CHURCH LEADERS CONDEMN THE RAIDING OF NDOLA MAYOR’S RESIDENCE IN HIS ABSENCE
Ndola, 21 June 2025 — A group of Church leaders in Ndola has expressed deep concern over a raid conducted on the residence of Ndola Mayor, Jones Kalyati, by officers from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Zambia Police.
The incident reportedly took place in the early hours of Saturday morning while the mayor was in Lusaka attending a funeral.
According to Reverend Chilekwa Mulenga, who issued a statement on behalf of the Church leadership, approximately six ACC officers from Lusaka, accompanied by armed police personnel, arrived at the mayor’s Kasenshi residence around 04:00 hours and remained there until 11:00 hours.
It was reported that the mayor’s wife was at home during the search and was left distressed, along with their children, by the operation.
Reverend Mulenga stated that the officers seized certain documents, the purpose of which was unclear, and questioned the necessity and timing of the raid.
He suggested that the ACC should have waited for Mayor Kalyati to return from Lusaka and issued a formal summons if there had been any genuine cause for investigation.
The Church leaders further described the raid as an act of political aggression, claiming it contributed to a growing atmosphere of fear and division within the country.
Reverend Mulenga emphasized that such actions, particularly during a period of national mourning, were highly insensitive and uncalled for.
Referring to recent threats of arrests made by unnamed leaders prior to the sudden cancellation of national mourning, he warned that citizens were growing increasingly fearful of state institutions being used as tools against political opponents.
He urged the ACC to act professionally and independently, stating that the fight against corruption must be fair, non-selective, and free from political interference.
The Reverend questioned whether it was appropriate to treat a “distinguished public servant” like Mayor Kalyati as though he were a common criminal.
“The nation needs healing,” Reverend Mulenga concluded, calling for justice and professionalism from all state agencies involved.
African Presidents Who Died in Exile/Abroad with Disputed Burials
By Brenda Zulu
If the former sixth President of Zambia Edgar Changwa Lungu is finally buried in South Africa as the family wishes, he will join a list of African leaders whose death, repatriation, or burial became a flashpoint of national debate or legal contention. As Zambians, let’s learn from history and what happened to other African leaders who died in exile with disputed burials.
1. Edgar Lungu – Zambia 🇿🇲 • Died: June 5, 2025, Pretoria, South Africa • Context: Former president (2015–2021), incarcerated rival Hichilema in 2017. • Dispute: The family demanded Hakainde Hichilema be barred from the funeral, stalling repatriation twice • Outcome: A temporary agreement in mid-June scheduled state funeral for June 22 and burial at Embassy Park on June 23. However, the family halted repatriation again citing broken protocol. Amid this stalemate, Presiden Hakahinde Hichilema officially ended the national mourning and announced the funeral would proceed with or without family cooperation • Family have now decided that the body will be buried in South Africa. We are still not aware of the dates yet.
2. José Eduardo dos Santos – Angola 🇦🇴 • Died: July 8, 2022, Barcelona, Spain • Context: After 38 years in power, dos Santos lived in Barcelona post-retirement. • Dispute: His family (notably daughter Tchizé and siblings) argued he wished to be buried privately in Spain, delaying any move by authorities to bring him home for a state funeral before the August election • A Barcelona court eventually cleared the way for repatriation. • Outcome: Arrived in Luanda August 21; received a state funeral on August 28 at Agostinho Neto Memorial and was buried at Alto das Cruzes cemetery amid election-related tension
3. Ahmadou Ahidjo – Cameroon 🇨🇲 • Died: November 30, 1989, Dakar, Senegal • Context: First president (1960–1982), forced into exile after political rift. • Dispute: Despite occasional calls for repatriation, his body has remained in Dakar since his death. Public and official interest persists, but no resolution to return his remains.
4. Mobutu Sese Seko – Democrat Republic of Congo 🇨🇩 (Zaire) • Died: September 7, 1997, Rabat, Morocco • Context: Ruled 1965–1997 before fleeing corruption charges. • Dispute: While the DRC Assembly passed a resolution in 2007 advocating his return to Kinshasa, it never materialized. His body remains in Rabat
5. Mutesa II of Buganda – Uganda 🇺🇬 • Died: November 21, 1969, London, UK • Context: Ousted monarch and president during Milton Obote’s coup. • Dispute: Initially buried in London, his remains were only repatriated in 1971 after political negotiations. He was reinterred at the Kasubi Tombs in Uganda .
6. Mwambutsa IV – Burundi 🇧🇮 • Died: 1977, Switzerland • Context: Exiled king/head of state. • Dispute: Remains were brought to Burundi in 2012 amid legal battles. Ultimately, due to family-backed legal rulings, he was reburied in Switzerland in 2016
7. Zine el Abidine Ben Ali – Tunisia 🇹🇳 • Died: September 2019, Saudi Arabia • Context: Fled the Tunisian Revolution in 2011, died in exile. • Dispute: Buried in secrecy. Tunisian officials debated repatriation, but the secretive burial and lack of official return stirred public controversy
8. Robert Mugabe – Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 Died: September 2019, Harare (but battle over burial site) September 6, 2019, in Singapore. His body was flown back and arrived in Harare on September 11 for a staged state funeral at the National Sports Stadium Context: Overthrown in 2017; declared a “national hero” by courts. • Dispute: Government insisted on burial at Heroes’ Acre; his widow contested, resulting in court delays before burial decision. There was a fierce dispute between the government and the Mugabe family over the burial site. President Mnangagwa’s administration wanted the hero’s burial at Heroes’ Acre in Harare, but Grace Mugabe and family insisted on Kutama—Mugabe’s hometown.
On September 26, 2019, it was announced that he’d be buried in Kutama “to respect the wishes of the family” (en.wikipedia.org).The burial took place on September 28, 2019, in Kutama, beside his mother in the family burial plot; a private ceremony included his second wife, Grace .
Traditional Ruling and Exhumation
In May 2021, Chief Zvimba leader of Mugabe’s home district ruled that Grace Mugabe had violated tradition by burying Mugabe at home rather than at Heroes’ Acre. He ordered the exhumation of Mugabe’s body for reburial at the national shrine and fined Grace “five cows and two goats” The ruling cited that Mugabe had reportedly wished to be buried next to his mother, yet the traditional court decreed he belonged at Heroes’ Acre
Family Resistance and Government Pressure
Leo Mugabe, family spokesperson, contested the traditional chief’s decision, stating he held “no jurisdiction” and vowing to appeal . The family remained reluctant to move his remains. The government leveraged political pressure, as Heroes’ Acre is reserved for those deemed “national heroes” of the liberation struggle and symbolizes ZANU PF’s legacy.
Burial At Heroes’ Acre? The chief emphasized that interim requests suggested Mugabe wanted burial alongside his mother in Kutama, but tradition and state protocol overrode that wish, placing him instead in the esteemed resting place built under his own watch. As of today 2025, it’s unclear whether the exhumation has occurred. The traditional ruling stands, but families can still lodge appeals. The government is expected to continue advocating for reburial at Heroes’ Acre.
9. Félix Malloum – Chad 🇹🇩 • Died: June 12, 2009, Paris, France • Context: President (1975–1982), exiled in Nigeria then France. • Repatriation: His body returned to Chad in 2002; no major dispute over burial.
10. Ange Félix Patassé – Central African Republic • Died: April 2007, Douala, Cameroon • Context: Exiled former president. • Repatriation: His burial in Central African Republic happened quietly; no prominent state-level controversy.
11. Thomas Sankara (1949–1987) – Burkina Faso 🇧🇫 • Died: October 15, 1987, Ouagadougou • Context: Note. Though not exiled, Assassinated revolutionary leader. October 15, 1987 – Sankara was killed in Ouagadougou during a coup led by Blaise Compaoré, his former ally. His body and those of 12 of his colleagues were hastily interred in a mass grave at Dagnoën cemetery, situated on the outskirts of the capital.
Public silence: Compaoré’s regime suppressed investigation attempts and blocked family efforts to access the burial site, leaving the true circumstances of death shrouded in secrecy.
Exhumation and Forensic Investigation (2015)
Trigger of truth: After Compaoré’s 2014 ousting, Burkina Faso’s transitional government approved exhumations in May 2015 to identify the bodies, verify deaths, and gather evidence for a planned legal trial • Revealing evidence: Investigators, including forensic teams from Burkina Faso and France, exhumed 13 bodies to examine bullet wounds and collect DNA samples from Sankara’s family—his widow Mariam, sons, and siblings, who had long disputed the official narrative.
Trial and Fortress of Justice
Judicial reckoning: The exhumation led to the historic 2021 trial of 14 defendants, including Blaise Compaoré and former intelligence head Gen. Gilbert Diendéré, accused of conspiring in Sankara’s assassination. Key life sentences were issued in April 2022
Reburial Ceremony (2023)
Honoring the fallen: On February 23, 2023, the exhumed remains of Sankara and his 12 companions were ceremonially reburied at the site of their assassination. The coffins, draped in national flag, were laid to rest in front of family, government dignitaries, and military officials. The location was officially sanctified as a memorial space rather than a traditional cemetery.
Legacy Mausoleum and Memorial (2025)
A tribute by design: In early 2025, Pritzker Prize–winning architect Francis Kéré was commissioned by President Ibrahim Traoré to design the Thomas Sankara Memorial complex in Ouagadougou. The memorial includes an oval-shaped mausoleum, an 87 m tower, amphitheater, conference spaces, and reflective water features around the preservation of the assassination site. Crafted from traditional earth materials and laterite, the design aims to merge sustainability with cultural resonance of transforming a place of death into one of education, unity, and hope.
12. Kwame Nkrumah (1909–1972) – Ghana’s Founding Father – Ghana 🇬🇭 Exiled in Guinea
• Died: April 27, 1972, Bucharest, Romania, where he was receiving treatment after exile in Guinea. Nkrumah had lived in Conakry, Guinea, after his 1966 overthrow, then moved to Romania for medical care. • Context: Overthrown and lived in Guinea after 1966 coup. • Repatriation: Returned to Ghana in 1973; sources mention debate over his final
First Burial – Guinea and Home Village • Return to Africa: His embalmed body was sent to Guinea Conakry three days after his death; public funeral services were held on May 13–14, 1972, attended by African leaders. • Transfer to Ghana: On July 1, 1972, Ghanaian military and Guinean officials arranged a flight home; the body arrived in Accra, lay in state at the State House, then was transported to his birthplace, Nkroful. • Burial in Nkroful: On July 9, 1972, Nkrumah was laid to rest in a tomb at Nkroful, his hometown near Ghana’s western border.
Second Burial – Accra Mausoleum
• Decision to build mausoleum: In 1992, under President Jerry Rawlings, Ghana built the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Accra, on the former British polo grounds—site of the 1957 Independence Declaration. • Exhumation and re-interment: His remains were exhumed from Nkroful and ceremonially reburied under the new mausoleum on July 1, 1992, marking Ghana’s Republic anniversary. • Current status: The mausoleum, recently renovated in 2023, features his marble tomb, museum, reflecting pool—serving as both shrine and educational center .
Why Two Burials?
• Personal vs national symbolism: The 1972 burial honored family and birthplace. The 1992 reburial placed Nkrumah at Ghana’s heart—symbolically central to its identity and history.
• Nation-building and memory: The Accra mausoleum integrates Nkrumah into the national narrative, transforming him into a perpetual figure of independence and Pan-Africanism.
• Heritage and reconciliation: The park and museum aim to educate and foster unity thereby rehumanizing Nkrumah after years of political divisiveness.
Kindly add more information the list. What common threads do you see in all these disputed burials of former Presidents.
PF MPs START ARRIVING IN SOUTH AFRICA FOR FORMER PRESIDENT LUNGU’S PRIVATE FUNERAL
Some Patriotic Front (PF) members of Parliament have started arriving in South Africa ahead of the burial of former President Ecdgar Chagwa Lungu.
Among them are Francis Kapyanga, MP for Mpika, and Lukas Simumba, MP for Nakonde, both from Muchinga Province, a traditional stronghold of the PF, historically often referred to as the party’s “bedroom” due to its strong support base.
Notably, Kapyanga and Simumba are first-term lawmakers who gained their positions during the 2021 general elections when President Lungu lost to President Hakainde Hichilema.
“Hon. Lukas Simumba and I have just arrived safely in South Africa for the Boss’ funeral,” Kapyanga posted on his official Facebook account.
The burial arrangements for the late President Lungu have been marked by controversy, with the family opting for a private funeral in South Africa, where he passed away.
The decision comes after a prolonged impasse between the government and the family over state funeral arrangements.
The government had initially declared a national mourning period, which was set to end on June 23, but later canceled it after the family refused to allow the repatriation of Lungu’s body.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the burial arrangements, the Lungu family has confirmed that a private funeral will be held in South Africa.
EDITOR’S CHOICE – ECL is Being Buried in A Foreign Land: History will judge this moment not with the bias of politics, but with the clarity of time
By Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma
I write this with a heart weighed down by sorrow and disbelief. A nation that once proudly celebrated peaceful transitions of power now finds itself unable to grant one of its former presidents the most basic of dignities: to be buried in the soil of his homeland.
President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, the sixth President of the Republic of Zambia, a father, a husband, a patriot, will not rest among his people. Not because of war. Not because of exile. But because of pride, political hostility, and a shocking failure of leadership by sitting President Hakainde Hichilema. This is not just a personal tragedy for the Lungu family. It is a national wound, deep, raw, and wholly unnecessary.
A Final Wish Betrayed
In his final days, Edgar Lungu made a simple, solemn request: that President Hakainde Hichilema must not attend his funeral. It was not a gesture of pettiness, but a deeply personal plea — one born out of years of persecution, humiliation, and public degradation.
Since leaving office in 2021, Lungu endured an unrelenting campaign of political isolation. His family’s assets were seized. His loyal supporters, both in the Patriotic Front and beyond, were harassed, arrested, and silenced. His personal freedoms were stripped. His every step monitored. His every breath politicized. Even his attempts to jog or attend church were branded unlawful.
To allow the man who presided over that sustained campaign to then stand over his coffin was, to Lungu, the final insult. His last wish was his line in the sand. His final assertion of dignity in a climate that had shown him none. But that wish was denied.
A Family Backed Into a Corner
Instead of honouring this request with humility and restraint, the Hichilema administration imposed itself upon the mourning process. They insisted on a state funeral on their terms. They disregarded the family’s appeals. They brushed aside the legacy and wishes of a man who once occupied the very seat of power now held by President Hichilema. They are peeling my family like an onion, he publicly complained but those who were responsible celebrated.
And so, following his death the family — wounded, sidelined, and cornered — made the heartbreaking decision to bury their loved one in South Africa, where he died while seeking medical attention. Not because Zambia lacked the land on which to bury its former leaders, but because its president lacked the will to set politics aside.
This was not rebellion. It was an act of protection. A desperate attempt to shield Lungu’s final moments from further degradation. That Zambia, our Zambia, could not offer him a final resting place free from political interference is an enduring shame.
A Nation Denied Its Goodbye
The greatest tragedy is not only that Edgar Lungu will be laid to rest in foreign soil. It is that millions of Zambians — those who cheered him, challenged him, respected him — will be denied the chance to say goodbye.
From the streets of Lusaka to the markets of Mongu, from the copper towns of the north to the plains of the east, Zambians were ready to gather in solidarity. Not just to mourn a man, but to mourn the moment, the era, and the complexities of his legacy.
But that right has been taken from them. Hijacked by a political climate more concerned with optics than with honour. What should have been a moment of unity has become one of deepening division.
When Pride Overrules Patriotism
Funerals are not political stages. They are sacred moments of humility, reflection, and grace. They are, by their very nature, larger than politics. And yet, the UPND administration chose to dominate what should have been solemn and sacred.
President Hichilema had a rare opportunity to rise above personal history. To say, “For the sake of the nation, I will step aside, as requested by the deceased and his grieving family.” That act alone could have united Zambia and demonstrated true leadership.
Instead, he chose control over compassion, power over peace, pride over patriotism. What happened is not just the denial of a request. It is the desecration of a principle — the idea that even those we disagree with deserve dignity in death.
As prominent historian Dr Sishuwa Sishuwa repeatedly asked, “What exactly was in Lungu’s funeral for Hichilema that he would force himself onto a funeral programme of his predecessor where he has been explicitly told by the deceased’s grieving family that his participation is not welcome? What exactly is preventing him from stepping aside if he has no interest whatsoever in this issue?” One may add, if Hichilema cannot step aside for a funeral, what are the chances that he will easily step aside if he lost the 2026 election?
A Dangerous Precedent for Our Democracy
Today it is Edgar Lungu. Tomorrow it could be someone else, perhaps even a current ally of the ruling party. If we normalize the disregard of final wishes, the politicization of grief, and the manipulation of mourning, then we have lost more than a leader. We have lost our moral compass.
We must ask ourselves: Are we only loyal to democracy when it favours us? Are we only respectful of leaders when they share our ideology?
Zambia has long stood as a symbol of peace, democracy, and political civility in Africa. This moment chips away at that legacy. It sets a precedent that every Zambian, regardless of their politics, should find deeply disturbing.
Conclusion: A National Shame, A Lost Opportunity
President Edgar Lungu was not perfect. No leader is. But he was one of us. He loved this country, served it in both calm and crisis, and most importantly, peacefully handed over power in 2021 when others in his position might have clung to it.
He deserved to be buried here, on Zambian soil, with honour and in peace. Instead, his body will rest in a foreign land because of one man: Hichilema. Protected not from enemies abroad, but from bitterness at home.
This is not just the loss of a leader. It is the loss of something sacred in our national soul.
History will judge this moment not with the bias of politics, but with the clarity of time. And when that day comes, we must be prepared to answer the difficult questions: Why did we let this happen? Why did we allow pride to triumph over grace? Why did we turn a farewell into a fight?
In dishonouring Edgar Lungu, we have not just dishonoured a former president. We have dishonoured ourselves. And Zambia, the nation he served, will carry that burden long after the mourning ends.
CRACKS EMERGE IN PF AS GIVEN LUBINDA LAMBAST MAKEBI ZULU FOR MAKING THEM WAIT FOR THE BODY AT THE AIRPORT.
By: Larry L Mweetwa
Cracks Emerge in PF as Lubinda Lambasts Makebi Zulu for Airport Body Snub Lusaka, Zambia – What do you call a group of politicians waiting for a body that never arrives? The Patriotic Front (PF) Lusaka MPS, apparently.
In a scene that could have been ripped from a slapstick comedy, senior PF members were left scratching their heads, and perhaps their wallets for parking fees, after a highly anticipated arrival of former President Edgar Lungu’s remains at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) turned into a no-show.
The reason? A last-minute U-turn orchestrated by none other than Makebi Zulu, leaving Given Lubinda fuming and the party’s internal divisions more exposed than a comedian’s fly.
Sources close to the PF, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of being forced to wear a clown nose at the next central committee meeting, revealed that a contingent of Lusaka-based MPs, dressed in their finest mourning attire (presumably ironed, unlike the party’s current unity), had gathered at KKIA. Anticipation was high, with one MP reportedly overheard practicing his eulogy in the men’s restroom, only to be interrupted by a janitor asking if he needed help finding the toilet paper.
“We were there, ready,” lamented a visibly exasperated Given Lubinda, whose usual jovial demeanor was replaced by the kind of scowl usually reserved for a drummer who’s just dropped a stick mid-solo. “We cleared our schedules, we told our constituents we were on important national duty – which, technically, waiting for a former president’s body is. And then, poof! Gone like a politician’s promise after an election!”
The source of the phantom body phenomenon, it turns out, was a directive from South Africa, allegedly delivered by Makebi Zulu. “It was like a plot twist in a poorly written movie,” quipped a young PF cadre, who added, “First, he’s a lawyer, then a minister, now he’s a body traffic controller? What’s next, a stand-up comic?” The decision, reportedly made “at the eleventh hour,” left the Lusaka contingent high and dry, and considerably red-faced.
“I’ve heard of pulling the rug out from under someone, but this was pulling the coffin out from under an entire party!” Lubinda declared, his voice rising in exasperation. “We looked like a bunch of lost tourists at the airport, asking ‘Is this where the body arrives?’ The airlines must have thought we were a new type of flash mob!”
The incident has, predictably, opened a can of worms, or perhaps a bag of bad jokes, within the PF. “Cracks? My friend, we’re talking about the Grand Canyon of disagreements here!” joked another MP, who then quickly added, “Don’t quote me on that, I still want a ministerial position if we ever win again.”
The airport saga is seen by many as further evidence of the internal power struggles plaguing the former ruling party. “It’s like a drum solo where everyone is playing a different rhythm,” observed one political analyst, who requested anonymity, fearing they might be asked to join the PF’s new “Airport Waiting Committee.” “One minute they’re united, the next they’re contradicting each other on basic logistical matters. It’s less of a political party and more of a comedy troupe.”
When reached for comment, Makebi Zulu’s phone went straight to voicemail, which reportedly played a muffled recording of a drum roll followed by a cymbal crash and then a dial tone. Efforts to get a statement from former President Lungu’s family were also unsuccessful, though one family member was heard muttering, “At this rate, we should just send a selfie of the urn.”
As for the PF Lusaka MPs, they’re reportedly considering a new party slogan: “PF: We’re still waiting… for something.” And if all else fails, perhaps a career in stand-up comedy, because after this, they’ve got enough material for a lifetime. One thing is for sure, the incident has provided more laughs than a barrel of monkeys, and for the PF, that’s probably not a good thing.
“LET THE LUNGU FAMILY INDEPENDENTLY DECIDE ON THE BURIAL OF THE FORMER PRESIDENT”
Government has called on Zambians to allow the family of former President EDGAR LUNGU to independently decide on his burial.
Speaking during the Vice President’s Question Time in the National Assembly, Vice President MUTALE NALUMANGO, said Government remains committed to according Mr. LUNGU a dignified and befitting burial.
Mrs. NALUMANGO has described the situation as unfortunate calling for the matter not to be used for political gain.
She said it is regrettable that there is a standoff regarding the burial of the former president.
Mrs. NALUMANGO was responding to a question from Shiwang’andu Member of Parliament STEVEN KAMPYONGO, who queried what Government is doing to maintain Zambia’s reputation as a leader in regional conflict resolution in light of the ongoing burial impasse.
In a related question, Bwengwa Member of Parliament MICHELO KASAUTA asked whether the LUNGU family was committing a crime by keeping the late President’s body in South Africa.
In response, Mrs. NALUMANGO clarified that the family is not in violation of any law adding that Government would have already intervened if there was any law broken.
UPND REJECTS UN HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT, CALLS IT MISGUIDED BLACKMAIL
The United Party for National Development-UPND has strongly rejected a recent United Nations human rights report, calling it “lopsided, misdirected at law, and lacking seriousness from the people that prepared it
UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe has called the report biased, misleading and misrepresentation of Zambia’s legal processes and undermines the country’s sovereignty.
Mr. Simuuwe has pointed tonthe fact that the report unfairly criticizes Zambia’s Cyber Security Act, which criminalizes hate speech, cyberbullying, and blackmail laws similar to those in Western countries.
He has challenged the UN to present evidence of Zambians imprisoned without breaking the law, saying no such cases exist.
And the UPND has questioned the objectivity of the report’s authors, accusing them of pushing foreign values including support for same-sex rights that Zambia has constitutionally rejected.
He says institutions such as the EU, IMF, and World Bank have supported Zambia for improved governance and human rights, which the UN report contradicts on-the-ground realities.
Mr. Muuwe says the UPND loves its country and will defend its laws and values and that Zambia cannot be blackmailed into lawlessness.
RPP CONDEMNS PF FACTIONS FOR DENYING ZAMBIA’S A DIGNIFIED FAREWELL TO FORMER PRESIDENT EDGAR LUNGU
The Republican Progressive Party (RPP) wishes to express its disappointment and condemnation of the conduct displayed by factions within the Patriotic Front (PF) during the passing and the failed repatriation of our Sixth Republican President, Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
The Zambian people have been robbed of a solemn and dignified opportunity to bid farewell to a former Head of State due to the selfish, childish, and politically motivated actions of individuals who chose to hijack what was meant to be a national mourning process. What was entrusted to the family and should have united the nation in grief was instead turned into a stage for cheap political grandstanding.
This conduct, sadly, will go down in history as a moment of great embarrassment, not only to the family and nation, but also to two governments: that of the Republic of Zambia and the Republic of South Africa. Both were simply trying to carry out their duties in good faith to facilitate the safe and respectful return of a statesman who deserved national honor, not partisan drama.
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Let this be a reflection on us as a society: that in times of national tragedy, we must elevate mature, wise leadership that upholds the dignity and peace of the nation above petty political ambition.
We commend His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema for his exceptional patience and leadership during this difficult period. Despite the chaos, he continued to show statesmanship, leaving room for the family to reengage on the matter, although that opportunity may no longer hold the depth and national weight it could have carried under official government arrangements.
President Hichilema also deserves commendation for striking a delicate balance between mourning the loss of a national figure and ensuring the continuation of economic and social activities for the broader Zambian population, especially our youth who depend on daily income and opportunity.
As RPP, we strongly insist that the actions of the individuals involved amount to sabotage and must not go unpunished. We call upon law enforcement agencies to swiftly investigate and bring to book those responsible for undermining the dignity of the office of the President, the government of Zambia, and the image of our country internationally.
This includes probing reckless and unfounded claims of poisoning made by certain individuals on international platforms, which have only served to damage Zambia’s reputation.
Let this be a lesson. As a nation, we must draw strength from this experience. Let us recommit to preserving our unity, our peace, and the culture of respect we are known for across the world.
Zambia belongs to all of us. Let us protect her dignity, always.
For and on behalf of the Republican Progressive Party Leslie Chikuse President – RPP [END]
TRADITIONAL LEADER CALLS FOR ECL’S BURIAL IN ZAMBIA, FREE FROM COMPLICATIONS OR POLITICS
By: Konkola Radio News
A traditional leader in Kawambwa District has called on the family of the late sixth president, Edgar Lungu, to urgently engage government and seek a peaceful resolution that will allow for the repatriation of the former head of state’s body to Zambia.
Speaking in a telephone interview with Konkola Radio News, Sub-Chief Kabanda of the Chishinga people, under Senior Chief Mushota’s chiefdom, expressed sadness over what he described as the politicization of President Lungu’s funeral.
Sub-Chief Kabanda emphasized that the late Dr. Lungu deserves a dignified and respectful send-off on his home soil, free from complications or political wrangles.
He urged the Lungu family to initiate dialogue with the current government and called on the authorities not to relent in their efforts to cooperate with the bereaved family.
The traditional leader appealed to government to remain actively engaged and continue reaching out until the matter is amicably resolved.
He stressed the importance of national unity and respect in times of mourning, adding that the former president should be laid to rest in Zambia, where the nation can properly honor his legacy.
PRESIDENT HICHILEMA PRAISED FOR ENDING ECL’s PROLONGED NATIONAL MOURNING
By: Sun FM TV Reporter
Governance expert Samson Zulu has praised President Hichilema’s decision to officially end the national mourning period, describing it as a necessary and pragmatic move.
Mr Zulu noted that the country could not remain in mourning indefinitely and urged the public to recognize that President Hichilema acted in the broader interest of the nation, as the prolonged mourning period had begun to disrupt daily life.
Lusaka, Zambia – June 20, 2025 – The United Party for National Development (UPND) has strongly dismissed a recent report by United Nations Special Rapporteur Irene Khan, which raised concerns over Zambia’s human rights record, including freedom of expression, digital rights, and the state of civic space.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka today, UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe labeled the report as “lopsided, misdirected, lacking merit and seriousness,” adding that the findings do not reflect the reality on the ground.
“From a UPND political point of view, the report should not be taken seriously. It contains findings that are either true or false, but they have been published nonetheless,” Mr. Simuuwe said.
Mr. Simuuwe defended Zambia’s existing legal framework, particularly cyber laws, arguing that such legislation is in line with international standards for digital rights and data protection.
He described it as ironic that the UN, an advocate for cyber law and human rights, would appear to condemn Zambia for enforcing laws that align with global best practices.
“The United Nations is a mother institution for cyber laws and human rights. This alleged report cannot be seen to glorify abuse of these laws. Zambia is on firm legal ground and is committed to protecting its sovereignty,” he added.
Mr. Simuuwe further noted that international confidence in Zambia’s human rights trajectory has been growing, citing the resumption of funding by the European Union and the United Kingdom as clear endorsements of the country’s democratic progress.
He also took issue with the report’s apparent omission of past human rights abuses under the previous Patriotic Front (PF) government, including incidents of extra-judicial killings.
“We are questioning the authorship and intent behind this report. It says nothing about documented abuses under the PF era, which makes its neutrality questionable,” he stated.
Mr. Simuuwe emphasized that Zambia, like many countries globally, has laws that criminalize sedition and hate speech, offences commonly flagged even by platforms like Facebook which uses cyber laws of the United States of America.
The UN report, released following a 10-day mission by Special Rapporteur Khan, warned that Zambia was “at a crossroads” on human rights and urged stronger legal and institutional reforms.
However, the UPND has pushed back, saying the report’s findings threaten to undermine the country’s sovereign right to legislate in line with its development goals and public security needs.
ECL’s FAMILY PRAISES SOUTH AFRICA FOR HONOURING PRIVATE FUNERAL WISHES
By: Sun FM TV Reporter
The family of late former President Edgar Lungu has officially announced that his funeral and burial will take place in South Africa, in accordance with the family’s wishes for a private ceremony.
In a statement, family spokesperson Makebi Zulu revealed that the decision was made to allow the family space to mourn and celebrate the life of the late leader with dignity and peace.
Mr. Zulu expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support and condolences received from across Africa and beyond.
The family has also extended appreciation to the South African government for its respectful support and for honouring the family’s decision to host the funeral privately,adding that their non-interference and respect for the South African constitution and the rights is commendable.
The Lungu family thanked supporters from across Africa and the world for their compassion and understanding, and called for peace and unity among Zambians during this time of mourning.
Further details regarding the funeral and burial will be shared with the public in both Zambia and South Africa in due course.
ECL DESERVES A DIGNIFIED BURIAL IN ZAMBIA — VP NALUMANGO
By: Sun FM TV Reporter
Vice President Mutale Nalumango has urged Zambians to refrain from politicizing the death of sixth Republican President Edgar Lungu, calling for unity and dignity as the nation mourns.
Speaking during the Vice President’s question-and-answer session in Parliament, Mrs. Nalumango expressed heartbreak that Mr. Lungu’s legacy is being entangled in political debate, even in death.
She emphasized that the late President, who served Zambia with distinction, deserves to be laid to rest respectfully and in the country he once led.
The Vice President assured the nation that government has made every effort to ensure the funeral proceedings reflect that dignity, and called on citizens to remain calm and allow space for reflection.
This serves to notify the media fraternity as well as the general public, that there shall be a joint PF/TONSE ALLIANCE Press Briefing, tomorrow, Saturday, 21st June 2025 at 10hrs.
The main agenda item of the Press Briefing will be to guide members and the general public on the modalities for mourning the 6th Republican President, His Excellence Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu in South Africa.
The Press Briefing shall commence at 10 am sharp, and shall be addressed by the PF Acting President, who is also TONSE ALLIANCE Acting Chairman, Hon. Given Lubinda, and other senior officials. The venue for the Press Briefing shall be communicated on the morning of Saturday, 21st June 2025.
Only media practitioners from reputable and independent media houses, that have been reporting objectively and with respect, during the mourning process, shall be admitted.
Issued by:
Sean E. Tembo (SET) PeP President & TONSE ALLIANCE Spokesperson Lusaka, Zambia
*Western Province Traditional Leaders Commend Government on Inclusive Constitutional Amendments Process*
ACCAMS Gardens, Mongu – 20 June, 2025
Traditional leaders in Western Province have praised the government for its inclusive approach in the ongoing nationwide consultations on proposed constitutional amendments.
Speaking during a high-level engagement meeting between the Minister of Justice, Hon. Princess Kasune (MP), and the region’s traditional leaders, the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE), through its Prime Minister Ngambela Mukela Manyando, acknowledged the process as a positive step towards democratic governance.
The meeting, held at ACCAMS Gardens in Mongu, forms part of the Justice Ministry’s ongoing constitutional amendments sensitization and consultation campaign across the country.
UPND RESUMES FULL PARTY ACTIVITIES AS MOURNING PERIOD FOR FORMER PRESIDENT LUNGU ENDS
Lusaka, 20th June 2025
The United Party for National Development (UPND) has officially resumed full party activities following the end of the extended national mourning period for former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, who passed away in South Africa earlier this month.
UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe confirmed the development during a media briefing held at the Anderson Kambela Party secretariat in Lusaka today.
He said party structures are now reactivated and free to engage in mobilisation, communication, and other political functions.
Mr. Simuuwe stated that during the mourning period, the Office of the Secretary General had instructed party members to refrain from making unauthorised statements out of respect for the solemn national atmosphere.
He said this directive was necessary to ensure sensitivity during what he described as a time of emotional reflection and healing for the nation.
“We are now back to full mobilisation,” Mr. Simuuwe said. “However, party members must remain coordinated and responsible in issuing statements to the public and the media.”
Reiterating President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent call for unity and reconciliation, Mr. Simuuwe commended the Zambian people for conducting themselves peacefully and respectfully during the mourning period.
He said citizens have demonstrated that Zambians are peace-loving and law-abiding and further extended gratitude to UPND members across the country for adhering to the communication directive from the Secretary General’s office and maintaining party discipline.
Mr. Simuuwe also stated that the party will not hesitate to respond to any unwarranted political attacks, but stressed that any responses would be pursued within the confines of the law, including statutes under the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act.
He urged members to avoid confrontations and remain peaceful, warning that certain recent actions that amount to legal breaches, the party will formally report to law enforcement agencies.
“The constitution remains in effect during a funeral. Respecting mourning does not mean suspending the rule of law,” he said.
Mr. Simuuwe has also called for the resumption of public debate on the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 7 of 2025, which is expected to be tabled in the National Assembly in soon.
He urged citizens and civic stakeholders to engage constructively in the process to better understand the economic, administrative, and legislative benefits the proposed amendments are intended to bring.
“We need broad support for these reforms to advance national development,” he added.
Ford Chomba was a Magistrate who rose to the position of Deputy Registrar at the Supreme Court. In 2013, he was retired in national interest by government. Therefore, he was not paid his pension and was immediately removed from the payroll.
In 2025, he petitioned the Constitutional Court (ConCourt), arguing that he should be paid his pension as well as put back on the payroll until he is paid his dues. He calculated and demanded that he is owned ZMW2.1 million in salary arrears. He contended that the 2016 Amended Constitution provided that workers who were not paid their pension should remain on the payroll.
The Attorney-General, on the other hand, argued that the matter before Court was not a Constitutional matter but that of employer/employee relations dispute. He also told Court that the Petitioner was fired in 2013 and therefore cannot use the 2016 provisions to be out on payroll.
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The ConCourt President, sitting with two other Judges, agreed that this case did not raise any Constitutional issues to warrant interpretation.
“A quick perusal of the petition before this court reveals that this matter is a labour related dispute which does not need an interpretation of the provisions of the Constitution…” the Judges said.
The ConCourt said the issue concerning pension and being put back on the payroll can best be addressed and settled by the High Court (Industrial Relations Division).
“Having found that the petition filed on 28th March, 2025 is a labour related matter, we are of the firm view that this Court has no jurisdiction to hear the matter on the merits,” the Judges said.
The case was dismissed on the preliminary stage and did not go to the full hearing by the bench as the ConCourt claimed that it does not have the requisite jurisdiction.
Further, the Court noted that the ex-Magistrate was retired in national interest in March 2013, which is three years before the Constitutional amendments of 2016 were passed. The Court noted that the Constitution provisions cannot be applied in retrospective (backdated) unless the law said so.
The Petition was therefore thrown out for want of jurisdiction.
Case citations- Ford Chomba v Attorney General- 2025/CCZ/008.
Lecture Notes;
1. The ConCourt is very right that you cannot apply a law or Constitutional provision in retrospect. The law does not work backwards. When the ex Magistrate was fired in 2013, there was no provision in the law that workers should remain on payroll until paid their pension. That came in 2016 and therefore inapplicable in this case.
2. On dismissing the matter on preliminary stage, I take the view that the ConCourt should always hear the full case whenever one cites constitutional provisions for interpretation. The person must be allowed to argue his case in full and show how his case is a constitutional matter that requires ConCourt determination.
LUNGU FAMILY’S NO-SHOW IN SOUTH AFRICA PROMPTS UPND CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
Lusaka, Zambia – 20th June 2025
The United Party for National Development (UPND) in Lusaka Province has issued a strong call for accountability following a diplomatic incident involving the family of former President Edgar Lungu, which left South African authorities embarrassed and the Zambian nation under scrutiny.
In a statement released Friday, UPND Lusaka Province Chairman Obvious Mwaliteta described the incident as “an unacceptable display of disrespect,” calling on those responsible to urgently account for why a high-level state reception in South Africa was effectively snubbed without explanation.
The controversy stems from preparations made by the South African government to receive the remains of former President Lungu. Officials, including cabinet ministers and senior military personnel, had assembled at Lanseria International Airport, where the South African Air Force Base had been activated to host the expected arrival.
Media outlets, including veteran SABC journalist Sophie Mokoena, were also in attendance to cover what was expected to be a moment of regional solidarity.
However, members of the Lungu family, failed to arrive. No prior notice of cancellation or postponement was communicated, and South African authorities were left without explanation for the abrupt absence.
“This is more than a scheduling error, it’s a diplomatic slap in the face to a government that extended its hand in honor. That hand was left hanging, and Zambia’s credibility on the global stage has taken a hit because of it,” Mr Mwaliteta said.
The South African government is believed to have incurred significant logistical costs in anticipation of the repatriation of the late remains
Vice President Mutale Nalumango says the Government is optimistic that the Kwacha continues to strengthen against foreign currencies like it is currently trading around K23 from almost K29, against the Dollar.
Mrs Nalumango says the sustainability in the strength of the Kwacha is good for the economy and has a positive impact on Zambia’s cost of living.
The Vice President stated that the current administration came in with good policies that could have maintained the resilience of the Kwacha even further, but external forces such as wars have impacted negatively on commodities such as fuel.
Speaking during the Vice President question time in Parliament today, Mrs Nalumango also revealed that the government will continue to run social services interventions such as Cash for Work.
The Vice President noted that the Government has heard the requests from the citizens not to stop the programme which is meant to tackle poverty and hunger.
“You have a listening Government and we have seen how this is helping to raise the livelihoods of our people. The Government will continue to run the Cash for Work programme as far as it can,” Mrs Nalumango said.
She was responding to Lunte MP Mutotwe Kafwaya who stated that the UN report indicates human rights violation by the Government.
Namibia has waived off half of the 700,000 dollars historical debt concerning the Zambian dry port at Walvis Bay.
Zambia has grappled with this debt for many years to maintain her dry port facility in Namibia.
Transport and Logistics Minister FRANK TAYALI said there is need to establish a Permanent Corridor Secretariat with clear governance and funding mechanism.
Speaking when Namibia’s Minister of Works And Transport, VEIKKO NEKUNDI paid a courtesy call on him this afternoon, Mr TAYALI said this will ensure effective coordination, Private Sector engagement, performance monitoring, and regional policy alignment.
Meanwhile, Mr. NEKUNDI said the two countries must deliver for their people by ensuring that movement of goods and services is enhanced.
He said the bilateral relations between the two countries that date back to several decades mandate the two countries to support each other in different spheres of development.
Mr NEKUNDI said more needs to be done, hence the need for continued collaboration.
COURT AGREES TO ASSESS UNPAID SALARIES TO WHISTLE-BLOWER
THE Court of Appeal has agreed to assess the unpaid salaries of Ministry of Finance employee Grandy Mtumbo, which were withdrawn from him in 2023.
In this matter, Ntumbo sued the Ministry of Finance, his employer, for withholding his emoluments since January 2023 to date, for allegedly refusing to be transferred to Mongu.
He also cited the Drug Enforcement Commission and Anti-Corruption Commission for failing to provide and keep him in a ‘safe house’ as a whistleblower.
When the hearing for the assessment of his unpaid salaries came up yesterday, the Ministry of Finance and Attorney General were not in attendance.
FIRST ZAMBIAN OFFICER CADET ADMITTED AT WEST POINT MILITARY ACADEMY IN THE US
OFFICER Cadet Sekeleti John has become the first Zambian to be accepted into the prestigious West Point Military Academy in the United States.
United States Ambassador to Zambia, His Excellency Mr Michael Gonzales has since congratulated O/Cdt Sekeleti and his family on this remarkable achievement.
During a ceremony at the US Embassy in Lusaka today, 20 June, 2025, Mr Gonzales highlighted the significance of this milestone, citing the intense competition for admission to West Point.
Ambassador Gonzales noted that O/Cdt Sekeleti’s acceptance reflects the deepening partnership between the Zambia Defence Force and the United States Military.
“The path ahead of you will be rigorous, requiring you to balance a heavy course load, physical conditioning, and leadership responsibilities while upholding the highest standards of discipline and honour,” Ambassador Gonzales said.
He told O/Cdt Sekeleti that West Point is renowned for its demanding academic, physical and military training programmes, further stating that cadet’s face a challenging environment that test their resilience, intellect and leadership capabilities at every turn.
The Ambassador further said the path ahead of Officer Cadet Sekeleti would be rigorous, requiring the Cadet to balance a heavy course load, physical conditioning and leadership responsibilities all while upholding the highest standards of discipline and honour.
“John, as you prepare to leave Zambia next Tuesday, (24 June 2025), always remember that you carry with you the pride and hopes of your family, your country and all of us here today,” Ambassador Gonzales said.
And Commander Zambia Army, Lieutenant General Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele expressed gratitude to the American government for this opportunity, describing it as a demonstration of the strong partnership between the two countries. He encouraged O/Cdt Sekeleti to excel and make Zambia proud.
Lt Gen Zyeele praised the US military’s gesture as a testament to the strong partnership between the two countries, which he hopes will continue to grow.
He noted that the Zambia Army had previously attempted to secure a slot at West Point but was unsuccessful.
The Commander Zambia Army expressed his desire for more opportunities for Zambian Officers and Soldiers to receive military training in the US.
Addressing Officer Cadet Sekeleti, Lt Gen Zyeele emphasised the importance of excelling at West Point, given the prestige and international nature of the academy.
He encouraged O/Cdt Sekeleti to set high standards for himself and the country, and make the most of this opportunity as a lot is expected from him.
And Chief of Security Cooperation at the US Embassy, Major Gene Uhler emphasised that O/Cdt Sekeleti’s acceptance symbolised the growing bond between Zambia and the US, highlighting their shared commitment to military leadership development.
O/Cdt Sekeleti is set to depart for US on 24 June, 2025, to begin his training at West Point Military Academy.
ELECTRICITY CONNECTION FEES DROPPED FROM K4,800 TO K300 FOR RURAL AREAS .
The Rural Electrification Authority (REA) has announced a drastic reduction in rural electricity connection fees, cutting them from K4,800 to just K300.
This significant policy shift is being widely hailed as a pivotal move set to transform energy access in Zambia’s underserved communities…
Read the details in the latest edition of the Zambian Business Times. https://www.bit.ly/ZBTDigital
MWIZUKANJI APOLOGIZES TO PRESIDENT LUNGU’S FAMILY AND PATRIOTIC FRONT PF
Below is the apology; After a thorough check of all the comments, reactions and criticism from everyone who commented on my post from last night, I have appreciated the concerns, and with hindsight, I realise my choice of word made it easy for people to consider my entire post insensitive, thereby defeating the light moment intent.
I hereby render my heartfelt apology to the Lungu family, PF members and all Zambians as well as global citizens offended by the said post. Thank you and good night.
DECRIMINALISING INSULTS WILL WORSEN THE SITUATION – KASUNE
MINISTER of Justice Princes Kasune says decriminalising seditious practices and insults would worsen the offences in the country.
On Tuesday, United Nations Special Rapporteur Irene Khan urged government to decriminalise seditious practices, hate speech, and libel, among other offences which were inimical to freedom of expression.
According to Khan’s report on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression in Zambia, the mentioned offences were not compliant with article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
However, in an interview on Thursday, Kasune said government ought to tighten the law on those offences. “I think I need to re-read those laws, if they are meant to help us somehow”.
A federal judge has denied a motion to release R. Kelly to home confinement after his lawyers claimed an assassination attempt was made against the convicted musician.
The denial comes days after defense lawyers said Kelly was hospitalized for an overdose of medication administered by prison officials. The bombshell allegation also came shortly after Kelly’s attorneys alleged that prison officials directed another inmate to k!ll the R&B singer in exchange for the inmate’s freedom.
Kelly, whose full name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, is serving a 30-year prison sentence at the Federal Correctional Institute in Butner, North Carolina, after his 2021 New York conviction of racketeering and s£x trafficking.
U.S. District Court Judge Martha Pacold denied Kelly’s motion on Thursday, June 19, ruling that she “lacks jurisdiction over this matter.”
This month, Kelly’s attorney has filed a flurry of motions seeking to get the “Ignition” singer released to home confinement.
Prosecutors have responded to Kelly’s request and allegations in court filings, calling them “deeply unserious and theatrical” and “repugnant to the sentence that this Court imposed for deeply disturbing offenses.”
In court filings last week, Kelly’s lawyer accused prison officials of soliciting another inmate, Mikeal Glenn Stine, to k!ll the singer. At the same time, the pair was detained at a federal prison in Tucson, Arizona, this spring.
The court filing alleged that prison officials offered to free Stine, who has a terminal illness, in exchange for k!lling Kelly. Shortly after the allegation was made, Kelly’s attorney claimed in court that his client was moved to solitary confinement.
Kelly’s lawyer this week alleged the singer was hospitalized on Friday after prison officials allegedly administered him an overdose of medication, according to a court filing. The filing alleged that prison officials then moved Kelly back to solitary confinement, taking him out of the hospital against doctors’ orders.
“Mr. Kelly’s life is in danger, and that danger is coming from Bureau of Prisons officials and their actions,” the Monday court filing states. “Mr. Kelly needs this Court’s intervention. His life actually depends on it.”
A spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons said in a statement that it does “not discuss the conditions of confinement for any incarcerated individual” and “does not comment on pending litigation.”
Amid the slew of jaw-dropping court filings, Kelly’s attorney also told media outlets last week that he is trying to seek a presidential pardon for his client.
Former Chelsea star, Geremi, has been handed a five-year ban from football by Cameroon’s FA and fined £13,000 following a dispute with Cameroon federation president Samuel Eto’o.
The 46-year-old, who earned 118 caps for Cameroon, the joint-second highest in the country’s history, lifted the Premier League title with Chelsea in both 2005 and 2006.
He also enjoyed spells at Real Madrid, Middlesbrough, and Newcastle before hanging up his boots in 2011.
Geremi, who previously held a role with the National Union of Footballers of Cameroon (Synafoc), has now been hit with a lengthy ban after a fallout with Eto’o.
The feud between the pair dates back to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast, during Cameroon’s clash with Gambia.
Geremi was reportedly involved in a heated exchange with a member of Eto’o’s staff, which quickly escalated and resulted in the two having to be separated.
Reports in Cameroon claim Geremi was ‘forcibly removed’ by nearby security on the orders of FeCafoot officials – and the governing body has now ruled that the former midfielder must serve a lengthy ban as a consequence of his actions.
‘We declare Geremi Sorel Njitap, the president of Synafoc, guilty of breaking the behaviour rules of our code of ethics,’ a statement read.
We sentence him to a ban from all forms of football activity for five years, and to a fine of ten million West African francs [£13,000]. He has ten days to submit a written appeal.’
Geremi’s assistant, Daniel Blaise Ngos, has also been sanctioned over the incident, receiving a two-year ban and a £6,500 fine.
Geremi is expected to launch an appeal against the ruling, with reports suggesting he could take his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in a bid to overturn or reduce both the ban and £13,000 fine.
He made headlines last year after splitting from his wife following DNA tests that revealed the two children he believed were his were actually fathered by her former partner.
Dutch footballer, Quincy Promes has reportedly been extradited back to the Netherlands to serve a seven-and-a-half year sentence for drug trafficking and aggravated assault.
The former Ajax and Netherlands star, 33, was hit with a six-year jail sentence in February 2024 after being convicted of helping to smuggle cocaine into his homeland from Belgium in 2020.
That followed an 18-month sentence for stabbing his cousin, but he has been absent from the Netherlands and therefore not served any time.
Promes, who plays his football in Dubai, was seized by the authorities after a request by the Dutch police and extradited back to his country.
Dutch outlet De Telegraaf reports that Promes begins his sentence in a detention centre after being flown back in a chartered plane.
The earliest Promes will be released is in 2030 if his sentences are upheld wth parole, reports De Telegraaf.
The Amsterdam court ruled last year that Promes had been directly involved in smuggling 1,360 kilograms of cocaine to the Netherlands or Belgium in two shipments in 2020.
Promes denied the charges but the court found there was enough evidence from two eyewitnesses and intercepted phone conversations to hand down a prison term.
Russia has issued a warnings to Israel and the United States against any attempts to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, amid escalating tensions in the Israel-Iran conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking in St. Petersburg, refused to speculate on the possibility of such an assassination, emphasizing the need for diplomacy and noting the consolidation of Iranian unity around its leadership.
A Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson also cautioned that Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities could risk a nuclear catastrophe, reinforcing Russia’s stance against escalation.
Additionally, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned the U.S. against providing direct military aid to Israel, stating that such actions would radically destabilize the entire situation.
These warnings come in the context of recent reports indicating that Israel had an opportunity to assassinate Khamenei but was dissuaded by U.S. President Donald Trump, who deemed it escalatory and likely to destabilize the region.
Many across media platforms highlight Russia’s stark warning against targeting Khamenei, framing it as a red line that could heighten geopolitical risks.
Russia’s position appears rooted in its strategic alliance with Iran, including cooperation on nuclear energy and opposition to U.S. demands for zero uranium enrichment by Iran.
JUST IN: 🇷🇺 Russia warns Israel and the US against assassinating Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei. pic.twitter.com/7Vdri9IftC
Kenya’s United Opposition has announced plans to file a case at the International Criminal Court (ICC) against President William Ruto, accusing him of crimes against humanity stemming from alleged extrajudicial killings and unlawful police crackdowns on civilians.
The opposition claims Ruto’s administration has deployed rogue police units and formed illegal alliances with militia gangs resembling Haiti-style death squads to suppress dissent.
The accusations also extend to Kenya’s alleged role in fueling Sudan’s ongoing conflict. The opposition claims Ruto’s government has supplied firearms to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia.
These weapons, they allege, mirror those used by Kenyan police during recent protests. Additionally, the opposition contends that Kenya’s participation in the Haiti Multinational Security Support Mission was a cover for a “benchmarking trip” to study militia tactics, which they claim are now being used against Kenyan citizens.
The motivation for the opposition’s move was the death of 31-year-old blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang in police custody on June 8, 2025.
Initially reported as a suicide, an independent autopsy revealed Ojwang died from physical assault, contradicting police accounts and sparking nationwide protests.
On June 17, 2025, a 22-year-old street vendor, Boniface Kariuki, was shot in the head by a masked police officer during one such protest, further escalating public outrage. Kariuki remains in intensive care.
The opposition has accused the Ruto administration of systematically violating Kenya’s Constitution and international laws, including the Rome Statute, which Kenya ratified.
They are compiling evidence for submission to the ICC, asserting that local institutions cannot deliver accountability. “Ruto must answer for his crimes against humanity,” Kalonzo Musyoka stated, urging Kenyans to remain united and fearless.
Kenya’s government has denied involvement in Sudan’s conflict and promised thorough investigations into the alleged killings and disappearances.
President Ruto has condemned Ojwang’s death as “unacceptable” and ordered the National Police Service to cooperate with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
Several officers, including the head of Nairobi’s Central Police Station, Samson Talam, and a technician accused of disabling CCTV footage, have been detained.
Deputy Inspector-General Eliud Lagat, whose defamation complaint led to Ojwang’s arrest, has stepped aside pending investigations.
Niger’s government announced it’s intention to nationalize the Somair uranium joint venture, previously operated by the French nuclear fuels company Orano.
This decision escalates tensions between Niger and Orano, fueled by deteriorating relations with France following a military coup in July 2023.
The government cited grievances, including the expiration of the mining agreement in December 2023 and accusations of Orano’s irresponsible, illegal, and unfair behavior,” as reasons for the move.
Oran have been holding a 63% stake in Somair while Niger’s state-owned Sopamin owns the remaining 36.6%,.
The French firm has has been excluded from operations since the military-led government seized control of the mine.
Orano has pursued arbitration and lawsuits against Niger, warning that government interference is damaging the mine’s financial health and has considered selling its stake.
This nationalization reflects Niger’s broader push to reduce French influence and assert sovereignty over its resources.
Niger's government has announced plans to nationalise the Somair uranium joint venture operated by French nuclear fuels company Orano. pic.twitter.com/VGskxKv1xt
Michelle Obama has thrown a jab at her husband during her recent interview on her podcast which has got social media in a frenzy.
On the latest episode of her podcast, IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson, the former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama made a lighthearted remark about her husband, former President Barack Obama.
The remarks came during a conversation with her brother, Craig Robinson, and guest, radio host Angie Martinez.
While discussing societal views on masculinity and the challenges of raising boys, Michelle Obama expressed relief at not having a son, suggesting he might have turned out like her husband.
The comment came during a broader discussion about parenting and societal expectations. During the show, Angie Martinez remarked that the Obamas “should’ve threw a boy in the mix,” to which Michelle responded, “I’m so glad I didn’t have a boy.”
“Because he would’ve been a Barack Obama,” she continued. The quip was met with laughter.
Michelle Obama says she's glad she didn’t have a son:
In a stunning revelation, Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, has announced plans to hand down his estimated $17 billion fortune to more than 100 children he has fathered, including six from relationships and over 100 conceived through sperm donations.
The tech billionaire shared these details in a rare interview with French magazine Le Point on June 19, 2025, emphasizing his desire for all his children to share equally in his wealth but not until 2055.
Durov disclosed that he is the “official father” of six children with three different partners. Additionally, he has fathered at least 100 more children across 12 countries through sperm donations that began 15 years ago to help a friend facing fertility challenges.
“The clinic told me that more than 100 babies had been conceived this way,” Durov told Le Point. He first hinted at his extensive progeny in a 2023 Telegram post, noting his donations as a “civic duty” to address global fertility declines.
Under the terms of his recently drafted will, Durov’s children—whether conceived naturally or through donations—will receive equal shares of his fortune, estimated $17 billion by Forbes.
However, the children must wait 30 years, until June 2055, to access their inheritance, which could amount to between $131 million and $161 million per child.
“I want them to live like normal people, to build themselves up alone, to learn to trust themselves, to be able to create, not to be dependent on a bank account,” Durov explained.
Durov stressed that he makes “no difference” between his children, stating, “They are all my children and will all have the same rights. I don’t want them to tear each other apart after my death.”
He cited the risks of his work—defending digital freedoms, which he says has earned him “enemies within powerful states”—as a reason for finalizing his will now.
Jojo Siwa is finally setting the record straight regarding her s£xuality.
The singer and former teen star revealed she felt pressured to call herself a lesbian, even though the label didn’t fully reflect her identity
In a candid new interview, Siwa explains how the expectations placed on her by herself and others led to confusion, frustration, and eventually, clarity.
Now, she proudly identifies as queer and says she has never felt more herself.
Siwa’s s£xuality has been a major topic of discussion following her appearance on “Celebrity Big Brother.”
Fans watched the 22-year-old establish a romantic relationship with fellow housemate Chris Hughes, despite previously coming out as a lesbian.
Amid all the drama surrounding her s£xuality, Siwa has revealed she felt pressured to label herself a lesbian.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, the Nickelodeon star said, “When I came out at 17, I said: ‘I’m pansexual, because I don’t care about gender.’ But then I kind of boxed myself in and I said: ‘I’m a lesbian.’ And I think I did that because of pressure.”
Siwa explained that in a strange and unexpected way, the pressure appeared to come from within the LGBTQ community itself.
“From people I know, from partners I’ve had. You just get put in this world where you feel like, because you now have said, ‘Oh, I’m a lesbian,’ you have to be a lesbian. And the truth is, s£xuality is fluid,” she added.
Siwa first came out publicly as lesbian in 2021, sparking headlines and admiration.
The state of North Carolina has officially declared June 14, 2025, as ‘Igbo Day’ to honour the contributions of the Nigerian south-east community living in the state.
Governor Josh Stein made the proclamation on June 12 through a statement published on the state’s official website. He highlighted that the Igbo people have been part of North Carolina’s social and economic fabric for over 50 years.
“Igbos have lived in North Carolina for over 50 years, contributing significantly to the state’s economy, public service, and civic life,” Stein said. He noted that members of the community have excelled in education, law, medicine, entrepreneurship, information technology, and have held key positions in state and federal government.
“Through their collective efforts, the Igbo community aims to inspire future generations to embrace their identity and to foster a strong sense of belonging and purpose within North Carolina,” the governor said. He described the community’s vision as being “a thriving community that not only honors and promotes the rich heritage of the Igbo people of Nigeria in North Carolina, but also serves as a beacon of unity, support, and cultural pride.”
The proclamation highlighted the Igbo community’s engagement in various charitable activities, including volunteering in local schools, adopting a highway for cleanup efforts, supporting women’s shelters and hospitals, organising food pantry drives, and participating in cultural events at local festivals.
Igbos have lived in North Carolina for over 50 years, contributing significantly to the state?s economy ? North Carolina declares June 14 as ?Igbo Day
Stein said, “Igbos in North Carolina are dedicated to ensuring the sustainability of Igbo culture by creating cultural awareness for future generations. They have participated in elections and excel in various careers.”
The proclamation also recognised the Igbo Day Festival Organisation, a non-profit group formed in 2022 to unite families and educate the public about Igbo culture, music, art, and traditions. The organisation held its first festival in July 2022.
North Carolina joins Minnesota, which recognised ‘Igbo Day’ on August 13, 2022, in celebrating the Nigerian ethnic group through an official state proclamation.
Mikel Obi has shared a revealing story about how José Mourinho once reduced Mohamed Salah to tears during their time at Chelsea.
Before becoming a global superstar at Liverpool, Salah had a difficult spell at Chelsea following his move from Basel in 2014.
Speaking on The Peter Crouch Podcast, Mikel recalled an emotional incident during a match against Norwich City, where Mourinho’s intense half-time criticism of Salah left the Egyptian winger in tears.
“Fantastic guy, amazing. Not just as a coach, but a human being as well. He’s someone you can speak to, someone you can connect with,” Mikel said. “But he obviously has his ways of trying to get the best out of players.
“Did he cross the line sometimes? Of course he did — especially with younger players. That was just his era, his method.”
He continued: “He did that with Mo Salah — he had a go at him in the dressing room and Salah started crying. Then he took him off. Sometimes, you shout at a player and let them go back in to fix the mistake, but he doesn’t. He tells you, ‘You’re not going back in.’ It’s a double whammy, isn’t it?”
Salah would later revive his career with impressive stints at Fiorentina and Roma before becoming a key figure at Liverpool, where he has since established himself as one of the world’s top forwards.
Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the fall of Iran’s leadership is not an official goal of Israel’s ongoing military campaign, though he acknowledged it could ultimately become a consequence.
“The matter of changing the regime or the fall of this regime is first and foremost a matter for the Iranian people. There is no substitute for this,” Netanyahu said during an interview with Israel’s public broadcaster.
He emphasized, “That’s why I didn’t present it as a goal. It could be a result, but it’s not a stated or formal goal that we have.”
Netanyahu asserted that Israel has the capability to neutralize all of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, regardless of whether the United States decides to participate.
He made these remarks ahead of an expected decision from the White House on whether the U.S. would join the military operation. Observers say that American support, particularly access to powerful bunker-busting bombs, might be necessary to destroy Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant buried deep beneath a mountain near Qom.
When asked whether Israel could strike Fordow without U.S. assistance, Netanyahu responded: “We have the power to remove all our targets, all their nuclear facilities. But the president’s decision — whether he wants to join or not — is his decision. He will do what is good for the United States, and I will do what is good for the State of Israel. So far, everyone is doing their part.”
In a separate statement, President Trump said the U.S. alone had the capability to eliminate the Fordow site but added, “That doesn’t mean I’m going to do it — at all.”
A Nigerian man has taken to Facebook to share a deeply emotional and unexpected revelation after he and his siblings decided to take a DNA test for fun.
According to his post, he and his three siblings, two men and two women decided to get tested casually, not out of suspicion but simply out of curiosity. However, the results shocked them.
Out of the four siblings, only the youngest, a 23-year-old woman was confirmed to be biologically related to their father. The other three, including the man who posted the story (aged 31), turned out not to be his biological children.
To confirm the findings, they repeated the test at a different facility. The results came back the same.
When they confronted their mother, she admitted that the biological father of the three older children was a man she dated before meeting their dad — and that he had already passed away. She begged them not to tell their father and pleaded with them to keep the matter secret.
The siblings agreed not to disclose the truth to their father, a man described in the post as selfless and hardworking, someone who sacrificed everything to give them a good life.
The poster expressed pain and confusion over the discovery, especially as he watches the man he thought was his biological father continue to love and support them without knowing the truth.
American singer Chris Brown has pleaded not guilty to allegations of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm following an alleged bottle attack at Tape nightclub in London back in 2023.
According to Sky News, the 36-year-old was arrested last month in Manchester after flying in for his world tour. He was initially remanded in custody but later released after posting a £5 million security bond, allowing him to continue with his performances.
Appearing at Southwark Crown Court, the Loyal singer confirmed his identity and responded “Not guilty, ma’am” to the charge.
His co-defendant, Omololu Akinlolu, 39 — also known as Hoody Baby — entered the same plea.
Both men are also facing charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, with Brown facing an additional charge for allegedly possessing an offensive weapon — a bottle — in a public place. Pleas on those charges have not yet been taken.
A further hearing has been scheduled for July 11.
Court documents allege the victim, Abraham Diaw, was struck several times with a bottle and later punched and kicked at a separate area of the club.
Lionel Messi has provided a rare glimpse into his relationship with his arch-rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo is currently plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr while Messi is on the books at MLS outfit Inter Miami.
The Argentine playmaker played a huge role in helping Inter Miami get their first win at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a 2-1 victory over FC Porto.
He scored a stunning freekick to win the three points for his side and keep their dreams of making the knockout rounds alive.
After the game, Messi was asked by reporters about his thoughts on Cristiano Ronaldo and their iconic rivalry.
He stated: “I have a lot of respect and admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, and for the career he’s had and continues to have. He is still competing at the highest level.
“The competition with him was on the pitch… Each of us wanted to do the best for our team. Everything stayed on the pitch.
“Off the pitch, we are two normal guys. We’re not friends because we don’t spend time together, but we’ve always treated each other with a lot of respect.”
Messi and Ronaldo have enjoyed a legendary footballing rivalry for over 15 years, with Leo winning eight Ballon d’Or titles and Ronaldo winning it five times.
Back in 2017, Messi told Marca: ‘I don’t know if we will be [friends]. Friendship is built through spending time together and getting to know each other.
‘We have no relationship, mainly because we only see each other at awards ceremonies and that’s the only time we speak.
‘Everything is fine, but our lives don’t cross over very often.’
