IRGC Claims Recovery of U.S. LUCAS Drone Wreckage After Sea Crash
Reports indicate that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has recovered parts of a U.S. drone after it crashed into the sea, with some components reportedly found in relatively intact condition.
Images circulating online are said to show debris believed to be from a LUCAS drone, described as a one-way attack (loitering) drone. The condition of the wreckage has drawn attention from analysts, as it may provide insight into design and operational features.
There has been no official confirmation from U.S. authorities regarding the loss or recovery of such a system.
If verified, the incident could have implications for technology exposure and battlefield intelligence gathering.
Iran Calls on Locals to Hunt Missing U.S. F-15 Pilot, Offers Reward for Capture Alive
Iranian authorities have reportedly urged local residents and tribal groups in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad to assist in locating a missing U.S. pilot following the reported downing of a F-15E Strike Eagle.
The pilot is believed to have successfully ejected and is currently hiding somewhere in the region. Officials stated that a reward will be offered to anyone who can capture the individual—emphasizing that the pilot must be taken alive.
The call has intensified pressure on ongoing U.S. search and rescue efforts, as both sides race to locate the missing crew member first. There has been no official confirmation from U.S. authorities regarding the situation.
ABOUT ZP DETAINING A MOTHER AS A HOSTAGE TO FORCE HER SON TO SURRENDER
Ms. Ngalabeka resided in Luanshya and was employed by the Luanshya Municipal Council. She was the mother of a 21 year old young man. One Tuesday morning, while Ms. Ngalabeka was visiting her mother, a woman police constable named Munyonsi from Luanshya Police Station arrived, stating that she was looking for Ms. Ngalabeka’s son. Officer Munyonsi alleged that the son had stolen some items and was wanted in connection with the theft.
She then picked up Ms. Ngalabeka and took her to her house. At the house, Officer Munyonsi searched for the items purportedly stolen by Ms. Ngalabeka’s son. After nothing was found, the officer demanded that Ms. Ngalabeka disclose the whereabouts of her son. In response, Ms. Ngalabeka explained that her son had left her home and was living with friends. Officer Munyonsi rejected this explanation and ordered her to accompany her to the police station.
Ms. Ngalabeka was detained in the police cells without being charged and was told that she would only be released if she produced her son. She remained in custody until 17:00 hours the following day, when she was released.
Upon her release, she was instructed to find money to search for her son. Consequently, Ms. Ngalabeka went to her employer, obtained a salary advance of K70,000.00, and began searching for him. She first went to Lusaka, where she suspected he might be staying with his uncle, but without success. She then travelled to an area in Ndola rural and later to Serenje, also without success. She had to take 14 days of leave to conduct this search, but despite her efforts, she did not find him.
Four weeks later, Ms. Ngalabeka received a call from Officer Munyonsi instructing her to report to Luanshya Central Police Station. When she arrived, Officer Munyonsi asked whether she had found her son. After she answered that she had not, the officer handcuffed her and threatened her with assault if she did not produce him. Ms. Ngalabeka was detained again in the police cells for three days before being transferred to Remand Prison.
During her detention, she spent nights in dirty and filthy cells with blocked toilets, urine, and human waste on the floor. She was not provided with any bedding and had to use her chitenge to cover herself. She could not sleep and spent most of the night standing, only sitting when exhausted. She was not given food, nor was she allowed to receive food from relatives. She was also not given an opportunity to bathe. When her mother requested her release on police bond, the police refused. Ms. Ngalabeka was almost suspended from her employment, but instead, urgent leave was approved.
After several days in Remand Prison, Ms. Ngalabeka was released. Immediately upon her release, she sued Officer Munyonsi and the Government of Zambia, claiming damages for false imprisonment and unlawful detention.
https://youtu.be/wReIpv2j45I?si=afozb3lFfEdec7B4
The High Court found that the circumstances surrounding Ms. Ngalabeka’s detention were “undoubtedly very grave” and revealed a gross violation of her rights by an over zealous woman constable. The Court awarded her K15 million in compensatory damages.
Dissatisfied with the High Court’s decision, the Attorney General appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that the damages awarded were excessive and too high, and further contending that exemplary damages served no purpose since the individual officer would not personally bear the cost—the Government would.
The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal with costs and upheld the High Court’s judgment. It held that this was the worst case of false imprisonment and unlawful detention involving a woman plaintiff at the hands of a woman constable who should have acted more humanely.
The Court further held that Ms. Ngalabeka was not duty bound to look for her son at any cost; that responsibility lay with the police. It emphasized that the police may only arrest for offences known to law and have no authority to arrest persons merely to make inquiries.
The Court also reaffirmed that there is no law in Zambia permitting the detention of anyone as a hostage or ransom to force a suspect to surrender at a police station.
This judgment reaffirms the principle that unlawful detention for investigative convenience or coercion is unconstitutional, and the State will be held liable, potentially with exemplary damages, when police officers violate human rights through oppressive or inhuman conduct.
Case Citation: Munyonsi & Another v Ngalabeka (S.C.Z. Judgment 23 of 1999) [1999] ZMSC 37 (21 July 1999)
Malawi continues to register the highest fuel prices within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), raising fresh concerns over regional competitiveness and cost of living pressures.
A comparative analysis of fuel pricing trends across the region shows a significant disparity, with neighboring countries maintaining substantially lower pump prices.
Current exchange rate assessments indicate that Zambia is retailing fuel at approximately MWK 2,419 per litre, a figure that is markedly lower than Malawi’s prevailing price of around MWK 6,600 per litre. This places Malawi’s fuel cost at nearly three times higher than that of its immediate neighbor, highlighting a widening gap in energy affordability.
The price differential has triggered debate among economic analysts and consumers, with questions emerging over the underlying drivers of Malawi’s elevated fuel costs.
Factors such as import dependence, foreign exchange constraints, taxation structures, and supply chain inefficiencies are increasingly being scrutinized as potential contributors.
Economists warn that sustained high fuel prices could have broader macroeconomic implications, including increased inflationary pressure, reduced industrial competitiveness, and higher transportation costs.
Calls are mounting for policy interventions aimed at stabilizing fuel prices and aligning Malawi more closely with regional benchmarks.
BREAKING: Trump’s Approval with Independents Just Hit Historic Low — Worse Than Nixon Before He Resigned
A new CNN poll has delivered a staggering verdict on Donald Trump’s second term: his net approval rating among independent voters has hit the worst number ever recorded for any sitting president in the history of modern polling.
Trump is sitting at negative 45 with independents — the critical voting bloc that has decided every presidential election in modern history
That number is not just bad. It is historically catastrophic. It is 10 points worse than Richard Nixon’s approval among independents in the final days before he became the only American president to resign from office in disgrace.
Nixon resigned. Trump is doing worse.
The numbers reflect what many Americans outside the MAGA base have been watching in real time: a chaotic administration shredding democratic norms, attacking allies, gutting federal agencies, and running a foreign policy that has alarmed governments around the world.
Independents are not a fringe group. They are the center of American political life, and they have seen enough.
Historically, when independent voters break this hard against a president, the political fallout is swift and severe. In Nixon’s case, it ended his presidency. The question now is what this level of rejection means for Trump’s ability to govern, for Republican majorities in Congress, and for the country itself.
The coalition that decides American elections has rendered its verdict.
After the death of Ali Larijani, a brief account of his personal assets has come to light, which has surprised many for a leader at the center of Iranian power. The list includes
-A 2011 model car, -A monthly rental of about $60. -An Iranian pistol received as a gift from Ruhollah Khomeini. -And a ring given to him by Ali Khamenei.
Overall, the picture indicates a kind of restrained and simple personal life.
However, if Larijani is confined to this simple lifestyle alone, the whole person cannot be understood. He was one of the most influential political strategists in Iran, as well as a deep student of philosophy.
After graduating in computer science and mathematics from Sharif University, he completed his masters and PhD in Western philosophy from the University of Tehran. The philosophy and mathematical thought of Immanuel Kant were at the center of his doctoral research.
He was active not only in politics, but also in the academic world. He taught at the Faculty of Literature and Humanities of the University of Tehran, where he made a long-standing contribution to philosophy, intellectual debate, and research. He was also known as a writer and translator, especially for his work in bringing Kant’s ideas to readers in Persian.
That is why many see his life as a combination of two parallel forces—the hard reality of state power and the abstract intellectual world of philosophy.
This posthumous account of his wealth has made that contrast even more stark: simplicity in his personal life even at the height of power, and an influential intellectual presence in public life.
Silent military takeover in Iran?—There is a government, but the IRGC is making all the decisions
Where it all started—an invisible change
For the past few days, one thing has been going around—
A “coup” has happened in Iran.
Some say—the government is no more, everything has gone into the hands of the military.
But the reality is not so simple.
Tanks have not been rolled out on the streets, the president has not been removed, and the constitution has not been abrogated.
Still—if you look a little deeper, you will understand that the real center of power has quietly shifted.
This is not a sudden storm,
This is a gradual change—the sound of which is not heard outside.
If you understand the structure of Iran, the picture becomes clear
We often make mistakes—we think of Iran as like India or America.
But Iran’s system is different.
There are three levels here—
The Supreme Leader
This position is the real center of power. The military, the judiciary, the media—everything comes together here.
Elected government There is a president, a cabinet, but their power is limited. They basically run the administration, but they do not have the final say in the decisions.
IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard) An invisible force—which is the pillar within the entire system.
IRGC—Not an army, but another state within the state
It would be wrong to think of the IRGC as just the army.
They—
Fight
Do intelligence work
Control a large part of the economy
Oil, construction, telecom—they are present everywhere.
In other words—
The power that not only holds the guns, but also controls the money,
also controls the information— that power actually becomes another state within the state.
Why has this change become clear now
This power has been there for a long time.
But there was a balance—through the Supreme Leader.
When that center becomes weak or there is a sudden change—
then a vacuum is created.
New leadership comes, but it takes time to build that acceptance. Not everyone accepts it in one day.
At this time, the most organized force comes to the fore.
And in Iran, that force is—the IRGC.
During war—whose word has the last word
When a country is in the middle of war, the rules change.
At that time—
Quick decisions are needed
Security becomes the biggest issue
Then naturally—
Politicians step back, and the military structure comes to the fore.
The same is happening in Iran.
Today—
What strategy to take
Where to strike
How to maintain the internal situation
The IRGC is deciding all these things.
The president is there, but not at the center of the decision-making.
Silent takeover—Change of power without any announcement
The most important thing here is—
This is not a sudden takeover.
Gradually—
Important ministries have come under influence
Economic sectors have come under control
Decision-making space has narrowed
No one announced—“We took power”
But in reality, power has shifted.
Its impact—hardship inside, conflict outside
What could be the result of this change?
First, Iran will become more military-centric.
Security, not politics, will be the center.
Second, the path to negotiations will become difficult.
Because military mentality and diplomatic mentality are not the same thing.
Third, regional conflict may increase.
Because the IRGC supports various groups—and that support may be more active.
Fourth, control within the country will increase.
Surveillance, strict laws, social pressure—all may increase.
The most profound question—what is a state?
This whole incident raises a big question—
Is the state just the government that we vote for?
Or is it the power that has real control?
In the case of Iran, the answer is not easy.
Because here—
The government is visible,
but control is invisible.
Finally—it is not something sudden, but a reality that has been accumulating for many years.
What is seen in Iran today was not created in a day.
For many years—
A level of power has been created
Military power has expanded
Economic influence has increased
Today, the results of all of that are visible together.
It is easy to call it a “coup”,
but in fact it is a slow, profound transformation.
⸻
Sometimes history does not change with a loud voice—
Ugandan student suffers injuries during Way of the Cross
A Ugandan university student suffered injuries while portraying Jesus Christ during a Good Friday
Dennis Zziwa, a second-year law student from Kampala International University, portrayed Jesus Christ during the “Way of the Cross” walk at Our Lady of Africa Church on Good Friday.
He sustained injuries from the beatings as he acted the role of Jesus Christ and was treated by Red Cross staff.
He was later transferred to Lamone Health Center in Luzira for further treatment.
China Reportedly Seeks Access to Downed F-15 Wreckage for Reverse Engineering
Reports suggest that China has expressed interest in obtaining debris from a downed F-15E Strike Eagle reportedly shot down inside Iran, with the aim of conducting reverse engineering analysis.
The move is believed to focus on studying structural components, materials, and potential vulnerabilities that could inform future countermeasures against similar aircraft.
Such analysis could provide insights into avionics protection, survivability features, and weaknesses under combat conditions.
There has been no official confirmation from Beijing or Tehran regarding any transfer or cooperation.
If verified, the development would raise concerns over sensitive military technology exposure and could have long-term implications for future aerial warfare dynamics.
SENEGAL CUTS OFFICIAL TRAVEL AS HIGH OIL PRICES PUT NEW PRESSURE ON BUDGET
Speaking at a youth event in the coastal city of Mbour, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko pointed to the escalating prices of oil to justify the measure.
Sonko said he had canceled his own planned trips to Niger, Spain and France, Reuters reported, in an effort to cut costs.
Oil prices have edged close to $115 a barrel from about $80 before the war on Iran.
The west African country is facing a financial squueze since the termination of a lending program by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over debt misreporting.
The country faces a budget deficit of nearly 14 percent of GDP and public sector debt estimated at 132 percent of national output at the end of 2024.
The current government accuses the administration of ex-president Macky Sall, who ruled from 2012 until 2024, of having concealed the true extent of the budgetary situation.
An International Monetary Fund team that visited Senegal a year ago confirmed that officials had made false statements regarding budget deficits and public debt for the 2019–2023 period.
The IMF has suspended a $1.8-billion aid programme it had agreed in 2023, pending further information and commitments from Senegal’s new authorities.
Zelensky Volunteers Ukraine’s Black Sea Playbook to Bust Iran’s Hormuz Blockade
While American energy prices spike and the global economy takes a hit from Iran’s reckless shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, Ukraine’s president is offering his country’s hard-won naval tricks to help reopen the critical oil chokepoint.
In a NewsNation interview, Volodymyr Zelensky pointed to Ukraine’s success running grain ships past Russian attacks in the Black Sea. He said Kyiv stands ready to share expertise on escorts, air and sea interceptors, electronic warfare, and other tools to restore free navigation if partners ask.
The timing is no coincidence. Iran, reeling from U.S. and Israeli strikes, has mined waters, attacked merchant ships, and declared the strait off-limits to vessels tied to America and its allies. That waterway carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. The disruption is driving up fuel costs everywhere and handing leverage to bad actors.
Zelensky framed it as a chance for joint action against threats to energy security. But the subtext is clear: Ukraine wants deeper ties with the West and is positioning itself as a useful player while still locked in its own grinding war with Russia, which is quietly aiding Iran with intel and weapons.
Conservatives have long warned that endless blank-check aid to Kyiv distracts from core U.S. interests like securing energy flows and deterring Iran. Now Zelensky is essentially asking to tag along in a real great-power confrontation, touting battlefield lessons bought with Western weapons and cash.
THE MAN BORN UNDER APARTHEID IS NOW CALLING BLACK EMPOWERMENT LAWS “RACIST” — RAMAPHOSA FIRES BACK!
Elon Musk — born in Pretoria under Apartheid — has launched another fierce attack on South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) laws, calling them “extremely racist” and claiming the country now has more anti-white laws than Apartheid had anti-Black laws.
BUT HERE IS THE REAL STORY AFRICA NEEDS TO KNOW
Musk’s real motive? His satellite company Starlink wants to operate in South Africa WITHOUT complying with the country’s 30% Black ownership rule — a law designed to correct centuries of economic exclusion under colonialism and Apartheid.
The same Apartheid system that enriched white South Africans and locked out Black people for generations — Musk now calls the correction of that injustice “racist.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa is standing firm. His spokesperson called Musk’s claims flat-out “LIES” and reminded the world that over 600 American companies operate successfully in South Africa by simply following local laws. Starlink is welcome but nobody is above the law.
Plot twist? Musk’s own Grok AI stated that his claims about racial restrictions “lack evidence” saying the issue is regulatory compliance, NOT racial discrimination.
Africa, this is bigger than Starlink. This is a powerful billionaire using the language of anti-racism to dismantle the very policies built to protect Black economic power. Don’t be deceived.
Kylian Mbappé: “After the 2021 Euro, when I missed that penalty vs Switzerland, I wanted to LEAVE the French NT.”
“A lot of people started calling me a m*nkey. And I asked myself, are these the people I’m fighting for on the pitch?” 😤
“I went to the FFF president after the tournament and told him I don’t want to play for France anymore. It’s fine to be criticized, but I realized I was playing for people who will call me a m*nkey if I don’t score.” ⚖️
“And he told me: ‘You really think I’m just gonna let you leave this office? JUST FORGET IT’” ‼️
MAKEBI ZULU FOR PRESIDENT – A RESPONSE TO GEORGE N. MTONGA
I would have loved to contribute on George N. Mtonga’s post but I feared that I wasn’t going to be sufficiently exhaustive.
I have chosen to write a response because George, like me, loves to debate issues and does so with a sense of respect to his human subjects.
The summary of George’s article is as follows: (1) Makebi is a chance opportunity because if Lungu had not died, he would not be seeking the Presidency and (2) Makebi has no policy history.
CHANCE OPPORTUNITY
What is common to all of us as human beings is chance and opportunity. No endeavor takes place or pursued in life without the recognition of chance and opportunity.
The death of ECL created a vacuum that needed to be filled by others. The death of Anderson Mazoka created a chance and an opportunity that Hichilema took.
POLICY HISTORY
Makebi Zulu is a household name in the legal fraternity in Zambia. He has handled high profile cases touching on some of the most topical issues in Zambia.
These include the rule of law which has been one of the most contentious public policy issues in this country for many years.
In fact, as a lawyer, he is more articulate on matters of governance than the incumbent.
Some of the best Presidents and politicians the US has had have been lawyers.
One of the major prerequisites to effective leadership is to appreciate and understand the governance architecture.
One major reason Hichilema set up the Presidential Delivery Unit is to address bureaucracy in implementing his policies.
If he understood and appreciated public administrative law he may not have required the PDU.
A President who understands this branch of law is likely to do much better in clearing legal obstacles as the first order of business.
And unless someone chooses to dismiss the importance of political experience, Makebi Zulu was a Member of Parliament and Minister in Eastern Province.
Providing leadership in a province exposes one to the challenges of coordinating development.
This becomes a dress rehearsal for national leadership. In developed countries like the US, state governors have gone on to become Presidents because they gained experience at State level.
Hichilema was coming to the office of President without any political experience.
I am not suggesting that political experience is a prerequisite to the Presidency but rather that it is an added advantage.
There’s a mistaken notion that because Zambia has economic problems therefore it needs an economist for a President.
The economy degree gives you intellectual tools but not necessarily leadership which is what the country needs.
Granted, an economics’ degree gives a president some advantage over those that don’t have it.
But there’s ample empirical evidence that some of the most successful nations were not led by leaders with degrees in economics.
And you don’t need to have a degree in economics to create wealth.
On another note, Makebi Zulu is a young man in his forties. He clocks 45 on Christmas day later this year. In history, this age group is credited with some of the most daring changes in public affairs.
Talk of the civil rights movement in the US, the dismantling of colonialism in Africa and the fight against apartheid in South Africa.
Being youthful is an asset that nations must learn to nurture.
Anyone who appreciates developmental psychology will tell you that in the thirties and forties, human beings are career oriented and highly ambitious.
They have a lot of energy and willing to take on risks that most of us in our sixties wouldn’t. It’s actually evident in Hichilema.
When he talks being methodical, it’s actually age speaking! It’s not being methodical. He is overly cautious only wanting to proceed when he thinks he is absolutely sure.
In life, you can never be absolutely sure. Therefore, you need the energies of youth to move forward.
In fact, young people like George must learn to support fellow young people like Makebi Zulu so that we the senior citizens take advisory roles.
To sum it all, Makebi Zulu has what it takes to lead this country as President.
🎯 CANDIDATE SPOTLIGHT | Willah Mudolo: Digital Ambition, Structural Impossibility
Willah Mudolo is positioning himself as the outsider candidate. He speaks from the diaspora, operates largely online, and presents himself as the man who will “offer Zambia something different.” It is a compelling line. It signals disruption, fresh thinking, and a break from the old political class. But once the rhetoric is tested against reality, the gaps begin to widen.
His flagship proposal is bold. He wants to demolish and rebuild Zambia’s major public universities within 24 to 30 months. He names the University of Zambia, Copperbelt University, Mulungushi University and Northern Technical College as targets for a complete overhaul. He promises modern infrastructure, safe learning environments, and dignified student accommodation with ensuite facilities. It is a message that lands emotionally, especially in the wake of the tragic death of a UNZA student, which has exposed the poor state of infrastructure in public institutions.
But policy is not emotion. It is arithmetic.
Rebuilding four major universities is not a housing project. It is a multi-billion dollar undertaking. Each of these institutions operates as a live system, with thousands of students, staff, laboratories, hospitals, and research units. Demolition alone would require relocation planning on a national scale. Construction would require financing, procurement, technical expertise, and timeframes that extend well beyond political promises. Even highly industrialised economies struggle to deliver such projects within three years.
Mudolo says learning will not be disrupted because of online education and temporary facilities. That sounds neat on paper. It collapses under scrutiny. Zambia does not yet have the digital infrastructure, bandwidth stability, or institutional capacity to shift entire universities into online mode without severe learning loss. Medicine, engineering, and science programmes cannot be run from temporary structures at scale. This is not reform. It is displacement.
There is also the question of financing.
Where will the money come from? Zambia is managing debt, stabilising inflation, and dealing with global shocks in fuel and commodity markets. A reconstruction programme of this magnitude would compete directly with health, agriculture, and energy spending. Mudolo has not answered that question. Without financing clarity, the plan remains aspirational.
Beyond policy, Mudolo is also inserting himself into PF’s internal battles. He has dismissed Makebi Zulu’s presidency as illegitimate and attacked figures like Emmanuel Mwamba for “misleading the nation.” He calls rival factions “constitutional delinquents” and warns against what he describes as cartel politics. His language is sharp. His positioning is clear. He is aligning himself with legality and order within a party that is currently fractured.
But this is where the contradiction emerges.
Mudolo is fighting for control of a structure that is already divided into multiple factions. The PF is operating through competing centres of power, each with its own legal and political claims. For a candidate without a strong ground structure, no visible mobilisation base, and operating largely from outside the country, entering that contest is not strategic. It is symbolic.
Elections are not won online.
They are won through structures, networks, polling agents, and physical presence across constituencies. Mudolo’s current approach relies heavily on digital messaging and commentary. That builds awareness. It does not build votes. Zambia’s electoral geography still favours candidates with deep grassroots penetration, not just online visibility.
There is also a credibility gap.
Mudolo is presenting himself as the man who will fix everything at once. Universities, party structures, governance culture. This kind of positioning often appeals at first glance, but it raises a deeper concern. Serious candidates prioritise, sequence, and cost their interventions. They do not attempt to solve systemic problems through compressed timelines and sweeping declarations.
This is where the “PF math” problem comes in.
The party itself is fragmented. The opposition space is crowded. The ruling party is consolidating ground, especially in urban and strategic regions. For Mudolo to emerge as a viable presidential contender, he would need not just ideas, but a coalition, a structure, and a clear path to the ballot. None of these are currently visible.
What remains is a candidate with energy, visibility, and ambition, but without the institutional weight required to translate that ambition into political viability.
Zambia may indeed be looking for something different. But difference, on its own, is not a strategy.
PARTISAN VS OBJECTIVE DEBATE – POLITICAL DISCOURSE ON ZAMBIAN SOCIAL MEDIA
WARNING: The article is unusually long.
Typically, debates on the Zambian social media space are classified as the ruling party versus the opposition. Anything that doesn’t belong to either side is accepted by some as the definition of objectivity or indecision by others.
I am an advocate for objective debate. This means teasing out the pros and cons of an issue.
Here are examples of partisan versus objective arguments.
PARTISAN STATEMENT: The current Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) is biased in favor of the ruling UPND.
OBJECTIVE STATEMENT: There’s no ECZ in the history of elections in this country that has never faced this kind of criticism.
By and large, Zambia has been working towards a more transparent electoral system which makes near-impossible any attempt to rig it in favor of anyone.
PARTISAN STATEMENT: Edgar Lungu was the worst President in the history of Zambia.
OBJECTIVE STATEMENT: ECL presided over one of the most ambitious infrastructure developments since the country returned to multiparty politics and a liberal economic system in 1991.
Typical of every investment in large scale public works, undoubtedly, there were incidences of corruption.
However, there does not appear to have been corruption on an industrial scale as the courts would have, by now, been inundated with such cases.
In addition, it is not in dispute that there was violence and caderism under ECL. But this was the case under every government since UNIP days. Which era was worse is a matter of personal taste.
PARTISAN STATEMENT: Hichilema is just as tribalistic as any leader Zambia has ever had.
OBJECTIVE STATEMENT: Other than KK, every leader in Zambia has faced this accusation.
Short of any credible measurement, claims of one being worse than the other remains in the realm of individual perceptions.
PARTISAN STATEMENT: UPND will double the economy in the next five years.
OBJECTIVE STATEMENT: At best, this is simply an ambition or an aspiration. As at now, there’re no credible economic growth or diversification initiatives on the table to persuade a non-partisan mind that indeed the UPND will double the economy in the next 5yrs.
In other words, it’s not impossible to double the economy but there’re no ideas, let alone, tried and tested strategies, to make that a reality.
PARTISAN STATEMENT: Hichilema is responsible for the delay in the burial of his predecessor.
OBJECTIVE STATEMENT: The administrative arrangements that have been in place regarding the burial of ECL, understandably, needed to be adhered to.
In addition, the High Court ruling in the Kaweche Kaunda versus the State re-enforced the existing administrative guidelines.
It is not in dispute that the former and late President was politically mistreated by the incumbent which has played a huge role in the non-burial of the incumbent.
Perhaps, it’s good for the country that this impasse has occurred and the matter has been taken to court for determination so that the aftermath may guide this country in designing a framework that could stand the test of time.
PARTISAN STATEMENT: There’s no one among the current opposition contenders that are as fit as Hichilema to lead this country.
OBJECTIVE STATEMENT: Like most of his predecessors, Hichilema has had to deal with the same public policy challenges that have persistently beset this country.
Often it has had to do with macroeconomic stability, public debt, infrastructure investment and social programs and projects.
Like Hichilema, none of his predecessors demonstrated any significant groundbreaking policy initiatives to wow the senses of an ordinary Zambian.
Five years into Hichilema’s term in office, the life of an ordinary Zambian remains as bad as it has always been.
What this means is that Hichilema cannot be described as possessing any unique leadership qualities that he must be preferred over the likes of Brian Mundubile, Fred M’membe, Makebi Zulu, etc.
These are but just a few examples of what partisan and objective arguments look like.
In the interest of brevity, I chose not to be exhaustive in my arguments.
Disclaimer: Being an advocate of objective debate doesn’t mean that being partisan is a bad thing.
The latter is a legitimate choice as well. It has its own utility value. The same can be said of objectivity.
Why Lusaka Needs Chitambala Mwewa aka Simon Mwewa Lane Television: A Call to Civic Renewal An endorsement by Rev Walter Mwambazi
In a city as vibrant and vital as Lusaka, leadership matters. The capital of Zambia deserves a mayor who not only understands its challenges but has already proven, through YEARS of visible action, that he is willing to confront them head-on. That is why I am proud to endorse Chitambala Mwewa—better known as Simon Mwewa Lane TV—as the next Mayor of Lusaka.
For over a decade, Simon has been a tireless advocate for a cleaner, more orderly, and more dignified Lusaka. His work has not been confined to speeches or promises; it has been lived out daily in the streets, in the markets, and on the platforms where he educates and inspires citizens. These below are my five reasons why Lusaka should entrust him with the mayor’s office: Note: I shall refer to him by his more well known name of Simon even though it’s a) his father’s name and b) he is actually Chiti (short for Chitambala) but most will get lost with whom I am referring to. So, “Simon” it is… ☺️
🎯 1. A Proven Champion of Cleanliness Simon’s Clean Lusaka campaign has been relentless in its pursuit of sanitation and civic pride. He has shown that a cleaner city is not a luxury but a necessity for public health and urban dignity. Note: “Iwe… doba iyo doti faka mubini!” is a well known phrase he shouts out as he walks around with his camera capturing the daily happenings around Simpson building and the surrounding areas. Very vigilant man I must say!
🎯 2. A Vision for Order From tackling illegal billboards to confronting the scourge of misleading advertisements, Simon has demonstrated a commitment to restoring visual order and respectability to Lusaka’s public spaces.
🎯 3. A Voice for the People Through Simon Mwewa Lane TV, he has built a platform that educates, informs, and engages. His ability to connect with ordinary citizens is proof that he is not just a candidate, but a community leader.
🎯 4. A Record of Confronting Public Health Challenges Simon has consistently raised awareness about cholera outbreaks, flooding, and sanitation crises. His proactive stance shows he is prepared to protect lives and improve living conditions.
🎯 5. A Genuine Love for Lusaka Above all, Simon’s activism has been fueled by authentic passion. He has given his time, energy, and voice to Lusaka without the trappings of political office. Imagine what he could achieve with the authority of the mayor’s office.
📣 A Personal Word of Endorsement I have personally called Simon to let him know that he has my full support. I believe in his vision, his integrity, and his ability to transform Lusaka into the clean, organized, and thriving city we all deserve. I urge everyone we know to stand with him. This is more than an election—it is a chance to reclaim Lusaka’s dignity. And Simon Mwewa Lane is the leader to make it happen.
PRESS STATEMENT 0N THE REGISTRATION OF THE MOVEMENT FOR NATIONEL RENEWAL (MNR) AND ITS PARTICIPATION IN THE AUGUST 2026 GENERAL ELECTION The Movement for National Renewal (MNR) wishes to inform the people of Zambia that, on Tuesday, 3rd March 2026, it successfully mobilised at least one million citizens in support of its national agenda and that number has continued to grow.
MNR was founded on Sunday 12 October 2025 as a civic platform, with a clear objective: to mobilise one million Zambians as a precondition for its transition into a political party and participation in the 2026 general election. This milestone was achieved on Tuesday, 3rd March 2026.
Following this achievement, MNR publicly announced its transition into a political party at a press conference held on Friday, 6th March 2026. In accordance with Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of association, MNR is now duly constituted as a political party by the will of its members.
The Societies Act provides for the formal registration of a party once formed. Accordingly, MNR submitted its application for registration on Monday, 23 March 2026 to enable its participation in the general election scheduled for August 2026. While MNR has complied with all legal requirements, the application remains pending.
We have been informed that thr process is awaiting authorisation from the Office of the Inspector General of Police, which was expected on Monday, 30th March 2026, and we have since been advised to revert on Monday, 6th April 2026
This delay, together with the introduction of additional procedural steps without clear statutory basis, raises serious constitutional and democratic concerns. Administrative processes must not operate in a manner that limits or delays the effective exercise of the right to participate in elections.
With the general election fast approaching, the continued delay is materially affecting MNR’s ability to prepare, organise, and particinate on an equal footing.
It is also hampering the Movement’s ability to mobilise lawful financial support. MNR has made a conscious decision to reject dependence on large private donors, and instead to build a movemen- funded by small contributions from ordinary Zambians.
This approach safeguards the Movement from undue influence and ensures that its leadership remains accountable only to the people. The delay undermines this model by limiting the Movement’s ability to mobilise transparent, citizen-driven support.
https://youtu.be/k4V8_2aR27c?si=fz1tCE6djrjcUQCQ
We call upon our supporters and all ordinary Zambians to continue contributing, in whatever way they can, to sustain the Movement. MNR is built by the people and funded by the pople, and it is through this collective effort that we will safeguard its independence and ensure that it remains accountable only to citizens.
We urge all our supporters across the country to continue mobilising, organising, and preparing In readiness for the general election peacefully, lawfully, and with discipline.
MNR remains committed to constitutionalism, the rule of law, and democratic participation. We note that Zambia’s legal framework, consistent with its regional and international commitments, guarantees the right of citizens to organisr and participate freely in political processes.
One million citizens have made thei- choice to organise and participate in the governance of their country. That choice must be respected. Further updates will be provided in due course
UPDATE: SHAWKI FAWAZ REMANDED AS COURT ADJOURNS TAX CASE
Shawki Fawaz, who was arrested on March 27, 2026, for alleged tax-related offenses, appeared before the Economic and Financial Crimes Court on March 31. The matter has been adjourned to April 13.
Fawaz has been remanded in custody at Kamfinsa Prison pending the next court hearing.
Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to enforcing tax laws and tackling suspected financial crimes, while urging the public to report any tax-related offenses to the Zambia Revenue Authority.
NDOLA CITY COUNCIL REMOVES POSTERS/ TRADITIONAL HEALERS’ ADVERTS TO ENHANCE CITY CLEANLINESS
NDOLA City Council through the Department of Public Health, has commenced the removal of unathorised posters in an effort to enhance cleanliness and improve the overall appearance of the City.
The Department is targeting posters placed on power and telecomms poles and adverts from self proclaimed traditional healers.
The exercise was conducted in Hillcrest and will progressively be extended to other parts of the City to ensure sanity.
https://youtu.be/wReIpv2j45I?si=ytnz23DVbZTt1O55
This operation is being carried out in accordance with the Local Government Act (Street Vending and Nuisances) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations of 2018.
The Act mandates Councils to ensure that public spaces are not littered with unathourised posters or adverts.
K’millian and Mampi Refused to Be on My Album – Petersen
By Muzamba Siandizya
Putting together an album isn’t just about music, it’s about timing, access and sometimes disappointment. Zambian artist Petersen knows this all too well.
While working on one of his projects during his time on the Copperbelt with producer Ben Blazer, Petersen faced a challenge of getting Lusaka-based artists to feature on his songs.
“The only chance I had to work with them was when they came to the Copperbelt for shows,” he revealed.
Even then, it wasn’t easy. Convincing artists to travel or even make time to record was a struggle. But then came what looked like the perfect opportunity.
Two of Zambia’s biggest stars, K’millian and Mampi, were scheduled to perform on the Copperbelt. Petersen didn’t hesitate, he reached out and they agreed.
Everything seemed set but when it was finally time to step into the studio, things fell apart. K’millian suddenly went silent ignoring multiple calls and Mampi pulled out at the very last minute, saying she had gone out to dinner with a former Big Brother contestant.
Just like that, the features Petersen had been counting on were gone. So what really happened behind the scenes? Miscommunication or something more?
Petersen tells it all, don’t miss the full story dropping tomorrow at 11:00 on the Kenny T 1 on 1 YouTube channel.
BREAKING: Susie Wiles Is Secretly Warning Trump’s Inner Circle His Iran War Is a Political Disaster
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has grown deeply alarmed that Donald Trump is being shielded from the full extent of public opposition to his war with Iran, and she’s pushing his inner circle to stop sugarcoating the reality, according to two White House sources.
Wiles, who is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer, has urged colleagues to be more honest with the president about the political and economic devastation the conflict is causing, particularly with midterms approaching.
The numbers back up her panic. A recent Economist-YouGov poll found only 28 percent of Americans support the war, while 59 percent oppose it. Separate surveys from Ipsos and AP-NORC show opposition outpacing support by more than four to one.
The economic pain is impossible to ignore. Oil prices have jumped over 50 percent since Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz. Gas has topped $4 a gallon nationally. Transatlantic airfares have risen roughly $200 on average. And at least 13 U.S. service members have been killed, with more than 300 wounded.
Trump launched the war without congressional approval and delivered a televised address this week appearing to signal it would eventually wind down. His own chief of staff clearly isn’t buying the spin.
Where is Donald?: Trump Goes Silent as Iran Mocks America Over Missing Fighter Pilot
Donald Trump, who never misses a chance to declare victory, has gone completely quiet as the U.S. scrambles to locate a missing F-15 fighter jet pilot shot down over Iran.
While Trump says nothing, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is having a field day. He took to X to mock the administration’s crumbling objectives, noting the mission had somehow downgraded from “regime change” to begging for help finding a missing pilot.
The Iranian Embassy in South Africa joined in, posting mockery of America’s supposed successes alongside photos of U.S. military leaders that Hegseth has fired, including Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, pushed out just this week.
Pro-Iran accounts have turned it into a full meme war, posting AI-generated Lego videos ridiculing Hegseth and the operation. One account offered to create a custom Lego character for anyone who captures the pilot alive.
Trump started this war with bombastic promises and zero strategy. Now a pilot is missing, Iran is laughing at us online, and the commander in chief is nowhere to be found.
Kim Kardashian allegedly willing to go back to Kanye West for their kid’s sake
After watching Kanye West perform at SoFi Stadium, Kim reflected on the time she l0ved him deeply and what it felt like to be married to one of the greatest artists in the world
According to her, she allegedly believes there’s always a room for reconciliation, especially since Kanye is the father of her kids.
Despite dating several wealthy and high-profile men in Hollywood, the music industry, and even sports over the years she div0rced, she is still allegedly open to going back to Ye.
Some people, however, believe she may be using her children as an excuse to reunite with him.
🚨IRAN REJECTS A U.S. CEASEFIRE PROPOSAL – Iran’s military says the war will continue until its enemies face “humiliation” and “surrender,” and specifically cautioning the U.S. against a ground invasion.
This is Iran War, Day 35. Here are the 10 latest updates you should probably know…
1. AMERICA LOST A FIGHTER JET OVER IRAN. THEN LOST ANOTHER.
On April 3, Iranian forces shot down a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle over Iran. The jet had two crew members.
The pilot was rescued. The search for the weapons systems officer is still underway.
During that very rescue mission, an A-10 Warthog was also downed, its pilot rescued — and two Black Hawk helicopters were hit by small arms fire.
2. IRAN REJECTED A U.S. CEASEFIRE PROPOSAL.
An unnamed source told Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency that Tehran had rejected a U.S. proposal for a 48-hour ceasefire.
Iran’s military went further saying the war will continue until its enemies face “humiliation” and “surrender,” and specifically cautioning the U.S. against a ground invasion.
No off-ramp. No exit. Not yet.
3. TRUMP WANTS TO HIT IRAN “EXTREMELY HARD” FOR 2 TO 3 MORE WEEKS.
Trump told the nation the U.S. would hit Iran “extremely hard” for another 2 to 3 weeks.
In that same speech, he threatened to bomb Iran back to the “Stone Ages” if it did not accept U.S. terms.
Ceasefire efforts have since stalled, according to mediators cited by The Wall Street Journal.
4. THE PENTAGON JUST FIRED ITS TOP GENERAL. DURING A WAR.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth abruptly fired the U.S. Army’s top general and two other senior officers — prompting widespread speculation about a wartime leadership shake-up.
Firing generals in the middle of a shooting war. Let that sink in.
5. THE UAE INTERCEPTED 18 BALLISTIC MISSILES, 4 CRUISE MISSILES, AND 47 DRONES IN A SINGLE DAY.
On April 3 alone, UAE air defenses engaged 18 ballistic missiles, 4 cruise missiles, and 47 drones originating from Iran.
Since the war began, UAE air defenses have engaged a total of 475 ballistic missiles, 23 cruise missiles, and 2,085 drones.
This is not a skirmish. This is a full regional war.
6. OIL IS ABOVE $100. AND CLIMBING.
The Strait of Hormuz blockade has halted most shipping and pushed oil prices above $100 a barrel.
Russian Urals crude surged to $123.45. Brent rose past $109.
7. THE GLOBAL AIRLINE INDUSTRY IS BEING GUTTED.
Before this war started, the global airline industry had forecast record profits of $41 billion for 2026.
With jet fuel costs more than doubling, carriers from Air New Zealand to Vietnam Airlines have started cutting flights. Korean Air shifted to “emergency management mode.”
The Philippines’ president said grounding planes is a “distinct possibility.”
One war. Every flight on earth is now at risk.
8. IRAN HIT KUWAIT’S POWER AND WATER PLANTS.
Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy confirmed that one of its power generation and water desalination plants was struck in an Iranian attack, causing material damage.
Emergency teams were immediately deployed to maintain essential services.
Iran is not just fighting America and Israel. It is hitting the entire Gulf.
9. BRITAIN IS LEADING TALKS WITH 40 COUNTRIES TO REOPEN HORMUZ. THE U.S. IS NOT PARTICIPATING.
The United Kingdom is holding talks with about 40 countries on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass.
The U.S. is not taking part.
10. THE HUMAN TOLL. 2,076 DEAD. 26,500 WOUNDED. 600 SCHOOLS HIT.
At least 2,076 people have been killed and 26,500 wounded in Iran since the war began on February 28. Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says more than 600 schools and education centres have been struck.
Behind every number is a family. A child. A future that no longer exists. . . . Your savings in dollars are losing value every single day this war continues.
Oil goes up. Gold goes up. Bitcoin goes up. The dollar buys less.
The middle class will pay for this war through inflation. They always do.
This is Day 35.
Turn on your notifications & follow because this affects all of us.
U.S. Races to Rescue Missing F-15E Navigator as Iran Offers $60,000 Bounty
The United States is intensifying efforts to locate a missing crew member from a downed F-15E Strike Eagle, as Iran reportedly offers a financial reward for his capture.
Latest reports indicate that one pilot has already been successfully recovered by U.S. Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) forces after establishing communication and confirming his position. He has since been transferred to Prince Sultan Air Base for medical evaluation.
However, the second crew member a Weapon Systems Officer (WSO), often referred to as the navigator remains missing. Encouragingly, sources say he has managed to transmit signals, suggesting he is still alive, though his exact location remains unknown.
The search operation is complicated by difficult terrain, as the WSO is believed to be hiding in a mountainous area where Iranian IRGC forces and local tribal groups are actively searching the region.
Iranian authorities have reportedly announced a bounty of approximately $60,000 for information leading to the capture of the American crew member, escalating the urgency of the mission.
The situation is now a race against time, as U.S. forces work to extract the missing personnel before he risks falling into enemy hands.
JILL BIDEN’S SHAMEFUL BETRAYAL: SAGE STEELE CALLS OUT FIRST LADY FOR EXPLOITING JOE’S DECLINE
Former ESPN anchor Sage Steele didn’t hold back on her show when ripping into Jill Biden for failing to protect her husband as his mental and physical decline became obvious to anyone paying attention.
“Anyone with a brain and eyes knew what was happening,” Steele said. “And shame on his wife forever, because when people know that someone is declining and they don’t protect them, it’s disgusting to me.”
Steele spoke from personal experience after interviewing Biden in 2021 on SportsCenter, shortly after he took office.
“I did an interview with him in 2021 on SportsCenter, right after he took office. And it was heartbreaking from a human perspective. You just knew something was off, and it was sad to watch,” she continued. “And to not protect someone that you know is declining? It’s disgusting to me.”
While Democrats and the media spent years gaslighting the public and pretending Biden was sharp as a tack, insiders like Steele saw the truth early. Instead of shielding her husband from the brutal spotlight and letting him step aside with dignity, Jill Biden reportedly pushed power at all costs — turning the presidency into a painful national spectacle.
This wasn’t love or loyalty. It was selfish ambition dressed up as devotion, leaving America led by a shell of a man while the country paid the price. Shame on Jill Biden forever, indeed.
A hardline Iranian lawmaker has called on the judiciary to arrest former president Hassan Rouhani and his foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif after they advocated ending the war.
Hamid Rasaei urged the judiciary to issue what he described as a “judicial shot” to detain the two, following comments in which Rouhani called for preparations to end the war “honorably” and Zarif outlined a framework for de-escalation.
In an article published in Foreign Affairs, Zarif argued that any agreement must go beyond a temporary ceasefire and address the root causes of the conflict. He warned that a ceasefire alone would only delay further fighting.
Zarif proposed that Iran continue limited uranium enrichment under full international supervision as part of a multilateral agreement, while committing not to pursue nuclear weapons.
He also called for the lifting of economic sanctions and the signing of a non-aggression pact between Iran and the United States. https://iranintl.com/en/202604033445
IRAN HAS BEEN SURVIVING ON BITCOIN — AND AMERICA KNOWS IT
The U.S. froze Iran out of the dollar.
Iran found a different currency.
When Washington reimposed sanctions in 2018, Tehran didn’t collapse. It adapted.
By 2019, Iran officially recognized Bitcoin mining as a legitimate industry — and quietly handed the keys to the IRGC.
Here is what that actually meant.
Iran’s electricity costs as low as $0.01 per kilowatt-hour. Cost to mine one Bitcoin, roughly $1,300.
Bitcoin’s market price? Tens of thousands of dollars.
That margin is not a business. That is a money printing machine.
By 2021, Iran controlled 7.5% of the entire global Bitcoin hashrate. Today it still ranks 5th in the world behind only the United States, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Canada.
This was not a side hustle.
Iran’s crypto ecosystem hit $7.78 BILLION in 2025. As large as the GDP of some entire nations. The IRGC alone received over $3 BILLION through Bitcoin in a single year.
A “sanctioned” military force moved $3 billion. Through Bitcoin.
Read that again slowly.
Now ask yourself, when Trump kept threatening to destroy Iran’s power grid, people called it punishment. Analysts called it politics.
It was neither.
It was financial warfare.
No power grid means no Bitcoin mining. No Bitcoin mining means no money for the IRGC.
The bombs were not targeting civilians. They were targeting a balance sheet.
The U.S. can freeze bank accounts. It cannot freeze electricity. It cannot ban mathematics.
Iran found the gap between those two realities and moved billions of dollars through it for nearly a decade right under the nose of the most sophisticated financial surveillance system in the world.
Here is the lesson I want you to sit with today.
The most powerful financial move of the last decade was not made on Wall Street.
It was not made by hedge funds or Ivy League economists.
It was made by a sanctioned nation that looked at cheap energy, a censorship-resistant asset, and a broken global financial system — and connected the dots before anyone else did.
The dollar is a weapon.
Gold is protection.
Bitcoin is the exit door.
Governments have always controlled money. That is not a conspiracy theory. That is history.
The only question is whether YOU will be ready when they decide your money is next.
I have said it before. I will keep saying it.
GOLD. SILVER. BITCOIN.
Real assets. Outside their system. Beyond their reach.
The poor and middle class save dollars. The rich save assets the government cannot print — or confiscate.
IRGC Interceptor Missile Reportedly Malfunctions, Falls Into Residential Area Near Tehran
Reports indicate that an Iranian interceptor missile launched by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) may have malfunctioned during an attempted aerial interception, before crashing into a residential area.
The incident reportedly occurred in Fardis, on the outskirts of Tehran, raising concerns over civilian safety amid ongoing air defense operations.
Details regarding casualties or damage remain unclear, and there has been no official confirmation from Iranian authorities.
If verified, the incident would highlight the risks associated with high-intensity air defense activity in densely populated areas, particularly when systems fail during active engagement.
Ruins of MOBUTU SESEKO’S Mansion-Former Congo dictator Mobutu Seseseko’s mansion is now home to rats, bats, snakes and birds. Lesson to greedy rulers
This is the House of the former Zaire [now DRC] dictator, Field Marshal Mobutu Sese Seko Kukungbendu Wazabanga. The magnificent structure constructed on a large expanse of land [equivalent to a minimal game park] was built in his home village called Gbadolite at the cost £100m.
In 1960, the year the DRC secured independence from Belgium, Gbadolite was an unremarkable village of 1,700 souls. If not for Mobutu, chances are it would have remained that way. It is situated in the DRC’s far north and enveloped in dense rainforest. It was never an obvious choice to be the beneficiary of generous attention from nation builders. Yet, Gbadolite’s most famous son had other plans, and they were mesmerizingly grand. Mobutu constructed two lavish palaces—one for hosting affairs of state and a private residence at Kawele, seven miles outside the town—and a village of Chinese pagodas. These shrines were stuffed with Italian marble, antique French furniture, Venetian chandeliers, expensive tapestries, and monogrammed silver cutlery. Fashionable chefs, Parisian patisserie, and Belgian mussels were flown in from the capital cities of Europe.
It was considered the “epitome of decor and elegance” in Zaire and beyond. The super structure was decorated with Italian marble, Katangese high-karate gold plated doors and windows, Spanish floor tiles, automatic American air conditioning, Isreali state-of-the-art communication systems, king-size swimming pool, a private airport control tower, 3-4 inch bullet-proof glassware, 5 presidential suites, 6 Jacuzzis and surrounded by a mini game park full of all kinds of wildlife, including Indian tigers.
Gbadolite’s airstrip was extended to accommodate a Concorde, which Mobutu would charter from Air France. The cellars burst with thousands of bottles of pink champagne and vintage wine. It took almost 1,000 expensively uniformed staff to keep the palaces shipshape; guests included Pope John Paul II, Boutros Boutros Ghali, several French presidents, and a ‘who’s who’ of questionable businessmen. One Congolese politician has estimated that Mobutu spent up to $400 million on his Gbadolite palaces.
Mobutu heaped further largesse upon the town he created. He built a luxury hotel (owned by the Mobutu family) to house visiting dignitaries and a hydroelectric plant to supply Gbadolite with constant electricity. He established a Coca-Cola bottling factory as banks and other businesses rushed to set up branches in the town. As Mobutu’s reign continued and the DRC’s economy crumbled, Gbadolite thrived.
The town declined along with the dictator. By the mid-1990s Mobutu was sick with cancer and had more or less abandoned Kinshasa, the nation’s capital, to unreliable subordinates, preferring to spend his time in comfort in Gbadolite surrounded by his family. On top of decades of mismanagement, Mobutu’s steady withdrawal from public life helped create a vacuum into which stepped Laurent-Désiré Kabila, the leader of the rebellion against Mobutu. Bolstered by the support of Rwanda and Uganda, Kabila swept through Congo from the east, forced the Mobutu family into a Moroccan exile, and seized control of the country in 1997.
The structure, which at the time of Mobutu’s death was ranked one of the most magnificent private castles ever owned by a sitting Head of State, is now home to wild rats, tropical snakes, gecko lizards, mega snails, scorpions, birds and thousands of wild insects. Dictators should learn from this. Where are Mobutu’s kids to take over their father’s estate?
So shall it be for all leaders who looted public resources unless they change and return their loots to public coffers.
Petraeus: Ukraine Is Outproducing the World in Drone Warfare
David Petraeus didn’t mince words after visiting one of Ukraine’s largest drone production facilities.
He described a scale that’s difficult to ignore:
➡️ 3 million drones produced this year ➡️ 7 million total production capacity
“This is more than anywhere else in the world,” Petraeus stated.
For comparison:
➡️ The United States is struggling to produce around 400,000 drones
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This isn’t just a statistic — it’s a signal.
Ukraine is no longer just adapting to modern warfare. It is actively defining it.
Drone warfare has shifted from support role to central pillar of combat operations — reconnaissance, precision strikes, logistics disruption, and battlefield dominance all increasingly run through unmanned systems.
And Ukraine is scaling it faster than anyone else.
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Petraeus also made a broader point:
Even as global attention drifts toward the Middle East, what Ukraine has built under constant pressure is extraordinary — and it demands continued support from nations that claim to stand for the same values Ukraine is fighting to defend.
⸻
This war is no longer just about territory.
It’s about who sets the standard for the future of warfare.
Right now — that answer is becoming harder to ignore.
🚨 GLOBAL SHIFT: Europe Breaks Ranks as French-Linked Ship Crosses Strategic Strait of Hormuz — Signs Grow That USA and Israel Are Becoming Increasingly Isolated as Key Allies Quietly Reopen Ties Near Iran 🌍⚠️
A major development is unfolding in global politics after a French-linked container vessel successfully crossed the highly sensitive Strait of Hormuz — a route many Western-linked ships have avoided amid rising tensions involving Iran.
The ship, identified as the CMA CGM Kribi, reportedly sailed close to Iran’s coastline while openly broadcasting its route, raising serious questions about behind-the-scenes diplomacy and shifting alliances.
What makes this moment significant is that it suggests some European-linked entities may be taking a different approach from the hardline stance often associated with the United States and Israel. While there is no official confirmation of any agreement, analysts say such a move would likely require at least indirect understanding or approval from Iranian authorities.
This comes at a time when global tensions remain high, and control over strategic waterways like the Strait of Hormuz is crucial for international trade, especially oil and gas shipments.
The move is already fueling debate, with some observers claiming it signals a widening gap between Western allies, while others argue it may simply reflect economic realities and the need to keep trade routes open.
💬 Is this the beginning of a major global realignment, or just a one-off move driven by business interests? Drop your thoughts below.
BREAKING: 23 States Sue Trump Over Executive Order Stripping Americans’ Mail-In Voting Rights
A coalition of 23 states and the District of Columbia filed a federal lawsuit against Donald Trump over an executive order that legal experts say blatantly violates the Constitution by restricting Americans’ access to mail-in voting.
The order, signed this week, bars the U.S. Postal Service from delivering mail-in ballots to anyone not appearing on a federally pre-approved list compiled by the USPS itself. Trump has long pushed the debunked claim that mail-in voting is riddled with fraud, despite zero credible evidence and the fact that he himself regularly votes by mail.
But the order goes even further. It directs the federal government to build its own national voter database in each state, to be handed over to state election officials 60 days before every federal election. States have managed their own voter rolls for centuries. Now Trump wants the Department of Homeland Security running that process. The same DHS that has been caught lying to federal judges. The same department whose agents killed two Americans during immigration enforcement operations earlier this year.
The lawsuit was filed in Massachusetts District Court. Attorneys general from the coalition argue the president has zero constitutional authority to dictate who gets to vote by mail or to override state election administration with a federal list.
Courts have already blocked several of Trump’s earlier voting-related orders. This one appears headed for the same fate..
BREAKING: America’s First Pope Publicly Calls Out Trump, Demands End to Iran War
Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born leader of the Catholic Church, spent the early months of his papacy largely steering clear of U.S. politics. That changed in a big way.
After weeks of escalating criticism, the pope publicly named Donald Trump for the first time this week, urging him directly to find an exit from the expanding Iran war. It marks a major turning point from a pontiff known for choosing his words with precision.
Vatican observers say the shift is deliberate. Leo has spent recent weeks laying the groundwork, stating that Christian political leaders who start wars should examine their conscience, that airstrikes on civilian areas should be banned outright, and that God rejects the prayers of leaders with “hands full of blood.” That last line was widely read as a direct rebuke of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has repeatedly used religious framing to justify U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.
Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich, a close Leo ally, told reporters the pope is carrying forward a long tradition of pontiffs who call on world leaders to step back from war, but noted what makes this moment different is that Americans are hearing that message in their own voice, from one of their own.
The White House pushed back. Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt defended the administration’s use of prayer in military contexts, but did not address the broader moral challenge the pope laid down.
Leo is expected to deliver a major international address on Easter Sunday from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, and all eyes will be on what he says next.
BREAKING: This Iranian Embassy is absolutely DESTROYING Trump on social media — and the memes are genuinely hilarious!
Donald Trump started a war with Iran. Iran started a meme war back. And honestly? Iran is winning the internet.
The Iranian Embassy in South Africa has been running what can only be described as the most savage diplomatic social media account on the planet, methodically trolling the Trump administration with a precision and creativity that no White House communications team has managed to match.
When Trump floated the idea of “joint control” of the Strait of Hormuz — one of the most strategically vital waterways on earth, through which roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil passes — the Iranian Embassy responded with a photo of a car equipped with two steering wheels. One real. One a child’s plastic toy. No caption needed.
Another post shows a cartoon of the late president Ronald Reagan shaking Donald Trump’s hand, with Reagan telling his successor, “I destroyed the Soviet Union, and Trump replying, “I destroyed the United States.” Ouch! It hurts because it’s true.
When the Trump administration started throwing around rhetoric about “regime change” in Iran, the embassy fired back with photos of American military leaders who had actually been removed from their positions — like Army Chief of Staff General Randy George, fired by Pete Hegseth after decades of decorated service so Hegseth could install his own personal aide in the job. The implication was unmistakable: you want to talk about regime change? Look in the mirror.
The embassy also shared a spoof WhatsApp conversation between Trump and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei mocking the administration’s negotiating posture — because, apparently, when you’re Iran and America is bombing you, sometimes the most powerful weapon available is a screenshot.
Let’s zoom out and appreciate the full absurdity of this moment. The United States has launched a war against Iran. American troops are dying. Bases are being hit by Iranian missiles across eight countries. Pete Hegseth is firing decorated generals and praying at press conferences. Trump is promising the war will end in two weeks without achieving a single stated objective. The Pentagon is hiding casualty figures. Austria, Italy, and Spain are refusing to let American warplanes use their airspace.
And through all of it, the Iranian Embassy in South Africa is posting car memes.
There’s something almost Shakespearean about a superpower that has spent trillions on military hardware being publicly humiliated by a diplomatic Twitter account. But here we are. When your foreign policy is built on chaos, bluster, and improvisation — when your Defense Secretary runs the Pentagon like a reality TV show — this is what the world sees. Not strength. Not strategy. A toy steering wheel.
Iran Fires Massive Missile Salvo at USS Abraham Lincoln – Carrier Group Pulls Back
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps launched a heavy barrage of missiles at the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group in the northern Indian Ocean, according to reports from Tehran and circulating satellite data.
The IRGC claimed the strike as part of its ongoing “Operation True Promise 4,” boasting it forced the powerful American naval force to withdraw from the area to avoid further attacks.
Video attached to the claim shows a carrier at sea with bright missile trails cutting through the sky, though skeptics note it resembles rendered or stock footage rather than confirmed combat imagery.
This marks the latest in a string of Iranian assertions against U.S. assets amid escalating tensions. Tehran has repeatedly hyped hits on the Lincoln and other targets, while U.S. officials have consistently denied any damage, stressing that American defenses intercepted incoming threats or that the missiles never came close.
No independent confirmation of strikes or U.S. casualties has emerged from Pentagon sources. The Abraham Lincoln, a Nimitz-class powerhouse with its escort ships and air wing, remains a cornerstone of American power projection in the region – exactly the kind of strength Iran loves to talk tough against but struggles to actually touch.
America’s carriers don’t run from propaganda. They project strength that keeps adversaries in check. If Iran thinks missile volleys and victory claims will change that, history says otherwise. U.S. forces stay ready, lethal, and undeterred.
Sources: – X post by @GBX_Press (April 2026) – Reports on IRGC “Operation True Promise 4” claims – Historical Pentagon statements on Iranian missile assertions against U.S. naval assets
America’s Microwave Superweapon Just Fried 50 Drones in One Shot
No missiles. No fancy tracking systems. Just one powerful electromagnetic pulse from the U.S.-made Leonidas system by Epirus, and an entire swarm of drones dropped out of the sky.
This directed-energy weapon zaps the electronics right out of low-cost enemy drones, turning the cheap swarm tactic favored by Iran, Houthis, and others into an expensive failure.
Recent tests hit perfect scores against swarms of up to 61 drones. Mobile versions like the Leonidas AGV mean it can roll out fast for short-range defense.
While adversaries will try to adapt with shielded or fiber-optic drones, this changes the math in America’s favor. Instead of burning millions on missiles to stop penny drones, we now have a cost-effective way to dominate the skies.
Strong innovation like this keeps U.S. forces ahead and sends a clear message: cheap asymmetric attacks won’t cut it anymore.
Kylian Mbappé (on playing for his country): “Players shouldn’t EARN money for representing their national team.”
“The money could be put to better use, benefiting fans as a token of appreciation for their trust and support.”
Back in 2018, Mbappé donated 100% of his World Cup earnings – $29K per game plus a $350K bonus for winning the tournament to a charity that supports hospitalized and disabled children through sports.
And Now, Kylian Mbappé has asked the French Football Federation to redistribute the entire 2026 World Cup qualification bonus to the full backroom staff – intendants, managers, players and all personnel involved.
The France captain believes everyone who contributed deserves to benefit and stay fully motivated for the campaign ahead.
IT WILL BE VERY EASY TO CAMPAIGN FOR PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA BECAUSE OF HIS GOOD WORKS – CHADIZA MP
April 3-2026
Patriotic Front (PF) Chadiza Member of Parliament, Jonathan Daka, says the impressive development agenda being implemented by Hakainde Hichilema has raised the President’s political standing so high that campaigning for him in the forthcoming general elections will be an easy task.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the UPND Media Team, Mr. Daka stated that President Hichilema has become a household name in Chadiza due to the tangible development initiatives that have directly improved the lives of local residents.
He noted that many people in the constituency are able to clearly see and appreciate the people-centered policies introduced under the leadership of President Hichilema.
Mr. Daka highlighted key initiatives such as the Cash for Work programme, the increased Constituency Development Fund, enhanced Social Cash Transfer support, and the distribution of relief maize that helped residents during the famine experienced in 2024.
He explained that the expanded CDF has greatly benefited the people of Chadiza through skills training programs, empowerment loans, grants for community groups, and the construction of vital infrastructure.
According to the lawmaker, the constituency has witnessed the construction of classroom blocks in schools, improvements in health facilities, and the upgrading of feeder roads that are now improving access to essential services.
Mr. Daka further encouraged fellow members of the Patriotic Front not to feel shy about supporting President Hichilema, whom he described as a leader delivering meaningful development to the people of Zambia.
He added that many citizens across the country have already witnessed unprecedented development that was not present just four years ago, making the President’s achievements visible and widely appreciated.
