Zambian Observer
High-volume national newsroom with a large diaspora readership.
4,452 stories • Visit Zambian Observer →
-
Politics
A Moment of Jewish Wisdom: The Porcupines as a Yardstick on Why a Nation Must Learn to Live Together
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, of blessed memory, once taught a beautiful lesson using the example of porcupines in winter. The illustration originally comes from the philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer. Imagine a group of porcupines on a bitterly
-
Politics
“Is Zambia’s Democracy on Trial?”…When Love Is Arrested, Who Posts Bail?”- Amb. AM.
“Is Zambia’s Democracy on Trial?”…When Love Is Arrested, Who Posts Bail?” AM 24.08.26 Peace is cheaper than conflict, yet history shows nations that spurned it forever held their breath. Somalia, once a proud Horn of Africa state, collapsed into ‘warlordism’. Liberia bled through decades of…
-
Politics
Putin Gives the Kremlin Power to Take over Businesses Hit by Ukraine
UKRAINE Vladimir Putin has authorized the Russian state to assume “temporary management” of critical infrastructure when the government decides its owners failed to protect it from Ukrainian drones—or did not repair it quickly enough afterward. The decree covers energy facilities, factories, communications, transportation,
-
Politics
Trump Threatens Canada With 50% Tariffs on Cars, Trucks and Steel
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that tariffs on all Canadian cars, trucks, automotive parts and steel will rise to 50% starting January 1, 2027, escalating the trade confrontation between Washington and Ottawa. Trump accused Canada of imposing excessively high tariffs on U.S. farmers
-
Politics
Russia Threatens British Drone Factories Supplying Ukraine
Russia has reportedly threatened to target British facilities producing drones for Ukraine, escalating tensions between Moscow and London over Britain’s military support for Kyiv. The warning comes as the United Kingdom continues to provide Ukraine with weapons, drones and other military assistance in its war…
-
Politics
Iran: “We Have No Reason to Think” the Mecca Defense Pact Targets US
Iranian FM spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei says Tehran does not believe the new pact involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey is aimed at Iran. He argued that the participating states are Muslim countries and said regional governments have concluded that the United States’
-
Africa & World
Chivayo’s huge reward for police after robbers jailed
Businessman Wicknell Chivayo has proposed a multimillion-dollar package of vehicles, tactical equipment and smartphones to reward police officers who investigated the armed robbery at his in-laws’ farm. Chivayo says he has formally written to the authorities seeking approval to donate 10 bulletproof, brand-new 2026 Toyota
-
Africa & World
‘They Were Gifts’: Kelsea Tafirenyika’s $9m Wealth Defence
Kelsea Tadiwa Tafirenyika has stunned a Harare court with a sensational explanation for her multimillion-dollar lifestyle — claiming the luxury properties, supercars and other assets worth more than US$9 million were gifts from her husband, Collins Mnangagwa, the President’s son. The extraordinary claim emerged during
-
Politics
China Plans 10% Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S.
BREAKING: China Plans 10% Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. China is reportedly preparing to impose 10% retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, escalating trade tensions between Beijing and Washington. The move would mark a further deterioration in U.S.-China economic relations, with Beijing signaling that it is prepared…
-
Politics
U.S. Warns Shipping Firms Over Cooperation With Iranian Entities in Strait of Hormuz
U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued a stern warning to shipping companies and maritime operators, cautioning that they could face sanctions or penalties for responding to information-sharing requests from Iranian organizations operating in the Strait of
-
Politics
U.S. Lifts Syria Sanctions, Signaling New Era in Relations
United States has formally lifted decades-old restrictions on Syria after removing the country from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, marking a major shift in Washington’s policy toward Damascus. Syria’s new President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, praised President Donald Trump’s decision, calling it a genuine act
-
Politics
Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant Warns Turkey Could Become Israel’s Next Major Challenge
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has warned that Turkey could emerge as the next major regional power to challenge Israel if Iran’s influence weakens. “You have to understand that if Iran becomes weaker, a power vacuum will emerge in the
-
Politics
Britain Authorizes Release of Classified SCALP Missile Data to Ukraine
Britain has authorized European missile manufacturer MBDA to release classified information on British-made components used in the SCALP long-range cruise missile. Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected to announce the decision during his visit to Kyiv, with the transfer intended to help France and Ukraine
-
Politics
Ukraine Reportedly Targets Russia’s Plesetsk Cosmodrome for the First Time
Drones reportedly reached Russia’s Arkhangelsk region for the first time, where the Plesetsk military cosmodrome is located, nearly 1,900 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. According to Russian and Ukrainian media reports, the attack allegedly targeted “strategic facilities.” Plesetsk is used to launch military satellites
-
Politics
Canada to Build Six Icebreakers at Cost of $8 Billion
Canada will build six icebreaking vessels over the next five years, with the project expected to cost approximately $8 billion, Prime Minister Mark Carney said. The move could strengthen Canada’s ability to operate in the Arctic and expand access to northern maritime routes. Analysis: Canada
-
Politics
ANALYSIS: Why Iran May Not “Kneel” Under Renewed U.S. Economic Pressure
Those expecting Iran to surrender under renewed U.S. economic pressure may be underestimating Tehran’s resilience. Washington’s economic campaign against Iran is not new; sanctions and pressure have been a central part of U.S.-Iran relations for decades and intensified significantly under President Donald Trump.
-
Politics
If Zambians hated Tongas, HH would not be in office today – Linda Kasonde
If Zambians hated Tongas, HH would not be in office today – Linda … after ‘Bally Wannabe’s’ tweet that KK forced Kapwepwe to resign because of sidelining mainly Tongas Lawyer Linda Kasonde says President Hakainde Hichilema would not be President today if Zambians hated Tongas…
-
Politics
At What Point Did Mundubile Lead Hichilema to Claim Rigging?
We are wondering whether we are in the same Zambia or a different one, because what exactly are we missing? During the announcement of the General Election results, at what point did Brian Mundubile lead Hakainde Hichilema in terms of numbers for him to claim
-
Politics
WHO Has been Stopped from Filing the Presidential Petition?
Zambians, it is high time we understand the legal procedures surrounding presidential election petitions so that the public is not misled by claims that could unnecessarily create panic and tension in the country. We are concerned that even some legal practitioners and civil society organisations…
-
Politics
Civilian Indiscipline: Take Your Politics Away from the Uniform- Saviour Chishimba
CIVILIAN INDISCIPLINE: TAKE YOUR POLITICS AWAY FROM THE UNIFORM There is a form of indiscipline developing in our politics which Zambia must confront. I call it civilian indiscipline. It is the growing tendency among politicians to speak contemptuously about professional men and women in uniform…
-
Politics
Benjamin Yoram “BY” Mwila: When Business Met Politics
Benjamin Yoram “BY” Mwila: When Business Met Politics. Away from the Tonga culture, let me bring you another interesting Zambian figure—Benjamin Yoram Mwila, popularly known as BY—a man who was both a successful businessman and an active player in politics. BY was…
-
Africa & World
Former DRC President Joseph Kabila Challenges US Sanctions in Washington Court
Former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila is taking the United States to court, seeking to have his name removed from the Treasury Department’s blacklist. Kabila, who led the DRC from 2001 to 2019, filed a lawsuit in a Washington federal court arguing
-
Crime & Courts
When the Last Line of Defense Falls , the Republic Falls.
By Thompson K Luzendi WHEN THE LAST LINE OF DEFENSE FALLS , THE REPUBLIC FALLS. With a heavy heart, and tears in my eyes, I write these words. Today, we witnessed something that should trouble every citizen who believes in the idea of a republic…
