⬆️ BRIEFING | Court Shuts Down Oasis Forum’s Last-Minute Bid to Halt Bill 7 Process
The Constitutional Court has dismissed an urgent application by the Oasis Forum seeking to halt the Bill 7 process, ruling that the civil society grouping moved too late and that there was “nothing to conserve.”
In a decision that effectively closed the door on interim relief, a full bench of the Constitutional Court held that the Technical Committee on Constitutional Amendments had already completed its mandate and submitted its report to President Hakainde Hichilema, rendering the application academic.
The Oasis Forum, whose petition was filed through the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) alongside the NGO Coordinating Council, Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia, Council of Churches in Zambia, Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops and the LCK Freedom Foundation, had asked the court to issue a conservatory order to nullify any document produced by the Technical Committee and to freeze the process pending determination of their petition.
Their renewed application followed an earlier refusal by single Judge Maria Mapani-Kawimbe to grant interim relief. Before the full bench, counsel Linda Kasonde argued that the threshold for a conservatory order had been met, citing the existence of a prima facie case, the risk of irreparable harm and the need to protect public interest. The applicants relied on an earlier finding by a single judge that the petition raised serious constitutional questions with prospects of success.
The State opposed the application, arguing that it was inordinately delayed. Through an affidavit sworn by Dr Landilani Banda and in skeleton arguments, the respondents told the court that the application was filed more than a month after the Technical Committee had been appointed, at a time when about 95 percent of its work had already been completed.
They warned that stopping the process at that stage would serve no practical purpose and would amount to an academic exercise, something the Constitutional Court has consistently declined to entertain.
After considering submissions from both sides, the full bench comprising Professor Margaret Munalula, Arnold Shilimi, Judy Mulongoti, Martin Musaluke and Mudford Mwandenga agreed with the State.
“We note that the Technical Committee, which is at the centre of the petition, has concluded its work and submitted its report to the President,” the court ruled.
“The applicants moved this court too late in the day.”
The judges added that the court could not act in vain, concluding that there was “nothing to conserve or to stop,” and dismissed the application.
The ruling marks another setback for the Oasis Forum’s legal efforts to interrupt the Bill 7 process and comes against the backdrop of heightened political and legal contestation over the constitutional amendment as it advances through Parliament.
The 2/3 majority vote secured in Parliament in favour of the Constitution Amendment Bill No 7 of 2025 does not only reflect the will of the people through their MPs, but failed leadership of Given Lubinda.
It is embarrassing as it mirrors the fact that some of the PF leaders, especially Lubinda are living in denial of the truth that none of the presidential candidates have leadership qualities and are banking on luck.
What transpired on the floor of the House, requires that Lubinda should be the first among the candidates to resign and not start thinking of expelling MPs from the Party as sources have revealed.
It is clear that he has no following of MPs and lost control to lead the PF to any victory in the 2026 General elections.
MALAWI BISHOPS EXPRESS SOLIDARITY WITH ZCCB AT CATHOLIC FORUM
The Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) has expressed solidarity with the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops ZCCB.
Speaking during the opening of the Zambia National Catholic Forum , MCCB President Right Rev. Martin Anwel Mtumbuka said, in the name of a shared faith in Jesus Christ, MCCB extends a message of solidarity to Zambian bishops and to the entire Catholic Church in Zambia.
He noted that Malawi and Zambia face common challenges such as poverty, inequality, and the need for good governance, therefore there is need for continued collaboration in promoting social justice, peace, and reconciliation.
Bishop Mtumbuka also urged stronger cooperation within the Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe (MAZAZI) sub-region through joint pastoral programmes and a united voice against neo-colonial influences that undermine cultural and Christian values.
Meanwhile speaking at the same event ZCCB Secretary General Fr. Francis Mukosa noted that while families in Zambia face many social and economic challenges, they continue to show resilience and deep faith.
Fr.Mukosa emphasized the Church’s responsibility to accompany families with compassion, wisdom, and practical support so that none feel abandoned.
Nine (9) Zambian Bishops are in attendance at the Catholic Forum themed “Family at Crossroads,” which is scheduled to conclude on Thursday, 18th December 2025.
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION LAUNCHES RECRUITMENT DRIVE FOR 2,000 HEALTH WORKERS
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has officially kicked off the recruitment process for 2,000 health workers, with the swearing-in of the Steering Committee today, December 16, 2025.
Speaking in Lusaka today, CSC Acting Chairperson, Mr. Louis Siandyabantu, emphasized Government’s commitment to addressing the shortage of personnel in the health sector, highlighting the recruitment of 18,000 health workers in the last four years.
Mr. Siandyabantu disclosed that the recruitment exercise will be undertaken in two phases: promotion of in-service officers and first appointments. He said a transparent and inclusive process is expected, using Human Resource Management Committees at province and district levels.
The Acting Chairperson has further urged the Steering Committee to maintain high standards of integrity, impartiality, and objectivity, with a focus on merit, fairness, and equity.
“The Commission also appeals to candidates and the public to avoid misinformation and report any suspicious activities to the authorities”, he stressed.
Mr. Siandyabantu reminded the Committee that, “The recruitment process aims to promote inclusivity, with 10% of positions reserved for persons with disabilities in line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision of inclusivity”
Lt.Gen Andrew Sakala was well known pilot and former Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Commander. He passed on in December 2022 without leaving any Last Will & Testament. He left a property in Chilanga, which was registered jointly in his name and his wife Nestor Magaya Mambo. So, when he died, the property remained with his wife. But as fate has it, she also passed on in March 2024.
Then one of the purported child of the late Gen Sakala – from his first marriage – applied to Court and was appointed Administrator of the estate. It was her contention that the property reverted to the children upon death of the widow who had remained in the house by virtue of having a life interest. Simply, she was entitled to the house as one of the children of the late Lt. Gen.
The appointment of the Administrator was then challenged in the High Court by one of the children of the late Lt. Gen Sakala and late Nester Mambo. He argued that when Gen Sakala died, the ownership of the property passed to the surviving spouse under the doctrine of “right of survivorship”. She became the absolute owner.
The High Court Judge heard the parties and looked at the Certificate of Title, which, showed that both late Gen Sakala and his wife names were on title as owners. However, the title did not mention what sort of tenancy they had and therefore the law presumed it to be joint tenancy when it is silence.
The Judge then adjudged thus;
“…the deceased’s interest in joint property terminates immediately at death and vests wholly in the surviving joint tenant, thus Stand 226 did not form part of Lt.Gen Sakala’s estate at the time of his death,” the Judged said.
“It vested exclusively in Nester Magaya Mambo,” the Court ruled.
The Court further explained that when the widow of Gen Sakala died, that property became part of her estate away from the late husband property and therefore only her children or dependants could benefit.
“The Respondent is not a child of Nester Magaya Mambo, she was not adopted, was not a dependent; and has provided no evidence of contribution giving rise to a constructive or resulting trust,” the Judge observed.
The Court proceeded and revoked the appointment of Administrator of the purported child saying only children of the deceased widow can inherit the property. The court also ordered that all rentals collected thus far must be accounted for and given the actual beneficiaries.
“Justice accordingly requires revocation and proper administration by a person with lawful standing,” the Judge said.
Case citation – Christopher Magaya Sakala v Ethel Sakala – 2024/HPF/998 and Judgement delivered last week Friday.
Lecture Notes;
1. This is very important case that explains what happens when one died in case where property is joint owned. The one who survives the other automatically becomes the owner absolutely. But this only applies in joint tenancy.
2. Sometimes two names can be in the title but the two are merely tenants in common. This means each person share in the property is known. In this case, when one died, his share will be subject for inheritance. So, always pay attention to the type of tenancy you have with your spouse or indeed friends.
3. Another important aspect is for parents to make sure that they adopt stepchildren formally if they want them to inherit. Had this girl been adopted, she would have benefited from the estate of the late stepmother.
Hungary Breaks Ranks: “Europe Cannot Survive a War with Russia”
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó delivered a stark warning to Brussels. A direct conflict between Europe and Russia would destroy the continent.
He demanded Hungary be excluded from EU plans to seize frozen Russian assets. The move challenges Brussels’ strategy to fund Ukraine through confiscated Russian funds.
This defiance exposes growing divisions within the EU over sanctions policy. Some member states question whether the current approach serves European interests.
Szijjártó’s position puts Hungary at odds with the majority of EU leadership. The debate raises questions about unity and sovereignty within the bloc.
He demanded that Hungary be excluded from EU plans to seize frozen Russian assets. The move challenges Brussels’ strategy to fund Ukraine through confiscated Russian funds.
IF WE DOWN TOOLS, BE READY TO LOSE 894 DOCTORS IN HEALTH FACILITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY – Resident Doctors
THE Resident Doctors Association of Zambia has disclosed that 894 volunteer doctors are set to be withdrawn from the health sector effective Friday, December 19, 2025, when their planned industrial boycott starts.
Association President, Paul Chibwe, says the figures highlight the critical role volunteer doctors play in daily service delivery, particularly in referral hospitals and other high-volume health facilities across the country.
Dr. Chibwe warns that the withdrawal will have a significant nationwide impact, placing additional pressure on existing medical staff, disrupting duty rosters, and potentially leading to longer waiting times and reduced service availability in some departments.
“The association continues to call for clear communication, definitive timelines, and a sustainable pathway forward,” said Dr. Chibwe in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
He noted that the situation reflects a broader structural challenge within the health sector that requires urgent attention in the interest of both healthcare workers and the communities they serve
Dr. Chibwe further emphasized that until clarity is provided, the doctors’ down-tools action remains in effect, while reaffirming the Association’s commitment to professionalism, patient welfare, and the long-term stability of Zambia’s healthcare system.
KABWE COUNCIL ACCOUNTANT PAYS HIMSELF K1.8M IN DOUBLE SALARIES
THE 2024 Audit Report on Local Authorities has revealed that a Kabwe Municipal Council Group Accountant misappropriated over K1.8 million by processing duplicate salary payments and other personal emoluments into his personal bank account.
The Auditor General’s audit report has also disclosed that Kapiri Mposhi Town Council paid over K2 million to eight suppliers for various goods which, as of September 30, 2025, had not been delivered and no action had been taken by the local authority.
Meanwhile, the report has revealed that Mpulungu Town Council could not provide the whereabouts of a motor vehicle, despite it being recorded in the asset register.
The audit report indicated that the matter in which the Kabwe Municipal Council Group Accountant misappropriated funds was reported to the police, but no recoveries had been made.
“Regulation No. 84 of the Public Finance Management (General) Regulations of 2020 requires payment of salaries and wages to be made directly into an office holder’s bank account at any bank within the Republic. Contrary to the Regulation, during the period from June 2024 to September 2025, the Group Accountant at Kabwe Municipal Council misappropriated funds in amounts totalling K1,899,149 (2025 – K1,479,057.28 and 2024 – K420,091.39) by processing duplicate payments of salaries and other personal emoluments from the local authority’s Market Account to his personal bank account. As of 31st October 2025, although the matter had been reported to the Police, no recoveries had been made,” the report read.
Meanwhile, the report revealed that Kapiri Mposhi Town Council paid over K2 million to eight suppliers for the procurement of goods, but the goods were not delivered as of September 30, 2025.
“A scrutiny of records such as bank statements, ledgers and stores records relating to the Sector Grant Account revealed that during the period under review, amounts totalling K2,046,387 were paid to eight suppliers for the procurement of various goods. However, as at 30th September 2025, the goods had not been delivered by the suppliers and no action had been taken by the local authority. Further, the payments made were not supported with payment vouchers and invoices,” the report stated.
“Section 133 of the Roads and Road Traffic Act, Cap 464 of the Laws of Zambia requires all motor vehicles using public roads to have a minimum of third-party insurance cover. Contrary to the Act, the local authority had not insured a Futon light truck registration number BBA 3006 and Ford Ranger registration number BAD 8168, which were involved in accidents on 2nd April 2024 and 5th May 2024 respectively. Consequently, the local authority spent amounts totalling K77,980 for repairing the Futon Light Truck while the Ford Ranger had not been repaired as at 30th September 2025”.
The audit report further revealed that the Livingstone City Council made an advance payment of over K100,000 to a garage in Lusaka to repair a fire truck involved in an accident, but no work was done and the money was not recovered.
“In 2018, a Man Fire Truck with registration number 668 CK Ziegler whose value could not be ascertained was involved in a road traffic accident and taken to a garage (CLA Commercial Motors Limited) in Lusaka for repair at a cost of K135,153. In this regard, in March 2018 the local authority made an advance payment of K100,000 leaving a balance of K35,153. However, no works were done by the CLA Commercial Motors Limited and on 18th December 2023 the local authority retrieved the fire truck and parked it at a private garage (Mewmanzi Enterprise Limited) in Lusaka who was paid an amount of K10,000 for storage on 4th January 2024. On 4th January 2024, the local authority took the fire truck to Livingstone Council garage for safe keeping. As at 30th September 2025, the fire truck had not been repaired and the amount of K100,000 paid to CLA Commercial Motors Limited for repair works had not been recovered by the local authority,” the report stated.
The report also disclosed that Mpulungu Town Council could not provide the whereabouts of a motor vehicle, despite it being recorded in the asset register.
“An examination of financial and other records maintained at Mpulungu Town Council for the financial year ended 31st December 2024 and a physical inspection of selected projects carried out in September 2025 revealed the following: Section 41 (1) of the Public Finance Management Act No. 1 of 2018 stipulates that a Controlling Officer is responsible for the management of public assets and stores of the head of expenditure. Contrary to the Act, the local authority could not account for a Nissan Twin Cab Hardbody registration number ABF 6863 whose value could not be ascertained as it was not availed for physical verification. As at 30th September 2025, the vehicle was still missing despite it being recorded in the asset register,” read the report.
JUDGE HEARS SHIKAPWASHA’S SON DETAINED OVER SHOOTING
A JUDGE has heard that the late Zambia Air Force Commander Ronnie Shikapwasha’s son, Abner, was in January 2024 detained in connection with investigations into the shooting of his father.
This emerged during cross examination of ballistics expert witness Isaac Kalimanshila in the case where 74-year-old Jane Lusengo is accused of killing her husband, Retired Lieutenant General Shikapwasha.
Ms Lusengo is alleged to have shot Gen Shikapwasha on January 14, 2024 with a double-barrel shotgun in the master bedroom of their house.
The 76-year-old died the following day in hospital.
Earlier testimony from the deceased’s daughter, Vanessa, revealed that Abner had been detained in connection with the alleged shooting.
Defence lawyer Gilbert Pindani asked Vanessa if both Lusengo and Abner were held at Twin Palm Police Station, to which she confirmed.
She also agreed that Abner had since been turned into a State witness.
During continued trial last Friday, Mr Pindani questioned Mr Kalimanshila about whether he was aware Abner had been interrogated and remained at the crime scene between January 14 and 15, 2024.
The witness said he was not informed.
He also said he was unaware that Vanessa had stayed at the scene during the same period.
Mr Kalimanshila admitted that unauthorised access to a crime scene contaminates it.
He confirmed finding clothes, towels and pillows scattered on the floor when he inspected the house on January 16, 2024.
Asked about his observations, he said he noticed lighting on the ceiling board but denied seeing any trap doors either outside or inside the master bedroom.
Johannesburg is gripped by fear amid explosive allegations that a shadowy criminal outfit known on the streets as “Boko Haram” is orchestrating a wave of violent building hijackings across the city. Sources claim the group is allegedly controlled by an underworld figure nicknamed “John Wick,” said to be Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala a name that has long circulated in crime intelligence whispers.
The gang is accused of forcefully seizing residential and commercial properties, turning once-safe buildings into lawless strongholds and terrorising tenants and owners alike.
The deadly reach of this alleged syndicate came into sharp focus with the shocking killing of popular figure DJ Warras. He was brutally shot dead, according to reports, while attempting to reclaim a hijacked property a move that may have cost him his life.
As communities demand answers and justice, police face mounting pressure to dismantle the networks allegedly fueling Johannesburg’s building hijacking crisis before more blood is spilled.
UPDATE: SECRET NPA DOSSIER EXPLODES! DA MP ACCUSED IN $1M CASH-FOR-FAVOURS SCANDAL
A buried 2014 NPA report has resurfaced with explosive allegations against current DA Member of Parliament Glynnnis Breytenbach, accusing her of receiving $1 million from businessman Nathan Kirsh a complainant in a case she was prosecuting at the time.
According to the Integrity Management Unit’s findings, investigators recommended criminal prosecution for corruption, fraud and possible racketeering. The report alleges Breytenbach breached multiple prosecutorial and public service codes by soliciting and accepting large sums of money from Kirsh, failing to act impartially, and becoming personally entangled in cases linked to close associates.
The dossier further claims she abused her seniority to influence prosecutions, failed to declare financial interests, misrepresented overseas business holdings, borrowed money from subordinates, and misled her employer over an official trip.
Despite the damning recommendations, the report was never acted upon sparking fresh outrage and renewed calls for accountability. Critics say the revelations raise troubling questions about justice, power and political protection at the highest levels.
Kenya is building road dividers from compressed banana fiber. Farmers harvest bananas, and the leftover stalks become road infrastructure.
Engineers press these fibers into panels with natural resins and heat treatment. The material stands up to rain ️ and bends with temperature shifts without cracking like concrete does.
These dividers work best in rural areas where pedestrians and cyclists share roads with cars. The flexible design makes low-speed collisions safer for everyone.
Communities grow bananas, process the waste, and install the dividers themselves. This creates local jobs and cuts construction emissions. No imported materials needed
The dividers blend into the environment with their natural color. Some communities paint them with eco-safe dyes.
Your infrastructure doesn’t need to come from factories far away. Kenya proves you can build roads from what grows in your backyard.
SHOCK IN SOUTHERN AFRICA: Mysterious “Alien Beings” Allegedly Discovered in Zimbabwe, Sparking Global UFO Debate
Zimbabwe has unexpectedly found itself at the centre of one of the most talked‑about mysteries of the modern era after shocking reports emerged of strange, non‑human beings allegedly discovered in a remote area of the country.
According to local witnesses and circulating reports, residents near a sparsely populated rural region claim they observed unidentified flying objects (UFOs) hovering silently in the night sky before disappearing at high speed. Hours later, unusual activity was reported on the ground, with villagers describing beings unlike anything they had ever seen — short in stature, large eyes, and movements described as “not human.”
Eyewitnesses say the area was quickly sealed off, with unknown officials and security personnel allegedly arriving under tight secrecy. Mobile network disruptions, restricted access to roads, and warnings to locals to stay indoors have only added to the growing suspicion that something extraordinary may have taken place.
Social media has since exploded with theories — from extraterrestrial contact to classified military experiments — while others recall Zimbabwe’s long history of unexplained encounters, including the famous Ariel School UFO incident, which left dozens of children claiming they saw alien beings decades ago.
What makes the current claims more chilling is the consistency in witness descriptions and the sudden silence from authorities. No official confirmation has been given, but no firm denial has been issued either — fueling speculation that governments may be withholding information to avoid public panic.
Scientists and UFO researchers worldwide are now calling for transparency, saying Africa must not be ignored in the global search for extraterrestrial life. Some argue that Zimbabwe’s vast rural landscapes and low light pollution make it a prime location for unexplained aerial phenomena.
Is this the first real contact with beings from another world? Is humanity being watched — or studied? Or is this another mystery destined to be buried under secrecy?
For now, Zimbabwe stands at the heart of a story that could change everything we think we know about life beyond Earth.
The truth remains out there… and closer than we ever imagined.
Nigerian Billionaire Abdul Samad Rabiu Gifts Employees $20.7 Million in Cash Rewards
Nigerian billionaire Abdul Samad Rabiu has awarded $20.7 million in cash gifts to 510 employees of his company, BUA Group.
He gave five senior staff members $690,000 each, amounting to $3.45 million of the total payout.
The remaining $17.25 million was distributed to 505 employees, with each receiving approximately $34,158.
Rabiu, who is the founder and chairman of BUA Group, said the gesture was aimed at appreciating loyalty, dedication, and performance across the organisation.
His company is one of Africa’s largest industrial conglomerates, with major interests in cement production, sugar refining, flour milling, and real estate.
He is also the second richest man in Nigeria with a net worth of $8.5 billion.
Namibia Takes Full Ownership of China-Aided Satellite Ground Station in Boost to Space Capabilities
Namibia has officially taken ownership of the China-aided Satellite Ground Data Receiving Station (SGDRS) to strengthen its space and earth-observation capabilities.
China handed over the satellite ground station to Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Information and Youth Services and Communication.
The project includes the construction of satellite data-receiving infrastructure, data processing systems and the training of local Namibian technicians.
Officials said China will train Namibians to operate and maintain the facility until they become fully equipped and familiar with the technology.
Namibian government said the station will support natural resource management, agricultural planning, disaster monitoring and response, etc.
MASHATILE’S MONEY BOMBSHELL! ANC DEPUTY CALLS FOR CASH-IN-THE-OPEN CAMPAIGNS
In a stunning shake up proposal, ANC deputy president Paul Mashatile has urged the ruling party to openly allow members to use money when campaigning for leadership positions as long as it happens under strict scrutiny.
Mashatile told party structures that the days of pretending politics and money are separate are over, arguing that modern-day global politics is driven by material interests. Instead of denying it, he says, the ANC should regulate it.
His proposal? Force all would-be leaders to publicly declare their funders, subject themselves to full financial transparency, and even allow the party to inspect their bank accounts to ensure clean competition.
The remarks are already stirring fierce debate inside the ANC, with some seeing it as a bold step toward transparency and others warning it could formalise the very corruption the party claims to be fighting.
THREE GAMES, THREE DEFEATS, EIGHT GOALS CONCEDED: IS SICHONE THE RIGHT MAN FOR AFCON?
By Mike Jovic Mwendachabe
Zambia have already secured qualification to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a target that was achieved before the change on the technical bench. However, the decision to part ways with Avram Grant and appoint Moses Sichone is a GAMBLE, especially when measured against the numbers from his short spell in charge.
Since taking over, Sichone has handled three international friendly matches, all of which ended in defeat.
Zambia lost 3–1 to South Africa, went down 3–2 to Angola, and were beaten 2–0 by DR Congo. While these matches were non competitive, the results have placed early scrutiny on the new technical direction.
Across those three games, Zambia scored three goals and conceded eight. The team failed to keep a clean sheet and allowed at least two goals in every match except one. It is important to put the statistics into context.
These were friendly matches often used to test combinations and assess players rather than chase results. In addition, Sichone inherited a team that was already qualified for AFCON, meaning the immediate task shifted from qualification to preparation and evaluation.
However, numbers still matter, especially this close to the tournament. Zambia’s AFCON place is secure, influence confidence, structure, and momentum. Conceding eight goals in three matches raises questions about defensive organisation and tactical clarity under the current setup.
The key question, therefore, is not whether Zambia will win the the AFCON, but whether Sichone has shown enough to justify leading the team at the tournament. His strengths lie in continuity, local understanding, and familiarity with the players, but those advantages must translate into improved performances on the pitch.
Zambia still have the quality and experience to compete at AFCON. Whether that potential is realised will depend on how quickly the technical bench can correct the strikeral misfiring and defensive flaws highlighted by the statistics. Up next is Zambia against Ivory Coast in another preparatory match
Three African Nations Just Made A Bold $895M Move To Take Control Of Their Economic Future
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have officially launched their own regional investment bank with a massive $895 million in capital! The bank will finance critical infrastructure, energy, and agricultural projects across the Sahel region – using resources pooled from three of Africa’s most mineral-rich nations (think gold and uranium reserves).
Here’s what makes this significant: Each country is contributing around 5% of its tax revenues to capitalize the bank, deliberately reducing their dependency on foreign donors and taking charge of their own development agenda. The finance ministers are calling this essential for economic stability and financing strategic projects on their own terms.
After withdrawing from ECOWAS and facing challenges including political instability and climate pressures, these nations are creating their own path forward through regional cooperation and financial independence.
What’s your take? 樂 Do you think regional investment banks like this could become a blueprint for other African nations seeking greater economic autonomy? Drop your thoughts below!
Social networks spread biased content and the world has no global system to stop disinformation.
At the 6th Russia-China Media Forum in Beijing, Vladimir Tabak from the Global Fact-Checking Network pushed for stronger international action. Social platforms claim neutrality but push political narratives. You see this every day in your feed.
Tabak wants China to expand partnerships through education programs and methodology sharing. The goal: create real tools to identify and stop fake content before you fall for misinformation.
Deepfakes pose the biggest threat now Russia presented Zephyr, a detection system built with BigTech companies. This technology scans videos and images to expose manipulated content.
China has participated in the “Dialog about Fakes” forum for three years. Russian experts attend events in Kunming. TASS Director General Andrey Kondrashov emphasized that Russian-Chinese cooperation serves as a shield against disinformation campaigns from Western media.
The partnership focuses on protecting you from coordinated attacks designed to erode trust between nations. Both countries work to build verification systems that help audiences separate facts from fabricated stories.
Your ability to identify truth depends on these international networks fighting back against propaganda machines
Modi Lands in Ethiopia to Strengthen Strategic Ties
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Addis Ababa and received a warm welcome from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at the airport.
You’re watching two nations with rich histories come together. Ethiopia brings its ancient heritage while India brings its growing global influence.
Modi praised Ethiopia’s deep cultural roots and confirmed that India and Ethiopia already share a strong strategic partnership. But this visit aims to take things further.
The Indian PM came ready to work. He plans to sit down with Ethiopian leaders to expand cooperation across multiple sectors 欄. This meeting shows how India continues to build bridges with African nations.
The partnership between New Delhi and Addis Ababa goes beyond diplomatic pleasantries. Both countries see mutual benefits in deepening their relationship across trade, technology, and development.
Fudan University in Shanghai built a complete operating room inside a C909 aircraft.
You read this right. The team installs the entire facility in 8 hours with a boltless system. No construction crews. No permanent buildings.
The airborne hospital performs complex eye, ear, nose, and throat surgeries. The operating room meets strict cleanliness standards and delivers the same quality care you’d find in top medical centers.
Here’s why this matters to you: Remote communities now get access to advanced surgery without traveling hundreds of miles. Patients receive life-changing treatment where they live.
Speed drives results. China proved this approach works. Now watch this technology spread to countries worldwide.
Your community needs specialized surgery? The hospital flies to you.
FIFA has introduced a small number of “more affordable” $60 (£45) tickets for all 104 matches at the 2026 World Cup following criticism of its pricing structure for the tournament.
World football’s governing body says the new ticket price will be available to a certain number of “loyal fans” of the countries that have qualified for the World Cup.
A Fifa official close to discussions said: “We have listened to feedback and this new category is the right thing to do” – adding the decision was unanimous.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the announcement but added: “As someone who used to save up for England tickets, I encourage Fifa to do more to make tickets more affordable so that the World Cup doesn’t lose touch with the genuine supporters who make the game so special.”
Under the previous pricing structure, which the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) call “scandalous”, it would have cost a fan more than £5,000 to follow England at every match to the final.
The £45 ticket falls in the ‘supporter entry tier’, the lowest priced category, and will make up 10% of the allocation for each football association whose team is taking part in a competition being hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
For England and Scotland, this will mean about 400 tickets will be available for £45 for their group matches.
Tom Greatrex, chair of the FSA, called Tuesday’s announcement a “hollow gesture” adding: “What sounds like a climbdown is a cynical attempt to deflect attention while continuing to rip fans off.”
Football Supporters Europe (FSE) said that while it welcomed “Fifa’s seeming recognition of the damage its original plans were to cause, the revisions do not go far enough to reconcile”.
Meetings took place over the weekend and early this week with senior officials in Doha, Qatar, where initial feedback on pricing was discussed.
Having raised fans’ concerns over the cost of tickets with Fifa’s hierarchy before the meeting in Doha, English Football Association insiders privately see the announcement as a step in the right direction.
“The entry tier tickets will be allocated specifically to supporters of qualified teams, with the selection and distribution process managed individually by the participating member associations (PMAs),” said a Fifa statement.
“Each PMA will define its own eligibility criteria and application process. They are requested to ensure that these tickets are specifically allocated to loyal fans who are closely connected to their national teams.
“In total, 50% of each PMA allocation will fall within the most affordable range, namely supporter value tier (40%) and the supporter entry tier (10%). The remaining allocation is split evenly between the supporter standard tier and the supporter premier tier.”
While only around 400 tickets for each of England’s group matches will be priced at the new entry tier price, the FA is encouraged that half of their allocation will now be at what they regard as reasonable levels for a World Cup in the North American market.
FA officials are now said to be working through the night to try to determine how they will decide who gets these tickets and how to reward their most loyal England supporters, with an announcement expected on Wednesday.
One challenge the FA has is there are hundreds more fans who have been to every match in the current cycle and classed as the most loyal, than there are cheap tickets available.
“Demand for tickets has been off the scale, more than 20 million requests so far in this latest phase. We have listened to feedback and this new category is the right thing to do,” said a Fifa official close to discussions.
“Making $60 tickets available to more fans, including the most loyal ones who travel, was agreed on unanimously.
“Associations will need to work out who best should receive them.
“It’s a unique tournament and a unique market in the USA, in particular, which allows resales on secondary platforms. The demand is sky high.
“No organisation does more to support the development of the game around the world than Fifa. All 211 associations, including the poorest countries, will benefit from a commercially successful World Cup.”
Prior to this move, the FSE had said it is “astonished” by Fifa’s “extortionate” pricing strategy, and called for ticket sales to be “halted immediately”
At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, group stage fixtures all had set prices of £68.50, £164.50 or £219.
But its pricing policy, revealed on 11 December, indicated that tickets for England v Croatia and Scotland v Brazil next year were going to cost around £198, £373 or £523.
The cost ramped up considerably in the latter stages.
Quarter-final tickets for all teams are £507, £757 and £1,073, with the semi-finals priced at £686, £1,819 and £2,363.
The cheapest tickets for the final are £3,119, seven times more expensive than in Qatar.
There are no concessions for children or other groups for any tickets.
Greatrex added: “A small proportion of an already small allocation being priced reasonably still leaves the vast majority of supporters who would travel to the World Cup unable to afford to do so.
“Around 450 tickets, from an allocation of approximately 4,500, for England group games is literally making a lottery of supporting your team at the finals.
“Having all but killed off the vibrancy, atmosphere and spectacle of the World Cup for travelling supporters, this hollow gesture might buy a few headlines, but it doesn’t address Fifa being complicit in pricing supporters out of the World Cup.”
The FSE also pointed out that there was “still the question of supporters with disabilities as no new pricing structure has been announced for them”.
It added: “For the moment we are looking at the Fifa announcement as nothing more than an appeasement tactic due to the global negative backlash.
“We call upon Fifa to engage in a proper dialogue to arrive at a solution that respects the contribution of fans and the dignity of fans with disabilities.”
The Football Supporters’ Association’s Fans’ Embassy for England fans described the move as “a step in the right direction” in a post on X.
It added: “Fan pressure has certainly amounted to something but this still feels low, and the majority of tickets are still far too high. This will only benefit 400 to 500 supporters (per match), approximately.”
TRUMP BANS FOUR MORE AFRICAN COUNTRIES FROM ENTERING THE US
Trump has expanded the US travel ban to include four more African countries: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and South Sudan, in addition to Syria and those holding Palestinian Authority-issued travel documents.
This brings the total number of countries under full travel ban to 19, with 15 others, including Zambia, facing partial restrictions.
The ban is part of Trump’s efforts to tighten US entry requirements and immigration standards, citing national security concerns and deficiencies in screening and vetting systems in the affected countries.
The restrictions will take effect on January 1, 2026, and apply to both immigrants and non-immigrants, including tourists, students, and business travelers.
Some of the countries affected by the ban have expressed concerns about the impact on their economies and relations with the US. Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, for instance, has stated that the ban could derail deals between West African nations and the US.
TRUMP DECLARES DIPLOMATIC WAR ON SOUTH AFRICA — “WORLD SCRATCHES HEAD”
By: The Enlightened Spectator | Tough Talk Satire Section | NotSoSeriousNews (NSSN) & Our International Correspondent (who is definitely not making this up)
17th December 2025
“Land Theft? Or Land LOL?”
In an astonishing display of geopolitical theatre, former US President Donald Trump has reportedly declared a “diplomatic war” on South Africa. His weapon of choice? An executive order cutting all US aid to the rainbow nation.
The cause of this sudden international ire? According to Trump, South Africa is “discriminating against white Afrikaners” with its land reform policies. Yes, you read that correctly. The same man whose most pressing international concern used to be North Korean nukes is now apparently acting as the world’s self-appointed land-rights inspector.
The Irony is Delicious Observers note the staggering contradiction:
White-headed households in South Africa earn four times more than Black-headed households.
No white “refugees” are reportedly fleeing South Africa’s sunny vineyards or safari lodges.
The land reform initiative is aimed at addressing apartheid-era injustices, not inventing new ones.
Meanwhile, Trump’s attention seems to have conveniently skipped Sudan’s ongoing genocide, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s mineral wars, and other real crises across Africa. But a country trying to fix historical injustice? That, apparently, is a bridge too far.
“We Don’t Do Puppets” — Ramaphosa Sips Rooibos
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, juggling the G20 presidency and a global spotlight, is reportedly “deeply bewildered” but maintaining his composure.
“We simply refuse to be anyone’s puppet,” sources claim he whispered dramatically while sipping rooibos tea.
Africa, it seems, has learned a harsh lesson in diplomacy: stand up, assert independence, and attempt justice, and the West will respond by cutting aid, issuing threats, and possibly sending passive-aggressive tweets. Stay quiet, stay grateful, stay dependent — and the applause might continue.
Trump’s “Emergency Briefing” Leaks
Trump advisors reportedly held an emergency meeting titled:
“How to Oppress Imaginary Afrikaner Suffering While Ignoring Everything Else.” Details remain classified, presumably because they defy the laws of logic.
Commentators Are Baffled
International commentators have described the situation as “baffling,” “surreal,” and “somehow both deeply offensive and slightly hilarious.”
“It is difficult to comprehend the level of selective outrage on display here. Imagine a man storming into a bakery and demanding compensation because he dislikes the shape of croissants,” one analyst remarked.
South Africa Holds Steady
South Africa’s measured response has been to continue its Pan-African and BRICS initiatives, as well as its support for Palestine at the ICJ.
“We do not negotiate our dignity for foreign aid,” said one government spokesperson. “And frankly, if a former US president wants to tweet us into submission, he should know we have better things to do than scroll his feed.”
Reality TV Diplomacy
As Africa watches, and the world tweets, one thing is clear: if diplomacy were a reality TV show, Trump would have just stormed off the set yelling, “You’re fired!”
The real winners? African resilience, common sense, and the continued ability to point and laugh at absurdity from comfort of Cape Town’s vineyards.
The Takeaway
The lesson is stark: African solutions for African problems are non-negotiable. Pan-African unity is not a suggestion. And if the West expects gratitude for being treated as equals, it may be sorely disappointed.
Extra Caption Ideas for a Tabloid Layout:
“Trump vs. Rooibos: The Battle for Land Justice”
“Selective Outrage? Africa Shrugs”
“Executive Order: Now Featuring Imaginary Afrikaner Suffering”
DJ Warras Murdered Despite Five Protection Orders Against Zambezi Building Occupants
Johannesburg is reeling after the shocking murder of popular DJ Warras on Tuesday in the CBD. Investigations reveal that Warras had secured five protection orders prior to his death, all directed at occupants of the Zambezi Building, a location infamous for illegal activities and conflicts. These orders were meant to protect him from harassment, threats, and intimidation by people allegedly linked to the building, with one order granted just last week.
DJ Warras was widely known as a straight-talker and fearless critic of crime, openly speaking out against illegal activists hijacking buildings, drug trafficking, and criminal intimidation. His vocal stance had reportedly put him at odds with individuals in the Zambezi Building, who he claimed were threatening residents and businesses in the area.
Friends, fans, and colleagues remember him as a brave and principled figure, always standing up for what he believed was right — even when it made him a target. Despite legal protection, Warras was unable to escape the dangers surrounding him, raising urgent questions about the effectiveness of protection orders and security enforcement in Johannesburg…
The investigation is ongoing, but the tragedy has left the community questioning how a man who fought for safety and justice could be silenced so violently.
️ The thoughts of the nation are with DJ Warras’ family, friends, and fans during this heartbreaking time.
TO UNSEAT UPND, WE MUST GO BEYOND PARTY ALLIANCES AND INCLUDE CSOS, CHURCHES – SP
SOCIALIST Party General Secretary Dr Cosmas Musumali says the party has not had much success with joining an alliance because they believe political parties are more concerned about positions.
And Dr Musumali says it will take more than political alliances to unseat the UPND government next year, stating that political parties need to work with civil society organisations, traditional leaders and the church to achieve this.
In a recent interview, Dr Musumali said political alliances should go beyond wanting to unseat the UPND government and ensuring that there was a progressive agenda to stabilise the country.
“We went to congress last year and this was one of the items on the agenda, that the Socialist Party should explore alliances with other progressive and patriotic forces. From October last year up to now, we have been trying to explore those chances, it’s not the easiest undertaking, [and] it’s full of uncertainties. We have not had much success but we feel there’s no other way, we have to ensure that we bring people together, we unite people together or become part and parcel of unified forces that want to see change. Zambian politics is dominated by the issue of positions, people go in, of course these are leaders, they go in there, they want to know, if you worked together, what is it they are going to become? That’s a critical issue and a lot of alliances would breakdown because of that,” he explained.
“Yes, we are seeking, we are exploring, despite all difficulties, the chances of working with others but our understanding of alliances is not limited to political parties only. We think, to unseat this government, we have to go beyond political parties, we have to include forces in society such as civil society organisations, the trade unions, academia, the traditional leaders, the churches, and many others.
There has to be a unity of purpose from different segments of society, political parties on their own would not carry a big decisive voice that will bring about that desired change. There’s also a second issue, the second issue is that the agenda should go beyond wrestling power away from the UPND. You have to agree also on a progressive agenda that stabilises this country, that ensures that the economic fundamentals are okay. So agreeing on the agenda can be time consuming but it’s a very necessary step towards achieving unity”.
Dr Musumali also noted that the UPND was sowing seeds of confusion in political alliances that were being formed.
“We are not just interested in seeing the UPND out of government but we have to buy into an agenda that will distinguish what is going on today from what is to come. The third element is that you have also a leadership today of the UPND that’s not interested in political forces coming together so they work quite effectively at sowing seeds of confusion in any alliance that is being initiated.
These three factors work against the formation of broad alliances that would bring about that change, but are we disgruntled, have we ever stopped, the answer is no. Are alliances going to work? We still think so, although time is running out, but there’s no option, we have to come up with alliances. An alliance is not about one [being] a presidential candidate, it’s more than that and participating in something is not always about leading it. President Fred M’membe himself many times has said, you can’t lead if you are not prepared to be led,” said Dr Musumali.
NEW Congress Party says continued disunity in Tonse Alliance has made it difficult for citizens to place their hope in the alliance.
NCP leader Peter Chanda said citizens should understand that at the moment, there is little hope the nation can derive from the alliance.
“The alliance is not as united as former President Edgar Lungu would have loved it to be or as ECL left it. There is no unity of purpose in the alliance. It is sad that today, I have to talk about the Tonse Alliance,” he said.
In an interview, Mr Chanda recalled that when his party was chosen as a special purpose vehicle for the alliance, he faced daily resistance, with some members plotting to wrest control of the party from him.
He expressed hope that the alliance will learn from his party’s withdrawal as the special purpose vehicle by respecting Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD), which now holds that role.
“From that, they can make amends and treat FDD with the respect they deserve,” Mr Chanda said.
He added that NCP, now operating independently, stands ready to provide critical checks and balances to the ruling party.
“However, we still believe that we can work with other progressive minds in the political arena. We believe in building on ECL’s legacy,” he said.
Mr Chanda explained that his focus now is to strengthen his party ahead of next year’s general election.
LAZ PRESIDENT UNSHAKEN AMIDST CALLS FOR EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING
By Nelson Zulu
Law Association of Zambia -LAZ- President Lungisani Zulu, says he is not shaken by calls from some members seeking an extraordinary general meeting over concerns about public statements and the association’s links with the Oasis Forum.
In an interview with Phoenix News, Mr. Zulu has described the move as part of LAZ’s democratic life, stating that internal mechanisms exist to address member concerns.
He has emphasized that LAZ is governed by an act of parliament and that official positions and communications are decided through council processes in consultation with stakeholders and membership structures.
Mr. Zulu is set to meet members on January 6, 2026, when an extraordinary sitting will be held, and says he remains open to criticism, because he is not the first to face such challenges.
The petition for the extraordinary general meeting was submitted last week by LAZ members Gary Chibangula, Mungole Kwalela, and Eric Sakala, citing alleged irregularities in public statements and the association’s links with the Oasis Forum.
ZAMBIA HIT BY U.S. PARTIAL TRAVEL SUSPENSION EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2026
By Makasa chanda
LUSAKA December 17 2025
Zambia has been placed under partial travel restrictions to the United States, following a new proclamation signed by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, with the measures set to take effect on January 1, 2026.
According to a White House fact sheet released on Tuesday, Zambia is among 15 countries facing partial suspension of entry under expanded U.S. travel restrictions aimed at strengthening national security. The restrictions affect both immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories, including B-1/B-2 (business and tourism), student (F), vocational (M), and exchange visitor (J) visas.
The U.S. government cited data from the Department of Homeland Security indicating elevated visa overstay rates as the primary justification. Zambia reportedly recorded a 10.73 percent overstay rate for B-1/B-2 visas and 21.02 percent for F, M, and J visas, figures Washington says raise concerns over immigration compliance and vetting effectiveness.
The proclamation clarifies that the move does not amount to a full travel ban. Lawful permanent residents, individuals holding valid existing visas, diplomats, athletes, and persons whose entry serves U.S. national interests are exempt. The policy also allows for case-by-case waivers.
Zambia joins other countries facing partial restrictions, including Angola, Nigeria, Tanzania, Malawi, Senegal, and Zimbabwe, while several nations such as Syria, Mali, Niger, and South Sudan are subject to full entry suspensions.
The White House said the expanded restrictions are data-driven and country-specific, intended to encourage improved information-sharing, stronger civil documentation systems, and cooperation on immigration enforcement, while protecting U.S. national security and public safety.
A Nation Without Closure — The Tragedy of an Unburied President By: Lumba Kalumba, Concerned Citizen of Zambia.
When a human life ends, we do not simply record the date and move on. We bury the body, not only to honour the departed, but also to restore the moral and cultural order among the living. Across Zambia’s 73 ethnic groups — Bemba, Tonga, Lozi, Ngoni, Kaonde, Nsenga, Chewa and all others — burial is a sacred act, one that reflects respect for ancestors, family, and the community. What we are witnessing today with the failure to bury our former Head of State, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, is not merely a public disagreement — it is a deep cultural rupture.
Mr Lungu passed away in June 2025. Yet, 6 months later, his body remains unburied. The public has heard many reasons: disputes over protocol, debates about state versus family authority, and legalistic arguments about precedence and prestige. But in the wake of these explanations, the common citizen is left confused, grieving, and deeply unsettled.
In Zambian cultures, the family — especially the spouse and children — holds the primary custodianship of burial rites. They are not placeholders for the nation; they are the ones entrusted with sending their loved one to rest. Burial is not an administrative event or a spectacle of national ceremony. It is an intimate, sacred responsibility that only the family can fulfil.
Contrast this with the state’s response, which has been heavily bureaucratic. Government statements emphasize protocol and the honour due to a former president. Yet the very attempt to subsume the family’s cultural role under state control undermines the communal logic of death rites deeply embedded in our traditions.
Across every Zambian community, burial signals reintegration: the deceased re-joins the ancestors; the household is freed from limbo; society regains its moral rhythm. When burial is delayed, the soul of the deceased lingers unsettled, and the living remain in a state of collective limbo — a place of unfinished mourning and cultural discomfort.
It is little wonder, then, that many Zambians feel the situation has gone beyond political disagreement. We feel the pain of cultural violation. We sense that something sacred has been overlooked. This is why the ongoing impasse is not just tragic — it is damaging to our national psyche.
The apology offered by some officials rings hollow when the body of our former leader still lies unburied. Our traditions do not pit family against the nation; they assume that the nation recognises the legitimacy of family authority in burial.
Respect for the deceased does not come from a calendar date or a stage; it comes from honouring our cultural imperatives. This is not about opposition or support for a political legacy. This is about a nation regaining its cultural dignity. We do not merely need announcements. .
We need closure. We need to fulfil one of the oldest human obligations: to lay our dead to rest. In the name of family, culture, and national unity, I urge all parties — especially those in positions of authority — to step back from confrontation and step forward in empathy and compassion.
Let us bury the late Edgar Chagwa Lungu, not as a political symbol, but as a human being whose passing calls for respect and resolution. For the sake of Zambia’s soul, let us allow closure to come.
he Ugandan military has confirmed it is holding a Catholic priest who was declared missing for about a fortnight, claiming he was involved in “violent subversive activities”.
In a short statement, the army stated that Father Deusdedit Ssekabira had been arrested, was in “lawful custody” and would be charged in court.
Weeks ago, the Catholic Diocese in the city of Masaka shared that Father Ssekabira was “kidnapped by men in Uganda Army uniform”, and the church is yet to respond to the military’s accusations.
Uganda goes to the polls next month and faces growing criticism from human rights groups over reports of enforced disappearances and prolonged detention without trial.
On Saturday, the Masaka Diocese sounded the alarm about Father Ssekabira, and in a statement, Masaka Bishop Serverus Jjumba said the priest was taken on December 3 and that he being declared missing was a “grievous wound inflicted on Masaka Diocese, the entire Catholic Church and Father Ssekabira’s family”.
“[The diocese] and our lawyers are still doing whatever is in our means to get back our priest unharmed,” he wrote.
Hours before the military’s confirmation that they had detained Father Ssekabira on Sunday, the national police force said they had seen social media reports of the priest’s “abduction”.
“We are currently verifying these claims and will provide an update once sufficient information about the Reverend Father is obtained,” the message, posted on social media platform X, said.
Responding to the military’s statement on the priest, opposition leader Bobi Wine revealed that the armed forces had “no place detaining civilians”.
The pop star-turned-politician, set to face President Yoweri Museveni in the election, claimed that many of his supporters were also abducted by the military.
“[It is] what Museveni has turned Uganda into,” Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, wrote on X.
Back in October, two Kenyan human rights activists were declared missing for more than a month after reportedly being abducted by armed men while attending Wine’s campaign event. Multiple reports indicate that they were released shortly after.
Later on, Museveni acknowledged that they had been arrested and described them as “experts in riots” who had then been put “in the fridge for some days”.
Ugandan security agencies have long faced accusations of detaining opposition politicians and supporters while out of uniform, with some of those detained later appearing in court to face criminal charges.
Last year, another Ugandan opposition figure, Kizza Besigye, vanished in Nairobi, only to reappear four days later in a Ugandan military court. He remains jailed on treason charges, which he denies.
Benin authorities have jailed about 30 people, most of them soldiers, over their alleged involvement in a failed coup attempt earlier this month, according to legal sources.
The suspects were brought before a special prosecutor at the court for economic crimes and terrorism in Cotonou on Monday. They were subsequently placed in pre trial detention on Tuesday, December 16, and are facing charges including treason, murder and endangering state security. Heavy security was deployed around the court during the proceedings.
The attempted coup occurred on December 7, when mutinous soldiers appeared on national television claiming that President Patrice Talon had been overthrown. The plot was quickly crushed by loyalist forces, with support from the Nigerian air force and French special forces. Several people were reportedly k!lled during the incident. The alleged ringleader, Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, along with other mutineers, remains at large.
In a related development, Chabi Yayi, the son of former Beninese president and opposition leader Thomas Boni Yayi, was released on Monday after being questioned. Although he has regained freedom of movement, he remains under prosecution in connection with the coup attempt and is expected to report again to police later this week, judicial sources said.
Authorities have also widened their crackdown to include other opposition figures and activists. The Cotonou Court of Appeal on Monday upheld a two year prison sentence against online activist Steve Amoussou, accused of operating a social media account critical of the government. Former defence minister and prominent opposition figure Candide Azannai was arrested on Friday, though it remains unclear whether his detention is directly linked to the coup attempt, which he publicly condemned.
Benin has also issued an international arrest warrant for Pan Africanist influencer Kemi Seba, accusing him of supporting the failed putsch. In his absence, he is being prosecuted for advocating crimes against state security and inciting rebellion. Reacting online, Seba said, “we shall see this fight through to the end”.
President Talon, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term, is due to leave office in April after completing the maximum two terms. While praised by supporters for driving economic growth, critics accuse his administration of authoritarian tendencies. Attention is now turning to the succession, with Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni widely seen as the frontrunner, after the main opposition party was excluded from the ballot over sponsorship requirements.
Nigeria wants to play the 2026 World Cup, and has officially filed a complaint to FIFA stating that DR Congo deceived FIFA to register their ineligible players!
According to Nigerian Football Federation secretary Dr Sanusi Mohamed, “The Congolese law says you cannot have a dual nationality. Wan Bissaka has European passport, there are so many of them that have European passport. Some of them French passport, some of them Dutch passport. The rules are very clear.
FIFA rule is different from DR Congo rule, that’s why FIFA cleared them. FIFA regulation says once you have the passport of your country you are eligible. As far as FIFA is concerned, they are eligible that’s why they have cleared them, but our contention is FIFA was deceived into clearing them.
It is not the responsibility of FIFA to make sure that regulations of Congo are being implemented. FIFA goes by its own regulations and it was on basis of what was presented to FIFA that FIFA cleared them, but we are saying it was fraudulent.”
American singer and actor Ray J has sparked serious reactions online after posting a strange Instagram video where he claimed he is currently hitchhiking across the United States.
The 44-year-old said he is traveling from Tampa, Florida, to Los Angeles and is asking strangers for food and a place to sleep along the way. According to him, the stunt is a “real-life test” for a reality show he plans to create titled Celebrity Hitchhiking, Daily Mail reported.
In the video, Ray J was seen standing alone by the roadside, stretching out his thumb for passing cars and insisting that no crew was with him.
“I’m hitchhiking right now to get a place to stay tonight,” he said, adding that he wants random families to take him in, teach him about their lives, then send him off to the next destination.
He explained that the journey is meant to help him determine if the show concept will work, stressing that everything is being done “for real” with just his phone and a small bag of clothes.
Ray J also revealed that he hopes to make it back to Los Angeles before December 22 so he can spend Christmas with his children. At one point, he openly admitted that things have been difficult for him lately and that he genuinely needs food and shelter.
The video comes shortly after reports of his Thanksgiving arrest following a domestic incident involving his estranged wife, Princess Love. Ray J appeared to reference that situation indirectly, saying he just wants to get back home and see his kids.
So far, his post has left many fans confused, with some questioning whether the project is genuine or a publicity stunt. His representatives have yet to respond publicly.
American rapper 50 Cent has revealed that he hopes to reunite with longtime collaborator Eminem for his new project, this time in the movie industry.
The entertainment mogul recently shared that he wants Eminem to contribute new music to the upcoming Street Fighter movie soundtrack, where 50 Cent is set to portray the iconic boxer Balrog.
Just this past weekend, 50 took to social media on Instagram to publicly float the idea. “I’m gonna get @eminem on deck to make some music for this movie Street Fighter.,” he wrote. “New music on the way!”
Although there has been no official confirmation that Eminem is involved, the information we’re hearing feels credible because of the past collaborations and shared roots of the two under Dr. Dre’s Aftermath umbrella.
All of this comes during a busy stretch for 50 Cent, who has been all over the news for his role in Netflix’s polarizing docuseries Sean Combs: The Reckoning.
Although it was widely reported across decades that there was a feud between him and Diddy, 50 insisted he had no personal vendetta when he was making the documentary.
“There’s no place for me, I didn’t make the docuseries,” he told GQ. “I got the best possible people to make one. That’s why you don’t feel anybody’s energy when watching.”
Only a few days ago, 50 also had a few words to say about his ex, Vivica Fox, stating that he believes their relationship unfolded at the right time.
Speaking during an appearance on Sherri, which is hosted by Fox’s friend Sherri Shepherd, 50 Cent explained that his time with Fox in 2003 happened at the right time, especially for the Independence Day actor.
“I think that was, like, you know who you go to the casino, and you just hit the jackpot? I think it was where she was at, at that point,” 50 said. “And just good timing.”
“I think where she was at, at that point in her life when we interacted with each other, I was just right there, right on time,” he added.
For more than a decade, 50 Cent and Eminem have forged an unbreakable hip-hop brotherhood.
Discovered by Em, 50 signed to Shady/Aftermath, and together they achieved massive global success. Get Rich or Die Tryin’ became an iconic debut under their partnership, and beyond the hits, they appear to have built a rare bond of loyalty.
WHY SOCCER FANS ARE ‘ASTONISHED ’ BY THE ‘EXTORTIONATE ’ TICKET PRICES FOR NEXT YEAR’S WORLD CUP
WITH the men’s World Cup kicking off in around six months, fans should be getting excited to go watch their national team play in North America next summer.
But, after the latest phase of ticket sales was launched this week, doing so might cost them more than they had expected – with a ticket for the final costing more than $4,000.
Such prices have triggered outrage from fans across the world, with some of the most loyal soccer supporters being priced out of the tournament.
The wave of criticism has come after FIFA allocated tickets to national associations for participating teams on Thursday, in what the governing body calls the Participating Member Association (PMA) allocation.
It essentially allows individual federations to sell tickets to their most loyal fans, who qualify through supporter groups or loyalty schemes.
Many of these passionate fans, who have spent years following their team, are now facing a dilemma – stump up the cash or watch from home and save their bank balance.
Football Supporters Europe (FSE), a group which represents the interests of fans, said it was “astonished by the extortionate ticket prices imposed by FIFA on the most dedicated supporters.
It called on FIFA to halt ticket sales “until a solution that respects the tradition, universality, and cultural significance of the World Cup is found.”
According to the FSE statement and information available to them, a loyal fan would need to pay at least $6,900 to follow their team from the first group game to the final. The FSE said that’s “nearly five times as much” as during the previous World Cup in Qatar.
It’s not just the ticket prices that fans have to worry about, but also travel fees and accommodation costs.
The fear is that those who have dedicated years following their national teams will not be present at the tournament, losing out to those who can afford to pay whatever it takes. That may have a knock-on effect on atmosphere at games across Mexico, USA and Canada next year.
Let’s take England fans as an example.
The English Football Association shared the pricing structure to its loyal fan groups on Thursday, with the cheapest ticket for England’s opening game against Croatia costing $265.
Should England reach the final, the cheapest ticket would cost fans $4,185, with the most expensive going for $8,680.
To make matters harder for fans, they are expected to pay for the tickets by early 2026.
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) which represents soccer fans in England and Wales said the prices were “a step too far for many supporters.”
“Everything we feared about the direction in which FIFA wants to take the game was confirmed (FIFA President) Gianni Infantino only sees supporter loyalty as something to be exploited for profit,” the FSA added.
FIFA has already launched two ticket sale phases but both were before the draw and match schedule was confirmed earlier this month. It means this is the first time that fans have been able to request tickets for matches they know their team is playing in.
The governing body has long boasted that this will be an affordable World Cup for fans, confirming there would be four categories for tickets, the cheapest seeing tickets costing $60 tickets for group games.
Those cheaper tickets, though, have not been made accessible to national associations, meaning the most loyal fans would have to pay more to ensure they see their team play.
CNN Sports has reached out to FIFA for comment but has yet to receive a reply.
Those fans who don’t qualify for the PMA allocation can also now request tickets for individual matches through the Random Selection Draw, which also opened on Thursday.
For the first time in the history of the World Cup, though, there will be no flat price for group stage matches with each game priced according to demand. This means fans from different nations will be paying different prices for matches at the same stage of the tournament.
“This is a monumental betrayal of the tradition of the World Cup, ignoring the contribution of supporters to the spectacle it is,” FSE added.
With fans being the lifeblood of soccer, pressure is already mounting on FIFA to make next year’s World Cup more accessible to all.
American rapper Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., popularly known as T.I, has opened up on why he does not attend church despite identifying as a Christian.
The Atlanta-based rapper made the comments during a recent conversation with gospel singer Kirk Franklin, where he spoke frankly about faith, religion, and the modern church.
According to T.I, he was raised in a deeply Christian home and has no doubts about God’s existence or presence in his life. However, he says the church itself has never felt genuine to him.
“I grew up in a strong Christian household. My grandma and auntie were very strong in prayer. I know how to pray, I know the word, and I know God is real,” he said.
“But I’ve never felt a connection with the church.”
The rapper went further to describe the church as a business, accusing some Christian clergy of manipulating scripture for personal gain.
“To be honest, I don’t think the church is real. I think it’s a business. It’s like a show. Public speaking. Like a TED Talk. And sometimes the clergies twist the word of God to benefit them,” T.I stated.
He also questioned the idea of tithing and financial obligations as a requirement for divine blessings.
“Y’all telling me I gotta pay somebody before my God can hear my prayer? Mehn, I’m out,” he said.
T.I added that he does not believe in having a middleman between himself and God, insisting his relationship with God is personal and direct, without the need for clergy intervention.
TRUMP ASKS XI TO “CONSIDER” RELEASING HONG KONG TYCOON JIMMY LAI
Trump says he asked China’s Xi Jinping to think about freeing Jimmy Lai, the 78-year-old British citizen and pro-democracy activist just convicted under Hong Kong’s national security law.
Trump:
“I spoke to President Xi about it and I asked to consider his release.
He’s an older man and he’s not well. So, I did put that request out. We’ll see what happens.”
Lai, founder of the now-shuttered Apple Daily, has been jailed since 2020 and faces a possible life sentence.
He was found guilty of “colluding with foreign forces” – a charge rights groups call politically motivated.
The UK has also demanded his “immediate release,” slamming the ruling as a “violation” of his rights and summoning China’s ambassador.
Beijing dismissed the backlash, calling the international criticism “brazen defamation.”
Trump didn’t say when he spoke to Xi, but he’s now joined a growing list of global voices calling attention to Lai’s case.
