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Mozambique borders reopen as protests subside

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Mozambique’s border posts were reopened yesterday, and protests in Maputo and other cities have subsided – for now – as the country grapples with ongoing unrest following allegations of election fraud.

The protests, which have rocked the capital and other urban centers for the past week, were sparked by opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane’s claim that he won the October elections and that the results were tampered with. Mondlane, leader of the opposition party Podemos, declared that the polls were rigged, alleging widespread irregularities. Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo was officially declared the winner with 71% of the vote, but the announcement has been met with skepticism and outrage, particularly from opposition supporters.

The unrest appeared to calm following Mondlane’s announcement on Friday that he would make a statement on the next steps of his political movement on Monday. According to veteran journalist Fernando Goncalves Andre, the streets were quiet yesterday, with no new protests breaking out. However, Andre cautioned that this peace may be temporary, as the situation depends on Mondlane’s forthcoming pronouncement.

“Mondlane has said he will update his supporters on Monday regarding the next phase of action,” Andre explained. “While protests have stopped for now, it’s unclear whether the calm will hold. The situation remains fluid.”

The protests, which included violent clashes with security forces, led to at least three fatalities and more than 70 injuries. Videos circulating on social media showed police using live ammunition and tear gas to disperse demonstrators, resulting in bloodied individuals being carried to hospitals. To quell the unrest, the government restricted access to social media and the internet, while high-ranking officials, including outgoing president Filipe Nyusi, fled to the northern city of Pemba for safety, as Rwandan troops were deployed to protect the country’s vital gas fields.

The violence also extended to the country’s border posts with South Africa. The Ressano Garcia and Lebombo crossings were closed last week after an incident in which a Mozambican border police officer shot and killed a schoolchild. The child, allegedly part of a group of students heading home, was killed after one of them pretended to throw a stone at the police. This incident led to widespread protests in the area, with the Ressano Garcia border post set on fire and customs offices destroyed. Several trucks were looted, and some were set on fire.

South African authorities reinforced border security with police and military personnel to prevent the violence from spilling over into South Africa. By yesterday, both border posts were reopened, allowing the flow of goods and people to resume.

The closure of these border posts had significant ramifications for trade, particularly at Maputo’s port, which handles almost all consumer goods imports to Mozambique. The port had been operating at a reduced capacity due to strikes and unrest, with some logistics companies suspending operations. South African logistics firm Grindrod temporarily halted its operations at the Maputo and Matola ports last week due to safety concerns.

The political turmoil surrounding the election results has exacerbated Mozambique’s ongoing economic challenges, particularly in light of the country’s heavy dependence on gas exports. While the gas sector has seen a significant increase in revenue in recent years, the current unrest raises concerns about the stability of this crucial industry. At least 34 people are reported to have died around the election period, according to the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights.

In response to the situation, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has convened an urgent summit, scheduled for November 20 in Harare, to discuss the crisis in Mozambique. The preliminary meetings will begin on November 15. The EU observer team, which monitored the election, reported irregularities in the vote counting process, while the SADC and South African governments have largely focused on the pre-election processes.

Despite the tensions, political analyst Nel Marais believes that negotiations will be key to resolving the crisis, though he notes that Podemos lacks a clear political structure, which could complicate talks with the ruling Frelimo party.

“The situation will likely require negotiations, but it’s not clear who Frelimo will negotiate with,” Marais said. “And it’s not just about the election results – it’s about addressing the systemic issues within the election process itself.”

The Catholic Church, which has historically played a role in facilitating peace and reconciliation in Mozambique, may also be called upon to mediate discussions.

As the country waits for Mondlane’s next move, the looming uncertainty continues to hang over Mozambique, a nation already grappling with economic hardship. The political crisis threatens not only the country’s stability but also its potential to capitalize on its burgeoning gas wealth. For Mozambique, the stakes are high, and the country can ill afford further disruptions to its vital industries.

Source – News24

‘Chamisa set to launch new party,’ claims Zanu-PF

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‘Chamisa set to launch new party,’ claims Zanu-PF

ZANU-PF provincial chairperson for Midlands, Edson Chihengere, has suggested that former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa is preparing to launch a new political party. Chihengere, addressing supporters at Charandura Business Centre in Chirumanzu, claimed that Chamisa’s previous party, the CCC, had disintegrated, and the ruling ZANU-PF was ready to dismantle whatever new political formation Chamisa intended to build.

During an event where 50 individuals, allegedly former CCC supporters, were paraded as having defected to ZANU-PF, Chihengere made strong remarks, asserting that the opposition party no longer existed.

“This party (CCC) wants to register another party. We know there is no longer any CCC because the party has disintegrated. We are waiting for the new party to come on board so that we destroy it again,” Chihengere declared, drawing applause from the gathered crowd.

The ZANU-PF chairperson went on to express his approval of the defectors, acknowledging their decision to join the ruling party. He stated that both ZANU-PF and President Emmerson Mnangagwa recognized the move. However, he issued a stern warning to the new members, advising them not to harbor ambitions of grabbing positions within the party.

“Let me, however, say you are better being open in joining ZANU-PF than those who are already in the party yet we do not know how they came to be ZANU-PF members,” Chihengere added, urging the defectors to demonstrate loyalty and avoid internal conflicts.

Meanwhile, Chamisa, who had previously led the CCC, made statements at a memorial service in Masvingo last month, hinting at the possibility of taking the reins of the country in the future. However, he clarified that he was not yet ready to form a new political party to challenge the ruling ZANU-PF.

Chamisa’s departure from the CCC was marked by a public dispute over leadership, particularly after Sengezo Tshabangu, a self-styled interim secretary-general of the party, initiated a series of legislative recalls, which Chamisa claimed had infiltrated the party.

As political tensions continue to simmer, ZANU-PF’s strategy of parading defectors and asserting dominance in the Midlands region signals its ongoing determination to maintain control of the political narrative while Chamisa remains at a crossroads in his political journey.

Source – newsday

Messi’s Inter Miami Crash Out Of Major League Soccer Playoffs

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Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami suffered a 3-2 loss to Atlanta United in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference to crash out of the 2024 Major League Soccer playoffs.

Inter Miami enjoyed a successful regular campaign in the league, setting the MLS record for most points in a season to earn its first Supporters’ Shield.

Unfortunately, the Gerardo Martino-led side failed to click when it matters most to crash out in the first round in arguably the biggest upset in MLS history.

Matias Rojas drew the first blood for Inter Miami in the 17th minute before Atlanta United turned the game around with two goals in two minutes to make it 2-1.

Messi restored parity for Inter Miami with a well-placed header in the 65th minute.

Bartosz Slisz scored the winner for Atlanta United in the 76th minute following a poor defending from Miami.

It was an historic win for Atlanta United, who finished ninth in the regular season only to qualify for the playoffs following a penalty shootout win over Montreal in a wildcard game.

Their fairytale run will continue with a clash against Orlando City in the semi-final, while New York City will face New York Red Bulls in the other match.

Inter Miami coach, Gerardo Martino was disappointed with the result but took positives from the team’s improvement.

He said, “If you think about where we were in November last year, obviously there is progress as far as the club is concerned, not just the team.

“If you think about the expectations we had for this playoff, obviously we have fallen too short.

“In this last part of the year we get used to achieving the objectives that we set for ourselves and we have not been able to achieve the most important one.

“In the first half there is a clear, very clear penalty. … Luis’ [Suárez] shot hits him in the hand and the referee did not even check and this play that for me is decisive.

Inter Miami will now focus on preparation for the FIFA World Club Cup in the summer.

Insights into Cornel West: Philosopher, Activist, and Scholar of Justice

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Insights into Cornel West: Philosopher, Activist, and Scholar of Justice

Get to Know the Impact of Philosopher and Activist Cornel West
American Philosopher, Activist and Scholar of Justice, Cornel West is one of the figures who has made a positive impact on the black community.

Through West’s commitment to equality and fight for Justice, he edged his name in history with his work as a civil rights activist and is the first black man with a PhD to graduate from Princeton in philosophy.

Cornel West has also been involved in American politics and was an independent candidate in the 2024 U.S. elections with the ‘Justice For All’ Party.

West’s vast experience and commitment to democracy have seen him feature in some Hollywood films such as “The Matrix Reloaded” and The Matrix Revolutions.

West has also appeared in many spoken word and hip-hop albums, aimed at inspiring black people.

Two of Cornel West’s most impactful books are “Race Matters” from 1993 and “Democracy Matters” from 2004.

In West’s illustrious career, he was a professor at top educational institutions such as Harvard University, Union Theological Seminary and Yale University.

Early Days of Education and Career
In Tulsa, Oklahoma on June 2, 1953, Cornel West was born. However, he mainly grew up in Sacramento, California, and graduated from John F Kennedy High School.

West’s parents were Irene Rayshell and Clifton Louisa. His mother was a school principal while his dad worked in the U.S. Department of Defense.

West’s grandfather Clinton L. West was the pastor of Tulsa Metropolitan Baptist Church and instilled values in him, ensuring that he was embedded with the right training.

As early as his teenage days, West was filled with a passion for equality and often joined in on civil rights demonstrations and protests that were organized by the Black student communities demanding Black study courses.

Cornel West graduated from High school in 1970 and enrolled at Harvard University. He completed Harvard in 1973 and revealed that institution provided him with ‘broad ideas’ influenced by professors and the Black Panther Party.

West however later revealed that being a Christian prevented him from joining the party and chose to work in local breakfast, prisons and church programs.

West enrolled at Princeton University for his master’s and PhD degrees in 1980 after he graduated from Harvard and became the first black man to graduate from the University with a PhD degree in Philosophy.

Years later, West got a series of academic appointments and returned to Harvard.

He later became an assistant professor at Union Theological Seminary and also taught
American studies at Yale.

Cornel West was once arrested and jailed after he joined a protest for a clerical labor union and divestment from apartheid in South Africa.

Time in Broadcasting and Film
In the 2001 and 2003 films ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ and ‘The Matrix Revolutions’, Cornel West featured as one of the characters and was also a voice in the ‘Enter the Matrix’.

The American philosopher and activist also appeared in some documentaries. West featured in academics, and touched on philosophy in the context of the real world.

He also often had conversations on the political talk show ‘Real Time with Bill Maher’, and reports indicate that a character represented West’s career in the ‘Law and Order: Criminal Intent’ episode.

West was also a guest star in the sixth season of the American television comedy series ‘30 Rock, What Will Happen to the Gang Next Year’ in 2012.

Cornel West is also known for his hip-hop spoken word albums that touch the soul.

West’s Role in Activism and Politics
Cornel West once labelled the United States as a ‘racist patriarchal’ country where everyday life is defined by white supremacy.

He always had the passion to speak out for the rights of black people around the world, emphasizing the power of seeing their worth.

In 2014 on October 13, West was arrested when he was protesting against the shooting of Michael Brown and engaging in Ferguson October.

He was arrested again in 2015 on August 10 when he staged the demonstration outside the courthouse on the one year anniversary of Brown’s death in St Louis.

In Politics, Cornel West is a “non-Marxist socialist”, which is one who does not see Marxism and Christianity as compatible.

In 2000, West worked as senior advisor to Bill Bradley – the Democratic presidential candidate and later became distinguished supporter of Green Party Candidate Ralph Nader.

He also made ‘anti-George Bush’ campaigns in the past and was heavily remembered for his civil disobedience act when he sat in the street in front of the U.S. State Department in unity with our suffering Palestinian and Israeli brothers and sisters.

Cornel West also co-chaired the National Parenting Organization’s Task Force on Parent Empowerment and joined in on Bill Clinton’s National Convention.

West expressed his thoughts on the global issue of modernized slavery and human trafficking in the ‘Call + Response’ documentary and campaigned for Democracy and Peace in 2008.

In the 2010s, he joined in on the Occupy D.C. protests on the steps of the Supreme Court in its decision in the Citizens United v Federal Election Commission and joined in on other protests for equality.

West has also previously supported Democratic contender Bernie Sanders and supported former U.S. President Barack Obama’s cause to reaching the White House in 2007.

However, he later retracted his support for Obama in 2011 and labelled the former president as “the head of an American killing machine.”

In 2023 on June 5, West announced his intention to run in the 2024 presidential election under the People’s Party.

Later on, he announced a change in decision to rather run with the Green Party but also abandoned his candidacy and continued his bid as an independent candidate.

Reports indicate that West received some support from Republican allies to swing votes off Kamala Harris yet the activist did not give in to those requests.

Cornel West’s impact across decades is there for the Black community to witness, and many others will be aiming to tread a similar path in changing lives through activism, politics, religion and academia.

Diddy Sued For $5 Million Over Alleged 1996 Car Chase

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Diddy has had yet another lawsuit filed against him, this time for allegedly leading a crew on a dangerous car chase to attack a man in New York City nearly three decades ago.

The suit was filed in federal court last Sunday (November 3) by DeWitt Gilmore, an Atlanta man who bills himself as “an author, entrepreneur, and public figure.”

In the lawsuit, Gilmore claims that one evening in summer 1996, he was getting into his car after leaving a nightclub when Diddy and some “associates” pulled up and began taunting and threatening him.

Things escalated, the complaint continues, when some of those associates allegedly began waving guns around, and shots were fired.

“Fearing for his life, Plaintiff Gilmore, with…witnesses, were aggressively chased through the dark city streets and managed to evade the scene by accelerating through traffic, narrowly escaping a potentially deadly ambush,” the suit continues.

Gilmore says he brought the suit after recently reconnecting with a witness from that night after decades of separation.

“This reconnection brought forth new insight and testimonial evidence surrounding the events of that night, underscoring the intensity of the encounter with Sean Combs,” he writes in the suit.

“[The witness’s] account serves as recently discovered evidence, significant enough to reopen the case beyond the usual statute of limitations due to the unique circumstances of intimidation and safety concerns that delayed earlier action.”

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Gilmore is asking for $5 million for “emotional distress, physical harm, lost opportunities, and reputational damage.”

Diddy’s representatives told HipHopDX regarding Gilmore’s suit: “As we’ve said before, Mr. Combs cannot respond to every new publicity stunt, even in response to claims that are facially ridiculous. Mr. Combs and his legal team have full confidence in the facts and the integrity of the judicial process. In court, the truth will prevail: that these accusations are pure fiction.”

Just one day before Gilmore’s suit was filed, Diddy’s key to the city of Miami Beach, FL was officially revoked.

TMZ reported on Saturday (November 2), that Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner and the city commission voted unanimously on the decision at an in-person hearing earlier this week.

Commissioners Joe Magazine, David Suarez, Tanya Katzoff Bhatt, and Alex Fernandez were sponsors.

Diddy was honored with the ceremonial key in 2015.

Diddy’s Former Bodyguard Sues Rape Accuser For Defamation

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Diddy‘s former bodyguard Joseph Sherman has responded to being accused of raping a woman alongside his then-boss back in 2001 — and he’s doing it through the courts, by suing for defamation.

On Thursday (November 7), Sherman sued accuser Thalia Graves and her attorneys, including Gloria Allred.

The suit claims that Graves made “outrageous, disgusting, and life altering statements and publishings…without any regard for the truth” in her lawsuit against Diddy and Sherman, which was filed in September.

“Joseph Sherman has never met Thalia Graves, let alone raped her,” it continues.

One of the suit’s main points is that Sherman could not have been involved, since he stopped working for Diddy in 1999, two years before the alleged assault Graves recounts in her suit — and, he says, he was persona non grata at Bad Boy, not even allowed on the premises, because he left to work for a rival, Def Jam.

“Plainly said, the Plaintiff, Joseph Sherman, was not even allowed into Bad Boy records studios or near Sean Combs after 1999. Consequently, he could not have videotaped or raped Thalia Graves,” the suit reads.

The suit also includes what are alleged to be Instagram DMs from Graves to Sherman, in which she says: “if you are willing to give me a statement about my rape against Puffy then the attorneys won’t go after you for revenge porn or distribution of a sexual act without consent.”

That’s a reference to another claim in Graves’ suit: that her former boyfriend allegedly revealed to her that Diddy and Sherman had shown him a video of the assault — and that the two had a habit of doing this and selling the resulting videos.

“These statements imply that Defendant, Thalia Graves, is aware that Plaintiff, Joseph Sherman, is innocent of any alleged sexual assault but is attempting to leverage baseless allegations as part of her broader litigation strategy,” Sherman’s lawsuit reads.

In a post on Instagram, Sherman shared footage of the immediate aftermath of filing the suit.

The lowest levels of State Desperation, a shameless attempt to destroy PF – Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

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The lowest levels of State Desperation, a shameless attempt to destroy PF – Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

The lowest levels of State Desperation, a shameless attempt to destroy

Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba wrote;

Today, Sunday 10th November 2024, is an extremely sad day for our Democracy and the Rule of Law.

We probably have said this before but the events and depravity of the lawlessness displayed today has probably helped a new low level of illegalities and absurdity being witnessed in the country.



We may not like Miles Sampa or approve of his ways. We recognise that he was a beneficiary of past lawlessness in State House’s clear attempt to steal and destroy the Patriotic Front, but Sampa obtained a valid court order signed by Lusaka High Court Judge, Hon. Mrs. Justice Conceptor Chinyanwa Zulu, to restrain Mafinga Member of Parliament, Robert Chabinga to purport or act as Patriotic Front President.

But with utter impunity and backed by heavily armed police officers, Chabinga defied the court order and proceeded to purport to act as PF President and made various ilegal pronouncements.

In tow were state agents, the Police and the media,like a team invited to a murder scene, abetting the crime  and capturing the details to ensure that the sordid act was on full display to the country.

At the height of his waning power, Zambia’s founding father, Kenneth Kaunda refused to stop the wheels of Justice when the Police arrested his own son for murder and the Lusaka High Court proceeded to find
Kambarange Mpundu Kaunda  guilty and sentenced him to death.

The day we abandon the respect of the Judiciary is the day our democracy will die.

That day is today.

In our case, we have a President in Mr. Hakainde Hichilema who will not defend the rule of law but allows the Zambia Police to promote and perpetrate lawlessness.

The Police hold suspects for days and months in prolonged detentions, torture and kill suspects in extra-judicial killings, protects law breakers like they did to Robert Chabinga and his charade.

Chabinga will be celebrated on ZNBC today and will the Zambia Police has granted him more police protection for his lawlessness and may even accompany him to the Patriotic Front Secretariat.

Chabinga also informed us of more illegalities and lawlessnes perpetrated by named officials at the Ministry of Home Affairs where office bearers recorded at the Registrar of Societies of the Patriotic Front, have been illegally changed once again.

Where is the Law Association of Zambia?
Where is the Chief Justice to ensure that his court orders as mandated by the Constitution are respected?

In September 2024, Kenya’s acting Inspector General of Police was sentenced to six months in prison  after he repeatedly defied orders to testify about the whereabouts of three men held by the Police but could not be presented before Court for a Habeas Corpus hearing.

Chief Justice Martha Koome supported the decisions and orders of Justice Lawrence Mugambi and even caned the police when they attempted to withdrawal police security guarding the Judge.

In our country, from State House to the UPND Secretariat, they are with glee, celebrating this destruction of the largest Opposition party in the country.

HAKAINDE MUST PICK ONLY ONE SECTOR, IMPROVE IT & LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY, LIKE ALL HIS SIX PREDECESSORS.

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HAKAINDE MUST PICK ONLY ONE SECTOR, IMPROVE IT & LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY, LIKE ALL HIS SIX PREDECESSORS.

HAKAINDE MUST PICK ONLY ONE SECTOR, IMPROVE IT & LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY, LIKE ALL HIS SIX PREDECESSORS.
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10 – November, 2024 Sunday

I feel compelled to give free advise and address the current  Republican President, Dr. Hakainde Hichilema. It is crucial that I remind him of the importance of leaving a lasting legacy during his time in office. History has shown us that all six former presidents of Zambia did something significant to be remembered for before leaving office .

The First Republican President the late Dr. Kenneth Kaunda (Mhsrip) fought tirelessly against colonial rule, advocated for humanism, united the 73 tribes under one zambia one nation and brought independence to Zambia.
The late second Republican President Dr. Frederick Titus Chiluba (Mhsrip) ushered in multiparty democracy, paving way for a more inclusive political system.  Property ownership was another legacy under MMD.The late third Republican President Dr. Levy Mwanawasa SC (Mhsrip) waged a war against corruption and listened to the voices of the opposition. Advocated for debt cancellation thereby foreseeing the kwacha gaining against the dollar.

The late fourth Repubican Presidentla Dr. Rupiah Banda (Mhsrip) improved the living standards of the people and introduced mobile hospitals to reach those in remote areas. The late Fifth Republican President Dr. Michael Sata initiated the Link Zambia 8000 project, greatly improving the country’s infrastructure.

I am personally proud to say that President Sata mentored and groomed Citizens First Party president Mr. Harry Kalaba,  a man with a pro-poor agenda and a clear vision for Zambia’s future.
The only standing former president and sixth Republican President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu excelled in infrastructure Development.

However, as we look at President Hichilema’s tenure thus far, we see a lack of tangible achievements. His promise of free education has fallen short with a lot of below average scores, as quality education requires proper funding, improved teacher-student ratios, and infrastructure development. The famous  Constituency Development  Fund ( CDF)  he has kept increasing, it is more progressive on paper than on the ground.

I urge President Hichilema to focus on one sector where he can make a significant impact and leave a legacy for himself. Whether it be healthcare, education, infrastructure, or another area, it is crucial that he takes decisive action before the people of Zambia kick him out in 2026 because they have already lost faith in his leadership. He should as well learn from the political climate in Botswana, where leaders are held accountable for their actions.

President Hichilema, I implore you to listen to our advice and make a meaningful difference during your time in office. The clock is ticking, and the 2026 general election is fast approaching. It is clear that the Zambian people expect results.

Nalanda ine Napa, epompelele Mukwai, Uuli namatwi omfwe🤷🏾‍♂️😔

I remain,

MUNTHALI FAITH

NATIONAL CHAIRLADY; CITIZENS FIRST/UNITED KWACHA ALLIANCE (UKA)

Betrayed and Forgotten, UPND’s Abandonment of its Loyal Foot Soldiers & Members

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Betrayed and Forgotten, UPND’s Abandonment of its Loyal Foot Soldiers & Members

Sunday tripple Dose, Not Meant for Poor Readers, (Minimum – 20min)…. ENJOY

I Write What I Like

10.11.2024

Betrayed and Forgotten, UPND’s Abandonment of its Loyal Foot Soldiers & Members.

By Daimone Siulapwa

In politics, few things sting like betrayal, and today, the UPND stands guilty of betraying its most loyal supporters. For over 20 years, these men and women sacrificed their time, resources, and livelihoods to bring the UPND into power.

Yet three years into this government, the very people who put it there remain abandoned, their hopes of financial stability and recognition shattered. This is more than a failure of governance; it is a betrayal that could spell the UPND’s catastrophe come 2026.

Across Zambia, it is now a common sight to find disgruntled UPND members lamenting openly about how their sacrifices have been rewarded with indifference. They are crying out, not just for material gains, but for the dignity and respect they expected their loyalty would earn.

For many of these supporters, the sense of betrayal has taken a painful toll, as they have become the laughing stock of their own families and communities. In households and neighborhoods, they endure jabs and ridicule for staking their hopes on a party that seems to have left them behind.

You can feel the anger of many UPND members in the air—men and women who continue defending their party even when it feels impossible to do so. They press on with fragile optimism, hoping for a turnaround that never comes, hoping that perhaps someone in the leadership will finally listen.

But where are the party’s strategists or political advisers to face the truth, to tell those in power that the time has come to make a change?

It is only during the UPND government that the administration has even failed to identify and distribute land among its members—using legal and transparent means, of course.

For Christ’s sake, UPND is in power! It has the political authority to empower its members within the law, yet all it lacks is the will. It’s baffling that a government with all the instruments of state at its disposal has not devised a legal, sustainable mechanism to give its members a fair stake in the prosperity of the land they govern and this we don’t mean empowering just a few province.

Where the PF showed mastery in mobilizing resources and legal opportunities for its ⁵loyalists, UPND remains hesitant, choosing instead to stand by as its support base languishes.

A closer look at the situation reveals and even grimmer picture. Many UPND councilors—who once believed they would lead by example, embodying the party’s promises of change and prosperity—have grown too disillusioned to carry on. In communities across the country, it’s not unusual to find councilors who have simply abandoned their roles, no longer engaging in local projects or community work.

Their reasoning? “It’s not worth it.” This sentiment has spread like wildfire, leaving a gaping void in communities and a profound sense of abandonment among supporters.

The UPND, despite having two decades to prepare, failed to anticipate or address the demands of its support base. Unlike the PF, which expertly cultivated loyalty by rewarding those who stood by it, the UPND appears paralyzed by its own moral high ground, unwilling or unable to develop a system to support its own without draining the national treasury.

In doing so, it has made a mockery of the sacrifices of its supporters, leaving many disgruntled and disillusioned.

What do you say to a man who lost his job, his business, and even put his family’s future on the line for UPND’s victory, only to be cast aside?

Today, many of these loyalists watch from the sidelines as a privileged few prosper, their pockets swelling while the faithful remain in poverty. The betrayal cuts deep, and the comparisons to the PF era are stark.

Whatever the PF’s faults, it looked after its own. The UPND, by contrast, has done little to nothing for its loyalists, standing aloof and indifferent to the struggles of those who helped bring it into power.

This abandonment will not go unanswered. Disillusioned supporters, ignored and mistreated, will not simply accept their fate; they will teach the UPND a lesson come 2026.

Whether through apathy, protest votes, or outright defection, these once-loyal soldiers stand ready to show the UPND that loyalty must be rewarded, not taken for granted.

The UPND’s time is running out. To survive, it must urgently recognize the depth of its failure and take immediate steps to redeem itself in the eyes of its supporters. This is not about bribery, corruption, or handouts; it’s about empowering its base in tangible, lasting ways.

Only then can it hope to avoid a political disaster in 2026. Anything less, and it will find itself on the wrong side of history – and on the wrong side of the ballot box.

ARTICLE 2

Stubbornness Has Killed UKA and The Missteps That Paved the Way for Lungu’s Dominance

By Daimone Siulapwa

In Zambian politics, just like any other, ego can be as destructive as it is influential. The United Kwacha Alliance (UKA), once promising to be a formidable opposition, has become a hollow shadow of what it could have been.

Initially, UKA represented an opportunity to consolidate Zambia’s opposition factions, challenge the ruling UPND, and offer a viable alternative for Zambians yearning for political change. But internal arrogance, misplaced priorities, and a fatal underestimation of Edgar Lungu’s influence have all but sealed UKA’s fate.

As it stands today, UKA is a coalition adrift, undermined by those who refused to acknowledge the sheer political weight of Edgar Lungu, the man who could have turned it into a true force.

Like it or not, Lungu represents a powerhouse within Zambia’s opposition. His years of leadership experience, financial clout, and deep following across the country make him an indisputable heavyweight.

Regardless of one’s opinion on his tenure, the reality is that he commands a loyal base, from former PF stalwarts to disillusioned citizens who still rally around his name. With such influence, Lungu was the only figure capable of galvanizing UKA’s fractured ranks into a cohesive opposition. Ignoring this truth was not just shortsighted but the coalition’s death knell.

Rather than embracing Lungu as their figurehead, some of the UKA’s so-called party leaders took a different approach, seeking to downplay his role. These “party presidents” came from small or nearly invisible factions, most of which lacked any real political machinery or even local government representation.

They held onto fragile egos, mistaking their minimal followings for real power. In reality, they were political neophytes who had little to offer in terms of experience or resources. This misjudgment did not just erode UKA’s strength—it hollowed it out from within.

Instead of building a unified force, UKA’s leaders wasted time playing gallery politics. They aimed to distance themselves from Lungu, fearing his status as a “one-man show” and attempting to place themselves in positions of influence.

But they ignored the political reality. Their attempt to frame Lungu as just another member of UKA—rather than the backbone he could have been—revealed an astounding level of political miscalculation. In doing so, they alienated the very person whose numbers, financial power, and influence could have carried them into the limelight.

The truth was clear from the beginning: leadership in a coalition is not about placating egos or divvying up influence. It’s about rallying around the figure with the strongest base, and that figure was Edgar Lungu. His supporters, his resources, and his presence were what UKA needed if it hoped to contend seriously with the ruling UPND in 2026.

Those who ignored this truth have now exposed themselves as inconsequential players in Zambia’s political landscape.

What’s left of UKA now stands as a scattered group of leaders with no real base, no MPs, and no substantial supporters. Their refusal to recognize Lungu’s influence was not a principled stand but a strategic error and stubbornness rooted in vanity.

Now that Lungu has officially accepted the nomination as the presidential candidate for the Tonse Alliance, the political reality is plain to see: UKA has been rendered utterly irrelevant and useless.The coalition’s remaining members can choose to ignore this fact, but it is undeniable to the Zambian public.

Lungu has taken his rightful place as the face of the opposition, a position UKA’s leaders squandered by clinging to petty power games.

The real cost of UKA’s downfall goes beyond mere political alliances. Without Lungu, UKA lacks the infrastructure, followers, and financial backing that could have transformed it into a real opposition force.

The leaders who sidelined Lungu are now stranded in the political wilderness, grappling to stay relevant while Lungu continues to command the loyalty of Zambia’s largest opposition base. They have left themselves and their supporters disillusioned, stranded, and without a clear path forward.

The Zambian populace now sees through the facade. Without Lungu’s unifying influence, UKA has disintegrated into a coalition of disconnected voices, each vying for attention but lacking substance.

Their abandonment of pragmatism in favor of pandering to lesser leaders has left them stripped of support and naked before a Zambian electorate that knows exactly where the true opposition power lies—and it’s certainly not with UKA.

So, who will challenge the UPND in 2026? UKA, in its current form, stands little chance. In their stubbornness, they have let slip the one figure who could have provided real competition. With Lungu gone, UKA’s leaders are exposed as nothing more than a fragmented group without a coherent strategy or substantial base.

The alliance is now a liability, offering no serious alternative to the Zambian people and no credible challenge to the incumbents.

In the end, Edgar Lungu remains, without question, the face of the Zambian opposition. His influence is such that whether or not he appears on the ballot is almost irrelevant.

He remains the emblem of opposition for his supporters, a symbol of resistance against the ruling party. UKA’s leaders, in their failure to recognize this, have effectively weakened their own position to the point of irrelevance.

The lessons here are clear: coalitions must be built on pragmatism and unity, not petty rivalries or inflated egos. UKA’s leaders failed to embrace this and have paid the price. Their lack of cohesion and political foresight has handed the ruling party an unearned advantage come 2026. For this failure, UKA has no one to blame but itself.

ARTICLE 3

Why UPND Cannot Afford to Underestimate Edgar Lungu’s Political Resurgence

By Daimone Siulapwa

Edgar Lungu is back on the political scene, and the UPND government would be making a catastrophic mistake if they dismissed his return as inconsequential.

This isn’t just about Lungu as an individual—it’s about the massive, calculated machinery of influence, power, and wealth that he commands.

He is not only a former president with years of political experience but also a cunning strategist surrounded by a network of powerful allies both within and beyond Zambia’s borders.

If the UPND overlooks this threat, they risk jeopardizing the very democracy they seek to protect.

Lungu’s comeback is more than just a political maneuver; it’s a rallying call to a fractured but determined base that feels disillusioned by the UPND’s leadership.

The economic challenges Zambia currently faces are the fuel he needs to paint the UPND as a government that has “failed” to deliver on its promises.

The irony is sharp—these economic troubles largely stem from the ruinous debt and reckless spending policies of Lungu’s own administration, yet he seeks to leverage this very crisis to catapult himself back into relevance.

The UPND should recognize this tactic for what it is: a calculated strategy to rewrite history, deflect blame, and offer a hollow promise of “solutions” that he once failed to provide.

Let us not forget the war chest Lungu brings to this battle. Financially, he is heavily backed by a coalition of business tycoons, foreign interests, and political influencers who stand to gain massively from his return to power.

These backers are prepared to pour millions into a sophisticated campaign that would wage an unprecedented propaganda war on the UPND.

This funding will drive a media assault, where misinformation, sensationalism, and manufactured outrage could dominate the discourse and manipulate public opinion.

Lungu’s allies are determined, well-financed, and fully prepared to paint him as a “savior,” erasing the memory of his previous administration’s failures.

UPND must acknowledge that the financial and political backing Lungu has could create an environment ripe for unrest and social division.

This isn’t just an opposition bid; it’s an orchestrated campaign to destabilize the current government. UPND needs to confront this reality and counter it with a strategy of transparency and constant engagement with the Zambian people. They cannot afford to remain reactive while Lungu builds momentum.

Equally concerning is the fact that even if Lungu is disqualified from running, his influence remains formidable. Any candidate he endorses will become the de facto challenger to President Hichilema in the upcoming elections.

Lungu’s support would effectively anoint this candidate with the same financial and political resources he commands, turning them into a proxy for his own agenda.

The UPND would be wise to see this potential threat, preparing not only to confront Lungu directly but also to anticipate the rise of a potential surrogate who could galvanize opposition support under his shadow.

Blocking Lungu through legal channels might seem an attractive option, but the UPND must tread carefully to avoid turning him into a martyr. By restricting his political activities, they risk fueling a narrative of oppression that Lungu would leverage to his advantage.

He’s proven adept at playing the sympathy card, often casting himself as a “victim” when it suits his purposes. This time around, giving Lungu the gift of public sympathy would be a strategic blunder of the highest order.

The UPND must instead counter him openly and decisively, without resorting to tactics that could backfire.

The UPND government’s approach to this challenge needs to be measured and well-calculated. They should not give Lungu any ammunition that could be twisted into a narrative of victimization.

Instead, they must continuously remind the public of the staggering corruption and impunity that defined his administration. Every Zambian must be made aware of the dangers of allowing such a regime to return, of the systematic erosion of accountability and justice that took place under Lungu’s watch.

The UPND has a responsibility to shine a spotlight on the scandals, the mismanagement, and the exploitation of state resources that characterized his tenure.

UPND cannot afford to let complacency cloud their judgment. Lungu is no ordinary opponent; he is a former head of state with a formidable network and an unwavering determination to return.

His influence, his resources, and his willingness to exploit Zambia’s economic struggles make him a political force that could destabilize everything the UPND stands for.The stakes are simply too high to ignore him.

The task before the UPND is not just about defending a government; it’s about safeguarding Zambia’s democracy and ensuring that the country does not fall back into the hands of a regime that prioritized the wealth of a few over the welfare of the many.

Lungu’s ambition is not rooted in serving the people of Zambia—it’s driven by a desire for revenge, power, and the reinstallation of a corrupt system. If the UPND fails to recognize this, if they fail to prepare, Zambia risks a return to the darkest days of its recent history.

Want to be an MP or Counselor in 2026? Please talk to us.

Daimone Siulapwa is a seasoned political strategist and analyst with over 20 years of experience in political planning and execution.

For comments or more information, please contact him at dsiulapwa@gmail.com.

From Promises to Power Grabs: Is the UPND Undermining Zambia’s Democratic Future?- Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma

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From Promises to Power Grabs: Is the UPND Undermining Zambia’s Democratic Future?- Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma

From Promises to Power Grabs: Is the UPND Undermining Zambia’s Democratic Future?

By Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma

Zambia’s political landscape is at a crossroads, with recent moves by the UPND government sparking widespread concerns about its commitment to democracy. Far from prioritizing the promises that brought it to power, the UPND appears fixated on weakening Zambia’s largest opposition party, the Patriotic Front (PF), through systematic, undemocratic tactics. By sidelining legitimate PF leaders and installing figures like Miles Sampa and Chabinga as proxies, the UPND is executing a calculated campaign to erase PF’s influence altogether. These actions—which include deleting established PF leaders from official records and deploying state security to stage a fabricated PF “convention”—reveal a troubling agenda that prioritizes power consolidation over democratic values.

Unprecedented Levels of Interference

The UPND’s interference in PF’s internal matters marks a dangerous, unparalleled escalation, threatening the bedrock of Zambia’s multi-party democracy. The administration’s removal of PF’s legitimate leadership from the national registry is a clear, alarming breach of democratic norms, sending shockwaves through the nation. This aggressive overreach has many Zambians wondering if the UPND intends to govern democratically at all, or if it is crafting a pathway to one-party rule under the guise of “cleaning up” the opposition. This direct assault on political pluralism doesn’t just destabilize PF; it strikes at the core of Zambian democracy, jeopardizing the rights of all citizens.

UPND’s Disregard for the Rule of Law

By engineering a fraudulent “convention” to impose Miles Sampa as PF leader, the UPND has blatantly disregarded the rule of law, using state power to impose their preferred outcome. Many PF supporters rightly view this as nothing short of a state-sponsored coup within their party—an authoritarian attempt to impose a leader who lacks legitimacy among the PF grassroots. This heavy-handed interference breeds discord, resentment, and mistrust across Zambia, as the public grows increasingly aware of the lengths to which the UPND is willing to go to cement its hold on power. This move epitomizes political oppression, where those who pose a threat to the UPND’s monopoly are removed or replaced, not through dialogue, but through outright coercion.

The Futility of Puppet Leadership

UPND’s reliance on surrogate leaders like Miles Sampa—a figure known for shifting loyalties and divisive politics—reveals a deeply flawed strategy. By forcing Sampa upon PF, the UPND has alienated the party’s dedicated base, who view him as a puppet of the ruling regime. This tactic not only drives a wedge between the PF and its grassroots supporters but also demonstrates the UPND’s profound miscalculation of PF’s resilient support network and the dedication of its members. Such heavy-handed interference is doomed to backfire, leaving lasting scars on Zambia’s political landscape and deepening the mistrust that plagues the nation’s democracy.

Erosion of Democracy and Public Trust

The UPND’s manipulative tactics—erasing PF leaders from official records and installing state-backed “leaders”—erode public trust in Zambia’s democratic institutions. Rather than fostering fair political competition, the government has embarked on a path of authoritarian interference, setting a perilous precedent that undermines Zambia’s democratic fabric. When state power is wielded to dictate leadership in opposition parties, the government signals that elections and public opinion are irrelevant, stripping Zambia’s democracy of its integrity. This manipulation leaves citizens questioning whether their voices hold weight or if Zambia is inching back toward a one-party state under UPND dominance.

Deepening Divisions and National Polarization

The UPND’s relentless pursuit of political control is not only fragmenting PF but also polarizing the entire nation. This interference has ignited toxic divisions, creating an environment ripe for bitter political rivalry and unrest. With each aggressive maneuver, the UPND widens Zambia’s political rift, embedding an “us versus them” mentality that risks long-lasting, destabilizing effects. Instead of uniting Zambians under a vision for growth and development, the UPND’s obsession with power has shifted the national focus from progress to a dangerous struggle for dominance. This hostile climate is unsustainable and threatens Zambia’s future stability.

Abandonment of Urgent National Issues

The UPND’s fixation on dismantling PF detracts from Zambia’s pressing challenges: unemployment, food insecurity, a worsening energy crisis, and a stagnant economy. While Zambians grapple with rising costs and deteriorating services, the UPND appears more invested in political gamesmanship than in the meaningful governance it promised. This neglect is a profound abdication of responsibility, leaving Zambians disillusioned and desperate for a government that places their welfare above petty power plays. As long as the UPND remains absorbed in these political struggles, the burden of neglected issues will continue to fall on the citizens of Zambia.

Legislative Manipulations and Suppression of PF

In a desperate attempt to suppress PF’s influence, the UPND-led Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) recently enacted a statutory instrument aimed at barring the PF from by-elections. This measure—requiring signatures from the Secretary-General and President of the sponsoring party—creates a procedural stranglehold on PF’s legitimate leaders, giving UPND-backed surrogates an opening to claim control. Such legislative machinations erode Zambia’s democratic principles and underscore the UPND’s willingness to go to any length to neutralize opposition voices. This level of state interference not only undermines democratic competition but exposes the government’s fierce determination to crush opposition at any cost.

The High Cost of Political Manipulation

The UPND’s campaign to dismantle PF exacts a heavy toll: eroded democratic norms, deepening political divisions, and a public increasingly disillusioned with its government. Instead of fostering healthy political discourse, the UPND has sown fear and distrust, prioritizing party dominance over national unity and stability. This internal focus and subversion of democratic institutions push Zambia further into economic uncertainty and social unrest, with citizens paying the ultimate price for their leaders’ unchecked ambitions.

A Call for Genuine Leadership

If the UPND persists on this path, it risks fracturing Zambia’s unity irreparably and forfeiting public trust altogether. Genuine leadership is not about manipulating opposition into submission; it is about addressing the critical issues affecting Zambians’ lives. The UPND was elected to bring change, progress, and unity to Zambia—not to erode the democratic foundation that upholds these values. For Zambia to prosper, the UPND must abandon its divisive tactics and embrace its responsibility to govern with integrity and prioritize the people’s welfare.

Conclusion: A Moment for Reflection and Change

The UPND’s agenda to hijack and dismantle the PF is a reckless overreach that jeopardizes Zambia’s democracy and its future stability. As the government presses on with a strategy of political suppression, PF’s grassroots supporters remain unshaken, undeterred by attempts to dismantle their party. Zambians are growing weary of these power games and demand leaders who will prioritize their welfare over political vendettas.

If Zambia is to move forward, the UPND must shift its focus from undermining opposition to effective governance. Only through genuine leadership and an unwavering commitment to democratic principles can the UPND restore public trust and lead Zambia toward a stable, prosperous future.

Zambia Police among worst performing countries on world police index

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Zambia Police among worst performing countries on world police index

ZP among worst performing countries on world police index

By Ernest Chanda(The Mast)

ZAMBIA ranks among worst performing out of 125 countries in the world on the World Internal Security & Police Index.

According to the 2023 World Internal Security and Police Index (WISPI), Denmark scores the highest globally while Zambia ranks 118th.

The WISPI is a collaborative effort between the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) and the International Police Science Association (IPSA).

It serves as a vital tool for assessing the effectiveness of police and other security providers in addressing internal security issues across 125 countries including Zambia, utilising a comprehensive framework of 12 indicators grouped into four distinct domains.

The WISPI focuses on four critical domains within the realm of internal security which are capacity, process, legitimacy, and outcomes.

Within the capacity domain, WISPI evaluates the resources allocated by each nation to bolster their internal security apparatus.

The process domain delves into the effectiveness with which these resources are utilised, ensuring a holistic view of security provision.

The legitimacy domain gauges public sentiment towards security providers, with a particular emphasis on law enforcement agencies.

The outcomes domain scrutinises the existing threats to internal security.

In terms of capacity, Zambia scored 0.20 while recording 0.17 in process.

In police legitimacy, Zambia scored 0.38, while in outcomes she scored 0.40.

“Denmark performed best on the Index, followed by Finland, and then Norway. There were only five non-European countries in the top 20. The United Arab Emirates was the highest ranked country from the MENA region and ranked 24th overall. Venezuela performed worst on the Index, followed by Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, and Madagascar,” reads the report in part. “North America and Europe were the two regions with the best average WISPI scores. SubSaharan Africa had the worst average score, followed by Central America and the Caribbean and South America. Many Middle Eastern countries performed well on the Index. The MENA region had the fifth best average regional score of the nine regions in the Index. In many countries, corruption and bribe payments to the police are still commonplace. The index average for bribe payments to police was 30 per cent, with more than 50 per cent of respondents admitting to having paid a bribe to police in 35 of the 125 countries in the Index.”

The script on Aunt Milly was Cruel ba Diamond TV

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The script on Aunt Milly was Cruel ba Diamond TV

The script on Aunt Milly was Cruel ba Diamond TV

By Towera Kaira

Firstly I’d love to commend you guys for your work 👏🏾great stuff . You both are Amazing people and I love you ❤️…HOWEVER, you owe Aunty Milly an apology 🙏🏾🙏🏾. What you did was cruel . Especially that you invited her and nominated her for one of your prestigious awards.

📍The real reason she had a crash out was due to the fact that she had to sit through a segment of the awards where you made fun of some of her most humiliating moments with the same man that left her with two kids🤔 in a room full of people that laughed . Others were pointing towards her saying “there she is” , others calling her a grandma etc. you even went as far as playing the One Kwacha clip so that the whole Zambia can “have a laugh” yeah?
Bear in mind this is one of the most watched Events in Zambia. So on a stage that grand you decided to make jokes about the person you actually invited 😱
you performed.

This ain’t to say she was right .. if anything she should have walked away Coz those were some bookie scenes lol moving without a wig and falling while people take videos lol . But the truth of the matter is she was just so embarrassed. It’s different when people are laughing at you on social media .. but in person? It’s humiliating. Worse off the thought of the people watching Pamwela . she was mad at him for embarrassing her while she raised his kids as the primary parent. She never spoke to you about it coz you don’t owe her anything. Nimweba mupita nshila. She was mad at him for not showing her a bit more respect as the mother of his kids as she navigates life after him. It had nothing to do with Faith . Infact by the time she arrived at the venue Faith had already accepted her award and given her speech . So the narrative that it was because of jealousy towards Faith is lies . If anything she has nothing against Faith but her BD.

You never know the battles people are dealing with privately. We seem to have more empathy for dead people than people who are dying… Mental health is a real issue. Today everyone is laughing at her, Was it worth it? To antagonize someone whose barely recovering from public ridicule🫤… I pray you reflect on this .
I say this with all the love in a world ❤️🙏🏾
This wasn’t an attack in anyway… am sure it’s just something we can all learn from .

ZAMBIA, DRC UNITE AGAINST TRANSNATIONAL CRIME

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ZAMBIA, DRC UNITE AGAINST TRANSNATIONAL CRIME

ZAMBIA, DRC UNITE AGAINST TRANSNATIONAL CRIME

The 13th session of the Zambia-Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security concluded yesterday, with key resolutions aimed at combating transnational organized crimes and strengthening regional security.

The session was crucial as it provided an opportunity to strengthen bilateral cooperation, enhance relations between the two nations, and tackle shared security issues.

It also focused on promoting regional stability and establishing strong defense frameworks to protect both countries and ensure the safety and well-being of their citizens.

Speaking at the conclusion of the meeting, the Defence Minister and Co-Chairperson Honorable Mr Ambrose Lwiji Lufuma expressed gratitude for the diligent participation of all delegates and the commitment shown throughout the discussions.

Hon Lufuma said the session, held in a cordial and productive atmosphere, focused on strategies to address common security threats, including destabilizing activities and organised crime that affect not only Zambia and the DRC but the entire Central African region.

“I wish to thank you most sincerely, Co-Chairperson, for proficiently co-steering the deliberations of the meeting. This has enabled us to conclude the meeting on time,” the Zambian Co-Chairperson stated.

He also commended the participants for their dedication, which led to well-thought-out resolutions aimed at enhancing security and promoting mutual benefits between the two nations.

Hon Lufuma further urged delegates to prioritize the timely implementation of the resolutions agreed upon during the session, highlighting the importance of regular exchange meetings and continuous collaboration to address emerging challenges.

And the DRC Deputy Prime Minister Mr Shabani Jacquemain expressed gratitude to the Zambian Government for authorizing the holding of the 13th session of the Zambia-DRC JPCDS.

He acknowledged that the relations between Zambia and the DRC had continued to flourish, leveraging the common historical background and a shared vision.

Mr Jacquemain called for timely implementation of resolutions of the Commission in order to sustain the milestones achieved over the years.

The session ended with a note of optimism for continued collaboration between the two countries, with the 14th session of the Joint Permanent Commission set to be hosted by the DRC in the near future. Delegates were wished a safe journey home as they prepared for the next phase of the commission’s work.

The Zambia-DRC Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security plays a critical role in fostering cooperation on security matters between the two neighboring countries, with the goal of promoting peace, stability, and socio-economic development in the region.

 Zim ICT Minister denies claims that WhatsApp Group Admins will need licenses or face penalties

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 Zim ICT Minister denies claims that WhatsApp Group Admins will need licenses or face penalties

ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera Denies Claims of New Licensing Requirements for WhatsApp Group Administrators in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Tatenda Mavetera, has refuted claims suggesting that WhatsApp group administrators in the country will need to acquire licenses or face penalties.

Minister Mavetera addressed the issue after widespread reports alleged that the government planned to implement regulatory measures for WhatsApp group administrators through the Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ).

Rumours of Licensing Fees Stir Public Concern
According to circulating reports, POTRAZ was said to be introducing licensing requirements for administrators of WhatsApp groups, with fees purportedly ranging from $50 to $2,500, depending on the group’s nature and function

These claims sparked concern across social media, suggesting that administrators would have to register with POTRAZ under a newly proposed regulatory framework.

Minister Mavetera Debunks Claims on WhatsApp Group Licensing Requirements
In a Facebook post, Minister Mavetera dismissed these allegations as unfounded, emphasizing that no such regulation or licensing requirement exists.

She also clarified that the purported penalties of up to $2,500 for WhatsApp group administrators are unsubstantiated and inconsistent with Zimbabwe’s current laws.

“False claim of USD 2500 penalties for WhatsApp Group Administrators

I would like distance myself from the malicious fake news of intentions by government to licence or penalise WhatsApp Groups or Administrators of any social media platform/s USD 2500.”

She assured Zimbabweans that the government has no intention of imposing restrictions on social media groups that do not collect Personally Identifiable Information (PII) for commercial or business purposes.

“This claim is not applicable especially to players who do not collect and process Personally Identifiable Information (PII) for commercial or business use.

Personally identifiable information (PII) is any type of data that can be used to identify someone, from their name ,address, to their phone number, passport information and I.d number.”

The Legal Context: Statutory Instrument 155 of 2024
In her post, Minister Mavetera encouraged the public to dismiss the rumours, reiterating that these claims contradict the current legal framework under the Cyber and Data Protection Regulations.

She clarified that her LinkedIn post never suggested any plans to license or penalize WhatsApp groups or administrators that do not collect or process Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

“The public is encouraged to disregard this notice with the uttermost discontent it deserves as it is inconsistent with our legal provisions as espoused in
Statutory Instrument (SI) 155 of the 2024 Cyber and Data Protection (Licencing of Data Controllers and Appointment of Data Protection Officers) Regulations.

On my LinkedIn post I never expressed any intentions to licence or penalise WhatsApp groups or Administrators of any social media platform/s which do not collect and process (Personally Identifiable Information (PII) for commercial or business use.”

Minister Reaffirms Commitment to Cyber and Data Security
Minister Mavetera ended the post by emphasizing the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing cyber and data security and increasing access to information for all Zimbabweans.

“I wish to assure the public of government’s commitment through the Ministry of Information Communication Technology Postal and Courier Services to accelerate cyber and data democratisation and security to ensure that No One and No Place is Left Offline.

This is in line with our overarching mandate to the constitution to promote access to information for all in a safe and secure environment,” she wrote.\

Authorities work to find the source of racist texts sent to Black people nationwide after US election

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Federal and state authorities are working to find the origins of racist text messages sent to Black people across the country referencing slavery and telling them they were “selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation.”

Children, college students and working professionals have received the mass texts from unrecognized phone numbers in the wake of the presidential election. The hate-filled rhetoric reminiscent of the country’s painful and bigoted past has been reported in more than 20 states from New York to California, and the District of Columbia.

The NAACP’s president warned Thursday of possible broader implications, while attorneys general of both parties are condemning the messages and vowing to root out their senders.

“The unfortunate reality of electing a president who, historically, has embraced and at times encouraged hate, is unfolding before our eyes,” NAACP CEO Derrick Johnson said. “These messages represent an alarming increase in vile and abhorrent rhetoric from racist groups across the country, who now feel emboldened to spread hate and stoke the flames of fear that many of us are feeling after Tuesday’s election results.”

Donald Trump’s presidential “campaign has absolutely nothing to do with these text messages,” spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.

Students from at least three historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) – Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia, Fisk University in Nashville and Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina – have reported receiving the text messages, according to statements from the universities.

The Federal Communications Commission’s enforcement bureau is investigating the texts, FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel announced. “These messages are unacceptable,” she said. “We take this type of targeting very seriously.”

The FBI said it “is aware of the offensive and racist text messages sent to individuals and is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities on the matter,” according to a statement Thursday.

Here’s what we know about the origins of the mass text messages and how its recipients were targeted:

It’s unclear where the texts came from

It was not immediately clear who sent the messages, and there is no complete list of to whom they were delivered. At least some appear to have been sent through TextNow in what the company believes “is a widespread, coordinated attack,” it told CNN on Friday.

“As soon as we became aware, our Trust & Safety team acted quickly, rapidly disabling the related accounts in less than an hour,” said the company, whose service lets people sign up anonymously using an email address and send texts that appear to come from a randomly generated phone number.

TextNow is “working alongside our industry partners to uncover more details and continue to monitor patterns to actively block any new accounts attempting to send these messages,” the company told CNN. “We do not tolerate or condone the use of our service to send harassing or spam messages and will work with the authorities to prevent these individuals from doing so in the future.”

FILE – In this 1921 image provided by the Library of Congress, smoke billows over Tulsa, Okla., during the Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the worst single acts of violence against Black people in U.S. history. Attorneys for the last two remaining survivors of the massacre asked the Oklahoma Supreme court Tuesday, July 2, 2024, to reconsider the case they dismissed last month and called on the Biden administration to help the two women seek justice. (Alvin C. Krupnick Co./Library of Congress via AP, File)

The messages “appear to be robotext messages,” and the Nevada’s Attorney General’s Office is working with law enforcement to investigate their source, the office said in a statement on X.

Whoever is sending the racist text messages is using anonymizing software to obscure their location, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill told CNN on Friday. At least some of the messages were sent using an email service routing traffic through Poland, but it does not mean it is where the sender is, the attorney general said.

“They could be coming from Napoleonville, Louisiana, for all we know. We don’t know where they are originating from,” Murrill said.

Murrill said Thursday she directed state investigators “to fully investigate the origins of these disgusting texts that only intend to divide us.” The Louisiana Bureau of Investigations is “still trying to trace where everything is actually originating from,” she told CNN.

Attorneys general in Washington, DC, Virginia, New Jersey, Illinois and Maryland have condemned the messages and urged those who feel under threat to contact law enforcement.

Texts addressed recipients by name

Screenshots of the texts shared with CNN and appearing on social media show the racist messages addressed the recipients by name.

The senders likely collected personal data by buying it online and then inputted that and other data into machine-learning algorithms to attain demographic information, Cori Faklaris, an assistant professor of software and information services at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, told the Associated Press.

“All of this means it might be easier than most people realize to make a really good guess about the race or ethnicity of the person attached to that phone number,” Faklaris said.

New York Attorney General Letitia James said the texts, which “appear to be targeting Black and brown individuals,” may also include other personal information about the recipient, including their location.

“Whoever is responsible for this did some real research not putting together the target list, but also crafting a message that had info that made it seem real,” Kenneth Gray, a University of New Haven lecturer and retired FBI special agent, told CNN affiliate WFSB.

‘Go to the plantation’: Black Americans react after being targeted in anonymous messages
01:52 – Source: CNN
Children and college students targeted
Children in middle school, high school and colleges were among those targeted by the the racist mass texts, alarming parents and spurring warnings about their psychological impact.

Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland said in a statement Thursday that some of its students received the texts. And while the school board noted “law enforcement in some areas have announced they consider the messages low-level threats,” it acknowledged the texts’ effects.

“We recognize that the emotional and psychological impact on our students, staff, and particularly our communities of color is profound,” the school board’s statement reads. “We stand in solidarity with those who feel targeted and hurt by these actions.”

Students at major universities, including the University of Alabama, said they received the messages this week.

Black honors freshman Alysa was in tears and wanted to go home after getting a message saying she had been “selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation” and should “be prepared to be searched down,” her mother, Arleta McCall, told CNN.

“It’s eerie that it’s the day after the election. It’s eerie that it came to my daughter’s personal phone. It’s eerie that it’s only going to Black students,” McCall said. “Her group of friends have mapped out their paths to class so they can walk together and keep each other safe.”

Black students at Missouri State University received the texts, too, according to a statement from Missouri NAACP President Nimrod Chapel. “It points to a well-organized and resourced group that has decided to target Americans on our home soil based on the color of our skin,” Chapel said.

CNN affiliates have reported instances of students receiving the racist texts in South Carolina, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Pennsylvania, among other states.

“The racist nature of these text messages is extremely disturbing, made even more so by the fact that children have been targeted,” Megan Shafer, acting superintendent of the Lower Merion School District, in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, wrote in a letter to parents.

‘I want it to stop,’ grandmother says
When one of the texts popped up on a 12-year-old Milwaukee girl’s phone, she immediately told her grandmother.

“You have been selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation. Please have your belongings together by ten sharp. Our executive slaves will pick you up in a yellow van,” the text read, using the girl’s full name, CNN affiliate WISN reported.

“That’s the scary part. How did they get her name?” the girl’s grandmother Jackie Bradley told WISN.

The girl asked her grandmother if she had received the same text.

“I was disgusted and very, very it made me very upset because she had to receive that text and she don’t know how to deal with that,” Bradley said.

Bradley said she reported the text to the police and the FBI.

“I want it to stop, and I want people to come together and just stop this nonsense,” Bradley told WISN. “When you’re getting kids involved, let alone people of color receiving these texts, but then you send this to a child … It’s not funny at all … I mean, if you have to prosecute somebody, to prosecute them because this is gone too far.”

Talaya Jones, a Black resident of Piscataway, New Jersey, was “shocked,” then angry and sad after receiving a racist text Wednesday telling her she had been “selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation” and referring to “executive slave catchers,” she told CNN.

“It really just shows that we didn’t come as far as everybody thought we did as a nation, from back in the day when slavery was still a thing,” Jones said.

The text messages hark back to the era from the early 17th century to the end of the Civil War in 1865, when millions of enslaved Africans were shipped to the United States and forced to toil on plantations.

Many were forced to live and work on plantations growing cotton, considered a leading cash crop. They picked cotton for long hours and endured heat, humidity, unsanitary conditions, untreated illnesses, malnourishment and rape.

Enslaved people were often auctioned off and sold to other slave owners, leading to families being separated. Slave catchers, known as slave patrols, were legally charged with controlling the enslaved population. Their duties included chasing down and apprehending runaway slaves and returning them to their owners, enforcing curfews and beating and terrorizing slaves who were rebellious or disobedient.

“The threat — and the mention of slavery in 2024 — is not only deeply disturbing, but perpetuates a legacy of evil that dates back to before the Jim Crow era, and now seeks to prevent Black Americans from enjoying the same freedom to pursue life, liberty, and happiness,” NAACP CEO Johnson said.

A Black Lives Matter sign is seen near the corner of Emerson Street and Dodge Avenue in Evanston, Illinois, U.S., March 19, 2021. REUTERS/Eileen T. Meslar
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When Jones realized that young people were getting the texts, including elementary and middle school students, that’s when the sadness set in, Jones said.

“Why would you want to intentionally hurt somebody that you don’t even know?” she said.

Lodi, California, resident Tasha Dunham told WCVB her 16-year-old daughter had received a message telling her to report to a plantation in North Carolina.

“I wasn’t in slavery. My mother wasn’t in slavery. But we’re a couple of generations away. So, when you think about how brutal and awful slavery was for our people, it’s awful and concerning,” Dunham said.

A day after receiving the text message, Jones also received an email addressing her by the N-word and containing a similar message about being “selected to pick cotton.”

“Who is doing this and how are they able to keep coming back?” she asked. “You don’t feel safe in anything that you do, because you don’t know who’s doing it. You don’t know how far they’ll take it.”

With Trump election win, Africa braces for US aid cuts, uncertainty

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With Trump election win, Africa braces for US aid cuts, uncertainty

As the results of the United States presidential election came in on Wednesday, showing that former President Donald Trump had won, relief took hold more than 11,000 kilometres (7,000 miles) away, in Uganda’s capital Kampala.

“The sanctions are gone,” the East African country’s parliamentary speaker, Anitah Among, told parliament, hinting at her expectation of improved ties with the US under Trump. The speaker is one of a series of Ugandan officials who have been barred from entering the US in recent years because of allegations of human rights violations against them.

But while some African governments that have faced allegations of authoritarianism in recent years might find reason to celebrate, sanctions are not the only thing that might go under Trump, warn analysts: US aid might too.

Four days after Trump’s re-election, Africa is grappling with the prospects of what his second term could mean for the continent.

His win on Tuesday over Vice President Kamala Harris drew immediate congratulations from African leaders, with Egypt’s Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Ethiopia’s Abiy Ahmed, Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu, and South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa among those to quickly reach out to Trump.

Yet, many experts believe Trump’s foreign policy will prioritise transactional relationships and shift away from multilateral partnerships, with aid, trade, and climate agreements now uncertain.

Trump’s focus, they warn, could be limited to how Africa fits within his broader geopolitical objectives, especially concerning his rivalry with China. Those who fall in line will be favoured, others pressured to conform – that, say analysts, was Trump’s track record during his first stint in power, between 2017 and 2021.

“He is a dealer. He transacts based on what he can get,” said Christopher Isike, professor of African studies and international relations at the University of Pretoria.

Authoritarian allies

Patrick Bond, professor and political sociologist at the University of Johannesburg, said he expected leaders who have faced scrutiny over their human rights records – such as Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame – to try to curry favour with Trump. Both Museveni and Kagame have long been important US allies, and their supporters have pushed back against more recent attacks on their human rights records, insisting that the leaders remain widely popular in their countries.

Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who has also faced US sanctions, also praised Trump’s victory, describing him as a leader who “speaks for the people”.

Samuel Oyewole, a Nigerian political science lecturer, remarked that Trump is unlikely to let human rights and democratic norms drive his relationship with African leaders.

“The emphasis on human rights and democracy, which was emphasised by Biden, may not be prioritised for strategic interest under Trump,” Oyewole told Al Jazeera.

Trump may actually target countries deemed to be acting against US interests, warned Oyewole.

This could strain relationships with democracies like South Africa, which has criticised US support for Israel and maintains strong ties with Russia and China. South Africa, which – despite recent tensions with Washington, counts on the US as a key economic and strategic partner – will not want that.

“I look forward to continuing the close and mutually beneficial partnership between our two nations across all domains of our cooperation,” Ramaphosa wrote in his congratulatory message to Trump on X.

Economic ties in jeopardy
Trump’s return to office also places the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in jeopardy, with the current agreement set to expire next September, say analysts.

Beyoncé makes history with 11 nominations taking her total rally to 99 (Full list)

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Beyoncé Knowles has made history at the Grammys, leading the 2025 nominations with 11 nods, including for the highly coveted Album of the Year.

She is now the most nominated artiste of all time, surpassing her previous tie with husband Jay-Z, who has 88 nominations.

Beyoncé’s groundbreaking eighth studio album, Cowboy Carter, leads nominations, with seven songs from the album recognized across various genres.

For the first time, Beyoncé has earned nominations in the country and American roots music categories, with tracks like “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages” receiving nods in the best country song and best country solo performance categories.

Her collaboration with Miley Cyrus on “II Most Wanted” is nominated for best country duo/group performance.

The Grammy queen is already the most awarded artiste in Grammy history with 32 wins. Her career total now stands at an amazing 99 Grammy nominations, making her the most nominated artiste in Grammy history.

Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan and Charli XCX, who all skyrocketed to fame this year, each earned first nominations for Album of the Year. They will compete for the top prize with Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish and Beyoncé. Andre 3000 and Jacob Collier round out the category, which could come as a surprise to some.

Carpenter and Roan also scored nominations for Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best New Artist. The pop stars are the only artists to earn nominations across what’s known as the “Big Four” categories.

It wasn’t only female singers who had breakout years. Country newcomer Shaboozey scored five nominations, including Best New Artist and Song of the Year for his smash hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”

As predicted, Kendrick Lamar’s big year continues as his Drake diss-track “Not Like Us” was nominated for Song of the Year and Record of the Year. He earned seven nominations. He’ll go from the Grammys to the Super Bowl as next year’s headliner.

Lamar, Charli XCX, Post Malone and Billie Eilish trail Beyoncé with seven nominations each. Swift scored six.

The Grammys will take place Feb. 2 at the Crypto Arena in Los Angeles.

See the full list of nominations below

  1. Record Of The Year

“Now And Then” by The Beatles
“TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” by Beyoncé
“Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter
“360” by Charli xcx
“BIRDS OF A FEATHER” by Billie Eilish
“Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar
“Good Luck, Babe!” by Chappell Roan
“Fortnight” by Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone

  1. Album Of The Year

New Blue Sun by André 3000
COWBOY CARTER by Beyoncé
Short n’ Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter
BRAT by Charli xcx
Djesse Vol. 4 by Jacob Collier
HIT ME HARD AND SOFT by Billie Eilish
The Rise And Fall Of A Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan
THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT by Taylor Swift

  1. Song Of The Year

“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Sean Cook, Jerrel Jones, Joe Kent, Chibueze Collins Obinna, Nevin Sastry & Mark Williams, songwriters (Shaboozey)“
BIRDS OF A FEATHER” – Billie Eilish O’Connell & FINNEAS, songwriters (Billie Eilish)
“Die With A Smile” – Dernst Emile II, James Fauntleroy, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars & Andrew Watt, songwriters (Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars)
“Fortnight” – Jack Antonoff, Austin Post & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone)
“Good Luck, Babe!” – Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, Daniel Nigro & Justin Tranter, songwriters (Chappell Roan)
“Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar, songwriter (Kendrick Lamar)
“Please Please Please” – Amy Allen, Jack Antonoff & Sabrina Carpenter, songwriters (Sabrina Carpenter)
“TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” – Brian Bates, Beyoncé, Elizabeth Lowell Boland, Megan Bülow, Nate Ferraro & Raphael Saadiq, songwriters (Beyoncé)

  1. Best New Artist

Benson Boone
Sabrina Carpenter
Doechii
Khruangbin
RAYE
Chappell Roan
Shaboozey
Teddy Swims

  1. Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical

Alissia
Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II
Ian Fitchuk
Mustard
Daniel Nigro

  1. Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical

Jessi Alexander
Amy Allen
Edgar Barrera
Jessie Jo Dillon
RAYE

  1. Best Pop Solo Performance

“BODYGUARD” by Beyoncé
“Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter
“Apple” by Charli xcx
“BIRDS OF A FEATHER” by Billie Eilish
“Good Luck, Babe!” by Chappell Roan

  1. Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

“us.” by Gracie Abrams feat. Taylor Swift
“LEVII’S JEANS” by Beyoncé feat. Post Malone
“Guess” by Charli xcx & Billie Eilish
“the boy is mine” by Ariana Grande, Brandy & Monica
“Die With A Smile” by Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars

  1. Best Pop Vocal Album

Short n’ Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter
HIT ME HARD AND SOFT by Billie Eilish
eternal sunshine by Ariana Grande
The Rise And Fall Of A Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan
THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT by Taylor Swift

  1. Best Dance/Electronic Recording

“She’s Gone, Dance On” by Disclosure
“Loved” by Four Tet
“leavemealone” by Fred Again.. & Baby Keem
“Neverender” by Justice & Tame Impala
“Witchy” by KAYTRANADA

  1. Best Dance Pop Recording

“Make You Mine” by Madison Beer
“Von Dutch” by Charli xcx
“L’AMOUR DE MA VIE [OVER NOW EXTENDED EDIT]” by Billie Eilish
“yes, and?” by Ariana Grande
“Got Me Started” by Troye Sivan

  1. Best Dance/Electronic Album

BRAT by Charli xcx
Three by Four Tet
Hyperdrama by Justice
Timeless by KAYTRANADA
Telos by Zedd

  1. Best Remixed Recording

“Alter Ego (KAYTRANADA remix)” – KAYTRANADA, remixer (Doechii)
“A Bar Song (Tipsy) (Remix)” – David Guetta, remixer (Shaboozey)
“Espresso” (Mark Ronson x FNZ Working Late Remix) – FNZ & Mark Ronson, remixers (Sabrina Carpenter)
“Jah Sees Them – Amapiano Remix” – Alexx Antaeus, Footsteps & MrMyish, remixers (Julian Marley & Antaeus)
“Von Dutch” – A.G. Cook, remixer (Charli xcx & A.G. Cook feat. Addison Rae)”

  1. Best Rock Performance

“Now And Then” by The Beatles
“Beautiful People (Stay High)” by The Black Keys
“The American Dream Is Killing Me” by Green Day
“Gift Horse” by IDLES
“Dark Matter” by Pearl Jam
“Broken Man” by St. Vincent

  1. Best Metal Performance

“Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)” by Gojira, Marina Viotti & Victor Le Masne
“Crown of Horns” by Judas Priest
“Suffocate” by Knocked Loose feat. Poppy
“Screaming Suicide” by Metallica
“Cellar Door” by Spiritbox

  1. Best Rock Song

“Beautiful People (Stay High)” – Dan Auerbach, Patrick Carney, Beck Hansen & Daniel Nakamura, songwriters (The Black Keys)
“Broken Man” – Annie Clark, songwriter (St. Vincent)
“Dark Matter” – Jeff Ament, Matt Cameron, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, Eddie Vedder & Andrew Watt, songwriters (Pearl Jam)
“Dilemma” – Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt & Tré Cool, songwriters (Green Day)
“Gift Horse” – Jon Beavis, Mark Bowen, Adam Devonshire, Lee Kiernan & Joe Talbot, songwriters (IDLES)

  1. Best Rock Album

Happiness Bastards by The Black Crowes
Romance by Fontaines D.C.
Saviors by Green Day
TANGK by IDLES
Dark Matter by Pearl Jam
Hackney Diamonds by The Rolling Stones
No Name by Jack White

  1. Best Alternative Music Performance

“Neon Pill” Cage by The Elephant
“Song Of The Lake” by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
“Starburster” by Fontaines D.C.
“BYE BYE” by Kim Gordon
“Flea” by St. Vincent

  1. Best Alternative Music Album

Wild God by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Charm by Clairo
The Collective by Kim Gordon
What Now by Brittany Howard
All Born Screaming by St. Vincent

  1. Best R&B Performance

“Guidance” by Jhené Aiko
“Residuals” by Chris Brown
“Here We Go (Uh Oh)” by Coco Jones
“Made For Me (Live On BET)” by Muni Long
“Saturn” by SZA

  1. Best Traditional R&B Performance

“Wet” by Marsha Ambrosius
“Can I Have This Groove” by Kenyon Dixon
“No Lie” by Lalah Hathaway feat. Michael McDonald
“Make Me Forget” by Muni Long
“That’s You” by Lucky Daye

  1. Best R&B Song

“After Hours” – Diovanna Frazier, Alex Goldblatt, Kehlani Parrish, Khris Riddick-Tynes & Daniel Upchurch, songwriters (Kehlani)
“Burning” – Ronald Banful & Temilade Openiyi, songwriters (Tems)
“Here We Go (Uh Oh)” – Sara Diamond, Sydney Floyd, Marisela Jackson, Courtney Jones, Carl McCormick & Kelvin Wooten, songwriters (Coco Jones)
“Ruined Me” – Jeff Gitelman, Priscilla Renea & Kevin Theodore, songwriters (Muni Long)
“Saturn” – Rob Bisel, Carter Lang, Solána Rowe, Jared Solomon & Scott Zhang, songwriters (SZA)

  1. Best Progressive R&B Album

So Glad To Know You by Avery*Sunshine
En Route by Durand Bernarr
Bando Stone And The New World by Childish Gambino
Crash by Kehlani
Why Lawd? by NxWorries (Anderson .Paak & Knxwledge)

  1. Best R&B Album

11:11 (Deluxe) by Chris Brown
Vantablack by Lalah Hathaway
Revenge by Muni Long
Algorithm by Lucky Daye
Coming Home by Usher

  1. Best Rap Performance

“Enough (Miami)” by Cardi B
“When The Sun Shines Again” by Common & Pete Rock feat. Posdnuos
“NISSAN ALTIMA” by Doechii
“Houdini” by Eminem
“Like That” by Future & Metro Boomin feat. Kendrick Lamar
“Yeah Glo!” by GloRilla
“Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar

  1. Best Melodic Rap Performance

“KEHLANI” by Jordan Adetunji feat. Kehlani
“SPAGHETTII” by Beyoncé feat. Linda Martell & Shaboozey
“We Still Don’t Trust You” by Future & Metro Boomin feat. The Weeknd
“Big Mama” by Latto
“3:AM” by Rapsody feat. Erykah Badu

  1. Best Rap Song

“Asteroids” – Marlanna Evans, songwriter (Rapsody feat. Hit-Boy)
“Carnival” – Jordan Carter, Raul Cubina, Grant Dickinson, Samuel Lindley, Nasir Pemberton, Dimitri Roger, Ty Dolla $ign, Kanye West & Mark Carl Stolinski Williams, songwriters (¥$ (Kanye West & Ty Dolla $Ign) feat. Rich The Kid & Playboi Carti)
“Like That” – Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, Kobe “BbyKobe” Hood, Leland Wayne & Nayvadius Wilburn, songwriters (Future & Metro Boomin feat. Kendrick Lamar)
“Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar, songwriter (Kendrick Lamar)
“Yeah Glo!” – Ronnie Jackson, Jaucquez Lowe, Timothy McKibbins, Kevin Andre Price, Julius Rivera III & Gloria Woods, songwriters (GloRilla)

  1. Best Rap Album

Might Delete Later by J. Cole
The Auditorium, Vol. 1 by Common & Pete Rock
Alligator Bites Never Heal by Doechii
The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce) by Eminem
We Don’t Trust You by Future & Metro Boomin

  1. Best Spoken Word Poetry Album

CIVIL WRITES: The South Got Something To Say by Queen Sheba
cOncrete & wHiskey Act II Part 1: A Bourbon 30 Series by Omari Hardwick
Good M.U.S.I.C. Universe Sonic Sinema: Episode 1 In The Beginning Was The Word by Malik Yusef
The Heart, The Mind, The Soul by Tank And The Bangas
The Seven Number Ones by Mad Skillz

  1. Best Jazz Performance

“Walk With Me, Lord (SOUND | SPIRIT)” by The Baylor Project
“Phoenix Reimagined (Live)” by Lakecia Benjamin feat. Randy Brecker, Jeff “Tain” Watts & John Scofield
“Juno” by Chick Corea & Béla Fleck
“Twinkle Twinkle Little Me” by Samara Joy feat. Sullivan Fortner
“Little Fears” by Dan Pugach Big Band feat. Nicole Zuraitis & Troy Roberts

  1. Best Jazz Vocal Album

Journey In Black by Christie Dashiell
Wildflowers Vol. 1 by Kurt Elling & Sullivan Fortner
A Joyful Holiday by Samara Joy
Milton + esperanza by Milton Nascimento & esperanza spalding
My Ideal by Catherine Russell & Sean Mason

  1. Best Jazz Instrumental Album

Owl Song by Ambrose Akinmusire feat. Bill Frisell & Herlin Riley
Beyond This Place by Kenny Barron feat. Kiyoshi Kitagawa, Johnathan Blake, Immanuel Wilkins & Steve Nelson
Phoenix Reimagined (Live) by Lakecia Benjamin
Remembrance by Chick Corea & Béla Fleck
Solo Game by Sullivan Fortner

  1. Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album

Returning To Forever by John Beasley & Frankfurt Radio Big Band
And So It Goes by The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra
Walk A Mile In My Shoe by Orrin Evans & The Captain Black Big Band
Bianca Reimagined: Music For Paws And Persistence by Dan Pugach Big Band
Golden City by Miguel Zenón

  1. Best Latin Jazz Album

Spain Forever Again by Michel Camilo & Tomatito
Cubop Lives! by Zaccai Curtis
COLLAB by Hamilton de Holanda & Gonzalo Rubalcaba
Time And Again by Eliane Elias
El Trio: Live in Italy by Horacio ‘El Negro’ Hernández, John Beasley & José Gola
Cuba And Beyond by Chucho Valdés & Royal Quartet
As I Travel by Donald Vega feat. Lewis Nash, John Patitucci & Luisito Quintero

  1. Best Alternative Jazz Album

Night Reign by Arooj Aftab
New Blue Sun by André 3000
Code Derivation by Robert Glasper
Foreverland by Keyon Harrold
No More Water: The Gospel Of James Baldwin by Meshell Ndegeocello

  1. Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album

À Fleur De Peau by Cyrille Aimée
Visions by Norah Jones
Good Together by Lake Street Dive
Impossible Dream by Aaron Lazar
Christmas Wish by Gregory Porter

  1. Best Contemporary Instrumental Album

Plot Armor by Taylor Eigsti
Rhapsody In Blue by Béla Fleck
Orchestras (Live) by Bill Frisell feat. Alexander Hanson, Brussels Philharmonic, Rudy Royston & Thomas Morgan
Mark by Mark Guiliana
Speak To Me by Julian Lage

  1. Best Musical Theater Album

Hell’s Kitchen
Merrily We Roll Along
The Notebook
The Outsiders
Suffs
The Wiz

  1. Best Country Solo Performance

“16 CARRIAGES” by Beyoncé
“I Am Not Okay” by Jelly Roll
“The Architect” by Kacey Musgraves
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” by Shaboozey
“It Takes A Woman” by Chris Stapleton

  1. Best Country Duo/Group Performance

“Cowboys Cry Too” by Kelsea Ballerini With Noah Kahan
“II MOST WANTED” by Beyoncé feat. Miley Cyrus
“Break Mine” by Brothers Osborne
“Bigger Houses” by Dan + Shay
“I Had Some Help” by Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen

  1. Best Country Song

“The Architect” – Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves & Josh Osborne, songwriters (Kacey Musgraves)
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Sean Cook, Jerrel Jones, Joe Kent, Chibueze Collins Obinna, Nevin Sastry & Mark Williams, songwriters (Shaboozey)
“I Am Not Okay” – Casey Brown, Jason DeFord, Ashley Gorley & Taylor Phillips, songwriters (Jelly Roll)
“I Had Some Help” – Louis Bell, Ashley Gorley, Hoskins, Austin Post, Ernest Smith, Ryan Vojtesak, Morgan Wallen & Chandler Paul Walters, songwriters (Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen)
“TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” – Brian Bates, Beyoncé, Elizabeth Lowell Boland, Megan Bülow, Nate Ferraro & Raphael Saadiq, songwriters (Beyoncé)

  1. Best Country Album

COWBOY CARTER by Beyoncé
F-1 Trillion by Post Malone
Deeper Well by Kacey Musgraves
Higher by Chris Stapleton
Whirlwind by Lainey Wilson

  1. Best American Roots Performance

“Blame It On Eve” by Shemekia Copeland
“Nothing In Rambling” by The Fabulous Thunderbirds feat. Bonnie Raitt, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal & Mick Fleetwood
“Lighthouse” by Sierra Ferrell
“The Ballad Of Sally Anne” by Rhiannon Giddens

  1. Best Americana Performance

“YA YA” by Beyoncé
“Subtitles” by Madison Cunningham
“Don’t Do Me Good” by Madi Diaz feat. Kacey Musgraves
“American Dreaming” by Sierra Ferrell
“Runaway Train” by Sarah Jarosz
“Empty Trainload Of Sky” by Gillian Welch & David Rawlings

  1. Best American Roots Song

“Ahead Of The Game” – Mark Knopfler, songwriter (Mark Knopfler)
“All In Good Time” – Sam Beam, songwriter (Iron & Wine feat. Fiona Apple)
“All My Friends” – Aoife O’Donovan, songwriter (Aoife O’Donovan)
“American Dreaming” – Sierra Ferrell & Melody Walker, songwriters (Sierra Ferrell)
“Blame It On Eve” – John Hahn & Will Kimbrough, songwriters (Shemekia Copeland)

  1. Best Americana Album

The Other Side by T Bone Burnett
$10 Cowboy by Charley Crockett
Trail Of Flowers by Sierra Ferrell
Polaroid Lovers by Sarah Jarosz
No One Gets Out Alive by Maggie Rose
Tigers Blood by Waxahatchee

  1. Best Bluegrass Album

I Built A World by Bronwyn Keith-Hynes
Songs Of Love And Life by The Del McCoury Band
No Fear by Sister Sadie
Live Vol. 1 by Billy Strings
Earl Jam by Tony Trischka
Dan Tyminski: Live From The Ryman by Dan

  1. Best Traditional Blues Album

Hill Country Love by Cedric Burnside
Struck Down by The Fabulous Thunderbirds
One Guitar Woman by Sue Foley
Sam’s Place by Little Feat
Swingin’ Live At The Church In Tulsa by The Taj Mahal Sextet

  1. Best Contemporary Blues Album

Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 by Joe Bonamassa
Blame It On Eve by Shemekia Copeland
Friendlytown by Steve Cropper & The Midnight Hour
Mileage by Ruthie Foster
The Fury by Antonio Vergara

  1. Best Folk Album

American Patchwork Quartet by American Patchwork Quartet
Weird Faith by Madi Diaz
Bright Future by Adrianne Lenker
All My Friends by Aoife O’Donovan
Woodland by Gillian Welch & David Rawlings

  1. Best Regional Roots Music Album

25 Back To My Roots by Sean Ardoin And Kreole Rock And Soul
Live At The 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival by Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & The Golden Eagles feat. J’Wan Boudreaux
Live At The 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival by New Breed Brass Band feat. Trombone Shorty
Kuini by Kalani Pe’a
Stories From The Battlefield by The Rumble feat. Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr.

  1. Best Gospel Performance/Song

“Church Doors” by Yolanda Adams; Donald Lawrence & Sir William James Baptist, songwriters
“Yesterday” by Melvin Crispell III
“Hold On (Live)” by Ricky Dillard
“Holy Hands” by DOE; Jesse Paul Barrera, Jeffrey Castro Bernat, Dominique Jones, Timothy Ferguson, Kelby Shavon Johnson, Jr., Jonathan McReynolds, Rickey Slikk Muzik Offord & Juan Winans, songwriters
“One Hallelujah” by Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Erica Campbell & Israel Houghton feat. Jonathan McReynolds & Jekalyn Carr; G. Morris Coleman, Israel Houghton, Kenneth Leonard, Jr., Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Naomi Raine, songwriters

  1. Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song

“Holy Forever (Live)” by Bethel Music, Jenn Johnson feat. CeCe Winans
“Praise” by Elevation Worship feat. Brandon Lake, Chris Brown & Chandler Moore; Pat Barrett, Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake & Chandler Moore, songwriters
“Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” by Honor & Glory feat. Disciple
“In The Name Of Jesus” by JWLKRS Worship & Maverick City Music feat. Chandler Moore; Austin Armstrong, Ran Jackson, Chandler Moore, Sajan Nauriyal, Ella Schnacky, Noah Schnacky & Ilya Toshinskiy, songwriters
“In The Room” by Maverick City Music, Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore feat. Tasha Cobbs Leonard; G. Morris Coleman, Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Naomi Raine, songwriters
That’s My King CeCe Winans; Taylor Agan, Kellie Gamble, Lloyd Nicks & Jess Russ, songwriters

  1. Best Gospel Album

Covered Vol. 1 by Melvin Crispell III
Choirmaster II (Live) by Ricky Dillard
Father’s Day by Kirk Franklin
Still Karen by Karen Clark Sheard
More Than This by CeCe Winans

  1. Best Contemporary Christian Music Album

Heart Of A Human by DOE
When Wind Meets Fire by Elevation Worship
Child Of God by Forrest Frank
Coat Of Many Colors by Brandon Lake
The Maverick Way Complete by Maverick City Music, Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore

  1. Best Roots Gospel Album

The Gospel Sessions, Vol 2 by Authentic Unlimited
The Gospel According To Mark by Mark D. Conklin
Rhapsody by The Harlem Gospel Travelers
Church by Cory Henry
Loving You by The Nelons

  1. Best Latin Pop Album

Funk Generation by Anitta
El Viaje by Luis Fonsi
GARCÍA by Kany García
Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran by Shakira
ORQUÍDEAS by Kali Uchis

  1. Best Música Urbana Album

nadie sabe lo que va a pasar mañana by Bad Bunny
Rayo by J Balvin
FERXXOCALIPSIS by Feid
LAS LETRAS YA NO IMPORTAN by Residente
att. by Young Miko

  1. Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album

Compita del Destino by El David Aguilar
Pa’ Tu Cuerpa by Cimafunk
Autopoiética by Mon Laferte
GRASA by NATHY PELUSO
¿Quién trae las cornetas? by Rawayana

  1. Best Música Mexicana Album (Including Tejano)

Diamantes by Chiquis
Boca Chueca, Vol. 1 by Carín León
ÉXODO by Peso Pluma
De Lejitos by Jessi Uribe

  1. Best Tropical Latin Album

MUEVENSE by Marc Anthony
Bailar by Sheila E.
Radio Güira by Juan Luis Guerra 4.40
Alma, Corazón y Salsa (Live at Gran Teatro Nacional) by Tony Succar, Mimy Succar
Vacilón Santiaguero by Kiki Valera

  1. Best Global Music Performance

“Raat Ki Rani” by Arooj Aftab
“A Rock Somewhere” by Jacob Collier feat. Anoushka Shankar & Varijashree Venugopal
“Rise” by Rocky Dawuni
“Bemba Colorá” by Sheila E. feat. Gloria Estefan & Mimy Succar
“Sunlight To My Soul” by Angélique Kidjo feat. Soweto Gospel Choir
“Kashira” by Masa Takumi feat. Ron Korb, Noshir Mody & Dale Edward Chung

  1. Best African Music Performance

“Tomorrow” by Yemi Alade
“MMS” by Asake & Wizkid
“Sensational” by Chris Brown feat. Davido & Lojay
“Higher” by Burna Boy
“Love Me JeJe” by Tems

  1. Best Global Music Album

Alkebulan II by Matt B feat. Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Paisajes by Ciro Hurtado
Heis by Rema
Historias De Un Flamenco by Antonio Rey
Born In The Wild by Tems

  1. Best Reggae Album

Take It Easy by Collie Buddz
Party With Me by Vybz Kartel
Never Gets Late Here by Shenseea
Bob Marley: One Love – Music Inspired By The Film (Deluxe) (Various Artists)
Evolution by The Wailers

  1. Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album

Break Of Dawn by Ricky Kej
Triveni by Wouter Kellerman, Éru Matsumoto & Chandrika Tandon
Visions Of Sounds De Luxe by Chris Redding
Opus by Ryuichi Sakamoto
Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn by Anoushka Shankar
Warriors Of Light by Radhika Vekaria

  1. Best Children’s Music Album

Brillo, Brillo! by Lucky Diaz And The Family Jam Band
Creciendo by Lucy Kalantari & The Jazz Cats
My Favorite Dream by John Legend
Solid Rock Revival by Rock For ChildrenWorld Wide Playdate by Divinity Roxx and Divi Roxx Kids

  1. Best Comedy Album

Armageddon by Ricky Gervais
The Dreamer by Dave Chappelle
The Prisoner by Jim Gaffigan
Someday You’ll Die by Nikki Glaser
Where Was I by Trevor Noah

  1. Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording

All You Need Is Love: The Beatles In Their Own Words – Guy Oldfield, producer
…And Your Ass Will Follow – George Clinton
Behind The Seams: My Life In Rhinestones – Dolly Parton
Last Sundays In Plains: A Centennial Celebration – Jimmy Carter
My Name Is Barbra – Barbra Streisand

  1. Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media

The Color Purple (Various Artists)
Deadpool & Wolverine (Various Artists)
Maestro: Music by Leonard Bernstein –London Symphony Orchestra, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Bradley Cooper
Saltburn (Various Artists)
Twisters: The Album (Various Artists)

  1. Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media (Includes Film And Television)

American Fiction – Laura Karpman, composer
Challengers – Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, composers
The Color Purple – Kris Bowers, composer
Dune: Part Two – Hans Zimmer, composer
Shōgun – Nick Chuba, Atticus Ross & Leopold Ross, composers

  1. Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora – Pinar Toprak, composer
God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla – Bear McCreary, composer
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 – John Paesano, composer
Star Wars Outlaws – Wilbert Roget, II, composer
Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord – Winifred Phillips, composer

  1. Best Song Written For Visual Media

“Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” [from Twisters: The Album] – Jessi Alexander, Luke Combs & Jonathan Singleton, songwriters (Luke Combs)
“Better Place” [from TROLLS Band Together] – Amy Allen, Shellback & Justin Timberlake, songwriters (*NSYNC & Justin Timberlake)
“Can’t Catch Me Now” [from The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes] – Daniel Nigro & Olivia Rodrigo, songwriters (Olivia Rodrigo)
“It Never Went Away” [from American Symphony] – Jon Batiste & Dan Wilson, songwriters (Jon Batiste)
“Love Will Survive” [from The Tattooist of Auschwitz] – Walter Afanasieff, Charlie Midnight, Kara Talve & Hans Zimmer, songwriters (Barbra Streisand)

  1. Best Music Video

“Tailor Swif” by A$AP Rocky; Vania Heymann & Gal Muggia, video directors
“360” by Charli xcx; Aidan Zamiri, video director; Jami Arceo & Evan Thicke, video producers
“Houdini” by Eminem; Rich Lee, video director; Kathy Angstadt, Lisa Arianna & Justin Diener, video producers
“Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar; Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar, video directors; Jack Begert, Sam Canter & Jamie Rabineau, video producers
“Fortnight” by Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone; Taylor Swift, video director; Jil Hardin, video producer

  1. Best Music Film

American Symphony (Jon Batiste) – Matthew Heineman, video director; Lauren Domino, Matthew Heineman & Joedan Okun, video producers
June (June Carter Cash) – Kristen Vaurio, video director; Josh Matas, Sarah Olson, Jason Owen, Mary Robertson & Kristen Vaurio, video producers
Kings From Queens (Run DMC) – Kirk Fraser, video director; William H. Masterson III, video producer
Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple (Steven Van Zandt) – Bill Teck, video director; Robert Cotto, David Fisher & Bill Teck, video producers
The Greatest Night In Pop (Various Artists) – Bao Nguyen, video director; Bruce Eskowitz, George Hencken, Larry Klein, Julia Nottingham, Lionel Richie & Harriet Sternberg, video producers

  1. Best Recording Package

The Avett Brothers – Jonny Black & Giorgia Sage, art directors (The Avett Brothers)
Baker Hotel – Sarah Dodds & Shauna Dodds, art directors (William Clark Green)
BRAT – Brent David Freaney & Imogene Strauss, art directors (Charli xcx)
F-1 Trillion – Archie Lee Coates IV, Jeffrey Franklin, Blossom Liu, Kylie McMahon & Ana Cecilia Thompson Motta, art directors (Post Malone)
Hounds Of Love The Baskerville Edition – Kate Bush & Albert McIntosh, art directors (Kate Bush)
Jug Band Millionaire – Andrew Wong & Julie Yeh, art directors (The Muddy Basin Ramblers)
Pregnancy, Breakdown, And Disease – Lee Pei-Tzu, art director (iWhoiWhoo)

  1. Best Boxed Or Special Limited Edition Package

Half Living Things – Patrick Galvin, art director (Alpha Wolf)
Hounds Of Love The Boxes Of Lost At Sea – Kate Bush & Albert McIntosh, art directors (Kate Bush)
In Utero – Doug Cunningham & Jason Noto, art directors (Nirvana)
Mind Games – Simon Hilton & Sean Ono Lennon, art directors (John Lennon)
Unsuk Chin – Takahiro Kurashima & Marek Polewski, art directors (Unsuk Chin & Berliner Philharmoniker)
We Blame Chicago – Rebeka Arce & Farbod Kokabi, art directors (90 Day Men)

  1. Best Album Notes

After Midnight – Tim Brooks, album notes writer (Ford Dabney’s Syncopated Orchestras)
The Carnegie Hall Concert – Lauren Du Graf, album notes writer (Alice Coltrane)
Centennial – Ricky Riccardi, album notes writer (King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band & Various Artists)
John Culshaw – The Art Of The Producer – The Early Years 1948-55 – Dominic Fyfe, album notes writer (John Culshaw)
SONtrack Original De La Película “Al Son De Beno” – Josh Kun, album notes writer (Various Artists)

  1. Best Historical Album

Centennial – Meagan Hennessey & Richard Martin, compilation producers; Richard Martin, mastering engineer (King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band And Various Artists)
Diamonds And Pearls: Super Deluxe Edition – Charles F. Spicer, Jr. & Duane Tudahl, compilation producers; Brad Blackwood & Bernie Grundman, mastering engineers (Prince & The New Power Generation)
Paul Robeson – Voice of Freedom: His Complete Columbia, RCA, HMV, and Victor Recordings – Tom Laskey & Robert Russ, compilation producers; Nancy Conforti & Andreas K. Meyer, mastering engineers (Paul Robeson)
Pepito Y Paquito – Pepe De Lucía & Javier Doria, compilation producers; Jesús Bola, mastering engineer (Pepe De Lucía And Paco De Lucía)
The Sound Of Music (Original Soundtrack Recording – Super Deluxe Edition) – Mike Matessino & Mark Piro, compilation producers; Steve Genewick & Mike Matessino, mastering engineers (Rodgers & Hammerstein & Julie Andrews)

  1. Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical

Algorithm – Dernst Emile II, Michael B. Hunter, Stephan Johnson, Rachel Keen, John Kercy, Charles Moniz & Todd Robinson, engineers; Colin Leonard, mastering engineer (Lucky Daye)
Cyan Blue – Jack Emblem, Jack Rochon & Charlotte Day Wilson, engineers; Chris Gehringer, mastering engineer (Charlotte Day Wilson)
Deeper Well – Craig Alvin, Shawn Everett, Mai Leisz, Todd Lombardo, John Rooney, Konrad Snyder & Daniel Tashian, engineers; Greg Calbi, mastering engineer (Kacey Musgraves)
empathogen – Beatriz Artola, Zach Brown, Oscar Cornejo, Chris Greatti & Mitch McCarthy, engineers; Joe La Porta, mastering engineer (WILLOW)i/o – Tchad Blake, Oli Jacobs, Katie May & Dom Shaw, engineers; Matt Colton, mastering engineer (Peter Gabriel)
Short n’ Sweet – Bryce Bordone, Julian Bunetta, Serban Ghenea, Jeff Gunnell, Oli Jacobs, Ian Kirkpatrick, Jack Manning, Manny Marroquin, John Ryan & Laura Sisk, engineers; Nathan Dantzler & Ruairi O’Flaherty, mastering engineers (Sabrina Carpenter)

  1. Best Engineered Album, Classical

Adams: Girls Of The Golden West – Alexander Lipay & Dmitriy Lipay, engineers; Alexander Lipay & Dmitriy Lipay, mastering engineers (John Adams, Daniela Mack, Ryan McKinny, Paul Appleby, Hye Jung Lee, Elliot Madore, Julia Bullock, Davóne Tines, Los Angeles Philharmonic & Los Angeles Master Chorale)
Andres: The Blind Banister – Silas Brown, Doron Schachter & Michael Schwartz, engineers; Matt Colton, mastering engineer (Andrew Cyr, Inbal Segev & Metropolis Ensemble)
Bruckner: Symphony No. 7; Bates: Resurrexit – Mark Donahue & John Newton, engineers; Mark Donahue, mastering engineer (Manfred Honeck & Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra)
Clear Voices In The Dark – Daniel Shores, engineer; Daniel Shores, mastering engineer (Matthew Guard & Skylark Vocal Ensemble)
Ortiz: Revolución Diamantina – Alexander Lipay & Dmitriy Lipay, engineers; Alexander Lipay & Dmitriy Lipay, mastering engineers (Gustavo Dudamel, María Dueñas, Los Angeles Philharmonic & Los Angeles Master Chorale)

  1. Producer Of The Year, Classical

Erica Brenner
Christoph Franke
Morten Lindberg
Dmitriy Lipay
Elaine Martone
Dirk Sobotka

  1. Best Immersive Audio Album

Avalon – Bob Clearmountain, immersive mix engineer; Rhett Davies & Bryan Ferry, immersive producers (Roxy Music)
Genius Loves Company – Michael Romanowski, Eric Schilling & Herbert Waltl, immersive mix engineers; Michael Romanowski, immersive mastering engineer; John Burk, immersive producer (Ray Charles With Various Artists)
Henning Sommerro: Borders – Morten Lindberg, immersive mix engineer; Morten Lindberg, immersive mastering engineer; Morten Lindberg, immersive producer (Trondheim Symphony Orchestra)
i/o (In-Side Mix) – Hans-Martin Buff, immersive mix engineer; Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel & Richard Russell, immersive producers (Peter Gabriel)
Pax – Morten Lindberg, immersive mix engineer; Morten Lindberg, immersive mastering engineer; Morten Lindberg, immersive producer (Ensemble 96 & Current Saxophone Quartet)

  1. Best Instrumental Composition

At Last – Shelton G. Berg, composer (Shelly Berg)
Communion – Christopher Zuar, composer (Christopher Zuar Orchestra)
“I Swear, I Really Wanted To Make A “Rap” Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time” – André 3000, Surya Botofasina, Nate Mercereau & Carlos Niño, composers (André 3000)
“Remembrance” – Chick Corea, composer (Chick Corea & Béla Fleck)
Strands – Pascal Le Boeuf, composer (Akropolis Reed Quintet, Pascal Le Boeuf & Christian Euman)

  1. Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella

“Baby Elephant Walk – Encore” – Michael League, arranger (Snarky Puppy)
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” – Jacob Collier, Tori Kelly & John Legend, arrangers (Jacob Collier feat. John Legend & Tori Kelly)
“Rhapsody In Blue(Grass)” – Béla Fleck & Ferde Grofé, arrangers (Béla Fleck feat. Michael Cleveland, Sierra Hull, Justin Moses, Mark Schatz & Bryan Sutton)
“Rose Without The Thorns” – Erin Bentlage, Alexander Lloyd Blake, Scott Hoying, A.J. Sealy & Amanda Taylor, arrangers (Scott Hoying feat. säje & Tonality)
“Silent Night” – Erin Bentlage, Sara Gazarek, Johnaye Kendrick & Amanda Taylor, arrangers (säje)

  1. Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals

“Alma” – Erin Bentlage, Sara Gazarek, Johanye Kendrick & Amanda Taylor, arrangers (säje feat. Regina Carter)
“Always Come Back” – Matt Jones, arranger (John Legend)
“b i g f e e l i n g s” – Willow, arranger (WILLOW)
“Last Surprise” (from Persona 5) – Charlie Rosen & Jake Silverman, arrangers (The 8-Bit Big Band feat. Jonah Nilsson & Button Masher)
“The Sound Of Silence” – Cody Fry, arranger (Cody Fry feat. Sleeping At Last)

  1. Best Orchestral Performance

Adams: City Noir, Fearful Symmetries & Lola Montez Does The Spider Dance – Marin Alsop, conductor (ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra)
Kodály: Háry János Suite; Summer Evening & Symphony In C Major – JoAnn Falletta, conductor (Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra)
Ortiz: Revolución Diamantina – Gustavo Dudamel, conductor (Los Angeles Philharmonic)
Sibelius: Karelia Suite, Rakastava, & Lemminkäinen – Susanna Mälkki, conductor (Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra)
Stravinsky: The Firebird – Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductor (San Francisco Symphony)

  1. Best Opera Recording

Adams: Girls Of The Golden West – John Adams, conductor; Paul Appleby, Julia Bullock, Hye Jung Lee, Daniela Mack, Elliot Madore, Ryan McKinny & Davóne Tines; Dmitriy Lipay, producer (Los Angeles Philharmonic; Los Angeles Master Chorale)
Catán: Florencia En El Amazonas – Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor; Mario Chang, Michael Chioldi, Greer Grimsley, Nancy Fabiola Herrera, Mattia Olivieri, Ailyn Pérez & Gabriella Reyes; David Frost, producer (The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; The Metropolitan Opera Chorus)
Moravec: The Shining – Gerard Schwarz, conductor; Tristan Hallett, Kelly Kaduce & Edward Parks; Blanton Alspaugh, producer (Kansas City Symphony; Lyric Opera Of Kansas City Chorus)
Puts: The Hours – Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor; Joyce DiDonato, Renée Fleming & Kelli O’Hara; David Frost, producer (Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; Metropolitan Opera Chorus)
Saariaho: Adriana Mater – Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductor; Fleur Barron, Axelle Fanyo, Nicholas Phan & Christopher Purves; Jason O’Connell, producer (San Francisco Symphony; San Francisco Symphony Chorus; Timo Kurkikangas)

  1. Best Choral Performance

Clear Voices In The Dark – Matthew Guard, conductor (Carrie Cheron, Nathan Hodgson, Helen Karloski & Clare McNamara; Skylark Vocal Ensemble)
A Dream So Bright – Choral Music Of Jake Runestad – Eric Holtan, conductor (Jeffrey Biegel; True Concord Orchestra; True Concord Voices)
Handel: Israel In Egypt – Jeannette Sorrell, conductor (Margaret Carpenter Haigh, Daniel Moody, Molly Netter, Jacob Perry & Edward Vogel; Apollo’s Fire; Apollo’s Singers)
Ochre – Donald Nally, conductor (The Crossing)
Sheehan: Akathist – Elaine Kelly, conductor; Melissa Attebury, Stephen Sands & Benedict Sheehan, chorus masters (Elizabeth Bates, Paul D’Arcy, Tynan Davis, Aine Hakamatsuka, Steven Hrycelak, Helen Karloski, Enrico Lagasca, Edmund Milly, Fotina Naumenko, Neil Netherly, Timothy Parsons, Stephen Sands, Miriam Sheehan & Pamela Terry; Novus NY; Artefact Ensemble, The Choir Of Trinity Wall Street, Downtown Voices & Trinity Youth Chorus)

  1. Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance

Adams, J.L.: Waves & Particles by JACK Quartet
Beethoven For Three: Symphony No. 4 And Op. 97, ‘Archduke’ by Yo-Yo Ma, Leonidas Kavakos & Emanuel Ax
Cerrone: Beaufort Scales by Beth Willer, Christopher Cerrone & Lorelei EnsembleHome by Miró Quartet
Rectangles And Circumstance by Caroline Shaw & Sō Percussion

  1. Best Classical Instrumental Solo

Akiho: Longing by Andy Akiho
Bach: Goldberg Variations by Víkingur Ólafsson
Eastman: The Holy Presence Of Joan D’Arc by Seth Parker Woods; Christopher Rountree, conductor (Wild Up)
Entourer by Mak Grgić (Ensemble Dissonance)
Perry: Concerto For Violin & Orchestra by Curtis Stewart; James Blachly, conductor (Experiential Orchestra)

  1. Best Classical Solo Vocal Album

Beyond The Years – Unpublished Songs Of Florence Price – Karen Slack, soloist; Michelle Cann, pianist
A Change Is Gonna Come – Nicholas Phan, soloist; Palaver Strings, ensembles
Newman: Bespoke Songs – Fotina Naumenko, soloist; Marika Bournaki, pianist (Nadège Foofat; Julietta Curenton, Colin Davin, Mark Edwards, Nadia Pessoa, Timothy Roberts, Ryan Romine, Akemi Takayama, Karlyn Viña & Garrick Zoeter)
Show Me The Way – Will Liverman, soloist; Jonathan King, pianist
Wagner: Wesendonck Lieder – Joyce DiDonato, soloist; Maxim Emelyanychev, conductor (Il Pomo d’Oro)

  1. Best Classical Compendium

Akiho: BeLonging – Andy Akiho & Imani Winds; Andy Akiho, Sean Dixon & Mark Dover, producers
American Counterpoints – Curtis Stewart; James Blachly, conductor; Blanton Alspaugh, producer
Foss: Symphony No. 1; Renaissance Concerto; Three American Pieces; Ode – JoAnn Falletta, conductor; Bernd Gottinger, producer
Mythologies II – Sangeeta Kaur, Omar Najmi, Hilá Plitmann, Robert Thies & Danaë Xanthe Vlasse; Michael Shapiro, conductor; Jeff Atmajian, Emilio D. Miler, Hai Nguyen, Robert Thies, Danaë Xanthe Vlasse & Kitt Wakeley, producers
Ortiz: Revolución Diamantina – Gustavo Dudamel, conductor; Dmitriy Lipay, producer

  1. Best Contemporary Classical Composition

Casarrubios: Seven For Solo Cello – Andrea Casarrubios, composer (Andrea Casarrubios)
Coleman: Revelry – Valerie Coleman, composer (Decoda)
Lang: Composition As Explanation – David Lang, composer (Eighth Blackbird)
Ortiz: Revolución Diamantina – Gabriela Ortiz, composer (Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Philharmonic & Los Angeles Master Chorale)
Saariaho: Adriana Mater – Kaija Saariaho, composer (Esa-Pekka Salonen, Fleur Barron, Nicholas Phan, Christopher Purves, Axelle Fanyo, San Francisco Symphony Chorus & Orchestra)

Zelensky confirms deadly clashes with North Korean troops 

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North Korean troops deployed to Russia’s Kursk region have fought Ukrainian forces on the battlefield, Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed adding that the clashes resulted in fatalities.

Zelensky said 11,000 North Korean soldiers are in the region, where Ukraine’s three-month military incursion into Russian territory has been halted .

“Eleven thousand North Korean soldiers or soldiers of the North Korean army are currently present on the territory of the Russian Federation in the border with Ukraine on the north of our country in the Kursk region,” Zelensky told reporters at the European Political Community summit in Budapest, Hungary, on Thursday.

“Some of these troops have already taken part in hostilities against the Ukrainian military. Yes, there are already losses, this is a fact.”

He did not specify which side suffered the losses.

The New York Times reported earlier this week that a number of North Korean troops had been killed in a limited engagement with Russian and Ukrainian forces, citing senior US and Ukrainian officials.

The announcement of their use in combat comes as the United States and its allies weigh how to respond to the escalating military partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang.

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin made his first public comments on the US election, saying he is ready for dialogue with the Republican president-elect Donald Trump and noted that Trump’s comments on ending Russia’s war in Ukraine “deserve attention at the very least.”

“We’re ready,” the Russian leader said when asked whether he would hold talks with Trump, while addressing a discussion forum in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi.

Putin congratulated Trump on his election victory and praised his “courageous” conduct following an assassination attempt in July.

Trump’s election to a second term comes at a precarious moment in the war. Ukraine is under fierce pressure on the front lines, where its army chief has warned his forces are facing “one of the most powerful Russian offensives” since the start of the war.

The Ukrainian president said from Budapest Thursday that world leaders are not listening hard enough to his pleas to allow Kyiv to use long-range weapons as it faces a “new wave of escalation” involving “the army of another state in the war against Ukraine.”

US officials had warned that around 10,000 North Korean troops are in the Kursk region and would be expected to enter combat against Ukraine. But Zelensky fears a greater role for North Korean troops if its allies fail to exert more pressure on Putin.

“We believe that if we do not use appropriate weapons and political pressure on the Russian Federation, the next step may be much more use of the North Korean contingent,” he said.

No Plans To Leave Galatarsaray In January – Osimhen

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Super Eagles star, Victor Osimhen produced an impressive performance for Galatarsaray with a match-winning brace to earn a 3-2 win over Tottenham in the Europa League.

Osimhen was a thorn in the flesh for Tottenham defenders and his performance was rewarded with two well-taken goals to earn his side their fourth consecutive win in all competitions.

Yunus Akgun opened the scoring for Galatarsaray in the sixth minute before Lankshear levelled for Tottenham in the 18th minute.

Osimhen restored the for Galatarsaray in the 31st minute with a low effort in the box to make it 2-1.

He quickly added the third goal five minutes later with a stunning finish from Mertens’ cross to set the hosts on the way to the maximum points.

The former Napoli was close to getting a hat-trick but Tottenham’s goalkeeper proved difficult to beat.

The 25-year-old admitted that the game was tough, but he was full of praise for the club’s supporters for their support all through the game.

Osimhen said, “Tottenham were a very difficult opponent. We made our preparations accordingly. I want to congratulate my team. I would also like to thank our fans who supported us from the first moment to the last.

“Of course, the two goals were important for me. On the other hand, I hope Mauro’s injury is not serious. This victory was important for us.

“It was important for us to win against Tottenham who played well and fought until the last moment. We need to continue our momentum.”

Osimhen also provided an update on his future after reports linked him with a move away from Turkey in the January transfer window.

He said: “I’m here as a Galatasaray player, I’m happy here.

“Since I came, the Galatasaray fans, the club, I saw how big a family this club is. The way they have treated me and my family in a wonderful manner. It’s important to be able to give them my all on the pitch.

“I’ve seen a lot of the speculation linking me out of the club in January, I can state through me now I’m going to be here until the end of the season. And then I don’t know what Galatasaray and Napoli are negotiating but of course, if they come to me to speak about one or two things regarding this club I would consider it, of course.

“But now I’m here, I’m focused on this team, I’m focused on the objective the club has set and I want to give my all and make sure that we win the league and if we can go further in the Europa League we can win it also because we have a good squad.”

Osimhen has now scored six goals and recorded four assists in all competitions for Galatarsaray since joining on loan from Napoli in the summer.

The win propelled Galatarsaray to the third position on the table after their unbeaten start to the competition with three wins and one draw from four games.

Tottenham, on the other hand, sit in the seventh position with three wins from four games.

Up next for Galatarsaray in the competition is a trip to Holland to face AZ Alkmaar, while Tottenham hosts Roma in England on November 28.

Vinicius Scores Another Hat-trick As Real Madrid Defeat Osasuna 4-0

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Vinicius Junior scored a sensational hat-trick to lead Real Madrid to a 4-0 win over Osasuna on Saturday evening.

The Brazilian forward put a difficult last few weeks behind him with his second hat-trick of the season after missing out on the Balloon d’Or award last month.

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He opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a top corner from finish that flew pass Osasuna goalkeeper.

Jude Bellingham scored his first goal of the season, finishing off a superb long pass from Asencio to make it 2-0 just before halftime.

Vinicius added two more goals in the second half to complete his hat-trick.

He has now scored two hat-tricks this season, with the first one coming against Dortmund in the Champions League.

Eder Militao and Rodrigo both limped off in the encounter to add to Real Madrid’s injury crisis.

Ancelotti was impressed with his team’s attitude in bouncing back from a difficult week after suffering two consecutive home defeats to Barcelona and AC Milan.

He said, “It was a good match. We started off in control, without too much of a rush, and when we opened the scoring through Vinicius, the match went well. The team put in a good performance, with more attitude and commitment. The problem is the three injuries in the first half, which we are now assessing.

“The team’s attitude improved defensively. We were organised, without taking risks and showing good collective commitment. That’s what made the difference in the match.”

He was also full of praise for Vinicius following his match-winning performance.

Ancelotti said: “For us, Vinicius is a player who can make the difference. He did that again today as he’s done on other occasions. The Ballon d’Or ceremony is a small detail that hasn’t affected him. Many times they come over to the bench to celebrate.

“Vinicius is a player who makes and will continue to make a difference. He’s a very important player for us.”

Real Madrid confirmed in a statement shortly after the game that Eder Militao has suffered a knee injury which is expected to rule him out of the season.

The statement read, “Following tests carried out today on Eder Militão by Real Madrid’s medical department, the player has been diagnosed with a complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament with damage to both meniscuses in his right leg. Militão will undergo surgery in the coming days.”

Ancelotti revealed that the club will assess the transfer window in January to add to the team.

He said, “We’ll assess that in the coming months because there’s nothing we can do now. We have to try to recover as many players as possible and we’ll assess what we can do. I’m not thinking about the transfer market because we have games between now and the Christmas break. I have to prepare the games with the players I have. Valverde played at full-back today and he did well. Raúl also helped the team. This is what we have. We did well last year and we’ll do the same this year.”

The hat-trick hero, Vinicius was delighted with the team’s performance, but disappointed with the injuries to Militao and Rodrigo.

He said, “Today, we played very well, which we haven’t been doing in the last few games. But I’m also sad for Militão, Rodrygo and Lucas. It’s a shame that it’s happened to us so many times this season. Hopefully, we can stick together for them and they can come back as soon as possible. I’m very pleased with the goals, but I feel sad that Militão has to go through that again.”

Up next for Real Madrid in the La Liga is a trip to Leganes after the international break.

Man City Suffer Fourth Consecutive Defeat Against Brighton

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Manchester City suffered a 2-1 defeat to Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Saturday to record their fourth consecutive loss in all competitions.

Guardiola’s men have struggled with injuries and poor form in the last few weeks, and another defeat against the Seagulls has compounded their woes.

Erling Haaland gave the visitors the lead in the 23rd minute for his 12th goal of the season in the league.

Brighton turned the game around in the second half with two quick-fire goals from João Pedro, and Mike O Riley to hand Manchester City a fourth consecutive defeat for the first time under Pep Guardiola.

Guardiola praised his players for their performance in the encounter despite the defeat.

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He said, “The guys played really, really good so I don’t regret. They were magnificent in many ways. Brighton were really good with the ball and a lot of pace up front. In the first half, we were really good and brilliant. In the second half, fatigue and they made changes we cannot do right now, and we lost the game.

“You have to count the victories and defeats, and we win a lot. I know it’s the first time [for four-straight losses in his career] and everyone wants to talk about that. It’s not nice to be defeated two in a row. Performance in certain moments is good, but not all the minutes we would need.”

“The game was there. We played really well. In the first half, we had three or four clear chances, but it is what it is.

“Clean our heads over international break, and the players come back fit, more players to do it, and altogether. You know you have to play every three days. The success we’ve had the last few years is with so few injuries. We need to be more consistent like we played the first half.”

City were without John Stones, Ruben Dias, Rodri, and Jack Grealish, while Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake were not fit on the bench.

Can Donald Trump still go to jail?

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Can Donald Trump still go to jail?

Donald Trump’s return to the White House effectively slammed the door on the two cases involving federal criminal charges against him.

A state case against him for allegedly conspiring to interfere with Georgia’s election in 2020 will go on hold until after his term in office ends – if it’s still alive by then.

But next week, the fate of the remaining case – his conviction on 34 felony counts in New York – will be determined. It could stand, or it could be swept away in the same political and legal tide that has allowed him to escape the others.

Justice Juan Merchan will decide by Tuesday whether to grant Trump’s pre-election request to throw out his conviction. Should Justice Merchan side with Trump, it would almost wipe clean his slate of criminal woes.

But should the judge uphold the conviction, he would proceed to sentencing later this month. It would likely spark even more delay attempts from Trump and open up an unprecedented new front for America’s criminal justice system.

“This is truly uncharted territory,” said Anna Cominsky, a professor at the New York Law School.

Will Trump’s case get thrown out?
In May, a New York jury found Trump guilty of falsifying business records. The convictions stemmed from Trump’s attempt to cover up reimbursements to his ex-lawyer, Michael Cohen, who in 2016 paid off an adult film star to remain silent about an alleged sexual encounter with Trump.

Trump’s lawyers argue that a recent US Supreme Court ruling granting presidents a degree of immunity from criminal prosecution applies to certain aspects of his New York case, and therefore the indictment and conviction should be tossed.

During the trial, Justice Merchan dismissed attempts by Trump’s lawyers to throw out the case on immunity grounds. But that was before the US Supreme Court ruled in Trump’s favour this summer – and before Trump decisively won re-election.

Justice Merchan has set a deadline of 12 November to decide whether to grant Trump’s request.

If he throws out the conviction, that will be the end of the case.

But if he denies the defense’s request, Trump’s much-delayed sentencing will remain scheduled for 26 November.

An unprecedented sentencing – with jail unlikely
Even if Justice Merchan upholds the conviction and keeps the scheduled sentencing, Trump’s team is almost certain to seek more delays and appeals.

Todd Blanche, Trump’s lead attorney, did not respond to inquiries about whether he planned to seek a delay.

Because Trump will be tied up with a presidential transition and the legal questions about sentencing a president are so complex, some scholars see very little chance it will stay on the calendar.

“I think the most likely outcome in the state case is the judge putting off sentencing until after Trump’s term in office,” said Daniel Charles Richman, a professor at Columbia Law School.

“To actually impose a sentence would raise any number of messy issues in the short term,” including political ones, he said.

If Trump does find himself in a Manhattan courtroom later this month, deciding his fate still would be an unprecedented challenge.

Under the law, Trump faces a range of sentences, including fines, probation and up to four years in prison. But many options are rendered impractical by his imminent return to the White House.

“Sentencing a sitting president may be one of the most complicated, fraught sentencing decisions you can imagine,” Ms Cominsky said.

“It’s hard to imagine what sentence could be imposed that would not impede a president’s ability to do their job or compromise the president’s security.”

Few expect Justice Merchan to sentence Trump to a stint behind bars at this point.

“He’s a 78-year old man with no criminal history, who has been convicted of a non-violent felony,” said retired New York Supreme Court Justice Diane Kiesel. “I don’t think a judge would give a person under those sentences an incarceration sentence.”

Even if Justice Merchan did reach for such a sentence, Trump’s team would almost certainly appeal it, delaying actual punishment.

Trump could leave a sentencing hearing with the legal equivalent of a slap on the wrist. Justice Merchan could ask the former president to pay a relatively small fine in the three- or four-figure range.

He could also give Trump an unconditional discharge; “basically, goodbye,” as Justice Kiesel puts it.

Trump has no pardon power here
The only thing that is certain is that Trump cannot make this conviction go away on his own.

Trump has explored the possibility of pardoning himself from potential criminal charges in the past, and could do so for his federal indictments when he becomes president in January.

But he cannot pardon himself in New York, as the conviction occurred in state court.

His fate, at the moment, is in the hands of the court. But regardless of the outcome, Trump will likely avoid the most serious punishments facing him.

“He is a very lucky man,” Justice Kiesel said.

US ‘won’t accept Hamas presence in Qatar’

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US ‘won’t accept Hamas presence in Qatar’

Senior US officials have reportedly said Washington will no longer accept the presence of Hamas representatives in Qatar, accusing the Palestinian group of rejecting the latest proposals to achieve a Gaza ceasefire and a hostage deal.

In anonymous briefings to the Reuters news agency, the officials said the Qatari government had agreed to tell Hamas to close its political office 10 days ago.

Hamas has had a political base in Doha since 2012, reportedly at the request of the Obama administration, to allow communication with the group.

The reports have been denied to the BBC by Hamas officials; Qatar has yet to comment.

The small but influential Gulf state is a key US ally in the region. It hosts a major American air base and has handled many delicate political negotiations, including with Iran, the Taliban and Russia. Alongside the US and Egypt, the Qataris have also played a major role in rounds of so-far unsuccessful talks to broker a ceasefire in the year-long war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

The latest round of talks in mid-October failed to produce a deal, with Hamas rejecting a short-term ceasefire proposal. The group has always called for a complete end to the war and the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

Israel has also been accused of rejecting deals. Days after being fired earlier this week, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of rejecting a peace deal against the advice of his security chiefs.

Dr H A Hellyer, senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi), thinks the reports are credible. “I think we’re in the last phase before Hamas is forced to relocate,” he told me. “The writing on the wall has been there for months.”

The call for Hamas to be expelled from Qatar appears to be an attempt by the outgoing Biden administration to force some sort of peace deal before the end of his term in January.

Were Hamas to be forced to leave Doha, it is unclear where they would base their political office. Key ally Iran would be an option, although the assassination of former leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July suggests they may be at risk from Israel if based there. It would also not give them anything close to the same diplomatic channels to the West.

Reuters Khaled Meshaal sits in a chair in Doha beside a large picture of JerusalemReuters
Hamas has had a political base in Doha since 2012, reportedly at the request of the Obama administration

A more likely option would be Turkey. As a Nato member but also a Sunni majority state, it would give the group a base from which to operate in relative safety. Last April President Erdogan hosted then Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh and his delegation in Istanbul, where they talked about “what needs to be done to ensure adequate and uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and a fair and lasting peace process in the region”.

The move would also most likely be welcomed by Ankara, which has often sought to position itself as a broker between east and west.

It is thought the personal safety of Hamas leadership is now a major concern for the group, which saw two leaders killed in less than four months. As well as Haniyeh’s death in July, in October Israel killed Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind behind the 7 October Hamas attack on southern Israel.

According to the European Council of Foreign Relations, “Hamas has adopted a temporary model of collective leadership to mitigate the effect of future Israeli assassinations”.

Dr Hellyer thinks that nowhere “will give them protection from Israeli assassination attempts in the same way that being in Doha, where America has its largest military base in the region, did”.

The latest move comes as US officials appear increasingly frustrated with the approach the Israeli government has taken to ending the war. In October, the US Secretaries of State and Defense said if Israel did not allow more humanitarian aid into the territory by 12 November, they would face unspecified policy “implications”.

Last weekend a number of UN officials warned the situation in northern Gaza was “apocalyptic”. On Saturday the independent Famine Review Committee said there was a “strong likelihood that famine is imminent in areas”.

The relationship between President Joe Biden and Netanyahu has deteriorated for the war in Gaza, with increasing pressure from Washington to improve the humanitarian situation for the Palestinians and find some sort of negotiated settlement.

But, according to Dr Hellyer, US attempts at negotiation have been fatally flawed.

“By setting red lines and allowing Netanyahu to cross them without consequence, the Biden administration effectively encouraged further impunity. I don’t think any of this will change in the next 10 weeks,” he said.

Any overtures have been repeatedly rejected by Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition, who will now also feel emboldened by the prospect of an incoming Donald Trump presidency.

While exactly what approach Trump will take to the region remains uncertain, he is thought to be more likely to allow Israel to act on its terms.

He has previously said Israel should “finish what they started” in Gaza. During his last term in the White House, he took a number of steps deemed highly favourable to Israel, including moving the US embassy to Jerusalem.

It has also been reported, however, that Trump has told Netanyahu that he wants to see an end to the fighting by the time he takes office.

Either way, it seems likely that the current US administration will have less influence over the government in Jerusalem.

They may therefore believe the best way to force some sort of deal is to apply pressure on Hamas. Whether it pays off may depend on whether Qatar, so long a reliable ally, decides to go along with it.

Julius Malema’s EFF implodes

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Julius Malema’s EFF implodes

South Africa’s radical opposition party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), appears to be on a downward spiral after another high-profile member defected to ex-President Jacob Zuma’s party.

Dali Mpofu, an advocate and former EFF chairperson, told local media that after much “soul-searching” he had decided to join uMhkonto weSizwe (MK), or Spear of the Nation.

“I believe it [MK] is the vehicle which will achieve the much needed black and progressive unity,” he said.

Led by the firebrand Julius Malema, the EFF had strong support among South Africa’s burgeoning young population frustrated with the slow pace of political and economic reforms since the end of the racist system of apartheid in 1994.

But the EFF suffered a major setback in the May general election when, instead of achieving its goal of rising from the country’s third biggest party to second, it dropped to fourth.

It lost support to MK, in the first election the party contested after its formation last year.

Zuma spearheaded the party’s campaign, making a dramatic comeback after he was imprisoned in 2021 for contempt of court over his refusal to co-operate with a judge-led inquiry into corruption during his presidency.

The two parties share similar economic policies – including the expropriation of white-owned land and the state ownership of mines and banks.

South African political analyst Sandile Swana told the BBC that Mpofu’s move was driven by “political ambition”.

“As it stands today, MK is substantially bigger than the EFF. If someone wants power, they have a quicker route with MK,” he said.

Mpofu’s defection follows that of Malema’s deputy, Floyd Shivambu, and two lawmakers, Mzwanele Manyi and Busisiwe Mkhwebane.

Swana said the EFF could benefit from this “pruning process”.

“The unnecessary branches are being cut off,” he said.

Responding to Mpodu’s defection on an EFF podcast, Malema said it did not come as a shock.

“We respect his decision,” he added.

But Shivambu, once the EFF leader’s right-hand man, rubbed salt into Malema’s wound, sharing a message on Instagram, external to welcome Mpofu into MK.

“Welcome Dali Mpofu to the movement which has superior ideological, political and organisational capacity, composure,” he wrote in a post.

Mpofu used to be part of the EFF’s top leadership, holding the post of chairperson from 2014 to 2019. He later focused on his legal career, representing the party, and more recently Zuma, in court battles with the government.

Both the EFF and MK are offshoots of the African National Congress (ANC), which has been in power since the end of apartheid in 1994.

Mpofu had been an ANC member for 33 years, before he joined the EFF.

Announcing his defection on the public broadcaster, SABC, Mpofu said he had not informed Malema beforehand, but there was no “bad blood” between them.

He also claimed that he and Zuma had first discussed the idea of forming a new party two years ago.

He helped choose MK’s name, and was involved in discussions around its structure while still in the EFF, Mpofu alleged – although he denied that that he was operating as a “double agent”.

Mr Swana said that Zuma and Mpofu were “intertwined”.

Mpofu saw a “better prospect with Zuma rather than running around with a spring chicken like Malema”, he added.

Zuma, 82, served as South Africa’s president for nine years, until he was forced to resign by the ANC in 2018, partly because of the corruption scandals.

Malema, 43, is a former ANC youth leader. In 2012, he was expelled by the party – then led by Zuma – after being accused of being divisive.

Having launched the EFF a year later, he has been at the helm of the party ever since.

He is expected to be re-elected unopposed at a party conference next month, despite rumblings about his leadership.

“There is a rejection of the dictatorial style of Julius Malema in terms of leadership succession,” South African political analyst Ongama Mtimka told the BBC.

He added that EFF members believed that Malema and his close circle had already hand-picked leaders for senior positions.

“If leaders get wind that their fellow leaders want to run for the top position – it’s seen as a betrayal,” he said.

On X, Malema alluded to more defections, cryptically posting that “they sing beautifully and are always willing to pose for pictures and sign roll calls, but remember, their souls are long gone”.

Urging party members to rally around him, he added: “To prevent any potential hurt, it’s crucial to heed the guidance of the leadership.

“We remain standing and are not going anywhere under a criminal syndicate.”

Source – BBC News

Botswana’s New President Duma Boko Set to Legalize Undocumented Zimbabweans By Granting Them Temporary Work and Residence Permits

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Botswana’s New President Duma Boko Set to Legalize Undocumented Zimbabweans By Granting Them Temporary Work and Residence Permits

Botswana President Duma Boko Set to Legalize Undocumented Zimbabweans By Granting Them Temporary Work and Residence Permits

In a groundbreaking move, Botswana’s newly elected president, Duma Boko, has announced plans to provide temporary work and residence permits to undocumented Zimbabweans in the country.

Duma Boko, who recently made history by unseating Botswana’s ruling party of 58 years, shared his vision for the policy change during an interview with the BBC Africa Daily podcast.

The initiative is intended to address both the challenges and opportunities posed by Zimbabweans living in Botswana, many of whom have fled economic hardships in their home country.

Aiming to Formalize Zimbabwean Presence in Botswana
President Boko, 54, emphasized the need for an organized system to legalize the presence of Zimbabweans.

He acknowledged that while many Zimbabweans work in low-wage roles, such as domestic and farm labour, their undocumented status limits their access to basic amenities and often drives them to live outside the law.

“They come in and are undocumented. Then their access to amenities is limited, if it is available at all, and what they then do is they live outside the law and they commit crimes – and this brings resentment.

So what we need to do is to formalise, have a proper arrangement that recognises that people from Zimbabwe are already here,” President Duma Boko said.

President Boko highlighted how a lot of Zimbabwean migrants in Botswana take on jobs that local citizens often find undesirable.

“A lot of these workers from Zimbabwe perform tasks that the citizen finds unattractive… they do jobs that would otherwise not get done, and so there’s no conflict there,” Duma Boko said

Economic Integration and Skills Development
Boko’s plan aims to not only address labour shortages but also foster skills development among local citizens. He highlighted the opportunity for Batswana to learn essential skills, such as welding and plumbing, from Zimbabwean workers.

“In any and every construction site in Botswana, the majority of people with those skills are from Zimbabwe, so we need to do a twin programme of allowing them to come in and we utilise the skills that they have, and in the process of utilising these skills we also engage in some sort of skills transfer,” he said.

Boko further explained that blocking skilled workers from entering Botswana would hinder the country’s growth, particularly in industries where there are skill shortages.

“We can’t stop people with skills from coming in when we don’t have the skills ourselves – we need to develop these skills and it takes time, so in the interregnum, we need to have them come in properly, come in legally and be rewarded appropriately for the skills that they bring,” he added.

UNITED KWACHA ALLIANCE IN ACTION AS  KALABA AND SILAVWE RALLY SUPPORT IN CHIPATA ‘S DILIKA WARD FOR UPCOMING BY-ELECTION

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UNITED KWACHA ALLIANCE IN ACTION AS  KALABA AND SILAVWE RALLY SUPPORT IN CHIPATA ‘S DILIKA WARD FOR UPCOMING BY-ELECTION

UNITED KWACHA ALLIANCE IN ACTION AS  KALABA AND SILAVWE RALLY SUPPORT IN CHIPATA ‘S DILIKA WARD FOR UPCOMING BY-ELECTION

Chipata, November 2024 — In a display of unity and commitment, Harry Kalaba, President of Citizens First (CF) and Elections Chairperson for the United Kwacha Alliance (UKA), alongside Jackson Silavwe, Golden Party Zambia (GPZ) leader and UKA Communications Chairperson, made a grand entrance into Dilika Ward, Chipata. The two leaders are on a mission to bolster support for the UKA candidate, Luckson Chileshe, in the critical upcoming by-election.

As crowds gathered to witness this significant show of political momentum, Kalaba and Silavwe’s presence highlighted the UKA’s resolve to empower local communities and bring about real change. The leaders engaged with enthusiastic supporters, emphasizing the Alliance’s vision for accountable governance and sustainable development.

“A UNITED VOICE FOR PROGRESS ”

Addressing the supporters, Kalaba remarked, “Our vision as the United Kwacha Alliance is to bring lasting, people-centered policies to the forefront. Our candidate, Luckson Chileshe, represents a commitment to this vision. He will not only be a leader for Dilika Ward but a voice for change for the people of Chipata.”

Silavwe added, “Together, we stand to bring forward leadership that listens, understands, and responds to the needs of our communities. This by-election is not just about a candidate but about re-envisioning our future under the values of integrity and transparency.”

The Chipata by-election serves as a platform for the UKA to demonstrate its growing influence and commitment to community empowerment. Dilika Ward has long expressed the need for representatives who prioritize local concerns, and the UKA’s candidate, Chileshe, is viewed as a beacon of hope.

The two leaders urged residents to show support and make their voices heard by voting for Chileshe. Their visit signals UKA’s commitment to taking direct action in every communit

I am sorry for having wronged Zambians – Lusambo

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I am sorry for having wronged Zambians – Lusambo

I am sorry for having wronged Zambians – Lusambo

MOMENTS before being handed seven years of jail time, former Copperbelt minister Bowman Lusambo said he was sorry for having wronged Zambians by abusing his position to engage in graft.

Lusambo pleaded with the Economic and Financial Crimes Court to be lenient on him because the mortification that comes with his conviction was immense, and cannot be wiped off the face of the earth.

The former Kabushi lawmaker was charged with 10 corruption related charges among them one count of corrupt acquisition of public property, five counts of possessing property suspected to be proceeds of crime, one count of conspiracy to defraud and three counts of tax evasion.

He was jointly charged with his wife Nancy Manase on four counts of possessing four tainted houses in Silverest gardens.

In her findings magistrate Faidess Hamaundu said Lusambo being provincial minister on the Copperbelt had administrative authority over the Ndola city town clerk Enerst Sumani and ordered him to allocate land belonging to NAPSA in Dola-Hill, Ndola, to his company Frontier Management Services Limited.

She said non of the directors of Frontier confronted the council over land, as the application was done by Lusambo as provincial minister.

Magistrate Hamaundu said Lusambo like possessed K880,000 which he used to purchase his Land Rover-Range Rover.

She also found that Lusambo failed to pay property transfer tax for the three properties he conveyed into the names of Mbachi Nkwazi who is the proprietor of Power Tools buses and BEM motors.

Magistrate Hamaundu said there was no evidence that Lusambo conspired to defraud the Masaiti council K250,000 as premium fee when he made the ministry of lands process certificate of title, no. MASAI_1003028/ 218 and acquitted him.

With regard to the four houses in Silverest Gardens, the court found that Lusambo was trying to conceal the property he illegally acquired, when he registered them in his wife’s name.

“If he wasn’t concealing property, why didn’t he attach his NRC and name to his wife’s maiden name?,”magistrate Hamaundu questioned.

She said there was no evidence that Lusambo owned the Jeep Grand Cherokee which he gave to the Chinese owners of the properties, as part payment.

She wondered why he used someone’s jeep to conceal his name.

“The car was registered in the names of Lazarus Musukwa, what was the accused hiding?,”she said.

“Such conduct raised reasonable suspicion in the way he purchased the property in I find him guilty and convict him.”

Lusambo who carried the can for putting his wife Nancy in trouble, managed to clean her name of graft when he clarified that she knew nothing about the purchase of the houses.

Magistrate Hamaundu supported his explanation that she was immaculate, as there was no evidence produced by the State to show that she had control and knowledge of the houses.

In mitigation Lusambo’s lawyer Charles Changano begged the court for mercy on behalf of the Bulldozer on the premise that he was a bread winner.

“In each family there’s a bread winner, the Joseph of Israel is there. The bible tells us that Adam wronged God, But God had mercy,” he said.

“The convict (Lusambo) wronged the people of Zambia. Your seat is a seat of mercy, have mercy to the offender. Though he looks big he’s a young man who needs new life.”

Changano prayed for maximum leniency saying Lusambo was remorseful.

“Society looked at him as an honorable having served as minister for the Copperbelt and Lusaka. With this conviction he’s mentally tortured,” he said.

“Should the court not give him a custodial sentence the constitution warrants him to contests in 2026.”

Changano said his client was ready to surrender his tainted wealth but the Court should not put a final nail in the coffin by ending his political career with a custodial sentence but instead consider imposing a fine.

“His property is going to the state but the court should spare his career by not giving him a custodial sentence,”he pleaded.

“The wife you have acquitted has an operation from India and needs care by the convict. The wife has a four year old child which can only be taken care of by the convict, you are a parent, you are a mother within you.”

And Nkhula Botha re-echoed that Lusambo was
remorseful, as the humiliation that comes with his conviction is dire on his reputation.

“He begs you to not allow him to leave court with a sense of shock owing to the fact that he had elected not to plead guilty but instead allowed himself to go through the entire trial,” said Botha.

“We tender our apologies to the court and to the people for having found himself on the wrong side of the law, and he pleads with ernesty to give him a just and fare punishment.”

In handing down her sentence magistrate Hamaundu noted that offences of Tax evasion and possessing property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime were prevalent and deserve deterrence.

She parked the Bulldozer for four years in jail with hard labor for corrupt acquisition of public property, three years for possessing a car and four houses in Silverest gardens and fined him K9, 000 in each of the three counts of tax evasion in default nine months simple imprisonment.

Magistrate Hamaundu said the sentences will run concurrently which means that Lusambo will only serve four years.

She also ordered him to pay a cumulative sum of K27,000 to the treasury.

After his jailing Lusambo who was disturbed after stacking up a four-year jail sentence to the two years he was slapped with by the Luanshya magistrates Court for violence on Wednesday, managed to wear a smile.

By Mwaka Ndawa

Kalemba

Drought-hit Malawi receives 19,200 metric tons of maize shipments from War-torn Ukraine

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…A shipment of 19,000 metric tons of maize has arrived in Malawi from Ukraine, providing crucial support to those facing food insecurity.

…….Earlier floods and now droughts has caused a humanitarian aid crisis in the country.

.……Despite the ongoing Russian offensive, Ukraine continues to uphold its commitment to addressing global hunger by delivering essential food aid.

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-A shipment of 19,200 metric tons of maize, part of President Zelenskyy’s ‘Grain from Ukraine’ initiative, has been delivered to Malawi, providing vital aid to those facing worsening water and food insecurity.

The emergency food delivery is a response to El Niño-induced dry spells which have affecting 44 percent of the national crop area in Malawi, causing droughts impacting an estimated two million people earlier this year.

The shipment of maize through the Grain from Ukraine programme has come as stocks run critically low and food prices continue to rise, offer relief to thousands of people.

The latest shipment, part of a wider programme where Ukraine works with partner countries and organisations to alleviate the food insecurity issue, is a significant step towards addressing the acute hunger and malnutrition many Malawians are facing.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has caused unprecedented disruption to Ukrainian trade, displaced millions of Ukrainians, devastated infrastructure, and put 70 million people worldwide at risk of food insecurity.

Despite these challenges, Ukraine remains committed to helping the Malawian people and those around the world experiencing humanitarian crises.

Andriy Yermak, Chief of Staff to President Zelenskyy commented: “As Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine continues to disrupt global stability, our commitment to providing relief remains unwavering. This shipment to Malawi is another example of Ukraine’s determination to stand by those who need it most across the world.”

Dr Joyce Banda, former President of Malawi and a Grain from Ukraine Goodwill Ambassador, welcomed the shipment’s arrival: “As Malawi faces climate change and a persistent food instability, this shipment from Ukraine represents more than just food, it is a symbol of solidarity and hope for recovery for those who need it most.

“We are grateful for Ukraine’s support to Malawi, even while Ukraine is fighting an aggressive war and the threat against its own people it is maintaining its role as a global food producer.”

The ‘Grain from Ukraine’ initiative, launched by President Zelenskyy in 2022, works with more than 30 countries and international organisations including the World Food Partnership to deliver Ukrainian grain to countries across Africa, Asia and the Middle East facing food shortages.

Ukraine’s shipments via the Black Sea, despite threat of attack from the Russian Navy, demonstrate Ukraine’s determination to maintain its role as an international aid provider to other nations.

Prior to the war, Ukraine supplied more than 15% of global corn exports, 10% of wheat, 15-20% of barley, and over 50% of sunflower oil. The Russian invasion has severely damaged the supply chains that allow Ukraine to produce and export this food to the rest of the world. 

The ‘Grain from Ukraine’ initiative, launched in 2022 by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has garnered contributions exceeding USD$200 million from over 30 countries and international organisations, including European countries, the US, Japan and South Korea.

Recipients of the 170,000 tons of Ukrainian grain under this humanitarian program are countries experiencing food shortages, including Ethiopia, Somalia, Nigeria, Kenya, Sudan, and Yemen.

Why Mozambique’s election has sparked weeks of protests and a violent crackdown by police

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Thousands protested in Mozambique’s capital on Thursday and security forces responded by firing tear gas and rubber bullets, as weeks of post-election unrest continued in the southern African country.

The protests were sparked by a vote last month that will keep the ruling party in power for more than a half-century amid allegations of rigging.

Opposition parties and many citizens have rejected the results of the Oct. 9 presidential election as fraudulent and growing protests in the capital, Maputo, and other cities have been met by deadly force from police. Thursday’s protest was the biggest yet.

International rights groups say police have killed at least 20 people since the unrest began nearly a month ago, while local groups say the death toll is more than 50. Authorities are threatening to deploy the army as protesters set fires on the streets and burn ruling party offices.

According to Human Rights Watch, the internet is being restricted and social media sites have been blocked. Neighboring South Africa has shut its border post with Mozambique and heightened security around it.

What happened in the election?

The candidate for the ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique, Daniel Chapo, was declared the winner of the presidential election on Oct. 24. That keeps the party that has governed Mozambique since independence from Portugal in 1975 in power for another five years.

Even before the results were announced, opposition parties claimed fraud, accusing the ruling party, Frelimo, of ballot stuffing, manipulating voter lists, and staffing polling stations with officials loyal to it. Frelimo has long been accused of rigging elections in the country of around 34 million.

The European Union’s observer team said there were irregularities in the election, including the altering of some results. Mozambican media has reported that the Constitutional Council, the supreme body for election law, has asked the commission that ran the election to explain discrepancies.

Senior opposition figures killed

Independent candidate Venancio Mondlane, who was second behind Chapo in the official results, has led criticism of the vote. He called for a national strike and for people to stay at home in the days after the election in protest at the alleged tampering. But the mood changed when two senior opposition figures were killed in their car in a late-night shooting by unidentified gunmen on Oct. 18.

The men who were killed were the lawyer for Mondlane and the official spokesperson for the political party that supported Mondlane in the election. Mondlane said they were assassinated and he and opposition supporters gathered near the site of the killings the day after to protest. Police fired tear gas canisters at Mondlane, his aides and journalists who were interviewing him, forcing them to flee.

Growing protests

Since then, there have been waves of protests across the country. In one city, protesters toppled and cut the head off a statue of current President Filipe Nyusi, who is stepping down after serving a maximum two terms.

Mondlane said on social media that he had gone into exile in fear for his life after the killing of his lawyer. His whereabouts are unknown, but he has called on social media for more protests “so that we can then be freed from these shackles that have held us up for 50 years.”

Authorities have said little other than the protests have been violent and needed to be quelled. They have not given information on the number of people killed or injured in the protests.

Rights groups accused the police of shooting at peaceful protests in the days after the election and said children were among the victims. Anger among opposition supporters has swelled. The presidential palace is under heavy guard.

A history of civil war and violence

Mozambique is still in the shadow of a bloody 15-year civil war the leftist Frelimo fought against rebel group Renamo after independence. The country only held its first elections in 1994 and this was the first vote where there were no armed groups connected to political parties after a process to disarm militias.

The country, which has rich natural resources including large, newly discovered natural gas fields, was already struggling with a yearslong insurgency by an Islamic State-affiliated group in the northern province of Cabo Delgado.

Mondlane, who broke away from Renamo, has support among Mozambique’s disaffected youth and he and the new Podesa party that is backing him have become the biggest challenge to Frelimo’s long rule.

Source: Africanews

We shall not respond to  vicious attack from United Kwacha Alliance- TONSE ALLIANCE

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We shall not respond to  vicious attack from United Kwacha Alliance- TONSE ALLIANCE

RESOLUTIONS OF THE TONSE ALLIANCE COUNCIL OF LEADERS (CoL) MEETING HELD ON FRIDAY, 8TH NOVEMBER 2024 AT CREST LODGE IN LUSAKA

The meeting was called to order by the Alliance Chairperson at 11 hrs and it adjourned sine die at 14hrs. All were in attendance and there were no absences or apologies. The following was resolved:

1. That all members of the TONSE ALLIANCE should focus on growing the Alliance by inviting new members who share the aspirations, expectations and zeal of the Alliance to form Government in 2026, and emancipate the Zambian people from their current suffering. In this regard, a Task Team has been constituted with the sole responsibility of identifying, approaching and inviting new members to the TONSE ALLIANCE.

2. That the Alliance should adopt the three-person team that organized the TONSE ALLIANCE launch, consisting of the Alliance Spokesperson Mr. Sean Tembo, Hon. Silvia Chalikosa and Dr. Chris Zumani Zimba to constitute a standing Organizing Committee that should organize all future events of the Alliance. To this end, the Organizing Standing Committee met after the CoL meeting and identified a total of 12 mobilization events that the TONSE ALLIANCE will undertake between now and 31st December 2024, across the country. The first Alliance mobilization event will be undertaken tomorrow, Saturday, 9th November 2024.

3. That the TONSE ALLIANCE has noted with regret the vicious attacks coming from some of our brothers and sisters in the United Kwacha Alliance (UKA). The TONSE ALLIANCE has resolved that it should not respond to any of these vicious attacks because our battle is not with anyone in opposition, but with the ruling UPND party and it’s incompetent Government. The TONSE ALLIANCE has further resolved to ensure that we engage with our brothers and sisters in UKA with respect at all material times so that we can begin to create the necessary conducive atmosphere which would create the possibility of incorporating our brothers and sisters in UKA into the TONSE ALLIANCE in future, because the Zambian people want a united opposition as we approach the 2026 general elections.

4. That the TONSE ALLIANCE Media and Publicity Committee should come up with a Communication Matrix which will ensure consistent messaging to the masses by adopting a common position on all key domestic as well as international issues. This is intended to ensure that whichever Alliance member speaks, the message will be consistent with the position of the Alliance in order to avoid contradiction on key issues among Alliance Members.

5. That the TONSE ALLIANCE should appoint Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba as the Alliance Deputy Spokesperson as well as Deputy Chairperson of the Alliance Media and Publicity Committee. The Alliance has further resolved that the Alliance Spokesperson together with his Deputy should immediately constitute a fully fledged media team at all levels, as well as a budget, which will ensure that the Alliance activities and plans for the Zambian people, are adequately and effectively communicated to the masses at all times.

With no other business to discuss, the TONSE ALLIANCE Council of Leaders (CoL) meeting was adjourned sine die.

ISSUED BY:

Sean E. Tembo
PeP President & TONSE Alliance Spokesperson
Lusaka, Zambia
8th November 2024

NPA PROSECUTES DAVIES CHAMA AND BRIAN DUMISANI NYONI FOR THE 2015 MULOBEZI BY-ELECTION SHOOTING INCIDENT

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NPA PROSECUTES DAVIES CHAMA AND BRIAN DUMISANI NYONI FOR THE 2015 MULOBEZI BY-ELECTION SHOOTING INCIDENT

NPA PROSECUTES DAVIES CHAMA AND BRIAN DUMISANI NYONI FOR THE 2015 MULOBEZI BY-ELECTION SHOOTING INCIDENT

BACKGROUND

Mongu-Western Province:

Hon. Justice J. H. Mbuzi has found Davies Chama, first accused person and Brian Dumisani Nyoni, the second accused person with a case to answer and put them on their defence. The two accused persons are charged with one count of Acts intended to Cause Grievous Harm contrary to Section 224(a) of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia. The first accused person is the former Patriotic Front Secretary General and former Minister of Defence.

The particulars of offence are that Davies Chama and Brian Dumisani Nyoni on 6th June,2015 at Mulobezi in the Mulobezi District of the Western Province of Zambia jointly and whilst acting together, with intent to maim, disfigure or disable did wound Mushaukwa Mushaukwa.

BRIEF FACTS

The victim Mr. Mushaukwa Mushaukwa is a cadre for the United Party for National Development (UPND). On 6th June,2015 the victim was in the company of former Member of Parliament for Sesheke Mr. Siyauya Sililo and other UPND members campaigning during the 2015 Mulobezi By-elections. The group was taking food stuffs and campaign materials to the Machile UPND camp. On their way back, they saw a group of Patriotic Front (PF) cadres dressed in PF regalia who were in the company of the two accused persons. The UPND group proceeded with their journey but when they reached Lingulyangulya Area, they saw a motor vehicle following them behind and flashing lights at them.

The UPND group stopped their motor vehicle and Mr. Sililo came out of the motor vehicle with a view of finding out why the vehicle behind them was flashing lights. It is alleged that Davies Chama disembarked from the motor vehicle that was following the UPND group and fired gun shots.

Mr. Sililo run into the nearby bush. The victim being scared also disembarked from the UPND vehicle and started running towards Mr. Sililo. The victim narrated that he was shot on the left knee and right thigh by the accused persons as he was running away causing him to fall to the ground. Upon seeing this, the driver of the UPND group drove off to safety leaving the victim and Mr. Sililo behind.

In addition, the second accused person who was Davies Chama’s driver is alleged to have attempted to stab the victim with a knife on the chest while the victim was on the ground, The victim blocked the knife using his hands and hence was stabbed on the right palm and further on left buttock. It is alleged that the accused persons later tied the victim’s hands with a rope which was tied to their motor vehicle and started dragging him over a distance of about 50 meters. As a result, the victim sustained serious injuries. The accused persons later took the victim to Sichili Police Station where they reported him for threatening violence. The victim was rushed to Sichili Mission Hospital by the Police and later transferred to Livingstone General Hospital where he was admitted.

However, the police officers took him from the said hospital to Sesheke Police station where he was charged and arrested for threatening violence to the now accused persons which case was later discontinued. The victim sustained two gun shot wounds among other injuries. The case of Acts intended to Cause grievous Harm was instituted against the accused persons in 2015 but it never saw the light of the day until the year 2023 when it was cause listed for trial before the Mongu High Court.

Today the 8th day of November, 2024 Justice J.H Mbuzi has found the two accused persons with a case to answer and has put them on their defence. The trial is ongoing. The National Prosecution Authority is committed to the delivery of justice.

An Open Letter to President Hakainde Hichilema: The Deep Ethical Implications of Parading Chipo Mwanawasa at State House- Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma

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An Open Letter to President Hakainde Hichilema: The Deep Ethical Implications of Parading Chipo Mwanawasa at State House- Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma

An Open Letter to President Hakainde Hichilema: The Deep Ethical Implications of Parading Chipo Mwanawasa at State House

Dear President Hakainde Hichilema,

As a woman and a concerned Zambian citizen, I write this letter with profound dismay and anger after watching the recent video circulating on social media in which you addressed rumors alleging that you had impregnated Ms. Chipo Mwanawasa. In this video, during a press briefing, you not only publicly dismissed the rumors but called Ms. Mwanawasa to stand before the audience as if her presence alone could dispel such allegations. This was deeply disturbing and hurtful. Witnessing you use a young woman—your subordinate—to defend your reputation at the expense of her privacy and dignity was unsettling, to say the least.

This decision, however well-intentioned you may believe it to have been, is ethically indefensible. This action sends the message that, under your leadership, public image takes priority over basic respect for individuals, even when they are young women in vulnerable positions. Inviting Ms. Mwanawasa into a personal scandal she had no part in, exposing her to scrutiny to quell gossip about your private life, crosses ethical boundaries that should never be breached. It is an abuse of authority, implying that the personal reputation of those in power supersedes the dignity and autonomy of their subordinates.

Privacy, Boundaries, and the Abuse of Authority

Ms. Mwanawasa, like all public servants, deserves privacy, respect, and the assurance that her personal life will not be exploited for political ends. Forcing her into the spotlight, not as a professional but as a pawn in a rebuttal to personal rumors, was not only unjust but a clear violation of her personal rights. You placed her in the difficult position of being subject to public commentary, judgment, and unwanted scrutiny. This could follow her indefinitely, casting a long shadow over her career and potentially damaging her personal life for years to come.

As her superior, you hold a position of authority that makes it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for her to refuse such an unreasonable request. This power dynamic cannot be ignored. When ethical leadership demands sensitivity and care, particularly for those vulnerable to power imbalances, it is shocking to see such disregard for professional boundaries and privacy. This action suggests a troubling precedent: young women in government can be summoned and used at will to serve personal purposes. The consequences of this message are dangerous and far-reaching.

The Ethical Responsibility of Zambia’s President

As President, you are entrusted with upholding a standard of dignity, respect, and ethical leadership that reflects positively on Zambia. Your actions shape not only your legacy but the standards for those who will follow. Unfortunately, this incident signals that, under your leadership, a subordinate’s privacy can be sacrificed for the sake of public optics and reputation management. This is not the Zambia we strive to build. Your actions imply that in the face of public pressure, those in power can draw innocent subordinates into personal controversies with no regard for their personal dignity.

If the intention was to counter baseless rumors, it could have been done without compromising Ms. Mwanawasa’s dignity. Leaders of true integrity do not need to drag others into their personal affairs. They understand that reputation is built through unwavering commitment to their values and people, not by making subordinates publicly prove their innocence or defend against accusations. By choosing not to involve Ms. Mwanawasa, you could have demonstrated that women in government deserve respect, autonomy, and support without fear of being manipulated for public appearances.

Dignity in the Face of Baseless Rumors

As a public figure, rumors are an unfortunate reality. Personal allegations may surface, but this does not justify compromising others to disprove falsehoods. By bringing Ms. Mwanawasa into this matter, you exposed her to potential harassment, ridicule, and reputational harm. This will undoubtedly have lasting consequences for her personally and professionally. True leadership in the face of baseless accusations requires strength, resilience, and a refusal to place others in harm’s way. You could have handled this with dignity by simply ignoring the rumors, rising above the noise, and focusing on your responsibilities to Zambia.

Maintaining a dignified silence or addressing the rumors personally would have upheld Ms. Mwanawasa’s privacy and protected her from the unwarranted burden of disproving gossip that should never have been her problem to solve. By choosing to involve her, you have effectively conveyed that young female employees can be put on public display, compromising their dignity whenever convenient to those in power. This is not only deeply concerning but shows a lack of respect for the rights, agency, and humanity of women in government roles.

A Call for Accountability, Respect, and True Ethical Leadership

Your actions in this incident extend beyond the immediate harm to Ms. Mwanawasa; they shape the culture of our government and inform how future leaders behave. By involving Ms. Mwanawasa in a public display to counter personal rumors, you have undermined the ethical standards that the Zambian people expect and deserve from their leaders. It is vital that we see leaders who prioritize the dignity, privacy, and boundaries of every government employee—particularly those who, due to power dynamics, may feel vulnerable to exploitation or pressure.

Leadership is not merely about addressing controversies in the moment; it is about holding oneself accountable to principles of decency, respect, and integrity that are non-negotiable. These principles are the foundation of a stronger, more respectful, and more just Zambia. For this nation to progress, we must have leaders who understand that protecting the dignity of every citizen, especially those under their direct influence, is paramount. I hope this letter serves as a stark reminder of the need for these values, and that, going forward, your actions will reflect a renewed commitment to respect, integrity, and protecting the privacy of all government employees—no matter the pressures.

Respectfully,
Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma

KAFWAYA BLASTS UPND FOR DECOMMISSIONING RADIOTHERAPY MACHINES AT UTH WITHOUT PUBLIC NOTICE

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KAFWAYA BLASTS UPND FOR DECOMMISSIONING RADIOTHERAPY MACHINES AT UTH WITHOUT PUBLIC NOTICE

KAFWAYA BLASTS UPND FOR DECOMMISSIONING RADIOTHERAPY MACHINES AT UTH WITHOUT PUBLIC NOTICE

Lusaka – Friday, November 8, 2024 (Smart Eagles)

Lunte Member of Parliament Hon Mutotwe Kafwaya has expressed disappointment with the UPND Government for decommissioning radiotherapy machines at Cancer Diseases Hospital at UTH without informing the nation.

Hon Kafwaya has expressed worry that doctors in other parts of the country keep referring patients to UTH without knowing that the machines at the country’s biggest referral hospital are not working.

Speaking at a press briefing at the National Assembly grounds today, Hon Kafwaya wondered how cancer patients will be treated without the radiotherapy equipment.

He states that instead of decommissioning all the radiotherapy machines at the same time, the UPND government should have decommissioned equipment in phases if they felt that the machines had become outdated.

“What this government has done shows that they do not care for the people of Zambia who are forced to spend resources such as money, time and energy to come to Lusaka for treatment from far flung areas only to discover that there are no radiotherapy services being offered at UTH,” Hon Kafwaya lamented.

Meanwhile, the Lunte lawmaker has charged that the governance of the fight against corruption under the UPND government has collapsed.
He notes that the Anti-Corruption –ACC Board was dissolved for revealing corruption within government, a situation that has rendered the corruption fight to become non-existent.

Hon Kafwaya says this is why the corruption within the current government is rotting thereby breeding serious irregularities in various sectors of governance such as the mining sector.

“This is why we have thieves within the UPND transporting truckloads of lithium out of the country but declaring it as silica at the border so that they can pay a paltry K18-million to ZRA instead of over K150-million,” he said.

Hon Kafwaya attributed this to the removal from border points all the Mineral Value Chain Monitors employed under the Ministry of Mines to assess the minerals going out of the country and replaced with ZRA officials who do not have the capacity to monitor minerals movements.

He has further bemoaned that there is nothing coming out from the people were caught for falsely declaring lithium as silica but the only thing the current government is concerned about is to harass the former First Lady for her properties worth less than K5-million.

Speaking at the same event, Chama North Member of Parliament Hon Yotam Mtayachalo has challenged the Ministry of Energy to come out in the open and tell the nation what is happening at ZESCO where confusion seems to be the order of the day.

Hon Mtayachalo says Zambians deserve to know why the corporation Managing Director Victor Mapani was rumoured to have been fired before he came and shortly announced his leave while a number of highly trained engineers are leaving the institution in unclear circumstances.

He says Zambians must also demand for answers as to why they are not being told the truth about the current load shedding which was predicted from as far back as 2022 but the UPND government failed to act on the recommendations to avoid it.

The two Parliamentarians have since commended all the Tonse Alliance members for endorsing the candidature of Sixth Republican President Edgar Chagwa Lungu for the 2026 presidential elections whom they say has the right experience after being tried and tested.

#SmartEagles2024

21-year-old who became legal guardian of his siblings gifted $40K and new car

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21-year-old who became legal guardian of his siblings gifted $40K and new car

Armorion Smith was utterly surprised at the life-changing gift he received on Wednesday. After losing his mother to breast cancer less than three months ago, the 21-year-old Michigan State University football player and criminal justice major assumed the role of legal guardian for four of his siblings.

In a heartwarming moment, “Good Morning America” presented Smith and his younger brothers with a $40,000 check from Cash App, a vacation to Disneyland Resort, which included Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, and a new GMC Acadia from Detroit GMC Dealerships.

The “GMA” co-anchor Michael Strahan escorted the young guardian outside to view the car, shocking him after he had visited the “GMA” set with his brother Armond.

He exclaimed, “Thank you so much! A brand new car, what?” and he and Strahan embraced. “There’s no words in the world to explain. I don’t know. I’m feeling loved. This is ridiculous. Thank you so much. This is a blessing. I wonder what my mom would be doing.”

Smith became the legal guardian of four of his youngest siblings, Armond, 16, Avaugn, 15, Arial, 11, and Amaira, 3, making good on his promise to his mother Gala before she passed away.

His 19-year-old sister Aleion Smith assists at home amid Smith’s 12-hour days on campus, and the family depends on an online campaign to cover expenses and move around without a car.

He said, “If I don’t step up, who could they turn to? I’m just happy we’re all together. That’s just the biggest thing. I’m gonna be their protector.”

Aleion, his sister, said, “He’s a good man,” as the younger Smith siblings attested to their older brother’s love for them. “And he’s doing right by us. And I’ve gained a lot of respect for him, ’cause he stepped up and did something that none of our fathers could.”

Armond also revealed, “No matter what I do, he always trying to make sure I’m going in the right direction always.”

Avaugn, 15, and Arial, 11, both said that their elder brother has given them advice not only in the classroom but also on the football field.

Meanwhile, Armorion Smith noted that his mother’s voice continues to inspire him to this day.

He said, “She’s still here in spirit. All the blessings we’ve been havin’, it’s like all the stuff she ever wanted. She just working miracles.”

Lil Durk Hit With More Federal Charges In Murder-For-Hire Case

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Lil Durk‘s legal woes have worsened as he is facing additional federal charges over an alleged murder plot that killed the cousin of his rap rival Quando Rondo.


The Chicago rapper (real name Durk Banks) was arrested for conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire in October for his alleged role in the shooting death of Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson back in August 2022.

In a superseding indictment filed on Thursday (November 7), the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California charged Durk with two more crimes: one count of use of interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death, and one count of using, carrying and discharging firearms and a machine gun and possession of such firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death.

The superseding indictment also adds the Grammy-winning rapper as the lead defendant to the initial indictment in the case, which charged five other men over the killing.

None of the defendants have yet entered a plea to the charges. Lil Durk remains in a Miami jail without bond and is expected to be transferred to Los Angeles for arraignment in the coming weeks along with the other men.

According to prosecutors, the attempt on Quando Rondo’s life that killed Lul Pab was payback for the murder of King Von, who was fatally shot during a scuffle with the rapper’s crew two years prior.


Lil Durk is accused of putting a bounty on Rondo’s head and lending money and resources to members of his OTF (Only the Family) crew to carry out the hit.

“Bank and flight records show that an OTF member and close associate of [Lil Durk] coordinated and paid for five co-conspirators to travel from Chicago to California on the day before the murder,” a Justice Department press release reads.

Around the time the one-way flights were purchased, [Lil Durk] told the OTF associate booking the flights, ‘Don’t book no flights under no names involved wit [sic] me.’”

It continues: “The same day the hitmen traveled from Chicago to California, [Lil Durk] also traveled to California in a private jet with another conspirator, Kavon London Grant, 28, a.k.a. ‘Cuz’ and ‘Vonnie.’

Whoopi Goldberg speaks on changes made to ‘Sister Act 3’ after Maggie Smith’s death

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During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday, Whoopi Goldberg revealed they were making some readjustments in the production of Sister Act 3 after the death of her co-star Maggie Smith.

Smith, who passed away on September 27 at age 89, was set to reprise her role in the musical crime comedy movie. But Goldberg, 68, said the British actress’ passing had necessitated the readjustments, PEOPLE reported.

“We’re having to make some readjustments because we just lost Maggie Smith, as you know,” the EGOT winner said. “And so, we will get it done. We will get it done. It’s just, it’s a shift.”

Goldberg in a previous interview with PEOPLE also said Sister Act 3 was “still on the way” and “percolating.” The View co-host said the team tasked to write the movie’s script was “in the process” of doing that. Asked if the writing of the script was her sole responsibility, Goldberg said “yes and no.”

“It’s hard to do everything,” she said. “And I like to think that I can, but I’ve come to the understanding that I can’t do as much stuff simultaneously as I’d like to.”

Released in 1992, the first installment of Sister Act centers on nightclub singer Deloris Wilson (played by Goldberg) disguising herself as a nun and taking “refuge from the mob in a convent,” per IMDb.

“She ends up turning the convent choir into a soulful chorus complete with a Motown repertoire, until the sudden celebrity of the choir jeopardizes her identity.”

As previously reported by Face2Face Africa, Wilson was more than just a co-star to Goldberg as she was also a cherished friend who provided her with emotional support. After Smith’s passing, Goldberg honored her “brilliant” and “one-of-a-kind” friend in a heartfelt social media tribute.

Goldberg had previously shared a heartwarming story of how Smith’s friendship extended beyond their Sister Act set, which included offering her unwavering support ahead of Goldberg’s mother’s death in 2010, as reported by PEOPLE.

In May, while discussing her memoir Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me, Goldberg recounted the moment she learned her mother, Emma Harris, was on life support following an aneurysm. Goldberg was in London performing in the stage adaptation of Sister Act when her brother, Clyde K. Johnson, informed her of the news.

Smith, who was visiting the production, was there to support Goldberg during this difficult time. After receiving the news, Goldberg spoke with Smith for five hours before catching a flight to the hospital. There, she and her brother made the difficult decision to take their mother, Harris, off life support.

“Having Maggie Smith be there, and being able to fall apart and having her say, ‘Listen, my friend. We’ll get you through this. We’ll get you through this. We’ll get you to the hospital so you can get her. Get you back to Berkeley so you can get home,’” Goldberg told PEOPLE in May.

“We were up all night, just laughing and talking about stuff,” she added. “And she had met my mom a couple of times. Just having somebody who got it, who understood, it’s everything.”

ZAMBIANS ARE SEEKING FOR A LEADERSHIP TEAM THAT WILL RESCUE THEM FROM UPND FAILURES-ECL

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ZAMBIANS ARE SEEKING FOR A LEADERSHIP TEAM THAT WILL RESCUE THEM FROM UPND FAILURES-ECL

ZAMBIANS ARE SEEKING FOR A LEADERSHIP TEAM THAT WILL RESCUE THEM FROM UPND FAILURES-ECL

..focus on programs and messages that will help embacipate the people of Zambia, ECL tells Tonse leadership…

Lusaka – Friday, 8th November, 2024

The Tonse Alliance leadership led by Vice Chairperson Prof Apostle Dan Pule presented the Constitution of the Alliance to President Edgar Chagwa Lungu.

The Alliance partners also took time to brief President Lungu on their planned activities to engage stakeholders and the people of Zambia.

Tonse Alliance was launched on Thursday, 7th November 2024, and proceeded to adopt President Lungu as presidential candidate.

In accepting the gesture, President Lungu emphasised that for any alliance to be effective, it must be broad and must embrace various political parties and other groupings.

President Lungu also encouraged the members to focus on programs and messages that will help emancipate the people of Zambia from the shackles of dictatorship, poverty, high cost of living, unemployment and UPND’s failure to govern and deliver development.

Tonse Alliance Spokesperson, Sean Tembo confirmed the development and stated that the aim of the organisation was to mobilise the people of Zambia and to prepare them to actively participate in the 2026 elections.

I have a headache due to a bumpy ride, I need to see a doctor, Lusambo tells EFCC

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I have a headache due to a bumpy ride, I need to see a doctor, Lusambo tells EFCC

I have a headache due to a bumpy ride, I need to see a doctor, Lusambo tells EFCC

JAILED former Lusaka province minister Bowman Lusambo yesterday could not explain how he acquired his fancy Chamba valley house and six unfinished flats before the Economic and Financial Crimes Court because he had a headache.

Appearing before Lusaka chief resident magistrate Davies Chibwili, Lusambo said he could not open his defense, as his journey from Luanshya to Lusaka was uncomfortable due to the potholed roads, and he hit his head to the roof of the vehicle hence, he developed a headache and needed to see a doctor.

Submitting on his behalf, Lawyer Nkhula Botha said the Bulldozer had a bumpy ride to Lusaka since morning yesterday which caused him stress and he needed medical attention.

Botha also indicated that Lusambo was not prepared for his defense due to time, as he was put in custody at Chilenje police prior to being transported to Luanshya for sentencing and he did not have access to him.

“An illness is an issue that can visit anyone of us and as such it is imperative the accused person be allowed or given an opportunity to see a medical practitioner for whatever illness he has,”Botha said.

Anti-Corruption Commission Senior prosecutor Daniel Ngwira urged the Court to take Judicial notice that Lusambo was a convict, if it decided to allow him seek medical attention and proposed that he be attended to by medics at the correctional facility where he was booked in.

Chawezi Nalwenga of the ACC argued that
the defence had had enough time to prepare Lusambo for defense since July when he was found with a case to answer.

She requested that the application be dismissed.

In his ruling, magistrate Chibwili said he would give Lusambo time to rest and prepare for his defense.

“The defense’s assertions that they did not have access to the accused, that will not be accepted because the accused was put on defense in July they can’t complain,”he said.

“I have taken judicial notice of the situation that the accused traveled a long distance, I will allow him rest so that he has enough time for defence. I will give it tomorrow (today)”

Botha indicated that Friday would not be convenient as Lusambo has a pending judgment with his wife Nancy Manase today in a matter where he is facing 10 corruption related charges.

Magistrate Chibwili adjourned the matter to November 28, and extended Lusambo’s police bond.

In this matter the former Kabushi member of parliament is facing two counts of possessing property suspected to be proceeds of crime.

It is alleged that Between May 1, 2015 and December 31, 2021 Lusambo possessed property no. F/609/E/44/B/9 which is a single storey four-bedroomed house and a guest wing and an incomplete block of six flats which are suspected to be tainted.

As he was being led to Lusaka central correctional facility Lusambo asked ‘starving’ media workers if they had consumed any food and promised them of a fete in 2026.

“You will start eating in 2026, don’t worry,”Lusambo teased the “starving” journalists.

By Mwaka Ndawa

Kalemba

YOU ATTACK ONE, YOU ATTACK ALL…if Lungu says anything against HH we’ll defend the President, vows Home affairs PS Josephs Akafumba

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YOU ATTACK ONE, YOU ATTACK ALL…if Lungu says anything against HH we’ll defend the President, vows Home affairs PS Josephs Akafumba

PSs, civil servants we need to fortify our position,

YOU ATTACK ONE, YOU ATTACK ALL
…if Lungu says anything against HH we’ll defend the President, vows Akafumba

By Edwin Mbulo in Livingstone

LET’S fortify ourselves against Edgar Lungu’s threats as permanent secretaries and civil servants, urges home affairs permanent secretryfor administration Josephs Akafumba.

He says permanent secretaries will protect President Hakainde Hichilema against any attacks from Lungu.

“You attack one, you attack all,” Akafumba said in a statement to The Mast.

He said all permanent secretaries and civil servants should unite against Lungu “who is threatening to make one unnamed

permanent secretary’s life miserable and hard when he returns to power”.

“All permanent secretaries and civil servants need to be careful and take Lungu’s threats serious. We need to fortify our position.

Naifwe ba PS tatuli ba cintinya (even us permanent secretaries we are not scared),” Akafumba said. “Lungu’s threats means all permanent secretaries are targets. Recently, he threatened to deal with police officers and civil servants when he gets back into power. These threats by extension are threats to families of all civil servants and permanent secretaries. It is a wakeup call to all of us and our families that this gentleman is planning to come back and make our lives miserable.”

He added that Lungu is forcing permanent

secretaries to respond to his threats in a political manner.

“He can’t accuse us that we are political. Yes, it’s him dragging us into politics. So, whenever he issues threats against us, we will not keep quiet. So, for all permanent secretaries and civil

servants it’s faka (put) volume,” Akafumba said. “When he comments about us we will answer back. If he says anything against President Hakainde Hichilema we will defend the President.”

He added that of all Zambian presidents, Hichilema has suffered the worst treatment as sitting Head of State comparable to Dr Kenneth Kaunda.

“He persevered and was resolved to get rid of a corrupt regime. He is actually a junior Nelson Mandela. So let Lungu just renew his retirement from politics and drink his coffee or whatever,” said Akafumba

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S UPND WILL BE MET WITH THE MOST EMBARRASSING PRE-DEFEAT OF 2026 IN MATERO CONSTITUENCY’S SCHEMED BY-ELECTION.

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PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S UPND WILL BE MET WITH THE MOST EMBARRASSING PRE-DEFEAT OF 2026 IN MATERO CONSTITUENCY’S SCHEMED BY-ELECTION.

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S UPND WILL BE MET WITH THE MOST EMBARRASSING PRE-DEFEAT OF 2026 IN MATERO CONSTITUENCY’S SCHEMED BY-ELECTION -Celestine Mambula Mukandila

By Lusaka Lawyer, Celestine Mambula Mukandila

Following the revelation by Dr. Shishuwa Shishuwa that names of Patriotic Front office bearers at the Registrar of Societies have again been illegally changed to replace Miles Sampa with Chabinga and their scheme to expel both Miles and President Edgar Chagwa Lungu from the Party so as to create a by-election in Matero Constituency. I am delighted to note that the abuse of authority by this regime and luck of respect for institutions of governance is exactly what will be voted against by the people of Matero and Zambia as a whole either in the expected schemed By-Election or in 2026.

President  Hakainde Hichilema must be reminded that he was not given the most popular votes in 2021 because he was popular but rather because he was a President of convenience.

It has become more and more apparent that President Hichilema doesn’t just care about how broken he shall leave Government Systems in 2026, because the definite fact is that we shall FIRE Him from Office in 2026. 

Indeed God guided President Hakainde Hichilema right not to move into State House because he would have been inconvenienced by the shifting back to Community House in 2026 as that is now convincingly a foregone political fact. 

Ours is to request him with due respect that he must spare the dignity of our remaining functioning governance institutions at least to levels that shall allow us to easily pick up the scrams of his ruines when he leaves office in 2026. 

This regime must now know that, it’s not about PF anymore, it’s about protecting the integrity of our Presidency and the protection of our Constitutional Democracy. 

Again, we saw yet another revelation at ZESCO in the resignation letter of Dr. Kamwanga Jolly of how this government has decided to forgo well established Corporate Governance Codes as guided by The King IV Code on Corporate Governance and running such institutions as a branch of the UPND. 

We have continued to request this President to spare our beloved Civil Servants from the destructive intimidation of our systems but our requests have been futile. 

Now, I declare, that; I shall be contesting the Matero Constituency Seat either before 2026 or in 2026 itself in defence of our Democracy, Constitutionalsm, Rule of Law and Integrity of our Civil Service.

We have been prepared for Matero Constituency for some time now, and we can confirm that it’s now THEM (The corrupt, the oppressors, the abusers of civil servants, the nepotic tribalists, the incorrigible regime, the violent, the human rights abusers, the constitutional abrogators, the unpatriotic regime. etal.) against US (Zambians in Matero Constituency from 73 ethnic groupings)!

We are not going to allow violence or political intimidation to stop us. We shall fight for the people and we shall win for the people.

May God be with us in our fight for Democracy and Constitutional Protection.

#Mukandila_Nabakwe_73
#Respect_the_Law
#Matero_2025_2026.

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