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The victory we seek is not an easy one,
UPND HAS COMMITTED MANY ATROCITIES
…and is willing to go to extremes to
protect their criminal acts, says Kalaba

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The victory we seek is not an easy one, <br>UPND HAS COMMITTED MANY ATROCITIES <br>…and is willing to go to extremes to <br>protect their criminal acts, says Kalaba

The victory we seek is not an easy one,
UPND HAS COMMITTED MANY ATROCITIES
…and is willing to go to extremes to
protect their criminal acts, says Kalaba



By Thomas Ngala(The Mast)


I’M alive to the fact that the victory we seek is not an easy one, Citizens First president Harry Kalaba has said.



He explained to party members and United Kwacha Alliance partners, in his acceptance speech as party president following the CF’s extraordinary general conference held at Sami’s Event Centre in Lusaka on Saturday, that this is because “we are faced with a regime that has committed many atrocities and is willing to go to extremes to protect their criminal acts.”



Kalaba said the UPND government has moved corruption to the highest it has ever been in the history of Zambia.



“I want to acknowledge and appreciate the presence of the leadership from the United Kwacha Alliance – UKA, with whom the CF has forged an alliance that and through which we will be able to rid this nation of this repressive and divisive government that has been consistently inconsistent in all its dealings. I also acknowledge and appreciate the leaders from other political parties, members of the civil society, well-wishers and friends that have taken time to witness what we are doing today as we seek to set in motion our level of preparedness to weather the challenges that our detractors may wish to inflict on us in a quest to derail our progress,” he said. “I acknowledge the chairman of the Citizens First, Hon. Levyson Mumba, the man with whom I have had the privilege of walking closely with in the last two years and I am happy to announce that he will be retaining in his capacity as chairman so that we may continue to benefit from his wisdom as we prepare for the 2026 general elections which are due within the next 20 months.”


Kalaba committed himself to steer the party to a higher level of engagement and mobilisation as “we seek to work with other progressive partners in our quest to rid the nation of this repressive and divisive government and usher in a pro-poor government that reflects the aspirations of the majority of Zambians”.



“It is with a deep sense of duty and higher resolve that I accept the position of president of the CF. My acceptance comes with a full realisation of the burden it places on me like all partners in the United Kwacha Alliance and indeed in the opposition to hold those in government accountable for the hardship they have brought to the people of Zambia. Hardship that has been compounded by a litany of lies perpetuated at the very core of the leadership of those in government including the President himself,” he said.



“Just the other day, the Vice-President [Mutale Nalumango] was quoted as saying that the number of HIV/AIDS cases are on the increase especially among the youth. What she failed to state was that this number has increased owing to the untold poverty and hunger that her government has inflicted on the citizens of this country and as always the most-hard hit are women and the youth.

She also failed to mention that owing to her governments’ failure to order drugs on time resulted in people having heightened viral load which advertently result in higher vulnerability to partners. She also failed to say to the nation that hunger levels have increased from the time the UPND assumed office, resulting in higher maternal and infant mortality rates.”



Kalaba stressed that “this government has moved corruption to the highest it has ever been in the history of Zambia”.

“Over the last 60 years we have never had a government that has been as corrupt as the UPND government. A government whose leaders feel its ok to make deals through proxies, externalise all the proceeds, while Zambians are left wallowing in abject poverty. For the first time in the history of Zambia we have seen a negative outflow of FDI (foreign direct investment). This is unprecedented by any standard but thanks to a corrupt government, they do not see anything wrong with that, besides it being flagged by state actors,” he said. “We have a government and a leader that finds is hard to follow laid down procedures and thrives in abusing resources for their own self-interest.



How does a serving Civil Servant offer his own company to make a multi-million dollar procurement using his own company and it does not even get flagged throughout the procurement process? How many more of such rotten transactions is this government involved in that are yet to come out in public?”

Kalaba called upon all CF members starting from members of central committee “to the very last man and woman in the line of defence at the section level to ensure that we go back and speed up the mobilisation of our party”.



He urged them to encourage their friends and family to join “us in our quest to call as many citizens as possible to register as voters”.

“Let us make use of the continuous voter registration to get as many people as possible to register as voters. We must start the exercise of encouraging our friends and family members not to wait until it is too late to register as voters. We are aware of the schemes at play that may involve shortage of materials and equipment in a bid to disenfranchise citizens from some parts of the country. It is therefore cardinal that we get as many people as possible to register as voters now,” Kalaba said. “I am alive to the fact that the victory we seek is not an easy one because we are faced with a regime that has committed many atrocities and is willing to go to extremes to protect their criminal acts. We are however consoled that we have the resolve of the citizens on our side and more importantly the will of God to restore the nation to its state of being a beacon of hope and a place of refuge for many. And so to those who want to join us on this journey of restoring hope for mother Zambia, join us because it is the right thing to do so that together we can reset the nation and bring it back on the path of progress and growth.”


He said he accepted the presidency of the CF with a full and grateful heart that is “noble and without reservation and with only one obligation”.

“And that obligation is to devote every effort of body, mind and spirit to lead our party and its alliance partners into victory and restore our country back to greatness and regain its dignity of being consulted and trusted as an integral part of the global community,” said Kalaba.

CSOs CALL FOR BROADER CONSULTATIONS OVER PROPOSED CYBER LAWS

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CSOs CALL FOR BROADER CONSULTATIONS OVER PROPOSED CYBER LAWS

CSOs CALL FOR BROADER CONSULTATIONS OVER PROPOSED CYBER LAWS

NGOCC Executive Director Anamela on yesterday morning led a delegation of Civil Society Organizations to a meeting with Republican President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema over the contentious Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Bills. Speaking on behalf of the CSOs, Ms Anamela said that while it was good of the government to create a conducive cyber space, the CSOs had vehemently rejected the proposed cyber as they were highly undemocratic, unconstitutional and infringing on the rights and freedoms of citizens. Ms. Anamela, submitted that CSOs were calling for broader consultations over the proposed laws to ensure the people were consulted as much as possible. She added that lack of consultations had eroded the trust the citizens had for the government.



“Your Excellency, the lack of effective engagement on the Cyber Bills has eroded trust between stakeholders and the government, creating challenges that could hinder other critical reforms, including constitutional reforms. This trust deficit is further exacerbated by delays in advancing essential democratic reforms, such as the review of the Public Order Act and police and law enforcement reforms” she said
Ms Anamela further cited the NGO Bill as another example of a piece of legislation that has fell short of the required wider consultations as this would help build the trust which had been lost by the public.



“Further, Your Excellency, reforms affecting civil society and their work such as the NGO Act review have also undermined the trust in law reform processes giving effect to the range of rights our already limited Bill of Rights provides for. Your Excellency, the draft NGO Bill that civil society was invited to review fell short of the sectors expectations raising further concerns about the lack of a clear rights-based approach to drafting legislation. A rights-based approach would ensure that not only the process of developing laws is participatory and transparent but also that the content ensures the rights of all Zambians and respected and protected. Urgent action is required to rebuild trust and demonstrate a commitment to upholding democratic principles, human rights, and the rule of law.”



And responding to the submissions by the CSOs, President Hakainde Hichilema noted that it was the government’s desire as well as responsibility to ensure there were appropriate laws in the Country. He added that where there was disagreement, it incumbent upon the Government listens to the concerns and find a common ground.



“The idea of a meeting is to hear each other, hear the issues and agree on how to proceed in terms of what it is we agree and what we do not agree upon. At one time, we had the mining bill which went through all the processes but at a point of signing it into law, issues were raised by mine houses, and we called it back. The intention of this government is to ensure that it listens to its people and reach a common ground.”



The meeting agreed to formulate a smaller technical team made of government and CSOs to brainstorm on the cyber laws and work out an appropriate.



The other CSOs who made the delegation included Chapter One Foundation, Law Association of Zambia, Media Institute of Southern Africa, Transparency international Zambia, Free Press Initiative, Bloggers of Zambia among others.

NGOCC

N/WESTERN UPND HOLD SOLIDALITY MATCH PAST OVER COURT RULING ON ECL ILIGIBILITY CASE

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N/WESTERN UPND HOLD SOLIDALITY MATCH PAST OVER COURT RULING ON ECL ILIGIBILITY CASE

By Jack Lumima

11 th December,2024~Solwezi.

N/WESTERN UPND HOLD SOLIDALITY MATCH PAST OVER COURT RULING ON ECL ILIGIBILITY CASE.

The UPND in the Northwestern Province ,Solwezi in Particular held a match past in line with the CONCOURT’S RULING on the eligibility of former President Edgar Lungu to stand in the forthcoming 2026 general elections.The match past was from Kyawama round about to the Provincial Administration offices where they were addressed by the newly appointed Deputy Provincial Permanent Secretary Mr Luckson Mulumbi.



Speaking earlier,the Provincial Party Mobilisation Chairperson Mr Sambaulu told the DPS that ,the Party was happy with the CONCOURT’S RULING on the former Presidents ECL ‘s eligibility.He said  this showed the how independent the Judiciary is to other wings of government.He further went on to thank President Hakainde Hichilema for the peace and the freedom of association that the country has now.He attributed this to good and sound leadership of President Hichilema and His New dawn Government.He assured the DPS that him and his team will work very hard to ensure that President Hichilema gets 99.9 percent of votes in the Province.



Mr Sambaulu congratulated Mr Mulumbi on His appointment as DPS for Northwestern Province.He then told the new DPS to support the party structures and not to abandon them.



The DPS ,Mr Mulumbi welcomed the UPND members and asked them to be free as they were at their office.He told the gathering that the minister and the PS were not around otherwise they would have loved to be with the members but he told the gathering that he coffered with the Minister and He assured him that as soon as he comes back he will meet them.In conclusion,he thanked the party membership for their solidarity match past.

CIC PRESS TEAM

EASTERN UPND LEADERSHIP CALLS FOR UNITY , CRITICIZES EDGAR LUNGU ’s POLITICAL MOVES

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EASTERN UPND LEADERSHIP CALLS FOR UNITY , CRITICIZES EDGAR LUNGU ’s POLITICAL MOVES

*EASTERN UPND LEADERSHIP CALLS FOR UNITY , CRITICIZES EDGAR LUNGU ’s POLITICAL MOVES*

11th December,2024

By Kapwata

Chipata, Zambia – The United Party for National Development (UPND) in Eastern Province has called for unity within the party while urging former President Edgar Lungu to retire from active politics and embrace his role as a statesman.



Speaking at a press briefing held at Pineview Lodge in Chipata today, UPND Provincial Chairperson Johabie Mtonga described Mr. Lungu’s past attempts to seek a third term as “mischievous” and detrimental to the nation. He praised the Constitutional Court for its decisive ruling, which he said safeguarded Zambia’s democratic principles.



“The judgement by the Constitutional Court was to ensure that the Constitution is respected. Mr. Lungu, as a lawyer, should have known better than to push for a third term,” Mr. Mtonga said.



He further accused Mr. Lungu of misleading the nation and attempting to drag the country backward.

Mr. Mtonga also urged UPND members to remain united and avoid internal conflicts as the party prepares for the 2026 elections. He emphasized that squabbles within the ruling party could undermine efforts to secure President Hakainde Hichilema’s re-election.



“We must focus on the core values of good governance, transparency, and accountability. There is no room for division in our party,” he said.

The UPND leadership also expressed confidence in the upcoming Petauke parliamentary by-election, signaling their determination to maintain strong grassroots support.



UPND Provincial Youth Chairperson Lyson Nyirenda called on Mr. Lungu to respect the Constitutional Court’s ruling on term limits, which barred him from seeking a third term. He argued that Mr. Lungu’s persistent involvement in active politics risks eroding his legacy and diminishing the respect he once commanded.



“Former President Edgar Lungu should retire from active politics and assume the role of a statesman. The more he involves himself in active politics, the more he loses respect from Zambians,” said Mr. Nyirenda.

Provincial Women’s Chairperson Hellen Phiri called on UPND women to actively defend President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership, citing his commitment to delivering on campaign promises.



“As women, we must stand firm and support President Hichilema. He is working tirelessly to improve the lives of Zambians, and we must ensure his vision is realized,” said Madam Phiri.

The UPND leaders reiterated their commitment to good governance and delivering on their development agenda under President Hichilema’s leadership. With an eye on the 2026 elections, they emphasized the importance of unity, transparency, and a focus on serving the Zambian people.



As the political landscape heats up, the UPND appears determined to maintain its momentum while firmly addressing the challenges posed by the opposition.

ENDS///

UPND YOUTH CHAIRMAN URGES DIGNITY FOR FORMER PRESIDENT LUNGU”

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UPND YOUTH CHAIRMAN URGES DIGNITY FOR FORMER PRESIDENT LUNGU”

UPND YOUTH CHAIRMAN URGES DIGNITY FOR FORMER PRESIDENT LUNGU”

December 11, 2024

Lusaka – In the wake of the Constitutional Court’s recent ruling on the eligibility of Zambia’s Sixth Republican President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, the UPND Youth Chairman Gilbert Liswaniso has called for national unity and respect for the former leader.



The court’s decision, which determined Mr. Lungu’s ineligibility to contest the 2026 General Elections, marks a pivotal moment for the nation. The youth leader praised Zambians, particularly the youth, for their calm and peaceful conduct following the ruling.



“We also appreciate the positive response from opposition political parties to the call for peace,” he said, commending the role of political actors in maintaining harmony.

Recognizing Mr. Lungu’s contributions to the nation, the youth leader extended an invitation for him to embrace his new role as a statesman, encouraging Zambians to honor his service.



“We welcome him to this new chapter and urge the youth to accord him the respect he deserves,” he said.

President Hakainde Hichilema was lauded for his consistent outreach to former leaders, fostering a spirit of unity and collaboration. “The President has been engaging former Vice Presidents in statesmanship, and now is the right time to extend this to the former Sixth Republican President,” the youth leader added.



The statement called upon church and community leaders to remind the former president and his family to cherish this period, emphasizing the importance of quality time.

“We believe in the church as a guiding body. Its prayers have been a cornerstone of peace in our nation,” he said.
Reaffirming Zambia’s status as a democratic and Christian nation, the youth leader assured the international community of the country’s unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and development.



“Zambia stands as a democratic country and a peaceful place for investment,” he emphasized.

The youth leader concluded by thanking Republican President Dr. Hakainde Hichilema for his steadfast guidance in fostering peace and unity across the country.



Through these actions, Zambia continues to uphold its reputation as a beacon of democracy and a model of harmonious coexistence.

(C) UPND MEDIA TEAM

WE WOULD HAVE DEFEATED LUNGU IF THE COURT RULED HIM ELIGIBLE FOR 2026 – UPND

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WE WOULD HAVE DEFEATED LUNGU IF THE COURT RULED HIM ELIGIBLE FOR 2026 – UPND

WE WOULD HAVE DEFEATED LUNGU IF THE COURT RULED HIM ELIGIBLE FOR 2026 – UPND

United Party for National Development, UPND deputy Secretary General, Gertrude Imenda, has confidently stated that the party would still have defeated former President Edgar Lungu in the 2026 general elections, even if the Constitutional Court had ruled that he was eligible to stand for the election.



The Constitutional Court today ruled that former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu was not eligible to contest the 2026 and future Presidential Elections.



Delivering the judgment which was televised live, the Court ruled that Mr Lungu had previously been elected and held office twice in 2015 to 2016, which also counts as a term and 2016 to 2021.



The court referred to sections two and seven of the 2016 Constitution Act, article 106 sub-article three and article 35 sub-articles two of the 1996 Constitution.

And speaking in an exclusive interview with Zambia Reports, Ms Imenda said that the ruling was not only in the interest of the UPND but also the citizens who are an integral part of the country.



“The whole Zambia was interested, those for, those against, and things like that, the court’s ruling did not affect the party’s chances of winning, no, we were already going to win”, she said.

Ms Imenda noted that the law’s interpretation was according to the law, and the court interpreted it in a way it should.


However, she stressed that whether the court ruled in favor of Mr Lungu or not, it wouldn’t have made a difference to the UPND.

“For us, it doesn’t make any difference whether the court was going to say he is eligible to stand or as they’ve said that he is not eligible,” she said.



She expressed confidence that even if Mr Lungu was allowed to stand, the UPND would still have defeated him due to his administration’s track record of alleged illegalities, law-breaking, violence, and economic mismanagement.



“We have something that he failed to do and we know that his rule was marked by a lot of illegalities, law breaking, violence and economic mismanagement and things like that,” she said.

She also said that the UPND has made efforts to try and rebuild, in three and a half years, what the PF destroyed in their seven year tenure. 



“What they have destroyed in the seven years of his rule, is what we are rebuilding and what we have rebuild within the three and a half years so far is remarkable”, She said.

“I’m neither celebrating nor regretting. You know what’s important is that justice has been shown in the right way” she said.


She also noted that the Constitution is clear on the maximum 10-year mandate for a president, and allowing Lungu to stand would have set a dangerous precedent.



“Constitution is very clear. This person has he been elected twice? Yes. Sworn in twice, yes, so if you allow him to be eligible this time, and suppose he wins, he will have more than the 10 years maximum mandate, he will go to 12 years which is against the law, so the law says he can’t go beyond 10 years but he can serve for less, like he did,” she concluded.

Zambia Reports

This is a lot of pressure on ECL and some people don’t care, they just want him to help them either financially or politically- Chilufya Tayali

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This is a lot of pressure on ECL and some people don’t care, they just want him to help them either financially or politically- Chilufya Tayali

By Chilufya Tayali

ELIGIBILITY CASE HAS NEVER BEEN ABOUT JUSTICE, IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN POLITICAL EVEN DURING THE TIME OF PRESIDENT RULE – WAIT FOR MY ANALYSIS ON WEDNESDAY, 11TH DEC, AT 20:00HRS
==================
I just gave my understanding of the judgment without giving my opinion and my political point of view. But now, I will give my point of view in the most objective way that I can, but I am a politician and I support Edgar Chagwa Lungu, REASONABLY NOT MUNGULU-MUNGULU.

What you have to understand is that, there are many ulterior interests in this case than meets the eye.



Firstly there’s an ulterior interest or objective in the UPND and Hakainde yet they are claiming to be dispersing justice. But PF and Edgar Lungu did the same when they were in power.

The judges or the Courts are just pawns, some of them victims, of the political machinations,  so I will not concentrate on them.



Secondly there are people surrounding both HH and ECL whose life and future depend on this ELIGIBILITY case.

To be fair, I  am one of those people who is affected by this case, the only difference between myself and others is that, I want to be objective and realistic (and this is what some people hate me for and accused me of not being consistent)



Then we have the life of Edgar Lungu and his family as well as his future. What now after this? This is a lot of pressure on ECL and some people don’t care, they just want him to help them either financially or politically.

It is like keeping a sick person on the life support machine so that, I  can continue in my position, or receiving that pay cheque, or so that I can get that political advancement.



In my view, that is inhumane, as much as we want to benefit something from ECL we need to think of him as a human being, who needs love and support. Think of his family and his future.



The other issue I will discuss is ECL himself (though I will speak sparingly on this subject), is he being honest to himself and others looking at the circumstances around him now.



Anyway,  pray for me that I have the energy and the wisdom,  because at times I also get scared to say some of these things😂😂😂

TAYALI THE PUBLIC LAWYER OF THE PUBLIC COURT OF OPINIONS!!!

Edgar Lungu’s Legacy: A Decade of Division and Decay in Zambia

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Edgar Lungu’s Legacy: A Decade of Division and Decay in Zambia

Edgar Lungu’s Legacy: A Decade of Division and Decay in Zambia

By David Zulu

As Edgar Lungu’s eligibility case concludes, it is crucial to reflect on the most divisive and polarizing decade in Zambia’s history. Lungu, who rose to power as Zambia’s sixth president under controversial and violent circumstances following the death of President Michael Sata, leaves behind a legacy of systemic division and institutional decay. From the moment he assumed office, his actions seemed calculated to fracture the fabric of national unity.



Lungu’s presidency was characterized by the deliberate exploitation of tribalism, violence, and corruption to consolidate his authority. Institutions that once served as pillars of national cohesion were systematically targeted and weakened.

The Church, historically Zambia’s moral compass, was splintered through political interference and favoritism. The Law Association of Zambia, tasked with safeguarding the rule of law, was subjected to division, undermining its credibility and ability to hold power to account. The ripple effects of these actions persist to this day.



Under Lungu’s leadership, tribal lines were weaponized to secure political dominance, eroding national unity. His rhetoric and policies often exacerbated ethnic tensions, fostering an “us versus them” mentality that alienated entire regions and communities. Terms like “Zambezi Province” emerged as tools of division, used to isolate and disparage regions perceived as resistant to his rule.



State-sponsored violence became a hallmark of Lungu’s administration, silencing dissent through brutal crackdowns. Political opponents, civil society organizations, and journalists were frequent targets. Churches and radio stations were attacked, markets and bus stations turned into sites of torture, and mourners at graveyards were brutally assaulted.



An army of muscular, heavily armed political thugs emerged in townships and suburbs, wielding more power than the police. These groups roamed the streets in expensive SUVs adorned with PF chitenge cloth, a symbol of authority and impunity that licensed them to maim and kill without consequence.



Meanwhile, corruption flourished under Lungu’s watch as key institutions—including the judiciary, the Electoral Commission, and law enforcement—were co-opted to serve partisan interests. Elections were marred by irregularities and accusations of manipulation, deepening the nation’s polarization. Instead of fostering dialogue and reconciliation, Lungu’s administration entrenched a climate of fear and mistrust.



The result was a deeply fractured Zambia. A nation once celebrated for its unity and peace became a shadow of its former self, with citizens divided along tribal, political, and economic lines. Lungu’s legacy is a stark reminder of how fragile national unity can be when leaders prioritize power over the well-being of their people.

Zambians must remember these lessons and ensure that such a chapter is never repeated.
(Dz)

No one can stop Lungu – Lubinda

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No one can stop Lungu – Lubinda

No one can stop Lungu – Lubinda

Given Lubinda, a staunch supporter of Edgar Lungu, has vowed that the former president will defy the odds and appear on the 2026 presidential ballot.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DAJPm7QwX/?mibextid=oFDknk

This comes despite the Constitutional Court’s judgment, delivered yesterday, which deemed Lungu ineligible to contest future elections.



Lungu himself has been emitting signals of defiance, proclaiming just days ago that he would feature on the 2026 ballot, regardless of the court’s decision.



Following the judgment, Lungu who has been picked  as Tonse Alliance presidential candidate for 2026 announced that he had set in motion his mysterious “Plan B,” designed to facilitate his return to State House.



Speaking at a press briefing after the Court verdict yesterday, Lubinda vowed that no one in the country will ever stop his boss from running for presidency in 2026.



He disclosed that as it stands, the PF party and Tonse Alliance will use what they described as the current confusion in the country to invest in mingalato after mingalato just to have Lungu claiming that he is the most feared political opponent of President Hakainde Hichilema.



The former Justice minister said Lungu did not even want to come back into politics but was forced by members to consider the decision.

He claimed that Lungu’s main aim of resurfacing is to ensure that the democracy is restored across the country.



“We are the ones who went to tell president Lungu that we want you on the ballot paper. When Lungu stands in 2026, he won’t come again in 2031, there are others in the alliance who can succced him and we shall succeed him but for the 2026 he is our man and no one will stop us,” said Lubinda.

“We are not in agreement with this judgement, we are still standing firm that ours is eligible. We can use our own mingalato there many options to bring Lungu back we will take advantage of the confusion in the country to do mingalato.”



He stated that the judgement has made the alliance stronger as it will now be easy for them to convince citizens that Lungu means well.

“We are fortified, come rain, come thunder, come sunshine, Edgar Lungu will be on the ballot paper,” he said.



Lubinda further claimed that inspector general of police Graphael Musamba has shrunk the democratic space in the country through the way police officers behave in public.

He said Musamba should reflect on his actions and work for Zambians.

By Catherine Pule

Kalemba, December 11, 2024

Govt has welcomed and will respect the decision on the eligibility case of Edgar  Lungu

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Govt has welcomed and will respect the decision on the eligibility case of Edgar  Lungu

HIGHLIGHTS: Government, through the Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, MP, has commented on the landmark decision by the Constitutional Court on the eligibility case of former President Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu.

Here are the highlights:

✅Government has welcomed and will respect the decision of the Constitutional Court.



✅Thanked citizens and all stakeholders in governance for their patient and calm, before, during and now after delivery of the historic and landmark Judgement.

✅Noted and took special recognition and appreciation of the judiciary, particularly the Constitutional Genre for rendering the Judgement with sobriety and simplicity for ease of understanding by the citizens.

✅Noted that the Judgement will bring clarity, certainty to Law, and promote the predictability of law.


✅Indicated that the judgement ends, a period of active speculation by many citizens and active arguments by lawyers.

✅Stressed that Mr. Lungu has not been banned or blocked from contesting elections in 2026 or beyond, he is rather ineligible, he does not qualify. The judgement is anchored on the law.

✅Further stressed that respect for the rule of law is a cornerstone for political, economic and national security.



✅Emphasised that President Hakainde Hichilema or any Government functionary has had no hand, whatsoever, in this Judgement contrary to speculations by some sections of society.

✅ Advised citizens to move from ‘the dark chapter’ of perceived manipulation of the law for political expedience as the judgment clearly shows that the law was undermined previously.



✅Indicated that the judgement will serve as a reminder to all who are given the privilege to occupy public offices, that the law remains what it is and it will hold all accountable, because it is supreme.

✅Stated that the judgment has also shown that everyone is equal before the law and that the judiciary itself has acquitted and made itself accountable to the law, to itself and to the citizens.



✅Advised the former president Mr. Edgar Lungu to take up and assume his right space and place as a statesman.

✅Urged all citizens to remain calm and optimistic that their country will continue to be governed with peace and order on the basis of the rule of law.

Outlines of the criminal trial of Pamela Gondwe: an unsolved crime 5 years later

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Outlines of the criminal trial of Pamela Gondwe: an unsolved crime 5 years later

Outlines of the criminal trial of Pamela Gondwe: an unsolved crime 5 years later



By Prof Munyonzwe Hamalengwa



This article was written five years ago. It still intrigues me as it remains unsolved.

The case of Pamela Gondwe, an employee of the Barclays Bank (now ABSA) branch at Longacres in Lusaka, who disappeared on June 10th, 2019 with US $400,000; Euros 22,000 and K250,000 unravels the complexities of the criminal mind and criminal law. To most people, what Pamela did was a pure criminal act of actus reus coincident with mens rea (guilty act and guilty mind). She is as guilty as sin. No explanation. No sympathy. She stole and she must be punished. End of story.



But is it that simple? There is a social media article which seems to highlight the complexity of Pamela’s criminal act and lends credence to the assumption that her act, whether you agree with it or not, is not that simple. Are they justifying that what she did was justifiable. No. They are simply stating that before you judge her, understand the background and context in which that theft occurred and make up your mind whether to be sympathetic to this criminal or to still condemn her. Pamela’s act in fact is the stuff of which criminal law is made. You tell your story and let the chips fall where they may. Criminal law has defences, excuses and justifications. Guilty can be rewarded with mitigations. Charges can be reduced. A straight forward conviction for murder could result in manslaughter and a person who was supposed to hang for murder can walk out of court convicted of manslaughter with time served or imprisonment for two days. Straight forward theft can result in acquittal through the complex defence of colour of right properly deployed. Or convicted as charged but walk out because of mitigating circumstances. Even a nolle prosequi would not be out of the ballpark in Zambia.



An MP charged with assaulting his wife, with evidence of his wife on social media looking battered was nolle prosequied on June 18th, 2019. GBM who was charged with going after the throat of the President, was acquitted of the offence shortly after rejoining the President’s party. We can only speculate what could have happened if he remained in the opposition and posed a major political threat. Should he have been charged in the first place? In Zambia and in many countries, criminal law and the party in power could be closely allied. That those in opposition continue to get acquitted is not evidence that criminal law is not politicised. This topic is for another day.


A famous American jurist named Oliver Wendell Holmes declared over a century ago that the life of the law has not been logic, but experience. It is logical that Pamela must be convicted, but human experience has not always delivered on logic, but has relied on experience. Individuals in Pamela’s situation have been acquitted or convicted but found that there were serious mitigating circumstances.

A political economist named Karl Marx once declared that property is theft, that if you examined the ownership of property in the budding capitalist economy of his day, and by extension to those who own property today, they acquired their now legitimate and legitimised property, through theft though they were never charged or convicted of the crime of theft. Primitive accumulation of capital including slavery and colonialism down to the modern patterns of land possession is evidenced by theft, supplemented by corruption in high places, state sanctioned usury through enabling laws whereby insurance companies and banks charge exorbitant interest rates for little or nothing or refuse to pay when a claim is made is a continuing pattern of theft.



What does all this have to do with Pamela Gondwe’s theft? Nothing or everything. Is this simply smoke and mirrors? Maybe. Did Pamela operate under the illusion that the money she was taking was not the property of the bank, that the bank stole the money from the public or that the bank did not deserve that money because of the way the money was acquired by the bank? Or did she steal the money as revenge or punishment because of the way the bank treated her over the years?

But let’s listen to that social media article that is circulating that tries to put in context the experiences of Pamela Gondwe that collaterally is a sympathetic defence of Pamela. They state that Pamela had worked for the bank for about 12 years but without any promotion over the years whatsoever despite her grand education, competence and knowledge of the banking industry. She applied for promotion numerous times only to be rejected but seeing some of her friends who opened their legs to the bosses get promoted. Pamela’s income was allegedly K8,000 which was reduced to about K5,000 if loans and taxes were taken into account. Pamela saw middle level and upper level management get housing allowances of K4,500 and bonuses of between K350,000 to K2,000,000 while if she was lucky, her bonus was merely K1,500.

Professor Harry Glasbeek of Osgoode Hall Law School taught me a criminal law course entitled, “Corporation as Criminal” and wrote a closely related book where he makes a compelling case that corporations engage in all types of criminal acts but without being charged and convicted. Criminal acts are compartmentalised in blue collar or white collar crimes. Corruption, a massive economic crime, which is committed by the rich is less zealously prosecuted. Construction companies engage in negligence leading to the death of hundreds of people per year but they are not charged or prosecuted. Glasbeek thinks banks and insurance companies and others engage in state sanctioned and tolerated criminal acts. Corporations are criminals. His take on the Pamela Gondwe case would be more nuanced than the majority of Zambians.

Famous late US prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi wrote a book entitled, “The Prosecution of George Bush for Murder” because of George Bush’s murder of innocent people in Iraq in an unprovoked war in 2002 and counting. Iraq remains in ruins. States and corporations do not get charged for the crimes they commit. Bugliosi would have a different nuanced approach and reaction to the Pamela Gondwe crime. Tu toque (why me alone and not them) may be his refrain when considering Pamela Gondwe.

The social media article in question goes on to state that Pamela wrote a resignation letter early this year, (2019) but management turned her down. The provenance of that social media article is obviously not known but it is there and this write-up is based on that social media article no matter what its bona fides are, which to me are believable, supplemented by my rumination about criminal law above.

The social media article goes on to say that Pamela’s facile theft is not uncommon in the banking industry but management is weary of publicising these thefts for fear of alarming the public who would stampede to withdraw their funds. But each bank is also susceptible to the same vissititudes. The banks also don’t publicise for fear of copycat actions by other employees. Will Pamela Gondwe have copycats? The banking industry is terrified.

There is more pure speculation. Did Pamela have inside help? If true, why did management reject her resignation letter? Did someone from management facilitate her theft and fleeing? Will that money be shared with someone in management? Who facilitated her using the VIP entry and exit at KK International Airport?

In criminal law, there can be a crime in which there is a principal and secondary aiders and abettors as well as joint enterprise offenders. Was Pamela a principal or merely a mule paid to ferret the loot out of the country? Or did Pamela commit a joint enterprise offence with some top management in the bank? If Pamela testified and laid it all out how she could not have pulled off this theft without some participation of top management, would you still look at her theft in the same light as you do now? Would everything still be the same? Would you still look at the banks in the same light of awe as you do now?

Right now, I am speculating a lot but if Pamela ever gets caught, we may be subjected to amazing facts that we cannot comprehend in advance. We may yet to know that facts and truth are more intriguing 

and alarming than fiction. And that is the beauty of criminal law.



The author teaches Criminal Law and Law of Evidence in Law School. He practised Criminal Law as defence counsel at the highest levels for 25 years. He is dean – School of Law at the Zambian Open University. Email: munyonzwe.hamalengwa@zaou.ac.zm

We love you comrade M’membe, but stop supporting military coups in Africa- Austin Mbozi

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We love you comrade M’membe, but stop supporting military coups in Africa- Austin Mbozi

We love you comrade M’membe, but stop supporting military coups in Africa



By Austin Mbozi



Maybe showing love to Socialist Party leader Dr Fred M’membe could sober him to stop supporting military coups in West Africa as shown in his recent video when he visited Burkina Faso’s military regime. 

M’membe is a national asset. We need his continued opposition/pressuring my UPND party to serve well. First, Burkina Faso’s military ruler Ibrahim Traore could still have democratically removed his so-called ‘puppet’ regimes, as did Senegal’s President Bossirou Diamaye Faye. Democratic Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Algeria, Morocco etc better of than Burkina Faso.



Second, M’membe is safer, and has a better chance of ruling Zambia, under a democracy. Military coup plotters can’t hand over power to him. They can ban parties, including his. Third, militaries/dictators won’t last. Fourth, military rulers will become corrupt. Traore won’t fight any corrupt military officer who protects him.

Fifth, supporting military rulers insults Africa. Putin’s disrespect for African collective bans on coups has embarrassed even his friends like South African President Cyril Ramaposa. Ramaposa cannot dare help ECOWAS to remove coup rulers because that entails fighting Putin.

 

Six, Ibrahim Traore is lying that the majority support him. The majority supporters of overthrown leaders are too afraid to voice out. Even the 1972 military Ugandan killer Idi Amin was celebrated!

Seven, those West African military rulers like Traore and Abdourahamane Tchiani of Niger are actually the puppets of Putin; their survival in military and food aid relies on him.  



Eight, it is a lie that France caused West African poverty. Most blacks are unproductive and consumption-oriented, surviving on monkey tricks.  This is why their ancestors were colonised in the first place. Walter Rodney in his book; ‘How Europe Underdeveloped Africa’ (1972, page 88) admits that African chiefs sold slaves just to buy red scarlets (‘katambala’). King Dingane promised land to the Piet Retief-led Afrikaners trekking into Zululand on condition that they help him re-grab ‘his’ cattle from King Sekonyela. After they did, he killed 185 Afrikaner men, wives and children. Understandably, Afrikaners overthrew him and took some territory.



King Lewanika invited the BSA Company in his kingdom, then tried to fight the white British administer Major T. Coryndon when he told him to stop keeping (fellow black) slaves. After independence, Westerners helped with $1 trillion.  But according to Dambisa Moyo’s book Dead Aid (2009) black Africans squandered it. Following pressures from philosophers like Thomas Pogge, Westerners are slowly reforming the ‘unjust global order’ which Kwame Nkrumah feared as neo-colonialism. The 2000 US Congress-approved AGOA which allows African imports. Still, we fail to produce. Westerners cancelled our debts under HIPC. But we elected new PF-like demagogues who ‘chewed’ our savings, borrowing again. Some Western leaders have apologised for past atrocities, and softened IMF conditionalities, allowing UPND’s free education and health, increase in CDF and postponing our debt repayments. Yet, Zambians are complaining that President HH is not using their taxes to buy them mealie meal!    

 

Nine, it is a lie that France forced its dominance on its former colonies. They chose France. In 1958, French President General Charles de Gaulle gave French colonies chance in a referendum to choose either to remain in a Federation with France or be totally independent. I use the word ‘remain’ because French colonial policy was ‘assimilado’, unlike British indirect rule through chiefs. All its colonies were mere provinces of France. Even a Black in colonial Africa enjoyed limited French citizenship. Once you earned full citizenship by ‘evolving’ via education and acculturalisation into French life, you lived and took up any job within French territories globally. The first Senegalese President Leopold Senghor lived in France, holding several government top posts in the French government, including serving as deputy of the National Assembly and Mayor of Thies. The first Ivory Coast President Felix Houphouet-Boigny was a minister of state. This is why some French speaking black African leaders were reluctant to fight for independence from France, and why France has many black soccer players. Niger, led by Hamani Diori, voted 88 per cent for De Gaulle’s Federation, rejecting anti-French advocate Djibo Bakary, like all other French colonies.



At the September 1970 Addis Ababa OAU meeting, President Diori supported French sale of arms to apartheid South Africa, preferring ‘dialogue’. President Diori and other French Africa’s military rulers relied on the French military. So, they voluntarily gave France the uranium mining contracts. In fact, African rulers also signed the $2.68 trillion FDIs with China Nuclear National Corporation and Petro-China for oil. Why are Putin’s puppet coup plotters also not chasing these Chinese?



Only Guinea under Sekou Toure voted against France with 95 per cent of the vote. When De Gaulle’s France withdrew, including pulling off telephone cables from walls, the cash-‘broke’ Guinea got a loan of 4.5 million Pounds from Nkrumah’s Ghana. So, France has every right to fight if Putin’s puppet gives French investments to Putin. 



Ten. Even African states whom Russia helped fight colonialism are not obliged to obey Putin. Foreign policy is shaped by what you will gain in future, not what nations did in the past. South Africa’s apartheid and Zimbabwe’s Rhodesia bombed Zambia. We are friends now because their current leaderships are our friends. The now EU friends Germany, France, Britain etc. fought bitter wars.  Zambia will befriend any country whose CURRENT and FUTURE ideals we share, not the PAST. So far, friendship with the West shows better promise. If military rulers provoke civil wars, West African people will seek Western aid, migrating to Western countries; not to Russia. Even comrade Fred M’membe used to run to the West when President Chiluba tormented him. And Westerners supported him with media awards. Now, let Dr M’membe  reply/debate this article.  



The author teaches good governance at the University of Zambia, with research interests in global justice. Phone: 0978-741920. Email: austin.mbozi2017@gmail.com

About Micheal Moono the lawyer who led & argued into court the  ECL eligibility case on behalf of the youth Michello Chizombwe- Mils Sampa

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About Micheal Moono the lawyer who led & argued into court the  ECL eligibility case on behalf of the youth Michello Chizombwe- Mils Sampa

*About Micheal Moono the lawyer who led & argued into court the  ECL eligibility case on behalf of the youth Michello Chizombwe*

Michael Moono had been the legal director at the LCC but found him transferred when I became the Mayor of Lusaka in 2018. He had petitioned the Local Government Commision to be retailed at LCC but even with my additional backing for him, there was no success.



He left Local Government thereafter and formed his law firm.  It would be 3 years later that I would encounter him again and that was inside the High Court. He was representing Tom Choclate Michello (now Ambassador in Ethiopia) the UPND 2021 losing candidate for Matero constiuency that had petitioned my victory as MP. Moono was rather animated in his submissions and would later be joined by Martha Mushipe on the plaintiff bench.



I was represented by Counsel Phillip Chibundi and briefly by Counsel Ann Mweetwa. We won the petition case both at the High court and later at the  Constitution court after they had appealed.



I was intrigued by Michael Moono’s braggadocio and comical actions during our case. In his American sounding accent, his demeanor was like playing a role in a Hollywood movie. At the time I wondered if he would ever win a case in his young solo career into Courts since he left LCC.



I got my answer yesterday when  advocate Micheal Moono scored a victory in the Constitution court over the ECL eligibility case. It does not seem like we have heard or seen the last of Michael Moono in this ECL eligibility case. Makebi Zulu who is the lead lawyer for has indicated that they will Apeal to the same ConCourt to re-look at yesterday’s verdict against ECL eligibility.



May the future hearings on this case be broadcast live for more reasons than one but more so that the public can get to hear and see what I mean on how comical Michael Moono can be as lawyer inside Courts. Niwa drama. lol

MBS11.12.2024

IT’S DELUSIONAL TO THINK THE COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING WITH EDGAR LUNGU

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IT’S DELUSIONAL TO THINK THE COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING WITH EDGAR LUNGU

IT’S DELUSIONAL TO THINK THE COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING WITH EDGAR LUNGU

By Mupishi Jones

It’s delusional to even imagine that Mr.Harry Kalaba,Mr.Sean Tembo,Mr. Emmanuel Mwamba,Mr.Fred M’membe and Mr.Brian Mundubile are grieving with Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu over his lost hope of ever becoming the President of Zambia again.



It is apodictic or clearly established and beyond dispute that the above mentioned people with  appetite to become the Republican President of Zambia knew that the Constitutional Court will rule against Edgar but continued putting up a facade which masked their private despair with the view that once that ConCourt bombshell is dropped, each one was hoping all the supporters of Edgar will shift allegiance their way!



Therefore, their support and association with Edgar was neither because they believed in Edgar’s capacity to effectively run this country nor that he will be eligible for the third term,but they were and are still after Edgar’s endorsement for his support base!



Mr.Kalaba is one of those that were looking forward to being the Presidential flag bearer under UKA.His only obstacle was Edgar.He joined UKA purely to exploit Edgar’s support base and not because he believed in Edgar.


Edgar’s exit from UKA to TONSE although paved the way for Kalaba to lead UKA, his primary strategy was that this watershed judgement should have found Edgar in However, the “little girls” in UKA spoiled the pudding.



This also extends to Mr M’membe.All those displays of solidarity to Edgar and his embattled family were aimed at soliciting for sympathy from Edgar’s support base.M’membe is a highly skillful strategist who analysed the eligibility case a long time ago and he knew that Edgar wasn’t eligible for future elections.He too, like a stalker, was after Edgar’s endorsement and subsequently gets his support base.



As for Emmanuel Mwamba,Brian Mundubile and Miles Sampa, these have been nursing presidential ambitions soon after the PF and Edgar Lungu lost the 2021 general elections.

They even spearheaded the preparations for the PF extra-ordinary convention to elect a flag bearer and went ahead and paid nomination fees of K200,000.00 each.



They knew for certainty,from that moment that Edgar wasn’t eligible for the next general elections of 2026.

These  trio  PF members were the frontrunner presidential aspiring candidates whose ambitions were at the time of Edgar’s retirement,being frustrated by covert manoeuvres of holding onto the PF’s presidency by Edgar even after publicly retiring from active politics.



Miles Sampa foresaw Edgar’s covert manoeuvres and swiftly ( before Emmanuel and Mundubile tabalasalapuka,pwaku!) pulled a carpet off Edgar’s feet through the 24 October 2023 PF convention at Mulungushi Conference centre and assumed the PF presidency.


Miles Sampa’s checkmate, prompted Edgar to quickly resurface and announce his return to active politics purporting to come back and salvage the PF from what he termed “selfish hired guns”. However,it was too late for Edgar to push Miles out.

Furthermore, Sampa’s checkmate seems to have jostled both Emmanuel and Mundubile’s presidential ambitions and scattered them in disarray.



However, what kept especially Emmanuel Mwamba moving was his firm belief that Edgar wasn’t going to be allowed by the law to contest the 2026 general elections.

There’s a Nigerian proverb which says that “When you want to know what lies ahead of the road you’re going, ask those who are coming back using the same road”.



Emmanuel knew that KK once used that same road of returning back to active politics.He was also aware that  FTJ his immediate Boss,had used that same third term road.


Emmanuel is an experienced person in matters of governance who couldn’t have failed to read that Edgar’s third term manoeuvres where a political road leading to nowhere and that it was just a matter of time.



Therefore his calculations was to temporarily side with Edgar in  demonizing and eventually eliminating Miles Sampa from the PF race. Mundubile wasn’t a political match for him whom he could tactically handle in due course.

One of Emmanuel’s strategy was to control the PF media and spearhead the propaganda pretending to be supporting Edgar in order for him to gain mileage amongst the Edgar Lungu’s support That’s a strategy which Sata used during FTJs third term bid.



Fast forward, just as they rightly predicted, the Concourt rules that Edgar Lungu is not eligible to contest in any future elections under the current constitution in Zambia.
Whilst celebrating within the walls of their bedrooms, outside they’d continue to pretend to moan with Edgar.



When Edgar Lungu said Plan B is being put in motion,all he means is that he’ll go full throttle in backing he’s preferred candidate both in terms of finances and Marshall his supporters towards his candidate.



In conclusion, the people that are genuinely in mourning with Edgar over the outcome of the ConCourt are Tasila, Dalitso,Tayali,JJ, Banda,Kaizer,Chilangwa, Kampyongo,Chitotela, Bowman and others who had put everything in Edgar Lungu bouncing back to power.

The rest of the pack new that sooner or later, the political road for Edgar’s comeback will be  permanently over before 2026,

I submit.

We dare not stop dreaming and fighting for Zambia to be our land of work and joy!- Azwell Banda

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We dare not stop dreaming and fighting for Zambia to be our land of work and joy!- Azwell Banda

We dare not stop dreaming and fighting for Zambia to be our land of work and joy!



By Azwell Banda,



Thinking about how best to wind down 2024, I have been going through some of the world’s most influential and historical documents, concerning human liberation, emancipation, freedoms and human rights.

I found the 1955 South African “Freedom Charter” and its demands most inspiring for this article. The Freedom Charter became the uniting and most inspiring document of Black and African people in South Africa who fought to end the abominable racist, capitalist, White Supremacist and colonial-apartheid regimes.

The Freedom Charter has 10 basic demands. These are:

The People Shall Govern!

All National Groups Shall have Equal Rights!

The People Shall Share in the Country’s Wealth.

The Land Shall be Shared Among those who Work It!

All Shall be Equal Before the Law!

All Shall Enjoy Equal Human Rights!

There Shall be Work and Security!

The Doors of Learning and Culture Shall be Opened!

There Shall be Houses, Security and Comfort!

There Shall be Peace and friendship!

Not surprisingly, I find these demands extremely useful for Zambia today. Zambia does not belong to the politicians who for the moment are mandated to govern us. For 60 years now we have lived under the toxic umbrella of tribalism and yet Zambia belongs, equally, to all of us, in all our 72-plus ethnicities of all races. All our politicians, including Kenneth Kaunda, altered and interfered with the system of government to subvert the will of Zambians, for themselves. Hakainde Hichilema is doing the same, with disastrous national consequences.

In the past 60 years, the majority of Zambians have been robbed of their birth right to development by our parasitic political elites who have sustained our neo-colonial economy and form of government which clearly are founded on colonial injustice and inequality. Zambia will never be developed, prosperous and free from hunger until we abolish our neo-colonial status by defeating imperialism and capitalism, and our neo-colonial elites who thrive on this status. Then, and only then, can all people in Zambia of all ethnicities enjoy equal opportunities and equal rights, as is their birth right.

For 60 years now, our national poverty and backwardness are testimony to the absence of true democracy in Zambia. “Democracy” is not voting to sustain humiliating material and cultural poverty and backwardness; it is eradication of these human made evils. Zambia is, at 60, ripe for a new and emancipatory economic and political system in which the will and socio-economic interests of the majority of Zambians shall rule. Zambia has, for the past 60 years been dominated by imperialism and capitalism, and its local parasites. We are ripe for revolutionary economic and political change which must lead to the birth of an economy and politics in which the interests of the mass of the people of Zambia dominate.

We have a political system in which the majority of Zambians are treated as voting cattle, and not free and equal citizens, by our neo-colonial economic and political elites. Today, our elites have lost all shame and lie freely and openly, are thoroughly corrupt, loot the state, plunder our natural resources and pawn our national wealth to foreign money recklessly, illegally and unconstitutionally. Those in the opposition spend their time lampooning those in government, while merely waiting for their turn to put their snouts in the national trough. They know they are at least guaranteed five full years of corruption, thievery and looting, when they are in government.

We can, and we must fight to make representative, elected government a true and functional part of our democracy. All our economic and political neo-colonial elites have collapsed and abandoned the basic principles and practices of representative and elective politics and government, through their gluttonous appetite for unearned wealth, rotten and unbridled corruption, misrule, illegal and unconstitutional governance. We must restore the power of the vote to Zambian citizens by fighting and winning the war for a truly sovereign and democratic Zambian peoples’ government.

Open, naked criminality and unconstitutional conduct is how they govern us, our neo-colonial economic and political elites. They parrot the “rule of law” and commit crimes freely and openly, when in government. They weaponise and deploy “tribalism”, a colonial inheritance, for their personal economic and political benefits. They have successfully divided the country into two parts: North East and South West, on “tribal” lines. Today, due to their unbridled corruption, tribalism and thirst for personal power, Zambia is poised for civil war or genocide. The UPND is the most undiluted, pure form of arrogant tribal, corrupt, criminal and unconstitutional rule Zambia has ever suffered, and mercifully it is the last. We can, and we must abolish the right to stand as a representative in any state body as a privilege for the rich and our neo-colonial parasitic elites, by destroying the neo-colonial capitalist economy which manufactures such divisions in our country. We must restore equality in access to state bodies and defeat the corruption our elites use to capture state bodies for themselves.

We must eliminate the alienation – frightened separation – the majority of Zambians suffer about the Zambian government. A genuine, decolonised Zambian peoples’ government free from capitalism and imperialism is the surest way to cure this alienation. In such a government, all Zambians shall freely and actively participate in their own governance. Women and youths in particular, shall be encouraged, among other means, through provision and access to free, quality, decolonised and patriarchy cleansed education and skills training.

Girls and boys shall be encouraged and brought up to appreciate the equal worth of every human being whatever their sex, gender, ethnicity, race, creed or any such attributes. Throughout the “birth-to-death” education these values shall be inculcated in all Zambians. Special privileges shall be abolished, including by making serving in government at all levels mere work functions no different from any average work occupation.

We must, as a matter of urgency, re-vision and invent a new justice system which is truly decolonised, genuinely free from partisan political interference and easy to access by all people in Zambia. The collapse of our current neo-colonial thoroughly corrupt justice system threatens to throw the country into a civil war and possible genocide. We should not underestimate the threat to our collective national security the capture of the judiciary by Hakainde Hichilema entails. 

A new system of justice, and educating, skilling and appointing judges throughout the justice system is long overdue. Our current system is long past its sell-by-date and thoroughly useless to provide justice and protect the state and our entire country from criminality and unconstitutional conduct, especially by our political elites in government. Legal education and legal services must be freed from money, to guarantee a genuine emancipatory, transparent, accountable, efficient, high quality, free and fair justice system. Our current over privatised legal and justice systems are havens of thieves, the corrupt, and unscrupulous lawyers and politicians. They must be done away with. It is a mockery of the word “justice” to call such a rotten and criminal system as such.

Zambian land, natural wealth, and all major means of producing wealth must be collectively and democratically owned, through the truly sovereign, decolonised Zambian people’s government. Only this way can Zambia rapidly grow and develop its productive forces to develop the country and wipe away mass unemployment, urban and rural poverty and the grotesque inequalities which are the perfect features of a neo-colonial state and society such as current Zambia is. Under the direction of the genuine democratic Zambian people’s government, every Zambian must have the right to utilise land for production, manufacture goods, freely trade and enter any profession of their choice.

Zambian land belongs to all the people of Zambia, and must be held for them by their state. Foreign ownership of Zambian land shall be abolished. Foreigners may lease land for limited times as determined by the state. The state shall have the duty and responsibility to help Zambians to productively use land, for whatever legitimate and meaningful purposes such allocated land may be put to use. Rural poverty will be abolished, among other things, by empowering rural folk to rapidly develop their land use methods, and agriculture. “Rural” must never be synonymous with “poverty”, in a genuinely decolonised and free Zambia.

Those Zambians who work the land for a living shall be encouraged to form state supported co-operatives and to rapidly raise their productivity. Scientific education on advanced land use, implements, capital goods for land use, fertilisers, seeds, dams, and many such things shall be made available for those Zambians working the land, especially for food production.

Highest quality, decolonised and emancipatory education and culture shall be free and open to all Zambians of all ages. No people can progress without these. For 60 years now, our education and culture have never truly been measured by how they relate to industry and agriculture. As a neo-colonial state, this disconnect between education and culture on one hand, and industry and agriculture on the other hand was necessary, inevitable and essential to keep us chained and permanently dependent on our imperial masters and their “donor community”. Nor was abolishing this disconnect in the best interests of our economic and political elites who are an excretion of, and parasitic on, our imperial masters and former colonisers. We must establish this connection to be free from neo-colonialism!

We can, and we must continue to dream and fight to make Zambia a land of justice, peace, work, joy, unity, comfort, and love for human and all life. But first, we must defeat our neo-colonial elites and their foreign masters whose historical mission it is to keep us chained to poverty and backwardness!



Send comments to: kalindawalo2010@gmail.com

THE JUDICIARY HAS CAST A DARK SHADOW ON OUR CONSTITUTIONAL DEMORACY  – DR. KALABA

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THE JUDICIARY HAS CAST A DARK SHADOW ON OUR CONSTITUTIONAL DEMORACY  – DR. KALABA

THE JUDICIARY HAS CAST A DARK SHADOW ON OUR CONSTITUTIONAL DEMORACY  – DR.KALABA

… says today’s ConCourt ruling is extremely sad for Zambia’s long cherished independence of the judiciary.

LUSAKA, TUESDAY, DECEMBER, 10,2024 [SMART EAGLES]

CITIZENS First President Dr. Harry Kalaba says the judiciary and the Constitutional Court in particular, have cast a very dark shadow on the country’s Constitutional democracy, the rule of law and jurisprudence following its decision to bar former President Edgar Lungu from contesting the 2026 and future elections.



Dr. Kalaba wonders how the same Court that ruled four times that President Edgar Lungu was eligible to contest the 2021 and future elections, has taken a very dangerous path and has regrettably backpedaled on its former rulings.



He said today’s ConCourt ruling is extremely sad for Zambia’s long cherished independence of the judiciary .

“I’m aware that all institutions of governance such as the Electoral Commission of Zambia, Registrar of Societies, National Assembly, the Police and indeed the judiciary itself, are working under a very heavy hand of this regime,” Dr. Kalaba said.



Dr. Kalaba adds that time has truly revealed the true colours of the UPND regime as a very repressive, intolerant, vindictive and despotic government who is suffocating these critical institutions of governance for his personal survival.



“Indeed the word of God is true when it says “you shall know them by their fruits.” Without any shadow of doubt, Zambians now know who this Government truly are and in the next 20 months, they have to go. With hindsight, it’s now very clear why Zambians rejected the UPND 5 times.  We were not just paying attention. They are a danger to our peace and democracy and should be retired in national interest.

” I would like to encourage all  law abiding citizens in the civil service that are being manipulated by this repressive regime to stand their ground and defend the constitution. Hichilema’s time is up! In August 2026, we will reset the nation and correct all the wrongs being perpetuated by this desperate and corrupt regime,” Dr. Kalaba said.

#SmartEagles2024.

French court convicted French-Cameroonian author for downplaying Rwandan genocide

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French court convicted French-Cameroonian author for downplaying Rwandan genocide

A court in France has found French-Cameroonian author Charles Onana guilty of downplaying the Rwandan genocide.

The 60-year-old writer was fined €8,400 ($8,900; £7,000) and Damien Serieyx, his publishing director from Éditions du Toucan, was ordered to pay €5,000. They are also required to pay €11,000 in compensation to human rights organisations that that filed the suit.

The Paris court ruled that Onana’s writings violated France’s laws prohibiting genocide denial and incitement to hatred, noting that France would “no longer be a haven for denialists”.

In just 100 days in 1994, about 800,000 people were killed in Rwanda by ethnic Hutu extremists.

They were targeting members of the minority Tutsi community, as well as their political opponents, irrespective of their ethnic origin.

In his book Rwanda, the Truth About Operation Turquoise – published in 2019 – Onana described the idea that the Hutu government had planned a genocide in Rwanda as “one of the biggest scams” of the last century.

Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe welcomed their conviction, posting on X that it was a “landmark decision”.

The court said that Onana’s book had “trivialised” and “contested” in “an outrageous manner” the genocide that occurred between April and July 1994.

That case against Onana and Serieyx was brought by the non-governmental organisation Survie and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) for “publicly contesting a crime against humanity”.

Critics have argued that the book distorts historical facts and downplays the atrocities that occurred during the genocide.

However Onana’s lawyer, Emmanuel Pire, told the AFP news agency in October that the book was “the work of a political scientist based on 10 years of research to understand the mechanisms of the genocide before, during and after”.

He insisted that Onana did not question that genocide took place, or that Tutsis were particularly targeted.

Prosecution lawyer Richard Gisagara called the court’s decision as “a victory for justice that protects genocide victims and survivors”.

He said it was the first time those denying the genocide had been punished in Europe.

Under French law, it is an offence to deny or “minimise” the fact of any genocide that is officially recognised by France.

Both Onana and his publisher have appealed against the verdict.

Jay-Z and Beyoncé unite on red carpet after rapper is accused of sexual assault

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Jay-Z and Beyoncé made a rare red carpet appearance at the Los Angeles premiere of “Mufasa: The Lion King” on Monday night alongside their daughter Blue Ivy Carter, a day after the rapper denied allegations he sexually assaulted a 13-year-old in 2000 with Sean “Diddy” Combs.

In videos posted on YouTube by E!News, the chart-topping rapper and singer cheered on their 12-year-old daughter, who stars in the movie, before posing for photos alongside her, as well as with Beyoncé’s mother Tina Knowles.

Blue Ivy voices Kiara, the daughter of Simba and Nala (voiced by Beyoncé), in the movie that is a prequel to “The Lion King,” telling the origin story of Mufasa.

The couple’s red carpet appearance came a day after allegations against Shawn Carter, the rapper and businessman known as Jay-Z, emerged when a woman who alleges she was also assaulted by Combs amended her lawsuit to include Carter.

The woman, who is identified as a Jane Doe, says she was 13 years old at the time she was allegedly assaulted by Combs and Carter at an after party following the Video Music Awards in 2000.

The woman alleges she began to feel woozy after consuming a drink at the party and wandered into a nearby bedroom. The woman alleges Carter raped her first, followed by Combs. The woman says she hit Combs and ran out of the party, according to the amended lawsuit.

In a statement addressed to CNN, Carter called the allegations “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?”

Carter is the first celebrity to be accused of sexual assault in connection to Combs, who was indicted in September on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and prostitution related charges. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and has denied all wrongdoing in roughly 30 civil lawsuits that have been filed against him.

On Monday, Carter’s attorneys filed a motion asking the judge to require Doe to reveal her identity or dismiss the lawsuit.

In his response sent to CNN on Sunday, which was addressed to Doe’s attorney Tony Buzbee, Carter called the mediation request a “blackmail attempt.” Carter also said this lawyer, “who I have done a bit of research on, seems to have a pattern of these type of theatrics!”

In a statement from Houston-based Buzbee, he wrote, “The pleading speaks for itself. This is a very serious matter that will be litigated in court.”

Carter added in his statement that his “only heartbreak” is for his family. “My wife and I will have to sit our children down, one of whom is at the age where her friends will surely see the press and ask questions about the nature of these claims, and explain the cruelty and greed of people. I mourn yet another loss of innocence. Children should not have to endure such at their young age,” he said.

CNN has also reached out to Jay-Z’s wife Beyoncé Knowles for comment.

Jay-Z and Beyoncé made a rare red carpet appearance.

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Manchester City will be the final club job in his managerial career

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Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Manchester City will be the final club job in his managerial career.

Guardiola has enjoyed eight-and-a-half years in charge of the club, leading City to six Premier League titles and numerous other trophies.

He recently penned a new deal until 2027 last month, which will take his time with the four-in-a-row Premier League champions past decade.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Spanish chef Dani Garcia, Guardiola provided a major update on his future and revealed he will not lead any other teams in the future once he leaves City.

‘I’m not going to manage another team,’ he said. ‘I’m not talking about the long-term future but what I’m not going to do is leave Man City, go to another country, and do the same thing as now.

‘I should stop, like these chefs that go to other countries, stop and see what we’ve done well and what we could do better and when you’re busy all day, day after day you don’t have time to do that.

‘I want to leave it and go and play golf but I can’t. I think stopping would do me good.’

Guardiola went on to open up to Garcia about his plans when he does eventually retire from coaching.

He said: ‘I’m still young and when I stop, there are several things I want to do.

‘One of them is to learn French, dedicate my free time to myself so I can play golf and then begin to learn how to cook simple things.’

Meanwhile, City dropped further points in the title race on Saturday when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Crystal Palace.

And the 53-year-old admitted he finds it tough to deal with when his side are struggling for positive results.

‘The starting point with coping with the problems of defeat would be being with people, your family basically,’ he said.

‘But no one can really console the loneliness of the football manager. You have people beside you but the bad decisions, why have I done that, it’s gone wrong because I did this, I didn’t push them enough….the pain of the defeat, you feel it alone.

‘You might have friends around you, but when you close that bedroom door and turn off the light there’s no consolation.

‘You have to let one or two days pass and then start again. Golf helps me. One of the best therapies I have is when the Augusta Masters or one of the major tournaments comes round from Thursday to Sunday and I prepare my matches at home or here in Tast (Guardiola’s Spanish restaurant in Manchester).

‘I look at our rival and the images I want to take but always with the golf on in the background.’

Jamie Foxx reveals he suffered a brain bleed and a stroke

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Jamie Foxx has opened up about the medical emergency he faced last year, revealing that he had a brain bleed that led to a stroke.

The Hollywood star detailed the struggles he had with his health last year in a Netflix special released on Tuesday titled: “Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was.”

“It is a mystery,” he said. “We still don’t know exactly what happened to me.”

“April 11, I was having a bad headache and I asked my boy for an aspirin. And I realized quickly that when you’re in a medical emergency, your boys don’t know what the f**k to do,” he said.

“Before I could get the aspirin I went out,” he said. “I don’t remember 20 days.”

Foxx thanked his sister, who he said was “4 foot 11 of nothing but pure love,” for driving him around Atlanta to find a hospital.

They ended up at Piedmont Hospital, where a doctor told them that Foxx was having a brain bleed that had led to a stroke and that he would die without an operation, the actor said.

After the operation, doctors said that Foxx might make a full recovery “but it’s going to be the worst year of his life,” Foxx recounted.

Foxx’s family kept him out of the public eye because he was “so dizzy” that his head would bob around and his daughter was concerned that people would turn him into an internet meme if they saw his condition, he said.

On May 4, he remembers waking up in a wheelchair and not being able to walk, and reacting in shock when his friend told him he’d had a stroke.

“Jamie Foxx don’t get strokes,” the actor remembered saying.

He was then flown to Chicago for rehab, where he says he was told to drop the “arrogant” act if he wanted to make a full recovery.

The actor was hospitalized in April 2023 after having a then-undisclosed health crisis while filming a Netflix film in Atlanta.

At the time of his hospitalization, his daughter Corinne Foxx said on social media that her father had suffered a “medical complication.”

In July 2023, Foxx posted an Instagram video update in which he addressed the speculation about what led to his hospitalization, although he did not reveal details of what happened.

“I know a lot of people were waiting or wanting to hear updates but to be honest with you, I just didn’t want you to see me like that, man,” he said in the video. “I want you to see me laughing, having a good time, partying, cracking a joke, doing a movie, or television show. I didn’t want you to see me with tubes running out of me and trying to figure out if I was gonna make it through.”

Foxx shared another health update on his verified social media in August 2023.

“You’re looking at a man who is thankful… finally startin’ to feel like myself…” he wrote at the time. “It’s been an unexpected dark journey… but I can see the light.”

UK could remove Syrian rebel group from terror list

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The UK government could remove Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham from the list of banned terrorist groups after the rebels led the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in Syria.

Cabinet minister Pat McFadden told the BBC the situation in the country was “very fluid” and if it stabilised any change in the ban would be a “relatively swift decision”.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) was proscribed as a terror organisation in the UK after being added as an alias of al-Qaeda in 2017.

McFadden confirmed the UK currently cannot have any communications with HTS.

The minister’s comments come after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the end of the rule of al-Assad, who was overthrown and reported to have fled to Russia.

HTS and allied rebel factions seized control of the Syrian capital Damascus on Sunday after years of civil war.

Under the Terrorism Act 2000, the home secretary may proscribe an organisation if they believe it commits or participates in, prepares for, promotes or encourages, or is otherwise concerned in terrorism, and if it is proportionate to do so.

It is a criminal offence to join a group on the list. It is also against the law to arrange a meeting if it is to support the activities of a proscribed organisation.

HTS’s leader Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, who has now started using his real name, Ahmed al-Sharaa, cut ties with al-Qaeda in 2016. He has recently pledged tolerance for different religious groups and communities.

When asked by BBC Radio 4 Today programme on Monday if a process to review HTS’s designation as a terror group was underway, McFadden said: “Yes, obviously that’s got to be considered. They’ve been proscribed for quite a long time now.”

“The leader of that group has distanced himself in a way from some of the things that have been said in the past.

“He is saying some of the right things about the protection of minorities, about respecting people’s rights. So we’ll look at that in the days to come.”

McFadden, chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said the government was not aware of what is going to happen in Syria.

“But obviously if the situation stabilises, there will be a decision to make about how to deal with whatever new regime is in place there,” he said.

“I think should be a relatively swift decision. So it’s something that will have to be considered quite quickly given the speed of the situation on the ground.”

“A lot will depend on whether their statements about the protection of minorities and citizens are backed up.”

McFadden also confirmed he was not aware the government had any line of communication through an intermediary with the HTS.

The prime minister’s official spokesman said it is “long-standing” government policy not to engage with proscribed organisations, but it keeps the banned list “under regular review”.

Former ex-head of MI6 Sir John Sawers told Sky News it would be “rather ridiculous” if the UK was unable to engage with HTS because of the ban.

Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said the Conservatives wanted to “put the Syrian people first” and called on the government to review the “security and defence implications as well as the terrorist risks” posed by the rebel groups.

McFadden confirmed there had been “no request” for al-Assad’s wife, Asma al-Assad, who holds a British passport, to come to the UK.

He added: “They’re in Russia. They’ve sought asylum there, refuge there, as far as I know. So, it’s not an issue that’s come up.”

Asma, a former investment banker who was born in London, met her husband in the English capital. She has been Syrian first lady since 2000, after al-Assad took over the presidency from his father Hafez, who had ruled since 1971.

Netanyahu takes the stand in his corruption trial for the first time

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Netanyahu takes the stand in his corruption trial for the first time

Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu took the witness stand for the first time on Tuesday in his long-running corruption trial to give testimony.

Netanyahu, 75, is Israel’s first sitting prime minister to be charged with a crime and is the country’s longest-serving leader, having been in power almost consecutively since 2009.

“I have been waiting for eight years for this moment to tell the truth,” Netanyahu told the three judges hearing the case. “But I am also a prime minister … I am leading the country through a seven-front war. And I think the two can be done in parallel.”

The court trial was moved from Jerusalem for undisclosed security reasons and convened in an underground courtroom, a 15-minute walk from the country’s defense headquarters.

Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 in three cases involving gifts from millionaire friends and for allegedly seeking regulatory favours for media tycoons in return for favourable coverage. He denies any wrongdoing.

Before Netanyahu took the stand, his lawyer Amit Hadad laid out for the judges what the defence maintains are fundamental flaws in the investigation.

The Prosecutors “weren’t investigating a crime, they were going after a person.” Hadad said.

Israel has been waging war in Gaza against the Palestinian militant group for more than a year, during which Netanyahu had been granted a delay for the start of his court appearances. But last Thursday, judges ruled that he must start testifying.

Charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust, Netanyahu will testify three times a week, the court said, despite the Gaza war.

In the run-up to his court date, Netanyahu revived familiar pre-war rhetoric against law enforcement, describing investigations against him as a witch hunt. He denies the charges and has pleaded not guilty.

“The real threat to democracy in Israel is not posed by the public’s elected representatives, but by some among the law enforcement authorities who refuse to accept the voters’ choice and are trying to carry out a coup with rabid political investigations that are unacceptable in any democracy,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

On Monday night’s press conference, Netanyahu said he had waited eight years to be able to tell his story and expressed outrage at the way witnesses had been treated during investigations.

Before the war, Netanyahu’s legal troubles bitterly divided Israelis and shook Israeli politics through five rounds of elections. His government’s bid last year to curb the powers of the judiciary further polarized Israelis.

The shock Hamas attack on Israel on October 2023, and the ensuing Gaza war put Netanyahu’s trial on hold.

In recent weeks, while fighting abated on one front after Israel reached a ceasefire with Hamas’ Lebanese ally Hezbollah, members of Netanyahu’s cabinet, including his justice and police ministers, have clashed with the judiciary.

In the corridors of power since 2009, Netanyahu is Israel’s longest-serving leader and its first sitting prime minister to be charged with a crime.

His domestic legal woes tripled last month when the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for him and his former defense chief Yoav Gallant along with a Hamas leader, for alleged war crimes in the Gaza conflict.

UN warns Israel to stop strikes on Syria 

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Geir O. Pedersen, the United Nations special envoy for Syria, has called on Israel to stop striking the country as it finds its feet after 50 years of Assad rule.

Rebel forces swept into the capital of Damascus on Sunday, ousting President Bashar al-Assad and taking control of the country.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said he had ordered the military to “take control” of the buffer zone that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from the rest of Syria.

On Monday, Israel said it struck Syria’s chemical weapons capabilities. It has also moved its troops into the buffer zone that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from the rest of Syria and ordered the creation of a “security zone” further inside Syrian territory.

UN warns Israel to stop strikes on Syria as Middle Eastern nations accuse Israel of exploiting Syria?s instability to execute a new land grab

The UN has confirmed that Israeli troops have entered the buffer zone and have been moving within that area, where they remain in at least three locations, according to the UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.

The UN’s Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) told Israel its presence in the Syrian buffer zone would violate the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement with Syria, Dujarric said Monday.

Speaking at the United Nations in Geneva on Tuesday, Pedersen said “We are continuing to see Israeli movements and bombardments into Syrian territory. This needs to stop. This is extremely important.”

Also, Middle Eastern nations including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Qatar have condemned Israel’s seizure of the buffer zone that separates the occupied Golan Heights from the rest of Syria and accused it of taking advantage of the situation to take more land.

The moves “confirm Israel’s continued violation of the principles of international law and its determination to sabotage Syria’s chances of restoring its security, stability and territorial integrity,” the Saudi foreign ministry said in a statement.

The Arab League accused Israel of “taking advantage of the developments in the internal situation in Syria” while Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi called it an “unacceptable escalation and an attack on the sovereignty of an Arab state.”

Qatar’s foreign ministry called the move “a serious escalation” and said Israel was “imposing realities” through land seizures, and Egypt’s foreign ministry said Israel’s actions “impose a new reality on the ground that contravenes international law.”

“Israel’s actions… constitute an exploitation of the state of fluidity and vacuum in Syria to occupy more Syrian territories,” the Egyptian foreign ministry said.

I accept this verdict…now  I declare that Plan B has been set in motion – Edgar Lungu

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I accept this verdict…now  I declare that Plan B has been set in motion – Edgar Lungu

MY RESPONSE TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT JUDGEMENT TODAY

Ladies and gentlemen of our beloved nation, esteemed members of the press, fellow patriots, and all who hold dear the principles of justice and constitutional democracy:

We find ourselves at a critical juncture in our nation’s history, a moment marked by deep reflection and, I dare say, a profound sense of our common identity and destiny. The verdict rendered today was expected. For months, the hands of political manipulation have, with undeniable force, steered us toward a conclusion foreseen not by the merits of reasoned argument or constitutional fidelity but by the weight of orchestrated design and political machinations. We kept on monitoring this!

To understand the gravity of this moment, we must revisit the sequence of events that brought us here. It began with a petition that sought to exclude me from the political arena—not through the natural verdict of the people on the ballot paper, but by the calculated intervention of political forces sponsored by political players. It unfolded with the reshaping of our Constitutional Court, the displacement of arbiters of justice, and the narrowing of judicial voices to fit a predetermined script.

Yes, specific judges were expelled in order to retain specific judges specifically for today’s judgment! We saw decisions cloaked in procedural justifications concocted by that same unmistakable hand of expediency. Judges were removed, some silenced, others promoted, and the very architecture of our judiciary reshaped to align with partisan imperatives. Of course, we all witnessed calculated judicial reshuffles by politicians for their plane to land here today.

And so, you have heard for yourselves, the verdict has been issued, declaring that my eligibility to stand in the 2026 elections is nullified by the weight of the court’s decision. I accept this verdict. I accept it not with resignation but with resolve. This is because this verdict transcends the fate of Edgar Chagwa Lungu. It speaks to the erosion of judicial independence, the weakening of our democratic foundations, and the weaponisation of our institutions for short-term gain.

But, my fellow countrymen and women, know this: from this blatant manipulation and disenfranchisement, a new resolve is born. Democracy, my fellow citizens, is not merely a system of governance but the lifeblood of our national identity. And therefore today, I declare that Plan B has been set in motion and Plan B shall legally fight to defeat and win for Zambians. Trust me, I in the spirit of democracy and Zambians shall win in and with Plan B!

This is not a retreat. It is not surrender. It is a recalibration of our efforts towards the sacred task of strengthening our democratic path. Plan B is rooted in the principle that democracy must prevail as a reality for every citizen of this land. Plan B is based on the enduring ideal that power must always reside with the people. Plan B will prove that no machination can extinguish the power of the Zambian people and that institutions must serve the public, not the ambitions of a few.

Let me assure you, I am filled not with bitterness but with renewed determination, political hope and faith that democracy, not court politics shall certainly win in 2026 without any doubt. We must show the world that Zambia’s democracy cannot be extinguished by a manipulated verdict. Zambians shall win and celebrate very soon, not few ruling elites through their proxies!

To those who believe they have triumphed today, I say this: history is a patient judge. The true verdict will be rendered not in the chambers of a court but in the hearts of the people of Zambia, and the annals of time.

My fellow Zambians, let us walk forward together with dignity and resolve. Let us prove that our democracy, though tested in this moment, will emerge stronger.

Today, Plan B goes into motion and democracy will prevail as well as win! Thank you, and may God bless our beloved Zambia.

Edgar Changwa Lungu
Sixth President of Zambia
PF President and Tonse Alliance 2026 Presidential Candidate

EDGAR LUNGU TO GO BACK TO CONCOURT AS HE IS ELGIBLE TO STAND IN 2026- Raphael Nakacinda

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EDGAR LUNGU TO GO BACK TO CONCOURT AS HE IS ELGIBLE TO STAND IN 2026- Raphael Nakacinda



CONCOURT HAS GROSSLY MISLED ITSELF, EDGAR LUNGU TO GO BACK TO CONCOURT

…If Edgar Lungu was eligible to participate in the 2021 presidential elections, as ruled by the Court, he is eligible to stand in 2026…

Lusaka-Tuesday, 10th December 2024

Former President Edgar Lungu is filing a fresh petition to the Constitution Court to challenge its ruling delivered on 10th December 2024 that he is not eligible to participate in the 2026 general elections.

President Lungu has directed his lawyers, Makebi Zulu Advocates and Ellis & Company, to pursue the challenge as the Constitutional Court grossly misdirected itself.

He has stated that having expunged the prayer to declare the Legal Resources Foundation matter that has made the court to  rule on matters that were no longer part of the record and proceedings.



Based on one above, President Lungu has been denied an opportunity to effectively be heard on the issue to declare the Constitutional Court earlier judgments to be overturned.

It is important to determine the fact that rendered him eligible to stand in 2021.

President Lungu holds the view that the Court did not state any special circumstances necessitating the departure from the courts position on the Legal Resources Foundation case.

He has also stated that the dissenting judgment in the Legal Resources Foundation which this court has effectively adopted was part of the decision of the court and raised  no issue that can be said to have been held unresolved.

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.

He has stated that whereas the court justified his participation in the 12th August 2021 election to have been based on an error on the part of the court, the court did not pronounce itself on the legality of the said election.

The Court was expected to nullify such an election.

The Court overturned its earlier judgements, stating that they were wrong judgments of the court but failed to determine the eligibility of such an election.

We have expressed deep concerns regarding the independence and autonomy of the Judiciary and has shown by the events leading to this matter and its eventual judgment, the status of the Judiciaryrwmains our primary concerns.

Ii 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.

Issued by;
Hon. Raphael Nakacinda
SECRETARY GENERAL
PATRIOTIC FRONT

HH ultimately beat ECL in court mingalato in this matter- Laura Miti

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HH ultimately beat ECL in court mingalato in this matter- Laura Miti

Laura Miti writes

Here is my belief on the EL eligibility cases which, I must state, I cannot prove.

I am of the view that both the major cases, as brought by Pule and Chizombe, had deep political motivations. At minimum, salient influences of the EL and HH presidences were catalytic in the decisions to initiate the matters.

Let me just say that  I don’t have the Abrahamic faith required to believe that either Pule or Chizombe just woke up one day and, as interested and active citizens, decided to go to court to find out if President Lungu had served one or two terms.



That said, here is the difference see between the two petitioners.

Simply, looking at the technical and professional approach to the case, one was superficial maybe even while the other was meticulous. Pule approached the case leisurely while Chizombe did his homework.

The Pule Judgement failed to completely settle the matter which Pule (and I am suggesting EL) wanted determined – that President Lungu had served only one term and that the 2016 constitutional amendment provisions on terms was retrospective. On this matter, the EL administration itself neglected (rightly, if to their disadvantage) to uncategorically make the 2016 changes retrospective.

Chizombe, on the other hand, crossed all his Ts and dotted his Is. In his arguments on each substantive question, he anticipated every question and directed the court how to think.

Interestingly, even in this latter case, the EL response to the issues raised by the Petitioner  was rather cursory. Completely reliant on quoting books and cases, without developing a nuanced argument. Even the court termed their arguments skeletal.

In simple terms then, HH ultimately beat EL in court mingalato in this matter.

About the court, I will say this. In one of very rare times, I was impressed with the clear articulation of this judgement. The setting out of the thinking of multiple courts of final jurisdiction across the world, on the various questions, was solidly done.

One might politically disagree with the judgement, but cannot technically or substantially fault its articulated thinking.

That’s how it should be. Readers of judgements should be able to chew on meat and agree or disagree on substance!

IN-FIGHTING AND GREED HAS TAKEN OVER THE UPND-KALANI MUCHIMA

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IN-FIGHTING AND GREED HAS TAKEN OVER THE UPND-KALANI MUCHIMA

IN-FIGHTING AND GREED HAS TAKEN OVER THE UPND-KALANI MUCHIMA

Kalani muchima writes;

The biggest problems I have in UPND right now are FIGHTS. Everyone is fighting some1.

GREEDINESS.some people have become too greedy such that its only them, not others.

UPND has the human resource to do the job but you will find that in most cases that human resources have been misplaced interms of placement. In government, what works are channels.

Whatever you try to do, they will ask you to follow the channel, and by the time you are exhausting the channel, your idea could have been overtaken by events.

The biggest issue currently also is that when people where fighting, issues of degrees where not there but now with the UPND in power, DEGREES have become everything hence what we are seeing today that those who carry the vision of the PRESIDENT and UPND are nowhere near because they have been knocked out on the degree aspect.I once sat with one of the PS’s and this PS tells me that he/she never knew PRESIDENT HH neither did they ever meet until the day that person was being sworn in as PS.

My heart sunk, hearing those words. I asked myself what such a person can do to help this government.you see at ZANIS, I sit at the tail end of the structure, so how do you expect to see results from me? coupled with that, I am ever being fought by some incompetent cowards somewhere.

Do you people even know that I have not stepped foot in state house for official duties in the last 7 months now? The last time I was there was when President Felipe Nyusi of Mozambique came to Zambia. Since then, I have never been there as am labelled to be a security risk.

One day, one of the officials called me there for something but was marooned at the entrance for 2 hours without clearance and when that clearance came the officers made it clear that we have been advised that you leave your phone. I just turned back and left. Locally or internationally, I can’t remember the last time I was ever assigned to cover the president.

Am now a total stranger to the people I worked with. Am now an enemy.

Having said that, I don’t think the solution lies in bringing back old guys coz the material is already there, but we are not managing it properly.

If Edward Makayi is useful in one area, bring him on board and fit him somewhere but today the people you worked with in the opposition are the ones calling your so called bosses to fix you and not assign you on any assignments concerning the President so what do you expect from us?

2026 should have been the easiest election ever to WIN but the UPND has mismanaged the PF for giving them too much space.

Most of them ran away but because of the same church politics you have shown them, they are back. PF now seems to be driving the agenda in everything. In media, they are setting the agenda and we have to follow suit. Give me power, authority and independence and see if I will fail to manage the PF.  I managed them when they had power themselves what more now

LUIGI MANGIONE CHARGED WITH MURDERING HEALTHCARE CEO IN NEW YORK

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LUIGI MANGIONE CHARGED WITH MURDERING HEALTHCARE CEO IN NEW YORK

LUIGI MANGIONE CHARGED WITH MURDERING HEALTHCARE CEO IN NEW YORK

A 26-year-old man has been charged with murder over last week’s fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City.

Luigi Mangione was taken into custody at a McDonald’s in the town of Altoona, Pennsylvania, about 280 miles (450km) west of New York City on Monday after a customer at the fast-food outlet recognised him.

An Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland family, he was found in possession of a gun and a handwritten document that indicated “motivation and mindset”, according to police.

Mr Mangione then appeared in a Pennsylvania court to be arraigned on five initial counts and was denied bail.

Just hours later, New York investigators charged Mr Mangione with murder and four other counts including firearms charges.

Mr Thompson, 50, was fatally shot in the back last Wednesday morning outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan where UnitedHealthcare, the medical insurance giant he led, was holding an investors’ meeting.

Police say he was targeted in a pre-planned killing.

Mr Mangione is in jail in Pennsylvania, where he was formally charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police.

He was handcuffed at the wrists and ankles when he appeared in court there earlier on Monday.

Wearing jeans and a dark blue jersey, Mr Mangione seemed calm during the hearing, occasionally looking around at those present, including the media.

Last week’s shooting triggered a huge manhunt, with New York City investigators using one of the world’s largest digital surveillance systems as well as police dogs, drones and divers in a Central Park lake to search for the attacker.

Investigators revealed that finding Mr Mangione was a complete surprise, as they did not have his name on a list of suspects before Monday.

It was ultimately a McDonald’s customer in Altoona that recognised the suspect from media coverage and alerted an employee, who then tipped off the police.

When police arrived, Mr Mangione showed them a fake New Jersey driver’s licence with the name Mark Rosario, said court papers.

He “became quiet and started to shake” when an officer asked if he had been to New York recently, the criminal complaint adds.

When he was told he would be arrested if he lied about his name, he gave his real name, according to the court papers.

Asked why he lied, he told officers that “I clearly shouldn’t have”.

A search of his backpack uncovered what police called a “ghost gun” – which could have been 3D-printed – and a loaded magazine with six rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Prosecutors said he was also carrying a US passport and $10,000 cash, $2,000 of it in foreign currency, though Mr Mangione disputed the amount in court. (BBC News)

Lungu says there will be chaos if judges disqualify him

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Lungu says there will be chaos if judges disqualify him

THERE ARE PEOPLE FROM OUTSIDE AFRICA THAT WANT REGIME CHANGE – ECL IN 2017 THAT ZAMBIANS NEVER PAID ATTENTION TO

Lungu says there will be chaos if judges disqualify him for 2021
By Mukosha Funga Njenga,
2nd November 2017

President Edgar Lungu has warned Constitutional Court judges that if they emulate Kenyans and disqualify him from standing again in 2021, they will plunge Zambia into chaos.

And President Lungu says he will not allow regime change in Zambia, which he said was being instigated by foreigners.



Speaking in Solwezi today, President Lungu told Zambian judges “to be forewarned is to be forearmed”.

“To my colleagues in the Judiciary, my message is just do your work, interpret the law without fear or favour and look at the best interest of this country. Don’t become a copycat and think that you are a hero if you plunge this country into chaos. Those people who don’t like peace and freedom will say ‘President Lungu is intimidating the courts of law’, I am not intimidating the judiciary, I am just warning you because I have information that some of you want to be adventurous, your adventure should not plunge us into chaos please!” President Lungu exclaimed.

“In English there is a saying, to be forewarned is to be forearmed. We don’t want to plunge this country into chaos because we are trying to imitate what’s happening elsewhere. We are a beckon of peace and freedom, let us keep it that way. I was on the ballot paper as candidate and I assured that I would protect Zambia and that I will do.”

He warned against emulating Kenyan judges saying they did not care about the will of the people.

“Yes, I want to make it very clear. People are saying Zambian courts should emulate Kenyan courts and I want to be very sincere on this one, people are saying Zambian courts should be brave and make decisions which are in the interest of the people but look at what’s happening in Kenya now. I am saying the courts of law in Zambia should also see what’s happening, they should not behave like they are not part of our African continent. The most important thing I can say now is, 2021, I am available to stand if my party chooses me,” President Lungu said.

“But to my friends in the court system, I say don’t plunge us into chaos by imitating or emulating Kenya or any other court system for that matter which does not care for the interests of the people. I am saying this in front of you people because there are cameras in front of me, there are some Zambians who are writing this story, recording, because I have heard some judges say ‘why don’t we emulate the Kenyan courts? They are very brave’ I don’t think that is right. We should preserve peace, we should listen to the voice of the people, we should listen to the will of the people in the Constitution. Whether I am eligible to stand or not in 2021 should not be dependant on the case in Kenya.”

And President Lungu said there were some people within an outside Africa who wanted a regime change.

“I am saying this because the backdrop of what I said the other day in Lusaka, I said there are people outside Africa and others within Africa who want to bring confusion in Africa, they started with South Africa, Zambia and Kenya, I said it, I said look out, and I think the vice-president of Kenya was present when I spoke. There are people who just want regime change because they want to take over from us as managers…that I will not allow,” he said.

“Right now, there is a matter in court which is subjudice but they are saying I have already done two terms and I shouldn’t contest in 2021 but how many people have done five terms in their political parties and still continue?”

He wondered why he could not go for another term when there were some politicians who had stood, lost five times but would still contest in 2021.

“If people who have been standing for elections from 2001 can continue up to now, but me they are saying I cannot stand again because I have done two terms, now we ask ourselves, let us be fair to each other,” President Lungu said.

COURTESY: NEWS DIGGERS NEWSPAPER

WHATEVER THE OUTCOME ON 10th DECEMBER WE STAND WITH OUR PRESIDENT DR EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU- PF

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WHATEVER THE OUTCOME ON 10th DECEMBER WE STAND WITH OUR PRESIDENT DR EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU- PF

WHATEVER THE OUTCOME ON 10th DECEMBER WE STAND WITH OUR PRESIDENT DR EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU.

*Broadcasting ECL’s eligibility case is a way of manipulating Zambians and making them lose hope in him but you have God to deal with because he will fight all his battles and a new page of honour and favour for ECL  has just began.*

*09/12/2024*

The Patriotic Front Central Province Executive led by the Provincial Chairperson MCC Billy Sichamba has encouraged President Dr ECL to remain strong and focused ahead of 10th December judgement.



MCC Sichamba employs party membership in the province that regardless of the unfair treatment that President Lungu has so far been subjected to by the government, to an extent of denying his party leaders and other sympathisers to escort him to court, the party in the province remains strong with support for party President.

The motives by the authorities opting to broadcast court proceedings live on ZNBC is a clear indication that they want to embarrass our President and also to manipulate the minds of Zambians.

The party general membership in the province is very sad in a manner which this case has taken twists with its highly publicised judgment to be aired on national broadcaster.

We feel that the purpose of this action is to ensure that they erase hope in the face of Zambians, but God will use that to favour our President, the same way he did to Haman and Mordecai in the book of Esther 4.

We will join our brothers and sisters in prayer knowing that our God answers prayer. He uses every situation to show that he himself is God. He allowed Joseph to be betrayed by his own brothers and little did they know they were leading him to his destiny.

We are remaining faithful in God knowing that he will never leave us nor forsake us. We have hope and our mind cannot be easily manipulated, together we shall triumph.

Signed: *Central Province Patriotic Front WIPS Adora Alinedi Phiri*

ZAMBIA ADMITTED AS THE FIFTY SIXTH MEMBER OF THE ORGANIZATION FOR ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD) DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

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ZAMBIA ADMITTED AS THE FIFTY SIXTH MEMBER OF THE ORGANIZATION FOR ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD) DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

ZAMBIA ADMITTED AS THE FIFTY SIXTH MEMBER OF THE ORGANIZATION FOR ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD) DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

Paris, Tuesday 10th December, 2024

Zambia has officially joined the OECD Development Centre as its  fifty-sixth (56th) member and 12th African country  at a Welcoming Ceremony held  yesterday during the 9th High-Level Meeting of the Centre’s Governing Board in Paris, France.

The Zambian delegation is led by Honourable Minister of Tourism, Mr. Rodney Sikumba, MP who was accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Finance and National Planning and Zambia’s Ambassador to France, H. E. Ms. Judith Mulenga.

The OECD Development Centre comprises 55 members. Among these, 27 are OECD members and 28 are Developing or Emerging economies. Notably, 12 of these members are African countries. The Centre works to help Developing and Emerging economies to develop and implement policies to drive sustainable growth, reduce poverty and inequalities, and improve people’s lives. Countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America participate as full members in the Centre, where they interact on an equal footing with OECD members. 

Zambia’s aspiration to the OECD membership commenced on 5th December 2024, through correspondence endorsed by the Honourable Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, MP, in which a formal acceptance and affirmation of Zambia’s membership to the OECD Development Centre and its Governing Board was communicated.

Honourable Rodney Sikumba, MP delivered an acceptance speech before the OECD Governing Board and in his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Tourism, delivered a message on behalf of the Country highlighting that:

“Zambia’s membership to the OECD Development Centre was a significant milestone for the people of the Republic of Zambia. Government, is cognizant of the contributions OECD Development Centre has made towards public policy calibration and reform programmes, to support sustainable growth that reduces poverty and inequalities in developing and emerging economies.

He indicated that the OECD Development Centre’s support to members had been vast and extended in different areas of policy formulation, including inequality, industrialisation, resource mobilisation, and green development. These areas of technical support in policy review were critical to help emerging and developing economies such as Zambia, make notable strides in their quest to achieve a judicious green transition.

He reiterated that the country’s expectation was that the engagement with OECD members, will assist the country to design better policies, enhance learning partnerships to intensify the implementation of reforms, that can assist Zambia to deliver tangible economic progress at optimal cost, while achieving greater impact in coordination with the OECD and its members.“

The welcome ceremony was attended by the President of Paraguay, H. E. Mr. Santiago Peña Palacios, Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Amor Mottley, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain, Ambassador Amélie De Montchalin, Permanent Representative of France  to OECD and chair of the OECD Development Centre governing board, Secretary General of OECD Mr. Mathias Corman as well as various Ambassadors and Ministers, among others.

Issued by:

The Embassy of the Republic of Zambia, France

South Africa Ranks LAST Globally in Mathematics & Science Despite Having Older Students

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South Africa Ranks Last in Global Mathematics and Science Despite Older Students
South African students have finished last in the world in mathematics and science, according to the 2023 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). The results are especially sobering because South Africa entered older students—grade 5 learners for the fourth-grade assessment and grade 9 learners for the eighth-grade assessment—to match international standards. Despite this adjustment, South African students still fell significantly behind.

TIMSS, the most extensive global study on education trends, assessed learners in 59 countries. South Africa’s average scores of 362 in mathematics and 308 in science were the lowest of all participants. The international averages were 503 for mathematics and 494 for science.

Singapore led both categories, scoring 615 in mathematics and 607 in science. South Africa’s averages of 362 in mathematics and 308 in science were the lowest among the 59 participating countries.

Department of Education Reacts
Dr Reginah Mhaule, Deputy Minister of Basic Education, expressed deep concern over the results during a press briefing.

“The TIMSS results are disappointing, but they reflect the realities of our education system. While there are pockets of progress, the overall outcomes show that foundational literacy and numeracy are areas where we must urgently focus our efforts.”

Dr Mhaule highlighted that the government has already initiated interventions to address the deficiencies.

“We have been rolling out structured lesson plans, early-grade reading programmes, and teacher training. These are long-term strategies that we believe will yield results over time.”

Mark Chetty, the Department of Basic Education’s Director for National Assessments, elaborated on the significance of the study.

“TIMSS is a diagnostic tool that allows us to see where we stand globally, but more importantly, it helps us identify gaps and areas that need intervention,” he said.


Older Learners Struggled to Keep Up
Despite entering older students in the assessment to align with international standards, South Africa’s scores were still well below the next-lowest performers, Kuwait, which scored 382 in mathematics and 373 in science.

Dr Mhaule acknowledged this disparity and attributed it to systemic issues.

“The decision to assess older students was not about making excuses. It was about ensuring fairness in curriculum alignment. However, it is clear that we need a more fundamental overhaul of how we teach mathematics and science,” she said.

The department acknowledged that persistent inequalities in resource allocation, overcrowded classrooms, and limited access to quality teaching materials are key contributors to the poor outcomes.

“Rural and disadvantaged schools face the brunt of these challenges,” added Chetty. “Without targeted interventions in these areas, the gap will only widen.”

premier
Challenges Beyond the Curriculum
Educational experts have pointed out that South Africa’s challenges are not limited to curriculum alignment.

Many cited socio-economic factors, such as poverty, malnutrition, and a lack of parental involvement, as significant barriers to student performance.

“We need to address the broader ecosystem that impacts learning,” said Dr Mhaule. “From improving teacher support to ensuring learners have access to nutritious meals, these are the areas where our focus should lie.”

She emphasised that the TIMSS results were not an indictment of learners or teachers but rather a call to action. “This is an opportunity for us to recommit to the vision of an equitable and high-quality education system.”


TIMSS 2023 Full Rankings

Mathematics (Grade 4 Equivalent)

  1. Singapore – 615
  2. Chinese Taipei – 607
  3. Korea, Republic of – 594
  4. Hong Kong SAR – 594
  5. Japan – 591
  6. Macao SAR – 582
  7. Lithuania – 561
  8. Türkiye – 553
  9. England – 552
  10. Poland – 546
  11. Ireland – 546
  12. Romania – 542
  13. Netherlands – 537
  14. Latvia – 534
  15. Norway – 531
  16. Czech Republic – 530
  17. Sweden – 530
  18. Bulgaria – 530
  19. Finland – 529
  20. Australia – 525
  21. Germany – 524
  22. Denmark – 524
  23. Serbia – 523
  24. Belgium (Flemish) – 521
  25. Hungary – 520
  26. Portugal – 517
  27. United States – 517
  28. Cyprus – 516
  29. Slovak Republic – 515
  30. Slovenia – 514
  31. Italy – 513
  32. Armenia – 513
  33. Albania – 512
  34. Canada – 504
  35. Spain – 498
  36. United Arab Emirates – 498
  37. Georgia – 498
  38. Azerbaijan – 494
  39. New Zealand – 490
  40. Belgium (French) – 489
  41. Kazakhstan – 487
  42. France – 484
  43. Montenegro – 477
  44. North Macedonia – 474
  45. Qatar – 464
  46. Bahrain – 462
  47. Kosovo – 451
  48. Bosnia & Herzegovina – 447
  49. Chile – 444
  50. Uzbekistan – 443
  51. Jordan – 427
  52. Oman – 421
  53. Iran, Islamic Republic of – 420
  54. Saudi Arabia – 420
  55. Brazil – 400
  56. Morocco – 393
  57. Kuwait – 382
  58. South Africa – 362

Science (Grade 4 Equivalent)

  1. Singapore – 607
  2. Korea, Republic of – 583
  3. Chinese Taipei – 573
  4. Türkiye – 570
  5. England – 556
  6. Japan – 555
  7. Poland – 550
  8. Australia – 550
  9. Hong Kong SAR – 545
  10. Finland – 542
  11. Lithuania – 537
  12. Macao SAR – 536
  13. Sweden – 533
  14. United States – 532
  15. Ireland – 532
  16. Norway – 530
  17. Bulgaria – 530
  18. Romania – 526
  19. Czech Republic – 526
  20. Slovenia – 526
  21. Latvia – 526
  22. Hungary – 524
  23. Denmark – 522
  24. Canada – 521
  25. Slovak Republic – 521
  26. New Zealand – 517
  27. Netherlands – 517
  28. Germany – 515
  29. Portugal – 511
  30. Italy – 511
  31. Serbia – 510
  32. Spain – 504
  33. United Arab Emirates – 495
  34. Albania – 491
  35. Belgium (Flemish) – 488
  36. France – 488
  37. Cyprus – 487
  38. Belgium (French) – 481
  39. Chile – 479
  40. Bahrain – 475
  41. Qatar – 472
  42. Kazakhstan – 467
  43. Georgia – 465
  44. Montenegro – 461
  45. Armenia – 457
  46. Bosnia & Herzegovina – 448
  47. North Macedonia – 439
  48. Oman – 433
  49. Iran, Islamic Republic of – 432
  50. Saudi Arabia – 428
  51. Brazil – 425
  52. Azerbaijan – 422
  53. Jordan – 418
  54. Uzbekistan – 412
  55. Kosovo – 403z
  56. Morocco – 390
  57. Kuwait – 373
  58. South Africa – 308

Akademiks has pointed the finger at Kendrick Lamar for the bombshell r@pe allegations against JAY-Z

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Akademiks has pointed the finger at Kendrick Lamar for the bombshell rape allegations against JAY-Z.

The Roc Nation mogul was named as a defendant in an amended lawsuit on Sunday (December 8) accusing him of raping a 13-year-old girl with Diddy back in 2000.

Akademiks, who himself has been accused of sexual assault, discussed the details of the filing on his Rumble channel shortly after it was made public.

During the livestream, the media personality blamed Kendrick for creating an “environment” where such lawsuits are allowed to “flourish,” alluding to explosive diss tracks against Drake.

“If you’re on that Kendrick Lamar soapbox thing, every rapper you like is gonna have a lawsuit. Doesn’t mean it’s true,” he said. “Every woman who feels disgruntled or whatever the case, got a fucking accusation — and they know these n-ggas are loaded with money.”

He added: “Kendrick must have forgotten that all of his friends are rappers and he’s made a lot of money for people on his side […] You wouldn’t say your man has a weird case. But it’s easy to gaslight for some other people you don’t like.

“You know they’re trying to shake down your mans now, right? You know that people you stood next to, because you said that [about Drake], they’re trying to get at [JAY-Z], right?”

Ak then directly blamed Lamar for opening the floodgates of lawsuits against rappers: “You caused that because you’re acting like you’re Jesus. Everybody’s profiting off of it becase where it’s true or not, you’ve created an environment where allegations should flourish.”

The podcaster surprisingly also accused Drake of being complict: “I’ll call Drake out, too, because some of y’all think I’m part of some of this. No. Drake, don’t be calling no n-ggas out for beating their bitch,” referencing his unsubstantiated allegations against Kendrick on “Family Matters.”

“Kendrick, don’t be calling no n-gga out for no weird case. Both of y’all n-ggas is stupid ’cause both of y’all got homies that beat their bitch and got weird cases. Y;akk both are just fucking up the game […] And now they got the king fish, they got his head in the beam.

Despite Akademiks’ comments, the recent wave of sexual assault lawsuits in Hip Hop — against the likes of DiddyKanye West, Metro Boomin and Irv Gotti, in addition to JAY-Z — predate Kendrick Lamar’s beef with Drake, which erupted earlier this year.

Diddy’s growing number of civil suits began last November when his ex-girlfriend Cassie accused him of rape, sex trafficking and domestic abuse, among other crimes.

In a rare public statement, JAY-Z denied raping a 13-year-old girl and hit out at the high-profile lawyer behind the lawsuit, Tony Buzbee.

“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?” he wrote in part.

50 Cent Has One Question After JAY-Z Is Sued For Allegedly Raping Minor With Diddy

DJ Akademiks Hops On Stream Playing Jay-Z Music After Mogul Accused Of Rape

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DJ Akademiks began a livestream session playing Jay-Z music immediately after news went public of the mogul accused of sexual assault in a new lawsuit. Social media shared a clip of Akademiks playing Jay-Z’s “Dead President” as he began his stream. Before the lawsuit, Akademiks planned to address the mogul after Roc Nation artist Rapsody dissed him in a new freestyle. Big Ak shared plans to respond to Rapsody by addressing her boss, Jay-Z, in a live stream over the weekend.

Akademiks trolls Jay-Z after new sexual assault lawsuit goes public.
DJ Akademiks began a livestream session playing Jay-Z music immediately after news went public of the mogul accused of sexual assault in a new lawsuit. Social media shared a clip of Akademiks playing Jay-Z’s “Dead President” as he began his stream. Before the lawsuit, Akademiks planned to address the mogul after Roc Nation artist Rapsody dissed him in a new freestyle. Big Ak shared plans to respond to Rapsody by addressing her boss, Jay-Z, in a live stream over the weekend.

Seizing the opportunity, DJ Akademiks’s Livestream reached over 255,000 viewers in the first hour as he reviewed the lawsuit. Jay-Z is named alongside Diddy in a re-filed lawsuit by an anonymous plaintiff. The woman accuses the moguls of sexually assaulting her in 2000 at an MTV VMA After-Party. The plaintiff accuses the moguls of drugging her, restraining her, and raping her while others looked on.

Jay-Z released an official statement immediately in response to the claims. Claiming “blackmail,” It reads: “My lawyer received a blackmail attempt, called a demand letter, from a “lawyer” named Tony Buzbee. What he had calculated was the nature of these allegations and the public scrutiny would make me want to settle. No sir, it had the opposite effect! It made me want to expose you for the fraud you are in a VERY public fashion. So no, I will not give you ONE RED PENNY!! These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one!!”

Mentioning his wife, Beyonce, and family, Jay-Z added: “My only heartbreak is for my family. My wife and I will have to sit our children down, one of whom is at the age where her friends will surely see the press and ask questions about the nature of these claims, and explain the cruelty and greed of people. I mourn yet another loss of innocence. Children should not have to endure such at their young age. It is unfair to have to try to understand inexplicable degrees of malice meant to destroy families and human spirit. My heart and support goes out to true victims in the world, who have to watch how their life story is.”

50 Cent has reacted to JAY-Z being accused of r@ping a 13-year-old girl with Diddy in 2000

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50 Cent has reacted to JAY-Z being accused of raping a 13-year-old girl with Diddy in 2000.

In typically trolling fashion, 50 was quick to aim a joke in the direction of his longtime rap rival Hov after he was named in the bombshell lawsuit.

Alongside the meme of himself from Entourage where he laughs and speeds away in his car, the G-Unit boss wrote on Instagram: “Ok I don’t know what’s going on, but are we gonna still have the Super Bowl [worried face emoji].”

He added: “I’m just asking for a friend!”

In an amended lawsuit on Sunday (December 8) that was originally filed against Diddy in October, JAY-Z was accused of taking turns raping a 13-year-old girl with the Bad Boy boss at an MTV Video Music Awards afterparty in New York City.

In a rare public statement, Hov slammed the suit and the high-profile lawyer behind it, Tony Buzbee, saying: “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. This lawyer, who I have done a bit of research on, seems to have a pattern of these type of theatrics!”

After expressing his “heartbreak” at the impact that the lawsuit will have on his family, particularly his children, the Roc Nation boss further ripped Buzbee over his legal conduct.


“You have made a terrible error in judgement thinking that all ‘celebrities’ are the same,” he added. “I’m not from your world. I’m a young man who made it out of the project in Brooklyn.

“We don’t play these types of games. We have very strict codes and honor. We protect children, you seem to exploit people for personal gain.

“Only your network of conspiracy theorists, fake physics, will believe the idiotic claims you have levied against me that, if not for the seriousness surrounding harm to kids, would be laughable.”

He also extended his sympathies to “true victims in the world” and indicated that he looks forward to clearing his name.

There has been no love lost between 50 Cent and JAY-Z of late, with the former recently claiming that Jigga tried to prevent him from performing at the Super Bowl in 2022.

He said to Cam’ron on his YouTube show Talk with Flee: “This is why I was saying I knew what old boy was doing with the Super Bowl. Because he was doing some slick shit. He was doing some wild shit, Cam.

Boxer ‘Charles Manyuchi’ Impregnates Married Woman

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Boxer ‘Charles Manyuchi’ Impregnates Married Woman

Former World boxing champion and holder of three welterweight titles, Charles Manyuchi bedded and impregnated a young married woman he trained at his gym resulting in a High Court order for him to pay US$18 000 in damages.

Justice Zisengwe, sitting at the High Court in Masvingo granted the damages in a default judgement made in favour of Tapiwa Munyaka last Tuesday.

Munyaka, a regional manager with a micro finance bank in Masvingo discovered the adulterous affair when he went through his wife’s Chengeto Viola Munyaka nee Dimingo’s phone in 2021. He bumped into pictures and images of the sexual escapades of the two.

Munyaka said he lost his self-esteem because of the relationship and was also exposed to sexually transmitted diseases including HIV because his wife and Manyuchi did not use condoms.

The stinging boxer’s gym operated from Flamboyant, a Regency Group hotel in Masvingo and Munyaka’s seven-year-old marriage has since broken down irrevocably, according to court documents.

Ironically, Munyaka was supportive of his wife’s involvement at the gym to the extent of even taking her there. He even allowed Viola to become one of the advertising persons for Manyuchi’s forthcoming boxing matches and she, together with a team of Manyuchi supporters would visit various holiday resorts including Kariba to celebrate the boxer’s victory.

“The defendant’s reckless conduct exposed me to the HIV virus and other sexually transmitted diseases. The fact that he impregnated my wife is clear evidence that he was not having safe sex with my wife. The pregnancy exposed me to the danger of looking after children sired by third parties… My self-esteem is now low. I am seriously hurt by defendant’s conduct,” reads part of Munyaka’s application.

Manyuchi is the former World Boxing Federation (WBF), Global Boxing Union, World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver welterweight and World Alliance Boxing Association (WABA) champion.

The adultery damages are the highest ever given by the High Court in Masvingo.

Manyuchi received a letter of demand in November 2022 but did not respond which led to an application for the default judgment.

Munyaka said Chengeto fell pregnant with Manyuchi and had an abortion. Munyaka paid lobola for Chengeto in 2015 and they solemnized their marriage in 2019. They have two children together.

He said Manyuchi recorded his sexual escapades with Chengeto and the affair was known by his workmates and this affected his reputation and self-esteem.

Munyaka sought US$50 000 damages; US$30 000 for consortium (the impact an injury has on the relationship, companionship and support lost) and US$20 000 for contumelia (insulting language of treatment). However, the Judge awarded Munyaka US$8 000 for consortium and US$10 000 for contumelia.

Munyaka said what hurt him most is that he went to Manyuchi’s training group together with his wife. That is where the former world champion took advantage and bedded his wife.

The affair allegedly began when the couple joined Manyuchi’s training group in 2021. Munyaka said Manyuchi selected Chengeto to participate in advertisements and promotions for his match against Ugandan Mohamed Sebyala.

Munyaka is represented by Charles Ndlovu of Ndlovu and Hwacha Legal Practitioners.

“In September 2021 he also invited my wife to join his team which was going to Kariba where he was going to celebrate his victorious match… He also invited her to various holiday spots claiming that she was good at promoting his sponsors’ products. I didn’t complain because I thought my wife was good at advertising the sponsors’ products,” said Munyaka.

He only knew of the affair towards the end of 2021.

Munyaka wrote a letter of demand to Manyuchi in 2022 and Manyuchi didn’t respond or make any efforts to apologise suggesting that he is not concerned with the outcome of the matter.

Munyaka then applied for a default judgment last month after Manyuchi did not respond to the two year claim.

Fat Joe Reveals Whether He’ll Change His Rap Name After Impressive Weight Loss

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Fat Joe has cleared up speculation surrounding his stage name after shedding an impressive 200lbs thanks in part to Ozempic.

In an interview with Big Boy, the “Lean Back” legend discussed his remarkable weight loss and whether it will have any impact on his rap moniker.

Fat Joe has cleared up speculation surrounding his stage name after shedding an impressive 200lbs thanks in part to Ozempic.

In an interview with Big Boy, the “Lean Back” legend discussed his remarkable weight loss and whether it will have any impact on his rap moniker.

“And that’s when I went on super lose weight mode, working out two times a day, not even eating a cracker. I call it crackhead mode, you know what I’m saying?”

Big Boy then asked Fat Joe if he’ll ever follow in the footsteps of a Jeezy (f.k.a. Young Jeezy) and shed the “Fat” from his name now that he’s much slimmer, but the veteran rapper didn’t seem keen on the idea.

With Fat Joe, we’ve spent so many millions of dollars to this day. When I come out at the World Series, they say, ‘rapper Fat Joe.’ If they just said, ‘rapper Joe,’ you wouldn’t know who the hell that is,” he said.

“We spent all of our money pumping up Fat Joe that even if I slimmed down way more than this, I gotta be Fat Joe!”

Back in October, Fat Joe admitted to using the weight loss drug Ozempic to help him shed around 200lbs.

Talking to Us Weekly, he said: “We just try to eat everything with the least carbs as possible. So we try to stay away from the bread, the pasta, the rice.

“That’s the smartest way to eat. Like this morning I ate breakfast, I had this toast. I cut the corner off, ate it and kept it moving.”

He added: “Normally I would’ve ate the whole thing. But you know, that’s what we do. We cut carbs and try to be smarter. Ozempic says you may only have two pieces of your favorite stuff.”

DEFENCE SERVICES COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE HOSTS THE FIRST EVER SENIOR MILITARY LEADERSHIP COURSE.

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DEFENCE SERVICES COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE HOSTS THE FIRST EVER SENIOR MILITARY LEADERSHIP COURSE.

DEFENCE SERVICES COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE HOSTS THE FIRST EVER SENIOR MILITARY LEADERSHIP COURSE.

The Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) has held its first ever Senior Military Leadership Short Course since its inception.

Speaking when he Officially opened the course on Monday, 9 December 2024, the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Commander, Lt Gen Oscar Msitu Nyoni, said he was gratified to officiate at such an important event. He thanked the Commandant DSCSC, Brig Gen Philemon Samatamba, and his team for moving swiftly to ensure that this course takes place after being tasked by Service Commanders to explore possibilities of introducing short intensive courses for General Grade Officers of the Defence Force of Zambia.

The Air Force Commander said warfare has evolved in its entire spectrum especially in the post Cold War era. He said this shift has been fueled by globalization which has telescoped the globe into one village while simultaneously bringing along complicated vagaries which require a multi faceted approach to nation state problems.

Lt Gen Nyoni said Defence Services Command and Staff College was alive to the changing environment that has arguably expanded the roles of the Defence Force outside the traditional protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation, hence the need arose for the College to provide a refresher course for General Grade Officers on various topics in a joint planning set up at strategic and operational levels.

The Air Force Commander said the intensive course is intended to accelerate the development of the course participants for effective service at operational and strategic levels, building on previous capabilities that the participants acquired at Senior Command and Staff Course.

Lt Gen Nyoni said it is envisaged that at the end of the course, the participants should be able to think strategically and skillfully to develop strategies to achieve national security objectives.

The Air Force Commander said it was Service Commander’s wish that General Grade Officers develop skills necessary for active collaboration, thinking critically, creatively and systematically about strategic and operational challenges.

Lt Gen Nyoni emplored the course participants to take the course with the seriousness that it deserves. He urged them to briefly forget about their offices and tune their minds to the course.

Speaking in his welcome remarks, Defence Services Command and Staff College Commandant Brig Gen Samatamba thanked the Air Force Commander for gracing the occasion.

Brig Gen Samatamba said the course will offer the students an opportunity to come together, share their experiences and enhance their collective understanding of the leadership and Command in the military service.

The Commandant thanked Service Commanders for the material and financial support they continue to render to the College.

The course will run for a period of two weeks and participants have been drawn from Zambia Army, Zambia Air Force and Zambia National Service.

Meet the man who went viral for creating a museum to honor his wife of 59 years

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Meet the man who went viral for creating a museum to honor his wife of 59 years

Charles “LaLa” Evans and his wife, Louise, experienced a remarkable love story that lasted for 59 years and 11 months until her sudden death in 2011.

In tribute to the life they shared, Evans transformed part of their Starkville, Mississippi, home into a museum known as “Lala and Louise’s Place.”

This museum serves as a heartfelt tribute to their journey of six decades, filled with thousands of photographs that capture both grand and ordinary moments from their lives.

Their love story began in their teenage years, as they grew up attending the same school and church. Evans fondly remembered the day he first walked Louise home; although her mother was hesitant, her father stepped in, affirming, “That George Evans’ son? Well, boy is from some pretty good stock. He all right.” This moment marked the beginning of their blossoming relationship, as mentioned in the Great Big Story.

They formally began dating during their senior prom in 1951, and just months later, they married in August of that year. Their wedding was simple—without rings, but filled with love. Evans worked as a shoeshiner at the time — even on the morning of his wedding.

After their marriage, Evans served in the army until 1955. The following year, they established their home in the Needmore neighborhood of Starkville, one of the city’s earliest African-American communities. Evans went on to make history as Starkville’s first Black mailman, a position he held for 30 years, while Louise worked in cafes post-racial integration. Together, they raised two sons, born 18 years apart, and dedicated themselves to uplifting their community.

As advocates for their neighborhood, they ensured that the Needmore Community Center was renamed to honor its significance. They also secured a road sign for their area and a marker in George Evans Park, named after Evans’ father.

Evans told the outlet, “We were always community people. That was our way of giving back.”

Throughout their marriage, they documented their life through countless photographs, preserving their love and sharing milestones.

Evans recounted, “Louise never passed up an opportunity to take a picture. I don’t think I ever took a bad picture of her.”

Thus, when Louise passed away unexpectedly, those photographs—those cherished photographs—became the cornerstone of the museum they had always dreamed of establishing.

“Lala and Louise’s Place” offers a photographic narrative of their love story and has attracted visitors from all over, receiving national media attention, including a feature on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” in 2016.

“We had such a beautiful life. I got so much to remember. And I’m just living a beautiful memory,” Evans shared.

Now in his 90s, Evans encounters difficulties in maintaining the museum. Severe storms in recent years have caused considerable damage, and although it remains a sanctuary for him, he expressed, “This is the worst shape it has ever been in.”

Despite these struggles, he finds comfort in the memories the museum holds. “It brings back such memories. I can come out here, reminisce, play music, and look over my past…I have no regrets,” he said.

criminology student spent a month planning a random m*rder so he could “know what it would be like to take life

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criminology student spent a month planning a random m*rder so he could “know what it would be like to take life

A criminology student spent a month planning a random m*rder so he could “know what it would be like to take life,” a court has heard.

Nasen Saadi has been accused of k!lling Amie Gray, 34, and injuring 38-year-old Leanne Miles on Durley Chine Beach, Bournemouth, on May 24, 2024.

He spent a month planning the attack, Winchester Crown Court was told.

Saadi, 20, from Croydon, denies charges of murd£r and attempted murd£r.

Sarah Jones KC, prosecuting, told the jury today: “He seems to have wanted to know what it would be like to take life, perhaps he wanted to know what it would be like to make women feel afraid, perhaps he thought it would make him feel powerful, make him interesting to others.

“Perhaps he just couldn’t bear to see people engaged in a happy normal social interaction and he decided to lash out, to hurt, to butcher.”

The prosecutor said Amie and Leanne were chatting by a fire on the beach to watch the full moon when they were attacked.

“With purpose, slowly, stealthily and quietly; when he thought no one would observe him, he hovered at the edges of the promenade, then stepped onto the sand,” the barrister said.

“In an act horrifying in its savagery and in its randomness he stabbed them both multiple times, chasing after them as they tried to escape or divert him from the other and he continued his attack.

“He left them on the sand to bleed to d£ath whilst he moved away and tried to disappear back into the shadows, away from the glare of the street lights or the moonlight and back into anonymity.

“He got rid of his weapon. He changed his clothes and shoes and got rid of them.”

Amie, a football coach from Poole, was pronounced d£ad at the scene. Leanne was treated for stab wounds to her chest and back at hospital.

Ms Jones said Saadi spent weeks researching methods of murd£r. His internet searches between March and April included: “deadliest knife”, “machete” and “what hotels don’t have CCTV”.

During lectures at the University of Greenwich, Saadi asked questions not related to the subject of the talk, Ms Jones said.

After fielding questions about DNA analysis, forensic evidence and justifying a k!lling as self-defence, Saadi’s lecturer said: “You’re not planning a murder are you?”

“But he didn’t reply,” Ms Jones told the court.

The defendant booked a room at a Travelodge in Bournemouth for two nights from May 21. During one evening, Saadi watched The Strangers – Chapter 1, a reboot of the 2008 home invasion film.

“The male and female leads are both stabbed – the male d!es and the female survives. It suggests doesn’t it, that the defendant gravitated to what he likes to watch or sought inspiration or encouragement from what he saw,” Ms Jones said.

Leanne told police she saw Amie try to escape only for the attacker to return.

The court heard she told officers: “I ran to the top of the promenade, and I could hear Amie saying, ‘get off me’.

“I couldn’t see her because she was down by the beach where it was dark. I think the guy must have chased back up to the promenade. I couldn’t see anybody, there wasn’t, there was nobody around.

“And he came back on to me, and he was continuously stabbing me, and I told him to stop. I kept turning my back to him, so all my injuries are on one side of my back.”

She added: “I didn’t want to look at him. I couldn’t look at him. And I told him, I said, ‘please stop’. I said, ‘please stop, I’ve got children’. And then I think that’s when he started to go, he walked away.”

The trial continues.

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