Botswana Rejects Trump White House Invitation, Demands Talks at Home
Duma Boko has turned down an invitation from Donald Trump to visit the White House, insisting that any official discussions or business dealings should take place in Botswana.
President Boko emphasized that Botswana will no longer travel abroad to negotiate matters concerning its own natural resources. “Any party genuinely interested in doing business with Botswana should come here for talks,” he said, highlighting that buyers should approach sellers as a basic commercial principle.
The decision underscores Botswana’s increasingly assertive stance on sovereignty and resource diplomacy, signaling that the nation will control how and where negotiations over its natural wealth are conducted.
Afrobeats sensation Rema has opened up about how he gets into the right mindset before stepping on stage, revealing that his routine includes alcohol, cigarettes, and prayer.
In a conversation with Dazed during Milan Fashion Week, where he walked the runway for Diesel the “Calm Down” hitmaker spoke about how he prepares for his energetic live shows.
“A little Tequila, a little cigarette, pray, tap in with the team and make sure everything is on cue,” he said.
He noted that performing live can be more demanding than modeling on the runway, explaining that concerts require controlled breathing and careful energy management to maintain audience engagement throughout the show.
The singer also revealed that he has been influenced by Sudanese cultural live music and admitted that smoking remains his biggest weakness.
Renowned for his electrifying stage presence and distinct fashion sense, Rema emphasized that he intentionally prepares himself to stay sharp and fully connect with his fans during performances.
In an earlier interview, he also shared his preference when it comes to relationships, stating that he values stylish women over wealthy ones since financial stability is not a concern for him.
While many fans applauded his transparency and commitment to his craft, others jokingly reacted to what they described as his “pre-show Tequila habit.”
Pope Leo XIV will begin a 10-day visit to four African countries on 13 April, marking his first pastoral trip to the continent, the Vatican has announced.
He will travel to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.
In Cameroon, the Pope will visit the capital Yaoundé, the economic hub Douala, and the Anglophone city of Bamenda in the restive Northwest region, where an armed conflict has been raging for nearly 10 years.
This is the first time that a pope will visit Algeria, whose population is mostly Muslim.
In December, he expressed his desire to visit the continent, citing Algeria, the birthplace of St Augustine of Hippo, as a potential destination. The pontiff belongs to the Augustinian religious order and had previously called for interfaith dialogue in the North African country.
While it will be the Pope’s first pastoral visit to Africa since assuming the leadership of the Catholic Church, he is no stranger to the continent.
As Cardinal Robert Prevost, he visited several countries including Kenya and Tanzania.
His decision to travel to the continent highlights Africa’s growing importance to the church – it is home to about 20% of the world’s Catholics.
In January, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, Archbishop of Kinshasa and President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar hinted at the Pope’s plans to visit Africa in April.
“When the Pope visits a country, especially countries in crisis like ours, it is also to give hope to the people, especially people who are suffering,” the cardinal said in an interview with Vatican News after meeting the pontiff.
The Pope’s visit to Africa follows his first foreign trip to Turkey and Lebanon late last year, where he called for peace and reconciliation in the Middle East.
The last papal trip to Africa took place in February 2023, when Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, visited the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.
The official programme of the Pope’s activities during his tour is yet to be released.
However, Vatican News reports that the tour from April 13 to 23, will include stops in Algiers and Annaba in Algeria; Yaoundé, Bamenda and Douala in Cameroon; Luanda, Muxima and Saurimo in Angola; and Malabo, Mongomo and Bata in Equatorial Guinea, the continent’s only Spanish‑speaking nation.
PUTIN JUST FINED GOOGLE MORE MONEY THAN PLANET EARTH HAS EVER SEEN. $1.41 QUINTILLION. The WORLD DOESN’T EVEN HAVE THIS MONEY .
President Putin’s court ordered Google to pay $1.41 QUINTILLION a number so enormous it is 10,000 times ALL the money currently circulating on planet Earth. It exceeds Russia’s entire GDP, Alphabet’s total market value, and global GDP combined.
Why? Google blocked and removed Russian television channels following Western sanctions.
The daily penalties doubled until they reached an impossible figure. No bank. No country. No economy on Earth can cover this amount.
Putin just weaponized mathematics. Google censored Russia.
Russia responded with a fine the world cannot pay.
Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has publicly apologized for his past association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein
During a town hall meeting with staff at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on Tuesday, Gates described it as a “huge mistake.”
According to reports from The Wall Street Journal, Gates told employees he regretted spending time with Epstein and bringing foundation executives into meetings with him.
“It was a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein,” Gates said, adding: “I apologize to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made.”
He acknowledged the his relationship with Epstein began after Epstein had been convicted of soliciting a minor.
He also added that he and Epstein flew together in private jets and hung out in New York, Germany, France, and Washington.
In the town hall, Gates insisted: “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit,” and emphasized he “never spent any time with victims, the women around him.”
Gates also addressed personal matters, acknowledging two extramarital affairs with Russian women—one described in reports as a bridge player and another as a nuclear physicist—that Epstein later became aware of.1
He stressed these relationships were separate from Epstein’s circle and did not involve any of Epstein’s victims or criminal conduct.
According to Gates, he met these women through his own social and business networks.
He further noted that the photos of him with women were requested by Epstein who asked him to take photos with his assistant.
The Gates Foundation issued a statement confirming that Gates “took responsibility for his actions” during the candid discussion, where he fielded questions in detail.
A foundation spokesperson noted the meeting addressed the impact of the Epstein-related publicity on the organization’s work.
There is saying that “never bite more than you can chew.” The adage is very much as a young man choked to death when he decided to bite more than he can chew.
A young Nigerian man got the shock of his life after deciding to carry two strong OS while knowing he was not up for the match.
In the video which has since gone viral, the ladies recorded the man who begged them to let him go as he was exhausted.
The ladies he insisted that he should not have carried them both if he knew he could not handle them.
They even added that they no longer needed the money. According to them, it was just pleasure and satisfaction at that point.
“I am tired, you want kpai me,” he begged the women who seemed uninterested in any of his pleading or cry.
The video has sparked mixed reactions online. While some blame the guy for his act, others deem it an assault.
Most comments tag the man as a “2 minutes man” and should not have bothered carrying two women at a go.
Citizen First Leader, Hon. Harry Kalaba has won the “Zambia Decides”Opinion Poll.
The Poll a second poll in 3 part series, is being conducted by the Emmanuel Mwamba Verified (EMV) Podcast.
The poll results are drawn from live phone calls and online voting.
This Poll saw Harry Kalaba poll 43.6% while Monday’s winner of the Poll, Patriotic Front Presidential Aspirant, Makebi Zulu came in a strong second with 40.96% votes.
Socialist Party President, Dr Fred Mmembe came third with 9.34%.
Below are the results.
OFFICIAL EMV POLL RESULTS FOR WEDNESDAY 25th FEBRUARY 2026
SECOND POLL
1. Hon. Harry Kalaba 43.6 2. Hon. Makebi Zulu 40.96 3. Dr Fred M’membe 9.33 4. Hon. Brian Mundubile 2.71 5. Hon.Kelvin Bwalya Fube 1.51 6. Hon.John Sangwa 1.21 7. Hon. Given Lubinda 0.60
The Poll aytracted 65,000 impressions, 9,100 online voters 332 live phone calls.
Let us speak calmly and intelligently. What we witnessed on EMV is not a scientific poll. It is a controlled digital environment dressed as public opinion.
Online impressions are not votes. Phone-ins are not sampling. Facebook comments are not statistical data. Political science is very clear: a credible poll must be randomised, verifiable, geographically representative, and independently administered. Anything else is mobilisation theatre.
When one individual controls the broadcast platform, the comment moderation, the phone lines, the narrative framing, and multiple affiliated pages amplifying the same outcome, objectivity becomes impossible. It becomes performance.
Planting callers, circulating unpublished phone numbers to preferred camps, and leveraging admin control across linked platforms creates what communication scholars call “manufactured consensus.” It gives the illusion of momentum while filtering dissent.
If Ambassador Mwamba truly believes in transparency, then let us elevate the standard.
I humbly invite him to jointly design a web-based, independently audited opinion poll. Both of us can serve as co-administrators. Each presidential candidate should nominate one digital poll agent with full backend access. The methodology should be published in advance. The voting logs should be auditable. The IP restrictions should be visible. The process should be broadcast live on local TV and radio.
That is how serious democracies measure sentiment.
Makebi Zulu must be cautious not to let flattery inflate strategy. Popularity engineered inside a sympathetic echo chamber is not national electability. Ego is a poor campaign manager.
And let it be clear: this is not about defending one candidate or attacking another. It is about protecting Zambians from psychological manipulation disguised as participation.
A real poll invites scrutiny. A fake poll avoids it.
Ambassador Mwamba, if the numbers are genuine, you should have no fear of shared administration and independent oversight.
Let us test popularity under sunlight, not under stage lighting.
UPND’S RESPONSE TO MY ARTICLE COMPLETELY OFF THE MARK
My article yesterday was grounded in numbers, official GDP figures to illustrate the state of the economy as at December 2021.
I quoted official GDP figures starting 2012, the first year of PF in office to show that only 2019 and 2020 showed minus GDP figures along with official explanations.
There was NOTHING in my article that touched on UPND in office the past five years, NOTHING!
And yet, UPND responds as though I had attacked free education, school-feeding program, the performance of the mines, etc, etc.
Why the party chose to respond as though I had attacked their record in office, only they know better.
Then the party characterizes my article as “tantrums”.
We as citizens are your masters and you are our servants. Therefore, engage us bearing this relationship in mind.
Why you speak disrespectfully of people that do not push your narrative, I ll never know.
If it be of any comfort to you, I am a believer in free education, free school-feeding program, the current policy regime regarding mining, etc.
BELOW IS THEIR STATEMENT
PRESS STATEMENT For Immediate Release
UPND RESPONDS TO COMMENTS BY KELLYS KAUNDA
As UPND Media Director, I wish to respond to recent remarks attributed to former diplomat Kellys Kaunda regarding Government’s communication of its achievements.
First and foremost, as the UPND, we rely on facts, data and verifiable national statistics and numbers do not lie. When we took office in 2021, Zambia’s GDP had contracted to approximately -2.7 percent. The economy was shrinking, mines were closing, some were under liquidation, and investor confidence was at its lowest.
Today, mines have reopened, liquidation processes have been reversed, jobs have been restored, and investor confidence has returned. If Kellys is uncomfortable with the revival of the mining sector and economic recovery under President Hakainde Hichilema, that is his personal position, but the facts remain on the ground.
Secondly, there was no free education before 2021. Today, free education is a reality for millions of Zambian children. We have something to celebrate, and we have a duty to explain to the people what their Government has delivered. There is absolutely nothing unlawful about informing citizens of progress made. No law has been broken. If Kellys believes otherwise, he is at liberty to seek legal redress through the courts.
Thirdly, the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) stood at K1.6 million per constituency. Under President Hichilema, it has been increased to K40 million. This is one of the most significant decentralization and devolution reforms in the region. The results are visible across the country, classroom blocks, health posts, skills bursaries, desks in schools and community infrastructure.
Over 200,000 desks have been distributed to schools. More than 42,000 teachers have been recruited, reversing years of employment freezes. Thousands of young people are finding jobs annually, both in the public and private sectors, due to a stabilised macroeconomic environment, reduced inflation to single digits, and renewed investor confidence.
Zambia has recorded growth in foreign direct investment, particularly in manufacturing, where over 16,000 jobs have been created through new industrial initiatives. These are not slogans, they are measurable outcomes.
Education reforms, including free education and the school feeding programme, are not abstract policies. They are lifelines for vulnerable families. While some privileged individuals may not appreciate these interventions, a mother in a rural village and a father in Lundazi who has never earned a payslip before understand the value of free education.
If Kellys is privileged enough to afford three meals a day, he must also recognize that there is a child somewhere who cannot. That is why the school feeding programme is essential. It ensures children stay in school and learn with dignity.
Who should explain what Government has done? It is our responsibility as leaders and communicators. Transparency is not propaganda; it is accountability.
We encourage constructive criticism grounded in research and facts. Tantrums and unsubstantiated assertions do not build the nation. Zambia deserves informed discourse, not emotional rhetoric.
The UPND remains focused on economic recovery, job creation, social protection, and inclusive development. The evidence of progress is visible across the country, and we will continue to communicate it confidently and lawfully to the Zambian people.
RECKLESS RHETORIC HAS NO PLACE IN NATIONAL MOURNING
In politics, disagreement is expected. In democracy, criticism is protected. But there is a line between legitimate opposition and reckless provocation. When that line is crossed during a moment of national mourning, it demands a clear and unapologetic response.
Recent remarks by Socialist Party President Fred M’membe, asking whether President Hakainde Hichilema “wants to eat the body” of former President Edgar Lungu, do not represent courageous opposition. They represent a troubling descent into political sensationalism at the expense of national dignity.
The death of a former Head of State is not a partisan event. It is a constitutional moment. The sitting President does not involve himself in funeral or state matters out of appetite or rivalry, but out of duty. The office of the presidency carries institutional obligations that transcend past political competition. To reduce constitutional responsibility to grotesque imagery is not only disrespectful to the presidency — it is dismissive of the Republic itself.
Whether one supports or opposes President Hichilema, the fact remains: he occupies an office bound by law, protocol and national expectation. Engaging in arrangements or dialogue regarding a former president’s passing is not optional. It is required.
Zambia’s democracy benefits from a vibrant opposition. It requires voices that challenge policy, interrogate decisions and offer alternatives. But when opposition leaders abandon substance for shock rhetoric, they weaken the very democratic culture they claim to defend.
Mr. M’membe is not an ordinary commentator; he leads a political party and seeks national office. Leadership demands discipline in speech. The country expects serious debate on economic reform, governance, debt management and social equity — not language designed to provoke outrage.
Strong opposition is measured by the quality of its arguments, not the extremity of its metaphors.
The passing of former President Edgar Lungu is, first and foremost, a family loss and a national moment of reflection. Attempting to convert such a moment into a rhetorical weapon cheapens both politics and humanity.
Zambia has endured competitive elections, heated campaigns and sharp ideological divides. Yet it has also maintained a reputation for relative peace and institutional continuity. That stability has not come by accident. It has been preserved by leaders who understood that certain moments require restraint.
Inflammatory language during national mourning does not strengthen democracy — it strains it.
This episode presents a broader question: What kind of political culture does Zambia want to cultivate? One defined by policy rigour, intellectual debate and principled disagreement? Or one driven by provocation, spectacle and emotional escalation?
The answer will determine not only the tone of today’s politics, but the legacy future generations inherit. If Zambia’s political leaders aspire to govern, they must demonstrate the temperament required for national stewardship. Words matter. They shape public trust. They influence civic behaviour. They either cool tensions or ignite them.
President Hichilema’s engagement in matters concerning a former Head of State is a constitutional responsibility — not a personal indulgence. To suggest otherwise is to misrepresent the role of the presidency itself.
Zambians deserve a political environment grounded in seriousness and respect for institutions. Democracy thrives on contestation, yes — but it also depends on maturity.
At moments of national loss, the Republic must come first. Not party advantage. Not rhetorical point-scoring. Not provocation.
History will not reward those who inflame. It will remember those who upheld the dignity of the nation when it mattered most.
IT’S THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY THAT STUDENTS ARE FRIENDS OF THE PRESIDENT – HICHILEMA
President Hakainde Hichilema says never has he seen in history of Zambia where Students are Friends of the President.
He says this is happening for the first time under his presidency. Hichilema says he is enjoying the support of the Students from various Universities and Colleges.
President Hichilema also said he had received the endorsement by Students of his candidature in the August 2026 elections.
He was speaking on the Copperbelt this week where he addressed thousands of Students from various institutions.
NOTECH Principal has revealed that all the Students who went to support the President were paid lunch allowance. Reaction to protest at his institutions by Students alleged not paid, the Principal said there was some misinformation but the situation had been normalized.
Be humble and Accept Defeat,Readers, Critics Tell Dr. Lawrence Mwelwa
Academic Dr. Lawrence Mwelwa has been roundly condemned by readers, for his unreasonable and unjustified attacks on the “Zambia Decides” Opinion Poll conducted by the Emmanuel Mwamba Verified (EMV) Podcast.
He was advised to recognise the power of the EMV Platform where his candidate Brian Mundubile benefitted greatly and enjoyed warm coverage.
They mocked Dr. Mwelwa for peddling lies about the opinion polls especially that the process was witnessed live and countrywide.
Below is one reader’s views.
“Lawrence Mwelwa Ba Mwelwa, enough of the theatre. We all watched the live programme in real time.”
“Calls were under 15 seconds: name, town, vote, cut. Clean and simple”.
“Every time your candidate loses, suddenly the process is compromised. When he wins, it’s “the will of the people.” Stop insulting everyone’s intelligence just because the numbers humbled your camp”.
“The poll didn’t fail your man, your man failed the poll. And now you want to assassinate credibility because the outcome bruised egos. Magnanimity is not weakness. It’s maturity. Just accept mbuya” 🤣 🤣 🤣
MILES SAMPA ORDERED TO PAY LEGAL COSTS IN MVUNGA DEFAMATION CASE
Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa has been ordered to pay legal costs in a matter in which he is being sued by former Bank of Zambia (BoZ) Governor, Dr. Chris Mvunga.
The High Court ruled that Sampa was properly served with a demand letter through WhatsApp after he allegedly refused to accept physical court documents. In her ruling, High Court Judge Elita Mwikisa found that there was no procedural irregularity in the issuance or service of the originating process.
“In view of the foregoing, I find that there was no procedural irregularity in the issuance or service of the originating process,” Judge Mwikisa stated.
Dr. Mvunga commenced legal action against Sampa following claims made on the lawmaker’s Facebook page alleging that the former central bank chief printed money during his tenure under the Patriotic Front (PF) administration.
Sampa had asked the court to dismiss the case, arguing that he had not been properly served with the demand letter and that the proceedings were therefore irregular. However, the court rejected the application and upheld the validity of the service effected via WhatsApp.
Dr. Mvunga is being represented by Dickson Jere & Associates, while Mr. Sampa is represented by Iven Levi Legal Practitioners.
RESIDENT DOCTORS IN SUSPENSE AFTER ELIJAH MUCHIMA’S DISMISSAL
By: Thomas Afroman Mwale
The Resident Doctors Association of Zambia (RDAZ) has announced that it is in suspense following the dismissal of former Minister of Health, Dr. Elijah Muchima, and has appealed to the Head of State to appoint a new minister who will understand the previous negotiations regarding recruitment concern
RDAZ revealed that significant strides were achieved under Dr. Muchima’s leadership, including alignment by the Civil Service Commission to promote doctors who upgraded their qualifications, as well as the inclusion of others on a replacement basis to serve in remote areas.
Speaking to Sun FM TV News, RDAZ President Dr. Paul Chibwe said members fear that if the transition is not properly managed, it could reverse the gains recorded.
He noted that after establishing a working relationship with the former minister, doctors are concerned about being misunderstood under new leadership.
Dr. Chibwe disclosed that the association expects continued engagement with health sector stakeholders, warning that prolonged reliance on an acting minister may not adequately address the ministry’s challenges.
He further cautioned that restarting negotiations on the recruitment of volunteer doctors could stall progress that has already been made. #SunFmTvNews #SunFmTv
Fred M’membe, Edgar Lungu, and HH … ‘Zambia’s Ghost in the Fridge’
Amb. AM 25 Feb 26.
I write with a heavy heart and biting satire, for Zambia today stands mocked by its own silence on the sixth President Edgar Lungu, who died in Pretoria last June.
But one man called Dr. Fred M’membe has shattered the silence today, away from the usual suspects, and he has a loud voice on the matter.
The ghost of Edgar Chagwa Lungu, who remains trapped in a refrigerator via a Zambia government court action, while the widow Esther Lungu’s tears have long dried into sorrowful dust.
Fred M’membe, valiant and intrepid as ever, has broken the silence.
His two-minute TikTok monologue, spoken in the raw cadence of local language, has shattered internet numbers in Zambia and beyond.
It is deeply viral, deeply uncomfortable, and deeply human. “Hakainde Hichilema (President of Zambia), nkalako nachifundo…release that body so that Edgar’s family can bury him,” he pleads, close to tears.
In English: “Please (Mr. President) have a heart. It’s going to be nine months since Edgar Lungu died, and his corpse remains trapped in a refrigerator.”
This is not just a plea; it is a chivalrous act of bravery in a land where cyber laws have jailed citizens for jokes. M’membe has gone to prison myriad times before, from his days at The Post to his leadership of the Socialist Party.
But today, he hit the pedal to the metal, daring to ask the most powerful man in the land, the President: What do you seek from Edgar Lungu’s dead body?
The irony is unbearable. Zambia, a self-proclaimed Christian nation, now jails a corpse. A country that builds bridges, airports, and schools cannot find the courage to bury its own president.
International leaders whisper concern, while citizens scroll in silence, afraid of arrests.
Nostalgia has made Lungu more popular in death than any president since independence in Zambia, likened to Alexander the Great, yet his body remains frozen, a ghost five months before crucial polls.
Fred’s monologue is anecdotal yet monumental. It is the first loud voice in a nation of whispers, a lament that mocks our hypocrisy.
His words cut through fear: “This action is tantamount to jailing a corpse of your friend.” And indeed, what kind of heart does it take to keep a man in a fridge for nine months? Fred asks the government.
The Spanish poet Antonio Machado once wrote: “En el corazón de todos los inviernos vive una primavera palpitante, y detrás de cada noche, viene una aurora sonriente.”
Yet here in Zambia, winter lingers, spring is denied, and the aurora of burial is frozen. The dead wait, the living fear, and the silence is deafening.
My last short essay on Edgar Lungu racked up 670,000 organic numbers in just 12 hours. This one may surpass it, for the ghost of ECL refuses to rest, and Fred M’membe’s voice refuses to be silenced.
Here’s Fred in local lingua franca: “Hakainde Hichilema nkalako nachifundo kwata umutima uwabuntu leko munobe aye atusheko, yalakwana nine months ichitumbi Chagwa Edgar Lungu chichili mu fridge ichichimo nokukaka ichitumbi watwala ichitumbi chamunobe mu fridge for nine months wakwata umutima washani release that body so that Edgar’s family can bury him,” Dr. M’membe says in the vid gone hugely viral.
Zambia’s shame is not just the unburied body, but the hypocrisy of fear, the cowardice of silence, and the mockery of a Christian nation that cannot grant dignity to a dead President. The ghost of Edgar Lungu haunts us still.
And Fred M’membe, with sorrow and satire, has reminded us that courage is not in power, but in speaking truth to it.
In politics, moments of truth have a way of exposing not just strengths, but also insecurities. When the race tightens and the battle becomes real, those with rigged minds often abandon objectivity and resort to discrediting processes they once celebrated. It is an old saying that a bad carpenter always blames his tools, and in our political space, that proverb is proving painfully accurate.
When opinion polls appeared to favor Brian Mundubile, certain voices were quick to endorse the results as credible, scientific, and reflective of the people’s will. Platforms and commentators were praised without hesitation. At that time, there was no talk of bias, manipulation, or lack of transparency. Everything was deemed “excellent” because it suited a particular narrative.
Today, however, the tone has dramatically shifted. The moment the EMV Podcast released opinion poll results that tell a different story, criticism erupted. Suddenly, the same standards once applauded are questioned. The credibility of Emmanuel Mwamba is attacked, not because of proven wrongdoing, but because the outcome is inconvenient.
This inconsistency is revealing. The issue is not the methodology; it is the mindset. If credibility depends solely on whether results favor one’s preferred candidate, then the debate is not about democracy, it is about comfort. True democratic maturity demands that we accept outcomes even when they challenge our expectations.
If critics genuinely believe the polls are flawed, the solution is simple: conduct alternative, transparent surveys. Commission independent research. Publish your findings. Let the public compare and decide. Democracy thrives on competition of ideas, not suppression of perspectives.
Zambians are not easily misled. They observe, analyze, and draw their own conclusions. Attempts to discredit platforms without substantive evidence only weaken the credibility of those making the accusations. When the political battle intensifies, what ultimately counts is substance, vision, and connection with the people, not loud protests against unfavorable data.
In the end, the real test of leadership is not how one reacts when praised, but how one responds when challenged. When the battle is real, excuses fall apart,and only maturity, consistency, and integrity remain standing.
MAST EDITOR-IN-CHIEF TESTIFIES IN NAKACINDA SEDITION CASE
By Brian Matambo | 24 February 2026
The Mast Editor-in-Chief, Jeremy Kondwani Munthali, appeared before the Lusaka Magistrates Court today as a witness of fact in the sedition case of Patriotic Front Secretary General Honourable Raphael Mangani Nakacinda.
Honourable Nakacinda is facing charges of seditious practices arising from a September 2024 broadcast in which he alleged that President Hakainde Hichilema was using law enforcement agencies to pursue former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu out of political vengeance ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Munthali’s testimony centred on a breaking news article published on The Mast Facebook page on 26 September 2024 under the headline, “Police to ‘pick’ up Lungu tonight.” The article, citing government sources, reported that a combined team of security officers was expected to move on Lungu’s residence following remarks allegedly made at the PF Secretariat.
Under cross-examination, the defence secured a significant confirmation. Munthali told the court that Honourable Nakacinda’s broadcast addressed the same subject matter as the newspaper’s publication. Both, he affirmed, dealt with the anticipated mobilisation of law enforcement officers to apprehend former President Lungu at his residence in Chifwema.
In his video, Nakacinda called on supporters to peacefully mobilise at the residence to ensure that no illegal or unconventional actions were carried out under the cover of darkness. The defence position is direct and unapologetic: he was reacting to a story already in the public domain.
Munthali further confirmed that Honourable Nakacinda was neither the source of the article nor an administrator of The Mast Facebook page. He did not originate the information. He commented on it.
The Editor-in-Chief also acknowledged that the Facebook post attracted numerous reactions and comments from members of the public. Yet among the many voices that responded, only one now faces criminal prosecution.
While Munthali noted that the exact wording of Nakacinda’s video differed from the Mast Facebook post, he maintained that the core subject was identical: the anticipated police action against Edgar Lungu.
The trial continues, but the broader political undertone cannot be ignored.
Honourable Nakacinda remains behind bars not for violence, not for corruption, but for speech. He is currently serving 18 months for the offence of defamation of the President based on a law that has since been repealed. He is also serving another 6 months for another controversial case in which the state criminalised the word ubututu as hate speech.
Both local and international observers argue that the law has been stretched and strategically applied to restrain a vocal critic. What is presented as law enforcement is simply political containment.
Today’s proceedings add to that narrative. The case arises from his response to a Facebook publication that generated wide public engagement. Social media discourse is inherently noisy and contested. Yet his response alone has been isolated, extracted, and elevated into a criminal charge.
Supporters describe him as a prisoner of conscience, detained for dissent rather than danger. If responding to a published news report can amount to sedition, then the boundary between commentary and crime has become dangerously thin under the UPND regime.
In Zambia today, freedom of speech increasingly feels less like a protected right and more like a calculated risk.
The Zambia Police Service has arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged mu>rder of retired Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Brigadier General Mike Obistor Mbewe.
Police spokesperson Chipo Kaitisha confirmed the development in a statement issued to Smart Eagles, saying the suspects are in custody as investigations continue.
“On February 23, 2026, at around 14:00 hours, a 14-year-old male juvenile from Chainda Compound reported the discovery of an abandoned silver Toyota Hilux near the Assemblies of God Church in Chainda, Lusaka,” Ms Kaitisha said.
She said the vehicle, registration number BAF 5805, is believed to have been parked at the location between 22:00 hours on February 22 and 13:00 hours on February 23.
Police officers responded to the report and recovered the vehicle.
According to Ms Kaitisha, the vehicle keys were later found in the possession of a 19-year-old male juvenile of Chainda Compound.
“The juvenile informed officers that he had collected the vehicle from the NAPSA Flats area together with Gift Chisenga before parking it near the church,” she said.
Later that same day, at around 16:00 hours, Ms Ethel Mbewe, 49, reported her brother, Brigadier General Mbewe, missing.
She told police that he had left his residence in Chongwe on February 22 at around 18:00 hours and had not returned home.
Ms Kaitisha said subsequent investigations led to the arrest of Gift Chisenga, 24, of 10 Miles in the Mungule area on February 25. Further inquiries resulted in the apprehension of Christopher Banda, 23, of Chainda Compound.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that Christopher Banda allegedly met the deceased in Chainda Compound and drove him to a nearby mountainous area. It is alleged that while at the location, Brigadier General Mbewe became unconscious,” Ms Kaitisha said.
She added that police suspect the retired officer may have been pois0ned.
“The suspects allegedly abandoned him at the scene and drove his vehicle back to Chainda Compound, where it was later recovered. The suspects subsequently led officers to a mountainous area in Meanwood Ibex, where the body of Brigadier General Mbewe was discovered,” she said.
The body has since been deposited at the University Teaching Hospital mortuary, where a postmortem examination will be conducted to establish the exact cause of death.
“The three suspects — Christopher Banda, aged 23; Gift Chisenga, aged 24; and a 19-year-old male juvenile — are currently in police custody. Investigations into the full circumstances surrounding the incident, including the motive, remain ongoing,” Ms Kaitisha concluded.
ZAMBIA’S INFLATION DROPS TO 7.5% IN FEBRUARY AS FOOD AND FUEL PRICES EASE
By: Justin Banda
Zambia’s inflation rate in February declined from 9.4% to 7.5%, according to the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats).
The agency says the decline represents a 1.9 percentage point drop from January 2026. ZamStats Acting Statistician General Sheila Mudenda attributed the outturn to movements in prices of both food and non-food items.
Ms. Mudenda said annual food inflation slowed to 8.2% in February, down from 10.9% in January 2026.
She explained that the decrease was driven by price movements in cereals such as maize grain, breakfast mealie meal, roller meal, imported rice, and plain wheat flour.
She further noted that prices of fruits also contributed to the slowdown, alongside vegetables such as lumanda, cassava leaves, tomatoes, cucumber, sweet potatoes, and green pepper, as well as cooking oil.
Regarding non-food inflation, Ms. Mudenda said the annual rate declined to 6.5% from 7.3% in January, attributing the change to price movements in fuel, particularly diesel and petrol, domestic and regional passenger air transport fares, as well as purchases of motor vehicles and accommodation services. #SunFmTvNews
PHYSICIST FOUND GUILTY OF ASSAULTING ARMY OFFICER AFTER BEING CAUGHT IN MATRIMONIAL BEDROOM
The Lusaka Magistrate’s Court has found 35 year old physicist Dickson Musopelo guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm after he was caught in an army officer’s matrimonial bedroom with the officer’s wife.
Magistrate Victoria Mututwa delivered the judgment today, bringing to a close a case that has drawn public attention due to its dramatic circumstances.
The court heard that on September 26, 2025, Musopelo was found inside the bedroom of Mr Chisha, an army officer, after 22 hours. Evidence presented during trial indicated that Mr Chisha unexpectedly entered his bedroom and discovered Musopelo with his wife. It was alleged that the wife had asked Musopelo to hide in a wardrobe when her husband walked in.
During the confrontation that followed, Musopelo allegedly punched Mr Chisha, causing him injuries. As a result, he was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
When placed on his defence, Musopelo denied the allegations and called two witnesses, his sister Martha Musopelo and a medical doctor, Sithokozile Nandazi.
Ms Musopelo told the court that on September 27, 2025, her brother went to her home bleeding, with bruises on his left eye and two broken teeth. She said she rushed him to Kabwata Police Station to obtain a medical report and later took him to the University Teaching Hospitals for treatment.
However, during cross examination, State prosecutor Georgina Daka pointed out that the medical report described Musopelo as stable. The witness also admitted that she was not present during the alleged assault on September 26 and could not state what had transpired.
Dr Nandazi testified that she attended to Musopelo in September 2025 at the casualty department. She told the court that he complained of difficulty swallowing, jaw pain, a laceration above the eye, neck bruises, nausea and two broken teeth. The doctor said Musopelo reported that he had been hit during an altercation and briefly lost consciousness.
Under cross examination, the doctor admitted she did not conduct a specific examination on the broken teeth and did not present photographs or physical evidence of the injuries before court. She further acknowledged that the injuries could have been caused by another person or even self inflicted. She also confirmed that at the time she examined him, he was stable and not bleeding.
After considering all the evidence, the court found that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and convicted Musopelo of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Sentencing is expected to follow in accordance with the law.
CAA CLARIFIES ON AIRCRAFT WRECKAGE WITH SCRAP DEALER
By Rachel Mumba
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has clarified its position on the aircraft wreckage recently acquired by a scrap metal dealer in Kamanga Compound, Lusaka.
CAA Public Relations Manager Sepiso Zimba says the aircraft, a Dash 8 Q300 MSN 405, previously belonged to Proflight Zambia and was involved in a severe weather incident in November 2019 while flying from Livingstone.
Ms. Zimba has explained that during the flight, the aircraft was struck by lightning and hail, sustaining extensive damage beyond economic repair, though it landed safely at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.
Following a technical and safety review, Proflight decided to dispose of the aircraft in a controlled and regulated manner, under full oversight of the CAA.
The disposal process included deregistration of the aircraft, removal of all branding, draining of fuel, oil, and hydraulic fluids, removal of recoverable components, and proper handling of hazardous items such as batteries and oxygen bottles.
The aircraft shell was permanently rendered non-recoverable, in line with CAA regulatory requirements (Advisory Circular CAA/AIR/AC-016 Section 11.0).
The CAA emphasized that the selection of the buyer is the prerogative of the aircraft owner, with the Authority’s role limited to regulatory compliance and safety oversight.
It also noted that the aircraft’s presence in hangars had created operational congestion, affecting apron safety and efficiency, which led to the timely decommissioning.
PROPHETESS SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR HIDING HUSBAND’S SKELETON FOR TWO YEARS
IN a case that has stunned the nation, 51-year-old Silvia Mutaba Kalaba was this Wednesday afternoon convicted by the Lusaka High Court for manslaughter and sentenced to 15 years’ simple imprisonment for the death of her husband, George Kalaba (also known as Ba Zanaco), whose skeletal remains were discovered in their matrimonial bedroom after being kept hidden for nearly two years.
The grim discovery was made in January 2025 at the couple’s residence in Garden Luangwa Compound, Lusaka, following a report by the deceased’s elder brother, Emmanuel Kalaba, who raised concerns after being denied access to his brother since July 2023. Investigators found the skeletal remains on the matrimonial bed, carefully concealed under a bedsheet.
During the proceedings, the court heard that Silvia Kalaba, a self-proclaimed prophetess, claimed she had been instructed by a “ritualist” in Tanzania to keep her husband’s body for spiritual purposes. She alleged that the act was intended to perform miracles, accumulate wealth, and await the resurrection of her husband.
The court ruled that Silvia Kalaba’s actions constituted gross negligence leading to the unlawful death of her husband, a conclusion that warranted the sentence imposed today.
Three of the couple’s children, Wendy, Sandra, and Natasha, along with a neighbour, Preteria Musela, had previously pleaded guilty in 2025 to amended charges of failing to report a death. Other co-defendants, including a so-called “prayer warrior” friend, were also implicated in assisting with the concealment of the body.
The case has sparked nationwide outrage and debate, with attention focused on religious practices and the protection of vulnerable individuals within households. The conviction highlights the authority’s commitment to ensuring justice is served, regardless of social status, claims of spiritual instruction, or public perception.
TWO neighbours lived side by side in harmony in Kafue Estates. Initially, what separated them was vegetative hedge but one of them decided to build a “wall fence” which divided the two houses.
After many years, the other neighbor demolished the fence and built a new one, apparently to match the one he was constructing around his house. He did this without consulting the neighbour.
Livid, the neighbour sued him in the Magistrate Court for damages as well as causing a nuisance. The Court found that the neighbour who demolished the fence was wrong and committed a tort. He was ordered to pay the neighbour including for loss of business as his neighbour left his business to attend to the problem.
Unhappy, the neighbour appealed to the High Court.
Having looked at the evidence, the Judge found that the neighbour who demolished the fence was wrong and that he also committed a criminal offence for breaking the wall fence without consulting.
“As such the unilateral act of the appellant is one that cannot only be termed a nuisance but an unlawful act,” the Judge ruled.
The Judge observed that both neighbours were wrong to have constructed the boundary fence without consulting each other as the law requires that both should actually consent to the design and pay equally for the construction.
“In the interest of justice and bring closure to this dispute between the parties as neighbours, an assessment of the cost of the wall that the respondent incurred shall be done and half of that cost shall be borne by the appellant,” the Judge ruled.
“Similarly, an assessment of the cost of the wall that was appellant built slabs shall be done and half of the costs shall be borne by the Respondent,” the Judge said.
The Court declined to order damages to the neighbour who claimed that he lost business as a result of attending to the dispute over the wall fence saying loses were too remote to the attributed to the dispute.
“That said, as I have already found that the appellant had no right to demolish the boundary wall without consulting the Respondent,” the Judge said and ordered nominal damages of ZMK900.
Case citation – Davis Zulu v Winstone Phiri -2021/HP/A015 and Judgement delivered this week on 23rd February, 2026.
LECTURE NOTES;
1. Under the Fencing Act, neighbours must agree on the design and cost of the construction of boundary wall and pay for it equally unless otherwise agreed. If the neighbors cannot agree, the matter is referred to Arbitration for determination.
2. If the wall fence is destroyed by one of the neighbors, the law demands that the neighbour should actually pay for the entire cost of repairs or building new one.
JUSTICE Minister Princess Kasune says government is committed to ensuring a peaceful and credible general election in August. Zambia has also launched its bid for membership to the Human Rights Council for the term 2027-2029.
Speaking during the High-Level Segment at the 61st session of the Human Rights Council, Kasune said Zambia was committed to protecting human rights.
“We meet at a time when the global human rights system is under extreme pressure. Some question its fairness and value while others suggest stepping away from it. But Zambia believes that stepping away is not the answer.
Rather, the times require that we enhance international cooperation to help overcome the challenges we are facing” she said.
Iranian Forces Capture U.S.-Made Weapons in Major Operation
Iranian security forces say they seized American-made weapons during a large counterterrorism operation near the country’s southeastern border.
According to officials, the joint raid involved intelligence services, law enforcement, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Authorities reported recovering U.S.-manufactured M4 rifles, along with RPG-7 launchers, AK-47 assault rifles and pistols from suspected militant hideouts.
Iranian officials allege the weapons were in the possession of foreign nationals linked to extremist groups and foreign intelligence networks.
Local media informed M21 that the operation followed increased security alerts in the region amid rising tensions between Tehran and the United States.
Iran Accused of Hijacking U.S. Ally’s Vessel in Gulf Waters
A vessel flying the flag of Bahrain was allegedly forced at gunpoint into waters claimed by Iran, according to authorities in Manama.
Bahraini officials said the perpetrators were Iranian nationals who reportedly robbed the crew and held them for several hours before releasing both the vessel and its personnel. Manama described the incident as a violation of international maritime law and stated it reserves the right to pursue legal action.
The confrontation comes amid heightened naval activity in the Persian Gulf, including recent joint maritime drills between Iran and Russia near the Strait of Hormuz. The area has previously seen vessel seizures involving the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
With U.S. military assets stationed at Shaikh Isa Air Base and tensions continuing to simmer, the incident adds another flashpoint to already volatile Gulf waters.
Iran Can Now Track American Jets and Stealth Bombers, Analysts Say After Chinese Radar Delivery
Reports indicate that Iran has acquired China’s advanced YLC-8B UHF-band radar system, developed by China Electronics Technology Group Corporation. The system is designed to detect low-observable aircraft that traditionally evade conventional X-band targeting radars
Military analysts say the radar’s UHF frequency gives it an advantage in identifying the presence of stealth platforms such as the:
• B-2 Spirit • F-35 Lightning II • F-22 Raptor
With reported detection ranges of up to 700 km under optimal conditions, the system could significantly extend Iran’s early-warning coverage and reaction time.
However, defence experts caution that detection does not automatically mean interception. To successfully engage stealth aircraft, early warning data would need to be integrated into a layered air-defence network, potentially working alongside systems such as the S-300PMU-2.
If fully operational and integrated, this development may complicate U.S. and Israeli air-operation planning in the region, increasing operational risks and reducing the element of surprise.
M21 continues to monitor developments in regional military technology and strategic balance.
U.S. Left Exposed as European Allies Pull Back From Key Middle East Base
Western troops are reportedly withdrawing from a strategic base in the Middle East that analysts считают a potential first target in the event of war between Iran and the United States.
Several European allies of Washington are said to be quietly pulling personnel out of an Arab state neighboring Iran, amid fears of retaliation from Tehran if tensions escalate into open conflict. The move effectively reduces the Western footprint around the base, potentially leaving U.S. forces more exposed should hostilities break out.
The developments come as President Donald Trump has publicly acknowledged the growing missile threat from Iran ahead of critical diplomatic talks. He warned that Tehran already possesses missile systems capable of striking U.S. bases in the region and could, in the future, threaten the American homeland if no agreement is reached.
Reports also suggest that senior U.S. military officials have expressed deep reservations about the risks of launching a full-scale war with Iran, citing potential casualties, regional escalation, and the strain on American resources.
The withdrawals underscore widening caution among European partners and raise fresh questions about alliance unity as tensions in the Middle East intensify.
Shock Diplomatic Move: South Africa Cuts Ties with Israel — Government Takes Bold Stand That Could Reshape Global Alliances and Ignite Fierce Debate at Home
South Africa has taken a decisive step in its foreign policy stance by moving to boycott diplomatic relations with Israel, signalling a significant escalation in the country’s position on the ongoing Middle East crisis.
The decision reflects Pretoria’s long-standing concerns around humanitarian issues, international law, and calls for accountability in conflict zones. Government leaders have argued that the move aligns with South Africa’s historical commitment to human rights, justice, and solidarity with oppressed communities worldwide.
Analysts say the boycott could have wide-ranging diplomatic and economic implications, potentially affecting trade, cooperation agreements, and international relations dynamics. Supporters view the action as a moral stand consistent with South Africa’s anti-apartheid legacy, while critics warn that diplomatic disengagement may limit dialogue and mediation opportunities.
As global reactions continue to unfold, the development places South Africa firmly among nations adopting stronger diplomatic pressure strategies — reigniting intense debate about foreign policy priorities, economic impact, and the country’s role on the world stage.
“CALL IT IDI!” , HOW ONE MAN STOPPED A DICTATOR’S NAME GAME
Feared Ugandan strongman Idi Amin was known for his iron grip and explosive decisions but one extraordinary Cabinet exchange may have stopped him from renaming the entire country after himself.
At the height of his rule, Amin allegedly floated the idea of changing Uganda’s name to “Idi.” Terrified ministers reportedly nodded in agreement, too afraid to challenge the dictator.
All except one: Walyamungu.
Thinking fast, he asked Amin whether he knew of a country called Cyprus. A puzzled Amin demanded the relevance. Walyamungu delivered the punchline: “The people of Cyprus are called Cypriots. If Uganda becomes Idi, its citizens will be called… Idiots.”
The room fell silent.
Amin, after a long pause, reportedly declared that he and Walyamungu were the only intelligent men in the Cabinet and Uganda would keep its name.
One brave voice. One bold joke. A nation spared global humiliation.
Robert De Niro BLASTS AMERICA: “I FEEL BETRAYED BY MY COUNTRY”
Hollywood legend Robert De Niro has launched a blistering attack on the state of the United States, declaring he feels “betrayed” by the nation he once proudly loved.
The outspoken actor said the phrase “We all love our country” now sticks in his throat, questioning how Americans can celebrate patriotism while facing gun violence in the streets and millions left without access to healthcare. He also slammed economic policies that, in his view, reward billionaire elites with generous tax breaks while ordinary citizens struggle to make ends meet.
De Niro further criticized leadership decisions that pardon violent offenders and shield powerful wrongdoers, calling it a betrayal of basic justice and decency.
While insisting he doesn’t expect perfection, the Oscar winner said America must “return to the values” that once defined its strength, compassion, and humanity or risk losing its moral compass altogether.
Why Zimbabwe Opted Out of the US$367 Million Health Deal
The Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Honourable Zhemu Soda, has clarified why Zimbabwe discontinued negotiations on a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the “America First Global Health Strategy.”
Why the Government Declined the Proposal:
📊 Data Sovereignty Concerns: The agreement required Zimbabwe to share sensitive health and virus data of its citizens without firm guarantees that the country would benefit from any vaccines, treatments, or medical innovations developed from that data.
🚫 No Reciprocal Data Sharing: The United States did not commit to sharing its own epidemiological data in exchange, raising concerns over imbalance in the arrangement
⚖️ Equity and National Interest: Authorities viewed the proposal as an unequal arrangement with implications for national security and control over strategic health resources.
While Zimbabwe remains open to international cooperation, the Government maintains that all partnerships must be grounded in fairness, transparency, mutual respect, and shared benefit.
Beware of gym women. Especially the ones who dress and stretch in ways that force you to see their curves. She’s not there to work out; she’s there to hunt. And you, my son, are the prey if you don’t think with your head.
Some of the most ungrateful, unfaithful, disloyal, and dangerous women hide in the gym. For them, it’s not a fitness centre; it’s a hunting ground. And the targets are always men battling with lust and lacking discipline.
These gym baddies? They can’t be trusted. Their wardrobe is weaponized. They don’t dress to sweat; they dress to seduce. Many even pay gym instructors with their bodies; not money. That’s their idea of “appreciation.”
Want to expose her motives? Tell your woman you’re joining her gym sessions daily. Watch how her passion for “fitness” suddenly disappears. Her countenance will shift; because you just threatened her market. She knows you’re about to checkmate her silent games.
Let’s be honest; what are those outfits really about? Most gym wear today looks like seductive nightwear. Cleavage out, nipples outlined, and yansh split into perfect halves like it’s meat on display. This is not about staying fit. This is modern hookup culture with dumbbells.
And don’t even get me started on the gym instructors doubling as pimps. They network single gym girls with rich, married men, and connect desperate married women with sugar boys. That’s another sermon on its own.
Now hear me clearly; I’m not saying your woman can’t go to the gym. I’m simply telling you the truth about what happens in many of them. What you do with this information is up to you.
But I pray God gives you discernment so you don’t suffer for 603 years because you trusted the wrong woman in leggings.
RDF – M23 In Mourning After The Elimination Of Lt Col Willy Ngoma
Lt Col Willy Ngoma was one of the most deeply beloved figures within Criminal Paul Kagame’s M23 terrorist franchise.
He enjoyed widespread affection from both the enlisted men and officers of Paul Kagame’s terrorist movement, M23.
His popularity extended even throughout the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), including to its top Chief, Criminal Paul Kagame himself, underscoring his influence within the terrorist franchise.
Last year, when he was placed under house arrest for misconduct related to his involvement in mineral deals, it was Criminal Paul Kagame personally who ordered his release after several months, during which time Kagame had missed seeing Ngoma’s comedic antics on social media.
Since yesterday, 24th February 2026, members of RDF-M23 have been in mourning for their comrades, particularly Lt Col Willy Ngoma.
By: RPF Gakwerere, a military corporal for more than three decades.
ZIMBABWE BANS ALL RAW MINERAL EXPORTS WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT
ZIMBABWE has imposed an immediate freeze on exports of all raw minerals and lithium concentrate, the mines ministry announced Wednesday, tightening state control over resources critical to global clean-energy and defense industries.
“Government expects cooperation of the mining industry on this measure which has been taken in the national interest,” Mines Minister Polite Kambamura said in a statement.
The ban covers all raw minerals already in transit and remains in place until further notice.
The move aligns with a worldwide trend as nations scramble to secure rare earths and strategic minerals essential for smartphones, green energy systems, and military equipment.
The government aims to ensure “transparency, in-country value addition and beneficiation” in mineral exports.
The ban on lithium concentrates was originally scheduled for January 2027, a deadline meant to push mining companies toward local processing.
Zimbabwe holds Africa’s largest lithium reserves and ships much of its production to China for refining. Mining contributes 14.3% to Zimbabwe’s GDP.
CUBA sent soldiers and fighters to help Africans in the fight for independence and against colonialism. CUBA has been of immense support in terms of health solidarity sending their doctors, nurses and other health professionals to assist in the most deprived areas of the continent as well as during pandemics.
Now CUBA is being strangled by the U.S, a strangulation that has been ongoing for the last 60 years.
Why is AFRICA quiet when CUBA is being suffocated by the United SNAKES of AMERICA?
Are we too weak to provide even morale support to our key friends and allies? Oh AFRICA, when will you unite and be strong enough to stand up for your friends? If you can’t stand up for your friends in life, how can you hope to ever stand up for yourself?
Why is the ANGOLAN president, JOÃO LOURENÇO mute? What is holding RAMAPHOSA from sending aid? CASTRO must be feeling regretful from his grave!
Harare, Zimbabwe, February 24, 2026 – The Government of Zimbabwe has communicated its decision to withdraw from negotiations on a proposed bilateral health Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United States.
This MOU would have provided $367 million over five years to support Zimbabwe’s priority health programs, including HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and disease outbreak preparedness.
“We believe this collaboration would have delivered extraordinary benefits for Zimbabwean communities— especially the 1.2 million men, women, and children currently receiving HIV treatment through U.S.-supported programs,” said U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe Pamela Tremont. “We will now turn to the difficult and regrettable task of winding down our health assistance in Zimbabwe.”
The proposed MOU represented the largest potential health investment in Zimbabwe by any international funder and was built on a co-funding model designed to ensure sustainability and a path toward self-reliance. The MOU asked Zimbabwe to gradually increase its own health funding alongside U.S. support, building on more than $1.9 billion in U.S. health support to Zimbabwe since 2006 that is directly responsible for Zimbabwe reaching the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals.
Sixteen African countries have so far signed health collaboration MOUs with the United States, which represents over $18.3 billion in new health funding including more than $11.2 billion in U.S. assistance alongside $7.1 billion in co-investment from recipient countries.
“The United States has a responsibility to American taxpayers to invest their resources where mutual accountability, transparency, and shared commitment are assured,” Ambassador Tremont noted. “These MOUs set a higher standard for bilateral health cooperation—one that prioritizes sustainability, measurable outcomes, and shared ownership of results. The Government of Zimbabwe has assured us it is prepared to sustain the fight against HIV/AIDS, and we wish them well.”
For more information, please contact: HararePress@state.gov
🤡 Peskov Says a Zelensky–Putin Meeting Is “In Question”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says a meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin is doubtful — unless Ukraine changes its negotiating position.
He also suggested Zelensky could come to Moscow.
In other words: talks are possible, but only if Ukraine adjusts first.
At this point, would we expect anything different?
For four years, the pattern has been the same: • Set the conditions. • Demand concessions. • Call it diplomacy.
Four Dead After U.S. Speedboat Confrontation With Cuban Border Forces
Cuba’s Interior Ministry has confirmed that four people aboard a U.S.-registered speedboat were killed following a confrontation with Cuban border security officers.
Authorities say the vessel was intercepted in Cuban territorial waters, triggering a confrontation that ended in fatalities. Officials have not yet released the identities of those killed or detailed the exact sequence of events. An investigation is reportedly underway.
The incident comes amid worsening economic hardship on the island, which has driven a surge in migration attempts by sea. At the same time, tensions between United States and Cuba remain strained over sanctions, migration policy, and regional security concerns.
This latest development is likely to further complicate already fragile diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Ukraine Unveils Strategy to “Force Russia Into Peace”
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry has presented a new strategy aimed at compelling Russia to negotiate an end to the war.
Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov outlined a three-pillar plan that will run parallel to diplomatic efforts led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukraine’s negotiating team. According to Fedorov, the plan focuses on:
1. Strengthening Air Defenses Ukraine aims to detect 100% of aerial threats in real time and intercept at least 95% of incoming missiles and drones. The strategy includes building a layered air defense system and expanding the use of interceptor drones to counter Russian aerial attacks.
2. Halting Russia’s Advances Kyiv seeks to stop Russian forces on land, at sea, and in cyberspace. Fedorov stated that Russia is paying heavy losses for territorial gains, particularly in the Donetsk region, and that increasing battlefield costs will make further advances unsustainable. The military is also reforming procurement systems, transitioning to a corps structure, and adopting more data-driven command processes.
3. Cutting Russia’s War Revenues Ukraine argues that Russia’s oil export revenues are sustaining the war effort. The plan calls for tighter international sanctions, targeting Moscow’s so-called shadow fleet, and strengthening coordination with allies to curb illicit maritime operations.
Fedorov emphasized that peace will come when Ukraine closes its skies, weakens Russia’s offensive capacity, and exerts sustained economic pressure.
