience is not patriotism. It is political enslavement.
What makes this situation even more alarming is the behavior of UPND sympathisers themselves, which increasingly mirrors how people in cults operate. Facts are irrelevant to them. Lived experiences of suffering are dismissed. Independent thought is discouraged. Anyone who does not echo the party line is attacked, mocked, or dehumanized. This is classic cult psychology: defend the leader at all costs, even against reality.
UPND supporters do not engage in debate. They enforce belief. They do not interrogate policy. They rationalize failure. They do not listen. They preach. To them, President Hakainde Hichilema is not merely a leader chosen by the people of Zambia. He is treated as a moral authority, a savior figure, almost a messiah whose decisions must never be questioned. In their narrative, Zambia was dark before him and saved by his arrival. This is not political consciousness. It is ideological captivity.
A cult needs enemies to survive, and this government has mastered that tactic. Opposition leaders are harassed. Civil society is intimidated. Journalists are pressured into silence. Institutions that should act independently increasingly resemble enforcement wings of the ruling party. Fear is quietly replacing freedom, and arrogance has replaced humility.
Even more disturbing is the role played by President Hichilema himself in reinforcing and enjoying this cult mentality. Rather than consistently discouraging hero worship and reaffirming that he is merely a temporary public servant accountable to the people, he often carries himself as a man uniquely destined to fix Zambia, an enlightened figure surrounded by citizens who simply do not understand his superior vision. This posture feeds the belief that criticism is not democratic engagement but ignorance or hostility.
A true democrat welcomes scrutiny. A cult leader resents it.
President Hichilema is increasingly treated not as a constitutional office holder but as an untouchable figure, shielded by loyalists who react aggressively to any challenge to his authority. This messiah complex is poisonous. Zambia did not remove one dominant party only to install another leadership that believes it is intellectually and morally superior to the citizens it governs.
This is how democracies decay, not through tanks in the streets, but through intellectual bullying, selective justice, and political gaslighting. Citizens are told suffering is progress. Silence is called unity. Submission is called patriotism.
UPND once claimed to stand against authoritarianism. Today, it is flirting with it openly. Power has not humbled this government. It has intoxicated it. And intoxicated governments always follow the same path, becoming isolated, defensive, paranoid, and increasingly repressive.
Zambia does not belong to UPND. The Constitution does not belong to the President. The state does not belong to party cadres. Power is borrowed from the people, and any government that begins to believe it owns the nation is already a threat to it.
Let this be said plainly. No leader is special. No party is sacred. No government deserves worship. The moment citizens are bullied into silence and criticism is criminalized by propaganda, democracy is already bleeding.
Zambians must reject this cult mentality with courage and clarity. Not tomorrow. Now. Because history shows that once a ruling party convinces itself it cannot be wrong, it will eventually do everything wrong.
And when that happens, it is always the ordinary people who suffer first and longest.
‘HERE I AM LORD!’ — ACKIM NJOBVU REVEALS SPIRITUAL ENCOUNTER THAT TRANSFORMED HIS LIFE AND LEADERSHIP!”
Democratic Union President Ackim Antony Njobvu has opened up about a deeply personal spiritual encounter that he says reshaped his life and strengthened his commitment to national service, humility, and leadership rooted in faith.
Speaking reflectively, Njobvu narrated his remarkable journey—from a young professional trusted with one of the nation’s most sensitive aviation roles, to becoming one of the most influential financial executives in corporate Africa.
At only 23, he began working on the aircraft that carries the Republican President. Ten years later, he rose to become a Finance Manager of a multinational insurance firm, later serving as Chief Financial Officer at a leading global insurance broking company and Chairperson of a respected African pension fund. He also continues to serve as Chairperson of a Small Christian Community at St. Ignatius Parish.
“In my professional career, I have never been a clerk or an assistant. I have always served at the top. But all glory and honour goes to God,” he shared.
Despite these achievements, Njobvu revealed that his journey was accompanied by spiritual encounters he kept private until a divine revelation, relayed through a friend’s wife in Chipata, prompted deep prayer and reflection. Seeking guidance, he and a close friend attended a spiritual retreat in November 2020.
He describes what followed as “The Great Deliverance” a life-renewing encounter that brought him peace, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose.
On the last day of the retreat, his friend dreamt of an impending accident. Days later, Njobvu indeed survived a serious road accident along the Ndola–Kitwe road. No one was injured, but he believes the incident marked a spiritual turning point.
“I realised my life had shifted. I am entering a new phase one fully surrendered to God’s will,” he said.
Today, Ackim Antony Njobvu positions himself as a leader shaped not only by corporate success, but by faith, resilience and humility. As Democratic Union President, he says his mission is guided by prayer, service, and ethical leadership.
“Here I am Lord, I have come to do Your will,” he declared.
Supporters say his story resonates with many Zambians who desire leaders with both competence and spiritual grounding leaders who understand responsibility beyond power and privilege.
For Njobvu, his journey is not merely a testimony; it is, he declares, a calling to lead with conscience, compassion and unwavering trust in God.
DON’T LOSE HOPE, WE’RE STILL RECRUITING TEACHERS – HH
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has urged teachers to remain hopeful, assuring that government will continue recruiting them.
Meanwhile, President Hichilema recalled being called “calculator boy” by late president Michael Sata, saying numbers don’t lie and that is why he loves his numbers.
Speaking during the silver jubilee of BETUZ, Friday, President Hichilema acknowledged the challenges teachers face regarding delays in upgrading their pay, stressing that government was aware of these concerns and was actively working with unions to address them.
“The teacher recruitment numbers have already been given. I don’t want to repeat that but we shall continue recruiting teachers, recruiting you, and the message is that those who have not been recruited, be patient. You can see those from 2017 are coming through now, so next it is your time. Don’t lose hope.
Please let’s encourage the other teachers not to lose hope because their time is coming. BETUZ you will receive more members, Sinkala don’t think you are a master of recruitment, we are recruiting for you and thank you for accommodating the people we are recruiting for you and work with them.
You see how much we are interdependent, we do understand the issue of pay, we do understand the delays in upgrading teachers, we do understand that issue. So, we sit down and work with each other, ZCTU president Blake Mulala and his Secretary General were briefing me about negotiations going on,” President Hichilema said.
“I’m alive to those issues and we are working on them. I have explained to Mr Mulala a technicality which I don’t want to make public but that technicality will fall away very soon and I’ve guided a team to conclude soon. But I also want you to understand that this government has walked from a bankrupt economy, in four years we were able to get the economy moving. I want BETUZ and you the teachers to walk with your government, the government which supports you, the government which loves you. And with more growth of the economy, you will see you don’t have to raise certain issues, they’ll become obvious”.
President Hichilema said government’s expanded free education policy covering exam fees, bursaries, meal allowances and hostels had boosted enrollments and created demand for more teachers.
“Yesterday in this hall we had monks and mommas over there, they too now are receiving meal allowances and that’s how we consider free education. It’s beyond just primary or secondary school but also university through meal allowances and more bursaries. Numbers don’t lie, that’s why I love my numbers, that’s why the late president Sata used to call me a calculator boy, and he would ridicule me by calling me that, I mean I used to enjoy him calling me that. So, my response is that sir you need a calculator to do things properly. Numbers don’t lie, muleishiba utuntu (learn to know things), so our calculation is that free education is not just primary, now early childhood education, it is also colleges and universities; more bursaries, more meal allowances. It is also exam fees, what’s the point of teaching a kid for free and when exam time comes, the parents can’t afford exam fees, the child doesn’t write an exam? Is there a logic in that?” asked President Hichilema.
“So, I said to Minister Syakalima that I will not want to hear a kid not writing the exam after we have covered the educational cost and now, they don’t have exam fees. I issued a directive that government will pay for the exam fees, simple. And now let me draw a connection to you, teachers who graduated in 2017 were not employed, wasting them and some were even forgetting their teaching tools and methods. If they don’t practice, they’ll forget, isn’t it? 2017, 2018, no jobs [but] by introducing free education, bringing these two million plus kids into school, keeping college kids into school because we now can support them through bursaries and meal allowances and exam fees and building more hostels, it created a demand for you people seated in this room”.
Meanwhile, Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) president Blake Mulala thanked government for recruiting 30,000 teachers, adding that colleges had started enrolling again because graduates were now confident in future employment opportunities.
“Mr President, thank you for employing the 30,000 teachers, people abandon their professions to become taxi drivers. Colleges were no longer enrolling, now colleges are advertising because they are sure that they will be employed. We affirm our support for your government and on policies where we don’t agree with you, we are happy that from all presidents who have served this country, you bypass the record of the President who has more engagement with the labour movements. And I agree that we shall resolve all our issues of misunderstanding on the table of dialogue, thank you,” said Mulala.
Good news worth celebrating is with us. During the week, Zambia reached a Staff-Level Agreement (SLA) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This may sound technical, but its impact is very real for ordinary citizens, especially women, youth, farmers, traders, and families in our communities.
Here’s what it means in simple, people-first terms:
1. More Money to Support Zambia Once approved by the IMF Board, this agreement will release about US$190 million to Zambia. The money will compliment the Government’s efforts to: – Stabilise the economy; and, – Support social services like health, education, and social protection. This means fewer economic shocks and more stability for households.
2. Help lower cost of living (Gradually) Because of reforms: – Inflation is easing; – Fuel prices are stabilising; – Food supply is improving; and, – The kwacha is becoming more stable. For families and women who manage household budgets, this helps stretch income further.
3. Stronger Support for Farmers & Rural Communities Agriculture is growing because of: – Better e-Voucher targeting; – More support for irrigation and climate-smart farming; and, – Improved access to financing. This supports women farmers, small-scale producers, and youth in agribusiness.
4. Better Electricity & Energy Reforms The Government is investing in: – Reliable power supply; – Solar and renewable energy; and, – Private investment in electricity. This helps businesses stay open, supports youth-led enterprises, and reduces daily disruptions at home.
5. Jobs & Human Development 3,000 new health workers to be recruited in 2026. Continued protection of education, health, and social cash transfer programmes. This creates jobs for young professionals and improves services for communities.
6. More Jobs Through Investment Because Zambia is now seen as stable and trustworthy: – Investors are returning; – Credit ratings have improved; and, – Mining, agriculture, energy, and infrastructure are expanding. More investment = more jobs for young people and entrepreneurs.
7. Transparency & Citizen Engagement The Ministry of Finance and National Planning will host a National Townhall Meeting in January 2026 to: – Explain how the economy has performed in 2026; – Discuss the 2026 Budget Outlook; and, – Hear directly from citizens.
Your voice matters in shaping Zambia’s future.
THE BIG PICTURE The IMF agreement confirms one thing: Zambia is back on track. Not just on paper—but in the form of more predictable prices, better services, stronger opportunities for women and youth, and a growing economy that works for the many, not just a few citizens.
Zambia’s recovery is real. The task now is to protect it and make sure it benefits every household.
Together, let’s keep building a Zambia that delivers jobs, dignity, and opportunity for all.
COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY DON ACHIEVES RECORD-BREAKING PHD IN QUANTUM PHYSICS WITH GLOBAL IMPACT
Dr. Chewe Fwalo, a Don from Copperbelt University, has completed his PhD requirements in Theoretical and Quantum Computational Solid State Physics in a record time of two and a half years. His exceptional doctoral journey at the University of Pretoria, one of Africa’s leading institutions, was marked by significant academic contributions and international recognition.
His research productivity resulted in eight articles published in top tier international journals. He further disseminated his findings at four major conferences in South Africa and abroad, building a notable global profile within the physics community.
Fwalo’s academic excellence was formally recognized through multiple awards. He received the 2025 Best PhD Poster award in the Division of Applied Physics at the South African Institute of Physics annual conference. His work on sodium air batteries was also ranked among the top ten posters at the South African National Symposium on Renewable Energy and Storage. Most notably, his thesis was selected among the top ten entries in the University of Pretoria’s prestigious 2025 Three Minute Thesis competition, where he expertly condensed his 200 page dissertation into a compelling three minute presentation.
The core of his doctoral work involved developing novel quantum mechanical energy functionals, implemented through advanced computing codes. He applied this research to design new boron polymorphs intended as cathode electrode additives for next generation metal air batteries. This innovation promises batteries with an energy density three times greater than conventional lithium ion technology.
This groundbreaking work fostered an extensive collaborative network with leading scientists worldwide. His collaborators include Professor Tanveen (University of New England, Australia), Professor Kochaev (Ulyanovsk State University, Russia), Professor Martins (São Paulo State University, Brazil), Professor WE Meyer and Dr. RE Mapasha (University of Pretoria), and Professor Layla Martin Samos of SISSA, Italy.
Currently, Dr. Fwalo is extending his research as a visiting Computational Solid State Physicist at the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA) in Trieste, Italy. His placement is supported by the European Union’s MAMBA project grant. At SISSA, a premier European interdisciplinary research institute, he is engaged in further collaboration at the forefront of the field.
The academic community celebrates Dr. Chewe Fwalo on his outstanding achievements. His record breaking doctoral accomplishment and pioneering research in renewable energy technology serve as a profound inspiration and a point of great pride.
Unwanted Messages Is Trespass – Court By Dickson Jere
A banker worked at NATSAVE as Treasury Manager. The bank used his personal phone number to register for bank account with another bank – Indo Zambia Bank. So, all the messages from the bank were being sent to this number of the employee. However, in 2023, his contract of employment came to an end and left the bank. He also notified the bank to remove his phone number from the signatory and authorization with Indo Bank.
Months passed but continued receiving messages from the bank. He wrote the bank complaining that the unwanted messages to his phone were affecting him and requested that the bank change the credentials. The bank did not remove him.
He then sued NATSAVE in Lusaka High Court for trespass on his phone and demanded K1.5 million as compensation. The bank did not call any witnesses but raised a point of law. Is there trespass on the phone via messages? The bank argued that trespass can only be on land or chattels, which do not involve messages on the phone.
The Court heard both arguments and noted that this case was novel and unique in that trespass has customarily involved land in most cases.
“It is clear that in a matter involving a well founded claim would not fail merely on account that there was no physical interference or control of the physical asset or damage done to it by the tortfeasor,” the Judge noted.
“In this present case, I find the Plaintiffs claim for trespass contextually tenable. The claim for damages for trespass to the Plaintiff phone succeeds,” the Court ruled.
The Judge, however, ordered that the ex banker be paid K30,000 in damages for trespass instead of the K1.5 million claimed which was “excessive”.
The Court said evidence showed that the banker received a “barrage or bombardment of unsolicited messages, with utter contempt” and repeated pleas for the bank to stop fell on deaf ears.
“The Defendant’s trespass was not only committed on day one or occasion, but continued from time he left employment…” the Judge said.
“The nature of the discomfort was to the extent that the quietness of his retirement was disturbed by the barrage of authorization text messages from his former employer, as if he was still in active service, sent to his phone without consent,” the Court said.
The Judge noted that it was actually in the interest of the bank to remove the ex-employee from the signatory authorization and receiving text messages from the bank as it could have triggered fraud.
“In the age where a thief can remotely steal more with a computer than through a gun, the want of the duty of care on the part of the Bank to honour the Plaintiff’s request was concerning,” the Judge observed with dismay.
Case citation- Charles Mwila v National Savings and Credit Bank – 2023/HP/1771 and Judgment delivered on Thursday last week.
Lecture notes;
1. This is groundbreaking case as it now extends trespass to text messages and WhatsApps being sent to phones. If one does not like the constant unwanted messages, one can now sue for trespass. This is why most email and marketing products gives you an option to unsubscribe to avoid such litigation.
