Chinhoyi magistrate Kudzanai Mahaso has granted village head Tinos Manongovere his request to have an inspection in loco at the place where the late former President Robert Mugabe’s remains were set for burial at National Heroes Acre in Harare and the family cemetery in Zvimba, where he was interred.
Mahaso said the inspection in loco would be done at the Mugabe cemetery in Zvimba and in Harare today.
The former First Family’s lawyer Kudzanai Gombiro confirmed the determination which was made at the Chinhoyi Magistrates Court yesterday.
“Yes, Manongovere requested to show the court places where Mugabe family members are buried in Zvimba and a place they wanted him buried at Heroes Acre and the request was granted by the magistrate. We are going to the two places tomorrow,” he said.
Manongovere dragged Mugabe’s widow, Grace, to Chief Zvimba, born Stanley Wurayayi Mhondoro’s traditional court, saying the late Zimbabwean leader was not buried according to their tradition and should be exhumed and reburied at the National Heroes Acre.
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Chief Zvimba ordered Grace to exhume the former President’s remains from their Kutama homestead and rebury them at the National Heroes Acre, where the government had constructed a mausoleum for the late strongman.
A magistrate court in September 2021 confirmed Chief Zvimba’s ruling after Mugabe’s children had challenged the traditional leader’s controversial ruling.
They argued that he acted outside his jurisdiction when he found Grace guilty of violating tradition by burying Mugabe at his homestead.
She was ordered to facilitate Mugabe’s exhumation for reburial at a national shrine for luminaries of the country’s 1970s liberation war.
Grace was fined five cows and two goats.
Mugabe died in September 2019 at age 95 and was buried at Kutama despite vigorous attempts by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to have him interred at the National Heroes Acres in Harare, where most nationalists are buried
Following his death in Singapore in 2019, a stand-off ensued between the government and his family over his final resting place, stretching for nearly three weeks.
GOVERNMENT says it has removed all taxes apart from the Value Added Tax on Electric Vehicles (EVs) to encourage increased uptake of EVs in the country.
Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga noted that the government has also waived VAT on locally produced EVs, adding that the policy changes are targeted at promoting a green economy for enhanced Industrialisation.
Mr Mulenga said this in a speech read for him by Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary for Investment and Industrialisation, Crusivia Hichikumba, during the High Level Policy Dialogue on Development of Automotive Regional Value Chains and E- mobility in Lusaka today.
He explained that the government has also committed to ensuring that 50 percent of its fleet of vehicles consists of electric vehicles, stating that this is not just a financial incentive, but a declaration to foster a green economy and promote sustainable Industrialisation.
Mr Mulenga added that the country’s commitment to industrialisation and value addition underscores the importance of moving from raw mineral exports to local refining and manufacturing to enhance its potential for creating jobs, fostering sustainable economic growth, and attracting green investments.
“Zambia’s proactive engagement in regional initiatives, such as partnerships with DRC and other countries in the region, demonstrates its ability to leverage its resources to drive regional development, align with global sustainability goals, and position itself as one of the leaders in Africa’s green industrialisation efforts,” he stated.
Mr Mulenga further noted that there is need for targeted policies, investments, and collaboration among governments, the private sector, and civil society in creating a conducive ecosystem that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality in Africa.
African Continental Free Trade Area agreement provides a unique opportunity to integrate regional value chains, fostering industrial deepening and economic growth within the continent.
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Sub Regional Office for Southern Africa Chief, Inclusive Industrialisation Section, Olayinka Bandele, explained that ECA is spearheading an automotive and e-mobility regional value chain initiative.
Ms Bandele said the initiative seeks to take advantage of the opportunities arising from the global energy transition and the expansion of the electric vehicle market on the African continent.
“These initiatives aim to position the continent as a key player in the global automotive and electric mobility and electric battery industry,” she said.
Meanwhile, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Sub Regional Office for Northern Africa Director, Adam Elhiraika, said ECA initiatives aim to strengthen policy, regulatory, and incentive frameworks for emerging automotive and electric mobility industries in Africa.
Mr Elhiraika noted that the transition aligns with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, promoting green job creation and enhancing economic resilience.
Somalia and Ethiopia have agreed on a joint declaration to resolve their dispute over the breakaway Somaliland region and land-locked Ethiopia’s push for sea access, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced.
Speaking in a joint news conference in Ankara, Erdogan late on Wednesday thanked Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for their “historic reconciliation”.
Hailing the agreement, Erdogan said he hoped the deal would be “the first step towards a new beginning based on peace and cooperation between Somalia and Ethiopia”, and would eventually ensure that Ethiopia – the most populous land-locked country in the world – gains sea access.
“I believe with the meeting we had today, especially with Ethiopia’s demands to access the sea, my brother Sheikh Mohamud will give the necessary support for accessing the sea,” the Turkish leader said.
“This joint declaration focuses on the future, not the past, and records the principles that these two friendly countries, which are very important to us, will build from now on,” Erdogan said later in a post on social media.
The two neighbouring countries in the Horn of Africa have seen tensions escalate since Ethiopia struck a deal in January with Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland to lease a stretch of its coastline for an Ethiopian port and military base in exchange for diplomatic recognition, although this was never confirmed by Addis Ababa.
The move prompted a fierce diplomatic and military row with Somalia, which branded the deal a violation of its sovereignty, setting international alarm bells ringing over the risk of renewed conflict as the dispute drew in Ethiopia’s longstanding rival Egypt and Eritrea.
Somaliland seceded from Somalia more than 30 years ago but is not recognised by the African Union or the United Nations as an independent state. Somalia still considers Somaliland part of its territory.
Over the years, Somaliland has built a stable political environment, contrasting sharply with Somalia’s ongoing struggles with insecurity amid deadly attacks by al-Shabab rebels.
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy and Somali President Mohamud arrived in Ankara earlier on Wednesday for the talks, which were the latest following two earlier meetings that made little progress.
According to the text of the agreement released by Turkiye, the parties agreed “to leave behind differences of opinion and contentious issues, and resolutely move forward in cooperation towards common prosperity”.
Both have agreed to work together on commercial arrangements and bilateral agreements that would ensure Ethiopia’s “reliable, safe and sustainable access” to the sea “under the sovereign authority of the Federal Republic of Somalia”.
They will now initiate technical talks no later than the end of February, which are to be completed “within four months”, and continuing differences are to be dealt with ” through dialogue” and where necessary with the support of Turkiye.
Speaking alongside Erdogan, his remarks translated into Turkish, Ethiopia’s Abiy said: “We have addressed the misunderstandings that have occurred over the past year.”
“Ethiopia’s desire for secure access to the sea is a peaceful venture and will benefit our neighbours, it is a venture that must be seen in the spirit of cooperation, not suspicion,” he said.
The Somali leader, whose remarks were also translated, said the agreement had “put a halt to their differences” and that his nation was “ready to work with the Ethiopian leadership and the Ethiopian people”.
Turkiye has been mediating between the two countries since July, leading discussions aimed at resolving their differences.
Police block the road to stop protesters from marching during a rally calling for the impeachment South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has pledged to “fight to the end” after opposition parties submitted a new joint motion to impeach him over a botched martial law bid last week.
The National Assembly said the main liberal opposition Democratic Party and five smaller opposition parties submitted the impeachment motion on Thursday afternoon.
The impeachment vote will take place on Saturday at about 5pm (08:00 GMT), the parties said. The motion needs to win support from eight members of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) to secure the necessary two-thirds majority.
PPP leader Han Dong-hoon urged party members to attend the meeting and vote “according to their conviction and conscience”.
The move comes after authorities dispatched police to the presidential office compound to “obtain documents and materials”, according to the local Yonhap news agency. A similar attempt was blocked on Wednesday by security guards.
Yoon denies rebellion charges
South Korea’s capital, Seoul, has been rocked by daily protests since December 3, when Yoon stunned the nation by declaring emergency martial law, saying he was acting to protect the country from “threats” posed by North Korea and accused the opposition of being “antistate forces”.
Yoon later apologised for the decree, which he rescinded within hours after a unanimous vote by the National Assembly, and promised not to shirk legal or political responsibility.
But in a lengthy televised address on Thursday, Yoon defended the decree as an act of governance and denied rebellion charges.
“I will fight to the end to prevent the forces and criminal groups that have been responsible for paralysing the country’s government and disrupting the nation’s constitutional order from threatening the future of the Republic of Korea,” Yoon said.
“The opposition is now doing a sword dance of chaos, claiming that the declaration of martial law constitutes … an act of rebellion. But was it really?”
The main opposition Democratic Party quickly slammed Yoon’s speech as “an expression of extreme delusion” and “false propaganda”.
Protests, investigations
Also on Thursday, police blocked the road to stop protesters marching during a rally on Thursday calling for the impeachment of Yoon to go through.
The first motion to impeach Yoon failed on December 7 after legislators from the governing party boycotted the vote. The walkout came hours after the embattled leader apologised, saying he would not attempt to impose martial law again.
The country’s law enforcement authorities were investigating whether Yoon and others committed rebellion, abuse of power and other crimes. A conviction for rebellion carries a maximum penalty of death.
Parliament on Thursday afternoon passed motions to impeach national police chief Cho Ji-ho and Justice Minister Park Sung-jae, suspending them from official duties, over their enforcement of martial law.
Yoon’s former defence minister, Kim Yong-hyun, became the first person to be formally arrested.
He tried to take his own life at a Seoul prison on Wednesday night, but correctional officers stopped him and officials said he was in stable condition.
A Hawaii millionaire was bur!ed alive in wet cement after his furious young lover discovered that the 73-year-old had HIV, a court has heard.
Gary Ruby, 73, was found entombed in a bathtub at his $2.2million gated Honolulu home in 2022.
His now 26-year-old partner Juan Tejedor Baron originally confessed to the grisly murd£r, but has since walked back his admission.
At a court hearing on Monday, Dec. 9, to determine if his guilty plea may be rescinded, the court heard more gruesome details about the circumstances of Ruby’s death.
“There’s an inference that Gary was still alive when you poured the cement over him,” Deputy Prosecutor Scott Bell said, the Star Advertiser reports.
Baron responded that this was “speculation” as he confirmed that he was aware that the allegation appeared in the prosecution’s case.
Baron previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murd£r, identity theft and two counts of theft of property as part of a plea deal.
The terms would have seen the state agree not to seek a life without parole or a minimum mandatory sentence of more than 20 years.
However, Colombia-born Baron has since argued he did not fully understand the plea deal as he did not have a translator present.
His defence, Randall Hironaka, seeks to prove that Baron was afraid of receiving the de@th penalty and was under the influence of prescription drugs at the time.
In October, a hearing began on a motion to withdraw his guilty plea before Oahu Circuit Judge Catherine Remigio.
Baron testified that his former lawyer Kyle Dowd impressed upon him that he would d!e in prison, which he took to mean that he would be sent to the electric chair.
He added that a weekly prescription he was taking at the time impaired his judgement.
The hearing will continue on December 23 and is to include testimony from Baron’s former attorneys and an interpreter.
California cops arrested Baron shortly in March 2022 in connection with the brutal killing.
He had attempted to flee the country after the murd£r, making it as far as a bus terminal in the Golden State before he was apprehended by LA-based lawmen, who found him “hiding in a crawl space under an enclosed bench” of a Mexico-bound bus, police said.
Baron confessed to the k!lling, telling cops he murd£red longtime Honolulu resident Ruby, with whom he had been in a romantic relationship, after learning the latter was HIV positive.
According to the arrest warrant, Baron told detectives he k!lled the victim after he told him he had HIV following a sexu@l encounter in February, spurring the suspect to str@ngle his much older lover with a belt.
“Baron stated that he had s£x with Gary but became angry after Gary informed Baron that Gary was HIV-positive,” the warrant reads.
Baron stated that soon after he noticed Gary choke slightly while eating, at which point he “reacted by placing a belt around Gary’s neck and tightening the belt until Gary lost consciousness.”
Baron told cops he then dragged the elderly man’s corpse to the bathtub, before using a “kitchen knife to slit Gary’s wrists in an effort to stage a su!cide.”
Cops said that Baron then confessed to attempting to cover up the k!lling, pouring cement he found inside Ruby’s garage and coffee grounds over the victim’s body in the tub – before realizing that he did not have enough to submerge the slain millionaire.
“Baron then drove to Lowe’s to purchase four additional bags of concrete and further filled the bathtub, covering Gary,” the filing states.
Baron further told detectives that he then added coffee grounds to the bathtub concoction, to better mask the smell of Ruby’s decomposing body.
“Baron stated he used coffee grounds to cover the cement in an effort to conceal the smell of decomposition,” the affidavit states.
Following the murd£r, Baron attempt to pass off Ruby’s gold 2020 Audi A6 and multi-million dollar home as his own when questioned by lawmen investigating Ruby’s sudden disappearance, telling officers he had purchased both from the dece@sed.
According to the warrant, Baron admitted to officers taking over ownership papers of Ruby’s car and even had plans to try to acquire the home.
Let’s prepare for possible effects of EL Nino this season
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has forecast a 70 percent chances of recurrence of the EL Nino weather conditions for 2018 and 2019 season.
The purpose of such forecasts is not necessarily to scare people, but to warn World communities especially those with vulnerable and poor economies like ourselves, to brace for eventualities so that we make adequate mitigatory measures to counter the effects of the weather.
As we may know, EL Nino causes severe weather conditions that can gravely affect food security in the country and at households.
It is in view of foregoing that we would like to urge those in-charge of the national resources and the citizens at large to take practical steps in case of the recurrence of the EL Nino conditions.
For those controlling national resources, it is important that:
They mop up all excess and uncollected maize and other crops around the country at attractive prices to the farmers and place them as strategic reserves.
They must avoid at all cost the temptation of exporting maize and other crops as this may affect the strategic food security reserves.
We must invest in better weather monitoring technology and improve our collaboration with experts in the field in order to improve our preparedness for uncertain times. This will also advantage our farming communities and empower them with well informed decisions pro actively.
They need to actively and continuously engage the citizens and equip them in advance with the knowledge and consequences of such adverse weather conditions.
For our citizens, we must:
Consider stocking up enough food especially maize at household levels and only sell that which is really in excess.
We must consider venturing into drought resistance crops like millet, sorghum and cassava.
We must consider diversification programmes at personal level into say livestock.
We all know that we have a regime that thrives in dealing in fire fighting and knee jerk measures with the ultimate purpose of benefiting through corruption.
Highly reputable World weather forecast organizations have sounded the warning and like Joseph of the Old Testament did, we in the UPND have now done our part in warning citizens and those controlling national resources on the practical measures that must be undertaken to achieve the intended objectives for the benefit of all our people.
HH
WE WARNED.
PRESS STATEMENT
Tuesday 11th September 2018
Let’s prepare for possible effects of EL Nino this season
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has forecast a 70 percent chances of recurrence of the EL Nino weather conditions for 2018 and 2019 season.
The purpose of such forecasts is not necessarily to scare people, but to warn World communities especially those with vulnerable and poor economies like ourselves, to brace for eventualities so that we make adequate mitigatory measures to counter the effects of the weather.
As we may know, EL Nino causes severe weather conditions that can gravely affect food security in the country and at households.
It is in view of foregoing that we would like to urge those in-charge of the national resources and the citizens at large to take practical steps in case of the recurrence of the EL Nino conditions.
For those controlling national resources, it is important that:
1. They mop up all excess and uncollected maize and other crops around the country at attractive prices to the farmers and place them as strategic reserves.
2. They must avoid at all cost the temptation of exporting maize and other crops as this may affect the strategic food security reserves.
3. We must invest in better weather monitoring technology and improve our collaboration with experts in the field in order to improve our preparedness for uncertain times. This will also advantage our farming communities and empower them with well informed decisions pro actively.
4. They need to actively and continuously engage the citizens and equip them in advance with the knowledge and consequences of such adverse weather conditions.
For our citizens, we must:
1. Consider stocking up enough food especially maize at household levels and only sell that which is really in excess.
2. We must consider venturing into drought resistance crops like millet, sorghum and cassava.
3. We must consider diversification programmes at personal level into say livestock.
We all know that we have a regime that thrives in dealing in fire fighting and knee jerk measures with the ultimate purpose of benefiting through corruption.
Highly reputable World weather forecast organizations have sounded the warning and like Joseph of the Old Testament did, we in the UPND have now done our part in warning citizens and those controlling national resources on the practical measures that must be undertaken to achieve the intended objectives for the benefit of all our people.
GOVT LAUNCHES THE REVIEW OF THE ANTI-CORRUPTION LAW
The review of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012 has commenced on the Copperbelt with various stakeholders making contributions to strengthen the legal framework in the fight against corruption.
Speaking yesterday in Ndola, during the official opening of the Stakeholder Consultative Meeting on the Review of the Anti-Corruption Act, Copperbelt Provincial Permanent Mr. Augustine Kasongo has urged the stakeholders to take the consultative meetings seriously to help build public trust in the legislative process.
“It is, therefore, the responsibility of this gathering who are representatives of many Zambians, to provide the necessary and unequivocal contributions to the review of this piece of legislation in order that a sound and effective law is developed,” he said.
Mr. Kasongo noted that the review of the Anti-Corruption No. 3 of 2012 has been necessitated by the inconsistences that have arisen in the definition of public office as contained in the Constitution Amendment Act No. 2 of 2016 and that obtaining in the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012.
He said that reviews of any piece of legislation was crucial as it ensures that a piece of legislation adapts to environmental changes and remains relevant and effective.
Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the Anti-Corruption Commission Acting Director General Mrs. Monica Chipanta Mwansa, Director for Legal and Prosecutions Mrs. Stella Mulenga said that a strengthened anti-corruption legal framework will reinforce the rule of law by ensuring that everyone, regardless of their status, is subject to the same legal standards.
Mrs. Mwansa noted that the stakeholder consultative meetings are inclusive as the fight against corruption is a collective responsibility.
Apart from the Copperbelt Stakeholder Engagement Meeting, the Commission, in conjunction with the Ministry of Justice has also scheduled other stakeholder consultative meetings, in Choma later this month, and the National Stakeholder Meeting will be held in Lusaka early next year.
The stakeholders engaged in the review of the Anti-Corruption Act includes civil society organisations, the private sector, faith-based organisation, government agencies, and the youths.
The Anti-Corruption Commission has since set 5th January 2025 as the deadline for members of the public and institutions to make written submissions.
FAZ INFORMATION CORNER: What the FAZ GPS Project Truly Means to the Zambian Game
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has just handed over Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment to all the super league teams for men and women and eight national teams. Following the announcement at the commencement of the training conducted by globally renowned performance analytics company, Catapult Sports, there have been lingering questions by football enthusiasts about what this revolutionary step means for the Zambian game.
The FAZ Media Team provides an easy-to-read breakdown of what GPS is and what the teams, coaches and players stand to benefit from this technology.
By definition, GPS stands for global positioning system, and it is a technology used in football to track performance of players and teams. It is a monitoring tool used to track and record player workloads as well as every movement a player makes on the pitch, recording their position and information about their speed and distance covered.
The GPS is an innovation meant to empower teams, coaches, and most importantly, players, as they strive to compete at the highest levels locally and internationally.
A complete set of GPS equipment consists of a heart rate monitor, the pod, which contains the software and tracks all movements and the vest which holds all the components together and harnesses the body of the player like any other sports apparel.
In training and during competitive matches, performance analysts are actively involved in collecting the data. The GPS vests send the data to a tablet computer which is monitored by an analyst throughout the session. The tablet records all the data the players pick up during the session.
For example, GPS data can be converted into heatmaps, which show the positions taken up by a player on the pitch throughout the game to assess if they are regularly getting into the right positions. The analyst will be able to see if a winger is often coming too narrow, for example, or if the defensive unit is leaving too much space in behind. This information can then be passed on to the coaching staff, who can work with the player to improve their movement.
In summary, the GPS will accrue the following key benefits:
1. Tracking: GPS vests track the distance players cover in training sessions and matches. It also tracks the speed, and other metrics during training and matches.
2. Analysis: Coaches and sports scientists use the data to analyse player movement patterns, workload distribution and are able to make objective decisions. National team coaches will use the data to select players with the requisite attributes based on the objectives of the team. The Technical Department at Football House will use the GPS data from clubs and national teams to monitor and improve the implementation of the national playing philosophy.
3. Improving performance: GPS data can help coaches and trainers optimise players’ physical condition and performance. For example, GPS can help players improve their sprint speed by measuring their maximum speed and number of sprints.
4. Injury prevention: GPS data can help prevent injuries by improving the fitness of players and detecting injury risks.
5. Tactical analysis: GPS data can help with tactical analysis by studying the overall or average positioning of players on the pitch in relation to their opponents and other tactical considerations.
6. Player development: GPS data can help with player development. Players will have access to the information recorded in training and matches via their phones and smart watches and can set their own performance targets over time.
7. Team bonding: GPS can help with team bonding because it provides a basis for joint performance planning between player and their coaches and among players.
8. Scouting: GPS can help with scouting. GPS data is key in decision making by those that seek to identify talent from the local league to play abroad.
NOTE: FAZ has procured this equipment through the FIFA Forward project and has made it available to 36 Super League teams (Men and Women) and Eight National Teams. Other than Morocco, only Zambia has given all topflight teams and national teams GPS trackers.
Sean “Diddy” Combs drugged and then r@ped three men at two Manhattan, New York hotels and at his Hamptons estate as recently as 2022, according to new lawsuits filed in New York on Thursday, December 12.
One of the men recalled that during his drugged sex session, once Combs was finished raping him, he handed him off to others from Bad Boy Records so they could take turns sexually assaulting him, according to his lawsuit.
The three lawsuits cite assaults in 2019 and 2020.
Each lawsuit alleges that Combs served the anonymous victims alcoholic drinks spiked with drugs that made the men feel “ill” and lose consciousness, only to awake as Combs was raping them, court documents state.
Lawyer for the three victims, Thomas P. Giuffra, of Rheingold, Giuffra, Ruffo Plotkin & Hellman, LLP, told The NY Post that “the assaults occurred because Sean Combs is a rich, powerful public figure who was able to take advantage by drugging these men.”
“After the assaults, he ensured their silence by threatening
them and relying on their fear of his power,” Giuffra said, who called the lawsuits a “long overdue opportunity for the victims to take the power back.”
“While a lawsuit will not undo the wrongs done to them,” he said, “it enables the survivors regain the power and dignity that was stripped from them by Sean Combs.”
One victim, who said he worked as an “errand boy” for Combs’ Bad Boy Records, alleged that the rapper told him to “stop” when he tried to resist after waking up during a February 2020 rape at the InterContinental New York Times Square hotel.
Combs allegedly also told him he was “almost done” at one point during the assault, the suit claims, and then said he would “look like an idiot” if the accuser ever tried to go to the police.
Another victim alleged that when he was drugged and raped in 2019 at an exclusive afterparty at the Park Hyatt hotel, he had a “brief moment of consciousness” when he saw “a man and a woman sitting on the bed recording the rape on a camera,” his suit claims.
When he woke up, the victim alleged, a mysterious man in the hotel room handed him roughly $2,500 in cash, telling him it was from Combs, who had already left.
During the summer of 2020, the third victim from Florida was invited to a party at Combs’ Hamptons estate.
After flying to New York, the victim claims, associates from Bad Boy Records picked him up from his Manhattan hotel and drove him to East Hampton, where he later fell ill and lost consciousness after drinking at the party.
The suit states that “his drink had been drugged by Defendant Sean Combs.”
During the evening, Combs and associates from Bad Boy Records took turns raping him, the suit cöaims.
The next morning, he awoke “surrounded by Defendant Sean Combs’ associates from Bad Boy Records” and felt “severe pain in his anus.”
All three victims said they filed anonymously because they had been threatened by Combs previously.
Combs’ attorneys in response, said, “These complaints are full of lies. We will prove them false and seek sanctions against every unethical lawyer who filed fictional claims against him.”
Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has revealed that he is proud of the performance of his players despite their 2-0 loss to Juventus in the Champions League.
The team produced a dismal performance in Turin which left them languishing in 22nd position on the Champions League table.
The Cityzens have recorded just one win in 10 matches in all competitions to pile pressure on Pep Guardiola.
Dusan Vlahovic and Weston McKennie scored two second-half goals to lead Juventus to a vital win to boost their chances of advancing to the next round of the competition.
Guardiola admitted that the team played well but they were unable to score.
He said: “We played good, really really good, so we missed the last pass, the last action, of course, some transitions happen, but I’m so proud of these players, they give everything and they tried, and now we live in this period, and hopefully we can change and get results.
“I know it’s difficult, it’s difficult in the Champions League in Europe, but we play well.
“We have two games. We need one point maybe, one victory, the last one is at home, and the situation is because of the game against Feyenoord (when City gave up a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3) and especially Inter Milan (a 0-0 draw).
“But our three games away were, really, really tough and you have to accept it. And when we turn around, we don’t forget that period, we appreciate more what we have done in the past, what they are going to do in the future.”
Guardiola has revealed that the players will continue to fight to come out of the dismal run.
He said: “What has happened, that is life. It happened.
“We have to accept it like a normality that sometimes we have bad periods with results and we’re going to insist, insist, insist until the end.
Juventus coach, Thiago Motta was full of praise for his players following their impressive showing against Manchester City.
He said: “We played with heart and soul, but also our heads, with the desire to do things the right way.
“We knew before the game that we’d have to defend deep a lot more than usual, but we did it together as a team. In the attack, we also had to go together and strike at the right time, and that is what we did.
“It is a deserved victory, the lads did well and we also had some players back from injury, which means our medical staff is working well to get players in good shape. Those who came off the bench gave a big hand to those who needed it.”
The victory moved the Old Lady up to 14th on the Champions League log with 11 points from 6 games.
Kemi Badenoch has stood by her past comments about Nigeria, after the vice-president of the West African country accused her of denigrating it.
The Conservative Party leader, who was born in the UK but mostly raised in Nigeria, has repeatedly described growing up in fear and insecurity in a country plagued by corruption.
On Tuesday, Nigerian Vice-President Kashim Shettima suggested Badenoch could “remove the Kemi from her name” if she was not proud of her “nation of origin”.
Asked about Shettima’s comments, Badenoch’s spokesman said she “stands by what she says” and “is not the PR for Nigeria”.
“She is the leader of the opposition and she is very proud of her leadership of the opposition in this country,” he told reporters.
“She tells the truth. She tells it like it is. She is not going to couch her words.”
During a speech on migration in Nigerian capital Abuja, Shettima said his government was “proud” of Badenoch “in spite of her efforts at denigrating her nation of origin.”
Shettima was met with applause when he said: “She is entitled to her own opinions; she has even every right to remove the Kemi from her name but that does not underscore the fact that the greatest black nation on earth is the nation called Nigeria.”
He compared Badenoch’s approach to that of her predecessor, Rishi Sunak – the UK’s first prime minister of Indian heritage – as “a brilliant young man” who “never denigrated his nation of ancestry”.
It is unclear which comments Settima was referring to, but Badenoch has frequently mentioned her Nigerian upbringing in speeches and interviews.
Born Olukemi Adegoke in Wimbledon in 1980, she grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, and in the United States where her physiology professor mother lectured.
She returning to the UK at the age of 16 to live with a friend of her mother because of the worsening political and economic situation in Nigeria, and to study for her A-levels.
After marrying Scottish banker Hamish Badenoch, she took her husband’s surname.
At the Conservative Party conference this year, Badenoch contrasted the freedoms she experienced in the UK to her childhood in Lagos “where fear was everywhere”.
She vividly described the city as lawless, recalling hearing “neighbours scream as they are being burgled and beaten – and wondering if your home will be next”.
Last week during a tour of the US, she described her home city as “a place where almost everything seemed broken”.
Her experiences helped shape her conservative ideals and set her against socialism, she said.
TEMWA CHAWINGA CALLS FOR STRONGER SUPPORT FOR MALAWI WOMEN’S FOOTBALL, URGES FA TO FOLLOW ZAMBIA’S LEAD ⚽🇲🇼
Temwa Chawinga, the vice captain of Malawi’s Women’s National Football Team and star player for Kansas City Current, is calling for more support and better organization of women’s football in Malawi. Speaking to Goal Malawi, Temwa passionately urged the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) to look to Zambia’s model for inspiration when it comes to supporting and developing women’s football. 🌍💪
Temwa expressed her deep appreciation for the warm welcome from Malawians but didn’t shy away from voicing her concerns about the current state of women’s football in the country. She noted that female players are often not given the same level of support and resources as their male counterparts. 💔⚽
“I truly wanted to come and play, but I didn’t because I was protesting the lack of involvement in FIFA-recognized tournaments,” Temwa shared. “As women, we don’t get the same support in terms of resources as men, and that’s something that needs to change.” She added that the lack of opportunities limits the growth and exposure of female players, which can be detrimental to their careers. 🚫🏆
Drawing comparisons to Zambia’s impressive strides in women’s football, Temwa emphasized how the Zambian Football Association (FAZ) has created a robust framework for supporting their women’s team. “Look at how Zambia is doing. Their women’s team is not only well-supported, but they also compete in all FIFA tournaments. That’s the kind of exposure we need to grow and succeed internationally,” she said.
Zambia’s success on the global stage has been attributed to their consistent participation in top-tier competitions, which has helped produce numerous professional players. Temwa believes that this exposure is crucial for the development of women’s football in Malawi. 🌍🔥
She urged FAM to take a page from FAZ’s playbook and provide the same level of support for Malawi’s women’s football. “If we want to see professional players coming out of Malawi, we need to invest in exposure. These international tournaments offer a platform that can make a real difference,” Temwa emphasized.
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THERE IS NO PLAN B FOR EDGAR LUNGU APART FROM SITTING DOWN AND CRY-WYNTER KABIMBA
December 12,2024
Opposition Economic Front (EF) leader Wynter Kabimba has categorically ruled out any possibility of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu returning to the presidential ballot following the Constitutional Court’s definitive ruling.
Speaking on the Thursday edition of the Burning Issue program on 5FM, Mr. Kabimba asserted that the ruling had unequivocally closed the chapter on Mr. Lungu’s presidential ambitions.
He commended the judiciary for defending the Constitution against what he described as selfish pursuits driven by personal interest rather than service to the Zambian people.
Mr. Kabimba explained that the court’s decision is firmly grounded in all relevant legal provisions, making any attempt at reversal virtually impossible.
He stated that there is no Plan B for the former president, apart from confronting the legal and political realities arising from the court’s ruling.
According to Mr. Kabimba, this situation underscores the need to respect the rule of law and derive critical lessons from constitutional processes.
He cautioned that any effort to overturn the judgment would erode public trust in the judiciary and compromise its independence.
The Economic Front leader emphasized that the case serves as a warning to future leaders that constitutional violations and wrongdoing should never be rewarded.
He also criticized Mr. Lungu for losing the qualities of statesmanship, a fundamental trait for national leadership, and expressed concern over his diminishing legacy.
Taking a swipe at clergy members defending Mr. Lungu, Mr. Kabimba remarked, “I wonder why some men of God go out of their way to shield Edgar Lungu’s atrocities, knowing he caused significant harm to the Zambian people.”
In conclusion, Mr. Kabimba urged Zambians to uphold constitutionalism, describing this ruling as a milestone in strengthening democracy and safeguarding the nation’s legal framework.
Democracy Denied: Why Blocking Former President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu Won’t Secure UPND’s 2026 Victory
By Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma
The decision by the United Party for National Development (UPND) to block former President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu from contesting the 2026 elections is not only a blatant assault on democracy but also a strategic blunder that underscores the ruling party’s growing insecurities. While the UPND may view this as a calculated maneuver to sideline their strongest opponent, it reveals their inability to govern effectively or win public trust through performance.
Zambians are not easily swayed by such political tactics. Blocking one individual will not erase the frustrations of millions of citizens grappling with rising poverty, unemployment, and the government’s glaring failure to fulfill its promises. If anything, this act of desperation will galvanize the opposition, amplify discontent, and embolden the electorate to demand change at the ballot box.
Dr. Lungu’s Loyal Supporters: A Political Powerhouse
1. The Forgotten Majority: A Rising Force
Dr. Lungu’s political base is not just a fragment of society—it represents the heart of Zambia’s marginalized majority. These are the rural farmers, urban laborers, unemployed youth, and struggling small business owners who feel abandoned under UPND rule. For them, Dr. Lungu was a leader who understood their challenges, listened to their concerns, and worked to address their needs.
The UPND’s focus on barring Dr. Lungu does nothing to alleviate the pressing issues faced by these citizens:
Soaring Costs of Living: Basic goods like mealie meal, fuel, and utilities have become unaffordable, eroding the quality of life for ordinary Zambians.
Widening Economic Inequality: UPND’s policies have largely benefited the elite, leaving rural and urban poor communities further disenfranchised.
Unfulfilled Promises: Pledges to uplift rural communities through investments in agriculture, education, and infrastructure remain unfulfilled, deepening resentment toward the government.
These frustrations will not disappear with Dr. Lungu’s exclusion. Instead, they will amplify the resolve of millions to reject the UPND’s leadership.
2. A Grassroots Movement Too Resilient to Undermine
The Patriotic Front (PF) remains a formidable political force, particularly in regions where the UPND has failed to deliver tangible results. From the Copperbelt to Northern Province, Dr. Lungu’s supporters remain fiercely loyal, drawing strength from the infrastructure development and social empowerment programs that defined his presidency.
Infrastructure Legacy: Roads, schools, and hospitals built under Dr. Lungu’s leadership are a testament to his commitment to national development.
Empowerment Programs: His policies directly benefited women, youth, and vulnerable groups, earning him enduring support across diverse demographics.
If the UPND thinks that barring Dr. Lungu weakens this base, they are grossly mistaken. His exclusion is likely to serve as a rallying cry for his supporters, mobilizing them around a shared mission: to hold the UPND accountable and demand a government that delivers for all Zambians.
Democracy Is About the People, Not Political Games
1. The People Will Decide
Democracy is not about eliminating competition to secure an easy victory; it is about presenting solutions that resonate with the electorate. By attempting to block Dr. Lungu, the UPND is underestimating the intelligence and determination of the Zambian people. Elections are not won in courtrooms or backdoor political deals—they are won at the ballot box, where citizens express their will.
Rising Discontent: The hardships caused by soaring living costs, stagnant job creation, and declining public services will overshadow any political maneuvering.
Demand for Accountability: Zambians are frustrated with the government’s failure to deliver on its promises and will use their votes to express their dissatisfaction.
2. A Gamble That Could Backfire
The UPND’s decision to block Dr. Lungu is a dangerous gamble that risks alienating not only his supporters but also moderate voters who value fairness, competition, and democracy. This strategy could:
Unite Opposition Forces: Dr. Lungu’s exclusion could rally various opposition factions to form a united front against the UPND.
Increase Voter Turnout: A sense of injustice could mobilize record numbers of disillusioned citizens to vote against a government perceived as undemocratic.
Rather than neutralizing a rival, this move could ignite a backlash of unprecedented proportions, solidifying the perception of the UPND as a regime afraid to face accountability.
UPND’s Record: A Flawed Foundation for Re-Election
If the UPND’s strategy for 2026 hinges on eliminating opposition rather than delivering results, it only highlights their weaknesses. Elections are won through performance, and on this front, the UPND has failed to inspire confidence:
Unrelenting Poverty: Despite lofty promises of economic reform, poverty levels remain alarmingly high, particularly in rural areas.
Youth Unemployment Crisis: The government has failed to create meaningful job opportunities, leaving millions of young Zambians disillusioned.
Economic Mismanagement: Ambitions to stabilize the economy and attract investment have fallen short, compounding public frustration.
These failures cannot be obscured by political tactics. The Zambian electorate is acutely aware of the government’s shortcomings and will demand accountability through the ballot box.
The Resilience of Dr. Lungu’s Supporters
Dr. Lungu’s exclusion from the race will not diminish the resolve of his supporters. If anything, it strengthens their determination to effect change.
1. Mobilization Like Never Before
The exclusion of Dr. Lungu could serve as a catalyst for unprecedented mobilization. His supporters, united by their shared frustrations with the UPND, will organize themselves to ensure their voices are heard loud and clear in 2026.
2. Strategic Opposition Voting
Dr. Lungu’s absence does not signal defeat for the opposition. His supporters are likely to consolidate their votes behind alternative PF candidates or other opposition leaders, ensuring that the UPND faces a formidable challenge.
Conclusion: Deliver, Don’t Suppress
The UPND’s strategy to block Dr. Edgar Lungu from contesting the 2026 elections is not only undemocratic but also counterproductive. In a democracy, victory is earned through governance, accountability, and a commitment to improving the lives of citizens—not by sidelining opponents.
The real battle for 2026 will be fought on the issues that matter most to Zambians: rising living costs, unemployment, poverty, and unfulfilled promises. Blocking Dr. Lungu will not shield the UPND from the wrath of an electorate demanding change. Instead, it risks galvanizing opposition forces, alienating voters, and amplifying discontent.
The UPND must focus on delivering results that improve the lives of ordinary citizens. Only through good governance, not suppression, can they hope to secure a legitimate and lasting mandate.
Democracy is about the people, and in 2026, their voices will resonate louder than ever.
GOVERNMENT INSTITUTES MEASURES TO AVERT FOOD INSECURITY AS A RESULT OF UNCERTAINTIES WITH THE WEATHER
Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson, Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, MP, has announced that the government has taken decisive actions to mitigate the effects of the on-going drought that threatens food security in some parts of the country. The decisions follow the 24th Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 11th December 2024, chaired by His Excellency, President Hakainde Hichilema
Here are key highlights:
✅️Cabinet has declared the current dry spell and its looming effects on maize production a national disaster and emergency.
✅️Cabinet has since directed that measures aimed at averting a food crisis be put in place as a matter of urgency. ✅️Defence Forces will continue spearheading food production using irrigation systems in the northern regions of the country that have abundant water resources.
✅️Key farming blocks such as Luena in Kawambwa, Kalungwishi in Lukulu, and Nalusanga in Serenje will focus on maize production. ✅️The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has contracted 41 commercial farmers to grow early-maturing maize, with an expected yield of 145,000 metric tonnes by March 2024.
✅️Farmers with irrigation systems have been urged to switch to maize, the nation’s staple crop, to bolster food reserves. ✅️Zambia has secured 195,000 metric tonnes of maize from Tanzania, of which 67,000 metric tonnes have been received and distributed.
✅️ Zambia currently holds 750,000 metric tonnes of maize, sufficient to meet the nation’s needs for the next six months. ✅️This stock includes reserves from FRA and private sector contributions, excluding the anticipated early maize harvest.
✅️ The President and Cabinet emphasized and encouraged resilience amid climate change; a shift in Zambia’s agricultural practices.
✅️Declaring that everyone in the nation should be planting maize and harvest all year-round.
✅️Government interventions such as community maize sales and uninterrupted school feeding programs, are stabilising food availability.
✅️Despite challenges, the Zambia National Service and its allied millers will continue producing and making available affordable mealie meal for the general populace.
✅️Urged citizens to remain hopeful and cooperative as the government
implements these measures to navigate the drought-induced crisis and safeguard national food security. ✅️Reassured that, No Zambian will die of starvation.
CON-COURT ELIGIBILITY JUDGEMENT INSTIGATED BY SELFISH MOTIVES NOT A WANT FOR JUSTICE:
By Rev Chilekwa Mulenga Thursday 12th Dec, 2024
The LORD told Samuel, “Don’t look at his appearance or his height, for I’ve rejected him. Truly, God does not see what man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” 1 Sam 16:7.
Motive is the driving force behind an action, while reason is an explanation for that action. Motives are often based on desires, while reasons are often based on facts. It may seem that the desire in the eligibility case was to block a political opponent while the facts presented before the Con-Court were the reasons for the petition. God sees beyond the reason advanced and establishes the motive for the action.
It is apparent there was a hidden hand orchestrating the elimination of someone who many looked to as an option to the current. A real threat to the re-election chances of the incumbent. Question was how to go about it without causing upheaval locally and disapproving scrutiny abroad. Hence, the reopening of the eligibility case that the Con-Court had previously adjudicated more than three times in favour of the former President via a close associate of the sitting President.
Their main reason behind the re- opening of the prior adjudged legibility issue was to secure a judgement favourable to themselves. A judgement that would bar their perceived threat from ever contesting let alone pose a challenge to their quest for power once and for by a mere strike of the gavel.
Speaking in retrospect one can see how the chess pieces were moved. Give a ruling that would equate less than three years as a full term notwithstanding that the constitution states that a term is considered from 3 to 5 years.
Having taken that route they would further rule that the former President had been sworn in twice and has had the privilege of serving his 2 full terms thus rendering him ineligible for future elections. The motive with the benefit of hindsight was to benefit one individual while excluding another son of the soil no matter the justification in legal verbiage. It is now as clear as the sky that the motive was not the quest for justice but to clear a political path for someone.
While we respect the judgement of the Con-Court, it must be said that when we weigh the motive behind this judgement in the light of so many preceding events and the here after those who took the matter before it was to eliminate an opponent from standing in 2026 damn the consequences.
However, let it be known that God’s justice system does not look at the reasons advanced by a petitioner but the motive for the petition. The eligibility case might have been sponsored and the Con-Court could have been pressured to depart it’s earlier decision even at the expense of unwittingly admitting incompetence in their erstwhile judgements in the same matter.
The motive was and is to block their opponent, they talked about it, the opportunity came up and they did it. Refer to the President asking ” Bushe akekala pesa, ine nalikala kale.” How about His Excellency’s advocacy to use imingalato? Ukupitila kunuma no kumwikata pamukoshi! What does that amount to? One can safely hazard a guess that it was not so much about the law as it was about using the law to achieve a not so moral end goal. We say so because the Court had difficulties in stating that the respondent was not eligible to stand in 2021 having served twice in office for fear of nullifying the 2021 elections. How could the Con-Court declare that the respondent was eligible in 2021 but not eligible in 2026? Tell us, should not the law fit into what makes up for common sense?
How we pray that the levels of energy proponents in the eligibility case channelled on the matter could be directed at reducing the cost of living to benefit the Zambians. The living standards for most of our citizens would have improved and reduced and essential commodity prices such as those of mealie meal become affordable.
It’s sad that we can today have people to lead this Nation whose energies are being discharged on fighting political opponents at the expense of fulfilling their campaign promises of improving the economy.
It’s very sad that the same Con-Court that was ignorant of the law yesterday has today become Knowledgeable of the law. The Con-Court is now being perceived to be a political tool for who holds the highest office in the land and a danger to democracy. The separation of powers in this Country is simply an illusion and dependant on who is President at any given time. The apparent double standards shown by the Con-Court is extremely disappointing and lowers the confidence people have in the Judiciary. This may not bode well for the welfare of our beloved Nation, if those at the helm of justice, the arbiters seem to be biased.
The judgement of the Con-Court unfortunately will not lower the cost of living, loadshedding and corruption. The judgement rendered goes to benefit only a few while the masses remain helpless under a grinding economy. Eliminating the respondent in the eligibility case does not eliminate him from the political arena. He remains playing both as a King and King maker; a formidable political factor who has gained more sympathy support and will participate in the next Presidential electoral process with much force.
The biggest opposition in Zambia today is the people who are asking leaders to fulfill their promises or be deemed liars who cheated their way into office. Declaring the former President ineligible for future elections may be expedient to his political rivals but does a disservice to the Nation as it robs the Country of a worthy political competitor who can keep the sitting President on his toes to perform or be shown the exit. Competition must be the name of the game to further raise the bar in terms of leadership.
We call upon citizens to keep praying for Zambia, maintain peace and work hard to emancipate this Country from hate and politics of opportunism, rancour and bitterness. We encourage Zambians to keep fighting for a better Zambia. Zambia shall be saved.
“Have I therefore become your enemy by speaking the truth to you? They are zealous for you in the wrong way; indeed, they wish to shut you out, so that you will be zealous about them” Galatians 4:16-17.
OMNIA CAUSA [The Disturbing Case of Institutional Non Compos Mentis and the Con Court] _______
I looked at the Bench. For some arcane reason, it made me think of the Zambezi river and drowning.
Was ECL going to swim to the shore? I shook my fine head.
It was written on wall, the waters were unfriendly. They were precariously opani-infested.
As if in a classroom, so the deputy president of the court went on and on. The macabre show was on, the show of the damned. I didn’t know that cheating could be so eloquent and long-winded. So legal.
Our ears were repeatedly assaulted with latin jargon. Per incuriam, res judicata, functus officio, amicus curiae, ad infinitum.
It sounded like a Catholic mass for serious sinners, the very bad, utter vermin of society seeking atonement, in the times before Zambia’s independence.
‘What on earth are they talking about?’ confused, a Bemba friend of mine by my side lamented.
I smiled. This is what happens when a big lie is being told, when a heinous injustice is being committed, I responded. The tongues get twisted.
You see, I went on, this is what happens when your paymaster gives you the verdict and then you are asked to provide a legal opinion afterwards.
‘Sounds like verdict laundering,’ he retorted. ‘ACC or DEC stuff.’
So you squirm, you become verbose, you twist and turn, you turn and twist, till you end up ensnared by the very web of deceit that you yourself weaves.
Exasperated, he said: ‘Awe kwena, imingalato ishi shalatucusha! Kwati court taikwete amano sure.’ He was referring to a common, recurring condition of non compos mentis amongst human beings.
It is indeed curious. Very suspicious.
Vacating its earlier ruling, so Zambia’s Constitutional Court contends that from January 2015 to September 2016 was a full term for ECL.
So how then was ECL eligible for the presidential election in 2021 having again stood in 2016?
The Constitutional Court further states that ECL was indeed eligible for the 2021 presidential election.
So then how is it that this court was/is comfortable with ECL serving three terms, itself a serious breach of Zambia’s Republican Constitution?
What if ECL had won the 2021 election? What then?
One can clearly see that, in making sure that its end, that its verdict was justified, Zambia’s Constitutional Court went to bed with glaring and shameful inconsistencies and contradictions.
If ECL was eligible in 2021, as the court states, what now has changed between then and now?
If Zambia’s Judiciary made an error in 2021 as the court states, by allowing ECL to stand, why then has that ‘fraudulent election’ not been declared null and void?
‘Imwe, ba Banda, you are missing the point.’
I quietly stared at my Bemba friend, as he gladly wiped off a froth of Chibuku from his lips with the back of his hand.
Expectant, I silently stared at him.
He went on: ‘This is why iyi court baita ati Con Court. You go there you get conned. So apa mwalamona, ECL will be conned.’
I was speechless. I had never thought of that. This is interesting kanyanta manga stuff, my mind surmised. My lips broke into a smile.
The Con Court: ‘Our combined interpretation therefore of sections 2 and 7 of the Act and the repealed Article 35 of the Constitution is that the 1st Respondent’s term of office that ran from 25th January 2015 to 13th September 2016 constituted a term of office.
The 1st Respondent’s term which ran from 13th September 2016 to August 2021 constituted his second term.
The 1st Respondent, Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu has therefore been twice elected and has twice held office. Article 106(3) of the Constitution makes the 1st Respondent ineligible to participate in any future elections as a presidential candidate.’
With the song ‘It’s Over Over’ by Jimmy ominously playing in the background, that’s how Thabo Kawana, a civil servant in Zambia’s public service, gloated and rejoiced. Schadenfreude.
It was a hatchet job alright. The instruction: ECL must not be on the ballot. Period.
With that con, besides democracy, Zambia’s Judiciary went comatose.
And with such judgements over the years, no one has confidence in Zambia’s judicial system anymore, not even many of its own judges, advocates, magistrates and other legal practitioners.
This judgement is clearly flawed. It is fraught with damning inconsistencies and contradictions.
Instead of eliminating doubt, it does the opposite, it creates doubt, festers mistrust in the courts and foments tension in the country. This explains why Lusaka’s streets were littered with police HMVs. Gun-assisted justice, as the saying on the street goes.
Then strangely, ECL, a meritorious graduate of the University of Zambia, says I respect and accept the verdict. Why he respects and accepts deception, a veritable act of governance corruption, no one knows. It boggles the mind.
You see, resistance in life is a resource. When things go astray, it leads to required change and order.
Jesus led the way. We should follow him.
We must rebel against injustice as He did, and not respect and accept it. Someone whisper this to ECL.
Next time I see him I will tell him myself. Bosano, nichani kansi? Kosani, I will say.
You see, dear reader, the default setting of all life in the Universe is harmony and balance. Nature is self-correcting.
Deception has its limits. Deception destroys the deceiver. His ignoble end is intrinsic to his conduct. It is only a matter of time.
The end for the UPND is coming. That is not in doubt. All reigns end.
Be filled with dread, UPND members. As you make your bed so shall you lay in it.
Behave well now. You will be treated well then.
The last shall be first. Time and chance happen to all.
Gloating, some UPND members, as if non compos mentis, happy with the verdict, are now reminding citizens that law is law. They conveniently forget that many times they themselves, in tandem with the courts, have breached Zambia’s Republican Constitution and destroyed the rule of law in Zambia. And they continue to treat Zambia’s democracy with disdain.
Blocking Former President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu Won’t Solve Zambia’s Real Problems: Load-Shedding, Fuel Prices, and Economic Hardships Persist
By Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma
President Hakainde Hichilema’s political maneuver to have the Constitutional Court bar former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu from contesting the 2026 election might seem like a bold victory, but it is hollow and shortsighted. While this decision may secure a momentary edge for President Hichilema in the political arena, it does nothing to alleviate the crushing economic hardships faced by ordinary Zambians. From persistent load-shedding to soaring fuel prices and the unaffordability of basic necessities like mealie meal, the pressing concerns of Zambians remain unaddressed. Blocking Dr. Lungu’s candidacy is a superficial distraction from the deeper, systemic issues plaguing the nation.
President Hakainde Hichilema may have secured a short-term political victory, but he is on a collision course with the Zambian people. The real battle will take place in 2026, when frustrated citizens, tired of empty gestures and economic mismanagement, will likely vote him out of office.
Political Moves Are No Substitute for Economic Solutions
While barring former President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu from participating in the 2026 elections may be celebrated as a political milestone, it does not equate to progress for Zambia. A government should not rely on political brinkmanship to secure its future. True leadership is measured by its ability to tackle systemic challenges and uplift citizens’ livelihoods—not by undermining opponents.
In a functioning democracy, the focus should always be on improving citizens’ quality of life through economic stability, job creation, and social progress. Eliminating political rivals neither builds schools nor powers industries. Instead of focusing on strategies to suppress the opposition, President Hichilema’s administration must redirect its energy to policies that can drive tangible development, reduce poverty, and foster unity. Political maneuvers do not heal the wounds of a nation struggling under the weight of economic decline.
Load-Shedding: A Crisis That Cannot Be Ignored
Zambians have endured the crippling effects of load-shedding, with power outages disrupting homes, businesses, and schools. This ongoing energy crisis is not just an inconvenience; it is a significant barrier to Zambia’s economic growth. Industries struggle to meet production targets, small businesses face closure, and students are deprived of opportunities to learn and thrive.
President Hichilema’s focus on blocking a political opponent does nothing to solve this crisis. What Zambia needs is a comprehensive energy policy that addresses generation deficits, encourages renewable energy investment, and ensures consistent power supply. Without resolving the energy crisis, Zambia’s vision for economic growth and industrialization will remain a pipe dream.
Skyrocketing Cost of Living
The high cost of living in Zambia continues to strain households. Prices for essential goods and services—rent, groceries, healthcare, transportation, and education—have risen to unsustainable levels. Families are forced to make difficult sacrifices, and many can barely afford the basics for survival. The situation highlights glaring deficiencies in the social safety net and the urgent need for economic reforms.
Rather than addressing these critical challenges, the government’s focus on blocking former President Dr. Edgar Lungu’s candidacy demonstrates misplaced priorities. Zambians need policies that create jobs, control inflation, and ensure that basic commodities are affordable. Failing to address these issues will only deepen economic inequality and public discontent.
Fuel Prices and Inflation: A National Struggle
The relentless rise in fuel prices has become a symbol of Zambia’s economic mismanagement. Higher transportation costs, increased production expenses, and rising public transport fares have exacerbated inflation, making goods and services even more expensive. Businesses struggle to remain viable, and households are left to absorb the financial shock.
Blocking Dr. Lungu from running for office in 2026 will not stabilize fuel prices or relieve the financial pressure on citizens. Leadership requires proactive measures to address global market fluctuations, diversify energy sources, and reduce dependence on imports. Ignoring these realities only compounds the suffering of ordinary Zambians.
Mealie Meal: A National Staple Beyond Reach
Mealie meal, the cornerstone of Zambian diets, remains unaffordable for many families. The high price of this essential commodity is emblematic of the broader food security crisis facing the nation. A government that cannot ensure the availability and affordability of basic foodstuffs fails in its primary duty to its citizens.
Instead of focusing on political power plays, the Hichilema administration must implement agricultural policies that reduce production costs, support local farmers, and stabilize the price of staple foods. Anything less is a betrayal of the people’s trust.
Divisive Tactics Undermine National Unity
President Hakainde Hichilema must understand that barring Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu from participating in the 2026 general elections will not dismantle his support base. Dr. Lungu’s followers will rally behind candidates he endorses, and his influence will persist. Attempting to eliminate a political rival through “legal” means only risks alienating large sections of the population, sowing resentment, and deepening political divides.
Such actions highlight a leadership that prioritizes rivalry over reconciliation and national progress. By avoiding direct electoral confrontation with Dr. Lungu, President Hichilema reveals a lack of confidence in his ability to win based on merit. Instead of divisive strategies, Zambia needs leaders who can unify the country, foster cooperation, and build a foundation for sustainable growth.
Winning the Battle but Losing the War
While President Hichilema may have won a political battle by blocking former President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu from contesting the 2026 election, the war is far from over. The true test will come when the Zambian people cast their votes in 2026. Burdened by load-shedding, fuel prices, high mealie meal costs, and other economic hardships, they are unlikely to reward a government that has prioritized political games over governance.
Zambians will demand a leadership that addresses their needs, uplifts their communities, and restores their dignity. This leadership will not come from political posturing but from a genuine commitment to economic reform, social justice, and national development.
Conclusion
Blocking former President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu from contesting in the 2026 election is a futile effort, as his influence will still play a significant role in the upcoming elections. He can only be stopped in his “grave,” which is also unlikely, as even in death, his legacy would continue to wield influence.
President Hakainde Hichilema must recognize that this stance is ineffective. Dr. Lungu remains a pivotal figure in Zambian politics, and his absence from the ballot will not diminish his impact. Whoever he endorses will effectively serve as his political representative, ensuring that his presence is felt regardless. In essence, “alebwelelapo”—his influence will return in full force.
Rather than focusing on sidelining a political rival, President Hichilema should confront the real issues and challenges facing Zambia. The people deserve genuine solutions to their struggles—not empty gestures of political maneuvering.
Love turns sour as Maureen Nkandu’s marriage to Cosmas Chileshe ends in divorce
THE once fairytale-like romance between two renowned diplomats and journalists, Maureen Nkandu and Cosmos Chileshe, has come to a bitter end.
After six years of marriage, Maureen has filed for divorce, citing an irreparable breakdown in their relationship.
The couple’s love story was once hailed as a triumph over adversity.
Chileshe, a former first press secretary at the Zambian High Commission in Washington DC, had faced intense backlash for leaving his wife to marry Maureen, a respected journalist and international diplomat.
Despite the criticism, the couple had fought for their love and settled for a civil union.
However, it seems that their love was not strong enough to overcome the challenges they faced.
Maureen, who serves as an Under-Secretary General for Public Relations at an inter-governmental organization, has petitioned for divorce, marking the end of their six-year marriage.
She says the two have fallen out of love beyond reconciliation, and have lived apart for two years.
According to her petition for divorce filed in the Lusaka High Court, Maureen said she tied the knot with Chileshe a divorcee, on June 6, 2018, before the registrar of marriages at the Lusaka Civic Centre.
She said the couple last lived together as husband and wife at plot 609/E/77/A/158:,Foxdale , Chamber Valley, Lusaka.
Maureen said she is currently domiciled in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia whilst Chileshe is in Zambia.
The veteran journalist said during the subsistence of the marriage, she did not bear any child for Chileshe.
She however indicated that she has three children of her own from previous relationships, before the solemnization of the marriage, while Chileshe has six children from his previous marriage.
“There are no proceedings continuing in any country outside Zambia, which are in respect of the marriage or capable of affecting its validity,” Maureen submitted.
“No agreement or arrangement has been made or proposed to be made between the petitioner and the respondent for the support of either of the parties or the children.”
Maureen said the marriage has broken down irretrievably and prayed it be dissolved.
She prayed that each party be granted custody of their own children.
Chileshe equally wants to be out of the union, as he has consented to its dissolution.
CRISIS AT ZAMBIA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: Leadership Faces Unprecedented Backlash
The Zambia Medical Association (ZMA), a key professional body representing the nation’s medical practitioners, is embroiled in a leadership crisis as over 1,000 doctors demand accountability from its executive. This unprecedented revolt threatens to dismantle the credibility of the association and casts a shadow over its leadership, led by Roy Kaumba.
At the heart of the controversy lies the decision made during the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) to increase annual subscription fees from K200 to K500. Members allege that the move was executed without following constitutional procedures, sparking outrage and accusations of arrogance and misconduct against the executive.
The growing dissatisfaction has led to a wave of actions by doctors across the country. In a bold move, over 1,000 members have initiated the process of cancelling their ZMA subscription deductions through the Payroll Management and Establishment Control (PMEC) system. This financial boycott signals a severe loss of confidence in the current leadership.
Meanwhile, efforts to impeach the executive have gained momentum. The Petition Committee, chaired by Dr. Zacks Ndumba, has accused the leadership of violating the association’s rules and regulations during the controversial AGM.
“We cannot sit back and allow this kind of behavior to persist in an association that represents the dignity and integrity of the medical profession. The actions of the current executive undermine the trust of its members,” said Dr. Ndumba in a statement.
The dispute has spilled over into the courts, with the petitioners seeking an injunction to halt subscription fee deductions until the matter is fully resolved. However, the High Court recently denied their application, prompting an appeal to the Court of Appeal.
Amid the legal wrangling, an Ad-hoc committee comprising former ZMA presidents attempted to mediate and urged both parties to settle the matter outside court. However, their efforts have been dismissed by the petitioners, who view the committee as biased and aligned with the embattled executive.
The executive, led by Roy Kaumba, has yet to provide a satisfactory response to the growing dissent. Their insistence on holding the controversial AGM and imposing the fee increase despite widespread opposition has been described by members as “defiance” and “arrogance.”
Analysts warn that failure to address the grievances could result in irreparable damage to ZMA’s reputation and alienate its members.
The ongoing crisis presents a defining moment for the Zambia Medical Association. As the Court of Appeal considers the case and impeachment efforts gain traction, the executive must decide whether to engage meaningfully with its members or risk being ousted altogether.
For now, the association stands divided, its future uncertain, and its leadership under immense pressure to restore trust and transparency.
A 31-year-old man who claims he is the illegitimate son of Jay-Z has been left ‘heartbroken’ over his response to accusations that he s3xually ass@ulted a 13-year-old girl.
Jay-Z, 55, real name Shawn Carter, insisted he is the victim of a ‘blackmail attempt’ as he fired back at a civil lawsuit filed on Sunday that claimed Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was at his side when the alleged incident happened in 2000.
Rymir Satterthwaite has been fighting to prove that Carter is his biological father for a decade, with his late mother Wanda claiming she was just 16 years old when she fell pregnant.
‘It is both heartbreaking and frustrating to see Mr Carter respond to allegations with such deflection and attacks,’ he told DailyMail.com of Jay-Z’s statement.
‘My late mother, Wanda, was just 16 years old when she became pregnant with me, and for years I have sought clarity about my identity. This is not about greed or spectacle—it’s about uncovering the truth and ensuring all parties are held accountable.’
Carter is accused of ass@ulting a woman, who identifies as Jane Doe in the legal documents, at an MTV Video Music Awards after-party on September 7, 2000.
The lawsuit had initially been filed in New York’s Southern District in October against Diddy, with a refiling on Sunday that identified the rapper.
Carter issued a lengthy statement denying the claims made in the re-filed lawsuit and insisting he has always fought to ‘protect children.’
He said his ‘only heartbreak’ is for his family, particularly his eldest daughter Blue Ivy, 12, who is ‘at the age where her friends will surely see the press and ask questions about the nature of these claims.’
He added: ‘I mourn yet another loss of innocence.’
Rymir took aim at the statement, claiming if Carter ‘values the ideals of honour and protecting children’ then he should stop refusing to acknowledge his paternity.
‘Despite my efforts, Mr Carter has never once written a letter to me to address these claims – whether to deny or acknowledge paternity or to address why his attorneys committed this fraud,’ he continued.
‘If Mr Carter values the ideals of honour and protecting children, as he claims in his letter, he should step forward with transparency. He continues to deflect and avoid.’
Rymir’s mother Wanda alleged she had sex with Jay-Z in 1992 when she was 16 and he was 22. At the time she was in an on-again-off-again romance with her high school sweetheart Robert Graves.
The question of Rymir’s paternity turned into a legal tussle two years after Carter married Beyoncé – when she requested that a Pennsylvania court make both men take a paternity test to determine who her son’s real father was.
Rymir insists that Jay-Z’s legal team has made endless attempts to subvert the legal system in order to avoid taking a test.
The case began with a pre-trial in Camden County, New Jersey on August 13, 2012.
During the pre-trial, Carter’s attorney argued that Dr Lillie Coley, who had acted as Rymir’s legal guardian since his mother handed over custody in 2011, had ‘no jurisdiction’ over his case because it was first filed by Wanda in Pennsylvania, and therefore should be heard in the same state.
The case was dismissed outright because Rymir was over 18 years old at the time of the pre-trial and, according to Pennsylvania state law, paternity must be established before a child reaches the age of adulthood.
The court ruled that the case should be tried under New Jersey law, which states that the age of ‘parentage’ is 23.
According to Mail Online, Carter’s legal team then argued that the rapper should be exempt from undergoing a DNA test in New Jersey because he did not live or own any property in the state despite public records linking him to homes in Alpine and Newport.
Műrder suspect, Luigi Mangione allegedly considered b0mbing Manhattan as he planned out his attack on UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Mangione, 26, appeared in court on Tuesday, December 10, fighting against extradition to New York, where he is charged with second-degree műrder after Thompson, 50, was sl@in.
The former Ivy League student was arrested at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania on Monday, with a 3D-printed pistol and black silencer, as well as a manifesto condemning the American healthcare system.
Mangione also had a spiral notebook in which he wrote a ‘to-do list,’ ahead of the grizzly sho0ting, CNN reported.
In it, he allegedly contemplated using a bomb to kill Thompson, but he decided against the prospect because it ‘could kill innocents,’ and determined a shooting would be more targeted.
He also reportedly indicated that it couldn’t get any better than ‘to k!ll the CEO at his own bean-counting conference,’ as Thompson was set to disclose the financial gains the company made this year.
Journalist Shimon Prokupecz reported that ‘law enforcement and certainly investigators’ will view that sentence as a ‘confession.’
Mangione is expected to plead not guilty to both his New York műrder charge and gun possession charges in Pennsylvania, and his lawyer Tom Dickey claimed there’s no evidence to suggest that Mangione is the shooter.
After his appearance in court, where he was denied bail, Dickey spoke to reporters at a press conference to predict Mangione’s pleas.
‘I haven’t seen any evidence that says he’s the shooter,’ defense attorney Dickey said. ‘The fundamental concept of American justice is a presumption of innocence until you’re proven guilty.’
Authorities have said Mangione’s three-page manifesto is being investigated, which they labeled a ‘claim of responsibility.’
The document is a different piece of evidence from notebook – where he flirted with the idea of bombing Midtown to kill the millionaire healthcare boss.
In the manifesto, Mangione allegedly wrote about the grandiose size of UnitedHealthcare and how much profits it makes and went on to condemn health insurance companies more broadly for placing profits over care.
Details about his writing come amid the backdrop of the UPenn graduate’s own experience with the medical world, as he had been struggling after a spinal injury. His elaborate online presence also showed he’d read multiple books on back pain.
‘To save you a lengthy investigation, I state plainly that I wasn’t working with anyone. This was fairly trivial: some elementary social engineering, basic CAD, [and] a lot of patience,’ he allegedly wrote in the manifesto, according to the Daily Beast.
He went on to say he had ‘respect’ for federal investigators, and apologized for causing any ‘traumas,’ but seemed to defend his alleged actions.
‘Frankly, these parasites had it coming,’ the manifesto wrote.
It claimed that the United States had the ‘most expensive healthcare system in the world,’ but blasted the system for making America only the 42nd in life expectancy.
Police said Mangione viewed himself as a ‘hero’ fighting a corrupt health insurance industry, according to the New York Times.
A woman who claims to have accidentally put her newborn in an oven instead of a crib in February has been charged with involuntary m@nslaughter in the baby’s de@th.
According to a Feb. 10 Jackson County Prosecutor press release, Mariah Thomas, 26, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree and de@th of a child for the Feb. 9 incident.
However, on Thursday, Dec. 5, a Jackson County grand jury added an involuntary manslaughter charge, The Kansas City Star reported on Monday, Dec. 9.
Michael Mansur, director of communication with the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, along with Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker, said Thomas told authorities she was trying to put her 1-month-old down for a nap, but instead of placing the baby in the crib, she put the child in a smouldering oven.
Kansas City police were dispatched just before 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 9 after receiving a report of a “non-breathing infant,” court records showed. They also observed apparent burns on the baby’s body and said the infant’s clothes were melted.
“We appreciate all first responders who worked this scene and the prosecutors who went to the scene in order to issue these charges,” Baker said in the prosecutor’s office release at the time.
“We acknowledge the gruesome nature of this tragedy and our hearts are weighted by the loss of this precious life. We trust the criminal justice system to respond appropriately to these awful circumstances,” Baker continued.
“I thought I put (redacted) in her crib and I accidentally put her in the oven,” Thomas allegedly told an unidentified adult who lived in the home, according to court documents.
The individual had reportedly been at work but came home after receiving a “hysterical” phone call from Thomas regarding the infant.
The incident happened at a home near 41st Street and Forest Avenue in the Manheim Park neighbourhood.
Police in Argentina are reportedly investigating a hotel worker who was filmed on CCTV carrying former One Direction singer Liam Payne to his room just minutes before his death.
The suspect has been named locally as chief receptionist Esteban Grassi, who made a 999 call requesting urgent medical assistance for Liam before he plunged to his de@th from his third-floor balcony in Buenos Aires.
He was also among a trio of men pictured carrying him up to his room shortly before the tragedy at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in October.
The photo sparked concerns about the behaviour of hotel staff and their decision not to leave the singer in the lobby while they waited for help to arrive.
Another hotel worker, named as head of security Gilda Martin, is also now being investigated, according to Argentinian news website Infobae.
It was gathered that investigating judge Laura Bruniard, who is leading the probe, had told the two men to designate a defence lawyer so she could formally question them under oath.
The date for their first interrogation, expected to occur via Zoom, is said to have been scheduled for next week between December 17 and 19.
Public prosecutors have yet to make any official comment but are expected to do so in the coming days.
Local reports last week said prosecutors were considering bringing manslaughter charges against the hotel employees filmed carrying Liam out of the lobby shortly before his drink and drug-fuelled balcony plunge.
In a lengthy statement released on November 7, prosecutors said the three men they did not identify by name were now being formally investigated on suspicion of abandoning a person who subsequently died and supplying and facilitating drugs.
The statement described one as the person who ‘routinely accompanied Liam during his stay in Buenos Aires.’
Tests have shown the singer binged on alcohol and cocaine before he died and also had traces of an antidepressant in his system.
Prosecutors also made it clear the idea Liam had committed suicide had been ruled out and said he was in a state of ‘semi or total unconsciousness’ as he fell to his death from his hotel balcony when he ‘didn’t know what he was doing.’
Mike Tyson’s wife, Lakiha Spicer, has no intentions of seeing her husband return to the boxing ring after his recent Netflix-documented fight against Jake Paul.
The 58-year-old boxing legend faced Paul, who is 30 years his junior in Netflix’s first boxing event last month at AT&T Stadium.
The hype came along just fine, yet the eight-round fight ended in a unanimous decision loss for Tyson and drew lots of criticism from fans, who believed the bout was staged for financial gain.
Mike Tyson’s son, Amir, revealed that the fight may be his father’s last after hearing conversations between the legendary boxer and his wife. “I think he’s done,” Amir told Seconds Out.
“My stepmom, she’s saying he’s done, and they’re a team. That’s husband-and-wife stuff.”
However, Amir candidly stated that convincing his father to hang up the gloves for good would be a really tough challenge.
“That chat would be a waste of time! He is his own man. If I say too much, he’d only tell me to shut up and remind me I’m not his dad. I can say my part, but he is the grown-up, and he will do whatever he wants.” he told SunSport.
Amir hopes that Tyson will see the recent fight as his last and draw the curtain on competing in the ring.
“I’ll chip in and say, ‘That was a great last fight, leave it at that.’ But if he wants to do it, then nobody is going to stop him, because he loves it,” he said.
The bout was originally scheduled for July but got postponed due to Tyson’s health concerns, as an ulcer flare-up led the former world heavyweight champion to take a break from training.
Despite his initial worries, Amir expressed pride in seeing his father perform at such a high level against the younger and faster Jake Paul.
“I was very proud,” he said. “But yes, of course, I was worried. I knew he wasn’t going to get knocked down or out because he can take those punches. But, at the same time, Jake is younger, faster, and bigger. When you get older, your cardio diminishes.”
Tyson’s son praised his father’s efforts in going the full length of the fight at 58 years old and called it a “Rocky XI moment.”
“Most athletes finish and retire into the sunset, but for him to remain this relevant for so many generations—it shows you everything,” Amir said. “I am very proud.”
For now, whether or not Tyson will return to the ring remains uncertain. However, his family appears unified in hopes that the recent fight draws the end to his unparalleled career.
Only Constitution Can Bar Someone to stand for FAZ positions – Kamanga
FOOTBALL Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga has expressed shock over claims that the association is trying to bar individuals from contesting in the upcoming elections.
In an interview on the sidelines of the Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment handover in Lusaka yesterday, Kamanga said the electoral code has not been altered since its amendment in 2020.
Kamanga said the eligibility criteria was clearly spelt out in the Electoral Code and that those doubting could do a forensic check in the 2017 amended constitution.
“I am shocked that certain people can claim that we are trying to stop individuals from contesting the FAZ elections. All I can tell you is that elections will be next year. We have an electoral code which we follow. It’s the same code used in 2020 and nothing has been added or subtracted from it.
“The same rules apply. The eligibility criteria is spelt out. If you want, you can even go and do a forensic check. Look at the 2017 amended constitution. It’s the same criteria that was used. It has never changed up to this day. There is nothing to fear. I’m shocked why one would claim we are blocking the”.
He said the FAZ executive committee would meet in the coming days to approve the roadmap for the elections and announce the opening of nominations.
“Those who want to contest will be free to contest, but what is comforting is that for whatever reason, if you are not eligible, you have the right to appeal to the Electoral Appeals Committee, the Appeals Committee at FAZ, the FAZ Tribunal and the Court of Arbitration in Sport. So even if you are stopped at the first stage, you still have five other committees to appeal to,” he said.
Asked about his intentions to re-contest his position, Kamanga said there was no debate about it.
“It’s not even a debate. When the nominations open, we will all file our nominations. For the time being, we are still working. There is a difference between those who are already serving and those who are outside,” he said.
At the moment, Kamanga said those serving in the current executive committee would remain committed towards working
“Those outside are focused on making pronouncements and what they will be doing. At the end of the day, when elections come, all of us will go to the same members and tell them about what we have done. Those who feel they can do better will also give their story,” Kamanga said.
So far, former FAZ vice president Emmanuel Munaile and ex general secretaries Adrian Kashala and Machacha Shapande are the notables to have declared their intent to challenge Kamanga.
A Mexican referee has been sacked from his role after failing to turn up to officiate a match amid reports he had sustained injuries after being assaulted by a s3x worker he had hired.
Referee Rosario Guadalupe Cardenas had been appointed to serve as the fourth official in a match between Monterrey and Tigres in the Apertura Tournament on October 19.
Mexico’s refereeing commission announced on the day of the match that Cardenas had been replaced due to a ‘medical reason’.
Cardenas was replaced in the role by Ismael Lopez, with Ximena Marquez Ruíz installed as the VAR official.
The organisation launched an internal investigation two days later, stating it would ‘clarify all the details related to this incident’.
Former Mexican referee Francisco Chacon later stated that Cardenas, 27, had failed to attend the match due to injuries sustained after being attacked by a sex worker he had hired.
‘It turns out that Mr. Rosario Cardenas decided to hire a companion one day before the game,’ said Chacon, who officiated international matches between 2009 and 2017.
‘He took her to his hotel where he was staying, and there he was drugged and assaulted, which is why he did not make it to his game.
‘That was the “medical reason”‘.
The Mexican refereeing commission confirmed Cardenas’ sacking on December 4 following the internal investigation.
The organisation did not provide further details about the circumstances but deemed his conduct worthy of dismissal.
‘The Referees Commission reports that it completed a detailed internal investigation, which began on October 21, in order to clarify the details related to the incident in which referee Rosario Guadalupe Cárdenas was involved, on October 19, prior to the day 12 of the 2024 Apertura Tournament,’ a statement read.
‘In order to guarantee transparency and compliance with the corresponding protocols, this Commission informs that as a conclusion to the investigation, it has decided to terminate the contract of the cited arbitrator for non-compliance with the Arbitration Rules.’
Mexican newspaper Record reported the official had been found to have violated the ‘ethical and professional values’ of the Mexican Football Federation, with a source stating an investigation remains ongoing into the reports Cardenas had been assaulted by a sex worker.
‘We were informed that this matter went through the FMF’s legal department, which violated the internal regulations and the ethical and professional values of the FMF,’ a source told the newspaper.
‘I know that there is a legal issue going on, which is being processed, to determine whether or not that was the case with the referee.
‘But beyond that, Rosario was informed internally that for the organisation and the FMF itself, the referee did not fulfil his responsibility due to indiscipline and that determined that they thank him.’
JAY-Z‘s battle with Tony Buzbee, the lawyer representing his anonymous rape accuser, has continued to escalate, with the attorney now claiming that Hov’s legal team has been trying to turn his clients against with him bribes.
Taking to social media on Tuesday (December 10), Buzbee — whose Jane Doe client claims she was raped by JAY-Z and Diddy as a minor in 2000 — accused the mogul’s lawyers of offering $1,000 to at least one client on his law firm’s books.
He also shared a photo of what appears to be the alleged “investigators,” as well as a purported transcript of a recorded conversation between the group of men and his client.
“‘Investigators’ from New York have contacted many of our law firm’s current and former clients,” he wrote. “These investigators aren’t very smart. What they didn’t anticipate was one of the clients decided to record the conversation.
“It’s shocking, and illegal. Here is a portion taken directly from the transcript of the contact.”
The alleged transcript finds one of the investigators telling Buzbee’s client they could “get paid,” citing another person who received $1,000 for agreeing to “get on the right path.”
Buzbee added in a statement to Deadline: “JAY-Z’s team is desperate and seemingly out of control. Their investigators have recently been caught on tape offering current clients of our firm one thousand dollars to sue our firm.
“This conduct is reprehensible and illegal. There will be consequences coming soon.”
Buzbee’s allegation comes shortly after JAY-Z’s lawyers made a bombshell claim of their own against the Texas-based attorney.
Earlier on Tuesday, Hov’s legal team filed an affidavit claiming that Buzbee tried to coerce an individual to make false rape claims against Diddy.
They say that an anonymous woman contacted them earlier this week to share her experience with Buzbee’s law firm. The filing claims that she had contacted to the company in October about trafficking and abuse allegations unrelated to both Diddy and JAY-Z.
However, the law firm allegedly steered her story in Diddy’s direction, asking her when she met the Bad Boy boss and pressuring her to anonymously pursue a lawsuit against him, which she refused to do.
JAY-Z‘s lawyer is speaking out against Tony Buzbee – the lawyer who is representing the woman claiming he and Diddy raped a 13-year-old girl back in 2000 – and he says Buzbee pressured at least one other woman to lie and falsely accuse Diddy.
According to a report from TMZ, Hov’s lawyer Alex Spiro filed a declaration on Tuesday (December 10), revealing a woman reached out to his firm this week to share her negative experience working with Buzbee and alleging he coached her to lie.
The woman stated she contacted Buzbee after seeing his call for potential victims of Diddy’s sex crimes – but clarified that her allegations were unrelated to the embattled mogul. Despite that, she said she was still asked, “At what point did you meet Diddy?”
She also claims his firm pressured her to file a lawsuit anonymously, while also discouraging her from filing a criminal complaint.
“[This woman] felt directed and coached by Mr. Buzbee’s firm to say that someone held her down and put drugs in her mouth when that was not her experience,” the docs read.
She says she was soon dropped as a client after she refused to change her story.
Buzbee responded to the allegations, telling TMZ, “This is so ridiculous. If someone calls our intake and has a viable case that we believe has merit and we can pursue we will pursue it. We are currently pursuing hundreds of cases against individuals other than PDiddy. What we won’t do is pursue a case that we don’t believe has merit.”
He continued: “I can’t speak to what she told the intake folks to even tell you what this woman claimed if and when she called. [But] we certainly don’t need to ‘pressure’ anyone to pursue a case.”
As previously reported, Buzbee filed a lawsuit earlier this month on behalf of an anonymous client who acusses JAY-Z and Diddy of sexually assaulting her at an afterparty following the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards when she was just 13.
The lawsuit was originally filed in October with Diddy as a defendant and JAY-Z referred to anonymously as “Celebrity A.”
Hov, after strongly denying the charges in a public statement, filed a motion in federal court on Monday (December 9) requesting that the plaintiff in the case be denied the ability to proceed anonymously. The previous day, the plaintiff’s attorney Tony Buzbee had filed a motion requesting the reverse — that she should be allowed to continue the case without sharing her name.
Russian President, Vladimir Putin’s allies have confirmed for the first time today that Russia helped President Bashar al-Assad flee Syria to Moscow.
Sergei Ryabkov, Russia’s deputy foreign minister, claimed that Assad was transported out of Syria ‘in the most secure way possible’ over the weekend.
This comes as sources close to the Russian government said its agents persuaded Assad to flee as he would lose a fight with the rebels.
The sources told Bloomberg News Moscow organised for Assad to escape via its air base on the Syrian coast.
He was reportedly ordered to tell no-one, switch his transponder off, and get on a s private plane in the capital Damascus.
Speaking to NBC News, Mr Ryabkov said: ‘He is secured, and it shows that Russia acts as required in such an extraordinary situation.’
And when asked if Moscow would hand Assad over to the International Criminal Court, he implied they would not, saying Russia ‘is not party to the convention’ that established it.
In November, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged crimes against humanity – with the US rejecting the decision.
Human rights groups have also previously accused Assad of war crimes such as using chemical weapons on civilians.
Explaining why Russia helped Assad escape, Mr. Ryabkov said he ‘was accused by the same group of countries and governments that continuously defeat attempts to live their own ways as it happened in Iraq, in Libya and in many more’.
Referring to Netanyahu’s arrest warrant, Mr Ryabkov added it was ‘amazing’ that Washington ‘configures its response’ in relation to which people are being prosecuted by the court.
Vladimir Putin was Assad’s key ally during Syria’s long civil war with the Kremlin helping him maintain his family’s brutal dynasty which had governed Syria for over 50 years.
Mr Ryabkov said that he had ‘no idea what going on with him [Assad] right now’ adding that it ‘would be very wrong for me to elaborate on what happened and how it was resolved’.
Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s press secretary, told the international press this morning that Russia was in contact with the rebels over its military bases.
He said: ‘We, of course, maintain contacts with those who are currently controlling the situation in Syria,” Peskov said in a conference call with reporters.
‘This is necessary because our bases are located there, our diplomatic mission is located there and, of course, the issue related to ensuring the security of these facilities is extremely important and of primary significance.’
Following the humiliating capitulation of his dictatorship over the weekend, Assad and his family will now start a new life in Russia.
Carmen Bryan, the lady who got pregnant with Jay-Z’s baby during a nine-year affair, has spoken about the rapper on Instagram in the wake of allegations that he r@ped a 13-year-old girl.
The 52-year-old wrote on Instagram: “These days people don’t defend what is right, they defend who they like! And that’s why we call you ‘groupie’.”
Carmen Bryan, who got pregnant during nine-year affair with Jay-Z, breaks her silence after the rapper is accused of r@ping girl, 13
Carmen also threw shade at Jay-Z by highlighting how he referred to himself as a “r@pist” in Kanye West’s track Monster.
She posted lyrics from the song, highlighting the lines: “K!ll a block, I murd£r the avenues, I R@pe and pillage your village, women and children.”
Carmen Bryan, who got pregnant during nine-year affair with Jay-Z, breaks her silence after the rapper is accused of r@ping girl, 13
Jay-Z, 55, has been hit with a civil lawsuit that claims he sexu@lly ass@ulted a 13-year-old girl on September 7, 2000 after the MTV Video Music Awards with Sean “Diddy” Combs, but denies the allegation and insists he is the victim of a “blackmail attempt”.
Carmen, who previously worked as an executive assistant in the record industry, got pregnant during her affair with Jay-Z, which went on from 1995 to 2004 while she was also dating his arch rival Nas, but sadly suffered a miscarriage.
Their affair continued even while Carmen was engaged to Nas, the father of her daughter Destiny who was born in 1994, but she finally ended things after being left “disgusted” by Jay-Z rapping about having s£x with her in his song Supa Ugly.
“Wrong move! That was the moment I lost all respect for SC,” she wrote, referring to the rapper by the initials of his real name, Shawn Carter.
Carmen previously confessed about the affair to Nas after the release of Memphis Bleek and Jay-Z’s track Is That Your Chick, a highly s£xualised song about stealing another man’s partner.
She revealed after the release of the song Nas phoned her to ask if it was about her after years of choosing not to believe rumours between the pair.
In her memoir It’s No Secret, Carmen recalled the difficult conversation with Nas. She wrote: “Nas, it’s true…The rumours are true. I have been seeing Jay-Z.”
During the 3am phone call, Carmen explained she and Jay-Z had been having an affair for five years after they met as friends and began an intimate relationship a year later.
In an interview with VLAD TV in 2017, Carmen also admitted she became pregnant with his baby which she later miscarried.
“I believe I was three months, it was the first trimester. It wasn’t anything crazy, it wasn’t planned. It wasn’t like ‘Oh we are going to have this baby’.”
She also confessed she only told Jay-Z about the pregnancy after the miscarriage had happened.
Jay-Z is the first celebrity to be named alongside Diddy in one of the myriad lawsuits filed against Combs. Both rappers have denied all allegations.
The victim claims the r@pe took place at a VMA’s afterparty in September 2000, while an unidentified female celebrity watched.
Jamie Foxx hilariously addresses the rumors about Diddy allegedly trying to have him killed in his new Netflix special.
Now streaming, Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was… finds the comedian revisiting his April 2023 health scare – which he revealed was a brain bleed that led to a stroke.
However, the internet was running rampant with rumors that the cause was actually an unsuccessful hit by Diddy – claims that were amplified by Joe Rogan when he discussed it on his podcast in November.
But Jamie was sure to clarify that was not the case.
“The internet said that Puffy tried to kill me. That’s what the internet was saying!” he says in the special, which was recorded in October. “I know what you thinking – ‘Did he?’ Hell nah, n-gga. I left them parties early. I was out by 9, n-gga. Something don’t look right. It’s slippery in here.”
He throws in a few more jokes about Diddy throughout the special as well.
When discussing his nearly-fatal health scare, he said: “I looked at the end of the tunnel, and I thought I saw the devil like, ‘Come on.’ Or is that Puffy? I’m fucking around.”
Later in his set, he references the 1,000 bottles of baby oil seized from Diddy’s property: “If it was Puffy, he had a flaming bottle of Johnson &… I’m just kidding.”
Following the final of the three-night taping of the special in October, Gayle King captured backstage footage where Jamie Foxx admitted it was not easy to re-visit the experience.
“It was an excruciating time to be able to open those wounds every single day for three nights,” he said. “It was excruciating because the worry is what gets you. We’ve got a great show in the room, but we don’t know what they may laugh or what they may not laugh at. Any comedian will tell you that’s the thing, the worry is the thing.
“Usually, when you do a stand-up special, you go out for a year and a half and work every little nook and cranny, and then you tape it. You don’t just show up in Atlanta and turn the camera on. It’s a personal journey, and I hope I never have to – I am never going to go through this again. My next jokes will start out, ‘Knock, knock!’ I’ll do an hour and a half of ‘Knock, knock’ jokes.”
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was… is streaming now on Netflix.
Tina Knowles has denied responding to the accusations against her son-in-law on social media. On Monday, December 9, Knowles’ verified Instagram account “liked” an Instagram post from ABC 7 Chicago featuring a picture of Jay-Z and Combs with the headline, “Breaking News: Jay-Z, Diddy Named in Lawsuit Alleging Rape of Girl, 13.”
Within hours, the 70-year-old posted a screenshot of a message she typed on Instagram, which said, “I was hacked! As you all know, I do not play about my family. So if you see something uncharacteristic of me. Just know that it is not me!”
She additionally captioned the post, “Please stop playing with me!!!! ‘No weapon formed against my family shall prosper.’”
According to People, Jay-Z, 55, and Sean “Diddy” Combs were accused of raping a 13-year-old girl 24 years ago. In an updated complaint filed on Sunday, December 8, Jay-Z was added as a defendant in a suit originally filed against Combs in October. A woman who simply described herself as Jane Doe claimed Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter, and Combs raped her at an MTV Video Music Awards afterparty in 2000, while a third unnamed female celebrity looked on.
In a countersuit against his accuser, Jay-Z wrote: “These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one!! Whomever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away, would you not agree?”
“These alleged victims would deserve real justice if that were the case,” he said in a post shared to the official Roc Nation X account on Sunday.
“You have made a terrible error in judgement thinking that all ‘celebrities’ are the same,” Jay-Z continued. “I’m not from your world. I’m a young man who made it out of the project of Brooklyn. We don’t play these types of games. We have very strict codes and honor.”
CNN reports that Carter is the first celebrity to face sexual assault charges related to Combs.
Jay-Z, meanwhile, made a public showing on Monday, appearing at the premiere of Disney’s film “Mufasa: The Lion King” with his wife Beyoncé and their daughter Blue Ivy, just one day after the lawsuit.
The Taliban’s refugee minister was killed in a suicide bombing carried out by ISIS in the Afghan capital Kabul on Wednesday, according to officials.
Khalil Haqqani is the uncle of current Taliban Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, who leads the powerful Haqqani network, a division of the wider Taliban organization.
On Wednesday, a suicide bomber disguised himself as a visitor to the Ministry of Refugees compound, detonating his bomb as Haqqani was signing paperwork, a ministry spokesperson told CNN. Six other people were killed, Reuters reported, citing his nephew.
In a statement posted by the Taliban, a spokesperson said that the group received the news of Haqqani’s death with “profound grief.”
The Taliban blamed ISIS for the “cowardly attack,” calling the terror group a “faction that deceitfully professes Islam while declaring other Muslims to be infidels.” ISIS is yet to claim the attack.
Haqqani is the most high-profile casualty of a bombing in Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power three years ago.
“We lost a very brave Mujahid,” his nephew Anas Haqqani told Reuters, using the Taliban’s term for its fighters. “We will never forget him and his sacrifice.”
In 2011, the United States classified Khalil Haqqani as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, offering a reward of up to $5 million for information related to him. He is also on the United Nations Security Council’s 1988 Sanctions List.
The Haqqani network has carried out a string of major attacks during the country’s war and tensions have emerged between it and the Taliban.
Designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the US and encompassed under the Taliban umbrella, the network maintains its own distinct lines of operation, according to the Institute for the Study of War.
The tensions between the Haqqani network and the rest of the Taliban are largely due to differences in governing strategy, according to the UK-based think tank Chatham House.
While ministers in Kabul appear keen to engage with the international community, Taliban leaders in Kandahar, Afghanistan’s second city, are unwilling to liaise with outsiders, Chatham House says.
Sirajuddin Haqqani even reached out to the West to ask for border force training, it claims, while leaders in Kandahar fear that cooperation with western countries will antagonize their supporters.
Former South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun has attempted to end his own life while in custody, the head of the country’s correctional service said Wednesday, as a political crisis from the President’s brief declaration of martial law continues to spiral.
Separately, South Korean police raided the presidential office on Wednesday, a presidential security official confirmed to CNN, as part of a widening investigation into President Yoon Suk Yeol’s stunning but short-lived declaration of martial law sparked widespread public anger in the country.
Yoon has been barred from leaving the country as prosecutors weigh possible insurrection charges and opposition lawmakers continue to seek his impeachment, in what has become a stunning political showdown in South Korea over the past week.
Seoul on Sunday, becoming the first figure detained over the case. He allegedly recommended the imposition of martial law and resigned as defense minister on Thursday.
Shin Yong-hae, the commissioner general of Korea Correctional Service, said Kim made the attempt on his life before a formal arrest warrant was issued late Tuesday.
Speaking to legislators at the National Assembly, Shin said the incident took place in a bathroom. When a corrections officer opened the bathroom door, Kim gave up on the attempt, Shin added.
He has been moved to an isolation room and has no health issues, Shin said.
The incident comes just over a week after President Yoon declared martial law in an unannounced television address late on December 3, accusing the main opposition party of sympathizing with North Korea and of “anti-state activities.” Dramatic scenes from that night showed security forces breaking through windows in the National Assembly to try and prevent lawmakers from gathering.
Within just six hours, the leader was forced to back down, after lawmakers forced their way past soldiers into parliament to strike down the decree.
Speaking at the National Defense Committee hearing on Tuesday, former Special Warfare Command Commander Kwak Jong-geun testified that he received a direct order from President Yoon “to break the doors” of the National Assembly and “drag out” the lawmakers, but he did not comply fearing it would cause injuries.
Soldiers backed down following the vote, and in the days since, President Yoon has been facing intense pressure to step down.
He survived an impeachment vote Saturday after members of his ruling conservative People Power Party left parliament and boycotted the vote. The party’s leader Han Dong-hoon, however, has insisted Yoon must resign, saying the party will “continue to push for the president’s orderly resignation.”
The main opposition Democratic Party is preparing a new impeachment motion against Yoon, with a vote expected as early as Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Defense Ministry said it has suspended three top military commanders over their alleged involvement in the martial law imposition, according to the Associated Press.
Before resigning as defense minister, Kim said in a statement Wednesday that “all troops who performed duties related to martial law were acting on my instructions, and all responsibility lies with me.”
Police have also launched an investigation into Yoon and other top officials on treason allegations. And on Tuesday, lawmakers approved a special council to investigate whether Yoon committed insurrection and abused his power by issuing martial law.
An armored vehicle belonging to the UN’s atomic watchdog was hit by a drone strike on its way to inspect a Ukrainian nuclear power plant on Tuesday, in an attack President Volodymyr Zelensky has blamed on Russia.
The strike took place as the vehicle traveled in a convoy to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, as part of efforts by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to safeguard the facility amid fears it could be caught in the crossfire of Russia’s war on Ukraine, sparking a nuclear disaster.
The IAEA said the strike destroyed the back of its armored vehicle but the two people on board were not harmed.
“The driver of a second IAEA vehicle in the convoy saw the Kamikaze drone coming from behind and slamming into the targeted vehicle,” the agency said.
Zelensky, who shared a picture of the damaged vehicle on X, blamed the Russians for the strike, alleging the vehicle was deliberately targeted.
“This attack clearly demonstrated how Russia treats anything related to international law, global institutions, and safety. The Russians could not have been unaware of their target,” Zelensky said.
Russia’s defense ministry said Tuesday its troops had ensured the safety of the IAEA personnel as they made their way to the plant, but made no mention of the drone attack.
The IAEA’s Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi also condemned the strike.
“I have said in the past that attacking a nuclear power plant is a no-go. Attacking those who care for the nuclear safety and security of these plants is also absolutely unacceptable,” he said.
Fierce fighting that broke out near the Zaporizhzhia facility in the early days of the war sparked fears of a nuclear incident and prompted condemnations from the international community.
Since then, the IAEA has repeatedly warned that the safety of the site has been threatened by shelling, airstrikes, staffing shortages, working conditions and losses of off-site power supply.
The plant, in southern Ukraine, has been under Russian control since March 2022.
Since Russia took over, Ukraine has repeatedly accused Moscow of acting recklessly in its vicinity, including by using it as a shield for troops and heavy weaponry.
Following the drone strike Tuesday, the IAEA said its personnel eventually reached the nuclear plant to complete a staff rotation.
Vandals attacked a Jewish area of Sydney overnight, torching a stolen car and scrawling antisemitic words on walls, prompting a swift response from authorities who say antisemitism has no place in multicultural Australia.
The attack in the eastern suburb of Woollahra comes as police search for three suspects over an arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne on Friday and follows other antisemitic attacks by vandals in Sydney.
The spate of attacks has prompted authorities to set up a special task force, Operation Avalite, to tackle antisemitism and increase patrols of Jewish sites including schools and synagogues.
Speaking Wednesday alongside the New South Wales Police Commissioner and Jewish community leaders, state Premier Chris Minns said the latest vandalism was “a deliberate attack designed to put fear into the hearts of the people that live in Sydney’s east.”
He said he’d spoken to Israel’s Ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, on Wednesday and assured him that authorities took the matter very seriously.
“I made it very clear to him that we regarded this as a disgusting display of antisemitism, and that the vast, vast majority of people that live in New South Wales are horrified by it and recognize Israel as an ally and friend of Australia,” Minns said.
Maimon also took to social media platform X to condemn the attack. “This rising tide of antisemitism must end now,” he said.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the attack had no place in Australia.
“Australians want to live peacefully side by side and Australians reject this abhorrent criminal behavior,” he told ABC Radio National. “This is not a political act. This does not change anything that is occurring on the ground in the Middle East. This is an attack against their fellow Australians.”
Rising antisemitism
Australia’s Jewish community has reported thousands of antisemitic incidents in the past year, as tensions rise over Israel’s unrelenting offensive in Gaza following Hamas’ October 7 attack.
More than 1,200 Israelis were killed and 250 taken hostage by Hamas fighters on that day, according to Israeli authorities. In the year since, Israel has bombed the coastal strip in pursuit of Hamas and the return of the hostages, leading to the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians.
The conflict has spilled onto Australian streets in the form of pro-Palestinian rallies, including at university campuses that mirrored student protests in the United States.
At the same time, the Jewish community has reported a rise in antisemitic incidents that include a previous attack in Woollahra in November when 10 cars were damaged and graffiti was scrawled on nearby buildings. Two men ages 19 and 20 have been charged with multiple offenses.
Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), said the most recent Woollahra attack was “completely predictable” because authorities had failed to adequately respond to previous incidents.
“We’ve seen a progression from increasingly aggressive and hateful street rallies, the burning of flags, slogans daubed on public buildings and graffiti, the intimidation and vilification of individuals, a surge in online hatred to now this,” he told CNN.
“It’s predictable… It moves from the online space and from words to actions, and the fear in the community now is that someone’s going to get killed very soon.”
Ryvchin said the deployment of extra police to Jewish sites is necessary in the circumstances, but the Jewish community does not want “more guards, more fences, higher walls.”
“None of that makes anyone feel safer. It makes people feel more insecure, more vulnerable,” he said.
Ryvchin said a longer-term solution lies in education “to teach people about this form of hatred and what it does to communities and what it does to society and humanity.”
Later Wednesday, Albanese said 8.5 million Australian dollars ($5.4 million) would be spent on redeveloping Sydney Jewish Museum to promote greater understanding of Jewish culture and the contribution of Jewish Australians to the country.
ABOUT 20 PF MPs URGE ECL TO RETIRE FROM ACTIVE POLITICS.
Opposition Whip Anthony Mumba has called upon Former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu to retire from active Politics.
This follows yesterday’s ruling in the Constitutional court where Mr Lungu was declared ineligible to contest future elections after having served office Twice.
Mr Mumba who is also Patriotic Front Member of Parliament said the judgement is a testament of the Zambian people’s desire to limit terms an individual can hold.
He said the rulling also aligns with the Constitution of of Zambia and the nation’s commitment to upholding Constitutionalism and good governance.
He was speaking at a press briefing with 8 other Patriotic Front MPs.
Mr Mumba gas called upon other PF members to stop abusing the image of Mr Lungu.
He said Mr Lungu has for so long been taken advantage of by individuals who have continued pushing him to go back to active politics.
“We believe that he has been a law abiding citizen. He is the only surviving former head of state. This is not the time to be divided in any way, we need to move together. If there is no strong opposition, it will be difficult for gobernment to score a success. President Lumgu must take his righhful position,” he said.
And Mr Mumba has called upon both President Hakainde Hichilema and Mr Lungu to engage in dialogue, putting the interests of Zambia above all else.
He has however displayed ignorance on the PFs Plan B in his quest to return to power in 2026.
“We are unaware of the Plan B. But there are about 20 of us MPs who want former president Edgar Lungu to retire from active politics and assume the statesman role,” he said.
Among the MPs who attended today’s are Davinson Mung’andu, Sibongile Mwamba, Andrew Lubusha and Jonathan Daka.
ConCourt was expected to nullify 2021 general election after realising its mistake – Nakacinda
PF FACTION secretary general Raphael Nakacinda has revealed that his boss, former President Edgar Lungu will challenge the Constitutional Court’s ruling on his eligibility case as he will soon file a petition to the court.
Yesterday, the Constitutional Court ruled that Lungu was not eligible to contest for presidency in the future as he was sworn in twice to serve as president.
Lungu later issued a statement, accepting the verdict but disclosed that the Tuesday judgement on his eligibility case triggered his plan B which he set in motion.
People are now left wondering what the former Head of State has up his sleeves with the plan B he set in motion.
Despite the court making it clear that it erred to allow Lungu to stand in 2021, Nakacinda still insisted that if the same court previously ruled that the former President was eligible in 2021, then it means he is eligible in 2026.
He shared that Lungu had already directed his lawyers, Makebi Zulu Advocates and Ellis and Company to pursue the challenge claiming that the court grossly misdirected itself.
“President Lungu has stated that there being no provision for the Constitutional Court to revisit its own decisions in the Constitution as is provided for in relation to the Supreme Court, the decision to revisit the decision remains unconstitutional as it provided that the Constitutional Court is bound by its own decisions,” Nakacinda stated.
The PF now claims that the Constitutional Court was expected to nullify the 2021 general election after realising its mistake.
“We have expressed deep concerns regarding the independence and autonomy of the Judiciary and as shown by the events leading to this matter and its eventual judgment, the status of the Judiciary remains our primary concern,” he stated.
“It is simple. If he was eligible to have participated in the 2021 presidential elections, he would definitely be eligible to participate in the 2026 elections.”..https://kalemba.news/politics/2024/12/11/concourt-was-expected-to-nullify-2021-general-election-after-realising-its-mistake-nakacinda/
It’s high time Lungu started guiding youths as father of the nation – UPND youths
UPND youths have called on the public to respect Edgar Lungu while urging the former president to start guiding youths in his role as a father of the nation following his eligibility ruling yesterday.
On Tuesday, Lungu was deemed ineligible by the Constitutional Court to stand for future presidential election after already serving two terms.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka today, the ruling party’s national youth chairperson Gilbert Liswaniso stated that after settling the debate of Lungu’s eligibility, it was high time all youths respected the former Head of State.
Liswaniso added that Lungu must play his fatherly role as a former president so that President Hakainde Hichilema can also start involving him in national affairs as is the case with former vice presidents who are engaged in different national activities.
The youth leader added that the youths are willing to learn from Lungu as a statesman who contributes to the country’s peace and unity.
“It’s time we gave Lungu respect as young people, as a former head of state. It’s time he also started guiding us. We have seen the President involving former vice presidents in developing the nation.”
“It’s time Lungu took up his role as a former head of state. We want to learn from him we would like him to contribute to the peace and unity of this country. The agenda is to unite and develop this nation,” said Liswaniso.
He also called on the church, traditional leaders and civil society organisations to reach out to the former President in order for him to start participating in national matters.
Liswaniso also advised politicians to leave Lungu alone and let him focus on his retirement.
“He’s the only father we have, let him play his role and politicians leave that man alone to enjoy retirement. Let him play his role in democracy. Only those who hate lawlessness can argue with the judgement. Our focus is to give respect to the former Head of State,” said Liswaniso.
Furthermore, the youth leader added that yesterday’s judgment was a sign that there is law and order under the leadership of President Hichilema…https://kalemba.news/trending/2024/12/11/its-high-time-lungu-started-guiding-youths-as-father-of-the-nation-upnd-youths/
