AUGUSTINE SICHULA | Zambia Monitor

Heritage sites to take centre stage in tourism drive —NHCC

AUGUSTINE SICHULA — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 14:25:59 +0000

The National Heritage Conservation Commission (NHCC) says it will intensify efforts to package heritage sites into compelling tourism products through improved site management, interpretation, documentation and storytelling.

NHCC Executive Director, Kagosi Mwamulowe, said the initiative will involve strengthening partnerships with the Ministry of Tourism, tourism agencies, local authorities, traditional leaders and the private sector.

Mwamulowe said this in a statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday, welcoming the announcement of the 2026 tourism theme by Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary, Evans Muhanga.

He said the theme, “Unblinking Focus on Delivery,” under the slogan “Commit. Execute. Deliver,” was timely, forward-looking and closely aligned with Zambia’s broader national development and tourism aspirations.

“The 2026 tourism theme speaks directly to the soul of our nation’s heritage. It challenges us, as custodians of Zambia’s tangible and intangible heritage, to reposition heritage sites not merely as preserved relics of the past, but as living assets that contribute meaningfully to tourism growth, community empowerment and national pride,” he said.

Mwamulowe noted that Zambia’s diverse heritage portfolio—ranging from national monuments, historical buildings and archaeological sites to cultural landscapes and traditional practices—remained an underutilised pillar in the tourism value chain.

He added that the 2026 theme presented an opportunity to deliberately integrate heritage conservation into mainstream tourism promotion.

“For the NHCC, this theme reinforces our mandate to ensure that heritage conservation goes hand in hand with tourism development. Preserving our heritage is not an end in itself; it is a means to tell Zambia’s story to the world, attract tourists beyond the traditional attractions, and spread the benefits of tourism to local communities,” Mwamulowe said.

He further reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to embracing innovation and digital platforms to raise awareness of Zambia’s heritage assets, particularly among youth and international audiences, in line with evolving tourism trends.

“We intend to place heritage at the centre of destination marketing by enhancing visitor experiences at our sites, promoting heritage circuits, and encouraging domestic tourism so that Zambians themselves appreciate and value the wealth of history that defines who we are as a people,” he added.

Mwamulowe also emphasised the importance of community involvement, noting that communities surrounding heritage sites are key partners in conservation and tourism promotion.

“The 2026 theme reminds us that sustainable tourism must be people-centred. Communities are the first custodians of heritage, and when empowered, they become ambassadors of tourism, safeguarding sites while benefiting economically from increased visitation,” he said.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

The post Heritage sites to take centre stage in tourism drive —NHCC first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

Senegal end Sudan fairytale with 3–1 AFCON comeback win

AUGUSTINE SICHULA — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 07:05:22 +0000

Pape Gueye scored twice as Senegal came from behind to beat Sudan 3–1 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), bringing to an end their opponents’ stirring run played out against the backdrop of Sudan’s ongoing civil war.

Aamir Abdallah’s stunning sixth-minute opener, curled across the diving Edouard Mendy, briefly allowed Sudanese fans to dream of a famous upset in Tangier.

Mendy was then forced into an excellent low save to his right from Mohamed Eisa’s angled effort midway through the first half before Senegal, driven on by the incessant drumming of their supporters, gradually began to assert themselves.

The BBC reports that Nicolas Jackson should have scored just before the half-hour mark, but his close-range effort was well blocked by goalkeeper Monged Elneel.

Seconds later, however, Gueye stroked home his first goal from 18 yards.

The Villarreal midfielder, who repeatedly found space on the edge of Sudan’s penalty area, struck again in first-half stoppage time, side-footing high past Elneel from 16 yards.

Mendy produced another fine save early in the second half to deny impressive right-back Sheddy Barglan, but from then on the Teranga Lions kept their determined opponents at arm’s length.

Paris Saint-Germain teenager Ibrahim Mbaye raced clear in the 77th minute to add a third goal and later sent a header over the bar.

Senegal will remain in Tangier for a quarter-final clash next Friday against Mali, who eliminated Tunisia on penalties in Saturday’s late game.

The post Senegal end Sudan fairytale with 3–1 AFCON comeback win first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

Ten-man Mali edge Tunisia on penalties to reach AFCON quarter-finals

AUGUSTINE SICHULA — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 07:03:55 +0000

Ten-man Mali rode their luck to beat Tunisia 3–2 on penalties and reach the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

El Bilal Touré netted the decisive spot-kick after Ali Abdi blazed over the bar, while Eagles goalkeeper Djigui Diarra saved Tunisia’s fourth and fifth penalties from Elias Achouri and Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane.

After a match that contained little action until the closing stages, the shootout was full of drama as Mali captain Yves Bissouma fired over and team-mate Nene Dorgeles struck the post, reports the BBC.

The West Africans played with a numerical disadvantage for more than 90 minutes after Woyo Coulibaly was shown a straight red card for catching Hannibal Mejbri on the Achilles with his studs.

Tunisia went ahead with two minutes of regulation time remaining when Firas Chaouat’s header crept inside the right-hand post. However, Mali were awarded a stoppage-time penalty after Yassine Meriah was penalised for handball.

Lassine Sinayoko’s low spot-kick had just enough power to beat Carthage Eagles goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen—who got a hand to the ball—and force the match into extra time.

Chaouat thought he had doubled Tunisia’s lead early in the second period of extra time, but the effort was ruled out for offside against team-mate Abdi. The game eventually drifted towards a penalty shootout.

Mali will now travel north to Tangier to face 2021 champions Senegal, who beat Sudan earlier, in the last eight on Friday.

The post Ten-man Mali edge Tunisia on penalties to reach AFCON quarter-finals first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

M’membe, Silavwe condemn U.S. attack, abduction of Venezuela’s President Maduro to America

AUGUSTINE SICHULA — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 06:28:03 +0000

Zambian opposition political parties have condemned the United States’ military operation in Venezuela, describing it as a violation of international law and a threat to global peace.

Socialist Party (SP) president, Dr. Fred M’membe, strongly criticised the reported U.S. strikes on Venezuela and the capture and removal of that country’s President, Nicolás Maduro.

U.S. President, Donald Trump, said on Saturday that American forces had carried out a military operation in Venezuela and captured President Maduro, who has since been taken out of the country.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday, M’membe described the operation as a flagrant violation of international law and an assault on Venezuela’s sovereignty.

He said the attacks, launched in the early hours of January 3, 2026, reportedly targeted military installations and civilian areas in and around Caracas, as well as the neighbouring states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira.

“The Socialist Party views the strikes as a direct breach of Article 2 of the United Nations Charter,” M’membe said.

He noted that the Charter prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, describing the operation as an act of aggression and a war crime under international law.

M’membe further warned that the disappearance of President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores following the attacks marked a dangerous escalation.

He accused the United States of waging war on Venezuela to gain control of its oil resources, arguing that Washington could not tolerate a government that prioritises the welfare of its people over the interests of multinational corporations.

M’membe said the Socialist Party stands in solidarity with the people of Venezuela and called on progressive governments and peace-loving citizens worldwide to condemn the attacks.

“They should also demand an immediate end to hostilities and support Venezuela’s right to self-determination. The era of unchecked imperialist aggression is coming to an end,” he said.

Meanwhile, Golden Party of Zambia (GPZ) president, Jackson Silavwe, also condemned the operation, describing the capture of a sitting head of state who had not declared war on the United States as “extremely disturbing.”

Silavwe said although the United States possesses significant military power that has contributed to global peace, such power should not be used to dominate or intimidate other nations.

“I have admired President Trump’s leadership on many fronts, but today America’s actions in Venezuela feed into both individual and global insecurity,” Silavwe said.

He warned that the operation could destabilise Venezuela and the wider region, drawing parallels with instability witnessed in the Middle East following similar military interventions.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

The post M’membe, Silavwe condemn U.S. attack, abduction of Venezuela’s President Maduro to America first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

Police probe suspected murder of 29-year-old woman in Kalingalinga

AUGUSTINE SICHULA — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 11:56:02 +0000

Police in Lusaka have launched an investigation into the suspected murder of a 29-year-old woman who was found dead under unclear circumstances in Kalingalinga Compound.

Police received a report on January 3, 2026, around 05:36 hours, from a 68-year-old man of Kalingalinga Compound, who informed officers that his niece, Dorcas Chimwasu, had been found dead at a house within the compound.

According to a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday by Police Spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi, officers who rushed to the scene found the body lying outside the house.

“The body showed signs of possible assault. The exact time of occurrence is currently unknown,” Chilabi said.

He said the body had since been deposited at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) Mortuary pending a postmortem examination to establish the exact cause of death.

“Police suspect foul play and are appealing to anyone with information that could assist in the ongoing investigation to come forward,” Chilabi said.

The post Police probe suspected murder of 29-year-old woman in Kalingalinga first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

Venezuela’s president, Maduro, captured, bundled to America after allegations of US eying country’s oil resources

AUGUSTINE SICHULA — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 10:28:17 +0000

The U.S. has struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, who has been taken out of the country, President Donald Trump said on Saturday.

The U.S. has not made such a direct intervention in Latin America since the invasion of Panama in 1989 to depose military leader Manuel Noriega.

“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country,” Trump said in a Truth Social post.

The Reuters reports that there was no immediate confirmation from the Venezuelan government.

The U.S. has accused Maduro of running a “narco-state” and rigging an election.

The Venezuelan leader, who succeeded Hugo Chavez to take power in 2013, has said Washington wants to take control of its oil reserves, the largest in the world.

The US has long accused Nicolás Maduro of leading an international drug trafficking organisation, something that Maduro denies.

Trump did not give more detail about how Maduro was captured or where he has been taken.

The Venezuelan government have not yet confirmed this.

The US had offered a $50m reward for information leading to the arrest of Maduro.

That, along with the huge military build-up in the region over the last few months, were interpreted in the region as encouragement for someone inside the country to turn against him.

The post Venezuela’s president, Maduro, captured, bundled to America after allegations of US eying country’s oil resources first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

DEC insists on Archbishop Banda probe, ‘Jerabos’ in Zambia receive $4 million compensation.See our top 10 stories of the week.

AUGUSTINE SICHULA — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 10:06:00 +0000

In case you missed some of the stories, here are the top 10 stories of the week.

1. Tension arose Wednesday within the Catholic community as the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) summoned Archbishop of Lusaka, Alick Banda, to appear before its Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit (AMLIU) in connection with unstated ongoing investigations. Read more…

2. President of the Local Catholic Clergy in Zambia, Rev. Fr. Augustine Mwewa, has called on Catholics to respond with prayer, unity and courage following the summoning of Lusaka Archbishop Dr. Alick Banda by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC). Read more…

3. The Zambian government, through the office of Mines and Minerals Development Minister, Paul Kabuswe, has reportedly handed over US$4 million in compensation to illegal miners, commonly known as Jerabos, who were removed from the Sensele copper pit in Chingola following a fatal mining incident. Read more…

4. Passengers, motorists are reportedly still stranded as repair works have stalled due to heavy rains at the collapsed Great East Road section in Runfusa District. Read more…

5. Zambia has become the first African country to formally accept China’s Yuan for the payment of mining taxes and royalties, highlighting Beijing’s growing financial influence in the continent’s strategic resource sectors. Read more…

6. Copper capped off 2025 with its best annual performance since 2009, propelled by tightening global supply and rising expectations that demand linked to electrification will outstrip production in the years ahead. Read more…

7. The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has maintained the pump price of petrol while reducing the prices of diesel, kerosene and Jet A-1 for January 2026. Read more…

8. The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) Council of Ministers (COM) has approved an equity contribution of US$220 million each by Zambia and Zimbabwe towards the construction of the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme (BGHES), a US$4.2 billion regional power project. Read more…

9. The United States has carried out a military strike against Islamic State (IS) militants in northwest Nigeria at the request of the Nigerian government, U.S. President Donald Trump and the U.S. military said on Thursday. Read more…

10. Zambia’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign came to an abrupt end following a heavy 3–0 defeat to Morocco in their final Group A match on Monday. Read more…

The post DEC insists on Archbishop Banda probe, ‘Jerabos’ in Zambia receive $4 million compensation.See our top 10 stories of the week. first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

UBZ, APC announce intention to withdraw from TONSE Alliance, as PF internal wrangles deepen

AUGUSTINE SICHULA — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 07:26:35 +0000

The United for Better Zambia (UBZ) Party has withdrawn from the Tonse Alliance Council of Leaders, citing leadership failure, deepening internal wrangles, and a lack of discipline.

In a resignation letter addressed to Tonse Alliance Council of Leaders Chairperson, Given Lubinda, UBZ Party President Hector Soondo said the party could no longer remain in an alliance that had failed to provide clear direction and hope to Zambians amid persistent political and economic challenges.

Soondo said the Tonse Alliance had become consumed by internal conflicts and factionalism, leaving citizens disillusioned and uncertain about the opposition grouping’s capacity to offer credible leadership.

He further accused the alliance of failing to maintain discipline and accountability, alleging that certain individuals operating under the guise of non-governmental organizations had interfered in political decision-making, thereby undermining the authority of legitimate political party leaders.

According to Soondo, such interference has weakened democratic processes within the alliance and stalled political progress by allowing unelected actors to influence key decisions for personal or factional interests.

The UBZ Party President also criticized the council for prioritizing internal power struggles over urgent national issues such as poverty, unemployment, and economic hardship, which he said should be at the centre of any serious political movement.

Soondo further stated that the Tonse Alliance Council of Leaders had failed to uphold transparency and inclusivity, with decision-making allegedly centralized and conducted without adequate consultation with all member parties, particularly smaller political formations.

“As a result, smaller parties have been marginalized and denied meaningful participation in shaping the alliance’s direction,” he said.

Despite withdrawing from the Tonse Alliance Council of Leaders with immediate effect, UBZ clarified that it would remain affiliated with the People’s Pact Movement, through which it initially joined the alliance.

Soondo said the decision to withdraw was guided by the party’s commitment to the interests of Zambians rather than continued association with an alliance he alleged had lost focus and credibility.

Similarly, All People’s Congress (APC) leader, Nason Msoni, said the Tonse Alliance no longer represented the idea of a potent movement that was envisaged to unseat the UPND.

“PF wrangles have overshadowed the Tonse Alliance movement and rendered it into a stillborn political grouping,” Msoni noted.

He said the APC had previously participated in many other political alliances, but that the Tonse experience was not inspiring, emphasizing that a political alliance cannot be held to ransom by one political party.

“We therefore give notice to you our colleagues that the APC will soon be holding an emergency meeting to review its further participation in the Tonse alliance and decide on the way forward,” Msoni said.

He stated that there was no time for further procrastination in the new year, noting that political events were likely to precipitate very quickly and that the party did not have the luxury of sitting back and watching political wrangles unfold.

Msoni added that Zambians were looking for political leaders who were not driven by personal egos or an insatiable appetite for political power.

“We will not be mere political spectators in a game of leadership. Ideally by putting on-hold our own political ambitions is not a sign of weakness but patriotism,” he said.

The post UBZ, APC announce intention to withdraw from TONSE Alliance, as PF internal wrangles deepen first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

DPP’s Mubanga accuses Hichilema govt of spending over $18.44 million to buy silence of traditional, religious leaders

AUGUSTINE SICHULA — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 20:53:59 +0000

Development People’s Party (DPP) leader, Dr. Kafula Mubanga, has accused President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration of practising selective justice and weaponising state institutions against perceived critics.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday, Mubanga alleged that the government was applying double standards in its pursuit of justice while simultaneously engaging in political patronage.

He said Zambians also needed to understand what he described as the true cost of the administration’s efforts to buy the silence of traditional and religious leaders.

Mubanga claimed that while the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) was allegedly being used to intimidate the Catholic Church, the government was engaging in the same conduct it publicly condemned.

“The Development People’s Party stands today in unwavering solidarity with the Catholic Church and His Grace Archbishop Alick Banda,” Mubanga said.

He argued that while the former Patriotic Front (PF) government supported chiefs and the Church as partners in development, the UPND administration was using public resources for political optics.

According to Mubanga, government spending on vehicle distributions raised serious concerns.

“Your government has spent a staggering US$18.44 million on vehicle distributions,” he alleged, adding that over US$16.5 million was spent on 288 double-cab 4×4 vehicles for traditional chiefs, approximately US$1.8 million on utility and mission vehicles for selected church leaders, and more than US$140,000 on motorcycles for chief retainers.

Mubanga questioned whether the DEC was genuinely fighting corruption or being used as a political tool, describing the summoning of Archbishop Banda as a direct attack on freedom of the pulpit.

He said that while the Church served as a refuge under the PF administration, it was now under surveillance.

“We ask President Hakainde Hichilema: why is the DEC silent on the US$10 billion allegedly lost to tax avoidance in the mining sector? Why is it silent on the US$600 million lost through mineral royalty incentives?” Mubanga asked.

He argued that instead of pursuing wealth allegedly leaking out of the country, the government was targeting a religious leader who had refused to be silenced.

“The DPP stands with the Catholic Church. We stand with Archbishop Banda. We demand an immediate end to these targeted investigations,” Mubanga said.

He argued that a nation that persecuted its prophets while granting windfall tax incentives to foreign mining firms risked losing its moral and economic direction.

The post DPP’s Mubanga accuses Hichilema govt of spending over $18.44 million to buy silence of traditional, religious leaders first appeared on Zambia Monitor.

Ruling UPND justifies probe of Archbishop Banda, says DEC summon not about Catholic church but an individual

AUGUSTINE SICHULA — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 20:39:35 +0000

UPND Media Director, Mark Simuuwe, has reaffirmed that relations between the Catholic Church and the government remained cordial, urging the public to distinguish between the actions of individual clergy and the Catholic Church as an institution.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday, Simuuwe said law enforcement agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), had a constitutional and legal obligation to investigate matters brought before them.

He counseled that the ongoing investigations involving Lusaka Catholic Archbishop Alick Banda should be viewed as part of due process and allowed to proceed without political or religious interpretation.

Simuuwe quoted Archbishop Banda’s own words that “a wrong is a wrong no matter who is involved,” stressing that alleged personal omissions by individual clergy should not be used to implicate or discredit the Catholic Church.

“The cases taken to court by the State are supported by sufficient evidence, leading to prosecution and, where appropriate, conviction,” Simuuwe said.

He argued that no innocent person is serving a prison sentence without the courts having first determined the matter.

Simuuwe emphasized that the name of the Catholic Church should not be dragged into cases allegedly committed in an individual capacity, noting that it is the responsibility of the courts to determine whether government property can lawfully be given as a personal gift and whether any crime was committed.

“The Economic and Financial Crimes Court has lived up to its mandate, particularly in the areas of forfeiture and asset recovery,” he said.

On governance, Simuuwe argued that the UPND government had remained faithful to its mandate of delivering economic transformation and was actively addressing challenges such as the energy crisis.

The post Ruling UPND justifies probe of Archbishop Banda, says DEC summon not about Catholic church but an individual first appeared on Zambia Monitor.