🇿🇲 BRIEFING | State House Rejects “Political Prisoners” Claims Ahead of Polls
State House has dismissed assertions that Zambia is holding political prisoners under President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration, arguing that those currently incarcerated are individuals convicted through established legal processes rather than victims of political persecution.
Chief Communications Specialist at State House, Clayson Hamasaka, said it was inaccurate to frame criminal convictions as political detention, insisting that Zambia’s justice system operates within clear statutory boundaries.
“Zambia is not a banana republic where anyone can be arrested without committing an offence,” Hamasaka said, stressing that arrests and prosecutions follow due process, beginning with police action and proceeding through the courts.
Hamasaka challenged critics to provide evidence of unlawful imprisonment, stating: “I would like to challenge anyone to come forward and show me one person who is in prison today without breaking the law.”
He maintained that those described as “political prisoners” have been convicted for offences under the Penal Code and other laws, not for political affiliation.
The remarks come amid renewed public debate over clemency and political tensions ahead of the August general elections. Civil rights activist Brebner Changala has appealed to President Hichilema to consider releasing politicians jailed for offences including corruption and sedition, arguing that such moves could reduce political temperature before the polls.
State House, however, warned against pressuring the Executive to intervene in judicial matters. Hamasaka said the President should not be “coerced to interfere with the functions of the Judiciary,” adding that the law “is blind” and does not recognise political status.
Hamasaka also invoked President Hichilema’s own past experience in opposition, arguing that the Head of State remains sensitive to abuses of state power. He said Hichilema “does not want any citizen to go through what he went through” during periods of political persecution, and has instead prioritised independent governance institutions and human rights protections.
He urged citizens to avoid narratives that could portray Zambia as vindictive or unstable, cautioning that such framing risks damaging the country’s standing internationally.
“Let us not create an environment that would damage Zambia’s standing to the international community,” Hamasaka said.
The statement underlines a growing national contest over how corruption cases, political imprisonment claims, and institutional independence will be interpreted in an election year where political rhetoric is sharpening across party lines.
ZWANGENDABA REMEMBERANCE TO BECOME ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE AS MPEZENI IV GIFTS CATTLE TO HOST CHIEF WAITWIKA.
Muchinga Provincial Minister Njavwa Simutowe has announced that the Remembrance of Inkosi Zwangendaba will now be commemorated annually, positioning it as a key cultural tourism destination.
Speaking at the sacred site in Nakonde, Honorable Njavwa Simutowe MP described the improved facility as a “must-visit heritage and cultural tourism site,” citing enhanced visibility, road access, and security.
The site honours Inkosi Zwangendaba, who led the Abangoni people on a 3,000-kilometre journey from KwaZulu-Natal to escape the Mfecane upheavals. His people crossed the Zambezi in November 1835 during a solar eclipse, an event that will be symbolically re-enacted on 21st February 2026, led by His Majesty King Mphezeni IV.
The Minister thanked Her Royal Highness Waitwika for preserving the site for over 180 years, noting it defines “unity, identity, and shared origin” for the Abangoni people across Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania.
Hon. Simutowe confirmed the Ministry of Tourism will promote the annual event to attract visitors and foster development, aligning with the 2026 Ncwala theme of “Reconnecting Abangoni and Promoting National Unity and Love.”
In a powerful gesture of unity and gratitude, His Royal Highness Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV of the Aba Ngoni people has gifted four cattle to Her Royal Highness Chief Waitwika. The tribute acknowledges her agreement to host the remembrance ceremony of the revered Inkosi Zwangendaba Kahlatshwayo Jere at his final resting place.
The sentiments were conveyed in a speech read on behalf of the Ngoni leader by Dumisani Tembo, the Chairperson of the National Ncwala Organizing Committee, during the historic event held today.
Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV emphasized the profound importance of commemorating the legacy of Zwangendaba, the founding father of the Ngoni nation, more than 18 decades after his passing. He expressed deep appreciation for Chief Waitwika’s cooperation, which has allowed the two communities to come together in remembrance.
“We are grateful that Her Royal Highness Waitwika agreed to having this momentous ceremony to celebrate unity and love among the two tribes,” Mr. Tembo stated
The ceremony took place at the grave site of Zwangendaba in Nachipeta Village, which falls under Chief Waitwika’s jurisdiction. To symbolize his thanks for her blessing and for allowing the event to proceed at the sacred site, the Paramount Chief officially presented Chief Waitwika with a herd consisting of one bull and three heifers.
The gift was received as a symbol of the strengthened bonds between the Ngoni people and Chief Waitwika’s community, underscoring a shared heritage and mutual respect.
The event marks a significant step in preserving the history of Inkosi Zwangendaba and fostering unity among the two tribes.
DPP LEADER CALLS FOR SHIFT FROM SMALL POLITICS TO NATIONAL-BUILDING AGENDA
Opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) president Antonio Mourinho Mwanza has urged Zambians to move away from what he described as “small politics” and instead focus on policies that address unemployment, economic growth and national development.
Speaking in a statement, Mwanza said that although Zambia had maintained peace since independence, its politics had often failed to rise to the level needed to transform the country’s fortunes.
He argued that political discourse had become dominated by personality clashes and insults rather than serious policy debates capable of delivering economic progress.
He said leaders and political players were spending too much time attacking one another while urgent national issues such as youth unemployment, business growth and industrial development remained unresolved.
Mwanza questioned why more attention was not being placed on structured economic reforms, support for entrepreneurs and easing the cost of doing business.
He further noted that despite Zambia’s abundant natural resources, many young graduates faced uncertainty, small businesses struggled to survive and families continued to grapple with economic pressures.
According to Mwanza, this situation contrasted sharply with countries that had transformed their economies through disciplined long-term planning and investment in education, health and infrastructure.
The DPP leader also criticized what he described as rigid partisan politics, where those in government felt compelled to defend every action while opposition figures felt obliged to oppose even constructive policies.
He said this environment discouraged independent thinking and replaced national vision with political loyalty.
Mwanza explained that the formation of the DPP was aimed at changing the tone of political engagement by prioritizing policy discussions over political noise.
He said his party believed politics should focus on creating jobs, strengthening agriculture, improving education and healthcare and ensuring mining resources benefited communities more broadly.
He emphasized that small businesses should be viewed as engines of growth rather than targets of excessive taxation, while young people should be seen as drivers of the country’s future development.
Calling for unity, Mwanza said Zambia’s diversity in tribe, language, and political affiliation should not overshadow the shared national goal of development.
He urged citizens and leaders alike to demand accountable and disciplined leadership capable of building a competitive economy.
He added that divisive politics would not reduce unemployment or the cost of living, arguing instead that solutions lay in unity, ideas and courageous leadership.
Mwanza emphasized that the country faced a choice between stagnation and progress, urging citizens to mature politically and focus on nation-building efforts that would transform Zambia from a country of potential into one of measurable performance.
HH SET TO ADDRESS PARLIAMENT AS STAKEHOLDERS CALL FOR UNITY, RIGHTS AND POLICY CLARITY.
President Hakainde Hichilema is this Friday, February 20, 2026, expected to address Parliament on the progress made in the application of national values and principles, with various stakeholders expressing high expectations ahead of the address.
Executive Director of the Advocate for Democratic Governance Foundation, Gideon Musonda, says he expects the President to place strong emphasis on national unity.
Mr. Musonda says unity remains critical to the country’s stability and development, adding that Zambia must safeguard the peace and tranquility it has enjoyed in recent years.
He has observed that political tensions appear to be rising and hopes the President will outline practical measures to foster unity despite divergent political views.
Mr. Musonda has further states that, given that this could be the final address on national values before the 2026 general elections, it is important for President Hichilema to provide a clear roadmap on the country’s direction beyond the polls.
He has told Prime TV news that the Head of State should guarantee the protection of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of association and freedom of expression, particularly during the electoral process.
Mr. Musonda has also urged the President to speak to governance institutions, including the Zambia Police and other relevant bodies, to ensure they facilitate the full enjoyment of democratic freedoms.
Meanwhile, National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ) Executive Director Aaron Chansa, says he expects President Hichilema to clarify when the Free Education policy will be formalised into law.
Dr. Chansa further calls on the President to address concerns over the reported decline in learner attendance and provide guidance on the way forward.
50,000 MALE CONDOMS, 20,000 ORAL SELF HIV TESTING KITS DISPATCHED TO LUANGWA FOR SATURDAY ZAMBEZI RIVER CROSSING BY PARAMOUNT CHIEF MPEZENI IV
Zambia, Wednesday 18th February, 2026
The Lusaka Provincial Administration has delivered 50,000 male condoms and 20,000 Oral Self HIV testing kits to cater for the people that will converge in Luangwa district this Saturday for the symbolic ceremonial crossing of the Zambezi River in Luangwa-Feira on February 21, 2025, to commemorate the 191st anniversary of the Ngoni migration into Zambia by Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV.
Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV of the Ngoni people successfully led a historic, inaugural, and ceremonial crossing of the Zambezi River in Luangwa-Feira on February 18, 2025, to commemorate the 190th anniversary of the Ngoni migration into Zambia.
The celebrations feature traditional dances and a re-enactment of the 1835 migration, marking a new, promoted annual, pre-Nc’wala event.
And Lusaka Provincial HIV Coordination Adviser Eunice Masi says government is duty bound to ensure that thousands of patrons that will gather in Luangwa-Feira for the Ngoni ceremony are protected from unplanned pregnancies, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) including HIV.
She said it is also important for the population that will be in the area to know their HIV status by using the 20,000 Oral Self HIV Testing Kits provided.
Mrs Masi said in such gatherings, there is a tendency by people engaging in risk sexual behavior.
“We know a lot of people will converge in one place and there will be a lot of activities including risk sexual behavior. We are ready with our HIV prevention commodities and health education. We want to make sure that the population is safe from HIV,” She said.
She said such interventions are in line with the government’s resolve to reduce new HIV infections and end AIDS by 2030.
Lusaka Province has 347,647 people on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) the highest in the country, with 350,000 living with HIV also the highest, while new infections are around 5,500 as of December 2025.
Issued by: Logic Lukwanda (Mr.) Principal Public Relations Officer Lusaka Provincial Administration
Dynasty in Motion: Aliko Dangote Elevates His Daughters to Power at Dangote Group
In a sweeping consolidation of legacy and power, Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has entrusted the future of the Dangote Group to the next generation — elevating his daughters into commanding leadership roles across the empire.
Halima Aliko Dangote will steer the Dangote Family Office and international operations, anchoring their global expansion from Dubai.
Fatima Aliko Dangote assumes authority over the conglomerate’s formidable oil and gas portfolio, including the refinery and petrochemical ventures, while directing key corporate functions.
Mariya Aliko Dangote takes charge of commercial strategy for cement and food operations, tasked with driving market dominance and operational precision.
Together, the appointments signal a decisive transfer of influence — a dynasty fortifying its command at the helm of Africa’s industrial powerhouse.
European Union Eases Sanctions on Zimbabwe Days After Appeal by Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, Extends Arms Embargo to 2027
In a move charged with geopolitical significance, the European Union has lifted key sanctions on Zimbabwe—a decision announced mere days after an impassioned appeal by Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia for renewed international engagement.
Following its annual review of restrictive measures, the EU Council has opted for a calibrated shift in policy. While the arms embargo will remain firmly in place for another year—extended until 20 February 2027—the bloc has swept away provisions enabling travel bans and asset freezes, signaling a cautious thaw in relations.
Brussels now speaks of constructive engagement, expressing readiness to deepen bilateral ties with Zimbabwe across strategic sectors including trade and investment. Yet the message is one of vigilance as much as rapprochement: the effectiveness of remaining measures will be closely monitored as events unfold.
The decision marks the latest chapter in a long regulatory arc. Restrictive measures first imposed in February 2002 were reshaped under a 2011 Council framework and have since evolved with shifting political realities.
Today’s ruling reaffirms the arms embargo while redefining the broader sanctions landscape—an unmistakable gesture that Europe’s posture toward Zimbabwe is entering a new, carefully measured phase. #Zambia #Zimbabwe #HakaindeHichilema #Mnangagwa #Lift_Sanctions
SOCIAL MEDIA SUSPENDED IN GABON FOR ‘SPREADING OF FALSE INFORMATION
GABON’S media regulator has announced the suspension of social media platforms “until further notice”, saying online content has fuelled conflict and deepened divisions in the country.
In a televised statement on Tuesday evening, the High Authority for Communication cited the “spread of false information”, “cyberbullying” and the “unauthorised disclosure of personal data” as reasons for the decision.
Its spokesperson Jean-Claude Mendome did not specify which platforms would be affected, but WhatsApp, Facebook and TikTok are popular in the country.
Gabon is led by General Brice Oligui Nguema, who won presidential elections last year after leading a military coup in 2023.
The 50-year-old president is facing growing social unrest, with teachers and other civil servants staging strikes over pay and working conditions.
By mid-morning on Wednesday there were reports of partial disruption to some social media platforms.
According to the AFP news agency, some people were no longer able to access Facebook and TikTok.
Mendome’s announcement has come as a shock to the central African nation of about 2.5 million people, where social media is particular popular with younger people who use it for business as well as pleasure.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a restaurant owner in the capital, Libreville, told the BBC the suspension would greatly affect his business, since he uses social media for promotion.
“Almost 40% of my customers decided to order or come to the restaurant after seeing our advertising on social media… I won’t be able to catch new customers, because clients are attracted by what they are seeing, reviews from friends, pictures,” he said.
“We are entering a phase where we don’t even know if we are moving forward with global development or if we are sliding backward into total underdevelopment.”
However, a taxi driver seemed unbothered about the move, telling the BBC: “There’s no smoke without fire.
“For the authorities to take such a decision, something must have certainly prompted it.”
Nguema won last year’s poll with more than 90% of the vote, two years after his coup ended more than five decades of rule by the Bongo family.
At the time he pledged to reform Gabon, a small, oil- and timber-rich country, where digital blackouts were used by the previous governments to control information.
For the first time, foreign and independent media were allowed to film the ballot count during the election.
The media regulator spokesman said the suspension was prompted by the recurring dissemination on social networks and digital platforms of ” inappropriate, defamatory, hateful, and insulting content that undermines human dignity, social cohesion, the stability of the republic’s institutions, and national security”.
Such actions, he said, were likely to “generate social conflict” and “seriously jeopardise national unity, democratic progress, and achievements”.
But “freedom of expression, including freedom of comment and criticism,” remained “a fundamental right enshrined in Gabon”, Mendome added.
School teachers in Gabon began striking in December over pay and working conditions, with protests over similar grievances spreading to other public sectors, including health and education.
TALIBANS INTRODUCES LAW TO ALLOW MEN TO PHYSICALLY DISCIPLINE WIVES AND CHILDREN.
A newly unveiled 90-page penal code by the Taliban in Afghanistan permits husbands to physically discipline their wives and children, provided the punishment does not leave broken bones or open wounds.
Under the provisions, a husband accused of using what is described as obscene force including cases involving visible fractures or serious injuries would face a maximum jail term of 15 days.
Prosecution would proceed only if the wife is able to establish proof of the abuse before a court. The code further stipulates that a married woman may be sentenced to up to three months in detention if she visits family members without first obtaining clear consent from her husband.
Rights advocates say the wording of the legislation effectively reduces wives to the status of property or slaves of their spouses.
They also note that it dismantles key safeguards, including the 2009 Law on the Elimination of Violence Against Women, EVAW, enacted during the former Western-backed administration.
The exiled Afghan human rights organisation Rawadari, which obtained a copy of the document, warned that the measures would legitimise the abuse, maltreatment, and punishment of women and children, leaving them vulnerable to continued domestic violence.
According to the group, restricting women’s ability to visit relatives removes one of the limited protections available in a country where formal and legal remedies remain scarce.
Rawadari called for the immediate halt of the implementation of the criminal procedure code by Taliban courts and urged the international community, including the United Nations and other relevant international bodies, to utilise all legal instruments to prevent the code from taking effect.
Russia’s Most FEARED Unit Enters Ukraine — 92 Seconds Later, It’s Instant & Brutal
Reports from the front lines suggest that one of Russia’s most elite military formations was recently deployed into active combat zones in Ukraine. The unit, described by analysts as highly trained and combat-experienced, was expected to reinforce pressure on contested positions.
However, within moments of engagement, Ukrainian forces reportedly launched precision strikes using coordinated drone reconnaissance and artillery systems. According to Ukrainian military sources, rapid detection and targeting allowed them to neutralize advancing elements before they could consolidate their position.
Independent verification of the exact timeline remains difficult, but analysts note that modern battlefield conditions—particularly the widespread use of surveillance drones—have dramatically reduced reaction times. Units entering exposed terrain can now be identified and targeted in under two minutes, transforming the tempo of combat.
Military observers say the incident underscores a broader shift in warfare: even elite formations face significant vulnerability when confronted with layered drone coverage, real-time intelligence sharing, and precision-guided munitions. As the conflict continues, speed of detection and response appears to be as decisive as troop training or reputation.
The House of Representatives of Nigeria was engulfed in a chaotic atmosphere after the speaker ruled on the Electoral Acts Amendment.
For the past weeks, Nigerians have been demanding the amendment of the Electronic Transactions Act bill to enable the Independent National Electoral Commission of Nigeria, INEC, to project the election results on electronic screens.
This is because the citizens want to follow the the elections keenly to know the winner even before the person is declared, just as advanced countries in Europe do.
Today, February 17, 2026, the House of Representatives in Abuja, was filled for the final decision, taking just as democracy demands.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas ruled in favor of the “ayes” despite an audibly clear majority of “nays” on the motion for the rescission of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill to enable the House to reconsider specific provisions.
Protests at Nigeria’s National Assembly in Abuja escalated into chaos as police officers fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators.
After this, almost all members of the house who chose no were surprised by the decision of the speakers, and the meeting was scattered, but Honourable Tajudeen did not flinch or change his ruling.
A large number of Nigerians are looking forward to the amendment because they believe the world has evolved, and now technology will make following the election easier.
A Chinese female livestreamer reportedly lost about 140,000 followers after a beauty filter malfunctioned mid-stream and revealed her actual appearance to viewers.
During the broadcast, she was using a popular real-time beautification filter that smooths skin, enlarges eyes and alters facial features.
At one point, the effect suddenly dropped out, exposing her real face before the stream continued.
Clips of the moment quickly circulated on social media and short-video platforms, with many netizens reacting to the unexpected reveal.
According to multiple online accounts tracking follower counts, the streamer’s fan base dropped dramatically in the hours after the incident.
Some viewers criticised the streamer for “deceiving” her audience, while others defended her and called the backlash unfair.
Beauty filters are widely used in China’s live-streaming and short-video sectors, and incidents involving glitches are rarely common.
Afghanistan’s hardline Taliban government has introduced a revised 90-page penal code that effectively legalises domestic violence.
The new law sharply curtails women’s liberties, and undoes protections previously afforded under Afghan law.
Under the new framework, husbands are permitted to physically punish their wives and children as long as the force used does not cause “broken bones or open wounds.”
If a wife suffers visible injuries such as fractures or bruises and can prove the abuse in court, the husband faces a maximum jail term of just 15 days.
Aside condoning violence, the code also contains provisions that restrict women’s freedom of movement.
A married woman may be jailed for up to three months if she is found to have visited her relatives without her husband’s explicit permission.
Critics say the language in the law effectively treats wives as subordinate or even as the “property” of their husbands, stripping away crucial legal protections.
The new code undermines earlier legislation which was adopted under the previous government and offered legal recourse to victims of gender-based violence.
Rawadari issued a statement warning that the changes will legitimise abuse, maltreatment and punishment of women and children.
The group also said the restrictions on women’s ability to see family members dismantle “one of the few protections available in a country where there are already very limited formal and legal remedies.”
In this world, there are countries whose passports are superior in rank, and how far it can take shows the superiority.
Every country has its own passport, but some are less commanding in the grand scheme of things when the discussion is about moving freely from one country to another, just because of a book.
It looks like a book in the eyes of any man, but the power it carries shows its might.
In the last two decades, different countries have unseated their fellows to sit at the top of the world as the most powerful passports in the world.
Research revealed that the number of countries you can travel to with a passport shows how powerful it is.
Some names in the list might shock you, but a reality.
Read Also: Top 5 Most Followed Women In The World
The left side is the name of the county, and the right side is the number of countries you can travel to with your passport
A video of a 92-year-old woman in China scaling a nearly 2.15-metre (about 7-foot) gate to leave her nursing home has gone viral on Chinese social media.
The footage spread widely after it was posted on Weibo, drawing millions of views.
The incident took place at a nursing home in Yantai, Shandong province, where the elderly woman was living.
In the clip, she is seen carefully grabbing the top of the metal gate, finding her footing and hoisting herself over the top.TV & Video
Staff later found the woman in the vicinity of the home and returned her safely.
The director of the facility told reporters she suffers from severe Alzheimer’s disease, which may have influenced her actions.
Despite concerns about her health and safety, many internet users expressed amazement at her physical ability.
One commenter wrote that her “fitness level” seemed stronger than that of younger people, while another joked they couldn’t climb such a gate at age 29.
READ ALSO: France’s National Assembly bans social media access to kids under-15
Some viewers also voiced concern, noting that a fall from such a height could be dangerous for someone of her age.
Countries around the world have distinct natural resources that help boost their economies, and this brief piece will reveal the top ten richest countries in the world, considering the natural resources on their land.
Natural resources are a hidden treasure in countries that are discovered with the help of history and technology.
States that have been able to discover more natural resources on their land are the richest in the world.
Russia – $75 Trillion
Continent: Europe/Asia
Natural Resources: the world’s largest natural gas reserves, massive coal deposits, significant oil, gold, timber, diamond, and rare earth metals.
USA – $45 Trillion
Continent: North America
Natural Resources: the largest coal reserves, timber/forests, and natural gas, gold, copper, and other metals
Saudi Arabia – $34 Trillion
Continent: Asia
Natural Resources: one of the largest Oil reserves, timber, and other minor resources.
Canada – $33 Trillion
Continent: North America
Natural Resources: major oil ( oil sand), natural gas, phosphates, and various earth metals.
Iran – $27 Trillion
Continent: Asia
Natural Resources: It dominates the global oil and gas reserves, as it has in abundance, something few countries can boast of.
DR Congo – $24 Trillion
Continent: Africa
Natural Resources: Congo is rich in critical minerals for modern tech and has the world’s largest cobalt reserves.
China- $23 trillion
Continent: Asia
Natural Resources: Massive coal reserves, rare earth metals (dominant global producer), timber, plus various other minerals.
Brazil -$22 trillion
Continent: South America
Natural Resources: Gold, uranium, iron ore, timber (Amazon rainforest), oil (offshore), and other minerals.
Australia (~$20 trillion)
Continent: Australia
Natural Sources: Iron ore (world leader), coal, gold, uranium, natural gas, bauxite/aluminum, copper, and other metals
A worker in Quanzhou has been accused of setting fire to his employer’s warehouse after reportedly not being paid.
A migrant worker in Hui’an County, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, China, has been accused of deliberately setting fire to his employer’s massive 40,000-square-meter warehouse.
According to reports, he decided to burn down the warehouse after being denied payment for five days of labor.
The incident reportedly occurred around February 12–15, 2026, just before the Lunar New Year holiday.
The worker allegedly agreed to a daily wage of 400 yuan (approximately $55–56 USD), totaling about 2,000 yuan ($275–280 USD) for the period.
After the employer refused to pay, the man—said to be a migrant laborer—claimed he had no money for food, shelter, or a train ticket home.
Reports describe him sleeping under a bridge for three days in desperation before allegedly using a lighter to ignite multiple fires inside or near the warehouse.
Authorities and online posts estimate direct economic losses at around 4 billion yuan (approximately $550–579 million USD).
The fire allegedly destroyed a significant portion of the 40,000 sq m facility; equivalent to about 10 acres of storage space filled with goods or materials.
The worker has reportedly been detained and faces charges related to arson and causing major property damage.
Failure by opposition to unite behind one candidate endangering me, other political enemies of HH – Nyasulu
Former Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) director general Victor Nyasulu says failure by the opposition parties to unite behind one candidate is endangering him and the other “political enemies” of President Hakainde Hichilema.
In a writeup to Daily Revelation yesterday, Nyasulu, a Lusaka businessman and member of the PF, bemoaned the lack of a unified opposition presidential
MAKEBI ACCUSES GOVT OF DEMANDING POSTMORTEM ON LUNGU
LUSAKA lawyer Makebi Zulu has accused government of hiring a private investigator in an attempt to conduct a postmortem on late president Edgar Lungu.
Meanwhile, PF faction Information and Publicity Chairperson Emmanuel Mwamba says government’s attempt to push for a postmortem on the late president without family consent is regrettable.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) recently subpoenaed Two Mountains Burial Services, where Lungu’s mortal remains are believed to be held, demanding that they release his body for a postmortem to determine whether he died of poisoning, as alleged.
SAPS indicated that immediately after the procedure is completed, the body will be released back to Two Mountains.
Reacting to this in an interview, Tuesday, Zulu, who is the late president’s family spokesperson, said this is not the first attempt by government to gain access to Lungu’s body.
“It’s not the South African Police, it is the Zambian government that hired a private investigator for the purpose of achieving what the Zambian government wants to achieve. I’ll give a comprehensive statement with regards to that once I get to the family. It’s never been fair, and these are the machinations that we said the government has been doing in the background, where they create a story and want to investigate based on what they have already investigated for purposes of having access to the body. This is not the first attempt they are making towards the body, and this is why they can’t be trusted,” said Zulu.
And Mwamba described the push for a postmortem on the late president as unnatural.
“We’ve been very clear, we blame government and the Attorney General and State House. Even this [latest development] was laid by pressure groups that have been supported by Zambia. It’s not a natural, formal, proper investigation, it is being done by the government of Zambia using pressure groups from South Africa. And we are of the strong view that government must desist, this matter is in court, the court directives are clear on who should have custody of the body and those court orders remain active. So why is government going round in circles on a body? The very thing they have attempted to do from the first day, at this stage government must be discussing with the family to resolve this matter. Mulilo Kabesha has announced that they will bury the late president before elections, but if these are the methods they want to use, it’s regrettable,” he said.
“The correct and proper thing is to engage the family in a noble, familiar way. The family has said we have no complaint and they are wondering why unknown third parties that are being used by the State should file a complaint about the state of the late president. It’s a dangerous precedent that anyone should be conducting a post-mortem on the body of the late president without the consent or knowledge of the family, that is a dangerous precedence that is being set. And government must desist from these activities”.
Mwamba said President Hakainde Hichilema has failed to demonstrate leadership in handling the matter.
“There is no leadership. President Hakainde Hichilema has failed to show leadership in this matter. He should show leadership, he should ensure that the negotiations are done and completed with the family and they should come and put the president to rest. This is just lack of leadership and we continue to be a spectacle in the region, an embarrassing spectacle in the region because of lack of leadership. We appeal to President Hakainde Hichilema to demonstrate leadership and ensure that his predecessor is dignified and is put to rest in a respectable manner. The police will not resolve this matter,” said Mwamba.
Efforts to get a comment from Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha proved futile by press time.
FAMILY OF LATE PRESIDENT EDGAR LUNGU HAVE DISMISSED ALLEGATIONS HE WAS POISONED
(BBC) The family of ex-Zambian President Edgar Lungu, who died in South Africa last June and is yet to be buried, have dismissed allegations he was poisoned.
South African police also want custody of his body as part of their investigations, according to the late politician’s family.
In a letter to the police, seen by the BBC, their lawyers say the family are co-operating with “criminal proceedings”, but maintain the allegations are “unfounded and unsupported by credible evidence”.
It is the latest twist over the fate of Lungu’s body, which remains in a morgue in South Africa and has been subject to an ongoing legal battle between his family and Zambia’s government over where he should be buried.
South Africa’s police service has refused to comment on the letter sent by the Johannesburg law firm Mashele Attorneys, which is representing the Lungu family.
Police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe told the BBC: “This is a very sensitive matter that cannot be discussed at this stage.”
Lungu died of an undisclosed illness aged 68 at a clinic in South Africa’s capital, Pretoria. He had led Zambia from 2015 until 2021, when he lost elections by a huge margin to current President Hakainde Hichilema.
The Zambian government wants Lungu’s remains to be repatriated and given a state funeral, with full state honours – and a South African court ruled in its favour in August.
But Lungu’s family want a private burial in South Africa as they say the former president had not wanted Hichilema to attend his funeral. The relationship between the two politicians had long been fraught.
In the letter to the South African police, dated 11 February 2026, Mashele Attorneys confirmed that on behalf of the Lungu family it had “complied with the five subpoenas issued” in relation to a criminal probe looking into allegations that the former Zambian president was poisoned.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it is our clients’ instruction that the allegations underlying the criminal case are denied,” the letter said.
Neo Mashele, from Mashele Attorneys, told the BBC the investigation by police appeared to be based on a “public utterance” about a poisoning allegation made by one of Lungu’s daughters that was “absolutely not true”.
In its letter, Mashele Attorneys also raised concern over another subpoena it said had been issued by police to the funeral home looking after Lungu’s body.
It said there were two High Court orders that directed that “possession and custody of the body remain with Two Mountains Funeral Services pending the finalisation of the legal proceedings”.
“Those orders are binding and operative,” the letter said.
An official from the morgue where the remains are being stored told the BBC that Lungu’s body was “under tight security [and] surveillance 24/7”.
Mrs Lungu has remained in South Africa since the death of her husband and is leading legal efforts to have him buried in South Africa.
Namweemba Magande, daughter of late former Minister of Finance and National Planning Ng’andu Magande, is ready to have the remains of her father exhumed so that a paternity test can be conducted.
Namweeba, 38, has submitted in the Lusaka High Court that a DNA test will help ascertain whether Dr Magande was indeed her father or not.
“The plaintiff will aver that there be an order to exhume the remains of the late for purposes of collecting samples to carry out a DNA test with the plaintiff’s DNA samples,” the court documents read in part.
This in a 2025 case in which Namweemba, who was born out of wedlock, sued three administrators of her father’s estate.
She wants the court to order that Dr Magande’s estate be distributed fairly so that she can also benefit from her father’s properties.
Namweemba is unhappy that the administrators have not given an account of her father’s inventory of his assets
She wants the court to grant her an order compelling the administrators and administratrix of the estate to render an account for the full inventory of Dr Magande’s assets.
The complainant also seeks an order compelling the administrators to distribute her father’s estate to the rightful beneficiaries, including herself.
Those sued are Simwaale Magande, an administrator of the estate, while Joyce Mudenda and Nakanjoli Magande, the co-administrators, are second and third defendants respectively.
However, the defendants questioned Namweemba’s paternity and her interest as beneficiary of Dr Magande’s estate.
But the latest court documents show that Namweemba is ready to undergo a DNA test.
“The plaintiff will aver that she is ready to undergo a DNA test provided the same is done with samples of DNA collected from the remains of the deceased,” the documents further state.
And her witness, Sakubita Singongolo, has submitted that Namweemba is his late sister’s daughter and that Dr Magande was her father.
“In 2012, my late sister intimated to me that the father of Namweemba was the late Ng’andu Magande.
“She further informed me that the late Magande was charged for getting her pregnant and that the money was paid to her mother,” Mr Singongolo has submitted.
He says Namweemba was raised in Livingstone by her mother, Ruth Sitali, but never visited her late father’s home because the deceased was unsure of how she would be treated by his wife and children.
WHEN PARLEY DISSOLVES, PF WILL ALSO DISSOLVE INTO TONSE, UPND – SHAKAFUSWA
MANDEVU PF MP Christopher Shakafuswa says there is no PF to talk about, adding that not even a fake convention can salvage it.
Shakafuswa says when Parliament is dissolved, a lot of PF MPs will leave for either Tonse or UPND.
Meanwhile, Shakafuswa has accused Emmanuel Mwamba of being against the PF convention from the beginning, adding that he just loves being called PF presidential aspirant.
In a recent statement, Mwamba, who is PF faction Information and Publicity Chairperson, said party leaders endorsing presidential candidates who are no longer PF members, in reference to Brian Mundubile, would be immediately replaced.
Reacting to that in an interview, Shakafuswa, who is rallying behind Mundubile, said the legitimate PF was with Robert Chabinga, who didn’t have the grassroots.
He added that clinging to PF, which was just a shell, was like clinging to a dead horse.
“There is no PF to talk about. Look, the PF is being held by Chabinga. The PF has been paralysed since Miles Sampa held that convention, which culminated in him giving the leadership to Chabinga. So, on the face value, you have [Given] Lubinda and group, you have Makebi [Zulu] group, you have others. So, where is the PF? The PF is with Chabinga, and Chabinga does not have the grassroots. So, you find that Chabinga is holding the papers and the PF is neither here nor there. This is why I’m saying it’s not there. Tomorrow, when we get dissolved as Parliament, you find that what I’m saying is a reality, because today we’re talking about PF because of the members of parliament in the House. So, once Parliament is dissolved, there won’t be any PF to talk about anymore,” he said.
“There is no PF. You mobilise as PF, who has the papers? Which membership does Chabinga have? So it’s like you’re clinging to a dead horse. When Parliament is dissolved, that’s when you realise that PF is actually a shell. Because most of the members of parliament will go to Tonse. Most of the members of parliament will go to UPND. And those that may want to retire will retire. And so, who are you going to quote as members of parliament for PF? Obviously, that’s Chabinga”.
On the purported delegate list the party was coming up with for the convention, Shakafuswa said maybe it was for a PF convention in the diaspora.
“What list? There is a court matter. There’s an injunction that was adjudged by the judge in Kabwe to stop all activities until the court matters are determined. So, what is Mwamba talking about? Which party list is he going to make in America? Unless he’s saying that they’re going to have a convention from America, a PF convention in the diaspora,” he said.
Shakafuswa said the convention being planned by the Given Lubinda-led PF would just be a reloaded version of the 2023 Sampa convention.
“When I talked about jokers, I meant that last time. And for now, there’s no time to salvage what is the remnant of the PF, the time has gone. Nothing that they will do in terms of coming up with a fake delegate list, coming up with a fake convention, it will just be like the Miles Sampa thing, maybe reloaded. We asked that people reconcile so that we can do one thing, they refused. The people who are unpopular have been holding the PF to ransom. And so, we’ve left them to say, ‘okay, you operate alone.’ People have left them to operate the way they want. And now they are crying that those who’ve left have expelled themselves. No, people have just left,” he said.
“And right now, what is remaining is just a shell of Lubinda, Miles Sampa, and a group of some lunatics that Miles came with. Because some of the people that Miles brought, you find that he brought thugs and some lunatics, and they were awarded to be members of the Central Committee”.
Shakafuswa also wondered why Miles Sampa was “always awarded for misbehaving”.
“So sometimes, when I don’t have anything to do, I even say when I grow up, I want to be like Miles Sampa. You misbehave, you’re awarded. You remember Miles misbehaved during the 2016 election? He later came back. He was awarded as Mayor. This time, he misbehaved, went and did an illegal convention again. He was rewarded leader of opposition, member of Central Committee, and now an illegal Secretary General. So you ask yourself, the actions that Miles has been taking, doing an illegal convention, did it have the blessings of Lubinda?” Shakafuswa wondered.
“You ask yourself, since Miles is always getting rewarded, he comes back, he’s given leader of opposition by Lubinda. He comes back, he’s given to act as Secretary General. So now we are wondering, were these people in a pact? Was Miles acting alone? Or was the whole group that is now siding with Miles actually planning together with him?”
He further accused Mwamba of being against the convention, adding that he probably uses the title of PF presidential aspirant to survive.
“Mwamba just loves the status quo as a PF presidential aspirant, that’s all. Perhaps that is the way he’s surviving, to mobilise using an aspiring candidate [title]. Because there’s no sane person who just wants to continue aspiring and aspiring. And when you call for the convention, Mwamba has been anti-convention, even before Miles Sampa actually did the rubbish that he did. It’s because of people like Mwamba who held on to the party so that we don’t have a convention. Mwamba was very against the party rebranding and having its convention from the beginning, him and Nakacinda. That’s how come Miles Sampa got irritated and did what he did,” said Shakafuswa.
“So for Mwamba, I’m almost made to conclude that that is perhaps the way he survives, by fundraising using being perpetually a PF presidential contender. Because it’s not normal. It’s not normal that you’re a presidential candidate who doesn’t want to go to elections. You pay K200,000, but every time you talk about the convention, Mwamba has always been anti-convention”.
PF INFIGHTING TAKES CENTRE STAGE AS NAKACINDA LOYALTY QUESTIONS EMERGE
Political tensions inside the Patriotic Front have come into sharper focus after acting national chairperson Jean Kapata alleged that senior party figures had abandoned secretary general Raphael Nakacinda. Her remarks have opened a new chapter in ongoing discussions about leadership direction and party unity.
Supporters of Nakacinda say the controversy highlights deeper divisions over strategy and succession within the opposition movement. Others argue that open disagreement reflects a democratic process where differing views are allowed to surface publicly.
The developments arrive at a time when opposition parties are recalibrating their approaches ahead of national elections. Leadership debates, internal alliances and public messaging have all become central to shaping political narratives.
While critics portray the situation as a sign of instability, PF supporters maintain that the party remains resilient and capable of navigating internal challenges. The coming months are expected to reveal whether calls for unity will translate into a more coordinated political strategy.
Political Shockwaves as Mike Mposha Surfaces in Mambwe District
In a move stirring intense political speculation, Mike Mposha — Member of Parliament for Munali Constituency and minister in the administration of Hakainde Hichilema — was today sighted in Mambwe District during boundary delimitation submissions, according to local reports.
The development unfolds against a backdrop of mounting political pressure in urban strongholds such as Lusaka, where analysts argue several incumbents face an uphill battle to retain their seats. Recent electoral tremors have already shaken the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), which suffered a stunning by-election defeat in Chawama to candidates running under the banner of the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD).
Political winds have only intensified since Nevers Mumba, former vice president and alliance partner, signaled that the Chawama outcome could foreshadow the trajectory of the 2026 general elections. A similar pattern emerged in Kasama, where opposition momentum surged across urban voters.
Adding to the rising chorus, Davis Mwila has warned that the opposition — particularly the Tonse Alliance — is poised for a sweeping surge, urging rival forces to consolidate or risk fragmentation.
Across townships, markets, and commuter routes, a charged political mood is said to be taking hold. With urban sentiment shifting and rural strongholds increasingly decisive, Mposha’s appearance in Mambwe is being interpreted by observers as a calculated move — a strategic repositioning amid gathering electoral storms.
ECZ CONDUCTS TRAINING IN READINESS OF UPCOMING VOTER REGISTER INSPECTION EXERCISE
THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has trained Copperbelt based elections staff in readiness of the provisional voter register inspection exercise that starts next week on February 23, 2026 to March 8, 2026.
The trainings started with the briefing for District Electoral Officers (Town Clerks), Registration Officers – field supervisors and technical staff.
The training was conducted at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium Conference room last week and officiated by ECZ Commissioner, Major General Vincent Mukanda.
Commissioner Mukanda said ECZ was working hard to ensure that the inspection exercise is well prepared for as well as the Delimitation exercise which is taking place in every district.
He said the public should be assured that following the changes in the Constitution, ECZ was adequately prepared to conduct elections.
He said the public would be consulted at different stages and updated consistently.
He said for a start, registered voters should ensure they participate in the inspection exercise which will take place at each polling station.
Registered voters should visit their polling station to check if their name is in the register and ensure their details are correctly captured.
ECZ has also conducted training for Copperbelt based District Voter Education Coordinators and District Trainers.
The training held at Ambassador Hotel at the weekend, was officiated by the Provincial Electoral Officer (Provincial Local Government Officer) Mr. Gent Musaka.
Mr. Musaka urged participants to ramain non-partisan as they conduct the training of Voter Education Facilitators and other stakeholders.
He said elections were sensitive and Coordinators and trainers should ensure they remained neutral.
Online voter inspection starts on February 23, 2026 to March 8, 2026 while physical inspection at every polling station starts on March 2, 2026 to March 8, 2026.
Registered voters are encouraged to verify their details so that they may not be disadvantaged during elections due to clerical errors.
During the same period, registered voters may transfer to another polling station and assist in removing those deceased from the register.
However, residents should note that Delimitation will not affect their current polling stations because only Constituencies maybe created and realigned and not Wards.
4,000 OPPOSITION MEMBERS DEFECT TO UPND IN MASAITI
Masaiti-17th February, 2026
By Rose Banda
A total of 4,000 members of the opposition Patriotic Front-PF in Masaiti district on the Copperbelt province have defected to the ruling United Party for National Development-UPND
Speaking during the defection event, Copperbelt province chairperson who is also the provincial Minister Elisha Matambo said the recent massive defections have been effected by the popularity and attractiveness the UPND has been for the years it has been in power.
Mr. Matambo cited the reintroduction of the free education policy, continued enhancement of the Constituency Development Fund-CDF, conducive business environment and peace as some of the many factors that has made the ruling party to be more attractive and receiving praises from people from all walks of life.
The Copperbelt Minister said party members should accept and proudly embrace new members for the growth of the party as it shows that even those in the opposition are appreciating the works the UPND-led government is doing, noting that the party is focused on creating polling station management committees to allow for easier mobilization once the delimitation process done, while urging the structures to take into account that ward structures are the supervisors of the committees.
Mr. Matambo also expressed confidence that the ruling party will scoop this year’s general election by over 80%.
Meanwhile, Former Mpongwe constituency chairman under the opposition Patriotic Front Emmanuel Kasambo, who led the defection of 10,000 PF members in Mpongwe stated that the former ruling party is eroded in confusion and urged the defectors to support the vision of the new dawn government.
Speaking at the same event, Mike Musonda, who served as Masaiti Council Chairperson as well as Masaiti District Commissioner cited that his reason for joining the UPND is transparency, adding that he was fired from the then ruling PF after he declined their corrupt plans for the 2021 elections.
Among those who have detectors include Former Permanent Secretary in the PF administration Joyce Bwacha, Lumano ward area councillor Diana Mossi and Katuba ward area councillor Labani Mbunda.
YOU’LL GET 24HS POWER SUPPLY EVEN AFTER ELECTIONS – ENERGY MINISTER
ENERGY Minister Makozo Chikote has disclosed that government intends to build about seven power interconnectors to strengthen cross-border energy trade.
Meanwhile, Chikote says the country will continue to experience the 24-hour power supply even after the elections.
Chikote was responding to a question by Chinsali MP Kalalwe Mukosa in the National Assembly, Tuesday, who wanted to find out if government had any plans to build power interconnectors to strengthen cross-border energy trade.
Chikote disclosed that the total cost of six interconnectors had already been estimated at $5.5 billion.
“Madam Speaker, our response is as follows: yes, government has plans to build power interconnectors to strengthen cross-border energy trade, and, Madam Speaker, the government intends to build seven interconnector projects, which include: Malawi-Zambia Interconnector, Mozambique-Zambia Interconnector, Solwezi-Kolwezi Interconnector, Angola-Zambia Interconnector, Zimbabwe-Botswana-Zambia-Namibia Interconnector, Botswana Interconnector, Tanzania-Zambia Interconnector. Estimates for the six interconnectors have been determined and the total cost is $5.5 billion. The Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector has advanced and we expect it to be completed in 2028,” he said.
Chikote said the reason government was constructing interconnectors was to make Zambia an energy trading hub.
“As we’re aware, we have a very visionary President. When we were going through difficulties, people thought we were going to remain like that, but you have seen from his good policies that today we’re able to see our country moving to another level. Indeed, we have the plan, Madam Speaker, to make sure that all 156 constituencies have two megawatts of power.
The main reason why we’re trying to put up these interconnectors is that we want to make Zambia a trading hub in the energy sector. The surplus that we’re going to produce as a country will be traded to our neighbouring countries, which will grow our economy by getting the forex.
So, this is how a methodical leader works, and today everybody in this country is happy, including Honourable Mpundu, who has been troubling me so much by calling me the ‘Minister of Darkness,’” he said.
Chikote said the surplus power to be generated through interconnectors would be traded to other countries.
“Madam Speaker, I was just explaining here that as we keep on generating power for this country, the surplus will be traded to other countries because the interconnectors are not just for importing, they are also for exporting, to have revenues that will help grow the economy. In our administration, Madam Speaker, we’ve also said we’re going to create a conducive environment to allow private-sector participation in growing our economy. Kanona is one of the companies which is also part and parcel of the private sector,” he said.
“And even during our time when we were going through difficulties, the private sector was on board helping us to import power in this country to stabilise the power supply. So, Kanona is just like any other private-sector [company] and actually, last time President Hakainde Hichilema encouraged us to invest in the energy sector. That means private people are being encouraged, including Honourable Mpundu, you can form a company that can help grow the economy”.
Chikote further disclosed that feasibility studies for the Zambia-Malawi Interconnector had been completed.
“Indeed, the feasibility studies for the Zambia-Malawi-Zambia Interconnector have been completed, and discussions are going on with the World Bank,” he said.
Chikote clarified that the current power supply the country was experiencing was not due to the fact that elections were approaching, stating that even after the elections, the country would continue to experience 24-hour power supply.
“Madam Speaker, I think this is the time for even those people who just like criticising to understand that this administration had to put a lot of interventions in place in order to stabilise power supply. One of the reasons why we’ve got a stable supply of power is the power that we’ve been importing to supplement what we’re generating.
In the Southern Power Pool, in one area we were importing power to supplement. I remember in this August House I mentioned that we’re importing 511 megawatts to supplement what we’re generating. So, it’s not the way people are thinking that it’s because of the campaigns that are coming,” said Chikote.
“These are methodical plans which the government has put in place, and I have always said that going forward, and I even mentioned last time, that by December 2025, power supply in the country will change, will move to better levels.
Indeed, today Zambia is not experiencing loadshedding, and these are initiatives that have been put in place by this administration. Even after elections, we’re still going to have 24-hour power supply because of these interventions that we’ve put in place”.
Three traditional leaders from Kazungula District have praised President Hakainde Hichilema for the unprecedented and people-centred development achieved over the past five years.
The traditional leaders unanimously agreed that the Head of State deserves a second term to consolidate the gains.
They said that under President Hichilema, development is now visible, measurable and inclusive even in the remotest parts of the district.
The traditional leaders who include Chief Musokotwane, Chieftainess Moomba and Chief Sekute commended the New Dawn Government for tangible progress in infrastructure development, food security, social protection and employment, largely driven by sound government reforms.
Chief Sekute singled out the enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF) as a game changer that has restored dignity and hope for rural communities.
He cited the construction of classroom blocks, health posts, roads, bridges, electrification, procurement of school desks, skills development bursaries and empowerment of youths and women as some of the projects that have improved people’s welfare.
He added that traditional leaders are now active partners in development planning and that CDF has moved development from Lusaka to the villages, allowing communities to clearly trace government resources to completed projects.
On agriculture, Chief Sekute commended the reforms in the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), citing improved targeting, timely delivery of inputs and elimination of ghost beneficiaries.
He said Kazungula District has reaffirmed its status as a wildlife tourism hub, with more than 14,000 farmers benefiting from FISP, leading to increased productivity and improved household food security.
And Chieftainess Moomba welcomed the expansion of social protection programmes, including the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) and revised Cash for Work, describing them as lifelines for the most vulnerable.
She praised the increase in SCT benefits, with the elderly now receiving K400 and persons with disabilities K800, as well as the expansion of beneficiaries from about 700,000 to more than one million households.
She also applauded the Government’s recruitment drive in key sectors and reforms aimed at strengthening institutions and public service independence.
Chief Musokotwane said President Hakainde Hichilema is the right candidate to safeguard peace and stability, work with cooperating partners and ensure inclusive development.
He added that the President’s leadership has brought unity and demonstrated commitment to accountability, inclusion and national development.
The family of ex-Zambian President Edgar Lungu, who died in South Africa last June and is yet to be buried, have dismissed allegations he was poisoned.
South African police also want custody of his body as part of their investigations, according to the late politician’s family. In a letter to the police, seen by the BBC, their lawyers say the family are co-operating with “criminal proceedings”, but maintain the allegations are “unfounded and unsupported by credible evidence”.
It is the latest twist over the fate of Lungu’s body, which remains in a morgue in South Africa and has been subject to an ongoing legal battle between his family and Zambia’s government over where he should be buried.
South Africa’s police service has refused to comment on the letter sent by the Johannesburg law firm Mashele Attorneys, which is representing the Lungu family. Police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe told the BBC: “This is a very sensitive matter that cannot be discussed at this stage.”
Lungu died of an undisclosed illness aged 68 at a clinic in South Africa’s capital, Pretoria. He had led Zambia from 2015 until 2021, when he lost elections by a huge margin to current President Hakainde Hichilema.
The Zambian government wants Lungu’s remains to be repatriated and given a state funeral, with full state honours – and a South African court ruled in its favour in August.
But Lungu’s family want a private burial in South Africa as they say the former president had not wanted Hichilema to attend his funeral. The relationship between the two politicians had long been fraught.
PROPHETIC DIRECTION TO THE PATRIOTIC FRONT (PF) PARTY
By BISHOP EDWIN FAITH CHELLAH
The Lord says to the PF party: Unite, unite while there is still time for unity. Do not allow jealousy, pride, and unfaithfulness to break ranks within your system, for God’s hand is upon you to redeem that which was stolen.
A window of opportunity, saith the Lord, is still open for you. God still remembers His son Michael Chilufya Sata, and the heart and passion he had for God and His people.
At this juncture, I have anointed and granted such favour upon my son Brian Mundubile. However, this calls for unity and selflessness from each and every member of the party, saith the Lord.
Unite while there is still time, and do not be wise in your own eyes. For God has seen the tears and heard the cries of His people, and at such a time as this, His hand is set to save and deliver His people from torture and pressure.
If this message is not followed, even what was meant to be your blessing may be taken away.
This word was given to the prophet of God, Bishop Edwin Faith Chellah, General Overseer of Faith Deeper Understanding Churches International, on Tuesday, 17th February at 09:00 hours.
This message should be shared with whomever it concerns, but it is not a matter of compulsion.
GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO BEFITTING SEND-OFF FOR FORMER PRESIDENT EDGAR LUNGU – SIMUUWE Lusaka 17th February 2026, UPND Media Director, Mr. Mark Simuuwe, says government has remained consistent in its commitment to ensuring that former President Edgar Lungu is accorded a befitting send-off in line with the law and national tradition.
Mr. Simuuwe said the law is very clear regarding the burial site of a former Head of State, adding that the courts have already pronounced themselves on the matter.
“From the time the court made its pronouncement, the position has been very clear. There is no court that has set aside that decision,” Mr. Simuuwe said. Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka, he explained that the delay in proceeding with the burial has been occasioned by the former First Family, noting that several months have passed since the court delivered its ruling.
Mr. Simuuwe stressed the need to put an end to continued legal battles by persuading the former First Family to support the decision of the Attorney General and allow the process to move forward in the national interest.
He further stated that there is also a need for due process in addressing matters that have arisen regarding alleged poisoning of the former President, saying such claims should be properly heard and handled through established legal channels.
Mr. Simuuwe also urged that President Hakainde Hichilema should not be dragged into accusations stemming from statements issued by former minister Katele Kalumba and others.
He emphasised that the Head of State must be left out of unsubstantiated allegations and political rhetoric surrounding the matter.
Mr. Simuuwe added that government has already extended an olive branch for dialogue over issues currently before the courts, reiterating that the New Dawn Administration remains open to engagement in order to bring closure to the matter in a dignified and lawful manner.
🇿🇲 VIEWPOINT | The Copper Rush is Back, But Zambia Wants More Than Pit-to-Port Future
Tuesday’s meeting between President Hakainde Hichilema and UNCTAD Secretary General Rebeca Grynspan was more than routine diplomacy. It was a timely intervention into one of the defining economic questions of this decade: as the world enters a new copper rush driven by artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and green grids, will Africa remain a supplier of raw wealth or become a producer of industrial value?
President Hichilema’s message was unusually direct. “We cannot continue exporting raw materials for centuries,” he said, stressing that African leaders are now “speaking one language.” The emphasis was clear: the era of simply digging and shipping is politically exhausted. Zambia, sitting at the centre of a global scramble for critical minerals, wants discussions “that will lead us into responsible resource extraction, processing, value addition.” In other words, copper must translate into factories, jobs, and fiscal strength, not just export figures.
This is not abstract rhetoric. Zambia is one of Africa’s major copper producers, and global demand is accelerating as data centres expand and AI systems reshape industrial economies. Copper is no longer just a commodity. It is strategic infrastructure. Countries that control supply chains will shape the next phase of global power, and Zambia is now being treated less as a peripheral producer and more as a contested economic hub.
UNCTAD’s Rebeca Grynspan captured this shift bluntly. “Zambia is a country that we have been following very carefully,” she said, calling it “a strategic regional hub.” Her framing is significant because it places Zambia in a different category: not merely landlocked, but “land-linked,” serving as a transit and energy corridor for COMESA, SADC, and the African Continental Free Trade Area. That is the language of connectivity, logistics, and regional leverage.
But Zambia’s core challenge remains historical. Copper has powered export earnings for decades, but too often it has failed to industrialise the domestic economy. The colonial-era model of extraction without transformation still casts a long shadow. Value addition is therefore not a slogan. It is a break with a century-old structure where wealth leaves the ground but development does not stay in the community.
This is why the President’s focus on institutions and delivery matters. He called for partnerships with UNCTAD to move “beyond traditional” arrangements, pushing for “harmonisation and rationalisation” so that international support produces measurable outcomes. “We have to deliver in a way that will make the economy function,” he said. In an election year, that is a governing standard, not a campaign flourish.
The meeting also highlighted an underappreciated part of the economic story: trade systems. Hichilema pointed to ASYCUDA, UNCTAD’s customs automation platform used in over 100 countries, arguing that digital commerce must take root because it “cuts out delays and negative vices.” His logic is straightforward: efficiency reduces corruption opportunities, speeds up trade, and ultimately “enhance[s] treasury incomes.” Modern economies are built not only on minerals, but on systems.
The copper rush offers Zambia an opening, but it also carries risk. The world is not competing for Zambia’s prosperity. It is competing for Zambia’s copper. Without strong governance, processing capacity, and domestic industrial policy, the boom could repeat old patterns: elite enrichment, environmental damage, and export dependence dressed up as partnership.
Tuesday’s State House engagement therefore reads as both a warning and a declaration. Zambia wants to be more than a supplier nation. The President is signalling that the new bargain must be different: extraction with processing, investment with jobs, trade with integrity, and minerals with measurable national uplift.
The question now is whether Zambia can convert global urgency into domestic transformation.
Copper is back at the centre of the world economy. The real test is whether this time, Zambia stays at the centre of its own.
*ECZ Holds Stakeholders Meeting on District Delimitation in Mporokoso*
17th February 2026
By Preston Singandu
Mporokoso District, Zambia – The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has proposed a new constituency delimitation plan for Mporokoso District, which could see the area split into two constituencies.
Speaking at a stakeholders meeting in Mporokoso, Fube Enock Musawa, a chief representative, welcomed the proposal, stating that it would bring development and services closer to the people. “If the proposed delimitation process goes through, it will be a good move for the district,” he said, noting that the new constituency would receive its own Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
Under the proposal, seven wards would fall under the new Lumangwe constituency, while Mporokoso District would retain five wards. The proposed Lumangwe constituency would comprise Kapumo, Njalamimba, Chimpolonge, Mubuluma, Chikulu, Chimbofuma, and Lumangwe wards, while Mporokoso District would consist of Mabale, Muchinga, Mutotoshi, Chishamwamba, and Mikomba wards.
Henry Siwakwi, Council Secretary and District Electoral Officer, said stakeholders had welcomed the proposed name Lumangwe. Traditional leaders, councilors, and community members attended the meeting, which aimed to gather feedback on the proposed delimitation process.
The ECZ is expected to review feedback from stakeholders before finalizing the delimitation plan.
Resident of Malambo Constituency in Mambwe District have proposed that Malambo Constituency be devided in to two constituencies.
They proposed the names of the two constituencies as Malambo East and Malambo west.
According to the proposal Malambo East should comprise 9 wards namely , Jumbe, Chipapa, Chisengu, Mphomwa , Mdima, Nyakatokoli, Kasamanda Chikowa and Msoro Central while 6 wards namely , Chipako, Ncheka, Mankhanya, Nsefu, Kakumbi and Malama will be under Malambo West Constituency.
This came to light during the submissions for Malambo Constituency delimitation under Mambwe held this morning at Malama Chikuntho conference hall in Mambwe district.
Speaking after the submissions,Mambwe District Electral Officer Mr David Mumba Mwansa called the exercise success and promised to submit the submissions as received.
Eastern Province Minister also Malambo Constituency Area Member of Parliament Mr Peter Simon Phiri expressed happiness that finally the submissions to add one more Constituency to Malambo has been done. He said the decision will help the Members of Parliament to easily develop their areas as the Constituency Development Fund will be increased for the district and the distances within the the new Constituencies will be reduced. He promised to lobby for the addition of one more Constituency in the near future so that Mambwe District can have 3 Constituencies as the district is vast.
Minister of green economy and environment Mr Mike Mposha ( M.P) who was also present during the meeting, commended residents of Mambwe District for the successful meeting. He said the delimitation of Constituencies is due to bill 7 and the good leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema.He encouraged the residents to continue supporting the government policies for more development in the district.
In his remarks His royal highness Chief Jumbe comended the community for the unity during the submissions and encouraged them to continue working together with the government and traditional leadership.
MWIIMBU WARNS AGAINST EMOTIONAL SUBMISSIONS IN MONZE DELIMITATION PROCESS.
Monze Central Member of Parliament Jack Mwiimbu has warned residents and stakeholders in his Constituency against allowing emotions to influence submissions during the upcoming delimitation consultation meeting submissions.
Mr. Mwiimbu says there is need for stakeholders to prioritize the interests of residents and population considerations when making proposals on the anticipated boundary adjustments.
He states that delimitation is an important national exercise that must be guided by objective factors such as population size and geographical considerations rather than political or personal interests.
Mr. Mwiimbu says there is need to ensure that proposals fairly apportion the large population of Monze into two relatively equal constituencies or arrangements that promote effective representation.
He has further cautioned against individuals mobilizing residents to oppose certain proposals based on emotions or misinformation, noting that differing views should instead be presented through formal submissions to the delimitation committee. By John Shikabe Ptv2
TURNOUT OF RESIDENTS AT DELIMITATION HEARING IN CHADIZA ELATES AREA MP
Residents of Chadiza District have proposed names and ward compositions for the planned split of Chadiza Constituency, a move aimed at enhancing representation and accelerating development in the district.
Area Member of Parliament Jonathan Daka expressed excitement over the strong public participation in the process.
Mr. Daka said the community’s enthusiasm demonstrates their desire to see improved service delivery and development once the constituency is divided.
He explained that the proposed split will create Chadiza West and Chadiza East constituencies.
According to the proposals, Chadiza West will consist of nine wards which are Tikondane, Mangwe, Nsazu, Chanjowe, Manje, Chilenga, Kapachi, Chadiza, and Naviluli.
Meanwhile, Chadiza East is expected to comprise eleven wards; Bwanunkha, Kaluma, Ngala, Mwangazi, Kabvumo, Ambidzi, Khumba, Kandabwako, Tafelansoni, Chamandala, and Kampini.
Mr. Daka assured residents that having two constituencies within one district will bring services closer to the people and speed up development initiatives.
The proposals will now be submitted to the Electoral Commission of Zambia for consideration which is expected to review the suggested names and boundaries based on factors such as population size, geographical features, and administrative requirements.
The constituency delimitation exercise follows recent constitutional amendments aimed at increasing the number of constituencies across the country to improve representation.
Digital Crackdown: Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority Vows Tough Action Over AI Attacks on Hakainde Hichilema
In a strong warning to the digital sphere, the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority has vowed decisive action against the growing misuse of Artificial Intelligence to spread falsehoods — particularly content targeting Hakainde Hichilema.
The Authority says it is deeply alarmed by a surge in manipulated images and fabricated videos circulating on social media, describing the trend as a serious threat to public trust and national stability.
Director General Collins Mbulo declared that offenders will not escape accountability, stressing that enforcement agencies are already closing in on those responsible.
“The law will take its course,” Mbulo warned. “We are working relentlessly to ensure those spreading false and disturbing content face justice.”
He made the remarks during a courtesy visit to Ndola, where he met Elisha Matambo, Minister of Copperbelt Province.
According to Mbulo, the recently enacted cybersecurity legislation will now be applied with full force. Several suspected offenders have already been apprehended and are appearing before the courts.
Minister Matambo called for urgent and uncompromising monitoring of online platforms, warning that anonymous accounts and digital misinformation pose risks not only to individuals but to democracy itself — especially as the nation approaches a critical election period.
He urged authorities to safeguard the digital space from manipulation that could undermine peace in Zambia.
ZICTA leadership is currently in the province inspecting key technology and communications projects — even as the Authority signals a new era of enforcement in the country’s evolving digital landscape.
GUEST ARTICLE: Trafficking Vs Smuggling – Court Explains
By Dickson Jere
A truck driver was stopped by the police at the roadblock in Chinsali. Upon searching the truck, the police found a Somalian national hidden in the cabin and had no papers to be in Zambia. The driver was arrested and charged with an offence of smuggling of persons contrary to the Anti-Human Trafficking Act of Zambia.
When he appeared before Court, he denied the offence. However, when the police officer gave his testimony, the driver changed his mind and pleaded guilty to the offence. So, the Prosecution had to produce the statement of facts to the Court for the driver to take plea. After pleading guilty, he was sentenced to 15 years with hard labor by the High Court since the offence had longer sentences beyond Magistrate jurisdiction.
However, something happened. A close look at the Statement of Facts showed that the prosecution used interchangeably the words “smuggling” and “trafficking”. This prompted an appeal to the Court of Appeal in which the lawyer for the driver argued that the conviction was defective as “smuggling” and “trafficking” are not the same. Therefore, the driver should be acquitted.
The State conceded that the prosecution erred in drafting the Statement of Facts but that a fresh trial should be ordered instead.
A panel of three Judges of the Court of Appeal heard the case. “It would appear that there was some confusion with regards what the actual offence the appellant was admitting to,” the Court noted.
“The statement of facts merely states that the accused person did traffic a human being. The difficulty presented by the statement of facts is that it brings in trafficking, which the accused person was not charged with,” the Judges said.
Because of the confusion by the statement of facts, the Judges ruled that the 15 years conviction was unsafe and therefore set it aside and ordered that the matter be properly redone but by a different Magistrate.
“Overall it is crystal clear that between these two offences, there are some key distinguishing elements. It is therefore the role of the prosecutor to examine the facts of the case and make a decision as to which crime has been committed,” the Judges guided.
The Court explained that under “smuggling”, a person arrested and convicted attracts a 15-20 years imprisonment while “human trafficking” one gets between 20 to 30 years imprisonment.
“In the case of a relationship between the smuggler and the smuggled, it is normally a commercial transaction which ends after the border crossing,” the Judge explained, adding that in trafficking, the victims do not consent and are used for business.
Case citation – Mwaimu Mohamed Bakara v The People- Appeal No. 215/2020
Lecture Notes;
1. In smuggling, it involves the illegal entry into Zambia by a foreigner aided by someone who has financial or material gains and usually the foreigner consents to the crime. Both the smuggler and smuggled commits the offence.
2. However, in trafficking, there is no consent by the victim and it can happen within the country and the only person who commits the offence is the trafficker. It does not necessarily need to involve a foreigner. This entails an ongoing exploitation to generate profit for the trafficker.
