The Citizen Newspaper

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Dear PF members; An update that all Presidential candidates have continued to have a daily ‘Conclave’ so we reduce ourse...
09/01/2026

Dear PF members; An update that all Presidential candidates have continued to have a daily ‘Conclave’ so we reduce ourselves to possibly two candidates. So far so good. White smoke 💨 maybe soon.

EFF PRESIDENT KASONDE MWENDA RAISES RED FLAG OVER AN ALLEGED SECRETLY CONTRACTED IMF LOAN 8 January, 2026.The Economic F...
08/01/2026

EFF PRESIDENT KASONDE MWENDA RAISES RED FLAG OVER AN ALLEGED SECRETLY CONTRACTED IMF LOAN

8 January, 2026.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (C-EFF) of Zambia *unequivocally condemns* the decision by the Hakainde Hichilema–UPND government to secretly return to the International Monetary Fund for yet another loan programme, a move that places Zambia on a path of deeper debt, harsher austerity, and total surrender of our economic sovereignty.

As confirmed by *Reuters on January 8, 2026*, the Zambian government has quietly resolved to replace the current IMF Extended Credit Facility with *a new full IMF programme* — without first informing the citizens whose lives will be devastated by its conditions.

This is nothing short of *economic betrayal*.

Zambians already know the bitter taste of IMF prescriptions:
• Electricity shortages and crippling *load-shedding*.
• Austerity measures that punish the poor and working class
• The continued *hemorrhaging of Zambia’s minerals* to foreign corporations
• Shrinking public services and rising cost of living

Instead of developing Zambia, the UPND administration has chosen to *govern Zambia on behalf of Washington, foreign creditors, and multinational mining interests.*

Under IMF pressure, this same government enacted *Statutory Instrument No. 47*, waiving export tax on copper concentrate — effectively *giving away Zambia’s mineral wealth for nothing*, even as copper prices surge globally. The result?
*No meaningful benefits for Zambians. No price relief. No jobs. No empowerment.*

This is not economic reform — it is *economic colonization.*

Now, Zambians are being dragged into *another five-year IMF programme*, meaning:
• *More debt starting this year*
• Deeper austerity
• Further surrender of our minerals and national policy
• A future of permanent dependency and poverty

EFF warns the nation:
*The worst suffering is still coming if this path is not stopped.*

President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND have demonstrated that they have *no independent development vision for Zambia.* Their solution to every problem is to *hand the country to the IMF.*

EFF stands for a *different future.*

We commit that under a C-EFF government:
• Zambia’s minerals and natural resources will *serve Zambians first*
• Ownership and real empowerment will be returned to the people
• The economy will be structured around *national development, not foreign interests*
• Zambia will never again mortgage its future to international financial institutions

We therefore call upon Zambians to *reject this cycle of suffering and deception* and to never again make the mistake of re-electing the UPND in this year's General Elections.

Zambia must be governed by Zambians, for Zambians — not by the IMF.

Wherever we want to go our feet will take us there.

Issued by:
Kasonde Mwenda C,
President, Economic Freedom Fighters-EFF–Zambia

PROTUZ boss demands K2 million from ex- TSC chief in unfair axe row By CHARLES MUSONDA PROFESSIONAL Teachers Union of Za...
08/01/2026

PROTUZ boss demands K2 million from ex- TSC chief in unfair axe row

By CHARLES MUSONDA

PROFESSIONAL Teachers Union of Zambia (PROTUZ) General Secretary Kangwa Musenga is demanding K2 million from former Teaching Service Commission (TSC) chairperson Stanley Mhango for allegedly engineering his dismissal from the teaching service in October 2017.

In his letter of demand dated December 28, 2025 addressed to Mr. Mhango, Mr. Musenga says the demand arises from a Court of Appeal judgment in which the court ordered the State, through the Attorney General, to reinstate Mr. Musenga to his substantive position, or an equivalent grade and station, with immediate effect, without loss of seniority, rank or accrued benefits.

The court further ordered the State to pay Mr. Musenga all salary arrears, allowances, and contractual benefits ordinarily payable to an employee in his position from the date of dismissal to the date of reinstatement, subject to statutory deduction.

"The arrears payable under Order (2) shall attract interest at the average short - term lending rate, as determined by the Bank of Zambia from the date each payment fell due until full settlement. "For all purposes of pension, gratuity, leave, and other employment - related entitlements, the appellant (Mr. Musenga) shall be deemed to have been continuously in service,"

part of the judgment dated December 3, 2025 read. Mr. Musenga says Mr. Mhango is aware that in 2017, he instructed the then Chirundu district education board secretary to begin a disciplinary action against him even when Mr. Mhango knew too well that at the time of the charges, Mr. Musenga was not on government payroll and was being paid by PROTUZ.

He said Mr.Mhango allegedly working with then Permanent Secretary Henry Tukombe summoned a Mr. Mulima and forced him to manufacture a guided letter.

He said Mr. Mhango allegedly proceeded with the case using the former provincial education standards officer Lusaka province by then, leading to his constructive dismissal. Mr. Musenga, who said his is to work with the government of the day, said two weeks before he received the letter of dismissal, Mr. Mhango's union NUPPEZ published that Mr. Musenga would be dismissed.

"It is for this reason that, even if you knew very well that I never offended the system, you opted to engineer my dismissal causing emotional problems, anguish, trauma, defamation and you practiced negligence with impunity.Your action injured my reputation as a noble union leader and I right years I had not progressed well, leading to my union losing over 5,000 members. "Your actions had nothing to do with the employer/employee conflict, but it was your personal ambition to dismiss me without strict adherence to the legal framework in the public service.
I therefore demand K2,000,000 for your personal action which was not supported by the courts of law neither was it procedural in accordance to the Public Service Disciplinary process. The money must be paid within 14 days. Failure to pay will escalate to litigation."

Credit: Mbili Media

Shekinah FM Radio CHINGOLA SENSELI STEERING COMMITTEE DENIES INVOLVEMENT IN USD 4 million FUND DISTRIBUTION.By Joel CK ...
08/01/2026

Shekinah FM Radio

CHINGOLA SENSELI STEERING COMMITTEE DENIES INVOLVEMENT IN USD 4 million FUND DISTRIBUTION.

By Joel CK pyele

A committee tasked with overseeing the distribution of a USD 4 million government allocation for small-scale miners in Chingola has distanced itself from the process, citing lack of involvement in the final stages.

The committee, which included local leaders, church representatives, and security officials, was formed to facilitate negotiations and ensure a meaningful figure is agreed.

According to Committee Chairperson Bishop Joseph Kazhila, the committee 's many function was to oversee the peaceful negotiations between the jerabos, government and chingola resources investors. He also added that the registration of the who to be beneficiary was done by the jerabos who took four months to do so.
Bishop kazhila has refuted claims that the steering committee were involved in the actual distribution of funds stating that the money had been sent directly to a cooperative account and was being disbursed without the committee's control.

The incident has sparked fears of mismanagement and corruption, and highlights the need for greater scrutiny in the handling of funds meant for vulnerable groups. The committee acknowledged that it had heard rumors about people receiving funds, but had no concrete information on the distribution process.

Bishop Kazhila clarified that those who did not register will not have a share of the money, as small-scale miners have already started receiving the funds and the distribution will soon end.

//Shekinah radio news

ZAMBIA URGES ACTION ON DRC CONFLICT ESCALATION Zambia has called for urgent action on the escalating security and human...
08/01/2026

ZAMBIA URGES ACTION ON DRC CONFLICT ESCALATION

Zambia has called for urgent action on the escalating security and humanitarian situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Zambia Army Commander, Lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele, stated that the situation in the DRC remains risky and requires urgent attention to protect women and children caught up in the fighting.

He added that the conflict in the DRC has broader implications for the Great Lakes region.

Speaking during the opening of the Extraordinary Meeting of the Specialised Committee of Defence Experts of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region in Livingstone on Thursday, Zyeele urged defence experts to act decisively.

Meanwhile, Great Lakes Region Deputy Executive Secretary, Ambassador Yasir Ibrahim Ali Mohammed, noted that the activities of the M23 rebels continue to destabilise the eastern part of the DRC.

Mohammed explained that the conflict has caused immense human suffering, mass displacement, and disruption of humanitarian operations.

He called on member states to take decisive action to halt the escalation, which has deepened the humanitarian crisis and increased the risk of cross-border destabilisation.

ZAMBIAN PEACEKEEPER DIES IN CENTRAL AFRICA REPUBLICIt is with profound sorrow that I announce the death of Staff Sergean...
08/01/2026

ZAMBIAN PEACEKEEPER DIES IN CENTRAL AFRICA REPUBLIC

It is with profound sorrow that I announce the death of Staff Sergeant Alick Banda of the Zambia Army, who passed away while serving with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated
Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

The Government has since informed the next of Kin of the deceased and the mortal remains of Sergeant Banda are expected to arrive in the country at 20:00hrs tonight ahead of burial.

Staff Sergeant Banda made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the cause of peace.

His dedication to duty reflected the highest traditions of the Zambia Defence Force and brought honour to our nation.

I extend our deepest condolences to Staff Sergeant Banda's loved ones.

Your grief is our grief. Your loss is felt in every corner of this land.

Staff Sergeant Banda's service reminds us of the courage and commitment of all Zambian men and women who wear the uniform in pursuit of peace, both at home and abroad.

May the good Lord grant him eternal rest.

May his family find comfort in the arms of a grateful nation.

Maambo B. Haamaundu
Permanent Secretary
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

08/01/2026

Education PS has directed private schools that opened on January 5 to close and reopen on January 12.

TRUMP ORDERS U.S WITHDRAWAL FROM UN AND OTHER GLOBAL BODIESUnited States President Donald Trump has announced plans to w...
08/01/2026

TRUMP ORDERS U.S WITHDRAWAL FROM UN AND OTHER GLOBAL BODIES

United States President Donald Trump has announced plans to withdraw the United States from 66 United Nations and international organizations, including major bodies focused on climate change, peace building, democracy, and development.

In a presidential memorandum released by the White House on Wednesday, Mr Trump said the move followed a review of international organizations, conventions, and treaties deemed “contrary to the interests of the United States.”

Under the directive, the U.S. would end participation and cut all funding to the affected organizations, where permitted by law.

The decision follows an executive order signed on February 4, 2025, which instructed the Secretary of State to review all international bodies receiving U.S. support. Trump said he approved the findings after consulting his Cabinet.

The withdrawal list includes 35 non-UN organizations and 31 United Nations bodies.

Among the non-UN organizations targeted are the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the International Renewable Energy Agency, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.

The UN bodies affected include UN Women, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the UN Population Fund, UN Conference on Trade and Development, and several UN peace building , human rights, and environmental agencies.

Mr Trump directed all federal departments and agencies to immediately begin the withdrawal process, while noting that further reviews of U.S. participation in international organizations are ongoing.

Lusaka Press Club Engages Police PR Department as Police Call for Clear Journalist IdentificationThe Lusaka Press Club o...
07/01/2026

Lusaka Press Club Engages Police PR Department as Police Call for Clear Journalist Identification

The Lusaka Press Club on Wednesday morning paid a courtesy call to the Zambia Police Public Relations Department aimed at strengthening the working relationship between the media and the police.

Speaking during the engagement, Zambia Police Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi emphasized the importance of journalists carrying valid identification cards at all times, noting that proper identification makes it easier for police officers to recognize and work with journalists during operations.

Mr. Chilabi observed that the relationship between the police and the media has significantly improved over the past ten years. However, he said the department remains committed to further enhancing cooperation and mutual understanding.

He also called on journalists to adopt specialized reporting in matters of security and public safety, cautioning against sensational reporting, which he said is being by international media practices.

Meanwhile, the Lusaka Press Club has invited the Zambia Police to participate in its upcoming summit scheduled for February 25–27, 2026.

The police will use the platform to engage with journalists on ways both institutions can work together ahead of the general elections, as well as discuss issues related to public safety.

PF RUBBISHES ITS EXPULSION FROM TONSE ALLIANCE.PF Faction Acting President Patriotic Front and Chairperson – Tonse Allia...
07/01/2026

PF RUBBISHES ITS EXPULSION FROM TONSE ALLIANCE.

PF Faction Acting President Patriotic Front and Chairperson – Tonse Alliance Given Lubinda says that it has been conclusively established that an illegal and unauthorized Tonse Alliance meeting was convened by the Co-Chairperson of the Alliance, Professor Danny P**e.
In a statement Mr. Lubinda says the PF further exposes the mischief and bad faith surrounding this meeting, which was deliberately convened at a time when PF members and Tonse Alliance members were attending a duly sanctioned political rally in Chawama.
He says this conduct was calculated to exclude key stakeholders and undermines the very foundations of collective leadership within the Alliance.
Mr. Lubinda has emphasized that the PF is the Party that sponsored former president Edgar Lungu into the Tonse Alliance, following due consultation and approval by the Central Committee of the former ruling party.
He says the PF cannot and will not be reduced to a façade or treated as a non-existent entity within an Alliance it helped to form and sustain.
Mr. Lubinda has described the purported meeting, illegal, null, and void resolutions were made, including attempts to alter the Tonse Alliance Constitution through a virtual meeting, in clear violation of agreed Alliance procedures.
He has condemned the conduct of certain colleagues within the Alliance, which demonstrates dishonesty, lack of political decorum, and blatant disregard for collective responsibility, consultation, and mutual respect—principles that are indispensable to any credible political alliance.
Mr. Lubinda says accordingly, any documents, statements, or materials circulating on social media purporting to be resolutions of the Tonse Alliance are hereby disowned in their entirety, are illegal and illegitimate, and must be ignored with the contempt they deserve.
He says the Tonse Alliance shall soon convene a proper, lawful, and duly constituted meeting, at a date and time to be announced, at which all outstanding matters shall be addressed strictly in accordance with the Alliance Constitution and agreed procedures.

07/01/2026

BREAKING: Sean Tembo’s Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP) has pulled out of the ‘ailing’ Tonse Alliance!

ZRA employee denies gifting a vehicle to Archbishop Alick Banda!I have never seen or touched the vehicle that ZRA claime...
07/01/2026

ZRA employee denies gifting a vehicle to Archbishop Alick Banda!

I have never seen or touched the vehicle that ZRA claimed I bought from the institution and sold to Archbishop Alick Banda, says Mulopa Kaunda, a man who has suffered over four years of public ridicule for supposedly dragging a high-ranking Catholic priest into a dirty deal.

In this exclusive interview, Kaunda explains how fraudulent receipts and other documents were generated in his name by his named supervisor, in a deal that was meant to facilitate the illegal disposal of government vehicles from the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).

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