DELIMITATION WILL NOT ALTER TRADITIONAL BOUNDARIES—GOVERNMENT
By Niza Vomo
Government has assured citizens that the ongoing constituency delimitation exercise across Zambia will not affect traditional boundaries.
Speaking during a meeting with headmen and community members in the Itumbi area of Chief Kaingu’s chiefdom in Itezhi-Tezhi, Southern Province Minister Credo Nanjuwa said the exercise will not interfere with traditional boundaries.
Nanjuwa said the process is aimed at promoting equitable distribution of resources and ensuring that development reaches every constituency in the country.
He explained that the provincial administration is organising meetings with council secretaries to strengthen their understanding of the objectives of the delimitation exercise and to help communities appreciate its purpose.
He added that the initiative also seeks to address concerns raised by traditional leaders whose chiefdoms may lie along the intersections of newly created constituency borders.
Some residents of Haifa, Israel, have been sheltering in an underground parking lot since Sunday, as sirens warning of overhead missiles continue to blare from their phones.
“We’re here because our house in Haifa doesn’t have a bomb shelter, so it’s a bit scary for us … so we decided to just hang out with our friends … and just be safe,” 26-year-old Haifa local Lilit Karapetian told Reuters.
“I have a safe place in my house, but I don’t feel really safe over there, so I decided to go here to relax a little bit from all this war,” resident Daniel Aedskiy said.
Iran on Monday fired a new barrage of missiles toward Israel, with videos showing interceptions over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Qatar “reserves the right to retaliate” against Iran after its “blatant attack” on Qatar’s people, foreign ministry spokesperson Majid al-Ansari said, adding that Iranian strikes “cannot go unanswered” and that “a price has to be paid.”
Doha is not in contact with Iran’s government as it focuses on defending the country and protecting key infrastructure, al-Ansari told CNN’s Becky Anderson on Monday.
“As of this moment, we are not engaging with government. We are busy, as you might imagine, defending our country,” he said.
He added that Qatar has faced “more than 100 missiles and scores of drones,” and said the strikes were “targeting also civilian and commercial infrastructure.”
Asked about the risk to Gulf energy facilities after Saudi Arabia intercepted drones near an oil refinery, al-Ansari said Qatar was “gravely concerned” by attacks on non-military targets across the region.
He said Qatar’s military has taken precautions to defend onshore and offshore economic facilities while Gulf leaders coordinate closely with each other and the United States.
Qatar is one of the world’s biggest gas exporters.
The UN nuclear watchdog said there was no indication that Israeli and US strikes on Iran have hit any nuclear facilities.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi said: “Regarding the status of the nuclear installations in Iran, up to now, we have no indication that any of the nuclear installations, including the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, the Tehran Research Reactor or other nuclear fuel cycle facilities have been damaged or hit.”
“So far, no elevation of radiation levels above the usual background levels has been detected in countries bordering Iran,” he said.
Grossi’s comments come after Iran’s ambassador to the IAEA said Sunday that Natanz — one of Iran’s three key Iranian nuclear facilities – had been attacked, Reuters reported.
US President Donald Trump has cited Iran’s potential nuclear threat as one of his reasons justifying US strikes on the country, contracting US intelligence on the matter, which has assessed that Iran is nearly a decade away from developing a “militarily-viable” intercontinental ballistic missile.
Three US fighter jets went down “due to an apparent friendly fire incident,” US Central Command has announced.
Kuwaiti air defenses accidentally shot the F-15 Strike Eagle fighter jets down late Monday evening ET time.
“During active combat—that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones — the U.S. Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses,” the statement said. “All six aircrew ejected safely, have been safely recovered, and are in stable condition. Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defense forces and their support in this ongoing operation.”
The cause of the incident is under investigation, according to CENTCOM. The jets were flying in support of the military operation against Iran, dubbed Operation Epic Fury.
Kuwait’s Minister of Defense said in the early hours of Monday morning that “several” US fighter jets crashed.
Breaking News : Saudi Arabia Confirms Iranian Attacks on Its Territory Amid Escalating Gulf Conflict
Saudi Arabia has confirmed that Iranian strikes targeted areas within the Kingdom, including parts of the Eastern Province, as regional tensions continue to intensify following recent U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran. However, as of the latest verified reporting, there is no confirmed evidence from major international news agencies that the ARAMCO refinery at Ras Tanura has been directly hit.
According to reporting by Reuters, Saudi authorities stated that Iranian missiles and drones were launched toward Saudi territory and that air defense systems intercepted several of them. The Saudi Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks as violations of its sovereignty and confirmed that the incidents are part of the wider regional escalation involving Iran and Saudi Arabia.
The Eastern Province, where major energy infrastructure is located including facilities operated by Saudi Aramco remains strategically sensitive due to its central role in global oil exports. Despite widespread claims circulating online, no credible outlet such as Reuters or the Associated Press has independently confirmed a direct strike on the Ras Tanura oil refinery itself at this stage.
The broader conflict has already begun impacting energy markets and maritime traffic, particularly near the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to volatility in global oil prices.
GLOBAL OIL PRICES SURGE AS MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT ESCALATES
GLOBAL energy markets have been thrown into turmoil following a sharp escalation in military conflict involving Iran over the weekend, sending crude oil prices to their highest levels in over a year.
As markets opened today, Monday, Brent Crude futures jumped by more than 8%, breaching $79 per barrel. Earlier in the session, prices spiked as high as $82 per barrel, a 14-month high as traders reacted to news of strikes in the region and the effective disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait is a critical artery for global trade, with approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply passing through its waters. Reports indicate that tanker traffic has significantly slowed or halted due to security concerns and the withdrawal of insurance coverage for vessels in the area.
Market analysts warn that if the disruption persists, oil prices could potentially test the $100 per barrel mark. Such a surge would likely exert fresh inflationary pressure on global economies, including Zambia, where fuel pump prices are closely tied to international market trends.
In a bid to stabilise the market, eight OPEC+ countries, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, have reportedly agreed to boost production to offset potential supply gaps. However, experts suggest that spare capacity may not be enough to fully bridge the deficit if the blockade in the Gulf continues.
Back home, stakeholders in the energy and transport sectors are closely monitoring the situation. While the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) usually reviews local prices monthly based on the performance of the Kwacha and international oil costs, the current global volatility remains a point of concern for consumers and businesses alike.
The international community continues to call for de-escalation in the Middle East to prevent a prolonged global energy crisis.
🇿🇲 EXPLAINER | Iran Tensions: What a Gulf Oil Shock Means for Zambia
Military escalation involving the United States, Israel and Iran has shifted global attention to one narrow waterway between Oman and Iran. The Strait of Hormuz carries about 20% of the world’s oil supply and a similar share of seaborne gas.
According to The Guardian, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned tankers that no ship would be allowed to pass through the strait after US and Israeli strikes. Tehran has not formally declared a blockade, but vessels are reportedly avoiding the route. Reuters reported that at least 150 tankers carrying crude oil, liquefied natural gas and refined products had dropped anchor in open waters across the Gulf.
If the halt continues, up to 15 million barrels per day of crude could be prevented from reaching global markets.
Oil traders are already reacting. Before the strikes, analysts expected limited military action to add about 10 dollars per barrel to global prices. Markets now anticipate a sharp jump in Brent crude. Forecasts cited by The Guardian suggest prices could move toward 90 dollars per barrel quickly and rise above 100 dollars in a prolonged disruption scenario.
Energy analyst Jorge León told the paper that “whether the strait is closed by force or rendered inaccessible by risk avoidance, the impact on flows is largely the same.” In other words, fear alone can move prices even before a formal shutdown.
Why does this matter for Zambia?
Zambia imports petroleum products. It does not produce crude oil. When global oil prices rise, the landing cost of fuel increases. This feeds directly into pump prices unless government absorbs the difference through subsidies.
If crude approaches 90 to 100 dollars per barrel, the Energy Regulation Board would face upward pressure on domestic fuel pricing. A higher fuel import bill would require more foreign exchange. This can weaken the kwacha if inflows from copper and other exports do not offset the shock.
Fuel is not an isolated cost. It influences transport, food distribution, fertiliser movement, mining logistics and electricity generation where diesel backup is used. A sustained global oil spike would therefore raise inflation risks at a sensitive political moment.
Zambia goes to the polls in August.
In election cycles, fuel prices often become political ammunition. Rising pump prices can be framed as policy failure even when the trigger is external. Global supply shocks are complex. Campaign messages are not.
The Guardian notes that Iran holds about 170 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, roughly 9% of global crude. Although its exports account for about 3 to 4% of global supply, its strategic leverage lies in geography. León described Iran’s geopolitical weight as rooted in “its strategic location, its influence over regional security dynamics and its capacity to disrupt critical energy infrastructure and transit routes.”
This capacity is what markets are pricing in.
Even without a full closure of the strait, partial disruptions such as ship detentions, signal interference or naval standoffs can delay cargo and increase insurance and freight costs. Those costs are passed down the chain. Import dependent economies feel them quickly.
For Zambia, the central question is not who is right or wrong in the Gulf conflict. It is exposure.
If oil rises sharply and remains elevated for weeks, government may face three difficult choices. Allow full price pass through and risk political backlash, especially if communication remains loose. Cushion prices and strain public finances. Or stagger adjustments and manage expectations carefully.
Each option carries economic and political consequences.
The Strait of Hormuz is thousands of kilometres away. But its stability can influence inflation, currency pressure and campaign narratives in Lusaka.
In the coming weeks, citizens should watch three indicators. Global Brent crude prices. Movements in the kwacha. Announcements from the Energy Regulation Board.
The Gulf conflict is a security story for the Middle East. For Zambia, it is an economic story.
And in an election year, economics quickly becomes politics.
🚨Breaking News : Multiple US F-15 Fighter Jets Crash in Kuwait Amid US-Iran Escalations – All Crews Survive!🚨
In a shocking development today, March 2, 2026, Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense confirmed that several US military aircraft, identified as F-15E Strike Eagles, crashed near the Ali Al Salem Air Base in western Kuwait.
Dramatic footage verified by CNN shows at least one jet spiraling out of control in flames, with 3 pilots ejecting safely via parachute before impact.
Sources indicate the incidents may involve friendly fire from a US Patriot missile system during heightened air defenses against Iranian missile and drone attacks, though Iranian media claims responsibility for downing the jets. All crew members were rescued and are in stable condition, with no f∆talities reported.
This comes amid ongoing regional tensions following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.
Sources: Kuwait Ministry of Defense via CNN, The War Zone, TRT World, and Anadolu Agency.
Breaking News : IDF Launches Offensive Campaign Against Hezb0llah in Lebanon Amid Escalating Regional Tensions
🚨 In a major escalation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have initiated an “offensive campaign” against Hezb0llah targets across Lebanon, including strikes in Beirut and southern regions. This follows Hezb0llah’s rocket and drone attacks on northern Israel, which the group claimed as retaliation for the recent unaliving of Iran’s Supreme Leader ∆yotollah ∆li Kh∆menei.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir announced the operation, stating: “We have begun an offensive campaign against Hezb0llah. We are not just on the defensive, now we go on the offense.” He emphasized preparation for “several days of fighting,” holding Hezb0llah fully responsible for any further escalation.
The strikes targeted senior Hezb0llah operatives and infrastructure, expanding the conflict amid broader US-Israel actions against Iran.Residents in Beirut reported hearing explosions early Monday morning.
Source: The Times of Israel, The New York Times, and other credible reports.
Breaking News : Pentagon Admits No Intelligence Indicated Iran Planned First Strike on US Forces, Sources Reveal
In a stunning revelation amid escalating tensions, Trump administration officials have acknowledged in closed-door briefings with congressional staff that there was no intelligence suggesting Iran intended to attack U.S. forces first. This admission undercuts key public justifications for the recent U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, and have resulted in significant casualties, including the unalived of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ay∆tollah ∆li Kh∆menei.
According to reports, officials emphasized broader threats from Iran’s ballistic missiles and proxy forces but explicitly stated there was no evidence of an imminent preemptive attack by Tehran on American personnel. Democrats have criticized the operation as a “war of choice,” with figures like Senate Intelligence Vice Chair Mark Warner noting he saw no such intelligence.
This development raises serious questions about the rationale behind the military action that has already claimed three U.S. troops and wounded more.
Source: Reuters and multiple outlets including Politico and Newsweek.
Did China’s HQ-9B fall short in Iran? How US–Israel airstrikes broke through Tehran’s air defence network
Scale Of Destruction Raises Urgent Questions Coordinated airstrikes by the United States and Israel across more than 20 Iranian provinces have triggered scrutiny of Tehran’s air defence network.
The attacks targeted military infrastructure, missile and UAV bases, airfields and strategic installations, reportedly causing widespread damage, including in Tehran. The scale of the destruction has focused attention on the performance of the Chinese-origin HQ-9B long-range surface-to-air missile system, which Iran is believed to have recently acquired.
The scale of the destruction has focused attention on the performance of the Chinese-origin HQ-9B long-range surface-to-air missile system, which Iran is believed to have recently acquired.
What Is The HQ-9B? Developed by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, the HQ-9B draws on design influences from the Russian S-300PMU and the American Patriot PAC-2 but is described by Beijing as an indigenous platform.
First tested in 2006 and operational for over a decade, it reportedly has a maximum engagement range of about 260 kilometres and an interception altitude of up to 50 kilometres. It is designed to counter aircraft, cruise missiles and certain ballistic missile classes.
IRAN STUDIED AMERICA’S DEFEATS IN AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ — AND BUILT THEIR ENTIRE WAR STRATEGY AROUND
And they said it out loud. To the whole world.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted this directly —
“We’ve had two decades to study the defeats of the US military to our immediate east and west. We’ve incorporated the lessons accordingly. Bombings in our capital have no impact on our ability to conduct war.”
East of Iran Afghanistan. America spent 20 years there. Trillions of dollars. Thousands of soldiers. And left in defeat.
West of Iran Iraq. America invaded. Destroyed the government. Lost control. And eventually withdrew with nothing to show for it.
Iran watched BOTH of those wars from their border. They studied every mistake America made. Every weakness exposed. Every strategy that failed.
And they built their entire military doctrine around those lessons.
They call it Mosaic Defense 31 autonomous local commanders who can continue fighting INDEPENDENTLY even if central command is completely destroyed. You cannot cut the head off this snake. It has 31 heads.
Trump said this operation would end in 2 to 3 days.
By day two he was already saying it could take 4 WEEKS.
Africa this is what happens when a nation STUDIES its enemy instead of fearing them. Iran didn’t panic. They prepared. For TWO DECADES.
That is the kind of strategic thinking every African nation needs RIGHT NOW.
Breaking News : US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle Fighter Jet Crashes in Kuwait – Both Crew Members Survive
A United States Air Force F-15E “Strike Eagle” multirole fighter jet has crashed in western Kuwait today, March 2, 2026, amid heightened regional tensions involving US operations and Iranian activities.
Unverified videos circulating on social media and reported by multiple outlets show the aircraft descending rapidly (with visible smoke in some footage), followed by the pilot and Weapons Systems Officer (WSO) successfully ejecting via parachute. Local residents located both crew members, who were reported uninjured and in stable condition, before handing them over to Kuwaiti authorities.
No f∆talities have been confirmed from the incident. The cause remains under investigation, with emerging reports suggesting possibilities including a technical malfunction or an apparent friendly fire event during ongoing operations. Official statements from US Central Command (CENTCOM) or the Pentagon have not yet been released, and details are still developing.
This event occurs against the backdrop of recent escalations in the Gulf region, including reported strikes and counterstrikes.
Sources:India TV News Times Now SSBCrack Business Upturn OSINT accounts on X (e.g., @sentdefender, @BRICSinfo) sharing footage and updates
WE WILL MAKE HH THE MOST RESPECTED FORMER PRESIDENT
Monday, 2nd March 2026
Patriotic Front Presidential Aspirant, Makebi Zulu has pledged that if Zambians gave him an opportunity to lead the country, he would ensure that President Hakainde Hichilema became the most respected former President in Africa.
Speaking when he appeared on the Emmanuel Mwamba Verified (EMV), Zulu said he was deeply worried at the manner former Presidents have been treated in Zambia.
“As a lawyer I have represented former President Rupiah Banda and Edgar Chagwa Lungu. I have seen the embarrassment and humiliation they have been subjected to. This persecution and harrasment must come to an end” he said.
Zulu said the country needed a leadership that would provide healing amongst all people and at the same time strengthen democratic institutions in order to prioritize national development.
He bemoaned the disunity and political tensions that have gripped the country for years.
“This is not healthy. Zambians must use the August 2026 elections to elect a leadership that will deliberately foster national unity and avoid a path that concentrates on punishing political opponents and dividing opponents”.
” We need to respect our former Presidents. We will therefore treat President Hichilema with utmost respect. We will send him to international assignments such as monitoring national elections or to those countries seeking peace and engaged in peace talks” he said.
Meanwhile numerous callers compared Zulu to Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso.
“It may be the first country I would pay a state visit to commend him for fostering national development and for making bold decisions regarding the agriculture, mining and other key sectors of his country. Africa needs a leadership that prioritises its people and not foreign interests” he said.
Meanwhile, Zulu urged President Hichilema to abandon the numerous cases facing his political opponents especially speech offences.
“Tell me why Raphael Nakacinda should be in prison? Denied bail for offences that should not have been in court in the first place” he said.
“My opponents called a malicious name, Malukulu. I turned the insulting name into good. I said I will hammer poverty. I will hammer unepmloyment, I will hammer divisions” he said.
He said most of the cases the Zambia Police were pursuing and preoccupied were totally unnecessary as they were driven by an insecure leadership.
“If anyone depicts me to be in a coffin ⚰️, I will tell them that by the time I finish my term or by the time my God takes my life, I would have left an indelible and positive mark on the development of the country. All these arrests and harrasment are totally not necessary” he said.
WHY CITIZENS SUSPECT ELECTORAL MANIPULATION IN 2026
Zambians are not fools. They can count. They can compare. And they can detect when arithmetic begins to insult common sense.
The provisional voters roll released by the Electoral Commission of Zambia has shaken public confidence in ways the Commission appears unwilling to confront honestly. An increase of 1.8 million voters in one electoral cycle is not a minor administrative adjustment. It is a political event. It is a development that demands transparency at the highest level.
When voter registration grows by 26 per cent in five years, in a country whose population growth averages 3.5 per cent annually, suspicion is not paranoia. It is rational civic vigilance.
Citizens are asking simple but profound questions. Where did these numbers come from? How did registration efficiency suddenly leap to levels Zambia has never historically achieved? Why is the growth heavily concentrated in politically decisive provinces? Why does the Commission appear defensive rather than forthcoming with detailed breakdowns?
These questions are not being asked by political extremists. They are being asked by ordinary workers, students, traders, and farmers who understand that elections are not merely events. They are the foundation of legitimacy.
Let us speak frankly. The ruling United Party for National Development faces a far more contested political environment than it did in 2021. Economic hardship has sharpened political consciousness. The margin for error is smaller. In such an atmosphere, even the perception of institutional bias becomes combustible.
It is, therefore, the responsibility of the Electoral Commission of Zambia to remove doubt before doubt removes confidence.
Instead, we are witnessing a troubling pattern. Numbers are released. Questions are raised. But, comprehensive explanations are not proactively provided. Where is the full age distribution analysis? Where is the district by district comparison with the previous roll? Where is the audited record of deceased voters removed? Where is the independent forensic verification of biometric integrity?
Silence in such a climate is dangerous.
Let me be clear. Suspicion of connivance is not the same as proof of conspiracy. But history teaches us that electoral manipulation rarely announces itself openly. It hides behind technicalities, procedural opacity, and statistical complexity. It thrives where oversight is weak and public scrutiny is dismissed as political noise.
When registration levels approach the theoretical ceiling of eligible adults, especially in strategic provinces, any serious democratic society must demand verification. If Zambia has indeed achieved near universal adult registration, that would be a remarkable administrative accomplishment. But remarkable achievements require remarkable documentation.
Democracy does not survive on assurances. It survives on demonstrable credibility.
The deeper issue is not simply numbers. It is trust. If citizens enter the 2026 election believing that the playing field is already tilted, the legitimacy of the outcome will be contested before the first ballot is cast. No government, regardless of party, can govern effectively under a cloud of perceived illegitimacy.
The Commission must understand that independence is not declared. It is demonstrated. And, in moments of national tension, transparency must be aggressive, not reluctant.
Those who dismiss public concern as mere opposition rhetoric misunderstand the gravity of the situation. Electoral institutions derive their authority from public confidence. When confidence erodes, institutional authority weakens.
Zambia’s democracy has been hard won. It must not be endangered by avoidable opacity. If the voters roll is clean, open it to the nation and let scrutiny silence critics. If there are inconsistencies, correct them before they metastasize into crisis.
What citizens are demanding is not chaos. It is clarity.
And, clarity is the antidote to suspicion.
If the Electoral Commission of Zambia wishes to silence those who suspect collusion, it must do so not with press statements but with data so transparent and verifiable that even its harshest critics are compelled to concede.
That is how democracies are protected.
Anything less invites doubt.
Fred M’membe People’s Pact 2026 Presidential Candidate and President of the Socialist Party
COME BACK TO THE PF FOLD, MAKEBI ADVISES MUNDUBILE
Monday 2nd March, 2026
Patriotic Front Presidential Aspirant, Makebi Zulu has advised Brian Mundubile to come back to the Patriotic Front in order to promote unity of the former ruling party.
Speaking when he appeared on the Emmanuel Mwamba Verified( EMV) Podcast, Makebi Zulu regretted the fragmentation being caused by the departure of Mundubile who has formed and is leading a break-away Tonse Alliance.
“The real and original Patriotic Front is here with all of us; Chshimba Kambwili, Given Lubinda, Miles Sampa and others. So is the Tonse Alliance”.
Zulu said it is not possible to follow Mundubile who has gone solo and has left the Patriotic Front.
“He has acted prodigal. Like the prodigal son, he is the one to return home so that we can unite the PF family” he said.
Makebi Zulu also expressed gratitude to Matero MP, Miles Sampa and Lunte MP, Mutotwe Kafwaya who have withdrawn their candidature.
“They are capable men, but have chosen to help bring unity to the race. I wish to recognise their selfless action to help forge unity of purpose” he said.
Zulu also thanked those that had endorsed him including the New Congress Party ( NCP) Leader, Peter Chanda who have offered him the opportunity to stand on their Party.
Meanwhile, Zulu dismissed remarks made by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti, about the funeral and burial of Zambia’s Sixth President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
“She has cadrerised the position of the Speaker. She is no longer a neutral umpire. She shoelds the Executive and answers on their behalf. She has abandoned her role as a referee.”
He said the family merely appealed to the case when a Judgement was made in the favour of the Zambian Government in the case started by the State.
And callers to the program commended the fresh and youthful leadership that Zulu brings to the politics of the country and urged him to help unite the Patriotic Front and the Opposition in general. Patriotic Front Member of the Central Committee, Kebby Mbewe urged Makebi Zulu to use yhe large goodwill he was enjoying to forge unity in the Patriotic Front and the Opposition.
“Start immediately. See your brothers who are vying. Soeak to them. Negotiate. They have also seen the wide support your candidature is enjoying in the country as seen by today’s broadcast”.
Archbishop Alick Banda is right on principle. The altar is not a campaign stage. When he warned Catholics not to “sell one another for a cup of tea,” he was defending something bigger than church order. He was defending the moral boundary between faith and faction.
This boundary matters more in an election year.
Zambia’s churches have long shaped civic life. They have spoken against injustice, guided transitions, and steadied the nation during moments of political turbulence. When the Church speaks, it carries weight beyond votes and party slogans. That weight must never be traded for proximity to power.
But public reaction reveals a deeper tension.
Many agree with the Archbishop’s message but question the messenger. Perception has become part of the problem. The Hilux episode and past political undertones have created the impression, fair or unfair, that sections of church leadership lean toward particular political formations. Once that perception settles, every statement is filtered through suspicion.
Moral authority depends on consistency.
A priest can speak on politics. He must. Corruption, abuse of power, economic injustice and human dignity are moral questions. Silence in the face of wrongdoing would betray the Gospel itself. But there is a difference between moral commentary and political alignment. One challenges power. The other seeks it.
The moment clergy appear to take sides, the pulpit loses neutrality and the Church loses altitude.
President Hakainde Hichilema attending church services does not automatically amount to politicisation. He is both head of state and a private citizen entitled to worship. Courtesy extended to a sitting President should not be mistaken for endorsement. However, access must be uniform. If one political actor is welcomed, the same standard must apply to others under the same conditions.
The rule must be clear, not selective.
“Belonging to a political grouping should be one’s private business,” Archbishop Banda said. That sentence is powerful. It reminds congregants that faith communities are not extensions of party structures. It also reminds clergy that their calling is to shepherd souls, not mobilise voting blocs.
Election seasons test institutions.
Political actors will seek symbolic validation wherever they can find it. Faith institutions must resist becoming trophies in partisan contests. Politicians must resist wrapping themselves in sacred legitimacy. Citizens must resist turning churches into ideological battlegrounds.
The Church must remain prophetic, not partisan.
It must challenge government excess without sounding like opposition machinery. It must caution opposition recklessness without sounding like ruling party defence. Balance is not weakness. It is strength.
Zambia’s democracy depends on institutions that stand above politics. The courts must be independent. The media must be responsible. The Church must be impartial.
Let us not sell one another for a cup of tea, Alick Banda tells Catholics
LUSAKA Archbishop Dr Alick Banda has advised the Catholic Men’s Organisation (CMO) not to do “sebana wikute” in church by selling their friends for the sake of a “cup of tea.”
Speaking at the CMO Annual General meeting, Dr Banda noted that the Catholic Church will not be used as a campaign platform for any politician, no matter their status in society, emphasising that the Catholic faithful are mandated to protect one another.
“Let us be supportive and protect one another, but that does not mean selling one another for the sake of a cup of tea, you just embarrass yourself, ” he said.
He stated that while the church upholds the democratic right of its members to belong to political parties of their choice, church gatherings and events should not be turned into political platforms.
He said such exercises are purely not in line with the church and should be avoided by all members.
“I know this is a crucial year and we are going to have an election soon, but those of you who want to introduce your friends in church, you know where you meet and that is where you should be practicing your politics from.
“We will not allow any of our gatherings as places for introducing whoever, no matter who you are, ” he said.
The Archbishop further said belonging to a political grouping should be one’s private business and should have nothing to do with the Catholic church.
“My prayer is for you not to forget our faith even as we join politics. Some of you even start creating groupings which do not exist in the catholic church once you join politics. We don’t want that, ” he added.
WEAPONISING MISINFORMATION WILL NOT SHIELD ANYONE FROM THE LAW
By Chilufya Kasonde
The recent narrative advanced by Emmanuel Mwamba regarding the arrest of Richard Kaunda Mulenga is not a defence of justice. Instead, it is a calculated political manoeuvre designed to delegitimise lawful institutions and inflame partisan sentiment. Let us be clear: this is not “persecution.” It is law enforcement.
The Facebook page “Zambia for All 2026” published what was presented as a resignation letter attributed to Hakainde Hichilema, the sitting Head of State. Fabricating or circulating false presidential communications is not activism. It is not satire. It is not harmless political expression. It is a reckless act capable of triggering national instability, market panic, and constitutional uncertainty. To trivialise such conduct is irresponsible.
Mr. Mwamba’s claim that Richard Kaunda Mulenga “sold the page” to Charles Kakula and, therefore, cannot be investigated is legally naïve at best and deliberately misleading at worst. In cybercrime investigations, digital footprints do not disappear because someone claims a transaction occurred. Administrative access, archived credentials, linked accounts, financial flows, and content history are all subject to forensic verification.
The Zambia Police Service, particularly its Cyber Security Unit, operates on evidence, not social media declarations. Arrest does not equal conviction. It initiates due process. What is troubling is the attempt to portray law enforcement as vindictive simply because the investigation touches politically aligned individuals. That narrative by Emmanuel Mwamba seeks to send a dangerous message: that certain actors are untouchable if they cloak themselves in opposition politics.
Zambia is not a playground for digital anarchy. If there are diaspora actors involved, such as Charles Kakula and Khondwani Banda, international cooperation mechanisms exist. But no one should expect that living outside the country grants immunity while local associates absorb the consequences.
The louder the political outrage, the more it appears that the real objective is not justice, but pressure. We must reject the politicisation of criminal investigations. The courts, not Facebook commentators, determine innocence. If Mr. Richard Kaunda Mulenga severed all ties to the page, evidence will establish that. If not, the law will take its course.
A functioning republic does not suspend investigations because a politician cries “persecution.” Accountability is not oppression. Law enforcement is not revenge. Due process is not dictatorship. Zambia must remain governed by the rule of law, not by the volume of political noise. Emmanuel Mwamba knows he is involved, and he knows his time is catching up to answer for his involvement.
Aspiring MP Donates Five pick-up vehicles to Support UPND Mobilisation Efforts
By Radio Mpongwe
United Party for National Development (UPND) Mpongwe aspiring Member of Parliament, Emmanuel Kasambo, has donated five pick-up vehicles comprising of two Ford Ranger pick ups and three Toyota Hilux vehicles to enhance mobilisation efforts across Copperbelt Province.
According to a Facebook post by Copperbelt Province Youth Chairman, Wallen Hinyama, four of the vehicles have been allocated to Lufwanyama East, Masaiti, Mpongwe West, and Kafulafuta constituencies. The fifth vehicle has been designated to serve provincial operations across the Copperbelt.
“These vehicles will primarily support outreach programmes in rural parts of the province, helping to address transportation challenges and strengthen grassroots engagement.
One of the vehicles will specifically be used for provincial coordination, moving across districts to monitor party structures and enhance mobilisation efforts ahead of the forthcoming general elections,” the statement read.
Hinyama expressed gratitude to Kasambo for the gesture, noting that the donation will significantly support UPND’s mobilisation activities in preparation for the upcoming general election.
Police summon Socialist Party President, Dr. Fred M’membe over his statement demanding that President Hakainde Hichilema let go of the body Zambia’s Sixth President,Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu and allow him to be buried in dignity.
He is expected to appear before CID unit at Police Service HQs at 09:00hrs on Monday, 2nd March 2026
Breaking News | Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani Firmly Rejects U.S. Negotiations: “We Will Not Negotiate With the United States”
In a direct and unambiguous statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) today at approximately 9:47 AM IST, Ali Larijani categorically denied reports suggesting he had initiated back-channel outreach to resume talks with Washington via Oman.
Larijani wrote in Persian: “لن نتفاوض مع الولايات المتحدة” “We will not negotiate with the United States.”
He was responding to a Wall Street Journal report claiming Iranian outreach for renewed nuclear negotiations. In the same post, Larijani sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that Trump “has imposed chaos on the region with his false hopes” and has prioritized “Israel First” at the expense of American interests.
This firm rejection comes amid heightened regional tensions following recent U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran.
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Iran’s new leadership wants to talk to him and that he has agreed.
“They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them. They should have done it sooner. They should have given what was very practical and easy to do sooner. They waited too long,” Trump said in an interview with The Atlantic on Sunday.
Asked whether the conversation would happen today or tomorrow, Trump said, “I can’t tell you that.” He added that some of the Iranians involved in negotiations in recent weeks were no longer alive.
“Most of those people are gone. Some of the people we were dealing with are gone, because that was a big—that was a big hit,” he said. “They should have done it sooner, Michael. They could have made a deal. They should’ve done it sooner. They played too cute.” https://iranintl.com/en/202603017810
POLICE STORM OPPOSITION OFFICE MADHUKU HURT IN CHAOS
Lovemore Madhuku, leader of the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA), was reportedly injured after members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police allegedly descended on his offices along Herbert Chitepo Avenue in Harare on Monday morning.
According to party officials, the dramatic incident unfolded while senior members were holding a meeting. Witnesses claim police officers moved in, rounding up attendees before violence erupted, leaving Madhuku and several supporters hurt.
The injured opposition leader and other party members were later rushed to a local clinic for treatment. The extent of their injuries was not immediately clear.
NCA spokesperson Madock Chivasa confirmed the confrontation, alleging that police “attacked our members, including our leader Professor Madhuku.”
Authorities had not yet issued an official statement at the time of going to print.
Breaking News : U.s.–israel Joint Strikes On Iran – Over 1,000 Targets Hit As Conflict Intensifies
According to official U.S. military statements, more than 1,000 Iranian targets have been struck in a major coordinated military campaign by United States and Israeli forces across Iran, including key strategic sites. The strikes have targeted missile facilities, naval assets, communications infrastructure and command-and-control centres, marking a significant escalation in hostilities.
The U.S. Central Command confirmed the operation involved a broad range of military assets from attack drones and stealth bombers to fighter jets and warships and is ongoing as directed by senior leadership.
The campaign follows the reported deaths of high-level Iranian figures and significant damage to military infrastructure, and comes amid Iran’s retaliatory attacks and regional tensions. The U.S. military has also confirmed its first combat casualties in this conflict.
This development marks one of the most intense phases of conflict in the region in recent years, with far-reaching implications for Middle East security and global geopolitics.
US President Donald Trump has crossed “a very dangerous red line” by killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the Iranian deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh told CNN in an exclusive interview on Sunday.
Khatibzadeh said many Shiite followers across the world will react to the killing of Khamenei.
“Of course, from a religious aspect, he was a great religious leader, so many of Shiite followers across the region and around the world are going to react to that, and this is very obvious because President Trump passed a very dangerous red line,” Khatibzadeh said.
“We have no option but to respond,” he added.
The official said that Iran had communicated with Gulf Arab states to shut down US bases which Tehran considers a threat.
“We communicated with them: either to shut down those American bases that are constantly threatening Iran and are constantly using to offend on Iran, or we have no option just to push back,” he said.
Iran “cannot reach out to American soil, so we have no option just to attack any bases which is under US jurisdiction,” he added.
Asked whether diplomacy is still an option, he said the US has “disappointed” Iran several times and there was “no necessity to start this aggression.”
“If President Trump didn’t want to see Iran hitting back … President Trump should have not started this war from the beginning,” the official said. “It was a war of choice.
UAE STEPS IN: FREE HOTEL STAYS FOR STRANDED TRAVELLERS AS AIRSPACE SHUTS DOWN
Holidaymakers left grounded by sudden regional airspace closures have been handed an unexpected lifeline courtesy of the UAE government. Authorities in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai have ordered hotels to extend the stays of guests unable to fly home, with the government footing the entire bill
In the capital, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi issued an official circular instructing hotels to accommodate stranded visitors until travel routes reopen. Dubai’s tourism authorities have reportedly issued similar directives to ensure no traveller is left without a room.
The move comes amid ongoing regional tensions that have forced temporary airspace closures, disrupting flights across the Gulf. The extraordinary support measure was confirmed by leading UAE outlets including Gulf News and The National, highlighting swift government action to protect visitors during the crisis.
IRAN MISSILES ‘JUST 200 METRES’ FROM BRIT TROOPS IN MIDDLE EAST DRAMA
British forces were left bracing for impact after Iranian missiles reportedly landed just 200 metres from UK personnel stationed in Bahrain, sparking fears of a major escalation in the region.
Defence sources say all 300 British service members based in Bahrain have been accounted for, with no reported casualties despite the terrifying proximity of the strikes.
Meanwhile, tensions surged further in neighbouring Iraq, where British troops were also said to be within 400 metres of separate Iranian missile impacts.
The near-misses underline the growing volatility in the Middle East, as Tehran’s military actions send shockwaves across bases hosting Western forces.
Military analysts warn that such close calls dramatically increase the risk of unintended casualties and could drag the UK deeper into an already combustible conflict.
🚨 Breaking News : UK, France & Germany Vow Defensive Military Action to Crush Iran’s Missile & Drone Threat – British Jets Already Intercepting Attacks, French Nuclear Carrier En Route
In a dramatic joint statement issued today (1 March 2026), the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany — Prime Minister Keir Starmer, President Emmanuel Macron, and Chancellor Friedrich Merz — have declared they are prepared to take “necessary and proportionate defensive action to destroy Iran’s capability to fire missiles and drones at their source.”
The E3 leaders condemned Iran’s “indiscriminate and disproportionate” retaliatory attacks across the Middle East in the strongest terms, warning that Tehran’s strikes are endangering civilians, allied forces, and regional stability.
Key developments unfolding right now: – British RAF Typhoon jets, operating from bases in Qatar and Cyprus, are actively repelling Iranian drones and missiles. UK Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed that British forces have already “taken down” Iranian threats, including intercepts protecting allies and UK personnel. Missiles were fired in the direction of Cyprus (home to major UK sovereign bases), though not believed to be directly targeted at them.
– France is rushing its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier R91 Charles de Gaulle and full strike group to the eastern Mediterranean, cutting short its Baltic Sea mission to safeguard French interests and support regional allies
The leaders stressed they are working hand-in-hand with the United States and regional partners, while still urging Iran to immediately halt the attacks and return to negotiations.
Kanye West Shares Controversial Take on Global Conflicts – “Focus On Your Own Communities First”
Kanye West just weighed in on the Israel-Palestine and Iran conflicts – and his response is sparking major debate.
His Words: “What is happening in Palestine or Iran doesn’t concern you if you ain’t Palestinian or Iranian.”
“We’ve all got problems in our countries and communities. Why not focus on that and leave others to do their part?”
Ye brought it home by highlighting his own city:
“I got 14 kids dying every week in my home-city Chicago. Talk to me about that. Let’s talk about how we can reduce the teenage death-rate in Chicago.”
His core message: “Each and every one of you has problems in your communities too. Fix that and leave others to fix theirs. I have no information on Israel, Palestine, or Iran.”
REJECT POLITICAL GIFTS AND DONATIONS AHEAD OF GENERAL ELECTIONS CHURCHES WARNED
By: Thomas Afroman Mwale
The Bishops Council of Zambia has cautioned churches against accepting gifts and financial pledges from politicians ahead of the general elections stressing that such acts are often used to win voters.
In an interview with Sun FM TV News, Council spokesperson Bishop Charles Phiri said politicians have previously used the church to solicit votes under the guise of giving.
Bishop Phiri explained that any giving should be done in good faith, without political ambitions or campaign motives.
He also advised clergy men and women against endorsing political candidates emphasizing that the Body of Christ should remain neutral.
Bishop Phiri added that congregants have different political affiliations and interests and therefore clergy should not impose leaders on them.
IRAN’S MISSILES FACE 28 OBSTACLES TO REACH ISRAEL — AND STILL GET THROUGH!
Before a single Iranian missile reaches Israeli airspace it must survive THIS:
1️⃣ American warships in the Persian Gulf
2️⃣ Israeli radars in Azerbaijan & Turkmenistan
3️⃣ US air defence in Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE & Bahrain
🇬🇧 British radar in Oman 🇹🇷 NATO radar in Turkey 🇯🇴 Jordanian air defence ✈️ American, British & French fighter jets patrolling Jordan AND Israel simultaneously
➡️ US & British warships in the Red Sea AND Mediterranean
THEN INSIDE ISRAEL ITSELF :
☑️ Ultra-modern American TPY-2 radar ☑️ American THAAD missile system ☑️ Israeli Arrow 1 & 2 ☑️ David’s Sling ☑️ Iron Dome
That is 28 LAYERS of the most expensive, advanced and dense missile defence system ever built in human history.
And yet Iranian ballistic missiles successfully evaded Israeli missile defense systems and struck significant targets.
Iranian ballistic missiles can reach Israel in just 12 minutes giving defence systems almost no time to react.
Africa must understand when a sanctioned, isolated nation breaks through 28 layers of Western defence, the era of Western military supremacy is officially OVER.
President Donald Trump in a pair of interviews this afternoon said casualties are expected and “could happen again” after three US service members were killed amid the US’ Iran operation.
“They’re great people,” Trump said about the slain troops in a phone interview with the Daily Mail. “And, you know, we expect that to happen, unfortunately. Could happen continuous — it could happen again.”
In an interview with NBC News, Trump acknowledged, “We have three, but we expect casualties, but in the end it’s going to be a great deal for the world.”
Trump told the Daily Mail he’d meet with the family members of the service members “at the appropriate time.” He added that he would “maybe” travel to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware for the solemn dignified transfer of the troops’ remains, or invite their families to the White House.
FORMER PF COPPERBELT PROVINCIAL CHAIRMAN MR STARDY MWALE, 3000 OTHERS JOIN UPND IN KITWE DISTRICT
Today, former Patriotic Front (PF) Copperbelt Provincial Chairman Mr Stardy Mwale and 3,000 others have joined the United Party for National Development (UPND).
This was during a mobilisation exercise held in Kamfinsa Constituency in Kitwe District, citing visionary leadership and various achievements by our Republican President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, over the past four years as their reasons for dumping their various parties.
We urged those who joined to feel free and participate in all party activities and grow the party so that our Republican President Mr Hakainde Hichilema wins with a landslide victory in August. We explained that our Republican President Mr Hakainde Hichilema has revived all sectors on the Copperbelt and beyond.
We also thanked our people for turning up in large numbers during today’s engagement meeting in Kamfinsa Constituency.
We urged our people to continue supporting the visionary leadership of our Republican President Mr Hakainde Hichilema for continued economic and social development of our nation.
Hon Elisha Matambo Copperbelt Province UPND Chairman
The PF Party Is Not for Sale — Let the Structures Decide with Conscience, Not Coins
By Bwembya Mwaume
The attempt to heap blame on Given Lubinda over the return of Chitalu Chilufya must be confronted with truth, not emotion-driven propaganda. The decision to readmit Dr. Chilufya was not a personal decree. It was a collective vote. The majority carried the day. That is democracy. Those who now complain should first reflect on their own participation in that process.
Lubinda did not bulldoze anyone. He did not impose his will. He respected the will of the Committee. Leadership is not about silencing others when outcomes are inconvenient. It is about upholding procedure even when it exposes you to criticism. That is what he did.
Let us not forget the powerful words once spoken by late President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, that the Party is bigger than individuals and will never be auctioned to the highest bidder. Those were not empty words. They were a warning and a principle. The Party cannot be reduced to a marketplace where the highest spender walks away with its soul
For five difficult years, Lubinda has carried the weight of keeping the Party intact. He funded operations. He stood firm when morale was low. He did not weaponize his authority. He trusted the structures. Today, instead of appreciation, he receives blame for respecting democracy. That contradiction must be called out.
Now the structures must ask themselves serious questions. When someone arrives in a province, what message is being delivered? Is it a vision for unity, stability, and national recovery? Or is it envelopes and lodge bookings? Is leadership being explained, or is money being distributed? The Party must never confuse generosity with destiny.
We must also confront uncomfortable truths. Dr. Chilufya once publicly endorsed President Hakainde Hichilema. That history cannot simply be erased. Stability and consistency matter in leadership. The structures must examine whether they are being presented with a clear ideological direction or a shifting political convenience.
There is a lesson as old as Scripture. Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus Christ for silver. The reward was temporary; the regret was permanent. The end was tragic. That story is not about religion alone, it is about conscience. When decisions are made for short-term gain, the consequences can outlive the excitement of the moment.
This is not about stopping anyone from campaigning. It is a constitutional right. If someone brings money, that is their choice. But structures must be wise. If money is placed in your hands, remember it is simply money. Take it if you must, but vote with principle. Show that the Party cannot be purchased. Show that unity, integrity, and long-term vision matter more than handouts.
The Party belongs to its members, not to individuals with deep pockets. The future will not be determined by chartered planes or cash distributions. It will be determined by conscience.
The ball is in the hands of the structures. Choose wisely.
TRUMP JUST SANK 9 IRANIAN WARSHIPS & DESTROYED THEIR NAVAL HQ — THEN MADE A JOKE ABOUT IT!
President Donald Trump just posted this on social media with the confidence of a man playing a video game “We have destroyed and sunk 9 Iranian Naval Ships. We are going after the rest They will soon be floating at the bottom of the sea!”
Then he added “We also largely destroyed their Naval Headquarters.”
And then in true Trump fashion he ended with: “Other than that, their Navy is doing very well!”
This man is announcing the destruction of an entire nation’s navy like he’s posting a golf score. A sitting US president joking about sinking warships in the middle of a LIVE WAR.
Iran has missiles raining on Israel, bases burning across the Middle East, and Trump is on social media with one liners.
Meanwhile real people are dying on BOTH sides every single minute.
Police clarify video showing female wrestled to the ground by Chinese employers
POLICE has clarified circumstances surrounding a video circulating on social media showing two Chinese nationals restraining a female employee.
In a statement issued this evening, Police say the incident relates to a reported case of forgery, uttering of false documents and theft by servant at ZAMFRESH Company located along Mungwi Road in Lusaka West.
Police spokeswoman Chipo Kaitisha says the matter was reported by a company representative, Mr. Cheng Longin, who alleged that a 23-year-old cashier, Ruth Banda, in collaboration with her supervisor, Charles Manze, forged a company invoice and stole K14,000 after releasing 240 kilograms of fish to an unknown customer without proper documentation.
According to Police, while management was conducting internal inquiries, the cashier allegedly attempted to leave the office with a handbag suspected to contain company funds.
She was restrained by supervisors pending Police arrival. During the commotion, money was reportedly dropped near the cashier’s office door.
Kaitisha says officers who visited the scene reviewed CCTV footage, which corroborated the sequence of events. A total of K7,500 has since been recovered.
The second suspect is believed to have fled and is currently on the run, with a manhunt underway.
Police have urged members of the public to avoid speculation, stating that investigations are ongoing and due process is being followed.
BREAKING: Oman’s foreign minister debunks Trump’s lies: Iran agreed to HUGE concessions, but Trump attacked anyway!
Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi went on Face the Nation and announced what he called a major breakthrough: Iran has agreed to zero stockpiling of enriched uranium that could be used for a bomb.
A key mediator in the latest U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, the minister described Iran’s concession as “completely new,” with an agreement to full verification by the UN nuclear watchdog and down-blending of existing stockpiles to the lowest level possible.
This should have been a massive step toward peace. Instead, within hours, Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iranian targets that led to the death of their leader.
The whole spectacle was never about uranium or about peace. It was always about acting out Bibi Netanyahu’s bloodthirsty fantasy of crushing Iran while throwing a bone to Trump’s dictator bribery buddies in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.
The administration dangled a deal, let the ink dry on the announcement, then bombed away anyway. Trump and Netanyahu got the war they wanted, and the American people are getting the body count, not to mention skyrocketing oil prices and the risk of a wider regional catastrophe.
This is not diplomacy. This is a betrayal of the American ideals that Trump makes no pretense of even trying to represent. They had a path to de-escalation and chose destruction instead. Hundreds, maybe thousands, are already dead, including children, and three American soldiers.
No doubt many more will die because powerful men decided peace was less satisfying than bombs. Trump will find turning the war machine off isn’t quite so easy as turning it on.
Clearly, the U.S. was not negotiating a nuclear deal in good faith, which will forever stain America’s stature. They used it as a cover or a distraction while they prepared to attack. Like and share if you are as infuriated as I am.
