MALAWI COMMUNITY SHOCKED AS WOMAN COMES BACK TO LIFE, THEN DIES AGAIN
By: Times 360 Malawi
A 21-year-old woman from Ntcheu District in Malawi, who reportedly showed signs of life after being declared dead, has died for a second time and was buried on Wednesday morning.
The woman, identified as Ellen Kanyaza from Chibalala Village under Senior Chief Njolomole, was first pronounced dead on November 22 and kept in the mortuary at Ntcheu District Hospital from November 22 to 23.
Family members and community leaders say that during preparations for her burial on Tuesday, her body began to move while she was already in the coffin.
Relatives removed her from the casket and gave her porridge, which she was reportedly able to eat.
Following the unexpected signs of life, the village chief instructed that the coffin be dismantled.
However, later that night, Ellen began bleeding from the nose and foaming at the mouth before passing away again. She has since been laid to rest.
Chief Ndaipa said this is the first time such an incident has been recorded in the area.
Ntcheu District Hospital spokesperson Stella Kawalala said the hospital needs more time before issuing an official statement.
The grave shown is where she has now been buried. #SunFmTvNews
MALAWI WOMAN’S PREGNANCY TAKES SHOCKING TURN AS SHE ‘DELIVERS’ A 250 GRAM STONE
By: Nation Publication Limited
A 32-year old woman in Malawi has reportedly delivered a 250 gram stone at Matandani Mission Hospital in Neno District, according to hospital officials.
James Wayile, the hospital administrator, confirmed the unusual incident, saying it occurred on Tuesday when the woman who comes from Chilombo Village under Chief Chekucheku arrived at the facility accompanied by her husband.
She appeared to be in late stage pregnancy and was showing signs of labour.
Medical staff immediately moved her to the labour ward, where she later expelled what was described as a stone-like mass through what seemed to be a natural delivery process.
Health authorities say the woman has now been referred to the district hospital for further medical evaluation to understand the cause of the rare occurrence. #SunFmTvNews
BREAKING: CHAMISA ROARS: ‘I’M FIRED UP!’ OPPOSITION LEADER TEASES NEW POLITICAL MOVEMENT AS 2028 SHOWDOWN LOOMS
Zimbabwe’s main opposition firebrand, Nelson Chamisa, has sent shockwaves through the political landscape after declaring he is “FIRED UP” and ready to answer the “heartbeat of the citizens.” In a blistering message to supporters, Chamisa said the anticipation across the country is “immense and massive,” insisting Zimbabweans everywhere are “expectant, prepared and ready to roar” as a new political moment approaches
The electrifying declaration comes as Chamisa prepares to unveil a fresh Citizens-based political movement, a bold reboot following months of intense speculation. With the 2028 elections now firmly on the horizon, all eyes are on Chamisa as he positions himself to take on ZANU-PF and President Mnangagwa’s likely successor, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
As excitement builds and pressure mounts, Zimbabwe appears to be bracing for a political earthquake and Chamisa is signalling he’s ready to lead the charge.
Dora Siliya says PF should not discuss Lungu’s successor before his burial
Former Information minister Dr Dora Siliya says it is inappropriate for the Patriotic Front (PF) to engage in discussions about who should take over the party presidency before former president Edgar Lungu is laid to rest.
Lusaka, 26 November – Speaking on Hot FM on Tuesday, Dr Siliya said traditional norms and common decency demand that succession issues whether political or personal should only be addressed after burial. She added that because Lungu hailed from her home district of Petauke, she feels particularly sensitive to the matter.
Dr Siliya, who served as chief government spokesperson under the PF and was also a cabinet minister in the MMD government, said she could only wish the PF leadership “God’s wisdom” as they navigate the ongoing turmoil in the party.
“I left the PF in 2021 like everyone is aware. I’m now only observing what is happening there, and I think we can only wish them wisdom,” she said. “I was speaking to someone from Petauke who asked, ‘kansi mfumu zisila kwasu?’ meaning, ‘are there no more leaders with wisdom left?’ In our Nsenga traditions, discussions about succession or sharing an estate only happen after the funeral rites are complete. So it’s very difficult for me to speak about these things now.”
She described the current party infighting as “un-Zambian” and said she hopes that with time, collective wisdom will prevail.
Dr Siliya noted that political parties typically face internal challenges after leaving government, but each has made an “incremental contribution” to Zambia’s democratic development.
“Whether it is UNIP, MMD, PF, or now UPND, none is better than the other. They all contribute in stages, and transitions come with challenges. We can only wish them the best,” she said.
Asked if she had a preferred candidate among those vying for the PF presidency, she dismissed the idea, saying she is not following the matter closely.
“For me, the biggest constituency is the people of Zambia. Nobody is born UNIP, MMD, PF, or UPND. These are just names of platforms people use to seek a mandate. The gymnastics in PF I do not speak for them,” she added.
Dr Siliya said it is personally difficult for her to discuss PF politics because of her working relationship with Lungu and her shared cultural ties with him.
“It’s very difficult to talk about PF before we settle the issues around a funeral. Maybe later we can return to that discussion but for now, I just wish them God’s wisdom,” she said.
Turning to national issues, Dr Siliya emphasised that the government’s priority should be addressing the ongoing energy crisis and the rising cost of living.
“The most important issues for citizens now are power shortages, electricity shortages and the cost of living,” she said. “On the other side is ensuring young people are in school, in training, gaining skills or employed. The government will do well to be very bold about these issues.”
She said Zambia’s electricity deficits require bold solutions rather than attempts to ration minimal supply.
“We have one loaf of bread and 15 children that is what loadshedding is. It’s not that there is no bread; there’s just not enough. Our efforts should be on figuring out how to bake more bread, not how best to share the one loaf. The priority should be on solving the power challenges,” Dr Siliya said.
CONTINUED UNCERTAINTY IN PF WORRIES MPS AHEAD OF 2026 ELECTIONS
PATRIOTIC Front Member of Parliament for Chinsali, Kalalwe Mukosa, has warned that the continued uncertainty in the party is a threat to most lawmakers seeking to re-contest their seats in 2026.
Mr. Mukosa notes that the on-going internal disputes are creating confusion about who can safely file on the party ticket and may prevent prospective candidates from meeting electoral requirements in 2026 if unresolved.
In an interview with Phoenix News, Mr. Mukosa says the lack of clarity is already affecting the ability of some aspirants to prepare nomination papers and plan campaign logistics, creating an uneven playing field ahead of the 2026 elections.
And Chama-North Member of Parliament Yotam Mtayachalo says the uncertainty is not only affecting MPs but the general membership as well, which he describes as worrying and has praised the dialogue meeting initiated by former Vice-President Inonge Wina, which he hopes will bring clarity to the party.
Meanwhile, Bwacha Parliamentarian Sydney Mushanga is confident that the PF will overcome its leadership challenges, stating that the party is not short of leadership and a resolution will soon be met.
CRITICIZE HAKAINDE HICHILEMA WHERE HE FAILS NOT AS A DEVIL’S ADVOCATE HIDING BEHIND RELIGIOUS CURTAINS
President Hakainde Hichilema has taken an unprecedented democratic step by inviting anyone wishing to protest to first engage in dialogue with him.
This approach promotes consultation over confrontation and allows citizens to present genuine concerns without falling into politically driven demonstrations.
By opening the door to direct engagement, the President shows a commitment to peaceful resolution and national unity, while placing responsibility on protest leaders to prove their motives are sincere not a distraction from personal legal issues or an effort to spark unrest like what we witnessed a few days which is under investigation. In fact following the ongoing Copperbelt incident the government has every reason to say no to any event that threatens public safety.
With the country still recovering from the economic damage and loan defaults left by the PF in 2020, dialogue should be the first option for any democracy that values stability, progress, and investor confidence. Protests should come only when all avenues of engagement have been exhausted. Last week the same HH you are treating like this managed to get our country out of the list of defaulting countries. This is not an easy undertaking, it requires commitment and serious leadership.
In most cases, citizens invoke the Constitution to opt for protests when those who are key in national conversations such as the president are unwilling to listen or engage. For example, during the Bill 10 debate, the previous government had no time to listen to anyone. They depended on buying off individuals and banked on the arrogance of numbers in parliament instead of genuine dialogue.
Some of you residing in the city may not even know what rural Zambia truly looks like. You might even be among those who believe that rural Zambia is simply a place for wizards and unprogressive minds. Yet the reality is that our country remains far behind in terms of infrastructure development. Many public amenities hospitals, schools, roads are in a dire state. Some constituencies are so vast that even the CDF we speak about becomes insignificant, especially when coupled with the terrible work culture of some civic leaders. Ordinary citizens in these areas rarely see meaningful development yet politicians become billionaires in five years.
https://youtu.be/p_uX96ZUjhI?si=5nEVAc5bwKXApp79
I challenge those making unfounded noise to travel across the country. For example, visit Gwembe constituency and experience how difficult it is to navigate mountains just to move from point A to B, while in Lusaka schools are one minute away from your homes. Do you think for rural population? Some of you even towns you are crying for development think about that villagers with nothing to point to.
Regarding Bill 7, I personally support most of its provisions because they are progressive. There are just a few concerns specifically the clause giving opportunities to youths and women. This change does not require a constitutional amendment. It simply requires political will, which should have been demonstrated by President Hakainde Hichilema through the eight nominated MPs and other appointments. This is the one justification I have not agreed with, though the rest of the bill is healthy and sincere to the well-being of our nation. If UPND government through president Hakainde Hichilema wanted to bring on board youths they could have done it without constitution amendment process.
We must learn to criticize President Hakainde Hichilema rationally and logically. Criticize him when he fails to develop Zambia, not because of his name, tribe, or personal hatred.
That is unfair and unprogressive. There are many strides he has made since taking office, and we must acknowledge them even as we point out areas that need improvement. For example, decentralizing employment which his predecessors never did, as they prioritized hiring PF members and distributing CDF fairly and on time, unlike PF who openly declared that only PF constituencies would see development. Even former President Edgar Lungu cemented this in Chilanga during campaigns. Under PF, even a simple ward by-election could lead to people being killed for holding different views.
Since HH came into office, there has not been a single politically motivated killing whether by police or cadres despite several by-elections. This is a significant shift from the past. Please if you know any killing challenge me with facts.
I have also challenged individuals like Bishop Alick Banda and others who are using the church to spread hatred to explain why they were silent when their associates in PF were killing citizens. I know many Catholic leaders who stood firm for Zambia during difficult times and today have chosen to remain quiet. Yet those who watched criminals terrorize us for holding divergent views are now at the forefront acting as devil’s advocates.
We want the likes of Bishop Mpundu and other consistent voices of truth to speak and protest because they were present when the country was in a mess under the PF administration. Leadership is about consistency, not selective morality.I have great respect for voices like my sister Laura Miti’s because they have remained consistent over time.
Zambia belongs to all 73 tribes. We must prepare our minds and hearts for leadership that can come from any one of them at any time. Let us criticize with a progressive mindset, not with bitterness or hate.
Sikaile C Sikaile Katombola Constituency Independent Aspiring MP for 2026
⬆️ ANALYSIS | Who Really Hates Hichilema? Inside Politics of Entitlement & Tribe
“The level of hatred for me is shocking, you can see and even touch the venom, I did not choose where to be born.”
With that sentence at his November 25 State House press conference, President Hakainde Hichilema stepped straight into Zambia’s most sensitive political fault line: the intersection of tribe, power and entitlement. His critics framed it as emotional and manipulative.
His supporters have called it overdue honesty. The truth sits in a more uncomfortable middle ground that goes back a decade, not 72 hours.
There is documented evidence that a section of the political class has used tribal language against Hichilema and his support base since at least 2015. That year, then PF secretary general Davies Chama is on record saying UPND would only rule “maybe 100 years from now” and tying that prospect to Tongas being “polygamous by nature” and needing “more children” before producing a president.
Traditional leaders from Southern Province petitioned State House over those remarks and later publicly “forgave” him, confirming that the words were real and offensive, not a social media invention. The same period saw the Mulobezi by election violence, which resulted into the 2025 prosecution of Chama in connection with the shooting of a UPND supporter.
This reinforces a perception that one clique viewed Hichilema and his region as expendable obstacles, not equal competitors.
Alongside that rhetoric grew a narrative that Hichilema was a tribal candidate leading a “one province party” that could never govern. PF figures and aligned outlets leaned on the “Mapatizya formula” label to brand UPND as the home of organised violence from Southern Province rather than a national alternative. That storyline did not only question his politics. It questioned the legitimacy of his support base as a whole.
When Hichilema now speaks of “entitlement” and says “you feel entitled is in your head,” he is not inventing history. He is responding to a long running pattern in which some actors presented power as an inheritance of a loose establishment for them alone. This is the clique that treated his rise as an affront to an unwritten order.
The complication for the President is that the same sentence is now being recast as tribal victimhood. Opponents argue that by saying “I did not choose where to be born,” he is cloaking himself in regional martyrdom to shield himself from scrutiny.
They point to his strongholds in Southern, Western and North Western Provinces to claim he is the main beneficiary of identity politics. That line ignores the 2021 map. ECZ data shows Hichilema winning about 59 percent of the national vote and taking Central, Lusaka and Copperbelt, while making gains in Eastern and parts of the north.
https://youtu.be/p_uX96ZUjhI?si=BIphHv-Z6X69OvXq
Observer missions described the result as a broad anti incumbent wave anchored in economic anger and governance fatigue, not a one tribe revolt. If the country as a whole “hated” him on birth grounds, that outcome would have been mathematically impossible.
There is also a clergy dimension that the President touched indirectly but did not name. His press conference remarks about some church voices becoming “hosts of negative talk and hatred” reflect a visible pattern in which a small but loud group of priests and bishops speak of him in language that tracks opposition talking points.
One priest is widely quoted as having said it would have been better to rig the 2021 election than allow Hichilema to rule. That is not standard pastoral criticism of policy. It is an elite statement about who is acceptable in State House. At the same time, other church leaders have condemned tribalism and violence across the board and have warned both government and opposition against fuelling division. So it is inaccurate to say “the church hates HH.”
The evidence supports a narrower claim: a clique within religious and political circles resents the disruption his victory brought to old patronage corridors.
What the President did not address directly is his own side’s contribution to tension. Some UPND officials have used sweeping language about PF strongholds and past rulers that deepens suspicion in the opposite direction. The recent incidents in Chingola, Kabwe and at the PF Secretariat, coupled with mixed messaging from UPND structures before the party ordered silence, damaged his claim to the moral high ground on violence.
When he now says “you cannot hide in UPND and commit crimes” and threatens to go “very heavy on violence,” he is trying to reclaim that ground. The problem is that citizens remember both PF killings and UPND cadres today. An honest analysis must hold both realities: yes, PF era brutality was more widespread and deadly; yes, current abuses still matter and cannot be washed away by pointing at the past.
The risk in the current debate is that everyone is talking past the core issue. Hichilema’s statement about hatred is not mainly about personal feelings. It is about an entrenched belief in parts of the establishment that power belongs to a revolving inner circle and that any outsider who disrupts that circle must be delegitimised, whether through tribal slurs, clerical attacks or constant claims of stolen victory.
On the other side, there is a temptation within the ruling camp to treat every criticism from that space as proof of conspiracy and to dismiss genuine concerns about governance, cost of living and constitutional reform as the work of “haters.” Both impulses are dangerous. One seeks to lock the country back into a closed club. The other risks turning legitimate scrutiny into a loyalty test.
For Zambians trying to make sense of the storm, the facts matter more than spin. There is clear, recorded tribal and exclusionary rhetoric against Hichilema and Tongas from named figures since 2015. There is equally clear electoral evidence that millions of citizens across provinces and ethnic groups voted for him in 2021. There are priests and politicians whose language about him crosses the line from critique into personal hostility and entitlement.
There are also many who oppose him on policy grounds without invoking tribe. A serious conversation about “hatred” should start from that layered reality, not from slogans that portray him as either a sainted victim or a tribal schemer.
The President’s words will continue to fuel argument because they touch old wounds and current fears. The useful test for any analysis is simple. Does it account for the receipts on both sides, or does it hide them to protect a preferred camp. A country trying to hold together under economic pressure and political strain cannot afford convenient amnesia. It needs memory, accuracy and maturity.
Anything less turns real grievances and real progress into weapons for the same small clique that has always treated Zambia as its private chessboard.
If you have insights, receipts or perspectives on this debate, write to us on editor.peoplesbrief@gmail.com.
QUALITATIVE GAPS IN PRESIDENT’S LOGIC TO DIVIDE SOME CONSTITUENCIES INTO TWO – A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF CHIKANKATA AND KANYAMA CONSTITUENCIES
The president’s remarks that those who oppose his government’s constitutional amendments are doing it out of hate because of the region of Zambia he hails from is a concern, especially on the progress that has been made against regional political rhetoric evidenced by the 2021 general elections where 2.8 million Zambians, from different regions of the country voted for the president and his party in a landslide election victory. This article presents a qualitative analysis that validates some concerns raised against the constitutional amendments by exposing the flawed logic of dividing some constituencies on the basis of geographical size. A comparative analysis of Kanyama and Chikankata constituencies will be used to explain implications of the constitution amendment approach being sought by the current regime.
KEY DETAILS OF THE TWO CONSTITUENCIES
Chikankata constituency has a population of 98,671 people (Census, 2022), and a geographic square area of 2500km^2. Kanyama constituency has a population of 525,902 people (Census, 2022) and a geographic square area of 98km^2
SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS BASED ON THE STATISTICS OF THE TWO CONSTITUENCIES
Both constituencies receive K40 million a year according to the recent budget.
For Chikankata, this means K405.39 per person and for Kanyama, K76.06 per person.
The parliamentary representation ratio of the two constituencies by population: 1:5.33 for the MP of Chikankata and Kanyama respectively.
DATA INTERPRETATION
The MP for Kanyama has more than 5 times more people to worry about than the MP of Chikankata. The people of Chikankata have 5 times more money from CDF allocation than the people from Kanyama constituency. The people in Chikankata have 0.025km^2 (25,000m^2) per person, and the people of Kanyama have 0.00019km^2 (190m^2) per person.
DISCUSSION
Clearly, it can be seen that if equal opportunities of CDF allocations is what the UPND government is pursuing, then Kanyama should be receiving more than K200 million Kwacha per year to match the K405.39 per person of Chikankata.
If the constituency of Chikankata were to be divided into two, then the MP to person ratio between the two constituencies that will split the 98,671 population in two will mean the Kanyama MP will have more than 10 people to worry about for each person that the two MPs of the divided constituencies will have. This means even much lower parliamentary representation for people of Kanyama than the current levels.
While it can be argued that people in Kanyama are in the City, and are closer to the social economic and political amenities that the city has to offer, but most people are barely getting by and watch these amenities from a distance. Just an example, my qualitative analysis reflected in my book, “Building a More Inclusive Zambian Financial Sector,” shows that less than 10% of the Zambian population have a bank account due to account opening barriers that many people living in Kanyama face. More importantly, it can even be argued that a person born and raised in Chikankata constituency is better positioned, economically and politically to get a bank account than someone born and raised in Kanyama.
In conclusion, dividing the constituencies merely by their geographical sizes so that more CDF money can be allocated is a social injustice of neglect to the constituencies are more densely populated and would even require more attention to manage. The president and the UPND government must reflect on the content of this article and acknowledge the merits of arguments raised here than merely relegating the valid opposition they are facing to amend the constitution as mere tribalism against the president.
Manson Mutumba Author, Business Consultant, Researcher
SPEAKER SUSPENDS KAPYANGA FOR CALLING UPND MEMBERS HOOLIGANS
SECOND Deputy Speaker Moses Moyo has suspended Mpika PF MP Francis Kapyanga from the House for seven days for using unparliamentary language.
On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, Mitete MP Misheck Mutelo raised a point of order in the House asking whether Kapyanga was in order to use unparliamentary language, by referring to UPND members as hooligans.
The ruling was, however, reserved to enable the Speaker to study the matter in order to deliver a measured ruling. In his ruling to the National Assembly, Tuesday, Moyo said the suspension would be effective from Tuesday, November 25, 2025, to December 1, 2025.
“Mr F R Kapyanga, MP, your suspension, as resolved by the House, is for seven days from today, Tuesday, 25th November to December 1, 2025″.
Say No to Bill 7: President Hakainde Hichilema Wants to Use It to Prolong His Stay in Power
By Thandiwe Ketiš Ngoma
Every well-meaning Zambian must rise and say NO to Bill 7. Our country is on its knees: prices are skyrocketing, families are going hungry, unprecedented hours of load-shedding are crippling daily life, and young people are losing hope. Yet, while ordinary citizens are gasping for economic relief, President Hakainde Hichilema and his inner circle are fixated on amending the Constitution. The urgency with which he is pushing Bill 7 before the 2026 general elections raises one haunting question: what is he afraid of, or what is he planning?
For months, civil society organizations, the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), constitutional experts, traditional leaders, and the majority of ordinary Zambians have pleaded for patience and consultation. They have all said the same thing: there is no constitutional crisis in Zambia. But the President has refused to listen. He insists the bill must pass come rain or shine. The question that begs an honest answer is: why the rush?
If Bill 7 is not intended to give the President or the UPND a political advantage in 2026, then why not wait? Why not let the people decide after the elections, when politics are not clouded by self-interest? What possible justification can there be other than fear of losing power?
Let’s be clear: Zambia’s problem is not the Constitution; it’s the economy. Families can’t afford a bag of mealie meal. Bus fares have shot through the roof. Unemployment is breaking spirits across the country. Farmers are still waiting for fertilizer. And small businesses, once the backbone of our nation, are collapsing one by one.
While the people cry for bread, the government offers them a constitutional amendment. While families beg for relief, the President drafts new rules to secure political dominance. This is not reform; it’s manipulation disguised as progress.
What Is Bill 7 Really About?
Bill 7 is a constitutional amendment proposing sweeping changes to Zambia’s political system. Its key features include:
1. Expansion of Parliament: Increasing MPs from 156 to 211, creating more jobs for politicians while ordinary citizens sink deeper into poverty.
2. Reserved Seats and Proportional Representation: Marketed as inclusivity for women and youth, but quietly designed to let party elites appoint loyalists outside traditional elections.
3. Presidential Powers: Retaining clauses that allow the President to dissolve Parliament, a dangerous concentration of power in one individual.
4. Delimitation Exercise: Creating 55 new constituencies, mostly in UPND strongholds, effectively redrawing the political map to ensure dominance in the next Parliament.
These changes are being packaged as reforms for “better representation,” but beneath the political sugarcoating lies the bitter truth: Bill 7 strengthens the hand of the ruling party and weakens the power of the people.
Inside the Strategy
According to the internal strategy document titled UPND Political Strategy: Geopolitical Mapping & Electoral Prospects for 2026, authored by Withus Masunda on September 4, 2025, the plan is clear: expand UPND’s dominance, secure Parliament, and control the 2026 elections before they even happen.
The document details how new constituencies will be created mainly in UPND strongholds, potentially adding up to 20 extra seats in Parliament. It acknowledges the “risk of public backlash” but recommends framing the process as “bringing government closer to the people.” Translation: spin the truth to gain power.
It also highlights how “reserved seats” can be used to enhance the party’s youth and gender image while tightening internal control. And all this while Zambia struggles to pay its bills, feed its citizens, and rebuild an economy gasping for life.
The Real Crisis
This is not just a political issue; it’s a moral one. At a time when citizens are barely surviving, expanding Parliament and amending the Constitution is not just tone-deaf; it’s an insult to the suffering Zambian people.
Zambia’s true emergency is not constitutional; it’s economic, social, and moral. We need affordable food, not new MPs. We need jobs, not proportional representation. We need integrity in leadership, not hidden agendas.
A Cry for Leadership, Not Power
Mr. President, leadership is not about rewriting the rules to secure power. It is about listening, serving, and protecting the will of the people. When the people say “Not now,” a true democrat hears them; he does not silence them. When the people ask for bread, a true leader does not hand them a legal document.
The Constitution is not a personal tool. It belongs to the people. It is their voice, their shield, their heritage, not a political weapon to be reshaped at will.
The People’s Verdict
From the churches to the markets, from villages to cities, the message is clear:
“Fix the economy, not the Constitution.” “Respect the people’s will.” “We will not be fooled.”
Bill 7 is not reform; it is regression. It threatens the balance of our democracy, drains public resources, and erodes public trust. Let the will of the people prevail. Let democracy breathe.
A Call to Action
Every Zambian who loves this nation must stand firm. Let your voice be heard. Speak in your communities, your churches, your WhatsApp groups, and your families. Say NO to Bill 7.
Because if we allow power to rewrite the rules once, it will never stop. And the Zambia we love—the Zambia of peace, hope, and justice—will be no more.
Say NO to Bill 7. Say YES to Democracy. Say YES to Zambia.
PRAISING THE ECONOMY DOES NOT MEAN SUPPORTING BILL 7- CARITAS ZAMBIA
Caritas Zambia says applauding President Hakainde Hichilema’s economic achievements should not be confused with supporting the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 7.
Caritas Zambia Director Fr. Dr. Gabriel Mapulanga said while Zambians appreciate the government’s progress on economic stability and debt restructuring, they still have a duty to question amendments brought just months before the 2026 elections.
“Opposing Bill 7 does not mean we hate the President. It means we are defending our democracy,” he said.
He noted that the Church challenged Bill 10 under the previous administration and is doing the same with Bill 7 proof of consistency, not hostility.
Fr. Mapulanga also rejected the idea that protests should be banned due to potential counter-marches, saying maintaining order is the responsibility of the police.
He warned against assuming economic success guarantees public approval on constitutional changes, calling this the “validation trap.”
“If the amendments are good, they can wait until after 2026,” Fr Mapulanga said, reminding the nation that democratic disagreement is healthy.
ZAMBIANS SEE THROUGH EMPTY RHETORIC: BROKEN PROMISES, RISING POVERTY, AND CONSTITUTIONAL BETRAYAL –
Kasonde Mwenda C, President (EFF)
25th November, 2025.
Today, after President Hichilema’s marathon press briefing, the Zambian public has once again been subjected to self-congratulatory rhetoric and selective storytelling that does nothing to address our nation’s realities. Zambians are neither naive nor forgetful. We remember every promise made by this government—and we live with the consequences of its failure to deliver.
The cost of living has reached unaffordable heights, poverty has soared to 60 percent, and more than 6.6 million children endure deprivation today. Businesses are closing under the weight of endless power cuts, and families languish under historic energy shortages. Excuses at the podium do not feed our families or build our future.
The President’s assertion that citizens benefit from Zambia’s minerals is unmasked by Statutory Instrument No. 47 of 2025, which facilitates secret mineral exports—valued at an estimated $5.7 billion—without transparency or accountability. Foreign companies are reaping enormous windfalls while Zambians get crumbs, contrary to claims of empowerment.
Despite bold speeches about ending lawlessness, violence continues—opposition figures such as Honourable Given Lubinda have been attacked, with impunity remaining the norm.
When challenged on these failures, the President invokes “whataboutism,” distracting from real issues by comparing today’s unconstitutional reforms to those of Kaunda. This tactic does not absolve the administration; the content and process of today’s reforms matter. Amendments that increase ruling party MPs, eliminate by-elections, and undermine local government entrench presidential power and weaken democracy. Kaunda’s past is not a license for today’s constitutional betrayal.
In conclusion, Zambia’s citizens are awake. We see through empty speeches that ignore soaring poverty and exclude meaningful statistics. We reject deception and demand leadership that delivers on its promises, respects public participation, and restores democracy and accountability. No amount of self-praise or rhetorical diversion will fool us—we stand united for truth, justice, and the right to benefit from our nation’s resources. The struggle continues, and Zambians will not be silenced.
As Economic Freedom Fighters-EFF, we will focus more on work, our natural resources and means of production will be placed in the hands of Zambians when our time comes next year.
Wherever we want to go our feet will take us there.
CITIZENS First President Harry Kalaba says leadership is not about seeking admiration or demanding praise, but about service.
Commenting on President Hichilema presser held yesterday at State House, Mr. Kalaba said the Head of State’s shift from servant leadership to demanding affection is deeply troubling.
He said one does not seek public office so that people can love them but seek it to deliver development and uphold the national interest.
.”What was revealed at that briefing was deeply concerning. We witnessed a Head of State speaking as though he owns the country and believes every dissenting voice is driven by hatred. As a senior citizen by age, experience, and national stature, the President should be a pillar of unity and a model of responsible conduct. Unfortunately, the remarks he issued fell far short of this expectation and instead risked sowing division and resentment among our people.
“At a time when Zambia urgently needs calm, constructive dialogue and strong leadership, it is regrettable that a platform meant to provide guidance was instead used to inflame emotions and deepen divides. We therefore call him to order and urge a return to moderation, truthfulness and national cohesion,” Mr. Kalaba said.
The CF leader said the emotional outbursts witnessed yesterday, driven by a personal perception of being hated are unbecoming of the office he holds.
“Zambians want unity. They want stability. They want food on their tables. What they do not want is the concentration of power in one individual through a constitution-making process that excludes them. The President’s repeated suggestion that criticism of Bill 7 is rooted in tribal hatred only confirms that these amendments are not for the people, they are designed to elevate his personal authority,” he said.
“President Hichilema continues to selectively manipulate history. He wrongly compares his approach to that of his predecessors. In December 1990, President Kenneth Kaunda conceded to constitutional change because it was demanded by the people, led by the Church. The constitutional review that culminated in the 2016 Constitution began under President Mwanawasa and continued across subsequent administrations, again people-driven. Today, we have a President-centred constitutional process, where any disagreement is dismissed as tribal hatred. Is this leadership? Is this presidential?” Mr. Kalaba said.
HAABAZOKA CALLS FOR INFORMED, CLAUSE–BY–CLAUSE DEBATE ON BILL 7
Lusaka… Wednesday November 26, 2025 – Economist Lubinda Haabazoka has expressed concern over politically driven debates surrounding Bill 10 and Bill 7, arguing that many citizens are unfamiliar with the actual contents of the documents.
He said public discourse had been dominated by emotion and speculation rather than informed analysis.
Dr. Haabazoka noted that a significant portion of Zambians rarely read official documents in full, saying this contributed to widespread misunderstanding of both bills.
He argued that even basic national documents such as NRCs were often not fully understood by many citizens, adding that this lack of engagement had allowed political rhetoric to overshadow substance.
He said those involved in promoting or opposing the bills had not taken sufficient time to explain the key provisions to the public, and that genuine support or opposition required proper civic education.
According to him, Members of Parliament would be better placed to vote responsibly if debates in Parliament were done clause by clause.
He emphasized that no one could realistically “love everything” in Bill 7 or “hate everything” in it, stressing that the Constitution was too important to be treated in a partisan manner.
Dr. Haabazoka stated that he supported some provisions in the bills and disagreed with others.
For instance, he said he did not support the idea of individuals being in Parliament purely because they met a demographic quota, arguing instead that representation should be based on calibre.
He added that one reform worth considering was allowing the President to appoint cabinet ministers from outside Parliament, while still retaining the option to appoint MPs when necessary.
He further expressed support for the delimitation of certain constituencies but said the constituencies identified for this process should be made public.
He added that he believed MPs should also be part of councils, a matter he said had previously been proposed under Bill 10.
https://youtu.be/p_uX96ZUjhI?si=BIphHv-Z6X69OvXq
On the question of mayoral term limits, he said he did not see the need for restrictions.
Dr. Haabazoka urged legal experts to offer pro bono support to help citizens clearly understand the bills they were supporting or opposing.
He said that Zambia needed healthier and more constructive deliberations in national debates, warning that the country’s Constitution contained several lacunas that required informed refinement.
He argued that if MPs consulted their constituencies and voted clause by clause, public accountability would improve significantly.
He also stressed that national consensus would always be difficult to achieve in a population of 21 million people with different opinions, making structured debate even more important.
Dr. Haabazoka added that some citizens might find themselves agreeing with most parts of Bill 7 once they read simplified summaries, saying that many people disliked or supported the bills without understanding them.
He suggested that the Ministry of Justice, working with organisations such as the Oasis Forum and the Law Association of Zambia, should make the contents accessible to ordinary citizens, noting that many people did not even fully read their payslips and often relied on rumours.
Meanwhile, Dr. Haabazoka questioned how many Zambians had actually seen Bill 10 and Bill 7, emphasising the need for informed participation in the law-making process.
PRESIDENT HICHILEMA SAYS PEOPLE’S CHOICE WILL DETERMINE NEXT YEAR’S ELECTION OUTCOME
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says his confidence levels heading into next year’s general elections are based on what people will decide.
In an exclusive interview with Phoenix News, President Hichilema stated that citizens are aware of the conditions the country faced before his administration took office and the improvements made since then.
https://youtu.be/p_uX96ZUjhI?si=LeZa5lZDkHXaZWpy
The President noted that government continues to focus on delivering results without taking public support for granted.
According to the head of state, government’s record of achievements and the reforms undertaken are expected to play a key role as the nation approaches the next election cycle.
President Hichilema added that citizens are capable of assessing the progress for themselves and understanding the direction in which the country is heading.
ZAMBIA Civil Liberties Union executive director Isaac Mwanza has advised PF to quickly put its house in order, saying its protracted internal confusion is not adding value to the country’s political discourse.
And governance activist Ngande Mwanajiti says stability is critical for any political party.
The opposition PF has continued with internal wrangles where, recently, party acting faction leader Given Lubinda dropped senior party members who include Brenda Nyirenda, Musonda Mpankata and Davies Mwila, among others, from the central committee.
The affected individuals later held a press briefing to denounce Mr Lubinda’s changes, calling them illegal.
Speaking in an interview, Mr Mwanza said these persistent divisions do little to inspire confidence that the party will resolve the leadership void created by the passing of its leader, Edgar Lungu.
Mr Mwanza said a healthy democracy requires a strong and credible opposition capable of providing effective checks and balances.
“When major political players remain embroiled in protracted disputes, the result is a weakened democratic landscape. Our nation’s recent history shows that once a ruling party leaves office, its chances of returning to power significantly diminish and the current state of affairs within the PF only worsens those prospects,” he said.
He has advised PF leaders to put aside personal ambitions and egos and explore alternative avenues to contribute meaningfully to the country’s democratic process.
President Hakainde Hichilema’s Vision Is Patriotic, Clear and Firmly Anchored on Zambia’s Long-Term Recovery
By Magret Mwanza
President Hakainde Hichilema has been a target of relentless distortion, political twisting and deliberate mischaracterisation by individuals who thrive on confusion and negativity.
Yet, the truth remains unchanged. His plan for Zambia is patriotic, deliberate and anchored on long-term national transformation.
What he represents is not tribalism, not victimhood, not fear, but a disciplined commitment to rebuild a nation that was dragged to the brink by years of reckless governance.
Those who spend their time twisting his comments and distorting his intentions must be treated as political opportunists desperate for relevance.
Their aim is simple. They want to weaponise misinformation to score cheap political mileage. But as Zambians, we can see.
We can all see the depth of work currently taking place, the steady hands restructuring our economy, and the clear difference between leadership anchored on personal benefit and leadership anchored on national progress.
The evidence is visible, tangible and measurable. Zambia’s economy, after years of chaos, has been placed on a controlled and disciplined recovery path.
This is not political poetry. It is anchored on real numbers, real reforms and real sacrifices. Under this administration, mining has returned to stability.
Large mining firms have increased their contribution to national earnings, tax revenues have stabilised, and investment confidence has quietly but steadily returned.
It is this renewed stability that has allowed government to fund critical sectors without resorting to reckless borrowing.
At the same time, the New Dawn Government has opened doors that were previously used as private property by select political elites. For years, Zambians watched foreign entities and politically connected cartels dominate mining rights while ordinary citizens were pushed aside.
Today, small-scale and artisan mining licenses are being issued to Zambians at a scale never seen before. This is empowerment in its purest form, not political handouts but genuine access to national wealth.
In the social sector, the achievements speak for themselves. This government has hired tens of thousands of teachers and health workers in record numbers, reversing decades of understaffing that crippled service delivery in rural and peri-urban communities.
No propaganda can erase the fact that thousands of Zambian families now have a stable income because of these recruitment waves. The nation’s health and education systems are fundamentally stronger because the workforce is stronger.
Then there is free education, a reform many thought impossible. Today, families that once struggled with school fees have been given relief and dignity.
And beyond education, the Constituency Development Fund has become a true game changer. For the first time, constituencies across Zambia have the freedom and resources to identify and address their needs independently.
Schools are being built, roads graded, bridges repaired, youth and women business groups funded, and technical skills centres revived. This is decentralisation in action, not as a campaign promise, but as a living policy changing lives daily.
President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership is not loud, boastful or dramatic. It is quiet, methodical and focused. That is something that unsettles those who prefer politics of noise and confusion.
The real frustration of his critics comes from the fact that this government is fixing what they broke, cleaning what they polluted and exposing what they hid.
https://youtu.be/p_uX96ZUjhI?si=6ZtGGmnCz9Kjt4gC
Whenever progress becomes undeniable, the enemies of order invent new scandals, twist harmless comments and generate outrage to distract the public.But Zambia has moved on from that politics.
The nation needs a leadership that thinks beyond elections, beyond tribe, beyond petty fights. This is what the New Dawn Government has been doing since day one.
It is not perfection. No government is. But the direction is correct, the intention is patriotic, and the outcomes are beginning to show.
Zambia’s recovery is not accidental. It is deliberate, disciplined and guided by a president who understands what it takes to rebuild a broken system.
Zambians must not allow political distortions to overshadow visible progress. Those who twist the President’s statements do so because they fear that if the truth stands unchallenged, they will have no message left.
What we must protect is not just the President’s image but the national project he is steering. Economic stability, increased jobs, improved social services, empowered citizens and a transparent mining sector that finally benefits its people.
In the end, President Hakainde Hichilema means well for Zambia. His actions prove it. His policies reflect it. And the country’s trajectory confirms it.Those who pretend not to see are not blind.
They are politically invested in chaos. But ordinary Zambians, the beneficiaries of these reforms, know that the truth needs no noise. It only needs to be lived.
SICHONE UNPACKS 55-BULLETS IN AFCON PROVISIONAL SQUAD
Chipolopolo coach Moses Sichone has unveiled his 55-member provisional squad for the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 55-member list is in respect of the CAF deadline for teams to submit their provisional squads ahead of the AFCON, which will take place from December 21 to January 18.
Sichone has drafted 21-year old Manchester City defender Jadel Katongo and Austrian based Jack Kalichi Lahne who became an instant hit with fans for his promising goal exploits on his debut call for Zambia during the just ended FIFA window where he netted his debut goal for Chipolopolo.
The call-ups for Katongo and Lahne are part of the wider diaspora talent-search program undertaken by FAZ in an effort to re-enforce the national team.
Sichone has also given some standouts players from the U17 FIFA World Cup project a look in like Jonathan Kalimina, Abel Nyirongo and Christo Chitambala.
Other newbies include Chanka Zimba of Scottish side Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Frank Chileshe of Locomotive Tbilisi.
The team will be trimmed to 28 as per CAF guidelines before zeroing into the final tournament squad, which will have 23 players unless the participating opts to add extras.
FAZ has lined up an international camp prior to the AFCON where the Chipolopolo will play some high profile friendly matches.
Zambia is in Group A alongside Morocco, Mali and Comoros.
FULL PROVISIONAL SQUAD
(GOALKEEPERS)
Mangani Banda (Kabwe Warriors), Lawrence Mulenga, Willard Mwanza (both Power Dynamos), Francis Mwansa (Zanaco), Toaster Nsabata (Sekhukhune-RSA), Charles Kalumba, Christo Chitambala (both Red Arrows)
Miguel Chaiwa (Hibernian-Scotland), Humphrey Bwembya (Kabwe Warriors), Golden Mashata (Hapoel Ra’anana-Israel), Kelvin Mwanza, Given Kalusa, Solomon Mpasela (all FC Muza), Owen Tembo, Frederick Mulambia (both Power Dynamos), Joseph Liteta (Cagliari-Italy), Wilson Chisala, Tinklar Sinkala (both Zanaco), Frank Chileshe (Locomotive Tbilisi-Georgia), Kings Kangwa, Joseph Sabobo Banda (both Maccabi Be’er Sheva-Israel), David Simukonda, Abraham Siankombo, Pascol Phiri (all Zesco United), Gift Siame (Leganese-Spain), Kelvin Chipelu (Forest Rangers), Albert Kangwanda (Red Arrows), Lameck Banda (Lecce-Italy), Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha-Saudi Arabia), Lubambo Musonda (Magdeburg-Germany)
Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) raised eyebrows on Fox Business Tuesday when she endorsed a U.S. invasion of Venezuela — but then she took it a step further, telling anchor David Asman, with no evidence, that Venezuela is “giving uranium” to hostile foreign powers and terrorist groups.
“This is going to be a very major success story, not only for [the Venezuelan people], but for us,” said Salazar. “And I salute President Trump for having the fortitude, the courage, the political vision to be doing this. Because [Nicolas] Maduro is the head of a transnational criminal organization. Maduro is not the legitimate president of the country, so we’re not invading a sovereign country that has a free and fair elected democratic president. No. This guy is a thug.”
“And he’s good friends with Hezbollah, and they’re giving uranium to Hamas and to Iran and to North Korea and to Cuba and to Nicaragua,” she continued. “Come on. It’s time for the United States to do what we need to do. And thank god that Trump is doing it.”
She went on to say Venezuela has “the largest reserves of oil in the world” and it’ll be a “windfall” for America.
While Venezuela does have speculated uranium reserves, and the Iranian government helped carry out exploratory operations in 2009, there is no evidence that Venezuela is even currently mining uranium, let alone exporting it to any of the countries or groups Salazar mentioned.
Despite the questionable uranium claims, Venezuela has seen extreme economic and political repression under Nicolás Maduro, who has assumed the presidency for multiple terms by banning key opposition leaders and holding sham elections. Millions of people have fled the country to escape hyperinflation, hunger, and authoritarian policies.
The United States has sanctioned the Maduro regime for years under presidents from both parties, but Trump has escalated, with not just harsh new sanctions, but reportedly plans for attacks on military assets under the guise of drug strikes.
Watch to the end, this South Florida Republican Congresswoman short circuits and accuses Maduro of being friends with Hezbollah and selling uranium to Hamas, Iran, and Cuba. Yes, uranium to Hamas. Also Nicaragua! pic.twitter.com/fsPNB5QcNx
LET PARLIAMENT DO ITS JOB, WHEN BILLS FAIL, THAT IS DEMOCRACY AT WORK
By:Tobbius Chilembo Hamunkoyo-LLB
Debate around Bill 7 has taken a dramatic turn, with some clergy turning the pulpit into a political stage. But beyond the emotions, accusations, and selective storytelling, one thing must be understood clearly; in a democracy, Bills pass or fall in Parliament, not because someone “listened,” but because elected representatives exercised the power given to them by the people.
When Father Augustine Mwewa claimed in his sermon that former President Edgar Lungu “listened” to the Church on Bill 10 and withdrew it, the statement was not only misleading but outright false. Bill 10 did not fall because someone listened. It collapsed because Parliament, the people’s House, rejected it. PF failed to marshal the required two-thirds majority. They needed 111 votes but only managed 106. That is democracy, not divine intervention.
The same applies to past constitutional processes. The Chiluba third-term attempt did not fall because someone listened. It died in Parliament. The 2005/2006 NCC Bill under President Mwanawasa also collapsed in Parliament when UPND withdrew support. We must stop rewriting history. Zambia has a proud tradition where Parliament, not propaganda and Facebook commentaries determines the fate of national Bills.
Now, as the debate on Bill 7 intensifies, we see another worrying trend, some religious leaders openly taking partisan positions, even declaring they will “fight until PF comes back to power,are they now political tools?.” That is not moral guidance; that is political activism disguised as spirituality.
https://youtu.be/p_uX96ZUjhI?si=5nEVAc5bwKXApp79
Every citizen, including clergy, has the right to an opinion. But using the Church to push party interests is dangerous and dishonest. Zambia is bigger than any political party, PF or otherwise.
The Constitution is amended through constitutional established procedures and they must be followed. If Bill 7 passes, it will be because elected Members of Parliament vote for it. If it fails, it will also be because elected Members of Parliament vote against it. That is how democracy works. That is how it has always worked in Zambia.
Those planning protests are free to do so, that is democracy but only if there is no dialogue. Those supporting or opposing Bill 7 are also free to speak ,that is democracy. But at the end of the day, none of them will decide the fate of the Bill. Only Parliament will. And Parliament is not made of priests, politicians, or activists shouting on Facebook. It is made of representatives chosen by the people of Zambia.
So instead of misinformation and fearmongering, let us respect the system we all voted for. Zambia is governed by the Constitution, and the Constitution places law-making power in Parliament. If a Bill fails, that is not defeat, it is democracy functioning exactly as designed.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) lashed out at Trump administration adviser Steve Witkoff on Tuesday, accusing him of undermining Secretary of State Marco Rubio by going behind his back to help Russia in peace talks over Ukraine.
Fitzpatrick’s accusation follows reporting from Bloomberg News that Witkoff advised Russian officials on how to sell President Donald Trump on their own plan for resolving the war that was initiated when Russia invaded Ukraine on a pretense of securing the eastern regions for ethnic Russian separatists propped up by Kremlin money.
“This is a major problem,” wrote Fitzpatrick on X. “And one of the many reasons why these ridiculous side shows and secret meetings need to stop. Allow Secretary of State Marco Rubio to do his job in a fair and objective manner.”
The U.S. has backed Ukraine’s effort to defend its territory, supplying its forces with intelligence and weapons, but U.S. commitments and conditions have varied throughout the war and across the Biden and Trump administrations.
Trump has often expressed public sympathy for Russian autocrat Vladimir Putin, whose regime was proven to have worked behind the scenes to boost Trump’s campaign for president in 2016. He even met Putin in Alaska for a peace summit earlier this year. In recent months, however, he has grown frustrated and convinced that Putin is not interested in peace, but it remains unclear how far he is willing to go to put pressure on him.
The plan that circulated this month was one-sided in support of Russian goals in Ukraine. Conflicting reports and statements from the government disagree on exactly how much of a hand Russia had in crafting the details of the plan.
Former First lady Michelle Obama had a serious reaction to President Donald Trump’s decision to tear down the century-old East Wing of the White House for a ballroom, saying it symbolized “a loss for us as a nation.”
In an interview Tuesday with Jamie Kern Lima’s podcast, Obama described how it felt to see the destruction of it as what it represented to the nation, rather than her personal ties to the historic space, according to The Washington Post.
“I think in my body, I felt confusion because I’m like, who are we? What do we value? And who decides that?” Obama said. “That’s the thing that’s going through my head a lot lately. Who are we? What are the rules? Because I’m confused by what are our norms and our mores — not the laws — but how do we live together? That’s the part of it that hurts.”
https://youtu.be/Hlhm2BY04QM
“I think I felt a loss for us as a nation, but personally, you know … that’s not our house. That’s the people’s house,” she explained.
Obama has started speaking out about her unease over the second Trump presidency in interviews. In January, she declined attending Trump’s second inauguration and has voiced her concerns over Trump’s aggressive immigration policies and the president’s view of how to govern.
This month she said she would not run for president.
“As we saw in this past election, sadly, we ain’t ready,” Obama said in a conversation with actor Tracee Ellis Ross while she promoted her new book “The Look” at an event in Brooklyn, N.Y.
“That’s why I’m like, don’t even look at me about running ‘cause you all are lying. You’re not ready for a woman,” Obama said. “We got a lot of growing up to do and there’s still … a lot of men who do not feel like they can be led by a woman and we saw it.”
JET WARS ERUPT AGAIN! GHANA EXPLODES IN NEW PRESIDENTIAL PLANE ROW
Ghana has been thrust back into a raging political storm as the long-running feud over buying a new presidential jet flares up once more a battle that has haunted every government for nearly twenty years.
The fresh uproar erupted after outspoken opposition MP Samuel Abu Jinapor fiercely condemned the administration’s plan to splash a staggering ¢13.1 billion ($1.1 billion) on four military helicopters and two brand-new presidential jets.
Jinapor’s fiery attack has reignited a national argument that refuses to die, with critics accusing the government of prioritising luxury in the skies while ordinary citizens struggle with soaring living costs. Supporters, meanwhile, insist the ageing presidential fleet is overdue for replacement and vital for national security.
As tempers rise and political camps dig in, the country once again finds itself caught in the crossfire of a high-stakes aviation showdown and the turbulence is only just beginning.
President Donald Trump defended one of his officials who is receiving criticism over a leaked call he had with a Russian official about the latest peace deal for the war in Ukraine, according to a new report.
During a call on October 14, Trump administration envoy Steve Witkoff told a Russian official that calling Trump would help “smooth over” negotiations concerning the end of the war, the Wall Street Journal reported. Bloomberg News published a transcript of the call on Tuesday.
Experts and some of Trump’s sounded the alarm over Witkoff’s call on Tuesday. For instance, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) said the call was a “fiasco and a blemish on our country.”
Trump defended Witkoff’s call with the Russian official on Tuesday.
“It’s a standard thing,” Trump told the outlet. “That’s what a dealmaker does.”
Trump added that Witkoff made “similar comments” to the Ukrainians, according to the report.
Bloomberg’s transcript also includes Witkoff discussing some possible concessions to end the war.
“Now, me to you, I know what it’s going to take to get a peace deal done: Donetsk and maybe a land swap somewhere,” Witkoff told the Russian official, according to the report.
FROM PRISON TO POWER? IS MNAMDI KANU SET TO FOLLOW MANDELA’S PATH?
History may be on the verge of repeating itself that’s the growing sentiment among supporters of Mnamdi Kanu, who are drawing bold parallels between his fate and that of global icon Nelson Mandela.
Mandela was famously sentenced to life imprisonment on fabricated terrorism charges, only to walk out of jail decades later and rise to become South Africa’s first Black president a triumph that reshaped a nation.
Now, many believe Kanu, who was also handed a life sentence under similarly disputed terrorism allegations, could one day make a dramatic political comeback of his own.
Whether destiny will allow him to mirror Mandela’s extraordinary journey remains to be seen but the comparisons are already fuelling passionate debate, fierce hope among his supporters, and rising anxiety among his critics.
A Ukrainian lawmaker bashed President Donald Trump’s proposal to end the country’s four-year war with Russia during a new interview on Tuesday.
The Trump administration recently laid out a 28-point peace plan for Russia’s war in Ukraine, a plan that some experts say appears to have been written by Russian authorities. The initial plan included language requiring Ukraine to cede land to Russia and significantly reduce the size of its army. Even though the plan has undergone significant revisions since then, it will still be a “major issue” for the Ukrainian people to deal with, according to Ukrainian MP Lesia Vasylenko.
Vasylenko discussed the peace plan in a new interview with Times Radio.
“For the Ukrainian people, this will be a major issue to deal with for us as the country that has fallen victim to Russia’s aggression,” she said. “It’s absolutely unthinkable that we should be making concessions to appease the aggressor.”
Part of the 28-point peace plan called on Ukraine to draw down its long-range missiles that can reach Moscow. Some experts have speculated that the move would allow Russia more time to regroup and restart the war at a later date.
“Such tactics have never worked in history,” Vasylenko said. “And it would be awful to see history repeat itself when we’re appeasing the aggressor, buying time for the aggressor to regroup, rearm, and to wage another war, a war which will be all-encompassing, possibly going beyond the borders of Ukraine to our Eastern European neighbors to our Baltic neighbors, and dragging in the whole of the European continent. This is a very expensive solution.”
The alleged biological male athlete who was crowned the world’s strongest woman has been stripped of her title after she failed to tell organizers she was transgender.
American Jammie Booker defeated Great Britain’s Andrea Thompson to victory at the Official Strongman Games World Championships 2025 event in Arlington, Texas , over the weekend.
After her win, controversy emerged about Booker’s gender, leading the Official Strongman Games to release a statement and officially disqualify Booker, who they say has been dodging their calls.
‘We wanted to provide an update on what is happening following the Official Strongman Games World Championships 2025 which were held in Arlington, Texas over the weekend,’ the organization posted to Instagram Tuesday.
‘It appears that an athlete who is biologically male and who now identifies as female competed in the Women’s Open category. Official Strongman officials were unaware of this fact ahead of the competition, and we have been urgently investigating since being informed.’
‘An attempt has been made to contact the competitor involved but a response has not been received,’ the statement continued.
The organization added that if they were aware of Booker’s alleged gender identity, ‘this athlete would not have been permitted to compete in the Woman’s Open category.’
‘We are clear – competitors can only compete in the category for the biological sex recorded at birth.’
Booker has since been disqualified from the event and all participating athletes will have their points and places ‘altered accordingly to ensure that the rightful places are allocated to each of the Women’s Open athletes,’ officials shared.
The group said that although they are ‘inclusive’ and ‘any athlete is welcome’ at their events, ‘it is our responsibility to ensure fairness and ensure athletes are assigned to men or women’s categories based on whether they are recorded as male or female at birth.’
Rebecca Roberts, a three-time winner of World’s Strongest Woman, has sensationally claimed that no one – not even the organizers – knew about Booker’s background.
A YouTube video – uploaded to what appears to be Booker’s YouTube channel in September 2017, showed Booker saying: ‘Everyone is dying to tell their own story and I am obviously no exception to that.
‘I’m a 21-year-old trans woman with a history of abuse, struggling to stay true to herself while under the rule of her religious parents.’
On Monday night, Roberts posted a picture on Instagram which read ‘protect women’s sports.’ She wrote alongside the picture: ‘I hold no hate toward transgender people. Everyone deserves dignity, respect, and the freedom to live their truth.
‘But I cannot stay silent about something that threatens the fairness and future of women’s strength sports. Transgender women, people born male, should not be competing in the women’s category.
‘This isn’t about identity. It isn’t about politics. It’s about the undeniable physical differences that exist in strength-based sports… differences that don’t disappear, and that matter more here than almost anywhere else. Women’s categories were created for a reason, and if we lose that, we lose the foundation of our sport.
‘What happened this weekend wasn’t transparent. None of us knew. Not even the organisers knew. And when fairness is taken by surprise, trust in the sport begins to crack.
‘My message is simple. Trans people belong in sport, but women’s divisions must remain biologically born female-only.
‘I love this sport. I have given my life to it. And I won’t ignore something that could quietly change it forever. Congratulations to @andreathompson_strongwoman… the true World’s Strongest Woman 2025.’
MILLIONS FOR A MARCH! MALEMA GRILLS SAPS OVER R368M ‘SHUTDOWN BILL’”
Fireworks erupted as EFF leader Julius Malema demanded answers over the staggering R368 million the SAPS claims to have spent during the party’s nationwide shutdown in March 2023
In a heated exchange, Malema repeatedly pressed officials: “Which one is that? CFO says R368,000… you say R368 million which shutdown is this one that cost R368 million?” His disbelief echoed across the room as he challenged the police to justify the eye-watering amount.
Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane defended the massive expenditure, insisting the police were simply doing their duty: “There was a march in March, called a shutdown. Our responsibility is to protect citizens,” she stated.
But Malema wasn’t buying it, urging SAPS not to “change the story” after earlier figures reportedly didn’t match the final tally.
The revelation that SAPS spent R368 million on a single day of protests has reignited national outrage and Malema says the public deserves the truth.
President Donald Trump’s niece and vocal critic has called her uncle out for the peace proposal that she says puts Ukrainians — and global democracy — in a dangerous position.
In her Substack essay published Tuesday, Mary Trump described how Trump pressured Ukraine to reach the peace proposal by Nov. 27 and had threatened to withdraw the allied country’s access to U.S. intelligence.
“Ten months into his failure of a presidency, Donald has finally offered up a peace proposal. It’s so disadvantageous to Ukraine that it may as well have been written by Putin. And it probably was,” Mary Trump wrote.
She described how Trump’s adoration for Putin is what led to the controversial proposal that would force Ukraine to surrender “Donbas region, Crimea, and other occupied territories” and scale back its military size, limiting its use of long-range weapons.
“This is unacceptable, but if you consider that Donald has been in Putin’s pocket since the 1980s, it also makes perfect sense,” she wrote. “Being easily led and weak-kneed, Donald will not stand up to Putin. In fact, having been brought up by a patriarchal authoritarian sociopath, Donald was raised to admire and be subservient to authoritarians like Putin.”
Trump promised to end the war, but his regime and leadership have further damaged the situation, she added.
“How it ends matters greatly, and how it ends must reflect how it began–with an illegal invasion by Russia (ostensibly our adversary) of Ukraine (ostensibly our ally). What also needs to be factored into any peace plan is the fact that Ukraine is not just fighting for its own freedom and sovereignty; it is fighting for the future of Western liberal democracy. We all are the beneficiaries of the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people, and we owe them a debt of gratitude,” she wrote.
She argued that the world — and democracy — is at stake.
“Both sides should not have an equal say in the negotiations. Russia should get nothing. It should give back every square foot of territory it has stolen from the Ukrainian people,” Mary Trump wrote. “It should give back every resource it has stolen. It should have to pay them for all the damage it has caused. It must be forced to return all the Ukrainian children it has kidnapped. Tragically, it cannot restore the lives of those who have been murdered by Russia.”
Newly released emails obtained by Bloomberg on Tuesday provide a rare look inside the FBI’s handling of the vast Jeffrey Epstein files, revealing how agents and FOIA personnel meticulously reviewed the redacted records earlier this year.
The documents, released to Bloomberg reporter Jason Leopold via Freedom of Information Act requests, shed light on what the bureau has called the “Epstein Transparency Project” – including the striking number of manhours it took agents to comb through files.
The emails show that around 1,000 FBI special agents from the New York and Washington field offices joined FOIA staff at a Winchester, Virginia, facility to prepare the files for public release, Bloomberg reported Tuesday. Personnel were trained on redaction protocols through PowerPoint presentations and instructional videos, with “workflow guidance” updated based on discussions with the Justice Department.
“The FBI paid personnel from various divisions, including counterintelligence and international operations, $851,344 in overtime for working on the Epstein files between March 17 and March 22, according to the documents,” Leopold reported. “FBI personnel clocked in a total of 4,737 hours of overtime between January and July. Of that, more than 70% occurred during the month of March while personnel reviewed the Epstein files, the documents show.”
Emails also reveal that agents reviewed a wide range of materials, including “search warrant execution photos,” “street surveillance video” and “aerial footage from FBI search warrant execution,” the report said.
One email on March 24 noted: “Phase 1 redactions are complete” and added that “Phase 2” preparations were underway for “final delivery to DOJ.” By mid-April, personnel continued to check and refresh files in preparation for public release.
Leopold told readers that he had to sue the FBI to compel release of the emails, which the bureau partially redacted, while withholding “more than 161 pages citing ongoing law enforcement proceedings and other FOIA exemptions.”
Among the documents withheld from Leopold was a May 2 email sent by an FBI employee with an attachment titled, “Epstein Overview FINAL.”
ROYAL ROMANCE REJECTED! DUBAI PRINCESS TURNED DOWN AS AFRICA’S YOUNGEST PRESIDENT CHOOSES LOVE OVER LUXURY
OUAGADOUGOU: In a sensational twist fit for a blockbuster romance, the President of Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Traoré, has reportedly rejected a marriage proposal linked to Dubai’s royal family after a princess confessed she fell for him while watching his fiery speeches online.
Insiders claim the Dubai princess believed the union was possible since Islam permits up to four wives, and she openly expressed admiration for the young, charismatic leader. But Burkinabè sources say President Traoré graciously declined, insisting that his heart already belongs to his beautiful African wife and to the nation he leads.
Across the continent, Africans are applauding Traoré’s decision, celebrating it as a powerful statement of loyalty, cultural pride and respect for African womanhood.
In a world dazzled by wealth and royalty, Traoré’s stand is being hailed as a victory for dignity, tradition and true love.
OASIS FORUM POSTPONES MARCH PAST, WILL GATHER AT THE CATHEDRAL OF THE CHILD JESUS INSTEAD
The Oasis Forum has announced the postponement of its planned Peaceful March Past against Bill 7, which was scheduled for 28th November 2025.
The decision comes after the Forum heeded advice from the police, despite all formalities for the demonstration having already been completed.
According to the Forum, the postponement creates space for constructive engagement, with a meeting now set with President Hakainde Hichilema at State House on the same day the march was initially planned.
In place of the march, the Oasis Forum will hold an intercession prayer rally at Pope Square (Cathedral of the Child Jesus) in Lusaka on 28th November 2025, beginning at 08:30 hours.
https://youtu.be/p_uX96ZUjhI?si=CeutIanncu1oY6KW
The Forum says the gathering is meant to “seek the face of God” as they prepare for dialogue with the Head of State. Members of the public are invited to attend, with black prescribed as the dress code.
The Oasis Forum comprising CCZ, EFZ, LAZ, NGOCC, and ZCCB, reaffirmed its commitment to defending constitutionalism, the rule of law, and good governance.
…..No One Hates You, Infact Zambians Love You So Much that 59% Gave their Votes!
Dr. Grieve Chelwa, Associate Professor of Political Economy & Chair of Social Sciences at The Africa Institute, UAE, Wrote….
Mr. President, please stop this reckless and dangerous talk. You were voted into office by the third biggest majority (at 59%) since our country’s return to multiparty politics in 1991.
And you obtained this in the first round of voting going up against 15 opponents. These are numbers that the likes of Michael Sata and Levy Mwanawasa, giants of the post-1991 dispensation, could only dream of.
The people love you and they showed their love in the most convincing way possible in 2021.
Please stop this pity party and be the personification of the people’s aspirations – the reason why you were resoundingly voted into office in the first place.
A great many of our citizens are feeling let down by you on many fronts, not least of all is your government’s sinister intention to bulldoze through a constitution review process that doesn’t have popular support. It is not about you.
https://youtu.be/p_uX96ZUjhI?si=ldBkmpP14jB74oh-
It is about the future of the country that we all love and care deeply about. A country that will continue to exist long after we are all gone.
You were given a rare and overwhelming mandate to lead the affairs of this country in the direction of justice, equality and fairness.
Please rise to the occasion and stop letting the people down. That is all we are asking for.
President Hakainde Hichilema stated during his news conference at State House that he is the target of criticism or hatred due to his Tonga or Southern heritage.
This is not the first time he has used the Tonga victim card. He also used it when he was visited by civil society organisations in June 2025 during the height of the standoff over Edgar Lungu’s burial arrangements, demonstrating a habit of deflecting legitimate scrutiny.
Every time he faces scrutiny over policy failures or executive decisions, he asserts that public dissatisfaction stems from ethnic prejudice, specifically due to his Tonga heritage or origin from the Southern Province.
This is not only misleading; it is also dishonest and represents tribalism itself.
Criticism directed at a government, regardless of the President’s origin, is a standard feature of robust democracy.
Kenneth Kaunda faced criticism for failures in state diversification; Frederick Chiluba was criticised for pains arising from privatisation; Levy Mwanawasa was criticised for unresolved structural issues; Rupiah Banda was criticised for prioritising short-term stability at the expense of long-term planning; Michael Sata and Edgar Lungu were criticised for fiscal deterioration; however, they never claimed that such criticisms or animosity were due to their ethnic background or region of origin, which would have constituted playing the tribal card.
When citizens or civil society organisations question President Hichilema’s failed economic policies, escalating cost of living, concerns about the illegal constitutional amendments that are not people-driven, or lying in parliament that 92% of debt has been restructured when only 42% has been restructured, or failure to end load shedding nearly five years after promising to do so within a year of taking office, these are policy issues, not ethnic slights.
https://youtu.be/p_uX96ZUjhI?si=ldBkmpP14jB74oh-
To suggest that criticism of these areas is rooted solely in hatred because President Hichilema is Tonga misrepresents the nature of democratic engagement.
Accountability requires leaders to justify their actions based on their performance, not their immutable or ethnic characteristics.
When President Hichilema claims that he is criticised or hated because he is Tonga or Southerner, this is a misattribution of tribalism, a phenomenon in which a person believes they are being criticised because of their tribe, when in fact they are criticised as an individual for their poor leadership style, which has nothing to do with ethnic identity or region.
His tribal victim card undermines the democratic expectation that the highest office is answerable to all citizens irrespective of geography or tribe.
President Hichilema’s continuous invocation of tribal victimhood is inherently divisive and poses a significant threat to Zambia’s delicate social fabric.
National cohesiveness is based on the fact that President Hichilema represents the whole Zambian population, which is why in 2021, more than 100,000 votes were cast for him outside of the Southern province. If he was despised for being Tonga or a Southerner, he would never have received such votes beyond his home territory.
The President’s implied ethnic motivation for opposition or dissatisfaction validates and exacerbates pre-existing tribal fault lines.
This political tactic is particularly dangerous because it provides ammunition to actual tribal chauvinists who might use President Hichilema’s own framing to justify more extreme, identity-based political mobilisation as we go towards the 2026 elections.
His cyclical reinforcement of ethnic division clouds substantive political debate. Instead of addressing tangible issues such as genuine participation in the constitutional reforms or late payment of farmers, the political discourse becomes bogged down in defending or attacking ethnic identity.
President Hichilema must know better that democracy functions optimally when leaders willingly subject themselves to critique. When a President pre-emptively labels critique as tribal hatred, they signal an intolerance for the democratic process itself.
Accountability is not an act of malice; it is the mechanism by which the electorate ensures that the presidency serves the nation’s interests rather than the president’s personal or factional or party agenda.
Thus, President Hichilema’s tendency to attribute criticism of his governance to tribal prejudice is a counterproductive political manoeuvre. It obscures necessary conversations about policy efficacy and constitutional integrity. While recognising the existence of tribal politics in Zambia is crucial, weaponising this history to deflect accountability for present-day performance is strategically dishonest and democratically corrosive. True leadership demands confronting policy critiques head-on, demonstrating competence, and fostering a political climate where performance, not ethnicity or origin, dictates public assessment.
For the sake of Zambia’s long-term stability and democratic maturity, President Hichilema must stop the divisive practice of playing the tribal victim card and instead embrace the full weight of democratic accountability.
There are moments in a nation’s life when its leader must rise above the fray, speak with clarity, and offer the country a mirror not to reflect his own grievances but to illuminate the path forward for those that he is leading. Alas, President Hakainde Hichilema’s address from State House this morning was not such a moment.
Instead of confronting the present with candour, the President chose to retreat into a familiar cocoon of grievance and revisionism. He spoke of buses operating freely, of a rule of law supposedly restored, yet every commuter in Lusaka knows the truth that bus operators still pay cadres to load and that extortion is not a relic of the past. It is in fact the currency of the present.
What the President failed to mention were the abductions, the beatings, the stonings, and the killings like those in Mufumbwe. He did not speak of the party loyalists who profited from chaos nor of the senior members who gleefully joined the gold rush. He did not address the police’s selective inertia when citizens are attacked for daring to dissent. Instead, he offered a sanitised narrative as if the nation were a stage and he its sole actor.
More troubling still was his invocation of lynching, a term with grim and specific historical weight. Who precisely is being lynched in Zambia today? And by whom? The protests have so far been peaceful. The only violence has come from those in uniform or those emboldened by political proximity.
The President’s attempt to prescribe how citizens should protest suggesting that demonstrations must be conducted in a manner palatable to him betrays a very fundamental misunderstanding of democracy. Protest is not a favour granted by the state. It is a right and which is not for the President to choreograph.
Perhaps the most revealing moment came when he lamented that some people hate him because he was born in a village. This is not the first time he has reached for this line. It is a tired refrain, one that seeks to reduce legitimate criticism to tribal prejudice. But the protests against constitutional amendments are not about his birthplace. They are about power, accountability, and the erosion of trust.
Let us not forget. When Bill 10 was defeated, his party celebrated, youths marched freely and no one accused them of tribalism. No one suggested they were driven by hatred of President Lungu’s ethnicity because they were not. This President knew that then and he knows it now but chooses to play this very divisive tribal card. Since when did an unpopular Bill 7 take on a tribal face?
https://youtu.be/p_uX96ZUjhI?si=ldBkmpP14jB74oh-
The President’s selective memory is staggering. He spoke of the Bill of Rights as though he were its champion, forgetting that it was he who helped defeat its amendment. He cited UNIP’s 1991 constitutional changes incorrectly as a precedent. In truth, UNIP amended the constitution to call for early elections and that, not during an election year. He referenced MMD’s 1996 amendment without acknowledging its controversial exclusionary intent. Then, with a flourish, he goes on to praise Frederick Chiluba aka red aka black for turning the country around. One wonders which version of history he subscribes to.
He dismissed peaceful demonstrations as street fights, a phrase that reveals more about his disdain for dissent than any concern for public order. He claimed civil society was silent, apparently unaware of the Oasis Forum, LAZ, and others who stood firm in darker times. But then again, he was not a politician then and maybe was simply not paying attention.
Most astonishingly, he accused a priest of plotting to rig elections against the UPND. That is not merely reckless. It is an affront to the dignity of the office he holds.
The President often speaks in the plural, ‘we’ instead of ‘I’, as if to diffuse responsibility across a faceless collective. The presidency is not a committee, it is a singular burden with the buck stopping with him.
Being President is not a right. It is a privilege which demands more than the provision of leadership rather than the airing of grievances and the holding of pity parties. It demands humility, honesty, and the courage to confront uncomfortable truths.
Zambia is not against the President’s roots. All past Presidents, with the possible exception of late former President EC Lungu, were born in villages. One’s place of birth has no bearing with one’s performance. The President needs to understand that what the nation is against is his bad performance in office. No amount of rhetorical sleight of hand can change that.
If Mr Hichilema wishes to lead a united nation, he must first stop dividing it with his insinuations. If he wishes to be remembered as a reformer, he must stop rewriting history. And if he wishes to be respected, he must begin by respecting the intelligence of the people he serves.
The country is watching. And history, as always, is taking notes.
NO MR PRESIDENT, YOU CAN’T MAKE OUR CONSTITUTION ABOUT YOUR PERSON, SAYS LAURA AS SHE COUNSELS PRESIDENT HICHILEMA
President Hichilema, in his press address this morning, started by setting out the economic survival, first, and then progress that the country has made, since he came into office.
I agree that his government must be commended for how it has managed the economy.
The simple fact is that no one has concretely told us how they could have painlessly charted the path out of the debilitating debt and economic mess we were in.
True, too, is that tis government’s social spending has been remarkable, considering how dry our coffers were.
It was the President’s thoughts on the Constitution that worried me. I just don’t get how the President can insist that those who have expressed their concern with the Bill 7 process, are doing so as a personal slight against him.
No, Mr President, you can’t make our constitution about your person. The supreme law of the land belongs to the people of the land. We the people give ourselves this constitution – is what the preamble says. It is, therefore, patently wrong to center one of the constitution’s own creations, in discussing its amendment. Mr President, your office is a creature of the constitution. Never take its discussion, personally.
Let me address the President’s claim that this is the first time citizens are standing up against a constitutional amendment, they do not want.
What about Bill 10 and President Chiluba’s third term bid? Surely the President remembers how both those attempts at amending the constitution in the interest of the sitting government, were defeated by the people. This President was actually part of rejecting Bill 10. That citizen resistance was loud and did go into the streets – peacefully. Any violence came from the then government.
I will have to the same question the President asked us – If citizens stood up against President Chiluba’s and President Lungu’s attempts to amend the constitution in a way they did not like, why not him? Why was standing up against Bill 10 the right of citizens, but against Bill 7, it is a personal attack on the sitting President?
https://youtu.be/p_uX96ZUjhI?si=ldBkmpP14jB74oh-
What has changed?
As for 1996, come on Mr President!
The reason the Mung’omba Commission was set up, was because the day after the 1996 constitution passed, it was already a big problem. As many will remember, 1996 was a most problematic amendment whose aim was to introduce the parentage clause that barred President Kaunda from contesting the next election and also the simple majority win for the Presidential election that gave us a problematic first Mwanawasa term. Both those changes upset citizens enough to be subsequently changed.
That is exactly where we would be if Bill 7 passed. Needing an amendment even before the President’s signature dried on it.
Then, there is this idea of fronting CDF to justify delimitation. CDF is less than 5% of the budget. Why not speak about all the other non- constituency-based resources that have the responsibility of changing our rural areas? Most mischievous about that argument is to claim that one needs delimitation in order to share CDF, equitably.
The constitution does not say Kanchibiya and Lusaka Central should receive the same CDF amount. That decision is made by the sitting government just like it decides the CDF amount. Just like UPND did not need a constitutional amendment to increase CDF, it does not need one to share CDF according to need.
By the way, Mr President, by stating that those who do not want the constitution amended in a rushed, government-centred manner are motivated by the desire to have someone else in office, it can be concluded that you too want to change the constitution right now, only for political reasons.
I will end with the matter of dialogue.
Yes, Mr President, you did invite CSOs to State House to discuss Bill 7. You have to agree, though, that the sense of disappointment felt by many arises directly from that meeting and the promise you categorically made when deferring the passage of Bill 7 through Parliament.
Mr President no one in that meeting would have agreed to the Technical Committee being set up only on Bill 7 clauses. Only to launder the rejected Bill in a rushed, shoddy process where no two sittings followed the same rules.
Essentially the feeling Sir, is of being promised a hearty meal of chicken and uncovering the the plate to find chicken feet swimming in watery soup.
Dialogue is only useful if both parties can expect that it is being done in good faith, and nothing agreed will be fundamentally changed, post discussion. Dialogue is not an end in itself. It is not meant to be a box ticking exercise.
To end, here is a variation of the question the President asked the nation this morning. What is in Bill 7 that the UPND so desperately wants it, now?
RE: NOTIFICATION OF INTENDED PROCESSION AGAINST BILL NO. 7 OF 2025 – ADVISORY UNDER THE PUBLIC ORDER ACT (CAP 113)
We acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 10th November 2025, addressed to the Inspector General of Police and copied to the Lusaka Province Police Commanding Officer, notifying the Zambia Police Service of your intention to conduct a procession/march past in opposition to Bill No. 7 of 2025 and the Technical Committee appointed to review the Constitution of Zambia.
While the Zambia Police Service fully recognises and respects the constitutional rights of citizens and organisations to freedom of expression and assembly as provided under Articles 20 and 21 of the Constitution of Zambia, we are constrained to bring the following to your urgent attention:
1. There is an ongoing Consultative Process by the Technical Committee in respect of the proposed Constitution amendments in furtherance of a judgment of the Constitutional Court in the case of Munir Zulu and another.
2. The OASIS Forum has commenced a fresh action in the Constitutional Court and is awaiting a Ruling in respect of a conservatory order that was applied to halt the works of the Technical committee, and the Ruling is scheduled to take place on 25th November 2025.
3. That Republican President has invited all persons aggrieved by ongoing consultative process for the amendment of the Constitution for a dialogue at State House.
4. We have picked up intelligence of unscrupulous individuals who are planning on using the proposed demonstration to bring anarchy and disorder during the procession which threaten the peace
Arising from the above, we respectfully urge the Oasis Forum and all concerned stakeholders to reconsider and withhold the planned procession out of respect for the judicial process and the underlying security concerns to avoid any actions that may potentially endanger public safety.
https://youtu.be/p_uX96ZUjhI?si=3xqYfCqLiOC5Y1w2
We remain committed to facilitating the lawful exercise of constitutional rights and are available for further dialogue should you wish to explore alternative ways of expressing your concerns within the confines of the law.
ZAMBIANS DON’T HATE THE PRESIDENT – THEY HATE UNFULFILLED PROMISES, SAYS NJOBVU
In a strongly worded reaction to President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent national address, Democratic Union President Ackim Antony Njobvu says the Head of State is misreading the nation’s frustrations, insisting that “Zambians don’t hate the President, they hate the lies, the unfulfilled promises, and the failure to deliver on key issues.”
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Kumwesu, Njobvu said the President’s speech was dominated by self-praise and missed the opportunity to address the real challenges ordinary citizens are facing from persistent load shedding and farmer payments to political violence and the controversial Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7.
He noted that Zambians expect clarity on national issues, not emotional statements about being “hated.” “No one hates him. People are simply tired of promises that never materialise,” Njobvu emphasised.
According to him, the biggest points of public dissatisfaction are:
1. Broken Promises and Rising Hardships
Mr. Njobvu said citizens feel betrayed by the continued failure to deliver on key commitments, especially as economic pressures deepen. He cited unpaid farmers, rising unemployment, high cost of living, and chronic electricity shortages as issues the President should have addressed decisively.
2. Load Shedding and Power Projects That Don’t Benefit Communities
He questioned why previous power projects, such as the much-publicised 100MW Chisamba project, were diverted to mines instead of helping households. “People want power, not announcements,” he said, urging government to ensure proposed constituency-level mini-grids do not become political rhetoric.
3. Political Violence and Cadreism
Njobvu welcomed the President’s remarks on ending political violence but challenged him to go further by denouncing cadreism outright and dismantling its structures. “Unity cannot be achieved if cadreism remains untouched,” he said.
4. Constitution Amendment Process — Trust Deficit
He argued that citizens distrust the current reform process because it appears to be initiated by the Executive rather than the people. “Zambians want an inclusive, transparent, citizen-driven process not piecemeal amendments rushed before an election,” he said.
He added that time has not been adequate for thorough consultations, especially in rural areas where many citizens face barriers to participation.
5. Misinterpretation of Opposition to Bill 7
According to Njobvu, those resisting the amendments are not driven by hatred but by national interest. “People simply want a Constitution that can stand the test of time. It’s not tribalism, it’s not hatred it’s principle.”
https://youtu.be/p_uX96ZUjhI?si=ldBkmpP14jB74oh-
6. Presidential Threats Against Peaceful Protest Were “Unnecessary”
He criticised the President for warning Oasis Forum over its planned peaceful protest, saying protests are a constitutional right. “How does a democracy threaten citizens for exercising their rights? The President should have simply said: ‘Protest peacefully.’ That’s leadership,” he stated.
7. What Zambians Actually Hate
Njobvu outlined the real frustrations driving public sentiment:
They hate lies.
They hate unfulfilled promises.
They hate lack of consultation.
They hate being sidelined in national processes.
They hate threats instead of dialogue.
They hate poverty that keeps getting worse.
He stressed that the anger is rooted in performance, not personality.
“Zambians Mean Well”
Njobvu has further urged the President to rebuild trust through humility, inclusiveness, and accountability. “We are heading into a general election. The country needs unity, not division. Apologise where necessary, deliver where promised, and listen to the people. That’s all Zambians are asking for.”
UNPACKING THE OPPOSITION TO CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT BILL NO. 7 OF 2025
As the debate around the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025 intensifies, several key actors have emerged as vocal critics. Among them are Socialist Party leader Fred M’membe, Citizens First President Harry Kalaba, New Heritage Party President Chishala Kateka, and sections of the Catholic Church. Their opposition has aligned with renewed calls by the Oasis Forum for nationwide protests, including a demonstration at State House, raising fundamental questions: Why are these groups opposed to the Bill, and do their actions reflect the will of the Zambian people or a deeper political agenda?
At the centre of the controversy is the perception that the Bill contains provisions that may alter the balance of power, adjust governance structures, or redefine certain constitutional protections. Although government officials defend the Bill as a necessary step to refine governance and strengthen institutions, critics insist that some clauses may weaken democratic safeguards or open the door to political manipulation.
Dr. Fred M’membe and other political leaders argue that constitutional amendments of such magnitude must undergo extensive dialogue, consensus-building, and broad public participation. They fear that rushing the process could produce a document shaped more by political convenience than national interest. By joining the calls for protests, these leaders are positioning themselves as defenders of constitutionalism, though observers note that political calculations cannot be entirely discounted.
The Catholic Church, historically a crucial moral voice in Zambia’s governance debates, has expressed concerns about specific provisions it believes may erode accountability or limit citizen oversight. For a Church known for advocating social justice and participatory governance, its caution is consistent with previous national debates such as the 2016 Bill of Rights referendum and earlier constitutional reform attempts.
The position of Lungisani Lungu, President of the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), adds a legal dimension to the pushback. LAZ has long maintained that constitutional reforms must be insulated from partisan interests. By supporting the Oasis Forum’s calls for peaceful protest, Lungu signals the Association’s doubt about the process, the content, or the timing of the Bill. LAZ’s involvement traditionally influences public confidence in legal and constitutional matters, making its stance particularly significant.
But does this opposition mean that the Zambian public has outright rejected the Bill? Not necessarily.
While certain sections of society have amplified their objections, others, including civil servants, community leaders, and ordinary citizens, are still studying the Bill or awaiting clearer explanations of its implications. The national mood is not uniform, and Zambia has a history of spirited debate whenever constitutional amendments are proposed. It is, therefore, premature to conclude that the entire nation has taken a firm position.
What is evident, however, is that some opposing voices may be motivated not only by concerns over constitutional integrity but by political strategy. In a competitive political environment, rallying against a major governmental proposal is often a way to gain visibility, consolidate a support base, or position oneself as a defender of democracy ahead of future elections.
Yet, regardless of motives, their concerns should not be dismissed. Zambia’s constitutional history teaches that durable reforms emerge only from broad consensus, transparency, and inclusive dialogue. Any perception of secrecy, haste, or political engineering, real or imagined, will continue to deepen suspicion.
As the national debate unfolds, one thing is clear: Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 of 2025 has become more than a legal document. It is now a political battleground, a civic test, and a measure of how Zambia navigates disagreement while safeguarding democracy.
In the end, the question is not only who supports or opposes the Bill, but whether Zambia’s leaders, institutions, and citizens can rise above partisanship to shape a Constitution that truly reflects the will of the people.
