Zambia United National Freedom Fighters Association Coordinator, Partwell Mhlanga, has urged citizens not to forget the sacrifices made by liberation heroes who fought for Africa’s freedom and independence.

ZANIS reports that speaking ahead of the commemoration of the Africa Freedom Day which falls on Monday, May 25, 2026, Mr Mhlanga said the commemoration should serve as a reminder to both young and old generations of the struggles endured by freedom fighters in securing liberation from colonial rule.

He said many liberation heroes sacrificed their lives, families and personal comfort in order to ensure that future generations enjoyed peace, unity and self-governance.

Mr Mhlanga also noted that Africa Freedom Day should not only be marked through celebrations but also through reflection on the values of patriotism, unity and hard work that guided the liberation struggle.

He stressed the need for young people to appreciate the importance of preserving the freedom that was fought for by promoting peace, respecting the rule of law and contributing positively to national development.

The freedom fighter further noted that unity among African nations remains key to achieving sustainable development and protecting the gains made since independence.

Mr Mhlanga also encouraged governments and stakeholders to continue educating younger generations about the history of Africa’s liberation struggle in order to keep the legacy of freedom fighters alive.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Champion and Democracy Specialist, Ngande Mwanajiti, notes that Africans should take a greater responsibility for the continent’s future by prioritising education, unity and democratic values as Africa commemorates Africa Freedom Day.

Mr Mwanajiti explained that the liberation struggle is a reminder that Africans must actively invest in the development of the continent through strong and inclusive education programmes.

He highlighted that education remains key to empowering citizens and preparing young people to compete effectively in the global arena, noting that Africa’s youthful population presents an opportunity for transformation if young people embrace education, uphold dignity and respect the rule of law.

Mr Mwanajiti further stressed that unity among African nations is critical in promoting peace, stability and development across the continent.

He encouraged countries to continue supporting each other through cooperation, loyalty and mutual respect in order to strengthen continental integration.

Mr Mwananjiti also emphasised the importance of safeguarding democratic governance and defending the achievements Africa has made since attaining freedom.

President Hakainde Hichilema has called on citizens to turn up in large numbers to support his re-election nomination filing while urging them to remain orderly and respectful of other road users and members of the public.

Ahead of filing his nomination papers at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, President Hichilema appealed to supporters to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the event.

In a message posted on his Facebook page, the President encouraged citizens to attend the occasion but emphasized the importance of maintaining order.

“Tag that friend of yours and remind them it’s a big day for Bally today. Come in numbers. But please let’s be orderly, respect other road users and citizens,” he wrote.

He added: “Our journey for development continues.”

President Hichilema was elected Zambia’s Head of State in 2021 after five previous attempts at the presidency. He defeated the then-ruling Patriotic Front administration led by former President Edgar Lungu, securing nearly three million votes.

Several presidential aspirants have already filed their nominations ahead of the August 13 general elections, including Harry Kalaba, Fred M’membe, Kelvin Fube Bwalya and Brian Mundubile.

A 45-year- old businessman of Chipata District in Eastern Province has been arrested for possessing 22 bags of suspected counterfeit fertilizer.

Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer, Robertson Mweemba confirmed the incident to Zambia News Information and Services (ZANIS) in Chipata district, adding that the arrest was made yesterday, May 20, 2026.

Mr Mweemba said the suspect, Japhet Banda 45, was arrested on 20th May 2026 around 11:00 hours at Down Shops within Chipata district.

Brief facts of the matter are that a source trading at Down Shops in the area spotted a fellow fertilizer dealer in possession of unbranded bags of fertilizer and alerted the police.

Mr Mweemba explained that during interrogations, Banda revealed that on 16th May 2026 around 17:40hrs, his nephew, Joseph Shawa, informed him that a truck driver was selling bags of D-Compound fertilizer from a truck that had come from Lusaka.

“Banda sent money to his nephew and bought 22 bags of the suspected counterfeit fertilizer, which he kept at his shop for resale,” Mr Mweemba said.

The 22 bags have since been seized and are awaiting laboratory examination.

The suspect remains in police custody at Chipata Central Police Station pending further investigations.

Government has reiterated the important role the Sustainable Luangwa Project (SLP) plays in the promotion of sustainable management of natural resources in Mafinga District, Muchinga Province.

‎Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Douty Chibamba, said the project is also key in helping to promote biodiversity and the conservation of climate change adoption and in promoting green growth.

‎Dr Chibamba said this when he officially opened the second national Steering Committee Meeting for the Sustainable Luangwa Project held in Chinsali District today.

‎He said the project is designed to enhance rural livelihoods and promote sustainable biodiversity management.

‎He has since outlined the important role the national steering committee plays in ensuring that the project is implemented effectively, efficiently, and in line with agreed objectives and expected outcomes.

‎”This meeting, therefore, provides an important platform for reflection, strategic guidance and collective decision-making on the progress of the project,” he said.

‎He has since challenged stakeholders to ensure the project delivers tangible environmental and socioeconomic benefits for people in Mafinga.

‎”It is important that all responsible institutions strengthen coordination, improve timely implementation of activities and enhance financial and technical reporting in order to ensure efficient utilisation of project resources.

“By working together with commitment and urgency, we can overcome these challenges and ensure that the project achieves its intended outcomes and delivers lasting benefits to communities and the environment. ” he said.

‎And Muchinga Province Deputy Permanent Secretary, Brian Sichande pledged the province’s commitment to support this project and other projects being implemented in this province that are aimed at addressing issues of natural resource management and climate change.

‎Mr Sichande has also hailed the potential of the project in protecting the Mafinga Hills ecological system.

‎He indicated that the Mafinga Hills and surrounding areas and the surrounding landscape are valuable natural assets with immense potential that can positively transform the economy of Muchinga Province and the country as a whole.

‎”Protecting this ecosystem is therefore not merely an option, but a responsibility that we must all embrace for the benefit of both the present and future generations.

“The Mafinga Hills ecosystem remains one of the most important natural assets in the Mafinga District and the entire country as a whole. It serves as a critical water catchment area, a biodiversity hotspot, and a source of livelihood for many surrounding communities,” he said.

Meanwhile, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Country Director Nalucha Ziba called for serious collaboration in securing the Luangwa River system through integrated inclusive and sustainable catchment management.

Ms Ziba said WWF is moving isolated interventions towards an integrated landscape-level approach that aligns conservation, livelihoods and economic development.

She has since pledged her organization’s commitment to working with government and other partners to contribute to Zambia’s broader development and resilience agenda.

President Hakainde Hichilema today, attended the funeral mass for late Archbishop Emeritus Telesphore Mpundu who died on Friday, May 15th, 2026.

Speaking during the mass, at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus in Lusaka, Archbishop Alick Banda described the late cleric as an advocate of good governance, social and economic justice.

Archbishop Banda underscored the late Archbishop’s uncompromising stance in protecting human dignity, justice and truth.

He further acknowledged the late Catholic Minister as a compassionate servant of God whose Ministry was grounded in service and purpose, further calling on the church to emulate such virtues.

“If we are to be faithful followers of the Lord, we must dedicate ourselves to the service, placing others before ourselves,” Archbishop Banda implored.

Born on May 21st, 1947, late Archbishop Mpundu rose through the ranks of the Catholic Church and was ordained to Priesthood in 1972.

In 2004, he was appointed as Archbishop of Lusaka, a position he held till his retirement in 2018.

The late Archbishop Mpundu has since been put to rest at a private burial ceremony, witnessed by Catholic Priests and close family members at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus, in Lusaka.

Zesco Limited is conducting a detailed technical investigation to establish the cause of the power supply disturbance that occurred on the Copperbelt last evening, following a technical fault at the Kitwe Substation.

In a statement issued to the media in Lusaka today, ZESCO Limited Managing Director, Victor Loongo, has since apologised to all customers and the public for the inconvenience caused to daily life and business operations.

Mr Loongo, however, said the power utility’s System Control Centre and technical teams responded immediately, in line with established procedures, to stabilise the network and restore supply.

He explained that the protection systems operated as designed to safeguard equipment and prevent wider damage, while noting that the institution regrets the disruption that unplanned outage causes to daily life and business operations.

Mr Loongo further indicated that affected equipment was successfully re-energised the same evening, and normal load configuration progressively reinstated.

He also commended customers and the public for their patience and understanding during the said period.

Mr Loongo assured that Zesco remains committed to maintaining a safe, reliable, and stable electricity supply through continued investment in preventive maintenance, asset monitoring, and operational readiness.