ROAN CONSTITUENCY PASTORS ENGAGE MP CHIBUYE OVER BILL NO. 7
The Roan and the Mpatamatu Pastors Fellowship have engaged Roan Member of Parliament Joel Chibuye over proposed constitutional amendments contained in Bill No. 7, following a consultative meeting held on Sunday.
Speaking to RoanFM News, Roan Pastors Fellowship Chairperson Prophet Jeremiah CT said the MP outlined 13 constitutional articles targeted for amendment and encouraged the clergy to freely express their views.
Prophet Jeremiah, who spoke on behalf of both fellowships, said the pastors raised concerns over certain provisions they believe should not form part of the bill, while also identifying clauses they consider acceptable.
Among the key issues discussed were proposals relating to the mixed-member proportional representation system and the provision concerning the office of the Secretary to the Cabinet. The pastors noted that if such provisions remain unchanged, they could weaken important democratic principles.
He added that the two fellowships have resolved to submit a consolidated written position to the MP within the week, detailing specific articles they believe should either be removed or amended before the bill proceeds to the next stage in Parliament.
Meanwhile, Mr. Chibuye advised the clergy to formally submit all concerns in writing to enable him to effectively present them during the parliamentary debate.
GUEST ARTICLE: Understanding the True Stage of Bill 7, What Standing Order 116 Really Says
By Tobbius Chilembo Hamunkoyo-LLB
Bill No. 7 of 2025 has generated significant national discussion, much of which has been based on misunderstandings about its actual position in the legislative process. It is important to clarify that Bill 7 was never withdrawn from the National Assembly. Instead, it was deferred, meaning its progression was temporarily paused to allow further technical consultations. Once the Mushabati Technical Committee completed its work and submitted its report to the Republican President, the responsible minister reinstated the Bill, and the parliamentary process continued lawfully.
The Bill is currently at the Parliamentary Select Committee stage, a crucial period in the law-making process in Zambia. During this stage, the Select Committee scrutinizes the Bill in detail, invites expert and public input, and assesses the clarity, legality, and practicality of its provisions. This step ensures that the Bill is not only constitutionally sound but also aligned with national needs, governance standards, and democratic expectations very important.
According to Standing Order 116 of the National Assembly Standing Orders (2021), a Select Committee has the authority to receive submissions from stakeholders, examine the content of the Bill, and recommend amendments where necessary. This means that Bill 7 can still be refined before it returns to the National Assembly for debate and final voting. Standing Order 116 therefore confirms that the current stage is not the end of the process, but a lawful and essential opportunity to improve the Bill based on national input.
One of the strengths of this stage is that it opens the legislative process to a wide range of stakeholders. The Mushabati Technical Committee, student unions from UNZA, Evelyn Hone College, NIPA, and other institutions, have all made formal submissions. Additionally, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), civil society organizations (CSOs), church mother bodies, and several other professional and civic groups have contributed their views to help refine and strengthen Bill 7, which I am sure most of us have been following online on National Assembly of Zambia.
The Select Committee stage is scheduled to come to an end on tomorrow the 12th December 2025, marking the close of public submissions and technical analysis.
Once the Committee completes its report, it will be tabled before the National Assembly. This will allow Members of Parliament to debate the findings, consider committee-recommended amendments, and make informed decisions based on both expert and public perspectives.
After the Select Committee’s report is presented, Bill 7 will proceed to the final phases,full parliamentary debate, consideration of amendments, and ultimately the final vote. This orderly progression reflects Zambia’s true and transparent democratic legislative process, ensuring that any constitutional amendment is carefully examined before adoption. As the Bill advances, it is essential that public debate remains grounded in facts and guided by an accurate understanding of parliamentary procedures.
CHISHIMBA HAS CASE TO ANSWER OVER PREGNANCY ALLEGATIONS
THE Lusaka Magistrate’s Court has found Joseph Chishimba, of Lusaka’s Jack Township, with a case to answer in a case he is accused of publishing cyber harassing information against policy advisor to the Head of State, Ms. Chipo Mwanawasa.
Magistrate Idah Phiri said a prema facie case has been made out against Mr Chisamba, whom she placed on his defence.
He is charged with publication of information, contrary to Section 54 of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act No. 2 of 2021 of the Laws of Zambia.
Between October 9 and October 14, 2024, the accused, using the phone number, posted a screenshot in a WhatsApp group named “Zambian Politics.”
It is alleged that the screenshot purportedly originated from a Facebook page under the name “Hon Charles Kakula” and contained a caption alleging that Mwanawasa was impregnated by someone at “Plot 1”.
He pleaded not guilty but the magistrate has found him with a case to answer and placed him on his defence this morning.
MANSA DECOMPOSED DEAD BODIES: WHO IS TELLING THE TRUTH? Catholic Priest Father Andrew Mukosa, OFM Conv has maintained that he has been holding funeral Masses in the Church of decomposed dead bodies from the Mansa General Hospital mortuary in Luapula Province.
Fr. Mukosa, the Parish Priest of Kapesha Catholic Church, suspects load shedding and the malfunctioning of the fridges at Mansa General Hospital mortuary as factors leading to the decomposition of bodies.
But Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Prudence Chinama refuted Fr. Mukosa’s earlier comment issued at the weekend calling it a blatant lie.
“I’m here to issue a statement pertaining to what is circulating on social media which is a blatant lie. Mansa General Hospital receives adequate power but even in an event that we have unforeseen disruption of power from Zesco, they have very efficient backup power supply for the mortuary. The mortuary yes it is old but it runs efficiently,” Ms. Chinama told Prime TV in Luapula.
Fr. Mukosa said:”My statement is the same. I do not want to argue with anyone. I just want to see a better service for our people. If there were no decomposed bodies coming from Mansa General Hospital Mortuary, I wouldn’t have talked about it.”
“How do you explain a situation where a person dies in the same hospital and two or three days later the body is decomposed? Does that indicate the mortuary is working well?We do have funeral Masses, of course at St Francis of Assisi Parish, in Kapesha, Mansa Central and recently I have been receiving decomposed bodies coming to the church, from Mansa General Hospital,” Fr. Mukosa said. Radio Icengelo
MALANJI’S LAWYER TELLS PRESIDENT HICHILEMA TO REFRAIN FROM COMMENTING ON ONGOING COURT CASES
Former Foreign Affairs Minister Joe Malanji’s lawyer Jonas Zimba has called on President Hakainde Hichilema to desist from being a master of all and avoid commenting on legal matters.
Mr. Zimba in an interview with Phoenix News has criticized the President’s public commentary on matters that are before the courts, saying such statements risk undermining the proper administration of justice.
This follows President Hichilema’s remarks on Tuesday this week during the international corruption day commemoration that the 2 helicopters linked to Mr. Malanji have been donated to the Zambia Airforce –ZAF-.
Mr. Zimba says it is appalling that the Head of State made such remarks amidst an impending ruling to halt the execution of the forfeiture for the helicopters before the Lusaka magistrates court, a Lusaka high court appeal and an active matter in South-Africa on the helicopters.
He however said he is confident that the courts will determine the matter fairly and has urged respect for the rule of law.
ECONOMIST DR HAABAZOKA OPPOSES TOBACCO BILL, WARNS AGAINST OVERREGULATION
Prominent Economist and former Economic Association of Zambia (EAZ) President, Dr Lubinda Haabazoka, has voiced strong opposition to the proposed Tobacco Bill, cautioning that its enactment could harm livelihoods and infringe on personal freedoms.
Dr Haabazoka argued that Zambia does not face a national smoking crisis warranting restrictive legislation.
“I don’t think Zambia is a smoking country, and as such, we don’t have a smoking problem. Therefore, there is no need to restrict the growth and use of tobacco or its products for people over 18 years,” he said.
He emphasised the economic implications of the bill, noting that many Zambians depend on the tobacco value chain for employment and income.
“We are looking at jobs and livelihoods here adding that pressure groups advocating for punitive laws often overlook the economic consequences of such measures,” he said.
Dr Haabazoka also defended the controlled sale of shisha, warning that banning it could drive the practice underground.
“When you outlaw such products, people will still indulge, but unfortunately in places where law enforcement agencies will have no access, posing a risk to the very people they want to protect,” he cautioned.
Drawing a comparison with the illicit brewing of kachasu, he argued that regulation and awareness, rather than prohibition, are more effective in protecting public health.
“Kachasu is not lawful, but it is still there and very harmful because it is not controlled,” he said.
“If we put mechanisms in place to ensure it is brewed in a regulated manner and also provide awareness, we could save lives,” he added.
Dr Haabazoka urged Parliament not to pass the bill, describing it as a regressive move.
“We can’t afford to move backwards. We are a civilised nation and each adult can make their own choice,” he said.
President Hakainde Hichilema again Hijacks ECZ WITH LIES, INTIMIDATIONS To MANIPULATE the 2026 ELECTIONS*- Kasonde Mwenda C-EFF President 10th December, 2025. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) of Zambia strongly condemns the continued intimidation of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) by the UPND government under President Hakainde Hichilema, which is now openly dragging the Commission into confusion, contradiction, and public deception regarding the controversial delimitation process.
It is deeply alarming that, months after the ECZ submitted its revised delimitation report to the Republican President on 22nd April, the report remains hidden from the Zambian people. Even more shocking is today’s report by News Diggers Newspaper, in which the ECZ Chief Electoral Officer claims that the delimitation report submitted to government “does not indicate which constituencies will be split.” This statement is not only unfortunate, but absurd, misleading, and constitutionally indefensible.
The EFF wishes to remind both the ECZ and the government that delimitation is not a vague academic exercise. Article 58 of the Constitution of Zambia is clear and unambiguous:
the Electoral Commission must determine and publish the names and boundaries of constituencies and wards. A delimitation report that allegedly carries no details of which constituencies are to be split raises one unavoidable question:
What, then, is the report about? To suggest that a delimitation report lacks details of boundaries, names, or affected constituencies is to insult the intelligence of Zambians and to openly contradict the Constitution. Such a claim creates a strong impression that either:
1. The ECZ has been pressured to mislead the public, and 2. The ECZ is being used as a shield to conceal a politically motivated process, and 3. The government is manipulating the Commission to sanitize an illegal and partisan agenda ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The EFF believes the Zambian people are being deliberately kept in the dark because the hidden delimitation report is intended to skew electoral boundaries in favour of the sitting UPND government. This secrecy fuels legitimate public suspicion that the process is not about equal representation, but about engineering electoral advantage We reject, in the strongest terms, any attempt to recruit the ECZ into falsehoods, half-truths, or institutional self-contradiction. The ECZ is a constitutional body, not a public relations department of State House.
The Constitution is clear in Article 58 that: 1. The ECZ must determine boundaries. 2. The details must be published in the Gazette. 3. The process must be transparent and open to constitutional review.
Anything short of this is a direct assault on constitutional democracy. The EFF therefore demands: 1. Immediate and full public release of the delimitation report submitted to government. 2. A clear explanation from the ECZ on how a delimitation report can exist without indicating affected constituencies.
3. An end to political interference and intimidation of the Electoral Commission. 4. Full adherence to Article 58 of the Constitution, without manipulation or secrecy.
Let it be made clear: Zambia is not a one-party state, and the 2026 elections will not be rigged through administrative tricks and hidden reports. The EFF will not remain silent while constitutional institutions are weakened and democratic processes are distorted for political convenience. If necessary, all legal and constitutional remedies — including court action — will be pursued to defend electoral integrity. The people of Zambia deserve truth, transparency, and free elections — not deception disguised as procedure.
Ugandan Student Jailed For TikTok Mockery Of President A 20-year-old Ugandan student has been sentenced to six months in prison for mocking the country’s president on TikTok, causing him to miss his crucial final school exams. Edison Ssemugenyi was convicted on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, after pleading guilty to publishing malicious information about President Yoweri Museveni and his son, the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court heard that Ssemugenyi used his TikTok account, @iam_edson, between August and November 2025 to spread what the state called false and harmful information. According to the prosecution, the Senior Six student alleged that President Museveni was ill and bedridden, and made abusive statements directed at Gen. Muhoozi.
“He Needs To Be Punished” While passing sentence, Chief Magistrate Esther Nyadoi acknowledged the student’s youth and his guilty plea but stated the offences were serious.
“He has not wasted court’s time by pleading guilty; he is also a young man who was in senior six and doing his final exams when he was arrested in this matter, and I believe he can change,” Magistrate Nyadoi said. She continued, “For that to happen, he needs to be punished, though not with a deterrent punishment as prayed for by the State because of what I have explained above.”
The magistrate noted that the law provided for an option of a fine but deemed it unsuitable. She ruled that the individuals targeted, by virtue of their positions, deserved respect rather than being subject to malicious information.
Exams Interrupted, Future On Hold The court heard that Ssemugenyi was arrested in November 2025 while preparing for his Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) final examinations. According to The Monitor, he had only written two of his exam papers before his arrest.
“I also note that the sentence as provided for in the law provides an option for a fine. However, given the circumstances of the offense, I find that option does not abide, given the person is a fountain of the defence forces by virtue of their positions. They deserve to be respected rather than spreading malicious information,” the magistrate ruled.
Ssemugenyi was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, to be served at Luzira Prison, for the two counts to which he pleaded guilty. The sentence will run concurrently. He faces a separate trial for a third count of hate speech, relating to an allegation that he posted content calling the President a thief. That trial is set to begin on 6 January 2026.
A Regional Trend Of Online Prosecutions This case emerges amid a regional trend of using cyber laws to prosecute social media commentary. In a separate but related incident, a US-based Zambian influencer, Ethel Chisono Edwards, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for insulting President Hakainde Hichilema online. She was arrested upon arriving in Zambia for her grandmother’s funeral and pleaded guilty.
Edwards was convicted under Zambia’s new Cyber Security Act, legislation that prompted a warning from the US embassy in April 2025, which described it as “intrusive.” This law has drawn criticism for potentially curbing free expression, a point opposition figures have highlighted given President Hichilema’s past criticisms of similar legislation.
Meghan Markle has finally succeeded in getting a letter across to her estranged father, Thomas Markle, after he was hospitalized for a leg amputation.
Meghan’s rep confirmed to Page Six Wednesday, Dec. 10, that she had gotten in touch with Thomas after he claimed to the Daily Mail that he hadn’t heard anything from the Duchess of Sussex.
“Given that a Daily Mail reporter has remained at her father’s bedside throughout, broadcasting each interaction and breaching clear ethical boundaries, it has been exceedingly difficult for the Duchess to contact her father privately, despite her efforts over the past several days,” Meghan’s spokesperson said in a fiery statement.
The rep added, “With the support of reliable and trusted contacts, her correspondence is now safely in his hands.”
The update came after sources claimed that Meghan, 44, was unable to reach her dad, 81, after he underwent the medical procedure at a Philippines hospital last week.
“There’s been progress, but she hasn’t made contact [yet],” an insider told The Times UK, adding, “It’s hoped and expected that there will be some form of communication in the next 24 hours.”
Page Six confirmed last week that Meghan had been calling local hospitals in an attempt to contact her father, a retired lighting director.
“I can confirm she has reached out to her father,” her rep said in a statement on Dec. 5.
Meghan’s estranged sister, Samantha Markle, claimed in several posts on X that the former actress had not made any contact with their dad.
Their father expressed confusion over the reports of Meghan’s attempt to make contact, claiming to the Daily Mail that he has never changed his phone number and she could easily reach him.
He also shared his desire to reconcile with Meghan, saying that he doesn’t want to “di£ estranged.”
“I’ve always said I am open to reconciling with my daughter. I have never stopped loving her,” he told the Daily Mail. “I want to meet my grandkids. It might be nice to meet her husband, too.”
According to reports, Markle lost his phone number and tried to reach him via his email, but to no avail.
Thomas’ son, Thomas Markle Jr., confirmed last week that the photography expert had his left leg amputated below the knee after a blood clot caused his foot to become discolored.
“My dad is being very brave. His foot turned blue and then black. It happened very quickly,” Tom Jr., told the Daily Mail on Dec. 5.
A Michigan man di£d of rabies he contracted after receiving a kidney transplant from a donor who became infected — and later di£d — while rescuing a kitten from a rabid skunk, according to health officials.
The unidentified patient received the Idaho donor’s left kidney during a December 2024 transplant in Ohio, only to suffer a fever, tremors, weakness, confusion, difficulty swallowing, fear of water, and loss of bladder control five weeks later, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The recipient was rushed to the hospital as his condition rapidly worsened, but after a week of treatment, he di£d.
Postmortem tests revealed the shocking cause, the CDC report published last Thursday, Dec. 4, said.
“This is an exceptionally rare event,” Dr. Lara Dazinger-Isakov, who heads infectious diseases for immunocompromised patients at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, told the New York Times.
“Overall, the risk is exceptionally small.”
A deep dive into the unidentified donor’s records found that the donor’s family had reported he was scratched on the shin while fending off a skunk showing “predatory aggression” toward a kitten he was holding on his rural property in October 2024, according to the report.
Five weeks later, the donor suddenly started hallucinating, struggling to swallow and walk, and developed a stiff neck. He was found unresponsive at home from a suspected heart attack two days later, health officials said.
Though doctors briefly revived him at the hospital, he was declared brain-dead and removed from life support seven days later — with his organs donated after his family disclosed the skunk mark.
While his infected kidney went to the Michigan victim, three people received his corneas. The grafts were swiftly removed, and the surviving patients were placed on preventative medication, the report states.
“In this case, hospital staff members who treated the donor were initially unaware of the skunk scratch and attributed his pre-admission signs and symptoms to chronic co-morbidities,” health officials said.
Organ donations aren’t usually screened for rabies, the CDC explained, since human cases are a “rarity.”
The Trump administration has proposed a sweeping change that would require all foreign tourists to disclose their social media history before they can travel to the United States.
According to a notice published in the country’s federal register on Tuesday, foreign tourists would need to provide their social media from the last five years.
The US Customs and Border Protection laid out the changes, which would also affect visitors on the visa waiver programme.
Under the notice published on December 10, the request would make social-media history a “mandatory data element” for travelers applying via the online Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which allows citizens of visa-waiver countries to apply for authorization to travel to the U.S. for short-term visits without obtaining a traditional visa. The authorization costs $40 and is typically valid for two years, allowing the holder to make multiple entries into the United States during that time.
“CBP is adding social media as a mandatory data element for an ESTA application,” the notice said. “The data element will require ESTA applicants to provide their social media from the last five years.”
At present, travellers from more than 40 countries including Britain can visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa, as long as they hold an electronic travel authorisation, known as an ESTA.
However, the proposed social-media requirement, put forward by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), would apply to all visitors, regardless of whether or not they need a visa.
Venezuelan opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, who was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her work to bring democracy to her country, will not attend the award ceremony in Oslo, Norway.
The prize will be accepted on her behalf by her daughter, organizers confirmed hours before the event.
Machado, 58, has been living in hiding since August last year amidst a tense political showdown with President Nicolas Maduro.
She has been seen in public only once since going underground, making her last public appearance on January 9 in Caracas during a protest against Maduro’s inauguration for his third term.
Her absence from the prestigious ceremony comes after Venezuela’s attorney general warned last month that Machado would be considered a “fugitive” if she left the country to accept the award, citing pending criminal investigations against her for “acts of conspiracy, incitement of hatred, [and] terrorism.”
The Nobel Institute’s director, Kristian Berg Harpviken, confirmed that Machado was not in Norway, stating that her daughter, Ana Corina Machado, would receive the prize and deliver the speech written by her mother.
Harpviken acknowledged the high-stakes situation, noting that Machado “lives under a death threat from the regime” and that few people are informed of her movements.
“It has happened multiple times in the history of the Peace Prize that the laureate has been prevented from attending the ceremony and on those occasions it’s always been the case that close family members of the laureate will receive the prize and give the lecture in the place of the laureate,” Harpviken explained.
Machado’s family, including her mother and three daughters, are in Oslo for the prize-giving at City Hall. They are joined by several Latin American heads of state, including Argentine President Javier Milei, in a clear signal of solidarity.
Machado was awarded the Nobel on October 10 for challenging Maduro’s iron-fisted rule since 2013 and for her non-violent struggle.
She has been hailed for her efforts in favor of democracy, though she has also faced criticism for aligning herself with US President Donald Trump, to whom she dedicated her Nobel Prize.
The ceremony coincides with a large US military build-up in the Caribbean, which Maduro insists is aimed at toppling his government and seizing Venezuela’s oil reserves, an operation which Machado has publicly said is justified.
A 22 year old woman in Spain has been dismissed from her job for repeatedly arriving at work about 40 minutes before her official start time, despite being warned over a two year period to stop the practice. The employee had been instructed not to arrive between 6.45am and 7am, as her work schedule officially began at 7.30am, and she was also told she was not permitted to clock in or begin work early. However, she continued to arrive well before her shift with no assigned duties.
Her employer eventually terminated her appointment for what the company described as serious misconduct, arguing that her persistent early arrival amounted to disobedience rather than dedication, as she was directly defying workplace instructions. The woman challenged the decision at the Social Court of Alicante, claiming the dismissal was unfair.
During the hearing, judges were told she had ignored several verbal and written warnings and had arrived early on at least 19 different occasions. Evidence also showed that on some days she attempted to log into the company system using a mobile app before she had even reached the office. The employer further accused her of breaching trust by selling a used company car battery without authorisation, an allegation the court said contributed to a broader pattern of disloyal behaviour.
In its ruling, the court sided with the company, stressing that the issue was not excessive punctuality but a deliberate refusal to follow workplace rules. The judges held that her conduct constituted a serious breach under Article 54 of the Spanish Workers’ Statute, which governs disciplinary dismissals. While the woman still has the option of appealing to the Supreme Court of Valencia, the judgment currently stands.
Paul Pogba has invested in one of the world’s foremost camel racing teams.
The former Manchester United midfielder is now a shareholder and ambassador with Al Haboob, a Saudi Arabian outfit.
Pogba, 32, who now plays for Monaco, spends time studying the sport and admires the ‘heart, sacrifice and teamwork’ involved in racing the desert-dwelling ungulates. They can reach a top speed of 40mph.
It comes just weeks after the Frenchman returned to football after his 18-month doping ban.
‘I’ve watched my fair share of [camel] races on YouTube and spent time doing research in my spare time trying to understand the techniques and strategies,’ Pogba told BBC Sport.
‘And what stood out to me is how much dedication it takes from everyone involved. At the end of the day, sport is sport. It demands heart, sacrifice and teamwork.
‘People might not realise it, but sport always connects in some way.
‘Whether it’s football, camel racing, boxing, the foundations are similar.
You need determination, you need focus, you need discipline, and grit. That’s what makes champions at the end of the day.’
Al Haboob are the world’s first professional camel racing team and compete on the international stage.
They compete in the Gulf Cooperation Council (involving Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) and wish to establish a fully professional league
CONTEXT | Opposition Acquittal As Libration; Conviction As Persecution
The High Court’s refusal to overturn the acquittal of Given Lubinda should have settled one narrow question only: whether the State proved its case. Three judges found that it did not. Full stop. But in Zambia’s polarised politics, even judicial outcomes are no longer legal facts. They are partisan trophies. Today, the PF base celebrates the Lubinda ruling as proof that the courts are independent.
Yesterday, the same base framed the jailing of other PF figures as evidence of a judiciary captured by Hakainde Hichilema. The contradiction is no longer subtle. It is now structural.
The State failed to prove that Lubinda’s US$280,000 and the Kingsland City house were proceeds of crime. The trial court said so. The High Court agreed. That is how the rule of law works. Yet the political reaction tells a darker story. Miles Sampa instantly cast the outcome as “victory,” not for due process, but for a wounded political camp. The judiciary is applauded only when it delivers outcomes that flatter one’s preferred narrative. When it convicts, it is captured. When it acquits, it is suddenly free.
This selective faith in institutions is one of the most corrosive habits in our public life.
More revealing is what this moment does to the broader argument around politically exposed persons and criminal liability. In Zambia, many politicians still behave as if the criminal justice system is for ordinary citizens, not for them. When one of their own is convicted, illness follows. Sympathy campaigns follow. Prison visits become political stages. Promises of “freedom when we return to power” are issued casually, as though judicial sentences are temporary political inconveniences.
The message is never subtle. Jail is negotiable. Law is partisan. Power is the real appeal court.
This is exactly why the Lubinda acquittal matters in a deeper way. Not because it exonerates or condemns anyone morally, but because it demonstrates that courts can dismiss weak prosecutions even when the accused is politically toxic. That is not evidence of capture. That is evidence of judicial discretion. The same system that acquits also convicts when evidence meets the threshold.
You cannot legally discredit a court for one outcome and canonise it for another without sliding into intellectual dishonesty.
There is also an uncomfortable silence within the PF base on violence as a political tool. For years, violence was rationalised as mobilisation. Even now, when PF figures face convictions linked to electoral violence, the dominant reflex is not introspection but grievance. However, the burnt Mahindra vehicle that triggered the Chitotela case belonged to UPND. This fact is not in dispute.
What is in dispute is whether some actors in our politics are prepared to accept that crime remains crime even when committed in party colours.
What we are seeing is not merely legal controversy. It is a contest over moral territory. The PF base wants rehabilitation without accountability. It wants release without reckoning. It wants acquittals to validate innocence and convictions to confirm persecution. That framework empties the justice system of meaning. It transforms courts into extensions of political warfare rather than arbiters of fact.
The Lubinda ruling, ironically, strengthens the case that the judiciary is not operating under executive choreography. If the courts were truly captured, politically convenient acquittals would be the rule, not the exception. Yet multiple PF figures remain convicted. Others remain on trial. Some are acquitted. Some lose on appeal. That uneven pattern is precisely what independence looks like in practice. It is messy.
It is unsatisfying to extremists. It frustrates propaganda from all sides.
Zambia now stands at a dangerous rhetorical cliff. If every conviction is labelled witch-hunt and every acquittal is declared liberation, then law itself dissolves into political theatre. The country cannot build accountability on applause lines. Either the courts matter consistently, or they do not matter at all.
There is no sustainable middle ground.
The Lubinda acquittal should not be weaponised as proof of virtue, just as other convictions should not be dismissed as proof of vendetta. If we want a mature republic, we must learn to lose and win in court with the same discipline.
Anything else is not politics. It is institutional sabotage dressed as loyalty.
Bill 7 is a calculated assault on Zambia’s democracy – Simon Mwila
LUSAKA lawyer Simon Mwila has warned that the controversial Bill 7 is not about development but a deliberate attempt to centralise political power in the hands of one individual and one party.
Mwila said Bill 7 is a calculated assault on Zambia’s democracy as it intends to give more power to the party in government.
“It is not a reform. It is not modernisation. It is certainly not about development. Nothing about it strengthens accountability or improves people’s lives. If anything, it weakens the balance of power and puts our future at risk,” he said.
Mwila explained that one of the biggest concerns in the Bill is the plan to increase constituencies and members of parliament from 156 to over 276.
“On the surface it sounds progressive, but the real question is: do we actually need more MPs, or do we need stronger councils, empowered local authorities and more workers on the ground delivering services?Development does not come from Parliament alone. It comes from functional local government,” he argued.
“In the current political environment, where competition is shrinking and opposition members face all sorts of challenges (persecution, no rallies and no gatherings), expanding constituencies could hand one political group overwhelming dominance. With that kind of power, changing the Constitution becomes easy and reversing those changes becomes almost impossible. This should worry every Zambian, regardless of political affiliation.”
He said the money that government can spend on MPs could be used to employ doctors, support innovators and strengthen essential services.
“At a time when we face an energy crisis, unemployment and a struggling economy, prioritising political positions over national needs feels completely out of touch,” stated Mwila.
He said another troubling aspect is the proposal to allow the President to appoint more MPs in the house.
“Zambia has been governed for more than 60 years without any leader needing such powers. So what has suddenly changed? Why would a democratic leader want to extend their personal influence in Parliament?”
“Some argue that Bill 7 will help women and persons living with disabilities enter Parliament. But the truth is that the biggest barrier has always been political parties that fail to adopt them. You do not change the Constitution to solve a problem that political will alone can fix,” he lamented.
He also said when one listens to some ruling party members who speak recklessly, they cannot help but wonder what will happen if such individuals are handed even more influence under a new constitutional setup.
“Are we safe in their hands? Are our democratic freedoms safe? This is why I believe we must all be honest with ourselves. Bill 7 is not about progress. It is about power,” he said in a Facebook post.
He urged members of parliament to remember the people they represent and say no to the Bill.
“Zambia belongs to all of us. We have a duty to protect it. Let us reject Bill 7 and demand leadership that strengthens democracy, not leadership that tries to capture it,” said Mwila.
CONSTITUENCY DELIMITATION: WHY IT MATTERS FOR DEVELOPMENT, FOR YOU, FOR YOUR COMMUNITY & FOR YOUR FUTURE
– By Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, MP (Liuwa), Minister of Finance and National Planning
My fellow citizens, especially the young people of our beautiful country,
Let me speak to you plainly today. Among other matters in the Constituency review process, our nation is discussing something important — delimitation, or the updating of constituency boundaries.
I know the debate has become heated, emotional, and sometimes filled with deep concerns. That is natural because whenever a country looks at its constitution, the level of public discourse rises.
Beyond all that public debate, we must return to one simple question: Does Zambia need to modernise its constituency boundaries so development can reach people more effectively?
From where I stand — looking at the numbers, the experiences of communities, and the lessons from Africa and the wider world — the answer is yes. Strongly yes.
Let me explain why.
1. Zambian Population Has Grown — But Our Constituency Boundaries Have Not
Our population has passed 20 million people, yet we still have 156 constituencies, the same number we had when our population was far smaller.
In some areas today, one MP is responsible for a population as large as an entire district elsewhere.
What does that mean in real life?
– It means youths waiting longer for bursaries.
– It means stretched services.
– It means leaders cannot reach every corner of their constituency.
– It means CDF is shared among so many people that even good projects struggle to get attention.
Large constituencies create quiet inequality — not because anyone intends it, but because the structure no longer matches reality.
As Nobel Peace Prize Winner in Economics Paul Krugman explains: when institutions fail to adjust to population changes, inequality becomes embedded in the system.
2. The World Has Learned This Lesson — And So Have We
Across Africa, Asia, and global institutions like the AfDB, UNDP and World Bank, the message is consistent: development slows when outdated boundaries fail to reflect real populations and real communities.
As an example, Asian regional blocs have also shown that countries grow faster and more equitably when administrative units are kept up to date.
When boundaries match where people actually live, services improve. When they don’t, oversight becomes difficult. This is not a new idea. It is a tested governance principle.
As another Nobel Peace Prize Winner in Economics Joseph Stiglitz notes, systems that do not adjust “tend to drift toward serving fewer people while leaving many behind.” We don’t want to leave anyone behind in Zambia.
And our very own founding President, Dr. Kenneth David Buchizya Kaunda (blessed memory), once reminded us that: A nation only develops when all its people participate fully.
3. This Is Not About Politics — It Is About Fairness & Equitable Development
Some critics think delimitation is political. But even without political actors in the picture, Zambia would face the same structural problem. Some constituencies are simply too large to serve people effectively.
This is not ideology. It is arithmetic reality. It is geography. It is lived experience. It is about ensuring that all regions benefit from opportunities and resources via CDF and other facilities.
Regional research from both African and Asian development organisations confirms the same thing: when representation stretches beyond reasonable limits, accountability becomes difficult and development slows.
Updating Constituency boundaries is not a political tactic — it is a governance improvement and imperative.
4. Why Young People Stand to Gain the Most
Let me speak directly to the youth. You are the ones who will benefit when boundaries reflect reality. Why? Because opportunity will become fairer.
In oversized constituencies today:
– Youth bursaries become overcrowded.
– Empowerment grants become oversubscribed.
– CDF spreads too thinly.
– Leaders struggle to monitor projects.
– Your voice gets diluted by distance and constituency expanse.
But with reasonable constituency sizes:
– Your chances for bursaries will improve.
– Your community projects will receive proper attention.
– Your MP will meet you more often.
– Development becomes visible, reachable, and responsive.
Author Paulo Freire said: “The more people become agents in their own development, the more fully human they become.”
That is what delimitation unlocks — more agency, more access, more opportunity for more people.
5. Nothing About This Is Outside the Constitution
The Constitution actually expects boundary reviews.
It clearly sets criteria i.e. population size, geography, communication networks, and fair representation.
These are not political tools — they are constitutional guidelines meant to ensure equity.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia will lead the technical process, under criteria that citizens can openly review. Transparency protects all of us.
6. Decentralisation Works Better With Updated Boundaries
Today, CDF is one of our strongest tools for taking development directly to communities. It finances schools, clinics, markets, youth skills, women’s cooperatives, and local infrastructure.
But in very large constituencies, even CDF faces constraints. Demand becomes unusually high because the boundaries no longer match the population.
By aligning constituencies properly:
– CDF will become more targeted.
– Accountability will become stronger.
– Development will become more visible.
– Youth participation will become more meaningful.
So, it is not the size of the allocation that changes — it is the fairness of its reach.
7. Let Us Not Allow Fear to Restrict Progress
Some people fear delimitation. That is understandable. But fear alone cannot be our guide.
We cannot allow constituency boundaries drawn for the Zambia of decades ago to hold back the Zambia of today.
Nor should we allow misunderstandings to overshadow factual, constitutional requirements.
As Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary General once said, “Good governance is the cornerstone of development.”
So, updating our constituency boundaries is good governance.
8. What This Means in Simple Terms
If we modernise our constituency boundaries:
– Your MP will be closer to you.
– Your bursaries will be fairer.
– Your community projects will be better supervised.
– Your voice will carry more weight.
– Your community will receive its equitable share.
– Development will become more precise and more responsive.
So, this is not about favouring one group — it is about strengthening opportunities for all. Democracy is strongest when it adapts to the realities of its people.
As Freire reminds us: “Democracy requires deliberate, collective action.” Delimitation is one such action.
My Appeal to You
My dear youths, mothers, fathers, workers, entrepreneurs, students and community leaders, let us support delimitation not because it is easy, but because it is fair, because it is constitutional, and because it enhances service delivery and brings development closer to every community—without leaving anyone behind.
Zambia deserves constituency boundaries that reflect who we are today — and who we aim to become tomorrow in our development agenda.
This reform will not weaken our democracy. It will deepen it.
Thank you.
(NOTE THAT THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THE ARTICLE ARE PERSONAL: Other sources have also been quoted to leverage their expertise on some of these issues and help shape the debate into acceptable context).
WILLIAM HARRINGTON FILES COMPLAINT AGAINST FORMER PF SECRETARY GENERAL DAVIES MWILA OVER RACIST REMARKS
By Thomas Chewe
The contest for the Patriotic Front (PF) presidency has taken a new twist, barely days after a team of senior party figures led by former Vice President Inonge Wina attempted to reconcile warring factions.
In the latest development, veteran politician William Harrington has formally lodged a complaint at Lusaka’s Central Police against former PF Secretary General Davies Mwila. According to reliable sources, Mwila is expected to be arrested in connection with remarks he made about PF presidential aspirant Given Lubinda, comments that questioned the nationality of Lubinda’s father.
The incident has once again exposed deep divisions within the opposition party. Analysts note that beyond personal rivalries, the episode reveals a troubling culture of intolerance within segments of the PF leadership. The party, which has frequently accused the current government of authoritarian tendencies, appears unable to accommodate divergent views even while out of power.
Observers warn that such behaviour raises legitimate concerns about what kind of leadership the PF intends to offer if voted back into office. As has been common in past internal disputes, insiders expect that some PF members may soon accuse the police of acting under political instruction, despite the matter having been triggered by intra-party conflicts.
The unfolding situation serves as yet another reminder of the growing turbulence in the PF ahead of its highly anticipated presidential election.
Former Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Chief Electoral Officer, Kryticous Patrick Nshindano, has delivered a sharp assessment of the Commission’s failure to reach its voter registration target, saying the outcome exposes deep operational, logistical and coordination failures within the institution and its partners.
The ECZ had targeted 3.5 million new voters, but only managed to capture 1.6 million (46% of the target), a shortfall that has reignited concerns over the Commission’s readiness ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Nshindano described the outcome as a reflection of serious gaps in planning and execution, noting that voter registration targets are not arbitrary but based on population projections, the number of citizens turning 18, trends from previous registration cycles, and administrative data on unregistered adults.
“Falling significantly short of such targets generally reflects a combination of operational, logistical, and communication-related challenges,” he stated in an interview with Zambian Business Times -ZBT.
“These include inadequate preparation time, limited registration centres or equipment, weak coordination with NRC issuance, and insufficient public sensitisation.” the ex- ECZ Chief Electoral Officer told ZBT in an exclusive interview.
He said these shortcomings point to a system that failed to meet the scale of the exercise, resulting in limited access, delayed mobilisation of resources, and inconsistent service delivery especially in rural and peri-urban communities.
Nshindano who is also and Public Policy & Electoral Management Expert & Consultant stressed that while registering is a civic responsibility, the ECZ cannot rely on passive participation from citizens. Robust civic and voter education, he said, is non-negotiable for any mass registration exercise.
He criticised the initially weak voter education, arguing that it left many potential registrants unaware, uninformed, or uncertain about the process.
“A registration exercise of this magnitude demands intensive civic and voter education before the process even begins. Citizens must know the requirements, the services available, and where to go. Messaging must target youth, first-time voters and rural communities on platforms they actually use.”
On resource deployment, he noted that the ECZ’s compressed timeline required a much more aggressive approach, including more registration kits, more personnel, and a wider network of accessible registration points.
While he acknowledged the Commission’s late effort to set up registration points in high-traffic areas such as shopping malls, he said such measures came [too little] too late to reverse earlier setbacks.
A recurring challenge that further weakened the process, he said, was the lack of coordination with NRC issuance.
“Ideally, NRC and voter registration processes should be synchronised. Mobile NRC and mobile voter registration teams must operate together, especially in rural areas where access barriers are highest.”
Nshindano emphasised that voter registration is not merely an administrative process but a trust-building exercise that directly influences electoral legitimacy.
“Strengthening transparency, communication and stakeholder engagement is essential. Effective coordination, adequate resourcing and data-driven management will determine whether future registration exercises succeed or fail.”
Stakeholders are now demanding a detailed review of the registration process, with calls for ECZ to confront weaknesses head-on to avoid another nationwide shortfall.
I FEEL EXTREMELY BAD WHEN CITIZENS PROTECT THIEVES – HH I REALLY feel bad when fellow citizens want to protect those who are stealing from the people; I feel extremely bad inside, says President Hakainde Hichilema.
And President Hichilema says he does many things but one thing he does not do is steal. Further, President Hichilema says government is promoting asset recovery to ensure that resources that are stolen from citizens are recovered and returned to the rightful owners.
Speaking during the commemoration of the International Anti-Corruption Day in Lusaka, held under the theme “Uniting Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” Tuesday, the Head of State said there was need for a national consensus to ensure that corrupt people were not supported.
“I really feel bad when fellow citizens want to protect those who are stealing from the people. I feel extremely bad inside, I don’t show it but I feel very, very bad. Yet, those relatives of ours can be what they want to be, can have the resources they want if they worked for those resources, they can access those resources. So, as a nation, we must be agreed that we do not support corruption and the corrupt. I think this is what I want to emphasise here today, as a nation, we must not celebrate corruption. This chairman [Evans Hamaundu] last week, in his presentation at InterContinental, says even donations, when people are donating things, let’s check, are they capable, where are they getting that money? Do they run businesses, do they generate income, [and] do they farm? How is it that they generate money to donate? There’s a connection. Otherwise, you’ll celebrate donations based on stolen money,” President Hichilema noted.
“We in public office, when we donate money, we should not pinch the people’s money from the left pocket then donate to an institution from the right, but we have actually taken money that belongs to the same people we are donating to, deception. How do you feel as a parent, your son is 28 years old, doesn’t work, he just drinks beer, one day he comes home driving a Mercedes Benz, daddy, mummy, I bought a car. As a father you say, you’ve bought a car, where has the money come from because you don’t work, you just sleep and drink, where has the money come from? People argue about selective fight against corruption, there’s nothing like that. Me, in opposition, I used to challenge people who were accusing me of things, I said, take me to court. I remember one lady accused me, may her soul rest in peace, of having stolen a house, [and] I said, I don’t steal. One thing I don’t do, I do many things but I don’t steal”.
President Hichilema highlighted that it was important to ensure that individuals who stole public resources not only served jail sentences but also returned the stolen resources to the citizens. “We’ve taken a dual approach, and I know it was heavily criticised at the beginning; prosecutions approach, but also asset recovery, based on non-conviction best approaches, which are all legal. I know some of our colleagues in the diplomatic community were saying no, why are you doing this, it is important. I’ve always given an example, a guy steals $10 million, he uses one or two million dollars to buy the best lawyers and goes to court. Sometimes, no conviction, because two million dollars is a big legal fee, you get the best lawyers, but if they are convicted, they’ll only serve, and our laws need to be addressed here, when you say, a judge can sentence a guy like that up to five years, that’s what the law says, up to five years, we should amend these laws parliamentarians. We shouldn’t say up to five years because a judge will give three months, six months, one year, up to five years, isn’t it? It’s legal and you cannot contest that so [Daphne] Chabu there, [Nason] Banda there, will appeal that conviction but the judge is in the right space to do it. We need to start tackling these issues,” he explained.
“So, let’s assume they are convicted for a year, since it’s up to five years, and then there’s what we call remission, there are lawyers here, remission, and they may come out after six months, seven months, because of remission. I love my numbers, you should love numbers in this country, they help settle arguments, $10 million stolen through corruption, minus two million paid in legal fees, they serve [a] sentence for six, seven months, they come out, they access the $8 million and then tomorrow, after five years you forget, you call them businessmen, they’ve kept that money. Have you seen the point I’m making? So, in our approach now, we are saying, litigation, prosecution, but also asset recovery. We want that money. I want that money taken away from you if it’s not your money and then we send it to the rightful owners. I believe that this government has shown its teeth, we have sunk our teeth in the beef through prosecutions”. The Head of State stressed that individuals who had stolen public resources should not be protected by anyone.
“When we fight corruption using the laws now, and the institutions we have set up, you’ll hear noises in the community, no, they are only targeting our people, what’s the meaning of that? Somebody has stolen, somebody has abused resources that they don’t own and when madam [Daphne] Chabu there or Mr [Nason] Banda here, who we have entrusted to perform these functions, perform their duly allocated functions, we start looking at them with squinty eyes, then we start labelling them, then we start alleging that they are targeting our people, who is your people? Ndeipusha (I’m asking), who are those? Who you want to take what is not theirs and personalise it, and take away meal allowances for my fellow monks and momas, because that’s what it means,” said President Hichilema.
“You take away public resources meant for meal allowances in colleges then you start saying, no, they are targeting our people, who are these your people? It means at a family level, at a community level, we have not reached the agreement that this is wrong and we should not support anyone who is doing this, which is wrong. I think that’s a strong way of fighting corruption. Society must abhor such wrongs and must not protect those who are found wanting. After all, when people take resources that belong to others, they don’t share with yourself, who you call our people, maybe they share with you, maybe, we don’t know, maybe they share with you. I choose to be direct when opportunities arise like this because I hear it. I throw it to you and your consciences, which people?”
Meanwhile, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Board Chairperson Evans Hamaundu challenged the youth to lead the fight against corruption because they made up the largest demographic of the country, were energetic, innovative and unafraid to question the status quo. Hamaundu added that if empowered, protected and included, the youth could dismantle long-standing cultures of silence, apathy and fear that often enabled corruption to thrive.
And Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) Chapter president Priscilla Chansa said teaching values of fairness, accountability and responsibility from an early age would build a generation that refused to normalise corruption.
On the other hand, UN Resident Coordinator Beatrice Mutali said building a future free of corruption was a shared responsibility that demanded open dialogue, respect for diverse views and a collective commitment to strengthening trust and resilience. News Diggers
WILLAH J. MUDOLO’S REFLECTIONS ON CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT BILL NO. 7
DECEMBER 10, 2025
As the nation continues its spirited conversation on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 7, it is essential that we elevate the debate with clarity, fairness, and respect for the rule of law. Much of the public discourse has become polarised, and many citizens have not had the chance to fully read or understand the Bill. This has contributed to a one-sided narrative that does little to inform or empower the people of Zambia.
Today, I seek to bring balance to the national discussion by acknowledging that there are positive provisions in the Bill, highlighting areas that require deeper scrutiny, and reminding the State, particularly the President, His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, that constitutional reform must always reflect the will of the people.
Public Participation Is a Constitutional Obligation
In the judgment delivered on 27th June 2025, the Constitutional Court has already directed the State to pause the Bill’s progress and return to the citizens, the rightful custodians of the Constitution, for consultation. This is not merely a procedural recommendation; it is a constitutional requirement.
Article 79(3) of the Constitution of Zambia expressly demands public participation, including a national referendum, when certain provisions of the Constitution are to be amended. This article underscores a fundamental truth: the people must be fully involved in shaping the supreme law of the land. No constitutional amendment should be rushed or insulated from public scrutiny. The process must uphold both the letter and spirit of the law.
Recognising the Positive Provisions in Bill No. 7
Even in times of disagreement, we must preserve our objectivity and fairness. While there are constructive elements in the Bill worthy of recognition, it is critical that the State addresses the vital lack of public consultation regarding these proposed amendments.
Enhanced Transparency Through ECZ Disclosures: Requiring the Electoral Commission of Zambia to disclose constituencies earmarked for delimitation is a progressive step that strengthens public trust.
Bridging Gaps in the Current Constitution: Some lacunae require attention, particularly those involving the scope of presidential powers and the mechanisms that ensure checks and balances.
Promoting Merit-Based Appointments: Efforts to ensure that appointments are grounded in merit and free from nepotism are commendable and vital for institutional credibility.
Critical Areas That Deserve National Focus
To safeguard democracy, we must concentrate on the issues that truly matter, rather than allowing political rhetoric to overshadow constitutional responsibility.
The Constitutional Process Must Be Respected: There is no lawful justification for urgency. If we allow the Constitution to be amended today without due process, we create a dangerous precedent that future administrations may exploit. Zambia’s democracy is too precious to be left vulnerable to shortcuts. The required consultations must occur, as mandated by the Constitution and clarified by the Constitutional Court.
Zambia Is Approaching an Election Cycle: With only eight months before the general elections, the nation must focus its efforts on stabilising the economy, promoting unity, and preparing for credible elections. The integrity of the 2026 elections must be preserved by allowing the political landscape to remain stable.
Lessons From Bill No. 10 Must Guide Us: This is not the first constitutional amendment of national contention. Our past experience should inform a more transparent, inclusive, and patient process.
Civil Society Must Uphold Objectivity: Civil society organisations have a duty to educate the public, not inflame partisan tensions. Their voice must be principled, fair, and guided by national interest.
The Change to the Electoral Cycle: The nation deserves clarity on the proposed changes to our electoral cycle. The State, working through the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), must openly explain how these reforms will work— especially the shift toward voting for political parties rather than individual candidates. This is a major departure from our current system, and citizens must understand its implications.
A key question arises: How will accountability be ensured when political parties are entrusted with selecting or replacing Members of Parliament? The public needs clear constitutional guidelines on how such appointments will be made fairly, transparently, and without undermining the people’s will.
In exploring these reforms, Zambia can study lessons from South Africa’s system, but any borrowed model must be adapted responsibly to fit our own constitutional framework. Beyond that, the State must communicate these processes plainly to the public so that no citizen is left behind or confused by a system that will directly shape their representation.
Article 45(2) (a–d) of the Constitution of Zambia mandates that our electoral systems must ensure free and fair elections. Accordingly, these constitutional principles must guide every aspect of the proposed amendments. This shift is not just a technical adjustment; it represents a fundamental transformation of how Zambia chooses its leaders. It therefore demands openness, public education, and strict adherence to constitutional safeguards.
A Call for Responsible Leadership and National Development
For those of us seeking to lead this country at the highest level, constitutionalism and the protection of democratic values are foundational. Yet we must also remain grounded in the everyday realities our people face. Our mission must be to transform Zambia’s economy and translate ideas into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.
Zambians have waited long enough for sustainable solutions that create jobs, expand opportunity, and restore dignity. It is time to focus on progress that directly benefits the nation. Let us therefore not lose sight of our ultimate purpose: to build a Zambia where prosperity and justice are shared by all.
The debate on Bill No. 7 must be guided by wisdom, fairness, and fidelity to the Constitution. The supreme law of our land belongs to the people, and Article 79(3) ensures that the people remain at the centre of its evolution.
Let us approach this moment not as opponents, but as guardians of our democracy. Let us debate with dignity. Let us lead with vision. And above all, let us commit ourselves to a Zambia where democracy, development, and unity advance hand in hand.
Willah J. Mudolo Candidate for President of Zambia
COURT DISMISSES DPP’S APPEAL AGAINST PF ACTING PRESIDENT GIVEN LUBINDA THE Economic and Financial Crimes Court has refused to set aside the judgment of the Lusaka Magistrate’s Court that acquitted Acting President of the Opposition Patriotic Front Given Lubinda on charges of possessing over US$280,000 and a house in Kingsland City, property suspected to be proceeds of crime.
A panel of three judges, Anna-Malata Anonuja, Ian Mabbolobbolo, and Vincent Siloka have ruled that the appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Gilbert Phiri lacked merit. The court says the trial court was on firm grounds when it acquitted Mr. Lubinda.
In his appeal, however, the DPP argued that the State had adduced sufficient evidence during trial to prove that Mr. Lubinda, who was then Minister of Agriculture, received money from a Chinese company which was used as part payment for the purchase of a house in Kingsland City. Diamond TV
IT LOOKS THE PF GENERAL ASSEMBLY MAY NOT TAKE PLACE ANYTIME SOON …Court To Rule On January 9 Over Miles’ Application
A High Court in Kabwe that issued an injunction to Morgan Ng’ona to restrict the PF from holding a General Assembly says it will only rule on the 9th January 2026 on Miles Sampa”s application to be joined to the matter.
Former PF Secretary General Davies Mwila last week warned that if the party fails to elec a Leader this month, December 2025 it should forget wining elections next year.
Mwila said the PF is gone and that the leadership must consider moving the structures find a special purpose political party to use for the 2026 elections.
In a statement Sampa who was leader of the PF Ng’ona -Robert Chabinga faction said the matter of him joining as a friend of the court will only be decided in January 2026.
Yesterday our lawyers filed an Amicus Curiae on my behalf in the Kabwe High Court where Morgan Ngona obtained a restraining order on the PF stopping it from holding a convention to re-elect a new President.
According to AI… “ An amicus curiae (Latin for “friend of the court”) is an individual or organization not directly involved in a court case, but who offers expertise, information, or insight to assist the court, often through a formal written brief (amicus brief). Their role is to provide context, complex legal arguments, or factual data on issues beyond the court’s direct expertise, helping judges make informed decisions, especially in cases with broad public impact, such as those concerning constitutional law or human rights. “
In the inter party hearing in Kabwe yesterday, Judge Limbani reserved his ruling to 9th January 2026.
Bill 7 gives too much power to a current president, throw it out – Brian Mushimba
FORMER Higher Education minister Brian Mushimba has urged members of parliament to throw out the controversial Bill 7 as it gives more power to an incumbent president to be the only candidate on the ballot.
In a Facebook posting, Mushimba said in the current Constitution, if a candidate drops out or is disqualified, parties are given time to replace and re-file.
While this may be a lacuna and possibly can stretch the presidential election indefinitely, Mushimba said it has never happened and it is better than what Bill 7 is suggesting.
“The cure as proposed by Bill 7 is now to proceed with the elections even when candidates withdraw, are disqualified for any reason without any recourse for replacing those candidates by their parties on the presidential ballot,” he explained.
“So the incumbent can simply do Imingalato (pay off candidates to withdraw or cause their disqualifications, etc) and be the only candidate on the ballot and that doesn’t bother you? I can’t wait for government to change and someone else comes in with all this much power being given to them under this bill, if it passes. Mukalila. You will cry!”
He appealed to MPs to throw the illegal bill out and save the country from such damage.
“The country is bigger than all of us. Posterity will judge you positively,” said Mushimba.
WE CAN’T ALLOW TOLL FEES ON THE BUSY LUSAKA-NDOLA ROAD TO BE COLLECTED BY A FOREIGN ENTITY FOR 25 YEARS – KALABA
CITIZENS First leader Harry Kalaba says they would renegotiate the contract entered into between the UPND administration and Macro Ocean Investment Consortium, which has allowed the foreign entity to collect toll fees on the busy Lusaka-Ndola dual carriage way for 25 years.
In a press statement made available today, Kalaba argued that Zambia was among the countries with the busiest roads in the entire Southern African region, with the National Road Fund Agency having indicated that they collected K4 billion in toll fees in 2024 alone.
“Zambia is among the countries with the busiest roads in the entire Southern African region. We in the CF believe that our capacity to generate revenue from our roads can be increased without placing any added financial burden on our citizens. This is especially true when it comes to our toll gates,” Kalaba stated.
“The National Road Fund Agency collects most tolls nationwide, but the so called “new dawn” has handed over the operation of major toll points on the Lusaka–Ndola dual carriageway, to a private foreign consortium known as Macro Ocean Investment Consortium.
“This arrangement made by the “New Dawn ” gives a foreign company the right to build and operate a major national road and earn from our toll gates for a total of 25 years. The agreement includes 3 for construction and 22 years in which the consortium will operate, maintain and collect toll revenue from that road. This means that foreign interests will continue earning a large share of revenue from our roads until the year 2048”.
He argued that with proper planning, the levels of revenue NRFA was collecting was more than enough to support the construction of factories, power projects and large industrial parks.
HUMILIATION AGAIN! AFRICAN PRESIDENTS DUMPED ON METAL CHAIRS IN THE USA!
Shock and outrage erupted across the continent after African leaders were parked on cheap metal chairs during their visit to the United States for the DRC-Rwanda peace deal. The so-called “high-level meeting” looked more like a school assembly in rural Nigeria or Zimbabwe than a global diplomatic event.
And guess what? It’s not the first time. The world still remembers the UK shuttling African presidents around on a bus during Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral while US and European leaders rode in private cars like royalty.
Meanwhile, at the G20 Summit in South Africa, global leaders were treated like kings: red carpets, plush seating, VIP protocol the full presidential pampering!
Now Africans are asking the burning question: Why are our leaders given first-class respect at home but second-hand treatment abroad? The controversy is growing… and so is the embarrassment!
MOVE TO SWIFTLY PUSH BILL 7 TO PARLIAMENT DESPITE STALLED DIALOGUE A BETRAYAL TO ZAMBIANS – NJOBVU
Democratic Union (DU) leader Ackim Antony Njobvu has strongly criticized the UPND-led Government for pushing Bill 7 back to Parliament, labeling it a betrayal of Zambians.
Speaking on Christian Nation Radio’s “Sunday Chat,” Njobvu argued that proceeding with the bill despite stalled dialogue with the Oasis Forum and other key stakeholders is ill-timed and politically motivated.
“The DU does not support this move. Rushing it to Parliament without consensus from key stakeholders like the Oasis Forum and others is a worst betrayal of Zambians,” Njobvu said, emphasizing concerns over eroded trust.
He questioned whether President Hakainde Hichilema has adequately considered stakeholder submissions, expressing disappointment over the lack of transparency, particularly with the 2026 general elections looming.
“Has President HH even digested the few submissions made?” he asked.
Njobvu urged MPs to reject the bill, warning it risks consolidating power and undermining democratic principles.
His stance echoes the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) and others calling for withdrawal, citing inadequate public engagement.
However, Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha insists the process is not rushed, saying people have had chances to contribute.
The bill has proceeded to Parliament, where its first reading has been completed.
As debates intensify, critics are pushing for a more inclusive and transparent approach to the legislation.
STATE HOUSE SAYS NO SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED ON BILL 7 CONCERNS
State House chief communications specialist Clayson Hamasaka has revealed that no submissions were received by the deadline of December 7, 2025, regarding clauses in bill 7 deemed harmful to democracy and development.
In an interview with Phoenix News, Mr. Hamasaka says the window for individuals, political parties, and organizations to submit allegedly problematic clauses closed without any input.
He has advised critics to instead make their submissions to the select committee sitting at the National Assembly.
Mr. Hamasaka has emphasized that stakeholders opposing the bill should reflect their true intentions rather than attacking the President without basis.
State House issued a three-day ultimatum on Thursday, 4 December 2025, giving stakeholders until Sunday, 7 December 2025, to forward clauses they believed posed a danger to democracy and development in the bill.
“Foreign reserves are like a shiny trophy in the cabinet,” Hon. Mundubile said. “They impress outsiders but do little for the hungry child in Kanyama or the jobless graduate in Kitwe.”
09.12.25
The Zambian government has trumpeted its ‘historic’ accumulation of US$5.2 billion in foreign currency reserves, the highest in decades, as proof of economic recovery.
Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane hailed the reserves as a “buffer against external shocks” and a sign of investor confidence. Yet leading Presidential aspirant hon.
But hon. Brian Mundubile, a Presidential aspirant in the forthcoming August polls has poured cold water on the celebration, branding it a ‘hollow achievement’ that fails to touch the lives of ordinary Zambian citizens, it’s intended for. Smart Eagles
Hon. Mundubile argues that 64% of Zambia’s 20 million people remain trapped in abject poverty according to official statistics, with unemployment soaring above 70% and inflation stubbornly in double digits.
“What good is a vault of dollars when the majority of Zambians sleep hungry?” he asked. “Reserves may stabilize the kwacha on paper, but they do not put food on the table or jobs in the hands of our youth.”
CONTINENTAL EXAMPLES AND BEYOND ABOUND OF GOOD RESERVES AND POVERTY
Hon. Mundubile points to Nigeria, which in 2019 boasted reserves of over US$40 billion, yet millions still faced fuel shortages, high unemployment, and poverty. Kellys Kaunda
In the West, Italy has long maintained strong reserves as part of the Eurozone, but its youth unemployment crisis persists, proving that reserves alone cannot solve structural economic problems.
“Foreign reserves are like a shiny trophy in the cabinet,” Hon. Mundubile said. “They impress outsiders but do little for the hungry child in Kanyama or the jobless graduate in Kitwe.”
Instead of ‘self-praising’, Hon. Mundubile outlined practical solutions he will implement once voted as President:
Agricultural revival: Invest directly in smallholder farmers to boost food security and rural incomes.
Industrialization drive: Channel resources into manufacturing and value addition, creating jobs beyond copper exports.
Targeted social protection: Expand cash transfers and school feeding programs to cushion the poorest households.
Youth empowerment: Establish vocational hubs and entrepreneurship funds to absorb the swelling unemployed labour force.
“Reserves are not a measure of prosperity,” Mundubile insisted. “They are a measure of government’s ability to pay creditors.
Prosperity is when every Zambian family can afford three meals a day, when inflation is tamed, and when our youth find dignified work.”
As Zambia heads toward the 2026 polls, Mundubile’s sharp critique reframes the debate: is US$5.2 billion in reserves a triumph, or a distraction from the daily struggles of millions? For him, the answer is clear—the government’s reserve celebration is a mirage, while the real economy remains in crisis.
Fuel and food prices in Zambia are among the highest in the entire southern African region under the UPND government said Mundubile, a lawyer businessman turned politician.
INDENI LAMENTS: “WE DON’T HAVE MONEY, GOVT SHOULD ASSIST US WITH WORKING CAPITAL”
INDENI Energy Limited Board Chairperson Watson Lumba has called on government to assist the state-owned company with working capital, stating that doing so would help the country address the current fuel problems.
Lumba says government should also help Indeni clear its huge legacy debt, which has distorted the company’s balance sheet, making it unable to borrow money from banks.
In an interview, Tuesday, Lumba lamented that if Indeni continued in its current financial state, it would face serious problems, including failing to pay workers’ salaries.
“There is a need to give Indeni capacity through working capital. I’m requesting that the government assists Indeni with working capital. This will help with fuel problems. Indeni has the potential to do well, but it is just there. The small margins we get from the international partner we’re selling that fuel [for], immediately we sell in Kwacha, we get the dollars and send them to them. If we have changed from the small margins they give us… But now with the dollar changing, now going up, it means that what Indeni is getting is being eroded. So, basically, if Indeni continues like that, we’re going to have serious problems even to pay salaries for the workers because the amount of money we get, with the exchange rate, is being eroded,” he said.
“So, all those tanks you see at Indeni are empty. They have no fuel there, and they are not even being used. So, if Indeni was given even a bit of money to start using those tanks, we can be working with other partners, they use those tanks as hospitality. Because as we are now, there is nothing we can do. Indeni doesn’t have money, and we owe a lot of money from the legacy debt which Indeni as a refinery had. We’ve been to court, we’ve been threatened by bailiffs. At one point, they almost bounced in, but because we’re a state-owned company, they got in but they quickly realised that this is a state-owned company and so they brought back the things”.
Lumba further indicated that fuel tanks at Indeni were currently empty, and filling them would enable the country to have strategic reserves.
“Indeni is currently not being useful. So, Indeni has got tanks, and if those tanks are filled and they’re keeping reserves, we can have strategic reserves. But currently, we can’t have strategic reserves at Indeni because we do not have money. And the government has not given us any single ngwee. So, there’s nothing Indeni can do. Indeni currently has a huge legacy debt which distorts the balance sheet so that we cannot borrow money. Our balance sheet is not worth [it], everyone that looks at our balance sheet will not give us money because of the legacy debt, we cannot borrow money from the bank. If the government can help us wipe out or clear out that legacy debt, we will be in a position to borrow money from the bank. Banks are willing to work with us, but because of the legacy debt, it turns out that banks are not interested because of our balance sheet,” said Lumba.
PARLIAMENT’S CONSULTATION PROCESS ON BILL 7 IS TRANSPARENT AND PEOPLE-DRIVEN – ANAKOKA
December 10, 2025
Lusaka – Mubita Anakoka, Member of Parliament for Luena Constituency, has reiterated that the ongoing consultation process on Bill 7 is transparent, people-centred, and grounded in established parliamentary procedure.
The official explained that the Select Committee handling the bill is inclusive, consisting of all political parties and independent MPs, and exists primarily to receive submissions from citizens and interested groups.
Mr Anakoka said that “People of Zambia must not be misled by naysayers who are prophesying what has not yet happened; the process is still unfolding,” thus urging the public to remain patient and informed.
Speaking on Zamcom Radio’s City Voices programme, Mr Anakoka clarified misconceptions surrounding the bill’s journey, stressing that no court has ever declared Bill 7 illegal or unconstitutional.
To widen participation beyond Lusaka, President Hakainde Hichilema constituted a Technical Committee, which travelled across the country to collect views from citizens unable to appear before Parliament.
He revealed that the committee received more than 11,800 submissions, a development the official described as evidence of improved efficiency and modern tools. He credited all this to technology, stating that it is what has enabled government to conduct national consultations faster than in past decades.
The Luena lawmaker also highlighted that the Technical Committee’s report reflects the voices of Zambians from all provinces. But he cautioned that no single submission can be taken as final until the full House debates the bill after the Select Committee’s report.
“Every voice is being listened to, but no one should assume their submission automatically becomes law,” he noted.
He further urged citizens to avoid panic and misinformation, saying the process is designed to balance differing views and produce a constitutional amendment that genuinely reflects national aspirations.
He said that the New Dawn Government has no hidden agenda and that all actions are for the good of the people of Zambia.
⬆️ CHINGOLA DEMOLITIONS SPARK ARREST ORDER, MINISTER DEMANDS FULL REPORT
Government has ordered the immediate arrest of all Chingola Municipal Council workers involved in the demolition of 10 structures at the Kasompe airstrip in Chingola, escalating a local land dispute into a national governance issue.
Gift Sialubalo, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, said the demolitions directly undermine government’s commitment to protecting citizens’ welfare and property rights.
Speaking in Lusaka on Tuesday, he directed the council to furnish a comprehensive report within 24 hours, warning that accountability would be enforced.
Preliminary findings, according to the Minister, indicate that the affected land belongs to the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority. He urged all stakeholders to de-escalate the situation and pursue lawful, coordinated solutions rather than unilateral enforcement actions.
Chingola Member of Parliament Chipoka Mulenga also weighed in, expressing sharp disappointment with the local authority’s conduct. He said due process was ignored and questioned the priorities of the council.
“The machinery used to demolish people’s property should have been on the roads fixing infrastructure, not destroying livelihoods,” Mulenga said.
The demolitions at Kasompe airstrip have triggered public anger in Chingola, with growing calls for clarity on land ownership, compensation, and the limits of local authority power.
Government’s decision to move toward arrests marks a hard line against what it describes as reckless municipal action.
ABSA Bank Zambia PLC has signed a collective bargaining agreement with two unions, granting a 14 percent salary increase to unionized employees, effective April 1, 2025.
The agreement, which covers the period from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026, was signed in Lusaka.
ABSA Bank Zambia Chief Executive Officer Mizinga Melu expressed pride in the agreement, highlighting the bank’s commitment to employee growth and welfare. She noted that ABSA Zambia has been recognized as a Top Employer for the fourth consecutive year, adding that the new agreement reinforces the bank’s dedication to staff well-being.
Zambia Union of Financial Institutions and Allied Workers (ZUFIAW) Vice President Marina Kabonga emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving fair labour practices.
Bankers Union of Zambia (BUZ) President Melvis Saviye praised the bank’s commitment to staff welfare, describing the agreement as part of ABSA Zambia’s ongoing efforts to position itself as an employer of choice.
Latvia is facing one of the most pronounced gender imbalances in Europe, with women now outnumbering men by more than 80,000, according to recent demographic data.
Latvia faces a significant gender imbalance where women outnumber men by approximately 15.5%, according to the latest Eurostat data from 2024.
With a total population of around 1.86 million at the beginning of 2025, women comprise 53.7% of residents, leaving men in the minority across most age groups and regions.
In urban areas, the gap is even more evident, with some cities reporting ratios as high as 133 women per 100 men.
The gap has been driven by long-term migration patterns, lower male life expectancy, and population shifts that have persisted since the post-Soviet transition.
For decades, higher emigration rates among young men and consistent health disparities between genders have steadily widened the divide.
Experts warn the imbalance is affecting key areas of society, including workforce stability, family formation trends, and long-term economic planning.
Government officials say the shrinking labor force and widening gender gap present serious challenges, with no clear signs of reversal in the near future.
Analysts note that the situation highlights how deeply demographic trends can shape the future of a nation.
Rwanda has accused the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi of deliberately violating a ceasefire in eastern DRC, just days after a peace agreement was signed in Washington
The accusation comes as fighting escalated, with Rwandan-backed M23 fighters entering the strategic city of Uvira, near the Burundian border, late Tuesday. Uvira is the latest major settlement to fall in the conflict-plagued, mineral-rich region.
The renewed violence has caused thousands of civilians and scores of Congolese soldiers to flee across the border into Burundi. Burundi has reportedly sent troops to aid the DRC in fighting the M23 and its Rwandan allies, according to military sources.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the Rwandan foreign ministry asserted that recent violations “cannot be placed on Rwanda.”
The ministry claimed that “the Congolese Army (FARDC) and the Burundian Army (FDNB)… had been systematically bombing civilian villages close to the Rwandan border, using fighter jets and attack drones.”
The statement noted that the M23 has said it was forced to counter these attacks.
These deliberate violations of recently negotiated agreements constitute serious obstacles to peace,” the statement concluded.
The escalation undermines an agreement brokered by US President Donald Trump and signed by Kinshasa and Kigali less than a week ago, on December 4.
Following the renewed fighting, the United States and several European countries issued a joint statement on Tuesday urging the M23 and Kigali to immediately cease their offensive.
Trump centralizes AI regulation power at federal level
President Trump announced this week an executive order that would strip US states of their authority to regulate artificial intelligence, arguing that a unified national framework is essential for maintaining America’s global AI dominance
The move comes as Washington seeks to outpace China in the AI race, with the technology representing one of the largest investment sectors in the country. However, the initiative faces significant political opposition from Democrats and some Republicans who express concerns about potential economic and social impacts of unchecked AI development.
Trump argues that having 50 different state-level regulations would “destroy AI in its infancy” and threaten US competitiveness on the world stage.
U.S. BACKS JAPAN AFTER CHINESE JETS TARGET JAPANESE AIRCRAFT
Tensions in East Asia just hit a new high.
After a group of Chinese and Russian warplanes buzzed near Japan’s southern islands, Japan scrambled its jets – but what happened next sparked international concern.
Tokyo says Chinese fighter jets locked radar on Japanese planes during the incident, a provocative move seen as a step short of launching weapons.
Japan’s defense chief called it the most serious encounter in years.
Now, the U.S. is weighing in, publicly backing Japan and calling China’s behavior “not conducive to regional peace and stability.”
A State Department spokesperson reaffirmed the “unwavering” strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance and said Washington remains in close contact with Tokyo.
Beijing, meanwhile, claims it was conducting legal and restrained drills – and accused Japan of provocation.
The radar incident came just days after Chinese and Russian bombers flew a coordinated route near Okinawa and the Miyako Strait, echoing movements by China’s Liaoning aircraft carrier.
With Taiwan just 100 km from Japanese territory, and military drills escalating, Tokyo is watching closely and Washington is now watching with them.
ANC appeals to G20 to urge US to include South Africa in 2026 summit
The ANC is rallying fellow G20 nations to counter a threat from U.S. President Donald Trump to bar the country from next year’s leaders’ summit in Miami, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
The dispute follows last month’s G20 summit in Johannesburg, the first ever on African soil, which the U.S. boycotted entirely.
A key sticking point arose over the ceremonial handover of the G20 presidency, with the U.S. demanding South African President Cyril Ramaphosa pass the gavel to a senior embassy official a request South Africa rejected as a breach of protocol.
Trump subsequently announced via Truth Social that South Africa would not receive an invitation to the 2026 summit. In response, the South African government called the move “punitive” and emphasized that its G20 membership is recognized by all other members, not subject to unilateral exclusion.
ANC National Executive Committee member Thandi Moraka said South Africa is appealing to fellow G20 members to uphold the country’s rights as a full member, stressing, “we are a group of 20 not a group of 19.”
The broader tensions stem from U.S. claims of “white genocide” and concerns over land reform, which South Africa rejects as misinformation. An executive order issued by Trump in February 2025 halted aid and prioritized resettlement of white South Africans as refugees, drawing strong rebuke from Pretoria.
Experts warn the standoff could undermine the credibility of the G20, traditionally a forum where membership is permanent. South African officials have suggested that if the U.S. attempts to block visas, the country may look beyond the G20 for international engagement.
The dispute highlights growing friction between multilateral cooperation and unilateral U.S. actions, as South Africa seeks solidarity among global partners to defend its role on the world stage.
ZIM PRICE SHOCK! TV LICENCES & PASSPORTS COSTING 10× MORE THAN THE REGION!
Southern Africa’s latest price comparison has sparked outrage, exposing just how hard Zimbabweans are being hit in their pockets. While neighbouring countries keep basic services affordable, Zimbabwe stands out and not in a good way.
Across the region, TV licence fees remain modest: Malawi charges just $6, Botswana $7, Namibia and Zambia $11, and South Africa $14. But Zimbabwe’s ZBC licence? A jaw-dropping $100, more than seven times the regional average.
The passport comparison is even more staggering. Angolans pay $5 for a passport, Eswatini $10, Zambia $13, Botswana $20, Namibia $28, South Africa $33, and Mozambique $43. Meanwhile, a Zimbabwean passport costs a staggering $170, the most expensive in Southern Africa by a massive margin.
As Zimbabweans struggle with mounting costs, frustration is boiling over and these numbers explain exactly why.
Former Aston Villa player, Ahmed Elmohamady has launched a scathing attack on Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, branding him a “disgrace” for his recent comments regarding Mohamed Salah.
The controversy began after Salah’s weekend interview where he claimed the club had “thrown him under the bus” following their draw with Leeds.
The Egyptian forward also stated he had “no relationship” with manager Arne Slot after being left out of the starting XI for a third straight Premier League match. Following these remarks, Salah was completely excluded from the squad for the subsequent Champions League clash against Inter Milan.
Carragher responded on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, ahead of Manchester United’s win over Wolves. The pundit called the two-time Premier League champion’s antics a ‘disgrace’ and brought up Salah’s past struggles at Chelsea, where he only scored twice in 19 appearances.
Carragher later posted a seemingly cryptic message on X after Salah shared a selfie from the Liverpool gym, writing: “I’m not sure I’ve wanted Liverpool to win a game more than tonight for a long time. Come (on) you mighty Reds.”
Salah’s former international teammate, Elmohamady, was quick to jump to the defense of the Egypt captain, posting a fiery retort on X.
The retired right-back declared: “Right Jamie you’re a disgrace, Salah completely rewrote his story through hard work, humility, and world-class performances.
“He didn’t ‘fail’ at Chelsea — he was never given the chance. He went to Italy, rebuilt himself, then came to Liverpool and became: a Premier League legend, Egypt’s greatest ever player, one of the most consistent forwards of his generation.”
Elmohamady further championed Salah’s international impact: “Salah has carried Egypt for years and getting Egypt qualified for World Cup twice after so long, Salah earned everything.”
He concluded his post by attempting to undermine Carragher’s standing as a respected analyst, referencing past run-ins with other football giants:
“No wonder you got blanked by (Cristiano) Ronaldo. No wonder (Lionel) Messi called you out. No wonder (Jose) Mourinho said you were below average and not even in (the) top 1000 defenders in (the) Premier League.”
