Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has reiterated that he doesn’t know his real age.
However, he stated that he could guesstimate from those who were his primary school mates, and six of them are still alive, with none of them less than 90 years.
The former President spoke on Sunday, Dec. 7, during the Toyin Falola Interviews series tagged, “A Conversation with His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.”
The interview was anchored by Professor Toyin Falola, a renowned Nigerian Historian as well as Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Dr. Mathew Kukah and former Presidential Candidate, Professor Kingsley Moghalu.
Obasanjo stated that he set up the presidential library to preserve institutional memory, keep records of things, adding, “We have digitalised over 3m materials. We still have about the same number, 3m to digitalise.
“The idea is when these materials are digitalised, people can have access to them. That is number one. As document preservation, we preserve the past, take note of the present and we want all these to inspire the future,” the former President of Nigeria said.
He stated that the library has his primary school record, his records in secondary school, his letter to Abacha when his son di£d in an accident, letter to his wife when he was still in prison.
But he reiterated that he doesn’t know his real age but there are six of his classmates who might have an idea about his real age.
He said, “I don’t know my exact age but I could judge from those who were in school with me, I have given you an example of Olubara (Oba Jacob Olufemi Omolade, the Olubara of Ibara) who is still alive.
“I believe there are six of my classmates in secondary school that I know are still alive and none of them is less than 90 years of age. So I leave it to you to guess what my age could be.
“My school record card in primary school, I have been able to keep them and when I became President and I wanted to establish the library, they were available to be exhibited. My records in primary and secondary school and even the manuscripts of books that I have written, those that I wrote in prison and so on, even crops of maize that I planted when I was in prison, they are there and somehow I was able to keep them.
“Why the Presidential Library? I believe one of the things we don’t do too well in our society is that we don’t keep records too well, institutional memory is not what we do very well.”
ECOWAS sends standby force to Benin after failed coup attempt
The ECOWAS Commission disclosed the decision in a statement issued just after consultations among members of the Mediation and Security Council at the level of Heads of State and Government.
It said, “Further to its earlier statement on the Republic of Benin, the ECOWAS Commission hereby informs the general public that pursuant to the provisions of relevant ECOWAS instruments, in particular Article 25(e) of the 1999 Protocol Relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution Peacekeeping and Security, and after consultation among members of the Mediation and Security Council at the level of Heads of State and Government, the Chair of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of state and Government has ordered the deployment of elements of the ECOWAS Standby Force to the Republic of Benin with immediate effect.
“The Regional Force shall be made up of troops from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, and the Republic of Ghana.
The Force shall support the Government and the Republican Army of Benin to preserve constitutional order and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Benin.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ mother, Janice Combs, has reacted to the new Netflix docuseries about her son.
In a statement to Deadline, Janice said the four-part series, which was released on the streamer on Dec. 2, contains “lies” and “inaccuracies” about Sean’s life.
“I am writing this statement to correct some of the lies presented in the Netflix, Sean Combs: The Reckoning,” she wrote. “These inaccuracies regarding my son Sean’s upbringing and family life is intentionally done to mislead viewers and further harm our reputation.”
She went on to specifically cite an interview from the first episode of the series that explores a 1991 incident in which nine people died during a stampede at a charity basketball game promoted by Sean at the City College of New York.
In the interview, Sean’s former friend and colleague, Kirk Burrowes, claimed that he saw the singer slap Janice that day, something which she denies.
“The allegations stated by Mr. Kirk Burrows [sic] that my son slapped me while we were conversing after the tragic City College events on December 28, 1991, are inaccurate and patently false,” Janice said in her statement to Deadline.
“That was a very sad day for all of us … For him to use this tragedy and incorporate fake narratives to further his prior failed and current attempt to gain what was never his — Bad Boy Records — is wrong, outrageous and past offensive.”
“I am requesting that these distortions, falsehoods and misleading statements be publicly retracted,” she said later in her statement.
During the moment in question in the episode, Burrowes says, “I saw Janice question Sean [about his future]. He’s going into this music business thing. He just left school, and now this extreme tragedy has occurred. She’s like, ‘Did he make the right decision?’ And I saw him put his hands on her. Call her a bitch and slapped her.”
In the docuseries, a title card states that Sean, 56, did not respond to the filmmakers’ request for comment on the accusation that he physically harmed his mother.
The docuseries comes in the wake of the disgraced music mogul’s federal convictions on two prostitution-related charges, for which he is currently serving a 50-month prison sentence handed down in October.
Sean is also facing dozens of lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault.
One day before the docuseries’ release, Sean’s spokesperson, Juda Engelmayer, called the project a “shameful hit piece” in a statement, claiming that “Netflix relied on stolen footage that was never authorized for release.”
“As Netflix and CEO Ted Sarandos know, Mr. Combs has been amassing footage since he was 19 to tell his own story, in his own way. It is fundamentally unfair, and illegal, for Netflix to misappropriate that work,” the spokesperson said.
“For Netflix to give his life story to someone who has publicly attacked him for decades feels like an unnecessary and deeply personal affront,” Engelmayer added, referencing longtime rival Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s role as a producer of the docuseries.
When asked specifically about the allegations that Sean slapped his mother, Engelmayer said: “We’re not going to comment on individual claims being repeated in the documentary. Many of the people featured have longstanding personal grievances, financial motives, or credibility issues that have been documented for years.”
“Several of these stories have already been addressed in court filings, and others were never raised in any legal forum because they’re simply not true. The project was built around a one-sided narrative led by a publicly admitted adversary, and it repeats allegations without context, evidence, or verification.”
BURKINA FASO HAS TAKEN OVER TOTALENERGIES STATIONS AND REVEALED A NEW NAME
All former French-owned TotalEnergies gas stations in the country have now been acquired and rebranded under a new national identity — Barka Energies.
-The takeover was done by local investors -The launch was made public this December -Same stations, new name, local ownership
It is now 100% Burkinabè-owned, marking a major shift in the sector. The rebranding aims to keep services running smoothly while boosting national control of strategic assets.
Many see it as a symbolic move of economic sovereignty and a fresh start for the energy market in Burkina Faso.
Did You Know That Egyptians Live on Only 5% of Their Country’s Land?
It may sound surprising, but it’s an astonishing fact that Egypt—despite its vast area of over 1 million square kilometers—builds almost its entire life, history, and civilization on a very narrow strip of land that represents only 5% to 7% of the total area
Over 100 million Egyptians are concentrated mainly in:
The Nile Valley – the heartbeat of life for thousands of years.
The Nile Delta – one of the most fertile regions in the world.
Coastal cities on the Red Sea and the Mediterranean
New urban communities built in recent decades.
Meanwhile, over 90% of Egypt is uninhabited desert .
This is Because the Nile River has always been Egypt’s lifeline. Access to fresh water, fertile soil, and economic activity has kept the population clustered around the river for thousands of years.
In recent years, Egypt has launched major national projects to redistribute population and expand livable land:
Building the New Administrative Capital ️
Constructing multiple new cities across the country
Developing an extensive national road network ️
Large-scale agricultural reclamation projects
Creating new industrial and residential zones in the desert
All these efforts aim to ease the pressure on the Nile Valley and Delta and open new horizons for development.
Egypt… From the Narrow Nile Valley to the Vast Desert
This is more than a geographical fact— It’s the story of a nation and a civilization that thrived along a single river for thousands of years, and is now working to build a wider future.
It is a powerful reminder of a country that can create life in the heart of the desert.
Nigeria Assists Benin to Foil Coup Attempt as President Tinubu Commends Armed Forces
President Bola Tinubu has praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their swift intervention in support of the Government of the Republic of Benin following an attempted coup that unsettled the country on Sunday morning.
According to official information from the Presidency, the authorities in Benin sought Nigeria’s assistance through two separate requests after soldiers loyal to Colonel Pascal Tigri seized the national television station and claimed to have removed President Patrice Talon from office. The coup plotters also declared the suspension of democratic institutions, prompting urgent appeals for regional support.
In response, President Tinubu authorised the deployment of Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to secure Benin’s airspace. The aircraft were tasked with helping to dislodge the renegade soldiers from the national broadcaster and from a military camp where they had regrouped. Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a formal communication, described the situation as grave and requested immediate air support to safeguard constitutional order and protect national institutions.
A second request from Benin called for the continued deployment of Nigerian aerial assets for surveillance and rapid intervention missions under Benin’s coordination. The government in Cotonou also asked for Nigerian ground forces to operate strictly under the directives of the Beninese command to help protect constitutional bodies and contain armed elements.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all directives had been carried out and that Nigerian troops were already on Beninese soil. He stated that the military acted in line with the instructions of the Commander in Chief.
Loyalist forces in Benin, supported by Nigerian units, regained control of key sites after several hours, including the national broadcaster, which had been the first location seized by the mutinous soldiers.
Following the restoration of order, President Tinubu commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for what he described as a firm stand in defence of democracy. He noted that their actions were consistent with the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. He added that Nigeria remains committed to supporting the government and people of the Republic of Benin, particularly in efforts to uphold democratic stability in the region.
Wayne Rooney has accused Mohamed Salah of disrespecting Liverpool and tarnishing his legacy after his rant which threw his future into question.
Salah insisted he had been “thrown under the bus” by Liverpool, and claimed he had no relationship with manager Arne Slot, after he was unused substitute in a 3-3 draw at Leeds United.
Salah has been benched for three matches in a row amid Liverpool’s dreadful run of form.
Rooney told the BBC: “Why would you come out and say that?
“Salah has been incredible for Liverpool. As a player he is quiet, he keeps himself to himself.
“Last year he was vocal about not being offered a new contract. He deserves to get the money he gets. But then you can’t flip it and say what he said.
“It was disrespectful to his teammates, to his manager, to the fans.
“Time catches up with all of us. This season he hasn’t been at his best, he hasn’t been at his sharpest. Clearly, Slot has seen that and put him on the bench.
“He’s one of the main players, if not the main player at Liverpool over the past few seasons. You want to see him roll his sleeves up.
“To have the arrogance to say that he doesn’t have to earn his place? You need to be at your best every week to stay in the team.
“If I was one of his teammate I wouldn’t be happy at all with what he said. This is when they need him most. If anything, he has thrown Liverpool under the bus with his words.”
Rooney advised Salah: “He’s either got to speak to the manager, and put something out, and try to put it right. Or leave the football club.
“It needs to be sorted out quickly.”
Rooney added: “He is absolutely destroying his legacy. The legacy he could have is massive. The legends that have played for Liverpool, he’s right up there.
“It would be sad for him to throw it all away. He has gone about it all wrong. Roll your sleeves up.”
Salah is set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations where he will play for Egypt on Dec. 15 and could be absent for a month depending on their progress.
Rooney said: “He is going to have the protection from next week, being away with Egypt. The timing, he has done it for a reason. It’s premediated to drop a bombshell then go away with Egypt.
“I think it will be a good thing for Liverpool to get him out of the way.”
Rooney told Liverpool boss Slot to leave Salah out of Tuesday’s trip to Inter in the Champions League.
He said: “Slot has to show his authority and say ‘you are not travelling with the team, what you said isn’t acceptable, see yourself off to AFCON and let everything settle down’.
“Slot can take control of it. If I was Slot, there’s no way I’d have him anywhere near the team.”
Salah has scored 250 goals in 420 appearances since joining Liverpool from Roma in 2017. He signed a contract extension earlier this year after helping Liverpool win the Premier League last season with 29 goals.
But, now aged 33, he has only four goals in 13 league appearances this campaign.
Rooney said: “What’s hard, when you’re a player and you get the age where your performances drop, you look for reasons why. The last person you look at is yourself. I think this is what’s happening.
“His performances haven’t been great. I’m sure over the next couple of years, when he looks back, he will regret saying what he has said.
“Only he can help him get out this situation, by playing better! Rather than looking internally he’s looking for anything to put the blame on.”
Rooney recalled a similar situation from his own Manchester United career when he was unhappy at being left on the bench. But he dealt with it differently to Salah’s explosive public comments.
“I had it with Jose Mourinho. I started the season with Zlatan Ibrahimovic but I knew he normally plays one up front,” Rooney said.
“In the first three or four games, he played two of us. I knew as soon as I had a bad game, I wasn’t going to play and Zlatan would be the forward.
“I went in and had an honest conversation with Jose. I asked him to go on loan in January because I wanted to play. He said no because he needed me for the Europa League, but I could leave in the summer.
“I stood up, shook his hand, didn’t complain again. I sat on the bench and played a few games. “It was an honest conversation, two men shaking hands which I think is the right thing to do, rather than what Salah has done.”
US President, Donald Trump has claimed that Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky “isn’t ready” to sign off on a US-authored peace proposal aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war, expressing his disappointment that Zelensky had not engaged with the plan.
Trump’s criticism followed the completion of three days of talks on Saturday between US and Ukrainian negotiators in Florida, which aimed to narrow differences on the administration’s proposal. Speaking to reporters on Sunday night before the Kennedy Center Honors, Trump suggested the Ukrainian leader was obstructing the path forward.
“I’m a little bit disappointed that President Zelensky hasn’t yet read the proposal, that was as of a few hours ago. His people love it, but he hasn’t,” Trump claimed on Sunday..
He added, “Russia is, I believe, fine with it, but I’m not sure that Zelensky’s fine with it. His people love it it. But he isn’t ready.”
It should be noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin has not publicly expressed approval for the White House plan. In fact, Putin had previously stated that aspects of Trump’s proposal were unworkable, despite the original draft having been described as heavily favoring Moscow.
Trump has maintained a contentious relationship with Zelensky since entering his second White House term, consistently arguing that the conflict represents a waste of US taxpayer money. He has repeatedly pressured Ukraine to cede land to Russia to halt the nearly four-year conflict, which he claims has cost far too many lives.
Following the talks, Zelensky said Saturday he had a “substantive phone call” with American and Ukrainian officials involved in the discussions. He wrote on social media, “Ukraine is determined to keep working in good faith with the American side to genuinely achieve peace.”
Trump’s remarks came as Russia welcomed the Trump administration’s new national security strategy. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the updated strategic document, which outlines the administration’s core foreign policy interests, was largely in line with Moscow’s vision.
Peskov noted, “There are statements there against confrontation and in favor of dialogue and building good relations,” expressing hope this would lead to “further constructive cooperation with Washington on the Ukrainian settlement.”
The White House document, released Friday, states that improving the US relationship with Russia and ending the war are core US interests necessary to “reestablish strategic stability with Russia.”
Separately, Trump’s outgoing Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, speaking at the Reagan National Defense Forum on Saturday, suggested efforts to end the war were nearing completion.
He stated that a deal hinges on two main outstanding issues: “terrain, primarily the Donbas,” and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Russia currently controls most of the Donbas region (Donetsk and Luhansk), which it illegally annexed three years ago, and the Zaporizhzhia plant, which is not in service but requires reliable power to cool its six shutdown reactors.
Kellogg was not present at the Florida talks and is due to leave his post in January.
The leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany are scheduled to meet with Zelensky in London on Monday.
Meanwhile, as the three days of talks concluded, Russian missile, drone, and shelling attacks overnight and Sunday killed at least four people in Ukraine. Attacks on infrastructure in the central city of Kremenchuk caused power and water outages.
Kyiv and its Western allies accuse Russia of trying to cripple the Ukrainian power grid for a fourth consecutive winter, a tactic Ukrainian officials refer to as “weaponising” the cold. Additionally, three people were killed and 10 others wounded Sunday in shelling in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region
PROTECTING THE VOTERS MANDATE: WHY I OPPOSE ARTICLES 57 AND 72(8) IN BILL 7 – THEY Weaken DIRECT DEMOCRACY
A close reading of the gazetted Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025 reveals a pivotal issue at the heart of the proposed reforms: the process by which Members of Parliament who vacate their seats are replaced.
An issue, often overlooked, is the double standard the Bill creates between independent candidates and party-sponsored candidates.
Provisions in Articles 57 and 72(8) fundamentally reshape Zambia’s system of representation. They weaken the sovereignty of voters and create a constitutional hierarchy between MPs. I do not support these clauses, and here is why.
1. Independent MPs Face By-Elections, but Party MPs Are Replaced Internally
Article 57 proposes that:
“Where a vacancy occurs in the office of an independent Member of Parliament… a by-election shall be held within ninety days…”
This is democratic and transparent: if an independent MP vacates a seat, the voters choose a new representative. Citizen sovereignty is upheld.
But Article 72(8) sets a completely different rule for party-sponsored MPs:
“…the political party that sponsored the member… shall elect another person to replace that member…”
This creates a clear disparity:
Independent MPs
1. Seat becomes vacant, then by-election
2. Voters choose new MP
3. Full constituency participation and scrutiny
Party-sponsored MPs
1. Seat becomes vacant, then party selects replacement internally
2. No public participation
3. No campaign, no competition, no voter involvement
This results in a two-tier democracy: one standard for independents, another for party MPs.
Why is this a constitutional problem?
All MPs are elected by citizens, not by political parties. Constituencies do not vote to give parties ownership over parliamentary seats. This provision offends:
a. The principle of equality of representation
b. The sovereignty of voters, who should always decide when a seat becomes vacant
Parliamentary seats belong to the people. They cannot be converted into party property.
2. Party Control Makes MPs More Accountable to Parties Than to Voters
Allowing parties to replace MPs without elections shifts MP loyalty:
a. Upward to party leadership, not outward to the people
b. Constituency interests risk being subordinated to party interests
c. Parties gain potential tools to pressure, discipline, or sideline MPs, including through orchestrated resignations
Meanwhile, independent MPs remain fully answerable to the electorate.
This imbalance weakens the independence of Parliament, which is essential for meaningful national debate and effective oversight. Democracy is anchored on one principle: the people choose their leaders, and only the people must have the power to withdraw that choice.
Against this background, allowing parties to replace MPs without public participation, while independent MPs must face full electoral scrutiny, creates an unequal and undemocratic constitutional arrangement.
Zambia deserves a Constitution where:
(a) every seat belongs to the voter, and (b) every vacancy returns to the voter.
These two clauses in Bill No. 7 are inconsistent with the spirit of democracy and must be amended as Parliament starts to debate the Bill.
Yours Truly, HON SUNDAY CHANDA MP KANCHIBIYA CONSTITUENCY
UPND ministers may be jailed after leaving office – Davies Mwila
FORMER PF secretary general Davies Mwila has prophesied that some UPND ministers will be jailed after leaving office in 2026.
Mwila said some of the ministers were already scared of losing power because they are aware of what awaits them in the future.
“When you are in power in Zambia, you need to face some consequences. UPND doesn’t want to leave office because they are scared they can be jailed. It has been a trend in this country that once you lose power, the people in power start arresting. Others it’s prosecution, others it’s just persecution,” he charged.
The former PF boss also claimed that former Lusaka Province minister Bowman Lusambo’s convictions were all persecutions because according to Mwila, Lusambo had money before he even became a minister.
He expressed confidence that the UPND would also lose power next year the way PF lost in 2021.
“UPND is a one term government because of the failure to fulfill the promises. They have been saying there’s no opposition. No, the opposition is the people. If the Zambian people say kuya bebele, they will go. Looking at how things are right now, they have to pack.”
“The voters have already decided that the UPND is going. All what is remaining is for us to come up with is a better candidate,” he said.
Mwila claimed that the current administration’s performance is the worst since 1991, charging that even the PF did better than UPND.
“UPND performance is the worst since 1991. They have not fulfilled the promises they made. They said they would reduce mealie meal at k50, they said the dollar would come to K10, have they done that? They said fertiliser would come to K250. The fuel in 2021 was cheaper than now,” he said during an interview on Diamond TV last night.
IF BILL 7 IS FORCED THROUGH, CONSTITUTIONAL DICTATORSHIP AND ILLEGALITY WILL BE BORN
Zambia is standing at the edge of a constitutional disaster. If Mr Hakainde Hichilema is allowed to force Bill 7 through Parliament outside strict democratic discipline, outside genuine national consensus, outside the moral authority of the people, and in violation of the Constitutional Court order, then what will emerge is not reform but the birth of a constitutional dictatorship and illegality.
This will not be an isolated legislative mistake. It will be a fundamental restructuring of power away from the people and into the permanent grip of the Executive.
At this moment, the most dangerous issue is no longer whether Bill 7 contains progressive clauses or harmful ones. That debate has already been overtaken by a far graver crime. The crime of forcing constitutional change onto an unwilling and divided nation.
A constitution that is imposed through pressure, inducement, political engineering, illegality, and procedural shortcuts ceases to be a people’s document. It becomes a tool of domination.
From this point forward, every amendment passed in this manner will no longer be judged by its content but by its coercive birth. That is how dictatorships emerge in suits and ties, not through coups but through manipulated legality.
Let us be absolutely clear. The Constitution is not a party manifesto. It is not a campaign pledge. It is not a presidential project. It is a national covenant that binds generations.
To alter it requires humility, restraint, and unquestionable national consent. Once that consent is replaced with force and illegalities, the state crosses from democratic authority into constitutional aggression.
The defenders of this forced march insist that Parliament has the numbers and that legality is satisfied by a vote. This is a dangerous lie sold as constitutional wisdom. The majority rule without legitimacy is not democracy.
It is organised political aggression. When numbers are weaponised against national consensus, the Constitution is reduced to a procedural hostage. This is how republics collapse without tanks on the streets. This is how dictatorship learns to speak the language of law while murdering its spirit.
Once the precedent is set that a government can amend the supreme law through intimidation, inducements, illegality, political recycling of defiant MPs, and manufactured compliance, Zambia will never again have a stable constitutional order. Every future president will inherit a loaded gun pointed at democracy.
Today, it is Bill 7. Tomorrow, it will be term limits. The day after, it will be total executive capture. That is how constitutional authoritarianism becomes permanent policy.
What makes this crisis even more dangerous is the growing realisation that public submissions were never meant to shape the outcome. They were meant to decorate a predetermined decision. That is not a consultation. That is deception.
A people who discover that they were used as ceremonial participants in a staged democratic ritual do not remain passive. They withdraw trust. They abandon patience. They disengage from peaceful consensus. And when legitimacy collapses, instability rushes in to occupy the vacuum.
A Constitution forced onto the people becomes a weapon against the people. What begins as a legal amendment ends as social conflict. You cannot coerce national unity. You cannot intimidate national consent. You cannot whip peace into existence. Unity grows from trust, not fear. Peace grows from inclusion, not humiliation.
Those who downplay these dangers must remember one permanent lesson of African political history. Constitutional arrogance always ends the same way. It either breeds prolonged instability or invites violent correction. Zambia has survived because it has largely avoided both extremes through negotiation, compromise, and institutional restraint. Bill 7, as it is being driven right now, threatens to destroy that historic balance.
The most reckless aspect of this moment is the casual demonisation of dissent. Citizens who raise alarm are called enemies of progress. Civil society is painted as agents of hidden hands.
Political opponents are accused of fear and bitterness. This culture of delegitimising all disagreement is not strength. It is the early training ground of authoritarianism.
Mr Hichilema must understand that state power is seductive because it creates the illusion of permanence. But legitimacy is the only true currency of enduring leadership.
Once it is exhausted, all that remains is tension management, not nation building. Force may deliver a vote. It can never deliver peace.
This is, therefore, a final warning moment for Zambia. It is not yet too late to pause. It is not yet too late to withdraw. It is not yet too late to re-engage the nation, honestly.
But if Bill 7 is rammed through in its current atmosphere of dispute, suspicion, and national anxiety, Zambia will cross a psychological line from which return will be slow, painful, and uncertain.
Peace is not preserved by silencing the people. Unity is not protected by outvoting the nation. A Constitution imposed is a Constitution rejected in advance.
If this government chooses force over process, speed over legitimacy, and power over restraint, then it must also accept full responsibility for the political, social, and national consequences that will inevitably follow.
The exercise of power must be a constant practice of self limitation and modest.
YOUR BOSS IS A TRIBALIST, SISHUWA TELLS ZAMBIA’S AMBASSADOR TO USA CHIBAMBA KANYAMA
Dr Sishuwa writes:
What I wanted to state, which is precisely what I stated, is that your boss is a tribalist and that his tribalism will have unintended consequences. I understand your wilful failure to see this point but there is a reason why the four ambassadors of Zambia in the Americas are all from one region: Kennedy Shepande (Ottawa); yourself Chibamba Kanyama (Washington DC); Chola Milambo(New York); and Sitali Alibuzwi (Brasilia).
Like many Zambians, I woke up very early on 12 August 2021 to go and vote for your boss, but I find his tribalism and ethnic politics extremely disgusting. I thought he had matured enough after many years in opposition to be a national leader. Sadly, your boss has proved to be a sectarian leader, and this, as I said, has unintended consequences.
The Bembas say “umusuku ubi utusha impanga”, meaning a bad fruit tree brings dishonor to the rest of the forest. Your boss himself, when rejecting Bill 10 and the views of those who said it had a few good clauses, taught us that when you are consuming or eating groundnuts and you chew a rotten one, you spit out everything! That is the human reaction: we hardly take the time to separate the tree from the forest, the rotten nut from the healthy ones.
Please tell your boss to stop the tribalism he is practising. In addition to the need to promote diversity and build social inclusion because it is the correct thing to do, my fear is that his divisive actions may inspire an extreme scenario where it becomes a fight between the Zambezi region and the rest. This is dangerous, especially when you throw in the divisions he is creating in the security services.
To be clear, we have slowly been walking the path. For far too long, we have lacked national leaders who understand our complex history, the fragility of our peace and the importance of building a cohesive society. To a large degree, Michael Sata set us on this path. Lungu accelerated the pace.
Your boss may be the one who finally sets ablaze the heap of inflammable material that has long accumulated. I see him with a match stick in his hands, moving towards the heap. I am trying to stop him for our collective good and I ask you to join me.
“MUNDUBILE EXPLODES: ‘GIVE BACK THE BRIBE MONEY!’ AS BILL 7 SPARKS NATIONAL FURY”
By Staff Reporter
08.12.25
The controversy surrounding Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 has reached boiling point, with Patriotic Front presidential aspirant Brian Mundubile unleashing a fiery attack on lawmakers accused of pocketing bribes to back the disputed measure. In a viral video, the normally composed opposition figure thundered: “If you are one of the MPs that have received that K3 million or K200, 000 to vote in favour of Bill 7, give that money back now.”
Bill 7 was earlier declared unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court in June 2025, which ruled that the process lacked legitimacy and bypassed the people’s involvement.
Despite this, President Hakainde Hichilema’s government has brazenly revived the bill, insisting it must be passed before the 2026 elections. Critics say this bulldozing amounts to contempt of court and a direct breach of constitutional order.
Mundubile reminded MPs that they already enjoy taxpayer-funded perks—soft car loans, sitting allowances, and even state-funded funerals—while ordinary citizens struggle.
“This is taxpayers’ money you are receiving as bribes, give it back so that unpaid farmers can be paid for the maize they sold to government. Give it back so that poor farmers going hungry can buy fertiliser for the farming season,” he charged.
The Oasis Forum, a coalition of churches, lawyers, and civil society, has joined Mundubile in rejecting Bill 7, warning that it is a “nullity” and a dangerous attempt to manipulate the constitution for short-term political gain.
Forum chairperson Beauty Katebe stressed that the process is neither inclusive nor transparent, saying: “We cannot participate in legitimising an illegality. The amendment must be withdrawn immediately and restarted through a genuinely people-driven framework.”
Opposition leaders Harry Kalaba and Fred M’membe have also cautioned that the government’s divisive rhetoric around the bill risks inflaming tribal tensions and undermining national unity. Analysts warn that bulldozing the measure through Parliament in less than three weeks has alarmed not only Zambians but also foreign observers, who fear the erosion of democratic safeguards.
Mundubile was blunt: “Bill 7 is dead. The Constitutional Court killed it. Any attempt to resurrect it is unconstitutional and a betrayal of the poor people MPs are meant to serve.” His words echoed the growing sentiment that the government’s insistence on pushing the bill amounts to a direct assault on democracy.
As the storm intensifies, Zambia faces a constitutional showdown that pits the executive against the judiciary, civil society, and opposition. With the nation’s political temperature rising, the battle over Bill 7 has become a litmus test for the country’s democratic resilience.
COUNCIL OF ELDERS HOLD COUNSULTATIVE MEETING FOR PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES, HELD IN CORDIAL MANNER AND MAKES PROGRESS
Lusaka- Sunday, 7th December 2025
The Council of Elders of the Patriotic Front, which is led by former Vice President, Hon. Inonge Mutukwa Wina and Hon. Ngonga Mukupa held a consultative meeting with PF Presidential Aspirants.
Patriotic Front Acting President, Hon. Given Lubinda was also present in the meeting.
The Meeting acknowledged the sad demise of Kasama Municipal Council Mayor and Member of the Central, Hon. Theresa Kolala Khumalo and the spouse to Member of the Central Committee and Livingstone Constituency Aspirant, Mrs.Namakau Muyangana Siyanga, Mr. Albert Mubuyayeta Siyanga.
The leaders expressed deep-felt condolences to the families involved and urged members of the Party to stand with the families and make time time to attend the funeral and burial programs in Lusaka and Kasama.
It must be noted that the meeting was very successful as it discussed various issues and made progress on all issues related to the well-being of the Party and upcoming activities and programs
The meeting was attended by almost all Presidential Candidates that were in Lusaka.
The meeting was held in a cordial and respectful manner.
The elders urged the leaders led by Hon. Lubinda to continue working together, to promote unity in the Party, to promote discipline and to actively encourage the members to engage in national matters such as the crisis surrounding the constitutional-making process and Bill 7 that the Government of President Hakainde Hichilema was forcing on the people of Zambia.
Issued by; Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba Chairperson of Information and Publicity Member of the Central Committee PATRIOTIC FRONT
Jean Kapata allowed export of Mukula, shared land in Forest 27 – Davies Mwila
FORMER PF secretary general Davies Mwila has accused former Lands minister Jean Kapata of sharing land with her friends and family in Forest 27.
Mwila has also claimed that Kapata allowed the export of Mukula despite her ministry then having banned the harvesting and exporting of the wood.
Appearing on Diamond TV on Friday, Mwila said many people contributed to the fall of PF and the former Lands minister was one of them.
He, however, explained that the loss of power should not be blamed on one person alone.
“Should I say Jean Kapata made us lose power just because she allowed people to export Mukula and shared Forest 27 land with other people. We lost power collectively, let’s not blame each other,” he stated.
This came to light after surviving former PF president Miles Sampa accused Mwila in a Facebook posting of being behind the party’s loss of power.
Mwila also acknowledged that the Given Lubinda led faction has to look for a different party which it has to use in the incoming general election as the papers for the party are with Mafinga member of parliament Robert Chabinga.
“PF as a party will not be given to us. The only thing we are going to do is use another party. Meaning there will be no PF after 2026 elections. The top leadership must realise that talking about PF is gone. We have to use Plan B. Plan B was supposed to come from Lungu who was president at that time but he died without giving us a leader,” he said.
ECZ TO FEATURE CANDIDATE PHOTOS ON 2026 EXAM REGISTERS, CERTIFICATES
THE Examinations Council of Zambia is implementing new security measures for the 2026 examinations, most notably requiring candidates’ images to be included on both examination registers and certificates to curb impersonation and other malpractices.
ECZ Executive Director Dr. Michael Chilala announced the changes during a media briefing emphasising that including candidate images is a critical security aspect of the registration process, particularly targeting General Certificate of Education candidates.
The Council is also introducing a parental verification process for the Online Candidate Registration System to reduce frequent requests for name amendments. Under this measure, parents’ details will be captured, and they will be required to verify candidate details before registration is confirmed. Dr. Chilala noted that this shifts responsibility to the family to ensure the accuracy of details, thereby reducing errors and the need for subsequent amendments.
Furthermore, for Primary School Leaving Examination candidates, a birth certificate or birth record is now required during registration, a move intended to enhance the registration process and prevent potential disputes, although this requirement is not compulsory at present.
These proactive steps by the ECZ are designed to significantly enhance the integrity and credibility of the entire examination process.
WE DON’T HATE HH, WE JUST WANT AMENDMENTS DONE CORRECTLY – FR MAPULANGA
CARITAS Zambia Executive Director Fr Gabriel Mapulanga says the Catholic Church doesn’t hate President Hakainde Hichilema but wants the constitutional amendments to be done correctly.
Speaking to News Diggers, Friday, Fr Mapulanga said President Hichilema should not connect the opposition to Bill 7 to hate, adding that they wanted what was best for the country.
“It’s unfortunate that the President may think that [the opposition to Bill 7 as hate], it is something that we talked about in the presence of the President to say ‘Mr President it’s not that we hate you’. It’s only that we are looking at the constitution and we see where something is not done well. We don’t hate the President, as the Catholic Church. This is very clear and I think the President shouldn’t even connect it to that. For us we are just talking about the issue of the Constitution, we are on the other side. Like if the President is supporting this, we are on the other side where we are saying we are not supporting it and that does not amount to hate. We want what’s best for the country, [for the] constitution to be done in a correct way so that it satisfies almost all of us,” he said.
“The President when he was in the opposition, he stood against Bill 7 and even delimitation, he didn’t like it. What is in Bill 7 if you look closely at it, most of them are just the things that were in Bill 10 but today of course today now things have changed. Now Bill 7 is okay and all of those things are now okay but just a few years ago UPND was talking passionately against these things”.
Further, Fr Mapulanga said when the Technical Committee was formed, key stakeholders like ZCCB, LAZ among others were not consulted to provide a representative.
“Our position on Bill 7 is not only for this time, yesterday or today, our position has been amending the constitution when there is no time before the election, we are not comfortable with that. We said this, the Catholic Bishops mentioned it a long time ago when there was only 17 months before the elections. They wrote a passé letter where they said there is no enough time to start amending the Constitution and they even mentioned that a constitution to be amended just before the election doesn’t go very well, it brings a lot of suspicions. But the government of course have a right to go on and they went on to make a bill which was presented to Parliament even [though] we said we are not comfortable with this. Even with the way the bill was sent to Parliament. At that time the government didn’t consult very much and in fact even when Bill 7 was first presented to Parliament we were very sceptical about it,” he said.
“Some of the questions were how did we come up with the 13 issues in the bill and how did we determine what was contentious or not? Even if they are not contentious, how did we come up with this? When the Technical Committee was formed certain stakeholders like in the Oasis forum were not consulted, for example Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops, they didn’t ask it to provide a person to be on the Technical Committee. Even the Law Association of Zambia was not consulted or asked to provide a person. In the case of us Catholics when they were looking for people to be on the Human Rights Commission, the government wrote to our Bishops to provide a person to sit on the commission and one was chosen, Fr Joe Komakoma and he is still there on the commission. But for this [TC] the ZCCB was not asked to provide a person to be on the committee. The [Catholic Father who was on the TC] was there in his own capacity. That’s how our dear brother who is on the team found himself there as a Catholic but in his own capacity”.
Fr Mapulanga said government jumped a stage of consulting the people on what items needed to be amended in the constitution.
“In our case, we are saying that the process is not followed properly because before that when the bill was deferred the government was also supposed to look at the items that are on that bill. Maybe increase the number or decrease or go to the people to ask them what items should be on this list as amendments of the constitution. What [we] found was that, that was not done but, in the judgement, according to our legal experts the judgement asked the government to do these as a way of framing. So [that] the term of reference that were produced are restricted, to only to 13 issues which means people had no chance to bring anything outside,” he said.
“This is a big contention in our case that still more people had no participation in this, so what it looks like now is that the Constitution is only coming from let’s say the government and not coming from the people. There is one step the government jumped especially on the judgement of the Constitutional court; this step is where you ask the people to have a say on the items that should be amended but this was not done”.
Asked if he felt that the Catholic Church was not consulted, Fr Mapulanga responded in the affirmative.
“We were not consulted in the sense that when they were forming a Technical Committee, they were supposed to send a word to our president of ZCCB to ask them to provide a person to sit on the team. In that way we can say that we were not consulted. The person who was there is not representing ZCCB, he is there in his own capacity,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fr Mapulanga said the Catholic Church absolutely opposed Bill 7.
“We have said no [to Bill 7] a big no actually. If you are a Catholic and decide to do other things, we have just decided to rebel and be on the side of the government. But don’t be scared in anyway that the Catholic Church is going to punish you, no. They are not going to punish you but they will know that you have turned against what your faith is saying. The Catholic Church does not stand for Bill 7, the Catholic Church wanted first of all, that Bill 7 to be removed from Parliament and then work on it. Add something and maybe remove something, ask the people to contribute to it and when they have done that go to the people, let the people now discuss and later on you can bring it to Parliament with another name,” said Fr Mapulanga.
HICHILEMA IS ENTANGLED IN A WEB OF DECEIT OVER BILL 7
“Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive,” goes the famous quote from Sir Walter Scott’s 1808 poem Marmion, meaning that dishonesty creates complex, spiraling problems that are hard to escape, highlighting the complications of lying.
When you start lying or being deceitful, you set off a chain of complications and problems that become increasingly difficult to manage or untangle, like a messy spiderweb.
These are the destructive consequences of dishonesty that Mr Hakainde Hichilema has weaved himself into over Bill 7, where one lie leads to more, creating an intricate and confusing situation.
Mr Hichilema is today entangled in illegality over Bill 7. The tabling of Bill 7 in Parliament is an illegality. It is a violation of the Constitutional Court order in the Munir Zulu and Celestine Mukandila case. It’s an illegality to take back to Parliament Bill 7, which was a product of a process declared illegal by the Constitutional Court.
But to totally withdraw Bill 7 as required by the decision of the Constitutional Court will mean that it can only be brought back to Parliament after the August 13, 2026 elections.
To try and circumvent this, Mr Hichilema is now asking the Constitutional Court to reverse its decision in the Munir Zulu and Celestine Mukandila case. This is effectively a very desperate back door appeal.
To table Bill 7 in Parliament before the Constitutional Court reverses its decision as they are asking it to do is a contempt of court for which those responsible should be sent to prison.
But Mr Hichilema is determined to engage in illegality to have his way over Bill 7 with impunity.
This is what happens in a nation when values are lost to greed and vanity and when principles are sacrificed on the alter of political expediency.
It will be very interesting to see how the Constitutional Court treats this matter! It is really unnecessarily being put to test. Mr Hichilema has gone back to the Constitutional Court because he knows that Bill 7, which they tabled in Parliament, is illegal. If not, why would they do it?
And what has happened to the report of the so-called Technical Committee? Has it become useless? Why? How? And what about the huge expense incurred by the Zambian taxpayer to produce it?
Mr Hichilema is clearly trapped and entangled in his web of deceit, manipulation, and lies.
Peter Sinkamba..Leader of the Green Party (A Tonse Alliance Member) writes…
MY FURTHER REFLECTIONS ON PRESIDENT & SPEAKER OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY DISOBEDIENCE OF CONCOURT ORDERS.
The other day I explained why in terms Article 3 and 5 of the Constitution of Zambia Amendment 2016, it is tantamount to treason for the President and Parliament to unsurp the power of people by forcing Bill 7 after it was declared unconstitutional, illegal, null and void by the Constitutional Court.
Today I focus on the implication of disobedience of court orders on prisoners and other citizens.
If President Hakainde Hichilema, Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia Nelly Butete Kashumba Mutti, Deputy Speaker Attractor Malungo Chisangano, and Members of Parliament disobey court orders, why should other citizens, especially prisoners do so? Right now, there are thousands of people held as prisoners in several prisons across the country. They are in prisons because they complied with court orders. But if some citizens, like the above mentioned, can disrespect court orders, why should anyone respect a court order to be in a prison?
Or indeed why should anyone respect a court order to have his or her property forfeited to the State? Why should anyone accept a court to declare his or her seat vacant? Why should we even have a court? Or indeed, why should we have a constitution, any way?
These are the questions that Judge President of the Constitutional Court (ConCourt) in Zambia Hon. Justice Prof. Mulela Margaret Munalula, and Arnold Mweetwa Shilimi, the Deputy President, and other Concourt judges, who are responsible for presiding over constitutional matters, must reflect on as they hear multiple cases brought before them following the presentation, by the Justice Minister, of Bill 7 to Parliament, after the Concourt declared it unconstitutional, illegal, null and void.
Meanwhile, I am aware that the Attorney General has applied to the Concourt to vacate this judgment. Meantime, the court order is still in force. So, any act done or omitted to be in furtherance of Bill 7 while the court order is in force will be unconstitutional, illegal, null and void. In other words, the reintroduction of the bill, the committee meetings, the first reading, second reading, third reading, voting, are unconstitutional, illegal, null and void provided the judgment remains unvacated by the Concourt.
Even if, in due course, the Concourt vacated the judgement, that act will not in any way validate retrospectively the ongoing proceedings in parliament . Every which way, the Presidency and Parliament are in catch 22 situation.
The other day, I saw, in disbelief, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Attractor Chisangano say despite Bill 7 being challenged in court, Parliament remains guided by its Standing Orders, and requires no interference from external authorities in its proceedings. Her response followed a point of order from Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Mwiimbu, who questioned whether political leaders were in order to institute contempt proceedings over Bill 7. This followed Lawyer Celestine Mukandila and Munir Zulu commencing contempt of court proceedings against Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha, Speaker Nelly and others.
It is so shocking that a Deputy Speaker has no clue on the Supremacy of the Constitution proclaimed in Article 1. It is disgusting to note that she thinks the Standing Orders of Parliament are supreme over the Constitution, and orders of the Constitutional Court. Why should such shallow thinking MPs be given opportunity to preside over Parliament?
They need to know that the implications of disobedience of court orders by the Executive and Parliament are grave on the governance system of the country. It is a recipe for general breakdown of law and order in a country. It is due to such conduct that leads to jail breaks in other countries.
Lets wait under see whether or not the Concourt will redeem the Supremacy of the Constitution but its authority and that of the judiciary generally.
(Thats will not go inside the Chamber as long as Bill 7 remains on the table of the House. I am a law abiding citizen & will not be part of committing contempt of court and treason to our Constitution. Zikomo)
GOVT ASSURES PUBLIC GATHERINGS BILL WILL BE TABLED IN PARLIAMENT BEFORE 2026 ELECTIONS
GOVERNMENT has assured that the Public Gatherings Bill, which is meant to replace the Public Order Act, will be presented to Parliament before the August 2026 general elections.
Information and Media Minister Cornelius Mweetwa says the draft is currently under review at the Ministry of Justice, where legal experts are finalizing its contents before it is submitted to the National Assembly.
Mr. Mweetwa has told Phoenix News that amendments to the existing Public Order Act are necessary as the legislation transitions into the new Public Gatherings Bill.
He notes that once enacted, the law will allow citizens to hold processions while ensuring public safety and maintaining national peace.
Mr. Mweetwa adds that the bill seeks to guarantee citizens’ rights to assemble without infringing on the rights of others.
CONSTITUTIONAL COURT RULING DOES NOT CLEAR PRESIDENT HICHILEMA OF THE BILL 7 CONSTITUTIONAL BREACH
By Rev. Dr. Kelvin Mugala Dated: 6th December 2025
The recent Constitutional Court decision to remove President Hakainde Hichilema from proceedings in the matter brought by PF Presidential Candidate Brian Mundubile and Tonse Alliance Youth Chairperson Celestine Mukandila has been widely misunderstood. This ruling has been wrongly interpreted by some as a clearance of the President from allegations of constitutional violations.
This is incorrect and misleading.
1. The Court Removed HH on Procedural Grounds — Not Substantive Grounds
The Court merely held that:
A sitting President cannot be sued in his personal capacity for acts done in his official role.
This is a procedural rule under Article 98. It is not a judgment on the legality of the President’s actions
The Court did not:
Clear him of wrongdoing
Declare the Bill 7 process constitutional
End proceedings
Remove accountability
Address the constitutional breaches before the nation
The case simply continues with the Attorney General as the respondent, as required by law.
2. The Constitutional Breach of Bill 7 Remains Unresolved — And Unanswered
The Constitutional Court previously ruled that the process leading to the introduction of Bill 7 was:
Unconstitutional
Invalid
A nullity
Government was ordered to conduct a people-driven process through broad consultations and an independent body of experts.
Instead, the Minister of Justice reintroduced the same Bill in defiance of the Court’s directive, and the Speaker accepted it. This constitutes:
Violation of Article 1(1)
Contempt of Court
Abuse of authority
Gross misconduct
Breach of constitutional responsibility by the Executive
This is the constitutional violation we are addressing — not the two-term debate.
3. Presidential Immunity Does Not Protect a Sitting President from Accountability for Constitutional Breaches
Article 98 protects a President from being sued personally, but it does not shield a President from:
✔ Impeachment under Article 108
✔ Constitutional declarations binding on the Presidency
✔ Accountability after leaving office
✔ Public, parliamentary, and judicial scrutiny
Therefore, HH can still be held responsible if the Executive under his authority acted unconstitutionally, especially in reintroducing a Bill the Court declared illegal.
4. The Accountability Mechanisms Remain Fully Available
Despite this ruling:
A) The Constitutional Court can still declare the Bill 7 actions unconstitutional.
Parliament can still pursue impeachment proceedings under Article 108.
C) The Speaker can be removed under Article 82 for violating the Constitution.
D) Ministers who acted illegally may face removal or prosecution.
The ruling changes who is sued, not who is accountable.
5. Zambians Must Not Be Misled — HH Has Not Been Cleared of the Bill 7 Breach
The constitutional questions surrounding Bill 7 remain before the nation:
Why did the Government defy a Constitutional Court order?
Why was an illegal bill reintroduced?
Why did the Speaker accept a bill declared a nullity?
Why is the Executive undermining the rule of law ahead of 2026?
These questions demand answers, and no procedural ruling can bury them.
CONCLUSION
The Constitutional Court’s ruling does not absolve President Hichilema or his administration from the serious constitutional breaches associated with Bill 7. It only clarifies that a sitting President cannot be sued personally. The constitutional violations remain, the illegality remains, and the accountability mechanisms remain fully open.
Zambia must continue demanding adherence to the rule of law. No President, no Minister, and no Speaker is above the Constitution.
Issued by: Rev. Dr. Kelvin Mugala Advocate for Good Governance & Constitutionalism 6th December 2025
LUBINDA IS A WHITE MAN, HIS FATHER IS SCOTTISH, HE CAN’T BE PRESIDENT – MWILA
FORMER PF Secretary General Davies Mwila has wondered how acting PF President Given Lubinda can be President, further alleging that his father is from Scotland.
Mwila says Plan B was supposed to come from former late president Edgar Chagwa Lungu, adding that he died without giving them a candidate.
Speaking when he featured on Diamond TV live, Friday, Mwila said Zambians needed to know where Lubinda came from.
“Our members have been waiting to have a leader so that we move forward, but because Lubinda has shown interest in standing as party president, he doesn’t want a general conference because he can’t get any support from anywhere. He is bulldozing because he has seen that other candidates have more support than him. Anyway, where can he get the votes from? How [do] you elect a white man as president.
Which party in Zambia, look at UPND, look at Citizens First. The father is a white man. The father is Scottish. Is he black like you? Let’s be serious in the way we are doing things. Do you know where he originally comes from? Do you know? You are disputing. You are saying he is a Zambian. When someone has to stand as President Hakainde Hichilema, we know that [he is from] Namwala and Bweengwa. Brian Mundubile, we know he is from Mporokoso,” he said.
“Chishimba Kambwili, we know he is from Mporokoso, Kalaba, we know that he comes from Mansa. Where does he come from? Those are the questions PF must be serious about what they are doing. He can be a Zambian, but he is not an indigenous Zambian. That is what I am saying. He is not an indigenous Zambian. What is the difference between Guy Scott, what is the difference?
Zambians must know where he comes from. You cannot elect a person whom you do not know where he is coming from? Those are the issues we are raising. We are not trying to be personal, but it is important when you take someone to people, people must know where he originally comes from”.
And Mwila said if the PF does not choose a leader this month, they would lose next year’s general elections.
“Time is not with us, time is not with us. This is the right time. If we can’t choose a leader in December, I can tell you that we will not win the general election. That is why we are pushing. We want to push for a general conference.
The leadership must know that these positions are for the members, and the members want to have a leader so that we can compete with the UPND in the general elections next year. The party is still strong in the sense that the structures are with us even though the government or the UPND and (Robert) Chabinga have taken PF. We are very strong on the ground,” he said.
Asked if he had confidence that the Judiciary would give them back PF, Mwila responded in the negative, stating that they would use a special purpose vehicle during the 2026 elections.
“No, I want to state here that PF as a party will not be given to us. We should forget about that, and that is why we have to look at plan B. How do we proceed, and how do we participate in next year’s general election? The only thing that we can do is to agree which political party we are going to use. A special purpose vehicle.
Once we participate, people must know that after elections, PF will not be there because if we decide to use Socialist Party or FDD, if you stand as an MP, you will be MP on FDD. So, even if we form a government, it will be the FDD government and not PF. So, the top leadership must realize that talking about PF as a party is history now. Let’s look for a special purpose vehicle,” he said.
Meanwhile, when asked if PF still had plan B, Mwila said Lungu died without giving them a candidate.
“Plan B was supposed to come from president Edgar Chagwa Lungu, who was president of the party at that time. He was supposed to give us a candidate; he died without giving us a candidate. So, the leadership that has remained under Given Lubinda, we have to go to the general conference and elect a leader. Whatever party we are going to use, whether we will use FDD or CF or Socialist Party, that is the way to go,” he said.
Asked if he was supporting Makebi Zulu ahead of the PF general conference, Mwila said he was supporting Brian Mundubile.
“Am going with Brian Mundubile, not Makebi. I have made it very clear that Brian is a better candidate,” he said.
Mwila added that UPND was so jittery to leave office because they know the consequences of leaving office.
“When you are in power, especially in Zambia, you should know that when you leave office, you have to face some consequences. So, I knew that once we lost power, we expected such things to happen to us, and that is what has been happening. I hope that trend will not continue because once UPND leaves office, [ the same will happen]. That is why you have seen that our colleagues, the UPND, are so jittery they do not want to leave office because they know the consequences that [they] may be mistreated the way they have mistreated their colleagues. Look at the former ministers who are in prison. There are many. So, I think they are jittery that that can happen to them. But I hope that trend will not continue,” said Mwila.
NGOCC sleeping with the enemy of women’s progress – Mweetwa
CHIEF government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa has accused the Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) of sleeping with the enemy of women’s progress, following its decision to oppose Bill 7.
Mweetwa said it is deeply troubling that NGOCC, once considered the loudest voice on women’s empowerment is now resisting Bill 7, a proposal he described as the most practical route to women and young people to secure guaranteed representation in Parliament.
Appearing on ZNBC last evening, Mweetwa said President Hakainde Hichilema has been disturbed by the organisation’s sudden shift, arguing that its stance contradicts its long standing advocacy for more women in leadership and decision making structures.
He stated that instead of supporting legislation that expands political space for marginalised groups, NGOCC has chosen to join forces with organisations and individuals he described as enemies of women’s progress.
The minister also criticised the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), accusing the association of only issuing press statements on Bill 7 without engaging its own membership.
He argued that during the Bill 10 debate, LAZ had convened consultations with lawyers before adopting a position, a step he said has been conspicuously ignored this time.
“This particular LAZ we have are just all over issuing statements like ‘we as LAZ,’ but they haven’t asked us lawyers questions,” he said.
Mweetwa further highlighted growing friction with civil society, pointing to the student movement’s decision to break ranks with the Oasis Forum.
“Student leaders have publicly declared that they support Bill 7 because it provides a mechanism for young people to participate meaningfully in the governance process, rather than being spoken for by older groups,” he said.
He stated that students have historically positioned themselves as champions of the disadvantaged and have once again demonstrated clarity by supporting a bill designed to open political space for young Zambians and women.
According to Mweetwa, those opposing Bill 7, including political parties and civil society allies, appear determined to object government initiatives regardless of merit.
He added that Bill 7 is not controversial and that the technical committee reviewing public submissions will adopt the position of the majority.
GOVT ASSURES PUBLIC GATHERINGS BILL WILL BE TABLED IN PARLIAMENT BEFORE 2026 ELECTIONS
GOVERNMENT has assured that the Public Gatherings Bill, which is meant to replace the Public Order Act, will be presented to Parliament before the August 2026 general elections.
Information and Media Minister Cornelius Mweetwa says the draft is currently under review at the Ministry of Justice, where legal experts are finalizing its contents before it is submitted to the National Assembly.
Mr. Mweetwa has told Phoenix News that amendments to the existing Public Order Act are necessary as the legislation transitions into the new Public Gatherings Bill.
He notes that once enacted, the law will allow citizens to hold processions while ensuring public safety and maintaining national peace.
Mr. Mweetwa adds that the bill seeks to guarantee citizens’ rights to assemble without infringing on the rights of others.
Why the Rush for Constitutional Amendments, President Hakainde Hichilema? Zambia’s Crisis is Economic, Not Constitutional
By Thandiwe Ketiš Ngoma
President Hakainde Hichilema, the question many Zambians are now asking is simple: Why the rush to amend the Constitution when the country is not facing a constitutional crisis, but is clearly sinking in an economic one?
Constitutional refinement can be a legitimate exercise in governance. However, when the timing is wrong, when national priorities are painfully obvious, and when citizens are overwhelmed by daily survival, such moves begin to appear politically tone-deaf and dangerously disconnected from the lived realities of ordinary people. Today, Zambia’s urgent crisis is economic, and it is deep.
1. The Cost of Living Has Become Unsustainable
Zambians are not asking for a new constitution; they are asking for affordable food, transport, and electricity. Mealie meal prices have climbed beyond the reach of low-income households, driven by a depreciating kwacha, rising production costs, and unstable supply chains. Fuel prices continue to rise, pushing transport fares upward and increasing commodity prices across every sector.
Electricity tariffs have increased, creating pressure on families and making it harder for SMEs to survive. Meanwhile, salaries remain stagnant while inflation erodes the little purchasing power workers still have. For the ordinary citizen, constitutional amendments do not fill the stomach, do not pay rent, and do not reduce school fees in boarding schools.
2. The Kwacha’s Weakness Is Crushing the Economy
The kwacha’s persistent depreciation has become a national headache. It reduces purchasing power, raises import costs, and suffocates businesses dependent on foreign inputs. Its effects are visible everywhere: higher fuel and fertilizer prices, increased costs of medicines and medical supplies, more expensive industrial inputs, and greater pressure on national debt servicing. This is not a constitutional problem; it is an economic problem urgently in need of policy solutions.
3. Unemployment, Especially Among Youth, Is Exploding
Zambia’s young population is educated, energetic, and ready to contribute, yet deeply unemployed. Thousands of graduates remain jobless. Skilled artisans struggle to find stable income. Small businesses are collapsing under high costs, low demand, and harsh economic conditions. A nation with an idle youth population is planting the seeds of future instability. Prioritizing constitutional architecture over job creation is simply economically reckless.
4. The Agriculture Sector Is Struggling Severely
Small-scale farmers, the backbone of Zambia’s food system, are under immense strain. They face unpredictable input distribution, rising fertilizer prices, climate-related shocks, poor market access, and inadequate storage and processing infrastructure. The results are deeply worrying: reduced yields, higher food prices, and increased reliance on imports. This is an economic emergency, not a constitutional one.
5. Load Shedding and Power Challenges Are Frustrating Industry
Energy shortages continue to cripple factories, mines, SMEs, and commercial businesses. Productivity is down, operational costs are up, and investment confidence is weakened. Why focus on constitutional changes when Zambia still cannot guarantee stable power?
6. Public Services Are Under Strain
Zambians continue to struggle with hospitals lacking essential medicines, schools lacking teachers and materials, and communities lacking clean water, roads, and clinics. These are the issues that keep families awake at night, not constitutional provisions.
Why the Rush, Mr. President? The Public Sees Only One Possibility
When constitutional amendments are pushed aggressively, against widespread public caution, the nation is left with one unavoidable conclusion: you want to give yourself an upper hand ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The same Constitution you are trying to amend is the very Constitution that enabled your victory in 2021. It did not stop the will of the people then, so why is it suddenly urgent now?
If Bill 7 truly does not advantage you in the upcoming elections, then withdraw it, because the majority of Zambians have consistently expressed their opposition. And if the amendments are genuinely for national interest and not political advantage, then they can wait until after the 2026 elections, when emotions have cooled and citizens can participate in a calm, inclusive, and credible reform process.
In Conclusion: Fix the Economy First
Zambia is not experiencing a constitutional crisis. Zambia is experiencing an economic crisis, one that affects every household, every business, and every community.
President Hakainde Hichilema, the message from citizens is clear:
Pause the constitutional amendments. Address the real crisis. Zambia needs economic oxygen, not political restructuring.
The Government has released K15.56 billion to fund public services, support social programmes and sustain operations across ministries and agencies for the month of November 2025, in what officials describe as continued evidence of strengthened fiscal discipline and predictable budget execution.
A substantial portion of the month’s allocation K5.26 billion went toward debt service and arrears, comprising K2.62 billion for domestic debt repayment, K2.42 billion for external obligations and K218.23 million for arrears dismantling. Treasury officials say these payments remain central to maintaining the country’s credibility with creditors following recent sovereign credit rating upgrades.
Finance and National Planning Minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane said the continued prioritisation of debt service reflects Government’s commitment to protecting the gains achieved through debt restructuring and safeguarding Zambia’s standing in the global financial system.
“As we contemplate the broader narrative of budget integrity and trust, Zambia’s recent credit rating upgrades provide an essential anchor of credibility,” Dr Musokotwane said.
“They affirm not only that our fiscal consolidation agenda is advancing with discipline, but also that the architecture of economic management has regained global confidence.”
He added that fiscal progress is being reinforced by coherent execution across institutions responsible for economic oversight, investment mobilisation, revenue performance and procurement reforms.
“The progress we are witnessing was not achieved by central Government alone; it is the outcome of an economic management ecosystem functioning with purpose and accountability,” he said.
“Public trust will strengthen when progress is visible, verifiable and communicated clearly by the institutions mandated to implement national programmes.”
Dr Musokotwane also urged statutory bodies and economic agencies including the Zambia Revenue Authority, the Bank of Zambia, the Industrial Development Corporation and the National Road Fund Agency, to publish timely performance updates so citizens can appreciate ongoing reforms.
He emphasised that ministries and agencies must now accelerate programme implementation to meet the objectives of the National Budget and the Eighth National Development Plan, noting that improved fiscal space places even greater responsibility on institutions to deliver tangible results.
“Ultimately, the credibility of our reform agenda will be judged by how effectively institutions convert Treasury releases into measurable progress on the ground,” he said.
The Minister further stressed that citizen engagement remains a key pillar in ensuring accountability, calling on the public to continue monitoring infrastructure projects, pensions administration, SME financing and social welfare programmes to help ensure that public resources deliver value where it matters most.
THE Electoral Commission of Zambia has urged police officers to avoid wearing riot gear and avert being confrontational when manning elections as this has the potential to scare away voters.
ECZ delegation leader Alick Chakawa says riot gear is not recognised by the commission as a uniform for policing elections.
Mr Chakawa implored the officers to clearly identify themselves and wear the ‘correct’ uniform as they man the filing of nominations tomorrow in ward by-elections in some parts of the country.
He said this in Mongu yesterday during a stakeholders meeting ahead of presentation of credentials for Litawa and Mutondo wards.
Mr Chakawa said in the recent past, the commission noted that some police officers opted to wear riot gear during polls.
“Slowly, the police started wearing riot gear at nomination centres, at polling stations and at totalling centres. So, avoid wearing riot gear because you will be scaring away our voters,” he said.
https://youtu.be/-1WGH_-hypM?si=pxJ9tragvei5axDe
Mr Chakawa also urged the law enforcers to avoid being confrontational with various electoral stakeholders.
He said the officers should have a sense of courtesy when engaging stakeholders, indicating that only those who become unruly should be dealt with.
“We are requesting that you help us in scrutinising supporters right at the entrance of the area that will be barricaded with a parameter tape,” Mr Chakawa said.
YOU’LL START SEEING RESULTS OF ENERGY PROJECTS IN 2026 – CHIKOTE
I WANT to remind Zambians that as we start seeing results [of the ongoing energy projects] in 2026, it won’t be about the election, it’s a plan we’ve been implementing, says Energy Minister Makozo Chikote.
And Zesco Managing Director Eng Justin Loongo says the additional 100 megawatts of solar power project at Kafue Gorge will strengthen the national grid, support energy diversification, and move Zambia one step closer to energy security for all.
Speaking during the project’s groundbreaking ceremony, Chikote said 2026 was the year to see the results of their plan.
“Despite what we went through in the 2023/24 season, we were hit by the drought, which affected our hydro-power generation. Instead of complaining, this administration has decided to take steps forward in order to bring other investments into the energy sector. We have chosen not to wait and complain, but to act. And we are just working, as I am talking before you, the people of Chirundu.
We have put a number of projects that are running in the pipeline. Solar energy is now one of our most strategic frontiers across the country. This is one of the projects we are witnessing today, and we continue across the country to work towards putting up these projects,” Chikote said.
“As we move into 2026, the story will not be the same. We will start seeing results coming, and I want to remind all Zambians, as we start seeing the results in 2026, it’s not about the election. It’s a plan that we have been implementing. So, my dearest media team, I want you to put it very clearly that it’s not about the 2026 elections, but it’s about the plan that the new dawn administration has put in place. I know noise makers will start saying no, what you see is because of elections.
It’s a plan! It’s not an election, it’s a plan. So, the media team has to make sure that our citizens are correctly informed because these projects are running, these projects are in the pipeline. 2026 is the year to start seeing results of our plan. We keep on responding to the challenges that the citizens are facing. It’s not only here in Chirundu, there are so many areas where we are putting up the solar project and other solar generation, such as coal”.
He also advised the locals against stealing solar panels once they are given jobs.
“I got the message very clearly to village headman Katobola, who actually emphasised that when our contractor starts doing work, the first priority should be the locals, and that has been our policy. The first priority will be you locals. You locals will be given jobs to do.
It’s not about coming and stealing solar panels. Because what I know about Tongas, Tongas are hardworking, that’s what we know about Tongas. What we know is that Tongas believe in hard work. I expect you in this project to work all that you are supposed to work. This project is ours, it’s your project, it’s not a project for ZESCO, no! You must apply your minds to this project,” said Chikote.
And Eng Loongo said the solar power project at Kafue Gorge would support energy diversification and move Zambia one step closer to energy security.
“Today, we break ground for another 100 megawatts of solar power, a project that strengthens our national grid, supports energy diversification, and moves Zambia one step closer to energy security for all. To make this happen, we created Jigsco Energy Corporation Limited, a joint venture between Jigsaw Investments and ZESCO. It’s a perfect example of how public-private partnerships can deliver real, large-scale renewable solutions.
The investment, covering a 100MW solar plant, a 33/330kV substation, and a 15-kilometre transmission line connecting to the Kafue Gorge Upper grid, is approximately US$90 million. Construction will take about 12 months and, once operational, this plant will generate clean, stable electricity to power communities, create jobs, and enable investment,” Eng Loongo said.
“The location, just 11 kilometres from Kafue Gorge Lower, was carefully chosen. We assessed three possible transmission routes, and the preferred one, from Mwiinga Village through Kapiri Hills, is not only the shortest and most cost-effective, but it avoids private land, causes no displacement, steers clear of protected areas, and stays within a safe distance from the Kafue River”.
He stressed that positioning solar energy as a quick win does not mean that hydroelectricity is abandoned.
“Zambia is endowed with different sources for electricity generation and as technologies continue to advance, many more ways to generate electricity or convert different forms of energy into electricity are becoming possible. Hence, Zambia’s pursuit to diversify its electricity source mix. While solar is not a new technology, various aspects of the technology keep advancing. For this reason, and the fact that sunlight is abundantly available to us, we have designated solar power as one of our quick wins in our energy sufficiency and diversification drive.
Positioning solar electricity as a quick win does not mean we have abandoned hydroelectricity, which has been our mainstay for many decades and will continue to be critical. [It also does not mean] we are not pursuing other base-load sources, especially coal, which is also available to us. We are not unmindful of the need for balance, the limitations or downsides of each source and technology,” Eng Loongo said.
“It means that we recognise the position we are in, have weighed our options, and lined up what we can achieve in the short, medium and long term, informed by the period it takes to develop various assets using the identified sources, financing the projects, partnerships and other factors. While solar is front running the quick wins, work continues unabated on numerous hydropower, wind, geothermal, biomass, and thermal generation projects all over the country”.
Eng Loongo said by 2026, the impact of government’s interventions would be clearly visible and felt across the country.
“We have secured land in many parts of the country for solar plants, signed agreements to finance and develop these projects, broken ground like we are doing today, and construction is underway on many sites. By 2026, the impact will be clearly visible and felt across the country. While not our focus today, it was just yesterday that we collectively launched the vastest electricity access expansion programme to date, which will bring electricity to at least 1.6 million additional Zambians over the next five years.
A very important component of this programme is the connection subsidy that cuts fees by 94 percent, and with only K300, citizens in rural and peri-urban Zambia will connect to the power grid. It’s all part of the big agenda we continue to pursue and complements our efforts to attain universal electricity access. Every person in Zambia should have access to electricity and enjoy its transformative power,” said Eng Loongo.
POLICE STRATEGIZING TO ENSURE VIOLENCE-FREE 2026 POLLS
The Zambia Police Service has reassured the public of its preparedness for the upcoming 2026 general elections, revealing that extensive planning has been underway since the start of this year.
Police Spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi says the police have been actively strategizing to ensure that the elections are peaceful, well-policed and free from violence.
Mr. Chilabi has also mentioned that the police have already identified areas with a history of politically motivated violence, particularly where tensions have been high in past elections.
He says the police are focusing on these areas to prevent any outbreaks of violence, emphasizing that police are developing strategies to address potential security concerns well in advance.
Meanwhile, Governance Expert Wesley Miyanda has urged the government to recruit more police officers ahead of the 2026 elections, emphasizing that the current number of officers may not be sufficient to maintain order, especially in areas where political violence has been a concern.
Dangote tackles Nigerian elite for choosing private jets over investing in job creation
Aliko Dangote, president of the Dangote Group, has criticised wealthy Nigerians who prioritise Rolls-Royce vehicles and private jets instead of investing in industries for job creation.
Speaking with journalists on Friday, the industrialist said Nigeria cannot develop by depending on imports, arguing that importation “is importing poverty and exporting jobs”.
He questioned whether Nigeria can progress without building its own industries, saying the country must prioritise agriculture, industrialisation, and a strong banking system to support growth.
“If you have money for Rolls-Royce, you should go and put up an industry in your locality, or anywhere in part of Nigeria, wherever that you feel there is a need,” Dangote said.
PUTIN’S SPOKESMAN PESKOV: “THE NEW U.S. SECURITY STRATEGY? YEAH, THAT’S OUR VIBE.”
When Moscow praises a U.S. national security document, you don’t need a Kremlinologist to tell you something’s somewhat tilted.
Dmitry Peskov – the Kremlin’s velvet-gloved megaphone – read Washington’s updated National Security Strategy and essentially said:
Finally. America is speaking our language.
The Kremlin’s read is simple, almost smug:
Less democracy evangelism. More great-power pragmatism.
A tacit acceptance that the world is carved into zones where Washington shouldn’t overextend.
If you’re Russia, that’s the dream. If you’re Europe, that’s the nightmare.
A rare moment where longtime adversaries find themselves aligned and – on the same page.
Europe probably hits the panic button by now.
NATO’s eastern flank already reads this as a wobble. Defense ministers will talk “resilience,” but behind closed doors? They’re gaming out scenarios where the U.S. shifts from commander to consultant.
This is simply the U.S. rewriting its priorities – and Russia reading it as an invitation to… better relations?
In the end, Peskov’s applause says less about American strategy and more about Moscow’s hopes.
The document isn’t a handshake – but the Kremlin is treating it like one. Whether that’s wishful thinking or a warning is exactly what the world will now have to decide.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu says he has safeguarded Benin’s democracy by sending Nigerian military forces on Sunday to respond swiftly to the coup attempt against President Patrice Talon.
President Tinubu states that he first “ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to enter the country and take over the airspace to help dislodge the coup plotters from the National TV and a military camp where they had regrouped.”
He explains that this involved “the deployment of Nigerian Air Force assets within Beninoise airspace for surveillance and rapid intervention operations under Benin-led coordination.”
Tinubu also says that, acting on the request of Beninese government, he ordered Nigeria’s ground forces to strictly protect “constitutional institutions and the containment of armed Groups.”
VENEZUELA MILITARY TO U.S.: “WE ARE READY FOR A PROLONGED WAR”
Venezuela just staged one of its most aggressive military displays in years, and the message wasn’t subtle. More than 5,600 fighters stood in formation, declaring themselves revolutionary, socialist, and, above all, loyal to Chavismo.
They boasted training under a “tactical resistance” doctrine that blends soldiers, police, and civilians into a single combat force prepared for a prolonged war.
Commanders told the crowd that Venezuela’s strength now lies in a fusion of the armed forces with the people, portraying the country as ready to repel any foreign invasion, especially from the U.S.
They framed the moment as part of a centuries-long struggle dating back to Simón Bolívar, insisting the nation must be ready to turn every inch of territory into a battlefield if necessary, from cities and mountains to tunnels and underground networks.
The showcase emphasized weapons, rockets, missiles, and doctrines for both conventional and irregular warfare. Leaders said these tools are what guarantee “peace,” arguing that only a heavily armed nation can deter American power.
They also highlighted elite special-operations forces trained to fight in extreme conditions anywhere: under the earth, on the surface, in jungles, mountains, and cities.
Venezuela intends to make itself “impenetrable,” and it credits Maduro as the commander holding the country together.
BREAKING: Reports of French & Nigerian airstrikes on Cotonou after failed coup in Benin
According to emerging reports, France and Nigeria have launched multiple strikes on targets in Cotonou following an attempted military coup earlier today. A small group of Beninese soldiers briefly seized state TV claiming to “take power,” before loyalist forces moved in.
Regional allies now appear to be intervening to prevent the coup from regaining momentum. Additional reports indicate significant Nigerian military movement out of Lagos, including units departing Ojo Barracks, toward the Benin border.
A sixth strike on Cotonou has reportedly been carried out by French aircraft.
The situation remains fluid, with conflicting accounts and no official confirmation yet from Abuja, Paris, or Cotonou. This could develop into the region’s most serious situation since the Niger and Burkina Faso coups.
Tucker asks why Qatar won’t fund Gaza’s reconstruction, and Qatar’s PMpoints to what he calls a stark hypocrisy in how the world treats different wars.
He says it’s “very ironic” that in Ukraine “Russia should fund all the reconstruction and their assets should be seized,” while in Gaza, after it was “flattened”, the world says the region must pay instead.
“We will continue supporting the Palestinian people. We will do whatever to alleviate their suffering.
But we are not the ones who are going to write the check to rebuild what others destroyed.
Our payments will go only to help the Palestinian people if we see that the help that’s coming to them is insufficient.”
“At first, I was completely shattered when he left. I fell into a deep depression because this was the man I sold my father’s motorcycle to support when he was recording his very first song.
I kept asking myself: Where did I go wrong? We weren’t perfect, but we had promised to love each other beyond our imperfections.
How did I even get here? I lost count of the nights I couldn’t sleep. This was the man I became a woman with—the man who taught me how to love a man.
When I finally realized I was chasing air, I gathered the strength to walk away. I was only causing myself more pain by blaming myself.
Inno, I hope peace finds you in the choice you made, because my peace never left with you”
