Canadian politician Jagmeet Singh rendered an apology after Drake called him out for attending a Kendrick Lamar concert in Toronto during the weekend.
Drake, who is currently one of Canada’s biggest music exports, and Kendrick were engaged in a highly-publicized beef last year, with the two talented emcees trading jabs and making scathing allegations against each other in their respective diss songs. But their feud seemingly de-escalated after Kendrick released his award-winning and chart-topping diss track to Drake, Not Like Us.
And though Drake, 38, and the Luther rapper have seemingly moved on, it appears the pair are far from reconciling as the Canadian rapper called out Singh for attending Kendrick, 38, and singer SZA’s concert.
Kendrick and SZA, 35, are currently on their Grand National Tour, and the pair had two conservative shows at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. Photos that were circulated on social media showed Singh, who is the former federal NDP leader, in attendance at one of the events.
And though it was unclear which of the two shows Singh attended, he came under scrutiny from some fans, with Drake also directly making his feelings known to the politician in a message that he sent to him and later publicly shared.
“You’re a goof,” Drake told Singh in the message he sent to him, Global News reported. The politician later took to Instagram to explain why he attended the concert.
“I went for SZA, not Kendrick,” Singh wrote. “I was born in this city. I love this city. But real talk, I get it. I shouldn’t have gone at all. OVO and Drake have lifted this city and Canada,” he added before reiterating his allegiance to Drake. “For me, it’ll always be Drake over Kendrick,” he wrote.
Kendrick making a stop in Toronto marks the first time he has performed in the city following his beef with Drake. The Grammy-winning rapper also made a bold statement as he performed Not Like Us, with elated fans even shouting, “one more time,” Global News reported.
Though Not Like Us is undoubtedly one of the biggest singles to be released last year, Drake took issue with some of the allegations Kendrick made against him in the song, causing him to file a lawsuit against Universal Music Group. The God’s Plan rapper in the suit claims Kendrick wrongly accused him of being a pedophile, and those allegations have harmed his safety.
Drake as well as Kendrick and SZA are signed to Universal Music Group.
Lil Novi, whose father is none other than well-documented Weezer fan Lil Wayne, made a perplexing claim about Young Money alum Drake in a recent interview.
In a recent interview uploaded to TrillMarty’s YouTube, Novi, fresh off rolling out his take on Playboi Carti’s “Like Weezy,” was asked to name “who’s better” between Tunechi and the 6 God.
“My dad wrote most of [Drake’s] shit,” Novi said in the interview. “I mean, on God. Like, if it wasn’t for my pops, there wouldn’t be no Drake. … I mean, there probably would be a Drake, but he wouldn’t be where he’s at, though.”
Novi went on to offer praise for the recent “Nokia” hitmaker while arguing there’s “not really a comparison” between the two.
“No disrespect to Drake,” he said. “He hard.”
Fans were quick to call the veracity of Novi’s remark into question. While the For All the Dogs artist has been credited as a writer on several artists’ tracks, including Weezy’s “I’m Single” and the artist formerly known as Kanye West’s “30 Hours,” it’s not clear to which songs Novi may be referring in his claim of Weezy penning for Drake.
Back in December, Novi cited his father’s Tha Carter V as his choice for Weezy’s top album. This month, Wayne released the latest entry in Tha Carter franchise, Tha Carter VI, ultimately scoring a No. 2 debut on the Billboard 200 albums chart in the process.
The Trump administration has revoked the U.S. visas of former Panamanian President Martin Torrijos, as well as Panamanian presidential candidate Ricardo Lombana, according to The New York Times.
Torrijos made the announcement at a news conference Monday afternoon.
The Times quoted Torrijos as saying, “I want to warn you that this is not just about me, and not just in my capacity as former president of the republic. This is a warning to all Panamanians that criticism of the Panamanian government’s actions regarding its relations with the United States will not be tolerated.”
Tensions between the U.S. and Panama have been high since President Donald Trump expressed his intentions to “take back” the Panama Canal.
However, Panama’s current president, José Raúl Mulino, has been accused of capitulating to Trump by agreeing to accept “non-Panamanian migrants deported from the United States” and allowing “more U.S. troops on three former U.S. bases in Panama.”
Torrijos and Lombana are just the latest international politicians to lose their permission to travel to the United States.
In April, Óscar Arias Sánchez, the former president of Costa Rica, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for crafting a plan to end civil wars in Central America, had his visa revoked “without explanation.” The Times called Sánchez a “vocal critic” of Trump, who compared the U.S. president to a “Roman emperor, telling the rest of the world what to do.”
Sánchez vowed that he would continue to speak out.
Also in April, Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a member of the left-wing M-19 Democratic Alliance, claimed he believed the Trump administration revoked his visa.
During a televised cabinet meeting, Petro said, “I can’t go anymore because I believe they took away my visa. I didn’t really need a visa, but anyway, I’ve already seen Donald Duck several times, so I’ll go see other things.”
The State Department declined to comment on individual cases, saying only, “that a U.S. visa is a privilege, and not a right,” according to the Times.
The Minnesota assassination suspect had a history of participation in religious groups that speak of a kind of “political warfare” and warned of “demon-possessed politicians.”
Family and friends have spoken out about Vance Boelter, the Minnesota man who turned himself in to police in the shootings of four people, killing two, The Atlantic reported on Tuesday. Among the things they’ve learned: he had contact with “a charismatic Christian movement whose leaders speak of spiritual warfare, an army of God, and demon-possessed politicians, and which has already proved, during the January 6 insurrection, its ability to mobilize followers to act.”
Reporter Stephanie McCrummen found that Boelter attended a Dallas, Texas, bible college named Christ for the Nations Institute. The college confirmed that Boelter graduated in 1990. It is described as “a prominent training institution for charismatic Christians,” according to the report.
Pentecostal evangelist James Gordon Lindsay helped found the institute in 1970. Lindsay comes out of the revivalist movement, the New Order of the Latter Rain, which began as a protest movement in Canada, wrote L. Thomas Holdcroft for the Fall 1980 edition of the Society of Pentecostal Studies.
Post World War II followers “believed that an outpouring of the Holy Spirit was underway, raising up new apostles and prophets and a global End Times army to battle Satanic forces and establish God’s kingdom on Earth.”
It was a philosophy rejected by the main Pentecostal church but was embraced and promoted by the Christ for the Nations group. That ultimately became the New Apostolic Reformation, or NAR, which broadcasts its beliefs in “megachurches, global networks of apostles and prophets, and a media ecosystem of online ministries, books, and podcasts, becoming a grassroots engine of the Christian Right.”
While at the school, the report said he would have been exposed to leaders who view the world as a physical battleground for a spiritual battle between God and Satan.
“He would have been told that actual demonic forces can take hold of culture, political leaders, and entire territories, and thwart God’s kingdom,” the report said. Boelter would have been instructed to consider himself a “spiritual warrior.”
In the piece, McCrummen found courses offered at the school, such as Prayer and the Supernatural. The class description says, “The Bible is clear that angels and demons are real. This course will cover a wide range of how the Bible and prayer contend against demonic forces. The World is in an era of serious warfare and the Body of Christ must remember that Jesus has already won this war. As in any warfare, the military must know their opponent and how to ‘war a good warfare.'”
McCrummen quoted the school founder’s slogan that “Every Christian should pray at least one violent prayer a day.”
In the wake of the shooting, the Christ for the Nations Institute put out a statement saying, “We thought it important to clarify this issue” about the founder’s quote. They claim that “violent prayer” means “that a Christian’s prayer-life should be intense, fervent, and passionate, not passive and lukewarm…”
The statement also said about the shooter that they were “aghast and horrified,” noting, “This is not who we are.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has taken action to have Greenland declared part of the “U.S. homeland” to be defended by American forces, according to a report in Military Times.
The Pentagon announced Tuesday that it was shifting responsibility for Greenland from U.S. European Command to U.S. Northern Command, with the Department of Defense framing “the revision as part of a broader review of its Unified Command Plan, which divides the world into separate military units and outlines the roles and responsibilities of U.S. combatant commands,” Military Times reported.
The U.S.-run Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland “is one of the most strategically important military sites in the world,” according to The New York Times.
Since retaking office in January, President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to annex the Danish territory in the name of national security. “One way or the other, we’re going to get it,” Trump said of Greenland during a March speech before a joint session of Congress.
In a statement, a Pentagon spokesperson claimed, “[This] change will strengthen the Joint Force’s ability to defend the U.S. homeland, contributing to a more robust defense of the western hemisphere and deepening relationships with Arctic allies and partners.”
The report claimed, “The Pentagon announcement didn’t mention any intent to annex the territory, and the president didn’t immediately suggest such a choice was possible Tuesday.” However, the publication noted that “while testifying before the House last week, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth refused to rule out that the U.S. may use force to take Greenland, even when encouraged by a fellow Republican to clarify earlier remarks.”
Suge Knight has broken his stance on Diddy and now believes the embattled hip-hop mogul deserves to be in prison after the shocking abuse allegations that were made public in recent court proceedings.
Knight, the former Death Row Records CEO, made the statement during a series of calls with PEOPLE from California’s Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, where he’s currently serving a 28-year sentence for a 2015 fatal hit-and-run. Though he once defended his longtime rival, Knight told the outlet that recent evidence, including video footage and court testimony from Cassie, changed his mind.
“I never said he should walk away a free man. He does deserve [prison],” Knight said. “I don’t mean like… ‘Oh, you beat the shit out of Cassie, so, oh well.’ No, she’s a woman. You should never disrespect a woman like that […] I think everyone should be held accountable — even myself. I don’t care who it is. Anybody who does those horrible things to women deserves their issue.”
Knight described being disturbed by the video footage showing Diddy assaulting Cassie in a hotel and deemed the mogul’s actions as “unacceptable.” He also stated he would never support any man “to beat a woman like that.”
“I had never really seen a woman get dragged, beaten and disrespected like that before […] When he came around that corner, Puff did beat the dog shit out of her,” said Suge.
He continued, referencing testimony involving blackmail and sex trafficking: “It bothers me. And you know I’m far from an angel. I ain’t the devil, but I’m not angel. Simple facts: Cassie and these women can’t beat a man up. And I don’t believe no woman want someone pissing on them or their mouth.”
Knight added the only way Diddy could right his wrongs was by taking the stand and taking responsibility for his alleged actions. According to Suge, Diddy telling the truth would be huge.
“You know how big that would be if he told the truth? At the end of the day — this trial —everybody’s watching. Why not make this a healing process,” said Suge. “So, if I can man up… Puffy, don’t be a bitch, my n***a. Go in there and man up.”
The dramatic reversal comes as Diddy faces mounting legal scrutiny, with Knight — once his fierce rival — now demanding accountability from one of hip-hop’s most powerful figures.
The Government of the Republic of Zambia wishes to inform Members of the Public that the remains of the Sixth President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, will arrive from South Africa tomorrow on Wednesday, 18th June, 2025 at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Presidential Pavilion, at 14:00 Hours.
A Military Honours ceremony will be conducted by the Defence Force in honour of the Sixth President. Members of the Public are, therefore, advised that attendance during the Military Honours ceremony is strictly by Invitation.
The Public is advised to follow the live broadcast of the Military Honours ceremony on the National Television, ZNBC, ZANIS TV, Prime TV, Diamond TV and other media outlets.
The body will, thereafter, proceed to lie in state at the Private Residence of the Late Sixth President at Plot No. 56660, Chifwema Road, New Kasama.
The public is further advised that Belvedere Lodge will still remain the official designated venue for the State Funeral during the period of National Mourning.
In order to allow Members of the public pay their last respects, the body of the late Sixth President will lie in state at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre from Thursday, 19th to Saturday, 21st June, 2025, from 09:00 Hours to 16:00 Hours.
The Government of the Republic of Zambia would like to urge members of the public to continue to mourn the departed Sixth President with dignity and respect.
CHABINGA SIGNS ECL’s BOOK OF CONDOLENCE AT BELVEDERE LODGE.
He Writes…… Today, I had the solemn honour of signing the book of condolence at Belvedere Lodge, the official mourning place for our late Sixth Republican President, His Excellency Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
I was joined by my esteemed colleagues, Chama South Patriotic Front (PF) Member of Parliament, Hon. Davyson Mug’andu, and Musanzala Patriotic Front Member of Parliament, Hon. Elias Daka.
It was a truly heartfelt and meaningful moment as we reflected on the profound contributions of a man who dedicated his life to the service and development of our beloved nation. President Lungu’s legacy of unwavering commitment to Zambia will forever be etched in our hearts.
https://youtu.be/ukvFxkO8Wyg?si=_xWCLvzfXNE6_58V
As we navigate this period of national mourning, I call upon all Zambians to embrace peace, unity, and respect. Let us honour President Lungu’s memory by upholding the values of harmony and understanding that he championed.
Tomorrow, as we prepare to receive the remains of our late Republican President from South Africa, let us do so with the reverence and dignity this moment demands.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Signed, Robert Chabinga Acting Patriotic Front President and Leader of Opposition
HICHILEMA MUST FOCUS ON NATIONAL DIALOGUE AND RECONCILIATION, NOT THE DIVISIVE BILL 7
Earlier this month, we stood in solidarity with the Catholic Bishops, opposition leaders and several civil society organizations in calling on Mr Hakainde Hichilema to immediately withdraw the controversial Bill No. 7.
We emphasized that this proposed Constitutional amendment lacks both clarity and sincere public support.
We underscored the dangers of ignoring the widespread demand for the withdrawal of Bill 7, and how the proposed changes to the Constitution were not a viable political strategy but rather a form of self-sabotage. We hold a strong belief that when national leaders choose to disregard the collective voice of the masses, they risk alienating the very citizens they swore to serve. They risk detaching themselves from the very masses who voted them into office.
Nonetheless, in typical fashion, Mr Hichilema and his government have continued to exhibit the alarming behavior of arrogance and rigidity.
It’s shocking that instead of pausing to reflect and consult, they are determinedly marching forward on a dangerous and isolationist mission. But the questions remain: to what end? Where will this political obstinacy lead? What future is being built through their refusal to listen to the collective voices of the people?
What Mr Hichilema seems to misunderstand is the depth of division that this Bill 7, he is clinging on to has already caused. To be honest, there is nothing patriotic, tolerable and inclusive or reconciliatory about this proposed amendment. This is a deeply polarizing piece of legislation that has fractured public opinion across political, social and to an extent religious lines.
In light of this reality, why can’t Mr Hichilema pause and reflect on the urgent need for national dialogue and reconciliation? Why prioritize constitutional amendments through Bill 7, when it’s absolutely clear that these amendments threaten to deepen the nation’s political and social divisions instead of healing and uniting the country?
We have said it before, and we say it again: in politics, as in life, it is both legitimate and necessary to yield, either when one is convinced the other side is right or when doing so avoids greater harm to the whole. What will it profit Mr Hichilema and the UPND to isolate themselves from the people they serve, just for the sake of Bill 7?
Clearly, Mr Hichilema is already overwhelmed by numerous national challenges in terms of economic, social and governance related matters. Therefore, his energy would be far better spent fostering national unity and reconciliation rather than pushing forward with a divisive constitutional amendment that the public neither understands nor supports. Let him understand that his persistence on Bill 7 is tantamount to “lifting oneself in a bucket”. It’s impossible!
We urge Mr Hichilema to listen for once, and the time to listen is now. He must realize that this country’s path to unity does not lie in forceful impositions but in humility, dialogue, and respect for the voices and will of the people.
LET’S CREATE A FORMER PRESIDENT IN 2026, LUSAKA LAWYER URGES ZAMBIANS
Lusaka… Tuesday June 17, 2025 – Lusaka Lawyer and Tonse Alliance National Youth Chairperson Celestine Mambula Mukandila has urged Zambians to create a former Republican President in 2026.
Mr Mukandila says the people of Zambia have an opportunity to retire President Hakainde Hichilema next year by voting him out of office.
He said this when he featured on Diamond TV Breakfast programme in Lusaka this morning.
“President Edgar Lungu is the one who actually decided that former presidents have to be accorded certain privileges as former Heads of State.
Now, you’ve indicated that today we’re living in a country without a former president, but I can actually encourage Zambians to say, you’ve got an opportunity to yet create another former president in Hakainde Hichilema. You can vote him out, and so that we have a former president,” he said.
“There’s nothing wrong with that. That would be my wish, actually, as a matter of fact. But what is extremely important is for us to remind ourselves that it should be a country first. And as we think of coming up with reforms, legal reforms, the reforms should be based not on personal interest.”
LUSAKA — Chief Government Spokesperson and Minister of Information, Cornelius Mweetwa, says President Hakainde Hichilema has committed to supporting the family of the late sixth President Edgar Chagwa Lungu beyond the period of national mourning.
Speaking in an interview with Hot FM on Tuesday, Mr. Mweetwa said, “With the guidance of President Hichilema, government will render all the necessary support to the family of President Lungu during and after this trying moment.”
He noted that the gesture is meant to help the bereaved family navigate what he termed “uncharted waters,” following the death of their patriarch and national leader.
Mr Mweetwa said President Hichilema’s wish to ensure, “the family is well during and after this trying moment and ensure a smooth transition out of these unchartered waters where they now find themselves without their beloved one.”
Mr. Mweetwa reiterated President Hichilema’s resolve to accord President Lungu a dignified state funeral, adding that international dignitaries are welcome to attend, they will start arriving in Zambia soon.
He further extended appreciation to the Lungu family and the Church, particularly former First Lady Esther Nyawa Lungu, for their role in reaching consensus on the funeral programme.
“It was not an easy process—it required give and take—but the agreement reached is a testament to Zambia’s ability to find unity and reconciliation in the face of grief,” Mr. Mweetwa said.
He confirmed that President Lungu’s body will arrive from South Africa on Wednesday aboard a private charter arranged by the family. The burial has been scheduled for Monday next week at the Presidential Burial Site, where his predecessors also rest in Lusaka.
The announcement follows days of challenges between the family and the State over funeral arrangements. Calm has now returned to the capital, with a sense of solemn unity prevailing as the nation prepares to bid farewell to one of its former Heads of State.
Mr. Mweetwa also revealed that he shared a warm relationship with the departed President from way back in 2011 to the time he left office in 2021.
President Edgar Lungu passed away in Pretoria on June 5, 2025. He served as Zambia’s sixth President from 2015 to 2021. The full interview is available on Hot FM Facebook page.
The findings of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) reveal a seriously disturbing and troubling reality in Zambia today under the leadership of Mr Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND.
Certainly, the persistent human rights violations, abuse of power and the evident collapse of judicial independence, accompanied by the complete erosion of legislative authority, illustrate a very dark picture of the country’s democracy and governance.
Even worse is the use of trumped up or false charges to arrest and jail political opponents and critics, mixed with the savage enforcement of draconian laws such as the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act, sedition laws, criminal libel and hate speech provisions, has mercilessly undermined our democracy by effectively gagging citizens and stifled dissent.
As it is today, both the online and civic space have been closed. It’s only Mr Hichilema, his cadres and praise singers who are free to speak and go about their business with impunity. There are numerous incidences to reinforce this fact.
Regrettably, this systematic repression is a clear indication that our democracy and constitutional order are under serious threat. The rule of law is deeply compromised, and the fundamental freedoms and liberties that underpin a civilized nation or democratic society such as freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of association have been dismantled.
The reality is: Zambians are at the mercy of Mr Hichilema and his regime. They are literally deciding when citizens can assemble, protest and organize, when citizens should speak and what they ought to say, and which political party or grouping should exist, and by extension, which group citizens should associate themselves with or not. All fundamental freedoms and liberties have basically been revoked.
But if this trajectory continues or is not reversed, this country risks slipping into full-blown authoritarianism. It risks transforming into a dictatorship of the sort we have never seen or imagined since its birth in 1964.
Therefore, it is time that both local and international stakeholders took a firm stance against this rising tyranny and defend the country’s democratic ideals and the rights of its people.
Nakachinda Raphael’s Controversial Behavior During Edgar Lungu’s Funeral, A Moment for Reflection or Political Opportunism?
By ; Tobbius Chilembo Hamunkoyo – LLB, Author, Scientist, Political and Governance Activist 17/06/2025
Zambia is currently mourning the passing of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, a leader whose tenure significantly shaped the country’s political landscape, in both positive and negative ways. Regardless of one’s political views, it remains a historical fact that Dr. Lungu served as President of the Republic of Zambia.
His legacy, now etched in the annals of our beloved nation, deserves to be honored with dignity and unity.
However, during this solemn period, officially declared by President Hakainde Hichilema, controversy has emerged surrounding the conduct of Raphael Nakachinda, a prominent opposition figure and Secretary General of the Patriotic Front (PF). His public remarks and behavior have drawn criticism, raising concerns about political opportunism at a time when the nation should be united in mourning.
A Time for Unity, Not Division
Funerals, especially those of national leaders, are sacred moments for reflection, reconciliation, and respect.
Zambia has witnessed this during the funerals of its past presidents, Levy Mwanawasa, Frederick Chiluba, Michael Sata, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, and Rupiah Banda. In each case, national mourning was marked by a spirit of unity and decorum.
Sadly, Nakachinda’s recent statements have disrupted this spirit.
Many Zambians, including members of the Republican Progressive Party (RPP), have expressed alarm at his inflammatory comments. His assertions, claiming that certain individuals, including the government, were complicit in Lungu’s death, have been widely condemned as reckless, baseless, and deeply inappropriate, knowing that Mr Lungu has been unwell since 2015.
Instead of allowing citizens to grieve peacefully, Nakachinda’s accusations have stirred unnecessary political tension. His claims risk fueling mistrust at a time when the country needs healing and cohesion.
Controversial Claims and Their Impact
Since Lungu’s passing, Nakachinda has made several bold and controversial statements, most notably, alleging that the late president may have been poisoned.
These allegations, lacking credible evidence, have fueled conspiracy theories and ignited national debate.
While some citizens have taken his claims seriously, others see them as a calculated attempt to politicize a tragedy. Civil society groups and political analysts alike have criticized Nakachinda’s remarks for promoting panic and disunity, arguing that such rhetoric undermines the national interest.
To date, the government has not officially responded to most of these claims. However, Secretary to the Cabinet, Mr. Patrick Kangwa, publicly refuted allegations that the state obstructed Lungu’s travel or neglected his medical needs. He clarified that the late president was not “whisked” out of the country, nor was his freedom of movement blocked, he also indicated that actually the government had offered to financially help the late President Edgar Lungu health through his personal medical Doctor who officially corresponded with the government.
President Hichilema, in his address to the nation, urged Zambians to maintain calm, show respect, and avoid divisive behavior during this national period of mourning.
Internal PF Struggles and the Politics of Succession
In addition to attacking the government, Nakachinda has warned of looming leadership struggles within the Patriotic Front (PF) following Lungu’s death. His remarks hint at internal power wrangles, suggesting the party may face a turbulent transition.
This has sparked concern among PF supporters, many of whom worry that infighting could further weaken the opposition’s ability to present a united front against the ruling party. Political observers fear that without a clear succession plan, the PF may descend into factionalism and lose credibility.
A Lesson in Restraint, Wisdom from Senegal
There is a well-known African proverb that says from Senegal , which says : “The day a mosquito lands on your testicles is the day you learn there is a better way to resolve issues without using violence.” This proverb, while humorous, offers deep wisdom, reminding us that patience and diplomacy are often more effective than force.
President Hichilema and his government have demonstrated commendable restraint in the face of provocation, showing that wisdom often lies in calm leadership. Political leaders like Nakachinda should reflect on this.
In sensitive times, aggressive rhetoric only inflames tensions, while thoughtful, strategic communication helps maintain peace and order.
The Bigger Picture, Navigating Zambia’s Political Landscape
Nakachinda’s behavior during Lungu’s funeral reflects broader challenges in Zambia’s political culture. Reports have emerged that certain political actors may be exploiting Lungu’s death for personal gain, using his legacy to jockey for relevance and influence.
For example, debate has erupted over Lungu’s alleged final wishes regarding his burial. Questions have been raised, notably by legal experts such as Counsel Wynter Kabimba SC, about whether those wishes were genuinely expressed by the former president, given the absence of a written will or codicil. Although the government and the Lungu family have agreed on funeral arrangements, skepticism continues to linger in the public discourse.
A Call for Respect and National Solidarity
As Zambia lays Dr. Edgar Lungu to rest, the focus must be on honoring his contributions, not engaging in political blame games or sowing division. Nakachinda and others must recognize that national mourning is not a time for political theater.
It is a solemn moment to reflect, reconcile, and reaffirm our shared identity as Zambians.
Let us ensure that Lungu’s final journey is marked not by controversy but by dignity, peace, and unity. The people of Zambia deserve a farewell that transcends political lines and brings the nation together in collective remembrance.
PERSONAL VIEWS SHOULD BE SET ASIDE AS WE SEND OFF THE LATE FORMER PRESIDENT EDGAR LUNGU-GOVT
Today, Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, MP, featured on Hot FM’s Hot Seat Programme to discuss issues surrounding the death of Former President Edgar Lungu
Here are the highlights:
✅ Stated that as the former President’s remains arrive in the country tomorrow, the entire international spotlight shifts from South Africa where it has been happening, where the family, Patriotic Front, and Government have been speaking from to Zambia.
✅Urged the Zambian citizenry not to take the mourning period as a time to issue statements or finger point who did or did not do this or that.
FORMER RESIDENT EDGAR LUNGU’S LEGACY
✅Meanwhile, the Minister has described former President Edgar Lungu’s legacy as one which will be remembered to be associated with great leadership of uniting the country Zambia.
✅It was under former President Edgar Lungu’s leadership as Minister of Home Affairs that there were consistent challenges relating to Members of Parliaments visiting their constituencies without giving notice to police.
✅In this regard, President Lungu then resolved that issue once and for all and became a resolution of Parliament that from that time going forward, no Member of Parliament was required to notify police when they were going to hold a meeting in their constituency.
✅The Chief Government Spokesperson further said he was fortunate enough to have been a close friend and fellow Parliamentarian to the Former President Edgar Lungu noting that there was a time the former President offered Mr. Mweetwa to serve as Minister under his leadership but declined the offer due to different political views.
✅ Confirmed that Government is in full consultation and collaboration with the family to ensure that every step is done in accordance with what has to be done right and doing it the Zambian way.
✅Former President deserves a befitting, dignified send off and that he must be mourned with decency because he served as former President of Zambia.
✅Commended the Church and its leadership in Zambia for praying for the peace and unity of the country during this period when the country is mourning the death of the former President Edgar Lungu
✅ Meanwhile, President Hakainde Hichilema remains committed to espouse a policy of governance anchored on openness, consultations and reconciliation and that after the nation has put to rest the its sixth president, reconciliation, and unity should continue to reign in the country.
✅ Government will render all relevant and necessary support to the bereaved family during these trying moments and afterwards to ensure a smooth transition into this uncharted new territory of where they are now going to live without their beloved one.
CALLS GROW FOR HICHILEMA TO ABANDON DIVISIVE BILL 7 IN FAVOR OF NATIONAL UNITY
Lusaka… Tuesday June 17, 2025 – Political and civil society leaders have reiterated calls for President Hakainde Hichilema to withdraw the controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 7, urging him instead to prioritize national dialogue and reconciliation.
In a statement issued to the Press: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DtLF8WvNm/?mibextid=wwXIfr , Dr. Fred M’membe, President of the Socialist Party, said he and his party stood in solidarity with Catholic bishops, opposition leaders, and several civil society organizations in demanding the immediate withdrawal of the proposed bill.
He argued that Bill 7 lacked clarity and genuine public backing.
Dr. M’membe warned that ignoring the widespread public demand to drop the bill would be a grave mistake, describing the move as a political miscalculation that could alienate the very citizens who elected Mr. Hichilema into office.
According to Dr. M’membe, the government’s continued insistence on the bill demonstrated “arrogance and rigidity.”
He questioned the motives behind the push, expressing concern that the amendment was fueling division rather than promoting unity.
He stated that the bill had already caused deep societal fractures and lacked the inclusivity required of any constitutional change.
He criticized it as “a deeply polarizing piece of legislation” and urged the President to reconsider his approach.
Calling for humility and genuine consultation, Dr. M’membe stressed that true leadership lay in listening to the people.
He emphasized that the time for national healing was now, and that forceful political impositions would only deepen the country’s challenges.
FOUR DEFENDANTS PLEAD GUILTY IN GEORGE KALABA SKELETAL REMAINS CASE
By Nelson Zulu
Four of the five defendants in the case involving the discovery of skeletal remains allegedly belonging to George Kalaba have pleaded guilty to failing to report a death.
The guilty pleas were entered by Lusaka High Court Judge Anna Ononuju in respect of the neighbour Pretoria Mbandama and the three children namely Wendy Kalaba, Sandra Kalaba and Natasha Kalaba, each acknowledging the amended charge of failure to give notice of the death.
Their admissions followed an application by the state to align the indictment with the committal certificate, which separates the manslaughter count from the reporting‑of‑death count.
The remaining defendant, 52‑year‑old Sylvia Mutuba Kalaba, the widow of the deceased, pleaded not guilty to a single count of manslaughter under section 199 of the penal code.
She denied causing her husband’s death, which investigators believe occurred between July 2023 and January 2025 at the family’s Garden Luangwa compound residence in Lusaka district.
Judge Ononuju granted the state’s application to amend the charges and set June 20th as day to rule on the bail application.
WHERE IS TOM MICHELO? MATERO CONSTITUENTS CALL FOR HIS RETURN AHEAD OF 2026
June 17, 2025
The streets of Matero have been buzzing with one question, “Where is Tom Michelo?” Once a prominent and passionate aspiring Member of Parliament for Matero constituency, Tom Michelo has been noticeably absent from the political spotlight in recent times. Now, as the 2026 general elections draw closer, some residents of the constituency are calling for his return, insisting that he is the kind of leader they believe can genuinely represent their needs in Parliament.
Tom Michelo, who gained popularity for his charismatic engagement with grassroots communities and his strong stance on youth empowerment, sanitation, and small business support, once left a lasting impression on the people of Matero. His approach, which many described as “hands-on and heartfelt,” earned him significant support and the nick name, “Chocolate”, among residents during his campaigns years back.
However, since the last elections, Michelo has maintained a low public profile, sparking curiosity and concern from those who once rallied behind him. On social media, community WhatsApp groups, and even local marketplaces, conversations are reigniting around his absence and the possibility of his comeback.
“Tom may not have won the seat, but he touched lives, he was always around when we needed someone to listen,” said Mrs. Ruth Tembo, a long-time Matero resident and youth mentor. “We need that kind of leadership again, we need someone who knows our problems not someone who only shows up when it’s time to campaign.”
Another youth from the area, David Mulenga, echoed the sentiment, “If Tom is still interested, he has our support, we’re tired of MPs who promise and disappear. Tom, wherever you are, Matero is calling.”
With the current Member of Parliament facing criticism for what some constituents describe as “detachment from the people” and “ineffective representation,” the appetite for change seems to be growing. Whether this public appeal will prompt Michelo to step forward remains to be seen, but the message is loud
AIR INDIA BOEING 787-8 DREAMLINER FLIGHT FORCED TO TURN BACK WITH TECHNICAL ISSUE – DAYS AFTER AHMEDABAD DISASTER
A Delhi-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner flight was forced to turn back to Hong Kong on Monday after the pilot reported technical issues mid-air.
The Air India flight AI 315 departed from the Asian city at 11.59 am local time for its scheduled destination in New Delhi. It reached an altitude of 22,000 feet, and then started descending, according to the flight tracking website AirNav Radar. The plane was 7 years old. Officials said the aircraft landed safely back in Hong Kong around 3.20 pm local time.
AI315 “returned to Hong Kong shortly after take-off due to a technical issue. The flight landed safely … and is undergoing checks as a matter of abundant precaution,” Air India said in a statement.
It comes just days after a Boeing Dreamliner bound for Gatwick with 242 people erupted in a fireball in Gujarat in the world’s worst aviation disaster in a decade.
I’M ALIVE AND IN JAPAN; IT’S MY YOUNGER BROTHER WHO HAS DIED – PROF CHIRWA
Professor Clive Chirwa has shared that he alive and in Japan and that the one who has died is his younger brother, James, who headed the Zambia Co-operative Federation.
Prof Chirwa shared:
“NOTE TO ALL…..I AM STILL ALIVE. I AM IN JAPAN.
GOODDAY EVERYBODY. BUT MY YOUNG BROTHER JAMES CHIRWA HAS DIED. SEE YOU SOON. PROFESSOR CLIVE CHIRWA”
The ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) has warned that growing misinformation on key national issues is threatening public trust and undermining policy reforms.
UPND media team member Cosmas Chileshe says politically motivated falsehoods around the proposed Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 and the recently enacted cyber laws are misleading Zambians and derailing national development efforts.
Mr. Chileshe has noted that some opposition members and institutions are deliberately distorting facts to serve partisan interests, leading the public to reject initiatives meant to benefit them.
He has described the trend as dangerous and counterproductive to democratic governance.
ZAMBIA FOUND GUILTY OF HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES – UN SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR REPORT
The UPND Government is abusing human rights, implementing selective justice and effecting targeted prosecutions against his Opponents and Critics
…recommends institutional and legal reforms to improve human rights practices…
The Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Irene Khan, visited Zambia from 20 to 31 January 2025.
In the present report, she acknowledges progress, including the adoption of the Access to Information Act and the repeal of the offence of defamation of the President.
She notes on-going challenges regarding freedom of expression and the need for legal and policy reforms.
In her key recommendations, she calls for the implementation of the Access to Information Act, the decriminalization of defamation and the revision of some speech-related offences in the Penal Code and other restrictive laws to bring them into line with international standards.
She also calls for strengthening the media and State institutions. She notes the rise of disinformation and the need to address it with multipronged strategies grounded in human rights.
The Special Rapporteur encourages the Government to continue its efforts to expand Internet connectivity to support freedom of expression and access to information.
She calls upon the Government to accelerate reforms, foster a culture of transparency and engage with civil society to strengthen the protection of human rights.
● Implement Access to Information law.
● Decriminalise defamation laws.
● Revise restrictive laws on speech-related offences under the penal code.
● Abandon disinformation as increasing toxic polarising speech, misleading the public and sowing seeds of discord.
●accelerate reforms to foster culture of transparency.
● strengthen human rights.
● Parliament authorities denied members of the Opposition to meet her despite government assurances that she would meet all stakeholders.
Key Findings;
● Suppression of dissent and critical voices. Growing trend to attack dissenting voices.
● Criminal Justice Weaponised to silence legitimate.
● Harassment by the Police of political and civil society activists and journalists, bloggers and Opposition figures.
● Abuse of legal system to target arrests and prosecution of political and critics.
● Continued abuse of the Public Order Act.
● Cyber Crimes ad Cyber Security laws to undermine freedom of expression, journalism and public-reporting
Lungu never endorsed anyone, Nakacinda refutes successor claims
PATRIOTIC Front (PF) faction secretary general Raphael Nakacinda has poured cold water on rumours suggesting that the late former president Edgar Lungu handpicked or endorsed anyone to take over the party presidency.
Appearing on Diamond TV last night, Nakacinda, revealed that the former Head of State never hinted or scribbled anyone’s name as his preferred successor even when death stood knocking at his door.
He said it was misleading for any individual within or outside the PF to parade themselves as having been endorsed by Lungu, whom he described as a man of integrity who detested fraudulent political schemes.
“There is nobody who can claim under the sun that president Lungu went to them and said, ‘you are my preferred candidate.’ I would have known,” Nakacinda firmly stated.
The PF strongman advised those eyeing the presidency to stop clinging to the shadow of Lungu’s legacy and instead prove their worth through genuine service and the people’s acceptance.
Nakacinda said Lungu always believed leadership should not be handed out like bus tickets at Intercity bus terminus, but should instead emerge from selfless service and sacrifice to the people.
“President Lungu was not a fraudster. So if there’s anybody within Patriotic Front and outside who are seeking to try and manipulate and deceive Zambians that they were endorsed, they are wasting their time,” he added.
In recent days, whispers in the political corridors have suggested that Lungu had quietly endorsed lawyer and politician Kelvin Bwalya, commonly known as KBF, as his chosen one.
But Nakacinda said such tales belong in the realm of fiction and not national politics.
He urged those nursing presidential ambitions to stop clutching Lungu’s legacy and instead prove themselves through the people’s support.
“If you have it, you are a leader seeking to serve the Zambian people genuinely. The Zambian people will identify you. The Patriotic Front members will identify you. And the Tonse Alliance will identify you,” stated Nakacinda…https://kalemba.news/politics/lungu-never-endorsed-anyone-nakacinda-refutes-successor-claims/
Who Is Winter Kabimba to Discredit President Lungu’s Final Wishes?
By Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma
In the solemn shadow of national mourning, as millions of Zambians come to terms with the loss of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, one would expect leaders, past and present, to exercise dignity, respect, and restraint. Yet out of the blue, Mr. Winter Kabimba, a man whose political relevance has been waning for years, has surfaced with an audacious claim that he does not believe President Lungu expressed his desire to be laid to rest without the presence of President Hakainde Hichilema.
Let that sink in. A man who was neither in the room, nor in the family circle, nor in President Lungu’s confidence at the time of his final wishes, has appointed himself the official arbiter of what the former President supposedly did or did not say.
Who gave Mr. Kabimba this authority? What moral ground does he stand on to question the veracity of the Lungu family’s statement, delivered publicly by a designated representative?
Let us be clear. This is not just poor judgment. It is a calculated move, one that reeks of political opportunism in the midst of a national tragedy.
The Family Has Spoken. Respect That.
According to the family spokesperson, the late President Lungu told his family that he did not want President Hichilema near his body or at his funeral. Whether one agrees with this sentiment or not is immaterial. The fact is, it was his wish, and the family has every right and responsibility to honour it.
So who is Mr. Winter Kabimba to cast doubt on this? What does he know that President Lungu’s widow and immediate family do not? Has he suddenly become the gatekeeper of truth? Or is this simply the latest episode in his long-running series of attention-seeking statements?
Let us not forget. Mr. Winter Kabimba is not a family member. He is not a legal custodian of Lungu’s estate. He is not a national mourner-in-chief. He is, at best, a sidelined politician trying to claw his way back into relevance by inserting himself into an emotional national moment.
Audacity or Arrogance?
It takes a staggering level of arrogance to publicly dismiss the word of a grieving family. In African culture, and Zambian tradition in particular, funerals are sacred. The wishes of the deceased, as communicated by their family, are not to be second-guessed by political bystanders seeking airtime.
If the family says that was President Lungu’s wish, that should be the end of the discussion.
The only reason to challenge it is to hijack the narrative, to derail public attention from the real issue—how the former President was treated in his final years and the growing public anger over the government’s attempt to sanitize history.
Mr. Kabimba’s dismissal of the family’s statement is more than just insensitive. It is a clear attempt to insert himself into a moment that is not his. His words do not unify. They divide. They do not heal. They injure.
A Crisis Is Not Your Comeback Stage
Let us call this what it is. Winter Kabimba is using the death of Edgar Lungu as a platform to reassert his voice in national discourse. He is turning national mourning into a microphone. And in doing so, he is disrespecting the dignity of the very man whose legacy he pretends to honor.
A true statesman would know when to be silent. A genuine leader would amplify the voices of the family, not drown them out with unsolicited theories.
This is not about belief. This is about basic human decency. President Lungu’s family has spoken. His widow has spoken. Whether you are in government, in opposition, or fading into obscurity like Mr. Kabimba, your duty is to respect that.
Anything less is shameless political theatre.
Final Thought
In moments of national pain, opportunists often emerge. But we must not allow them to distort the truth or disrespect the dead.
Mr. Kabimba, this was not your moment. It was President Lungu’s. And his family’s. You may not believe what they said, but that says more about you than it does about them.
When a man’s final wishes are spoken through the lips of his grieving wife, the decent response is not disbelief.
KABIMBA CRITICIZES FAILURE TO LEARN FROM THE DEATHS OF PAST PRESIDENTS
By: Sun FM TV Reporter
Economic Front Party leader Wynter Kabimba has criticized successive administrations for failing to learn from the deaths of past Republican Presidents, calling for institutional and constitutional reforms to better handle such national tragedies.
Speaking on Sunday Interview on ZNBC, Mr. Kabimba observed that despite Zambia having experienced multiple transitions due to the passing of sitting or former Heads of State, the country continues to respond with emotion and improvisation instead of relying on a clearly defined framework.
He urged authorities to reflect on past experiences and implement structured reforms to guide the state, political parties, and citizens during periods of national mourning and leadership transition.
Mr. Kabimba also raised concerns about political manipulation overshadowing the mourning period for late former President Edgar Lungu.
He noted that certain actions taken after Mr. Lungu’s passing have misrepresented the former Head of State’s character.
Further criticizing the politicization of funeral arrangements, Mr. Kabimba warned that such conduct undermines the dignity of the presidency and threatens national unity.
Chitambala Mwewa whose vlogging name is “Simon Mwewa Lane” yesterday made an urgent video broadcast claiming strongly that he had received information that the remains of Zambia’s Sixth President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu will be transported to Lusaka by Lusaka businessman, Valden Findlay’s plane.
This is utter falsehood and the family is shocked at Mwewa’s continous malicious attacks especially against the late President and his family during this mourning period.
Mr. Valden Findlay also expressed shock at Mwewa’s false and malicious assertions.
Tayali Is the Rot in Zambian Politics: A Political Parasite Begging for Relevance
By Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma
When I came across the recent statement attributed to Chilufya Tayali: “I know PF’s secrets. If UPND works with me as their consultant and allows me to come back home, I will make them win in 2026,” I was left completely baffled. Who in their right mind would take this man seriously?
Chilufya Tayali has long earned his reputation as Zambia’s most unreliable political flip-flopper, a man whose allegiance changes not based on principle but on survival. A self-made political commentator turned beggar for hire, Tayali has no consistent ideology, no moral compass, and certainly no credibility left. He survives on handouts, thrives on drama, and has made a career out of blackmailing politicians with shallow threats and theatrical exposés.
For anyone familiar with his antics, this recent outburst is nothing more than a desperate cry for relevance.
Yet we must not ignore the irony of it all. The very government he now seeks to serve, the UPND under the heavy-handed leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, is the same one currently pursuing him with politically motivated and trumped-up charges. That same government previously weaponized him, using him as a blunt instrument to attack the opposition. Now that the tables have turned, Tayali has the audacity to suggest he could help the UPND win elections in 2026.
Win what? With what constituency? With what credibility?
Chilufya Tayali is currently living in Malaysia, having applied for asylum after fleeing what he claimed was political persecution by the UPND regime. He alleged threats, harassment, and fabricated legal charges. One would think a man in exile, fighting what he once called a dictatorship, would remain committed to exposing that tyranny. But no, Tayali, ever the political chameleon, is now trying to sell himself to the same forces he once decried.
Let us be clear. This is not about strategy or patriotism. This is about desperation.
Tayali has no mass appeal. He has no base. He has no serious political record to speak of, only a long history of betrayal, character assassination, and shameless opportunism. Whether he was attacking former President Edgar Lungu and the PF or switching gears to assault HH and the UPND, Tayali has always operated with one objective: staying politically relevant just long enough to earn the next envelope.
Anyone who dares to trust him has not been paying attention or, worse, is so morally bankrupt that even a snake oil salesman like Tayali seems useful.
It is not even surprising that the UPND, under Hichilema’s increasingly authoritarian rule, at one time found Tayali a useful tool. They too are desperate, desperate to destroy a united opposition, desperate to cling to power, and willing to work with anyone, no matter how toxic, as long as they serve that purpose. But engaging Tayali is not just short-sighted; it is embarrassing. It reveals the rot, the lack of ideological discipline, and the utter disdain for integrity in our current political culture.
Let us call this for what it is: a failed political actor begging for a new role in a play he has already ruined for everyone else.
Tayali has burned bridges in every direction. The PF knows him as a traitor. The UPND used him as a pawn and now brand him a criminal. The Zambian people, regardless of political affiliation, see him as a nuisance, not a national asset. His appeal to work as a consultant is laughable and should be treated as such.
If the UPND is even entertaining the thought of engaging him again, it is not only a betrayal of the rule of law they claim to uphold but a clear admission of political bankruptcy.
Zambia deserves better. We deserve leaders and analysts who are driven by principle, not by pocket change. Tayali is not a strategist. He is a symbol of everything wrong with our political system, where noise is mistaken for insight, where chaos is confused for strategy, and where shamelessness is rewarded more than service.
As 2026 approaches, Zambians must reject political mercenaries of Tayali’s ilk and demand a higher standard for leadership and engagement. The future of our democracy cannot be entrusted to loudmouth opportunists in exile but to citizens and leaders grounded in values, truth, and courage.
Zambia Must Rise Above Fred M’membe’s Politics of Division
By ; Tobbius Chilembo Hamunkoyo- LLB, Author, Scientist , Political and Governance activist -16/06/25
As Zambia mourns the passing of its sixth Republican President, Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu , it is unfortunate and deeply regrettable, that certain political figures, like Socialist Party leader Dr. Fred M’membe , are once again attempting to hijack a solemn national moment to advance division, misinformation, and personal bitterness.
M’membe’s article, “No Amount of Media Spinning Will Absolve Hichilema of Wrongdoing,” continues a long-standing pattern of distorting facts, rewriting history, and peddling antagonism.
While he tries to present himself as a voice of morality and justice, history reminds us that Dr. M’membe has never truly been a neutral or unifying voice in Zambia’s political discourse, there is an English saying that goes like this, ” he who comes to equity must come with clean hands “.
Fred M’membe’s Record of Division
As the founder and former managing editor of The Post newspaper, Dr M’membe was not just a journalist, it is a notorious fact that he was an opinion-shaper who used The Post as a political weapon.
From the mid-1990s through the 2010s, the publication relentlessly attacked opponents while lionizing allies.
For years, The Post operated as a political megaphone , amplifying narratives that fuel tribal divisions and misinformation .
State House sources have previously warned about M’membe’s divisive rhetoric, pointing to his history of political antagonism and his statements advocating for governance by decree.
His open allegiance to certain political factions, has made it difficult to trust his calls for national unity, honestly can Zambians trust him?
Beyond the newspaper’s operations, Dr M’membe’s political maneuvering was evident in his alliances, including his backing of late President Michael Sata and the PF, before falling out and later positioning the Socialist Party as the new “moral alternative”.
The Mongu Motorcade Incident, Stop Rewriting History
In his attempt to indict President Hakainde Hichilema for “motorcade misconduct” during the 2017 Kuomboka Ceremony,Dr M’membe deliberately omits key facts;
– Hichilema was a passenger—not the driver. – Video footage showed both convoys staying on their respective sides of the road, contradicting claims of deliberate obstruction. – Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba (GBM), who was with HH, was never arrested or charged .
These critical omissions expose a deliberate attempt to manipulate historical events for political advantage.
The arrests that followed were globally condemned as politically motivated.What was said to be a traffic offences became a treason case.We all know that the path of the head of state is cleared before he uses the road, advance team is usually in charge of this operation.
Zambia Deserves Better, Time to Heal, Not Reignite Bitterness
It is deeply hypocritical for Dr. M’membe to demand justice and fairness from President Hichilema’s government while ignoring the brutal political climate that HH himself endured under the PF—including the notorious fact of 15 arrests, months of detention at Mukobeko Maximum Prison, and sponsored political defamation campaigns that Hakainde Hichilema was a satanist from Bishop Chomba at a PF political Rally in Kabwe, among other issues.
Demanding accountability is necessary, but it should never be selective outrage that disregards Zambia’s painful history and M’membe is very much aware about this.
Edgar Lungu’s Death Should Unite Us, Not Divide Us
The passing of former President Edgar Lungu should be a moment of reflection and reconciliation, not an opportunity for political point-scoring, Dr Dora Siliya has been preaching peace and unity, can we learn from her.
Leaders across Africa have sent condolences, emphasizing the need for national healing, yet Dr M’membe’s rhetoric threatens to undermine this crucial moment.
After days of uncertainty, Lungu’s family and the government reached an agreement on funeral arrangements, allowing President Hichilema to preside over a state funeral despite initial opposition.
This moment should serve as a reminder of Zambia’s need for unity, rather than fueling further division.
Zambia needs leadership that promotes peace, truth, and national healing, not recycled propaganda from those who once wielded media influence to divide the nation.
Fred M’membe should know that, ,Zambia is above this kind of politics nowadays , He continues to promote, resentment, tribal overtones, and disguised intellectual arrogance.Dr M’membe had his chance with The Post newspaper to promote peace and Unity in this country. Zambia moved on.
Let us be a people who look forward, not backwards. Let us learn from the past, forgive where we must, hold accountable where we should, and above all, preserve the unity of our great nation mother Zambia .
Zambia must heal, and healing cannot happen in a climate of bitterness and blame.
UNKNOWN 8 SUSPECTED SPECIAL FORCES OPERATORS ALLEGEDLY MURDERS MAKWATI BUSINESS MAN.
A 50 year old business man of makwati compound has been allegedly murdered by unknown suspected special force operators commonly referred to as commandos.
According to central province police commissioner charity munganga, central police station received a report on Monday at around 00:30 hours from Albert mutambo aged 28 of makwati compound in Kabwe district,a business man who reported that,Jordan siame aged 50 yrs of unmarked house,makwati compound in Kabwe district was beaten by unknown suspected commandos using a handle for the peak and sustained a deep cut on the forehead and at the back of the head.
UN Special Rapporteur Report Out to be Presented to the UN Human Rights Council on Wednesday 18th June 2025
President Hichilema is abusing human rights, implementing selective justice and effecting targeted prosecutions against his Opponents and Critics
…recommends institutional and legal reforms to improve human rights practices…
The Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Irene Khan, visited Zambia from 20 to 31 January 2025.
In the present report, she acknowledges progress, including the adoption of the Access to Information Act and the repeal of the offence of defamation of the President.
She notes on-going challenges regarding freedom of expression and the need for legal and policy reforms.
https://youtu.be/nXGnSCaXulE?si=HHbByXHddfA_62oc
In her key recommendations, she calls for the implementation of the Access to Information Act, the decriminalization of defamation and the revision of some speech-related offences in the Penal Code and other restrictive laws to bring them into line with international standards.
She also calls for strengthening the media and State institutions. She notes the rise of disinformation and the need to address it with multipronged strategies grounded in human rights.
The Special Rapporteur encourages the Government to continue its efforts to expand Internet connectivity to support freedom of expression and access to information.
She calls upon the Government to accelerate reforms, foster a culture of transparency and engage with civil society to strengthen the protection of human rights.
● Implement Access to Information law.
● Decriminalise defamation laws.
● Revise restrictive laws on speech-related offences under the penal code.
● Abandon disinformation as increasing toxi polarising speech, misleading the public and sowing seeds of discord.
●accelerate reforms to foster culture of transparency.
● strengthen human rights.
● Parliament authorities denied members of the Opposition to meet her despite government assurances that she would meet all stakeholders.
Key Findings;
● Suppression of dissent and critical voices. Growing trend to attack dissenting voices.
● Criminal Justice Weaponised to silence legitimate.
● Harassment by the Police of political and civil society activists and journalists, bloggers and Opposition figures.
● Abuse of legal system to target arrests and prosecution of political and critics.
● Contniued abuse of the Public Order Act.
● Cyber Crimes ad Cyber Security laws to undermine freedom of expression, journalism and public-reporting
CHARLES KAKULA CHASED AND DENIED TO SIGN IN A BOOK OF CONDOLENCES AT ZAMBIA HIGH COMMISSIONER IN CANADA
In a deeply concerning incident that has sparked debate over diplomatic conduct and political tolerance, the Zambian High Commissioner to Canada has barred Mr. Charles Kakula from signing the book of condolence for the late former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu at the Zambian Embassy in Ottawa.
The refusal, reportedly based on Mr. Kakula’s perceived affiliation with the opposition, has drawn criticism from Zambians in the diaspora and at home, who view it as an affront to democratic principles and basic decency.
https://youtu.be/nXGnSCaXulE?si=HHbByXHddfA_62oc
Mr. Kakula, a well-known Zambian national and close associate of the late President Lungu, expressed his disappointment at the High Commission’s actions, stating:
“Please allow me to mourn President Edgar Chagwa Lungu. I am a Zambian citizen and have the right to belong to any political party.”
Sources familiar with Mr. Kakula’s political and personal background confirm that he maintained a longstanding relationship with President Lungu, often offering support during and after his presidency. His attempt to pay respects to the former Head of State was, according to those present, conducted in a peaceful and dignified manner.
The Lord Jesus warned, ‘If ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.’ Matt 6:15.
Something very bad is happening in Zambia right now and it will be condoned by a Roman Catholic Archbishop very soon. It is now clear that the late former President of Zambia Edgar Chagwa Lungu died a bitter and unforgiving man. This is not an accusation but by his own will and last testament given to his family he declared his personal hatred and hostility against his successor by saying something so very very un Christian let alone un African.
Many of his followers, friends and relatives may think that this is justified. They say that if the incumbent President never visited the bedside of the ailing man, why should he attend the funeral? Some think that it is hypocritical for President Hakainde Hichilema to express sorrow and pass condolences to the former first family while he ‘mistreated’ his predecessor. Well, if we were to weigh the wrongs each of these men have done to each other, an independent jury would find that HH smells of roses here.
HH was wrongfully arrested and charged with treason. He was kept in prison for hundreds of days. While in prison, he was allegedly kept in solitary confinement for 8 days, without water and food and tortured as well. One way he was tortured was to have his private parts pepper sprayed. On the day of his arrest, the Zambia police vandalised his property and some even defeacated in the bedroom. Furthermore, HH was never allowed to have meetings in public. He was teargassed every now and then and at one time, he had to escape from PF cadres through the roof of a radio station.
In December 2020, when HH appeared at Police HQ for questioning, Nsama Nsama Chipyoka, a prosecutor and Mr. Joseph Kaunda a UPND supporter were killed by the police. The Human Rights Commission said that the killing was unlawful and recommended the arrest of the then Police Commissioner Mr Nelson Phiri. Ms Esther Katongo never confirmed nor denied whether Mr Phiri was suspended or not. HH was never a free man and even during campaigns, his movements were restricted. We all remember his remonstration with the police at Chipata airport, denying him entry into the city of Chipata in 2021.
Now, what did Edgar Lungu suffer? Whether it was his family or himself, whatever Edgar Lungu went through was in accordance with the letter of the law.
His family members accused of possessions that were proceeds of crime have been given their days in court. No one ever spent even a single hour in prison.
No one was ever tortured. No property of the Lungus was vandalised by the police. Lungu’s movements were permitted if he informs the State. This is normal for former heads of State because if anything happened to them, the State would be blamed.
As for his illness, I wonder how many Zambians knew that the man was not well, because if they knew the ‘Akabwelelapo’ mantra would not have sounded so loud. Plan B would have been a pipe dream and I do not think that the UPND would have bothered too much about his ‘third term bid.’
So, head to head, it is obvious that HH has more reasons not to forgive ECL than ECL had. What is forgiveness? It is more than forgetting the wrong done. It is also elevating the wrongdoer to the place where he should be as though he never did any wrong. God gave the Israelites the law of Jubilee.
In the 50th year, all debts were cancelled, slaves that were not redeemed were set free. God was teaching the Israelites how to forgive. For centuries thereafter, the Israelites practised this forgiving of debts and so the Lord Jesus incorporated it in what is now called the Lord’s prayer- ‘Forgive us our sins, even as we forgive our debtors.’
The slate was wiped clean. This is what God has done for us through the blood of Jesus. He forgave us all our sins and if we have experienced this, it should not be a problem for us to do the same to others.
I feel sad that Former President Lungu carried that bitterness with him to the grave. I pray that for those of us who remain, we may learn a lesson and never let the sun go down on our anger, because it may be the last sun set we will ever know.
RDA reschedules road closure of Leopards Hil Road after ECL’s family complains
The family of Zambia’s Sixth President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu was alerted about the planned temporary closure of the Leopards Hill road from Saturday, 21st June 2025, from Crossroad Shopping Mall to 7km ahead.
This meant that the remains of the late President would not be taken and lie-in-state in Chifwema from Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
However after further negotiations between the family and State, RDA has been persuaded to begin the rehabilitation of the road and closure of the road next week on 28th June 2025. Thank you. Twalumba.
Chilangwa deserves freedom, Lubinda weeps at funeral
THE EVER-angry makeshift PF leader Given Lubinda has poured out his frustration over what he called deliberate delays by the justice system to grant bail and a fair hearing to jailed former Kawambwa Central lawmaker Nickson Chilangwa.
Speaking at the funeral of Chilangwa’s father in Mansa, Lubinda told mourners that it was heartbreaking for a son to be locked up during a moment when he should be allowed to grieve and bury his own father with dignity.
John Chilangwa died on Thursday, but his son, a key PF figure currently serving time, was not present at the funeral due to what Lubinda described as ‘unfair judicial restrictions.’
https://youtu.be/nXGnSCaXulE?si=HHbByXHddfA_62oc
The incarcerated former lawmaker mourns the death of his own father from behind bars.
“As far as we are concerned, Chilangwa deserves freedom. He was denied bail, pending appeal, and they are delaying hearing his appeal application,” Lubinda said.
“Today, Nickson Chilangwa is mourning his father and President Lungu in jail.”
He added that what is happening to Chilangwa is a reflection of what he believes is a broader campaign of persecution against PF officials.
Lubinda called on the justice system to act with fairness and urgency, especially in matters that touch on human dignity and family loss…https://kalemba.news/…/chilangwa-deserves-freedom…/
The Urgent Call for the Establishment of the Proactive Official Council of Former Presidents
The socio-economic and political hardships we are facing today as a nation of Zambia are largely due to the fact that we, the Zambian people, have failed to fully utilize the resources available to us. We have not designed a deliberate national policy or program that leverages the knowledge, skills, exposure, and experience of our former Heads of State. This issue did not start today—it has been with us for the past 34 years.
History keeps repeating itself, yet we fail to learn from our past mistakes. We seem to enjoy finger-pointing rather than taking a keen interest in addressing the root causes of our national problems.
Our behavior as a nation reflects a disturbing lack of commitment to solving our own challenges. We forget that insults, drama, hatred, tantrums, or even revenge can never bring about sustainable solutions.
Let me offer some practical examples:
1. Frederick T.J. Chiluba and the MMD took Dr. Kenneth Kaunda to prison as he attempted to make a political comeback. The tension only subsided when Dr. Kaunda officially retired from active politics.
https://youtu.be/nXGnSCaXulE?si=HHbByXHddfA_62oc
2. Levy P. Mwanawasa and the MMD dealt harshly with Frederick T.J. Chiluba in the courts, leading to public concern. Chiluba was even barred from leaving the country until third-party mediation facilitated reconciliation between the two.
3. Michael C. Sata and the PF similarly targeted Dr. Rupiah B. Banda, restricting his travel until third-party intervention persuaded Sata to relent.
4. The UPND and ECL (Edgar Chagwa Lungu) sparked the same crisis when ECL announced his return to active politics. Unfortunately, he passed away before the issue could be resolved.
The Real Problem at Hand
Tension between the sitting government and former Heads of State is inevitable due to the following reasons:
1. Political Interference by Former Presidents Even after leaving office, former Presidents retain political influence, as many officials in key government positions remain loyal to them. This is why, in the corporate world, CEOs are usually dismissed outright rather than merely demoted—to prevent interference. This is not always visible to the general public, nor is it something the sitting President may admit for fear of seeming weak or lacking control.
2. Paranoid Former Presidents Former Presidents may live in fear of retaliation, especially if they previously abused their power to oppress the now-sitting President when he was in opposition.
3. Revenge by the New President The sitting President may seek to mistreat the former President as revenge for past political grievances.
4. Destruction of Potential Political Rivals The sitting President may attempt to silence or destroy the former President, viewing him as the most dangerous political threat.
The Consequences of This Tension
This ongoing tension has led to the country’s failure to progress politically, socially, and economically because:
1. Withholding of Valuable Contributions If not treated with dignity, former Presidents may withhold their knowledge and expertise, which are vital for national development.
2. Active Frustration of the Incumbent’s Efforts Former Presidents may deliberately frustrate the efforts of the new President, particularly if they seek a return to power.
Note: Once you lose power, you are expected to step aside permanently and give others the opportunity to continue from where you left off.
3. National Confusion and Division This persistent conflict creates confusion and divides the nation.
Solutions to This Crisis
1. Redefine Our Democracy to Suit Our Environment We were taught how to vote leaders in and out but not how to handle and engage with former leaders post-office. This is a crucial gap.
2. Establish a Deliberate Official Council of Former Heads of State A dedicated council should be created to serve as an advisory body to the government. This council must remain neutral and unaffiliated with any political party, focusing solely on the broader goal of national development.
We cannot ignore that:
– Former Presidents possess more knowledge than new Presidents. – They maintain extensive diplomatic relationships that could benefit the country. – Their past mistakes could serve as invaluable lessons for the nation. – Idle former Presidents may become sources of drama and tension if not engaged productively.
Former Presidents can serve as Mega Ambassadors, enhancing diplomatic ties worldwide using their existing relationships. They can also help resolve internal and external conflicts in the country’s interest.
Recommendations to Government:
1. Formally Establish the Council of Former Presidents.
2. Alternatively, Appoint Former Presidents as Lifetime Members of Parliament, as is done in countries like Italy.
Conclusion
We are too poor as a nation to remain divided. Just as a poor family survives through unity, so too must a poor nation remain united to progress and prosper.
By Dr David phiri ‘shall we save Zambia’ Contact : 0977280401
Mufulira Man who embarked on Journey to cycle to Lusaka in honour of late President Lungu abandons mission
By Fridah Chalwe
A 38-year-old man from Kawama East, Mufulira, who had embarked on a journey to cycle to Lusaka to join mourners at the funeral gathering for late President Edgar Lungu has given up on his mission.
Matthews Ngosa had indicated at the start of his journey on Thursday that he was inspired by the late President Edgar Lungu and he therefore thought of cycling to Lusaka to honour the departed Former Head of State.
https://youtu.be/nXGnSCaXulE?si=HHbByXHddfA_62oc
He however underestimated the distance and could only manage to reach Kabwe after two days and has since u-turned and abandoned his noble assignment complaining of leg pains.
Unfazed he told Mafken News in an interview that he is determined to make a second attempt.
EXPERT SAYS POSSIBLE U.S TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS ON ZAMBIA NOT A SIGN OF DETERIORATING DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS
By Nelson Zulu
International Relations Expert Edgar Silwimba says the recent inclusion of Zambia among 36 countries facing potential U.S travel restrictions does not signal a diplomatic standoff between the two nations.
Mr. Silwimba explains to Phoenix News that the move reflects broader geo-political competition, as the United States seeks to maintain influence amid the rise of other economic powers and alternative partnerships.
He notes that travel limitations are targeted at individuals rather than governments and are intended as conditional measures rather than permanent sanctions.
While acknowledging the difficulties this poses for Zambian citizens, Mr. Silwimba insists that official diplomatic relations and government‑level engagements will continue unaffected.
Meanwhile, Political Historian Professor Bizeck Phiri from the university of Zambia says while travel restrictions may have negative impacts on business, the Zambian government must approach it with caution.
The Trump administration is reportedly considering a significant expansion of its travel ban, potentially adding 36 countries to which 25 are African countries, including Zambia.
The memo sets a 60-day deadline for affected countries to address concerns over identity documentation, visa policies, and security cooperation or face full or partial entry bans.
ZAMBIA THANKS SOUTH AFRICA FOR SUPPORT FOLLOWING EX-PRESIDENT LUNGU’S DEATH
The Zambian Government has expressed gratitude to the Republic of South Africa for its support after the passing of Zambia’s Sixth President, Edgar Lungu, on June 5, 2025, in that country.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe stated that South African authorities at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation provided assistance during this period.
Haimbe indicated that Zambia will officially request that the deceased former Head of State be accorded full military honours by the South African government upon the repatriation of his remains.
He underscored that Zambia and South Africa share long-standing relations, adding that the ongoing cooperation in the current circumstances is a testament to the strength of the friendship between the two nations.
The Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) introduced a law stating that any individual without a Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) cannot transact over $2,500 abroad, or else a 15% tax is applied to the value of the transaction.
The motive behind this rule is to make it harder for individuals who do not pay taxes to externalise resources. While this approach may make sense for companies, it has become a nightmare for individuals.
I was informed that the system is now linked to bank accounts, and all transactions above the specified threshold must be approved through this integrated system. At least, that’s what my banker at ABSA explained to me.
I have been trying to purchase tickets for an emergency trip online since Friday evening. Every time I attempt the transaction, it is blocked by my bank. The travel date is approaching, and ticket prices are increasing. So, first thing this morning, I went to my bank. They told me I needed a Tax Clearance Certificate. I then went to ZRA and obtained one. The bank assured me the system would update automatically.
Later this evening, after searching for hours, I finally found tickets at a reasonable price. I tried to pay again—blocked.
I understand and appreciate the motives behind the rule. But honestly, rules and regulations should not interfere with essential, everyday activities. For money—especially debit cards—to be credible, they must function without frustrating citizens. As I write this, I still haven’t been able to purchase my ticket. Tomorrow morning, I’ll have to go back to either ZRA or ABSA to resolve the issue.
But this raises serious concerns: What if this glitch occurs when a citizen is stranded at an international airport? What if there is a medical or family emergency requiring urgent payment, and the system blocks the transaction?
I don’t support this level of transactional policing. It discourages people from using the domestic banking system. I’ve now decided to move my modest savings to a country where I can transact freely—without calling my banker or relying on systems that malfunction occasionally.
Again, while I understand the intention, we need to make life simpler for ourselves. The stress of trying to make a simple payment is just too much.
We need to revisit this.
There are also cases where the system fails to recognise that a company has a valid Tax Clearance Certificate. In such situations, the bank—with instructions from the tax authority—deducts 15% from the transaction. Afterward, even when reconciliation is done, the tax authority does not refund the money. Instead, they say, “Use it as credit next time.” But this eats into the company’s working capital.
I strongly believe that individuals should not be subjected to the same tax clearance requirements as companies. We are human beings, not corporations. A TPIN should be sufficient.
Army commander flags off first ever corporals strategic courses!
Commander Zambia Army, Lieutenant General Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele has officially opened the first ever Corporals Strategic Courses at the Military Training Establishment of Zambia (MILTEZ).
The Corporals Strategic Courses are aimed at producing Junior Non Commission Officers who would be able to understand the fluid operation environment and make decisions that would impact both tactical and strategic end-states.
Speaking when he officially opened the Courses at MILTEZ , Lt Gen Zyeele said the Strategic Corporals Courses will enhance the young soldiers’ leadership skills, tactical knowledge and specific skills necessary to excel in complex operation environments.
“You are to take these courses seriously and approach them with dedication and an open mind for its successful completion.
I have confidence that you will pull through and graduate without any difficulties,” the Commander Zambia Army said.
Lt Gen Zyeele highlighted that modern warfare demands that subordinate leaders are empowered with sufficient skills to seize and retain initiative and allow the smallest operative teams to be agile and adaptable enough to accomplish missions and assigned tasks.
“Fellow Soldiers, this course is aimed at bridging the knowledge gap between Officers and Soldiers with a focus on enhancing young Soldiers’ leadership skills, tactical knowledge and specific skills necessary to excel in complex operational environments, ” Lt Gen Zyeele said.
Lt Gen Zyeele said he decided to come up with the concept of Strategic Corporal Courses considering the fast paced strategic environment so that the Zambia Army moves with the rest of world’s best armies in strategic and tactical advancements which he added should fit in his concept of mission Command.
He explained that mission command is an approach to command and control that empowers subordinates’ decision making and decentralised execution appropriate to the situation within the constraints of their Commander’s intent.
He urged students to take the courses seriously, emphasising that it was a rare opportunity that would allow them to learn and broaden their military knowledge and develop leadership skills at their level of command.
And speaking at the same event, MILTEZ Commandant, Brigadier General Heldon Mwilu highlighted that the courses will give the school an opportunity to raise a new cadre of Non-Commissioned Officers who will lead confidently in battle.
Brig Gen Mwilu added that the first ever Corporals Courses will give students requisite knowledge for them to function properly at their level of command.
And All Arms Wing (AAW) Commander, Colonel Erwin Solomon Mumbi stressed the importance of discipline and engagement throughout the Course.
He cautioned students that no indiscipline will be condoned during the period and emphasised that their priority should be discipline and engagement to ensure they benefit from the Instructors.
