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PEACE PLEDGE PUT TO THE TEST

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ZCID challenges political parties to turn commitments into action as tensions rise ahead of Zambia’s August 13 General Elections By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  -- Zambia24 -- 7-08-2026 -- The Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue (ZCID) has called on political parties, candidates, supporters and all stakeholders to reject violence, exercise restraint and uphold peace as Zambia moves closer to the August 13 General Elections. ZCID Executive Director Doreen Njovu Kabwe said the situation was particularly disappointing because it comes shortly after political party leaders signed a National Peace Pledge committing themselves to tolerance, respect for democratic principles and non-violence throughout the electoral process. Ms Kabwe said ZCID had noted with concern the rising political tensions and continued reports of acts of violence ahead of the elections, warning that such actions threaten to undermine Zambia’s democratic values, national unity and the credibility of the...

NO TRUCKS, NO ECONOMY

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Government, employers and unions race to ease truck drivers' hardships before transport disruptions hit the country By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 -- 7-08-2026 -- The Government has called an urgent meeting with employers and trade unions to address truck drivers' long-standing complaints over subsistence allowances amid growing concern that frustrations among drivers could disrupt the movement of goods and affect businesses and households across Zambia. The high-level meeting followed reports that some truck drivers had abandoned their trucks in protest, raising fears that any prolonged disruption would choke the supply of fuel, food, raw materials and other essential commodities that keep the country's economy running. Addressing the Transport Sector Stakeholders Consultative Meeting in Lusaka, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security Zachariah Luhanga described truck drivers as the lifeblood of Zambia's economy, saying every jour...

ZAMBIA’S SON AT OXFORD’S HELM

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First Black Lord Mayor of Oxford pledges to use historic position to promote cooperation in education, investment, research and community development. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  -- 6-08-2026 -- The first Black Lord Mayor of Oxford, Councillor Chewe Munkonge, has pledged to use his historic position to promote stronger relations between Zambia and the United Kingdom, with a focus on expanding cooperation in education, investment, research and community partnerships. Councillor Munkonge said his journey from humble beginnings in Zambia to one of Britain’s oldest civic offices should inspire young people to believe that opportunities are possible regardless of their background. Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa at Cabinet Office in Lusaka, Councillor Munkonge said returning home was an emotional moment because Zambia shaped his character and provided the foundation for his journey. “I am humbled to be the first Black Lord...

Reject Violence, Protect Zambia’s Peace

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Home Affairs and Information Permanent Secretaries warn against political schemes ahead of August 13 elections By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  -- 6-08-2026 -- The Government has urged the people to reject all forms of political violence, avoid being used by political actors, and protect peace before, during, and after the August 13, 2026 General Elections. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Mr. Dickson Matembo said Zambia’s peace was a shared responsibility and called on citizens to refuse any attempts to drag them into acts of violence during the election period. Mr. Matembo said government had been concerned by reports and videos circulating on different media platforms showing incidents of violence, saying such actions had no place in Zambia’s democratic process. He said political parties and their supporters must respect the laws of the country and allow citizens to exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation....

No Funding, No Retreat

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FODEP turns to 1,200 volunteers to keep election watch alive ahead of August 13 polls By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka , Zambia24 – 6-08-2026) -- The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) says it will not step aside from its role of monitoring Zambia’s elections despite failing to secure funding for its traditional comprehensive election observation mission. FODEP Chairperson Mweenda Mumbuna said the organisation has chosen to rely on its long-standing network of volunteers to ensure that citizens continue to have an independent voice watching over the electoral process. Mumbuna said FODEP’s commitment to election monitoring dates back to 1991, adding that the organisation has remained present in every general election because credible elections require the involvement of citizens and independent observers. He said financial challenges would not stop FODEP from playing its part in protecting the integrity of Zambia’s democratic process. “We cannot walk away from our responsib...

New Partnership for Youth Empowerment

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Government and ChildFund Zambia sign MoU to strengthen Luangwa Skills Training Centre and expand opportunities for skills development, entrepreneurship and employment By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (5-08-2026) -- The Government and ChildFund Zambia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the management, operation and sustainability of the Luangwa Skills Training Centre, opening a new chapter in efforts to equip young people with practical skills, entrepreneurship opportunities and pathways to economic independence. The partnership, signed between the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts and ChildFund Zambia, is expected to transform the facility into a hub for skills development, providing young people in Luangwa District with access to training opportunities designed to improve livelihoods and support community development. Speaking during the signing ceremony, ChildFund Zambia Country Director Victor Koyi, represented by Mwaka Namwiinga, said th...

No Election Is Worth Bloodshed

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EFZ urges political parties to honour the Peace Pledge, reject electoral violence and preserve Zambia's democratic legacy ahead of the polls. Staff Reporter Lusaka, Zambia24  -- 4-08-2026 -- The Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) has called on all political parties to honour the National Peace Pledge and reject electoral violence following reports of political unrest in the North-Western, Western and Eastern provinces, just days before Zambians go to the polls. EFZ Executive Director Rev. Allan Kasungami urged political leaders, candidates and their supporters to provide responsible leadership by ensuring their members conduct themselves peacefully, respectfully and within the law throughout the electoral period. Rev. Kasungami condemned political violence, intimidation, hate speech and provocation, regardless of who is responsible, warning that such acts threaten public confidence in the electoral process and Zambia's tradition of peaceful elections. He said electio...