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- Ronaldo Sets Record in Saudi Pro League Season Finale
Ronaldo Sets Record in Saudi Pro League Season Finale Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe May 28, 2024 Cristiano Ronaldo in a celebratory run Cristiano Ronaldo concluded the Saudi Pro League season by breaking the single-season goal-scoring record on Monday. In a thrilling match, Ronaldo netted twice to help Al-Nassr secure a 4-2 victory over Al-Ittihad, lifting his league tally to 35 goals, surpassing Abderrazak Hamdallah's 2019 record. Match Highlights Ronaldo's first goal came in the dying moments of the first half when he chested down a long pass from Mohammed Al-Fatil and fired a low shot from the left side of the area. Despite having two previous goals ruled out for offside, he remained undeterred. With 21 minutes left on the clock, Ronaldo scored his second by heading in a corner from Marcelo Brozovic, sparking wild celebrations. He was substituted five minutes later to a standing ovation from the home crowd. A Stellar Season This season has been eventful for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, who recorded four hat tricks and received one red card. He also faced suspension in February for making an obscene gesture at Al-Shabab fans chanting Lionel Messi's name, his longtime rival. Despite Ronaldo's heroics, Al-Nassr finished second in the league, trailing 14 points behind champions Al-Hilal. Al-Hilal clinched the title two weeks ago and completed the 34-round season unbeaten, even without Neymar, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury in October. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024
- Kenyan Fintech Pioneer Edward Ndichu in Strategic Dialogue with Google
Kenyan Fintech Pioneer Edward Ndichu in Strategic Dialogue with Google Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Mar 2, 2024 Lady on left Sandra Guazzotti Head of Google Cloud and Ndichu Edward Kenyan tech genius Edward Ndichu, Co-Founder of Wapi Pay, recently engaged in a pivotal discussion with Google Cloud's head, Sandra Guazzotti, highlighting a significant moment in tech entrepreneurship and fintech innovation. During this insightful exchange, shared on Guazzotti's LinkedIn, the focus was on the entrepreneurial spirit driving technological advancements and the impactful journey of Wapi Pay, a fintech firm with roots in Kenya, Uganda, and Singapore. Guazzotti praised Ndichu for his leadership in steering conversations around tech transformation, stating, "One of the best outcomes of my time at MIT has been the chance to connect with exceptional individuals like Edward Ndichu. Our conversation spanned entrepreneurship, the strides Wapi Pay PTE LTD is making, and valuable advice for business leaders. Eddie's vision and drive are truly inspiring." Reflecting on the encounter, Ndichu expressed his gratitude and the honor of discussing his entrepreneurial path with such a renowned tech figure, both alumni of the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "Engaging with Sandra Guazzotti, a luminary in the tech world , was incredibly humbling. Her profound insights and vast experience have been immensely enlightening," he remarked. Ndichu's takeaway message for aspiring entrepreneurs is one of resilience and self-belief: "You must have unwavering faith in yourself and your vision. Keep the focus, ignore the distractions, and persist in your efforts." Wapi Pay, with operations spanning across Africa and facilitating seamless financial transactions between Africa and Asia, stands at the forefront of fintech innovation , championing ease of business and connectivity in the digital age. This meeting underscores the dynamic interplay between seasoned tech leaders and emerging entrepreneurs, driving forward the agenda of technological evolution and global fintech solutions. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024
- Breakdancing Transforms Lives in Rio de Janeiro Ahead of Paris 2024 Olympics Debut
Breakdancing Transforms Lives in Rio de Janeiro Ahead of Paris 2024 Olympics Debut Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Prince Jean Jun 19, 2024 Breakdancing is set to make its official Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 games, already transforming the lives of dancers in Rio de Janeiro Since 2010, the Flow021 crew has been a vibrant presence in Rio Comprido, a neighborhood encircled by favelas like Morro do Turano. From their inception, social projects have been a cornerstone of their mission. In exchange for practice space in local schools, Flow021 offers free breakdancing lessons to children in the community. Gabriel Barreto, known professionally as “Stal” and one of the founders of Flow021, reflects on their impact: “We had the opportunity to be a reference for young people who came and to guide them so that they could follow a better path in their lives.” Breakdancing, or breaking, originated in the 1970s in the Bronx, New York, and is deeply rooted in hip-hop culture. Known for its acrobatic movements and stylized footwork, breakdancing's rhythm is driven by a DJ and a master of ceremonies during battles. Despite its rich cultural heritage, breakdancing, like many symbols of Black culture, has often been marginalized by mainstream performing arts. However, its inclusion as an Olympic sport has significantly elevated its status. “We now have access to people who didn't give us access, to companies that didn't look at us. We're even starting to attract the attention of public authorities to our dance and our culture in general,” Barreto stated. Flow021 has organized numerous breakdancing events, promoting the sport not only in Rio but across Brazil, attracting athletes from other states and internationally. With the rising interest in breakdancing among children, Barreto finds the greatest reward in meeting former trainees who have gone on to academic or professional success, knowing that Flow021 played a small part in their journeys. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024
- Ukraine and Kenya plan 'grain center'
Ukraine and Kenya plan 'grain center' Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Dallas Hughes Sep 23, 2023 Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (L) holding a conversation with Kenya's President William Ruto prior to the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, US on September 19, 2023. PHOTO | PCS Ukraine has said it will set up "grain center points" in Kenya and different pieces of Africa to handle food weakness. President Volodymyr Zelensky's office reported the arrangement, without giving many subtleties, after he met his Kenyan and South African partners in New York. Ukraine is a significant provider of grain to Africa. In July, Russia's withdrawal from a plan that permitted the commodity of food from Ukraine raised worries about deficiencies on the landmass. Worldwide grain costs have ascended since Russia's attack of Ukraine in February last year. At the point when President Zelensky talked at the UN General Gathering on Tuesday, he blamed Russia for weaponising everything from food to energy. While in New York, he met Kenya's Leader William Ruto and South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa. In his proclamation about the gathering, Mr Ruto said that the Ukrainian president had focused on laying out a "grain center" in Kenya's beach front city of Mombasa to assist with tending to food deficiencies in East Africa. Yet, he gave no more insights concerning what this would involve, or how the grain would arrive. Kenya has been one of Africa's most noticeable allies of Ukraine following Russia's intrusion. South Africa, then again, has kept a more impartial position. In June, President Ramaphosa drove an African harmony mission to both Ukraine and Russia. Mr Ramaphosa said that he and the Ukrainian president had examined "the way forward on the harmony drive". They likewise discussed the recovery of the grain bargain, which had seen the commodity of Ukrainian food through the Dark Ocean. Mr Zelensky told Mr Ramaphosa that Ukraine was attempting to track down elective courses to supply grain to Africa. A few boats with grain have currently effectively gone through these courses notwithstanding the tough spot," Mr Zelensky said. Russia's withdrawal from the grain plot keeps Ukraine from utilizing the Dark Ocean channel to move food and different commodities to Africa and different districts. Russia's Leader Vladimir Putin declined to reestablish the plan after its expiry in July this year. He said that Russia would possibly restore the arrangement assuming Western nations consented to specific circumstances, which incorporate lifting the monetary authorizations put on his country. In July, Russia offered free grain to six African nations: Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, the Focal African Republic and Eritrea. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024
- Disarray in Congo's Armed Forces Amid Rising Conflict with M23 Rebels
Disarray in Congo's Armed Forces Amid Rising Conflict with M23 Rebels Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Ayize claire Jul 4, 2024 Military officers attend a court martial in Goma, DRC, where eight officers were sentenced to death for cowardice and other crimes amid ongoing conflicts with M23 rebels. In a dramatic turn of events, soldiers from the Democratic Republic of Congo's 223rd Battalion were dispatched to the verdant hills near Lake Kivu to thwart a rebel advance threatening Goma. This city, the largest in the mineral-rich east, houses 2 million people. However, last December, as the M23 movement advanced, the battalion's commander fabricated a medical note to return to Goma. In his absence, his troops deserted without a fight, according to military prosecutors at his court martial. In May, eight officers were sentenced to death for cowardice and other crimes, highlighting the disarray within Congo's armed forces as they struggle against a two-year uprising in the eastern borderlands with Rwanda. The officers are appealing their convictions. The conflict in North Kivu province has displaced over 1.7 million people, pushing Congo's total displaced population to a record 7.2 million, according to U.N. estimates. President Felix Tshisekedi accuses Rwanda of backing M23, a group formed to defend the interests of Congolese Tutsis. He has threatened war against Rwanda, raising fears of a broader conflict in Africa's Great Lakes region, reminiscent of the wars between 1996 and 2003 that claimed millions of lives. A U.N. Security Council-appointed group of experts claims to have "solid evidence" of Rwandan soldiers fighting alongside the rebels, supported by drone footage and photographs. Rwanda has deployed over 3,000 troops in North Kivu, surpassing M23's own fighters, according to U.N. sources. This support has been crucial to the rebels' rapid gains. Reuters spoke to senior members of Congo's armed forces and Western diplomats, who pointed to internal mismanagement, inexperienced troops, and over-reliance on proxy forces as major factors in M23's successes. Despite increased defense spending and support from regional allies, Congo's military remains plagued by internal divisions, inadequate resources, poor logistics, and widespread corruption. Colonel deployed against M23, who was not authorized to speak to journalists, lamented the lack of clear command and field presence of leaders. The Congolese government and army did not respond to requests for comment. Army spokesperson Sylvain Ekenge attributed the difficulties to Rwanda's direct involvement but mentioned ongoing military reforms, including the recruitment of 41,000 soldiers and new weapons acquisitions. Rwanda has consistently denied supporting M23, with government spokesperson Yolande Makolo stating that the DRC has the power to deescalate the situation but has chosen not to. Rwanda accuses Congo of collaborating with the Hutu rebel group FDLR, which has targeted Tutsis in both countries. Despite Congo's military's November statement to arrest any soldiers cooperating with FDLR, some collaboration persists, according to U.N. sources and a Congolese officer. Both M23 and FDLR deny collaborating with either government. M23 spokesperson Willy Ngoma noted that some rebels speak Kinyarwanda, Rwanda's main language, leading to mistaken identities. FDLR spokesperson Cure Ngoma accused Rwanda and M23 of using accusations of collaboration as a pretext for invasion, asserting that both sides are merely defending themselves. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024
- Controversy Erupts Over $100 Million DRC-Tanzania-Zambia Project
Controversy Erupts Over $100 Million DRC-Tanzania-Zambia Project Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Mbeki edmond May 20, 2024 President Hakainde Hichilema joined President Antoine Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to inaugurate the Kasomeno-Kasenga-Chalwe-Kabila-Mwenda Road Controversy surrounds a $100 million project linking the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Tanzania, and Zambia after the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) allegedly fired an analyst last August for raising concerns. The analyst warned that the project could displace nearly 10,000 people in the DRC, violating DFC’s policy against funding projects that displace over 5,000 people. Despite refusing to approve the project, the analyst was dismissed, according to the investigative firm Project on Government Oversight (Pogo). The project aims to connect cobalt mines in the Congo to the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. However, this dismissal is among several recent instances of alleged reprisals at the DFC. In December, Congress urged DFC to investigate and address these allegations, emphasizing the importance of respecting employees' rights. Emmanuel Umpula, executive director of African Resources Watch , expressed disbelief over the firing and stressed the need for development that minimizes adverse impacts on local communities. The DFC, which partners with the private sector to finance critical projects in developing countries, is now under scrutiny for balancing development goals with ethical considerations. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024
- Aliko Dangote, Ventures into Oil trading arm potentially headquartered in London.
Aliko Dangote, Ventures into Oil trading arm potentially headquartered in London. Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Mar 7, 2024 Aliko Dangote's Visionary Leap into Global Oil Trading In a groundbreaking move, Africa's wealthiest individual, Aliko Dangote, is reportedly setting the stage for a novel oil trading division, potentially based in London, to support his forthcoming refinery project in Nigeria, according to individuals familiar with the matter. This strategic initiative is set to challenge the conventional interactions with leading global traders who have been involved in lengthy negotiations, offering financial and crude oil support to Dangote's refinery in exchange for access to its products. The anticipation is growing among traders as Dangote's massive 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery is expected to significantly impact the global oil and fuel markets. Sources indicate that Dangote is inclined towards a more autonomous approach, with plans to appoint Radha Mohan, a former Essar trading expert, to lead this new venture, as his recent role as director of international supply and trading at Dangote Group since 2021 suggests. The team is actively seeking to expand by recruiting skilled traders. Despite the refinery's construction phase, which lasted nearly a decade and exceeded the budget by $6 billion, totaling $20 billion, the facility has started operations, processing about 8 million barrels in its first two months. However, reaching its full operational capacity is expected to take additional time. To facilitate the refinery's crude oil acquisition, it's reported that Vitol has made upfront payments for certain product shipments, while Trafigura has engaged in crude oil swaps for future fuel cargoes. Both Vitol and Trafigura, based in Geneva, have remained silent on the matter. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024
- DRC faces risk of violence and crisis as elections loom: ICG Report
DRC faces risk of violence and crisis as elections loom: ICG Report Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Joel Arnold Nov 1, 2023 The International Crisis Group (ICG) has warned that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is at risk of descending into violence and national crisis as it approaches the December elections. The ICG report states that a badly-run election, coupled with violence that excludes many citizens from voting, could hinder the DRC’s progress towards a more democratic future and economic stability. The report highlights challenges to smooth elections, including rising political tensions, logistical challenges, and transparency issues with the National Independent Electoral Commission. Additionally, fighting between government forces and insurgents in North Kivu and insecurity elsewhere pose risks. The enforcement of martial law in two eastern provinces, suppression of protests, and the potential for security forces to commit abuses during election campaigning are other concerns. The ICG also warns of clashes between party supporters, increased attacks by armed groups, and violent disputes at polling stations. The report notes deteriorating security in parts of the country and a failure of the mineral boom to improve people’s lives. However, President Félix Tshisekedi has bolstered his position by adding political heavyweights to his coalition. While the last elections in 2018 marked a peaceful transition of power with Tshisekedi taking office, the ICG calls upon the international community to encourage the government and opposition to find compromises on contentious issues and stand ready to mediate if election results are contested, particularly influential African powers in Kinshasa and Western actors. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024
- Gunmen Kidnap Nine Students in Kogi, Nigeria Amid Rising Insecurity
Gunmen Kidnap Nine Students in Kogi, Nigeria Amid Rising Insecurity Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe May 12, 2024 Residents are fleeing Boko Haram attacks and seeking refuge in Bosso, Niger. Kogi, Nigeria - In a disturbing development, at least nine students were forcibly taken from their classrooms by armed assailants at the Confluence University of Science and Technology in Kogi, Northern Nigeria. The incident, which occurred late Thursday night, has heightened fears as the nation struggles with ongoing insecurity issues. The Kogi State Government, via Information Commissioner Kingsley Femi Fanwo, confirmed the kidnappings on Friday. He detailed that the students were in the midst of their studies when the gunmen launched their attack. A collaborative search and rescue operation involving local security forces and hunters familiar with the terrain is currently in progress. This alarming event is part of a broader pattern of kidnappings by criminal gangs in Northern Nigeria. These groups, often heavily armed and lacking any ideological motives, frequently target villagers, students, and motorists to demand ransoms. Despite efforts, security forces have struggled to curb these violent acts. The tactic of kidnapping school students was notoriously pioneered by the jihadist group Boko Haram, which famously abducted over 200 girls from a school in Chibok, Borno State, nearly a decade ago. This method has since been adopted by various criminal factions across the region, exacerbating the security crisis. The community is on high alert, and authorities are urging citizens to report any suspicious activities and cooperate with law enforcement agencies. Educational institutions across Kogi State are being advised to enhance security measures to safeguard students and staff. The recurring kidnappings have drawn international concern, calling for more effective interventions to protect vulnerable populations, especially in educational settings. The Nigerian government faces increasing pressure to address these security challenges and ensure the safety of its citizens. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024
- Ethiopia Embarks on Nile Basin Reforestation Under Green Legacy Initiative
Ethiopia Embarks on Nile Basin Reforestation Under Green Legacy Initiative Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Mar 9, 2024 Ethiopia Advances Green Legacy Initiative with Massive Nile Basin Reforestation Plan Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - In a significant stride towards environmental conservation, Ethiopia's Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) has announced an ambitious plan to plant 6.5 billion saplings during the upcoming rainy season. This initiative forms a part of the country's broader Green Legacy Initiative aimed at bolstering the ecological integrity of the Nile Basin and supporting sustainable development. Fanosie Mekonnen, MoA's Lead Executive Officer for Natural Resources Protection and Usage , revealed in a conversation with the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA) that a considerable focus of this year's reforestation efforts would be directed towards the Nile Basin. Specifically, 25 percent of the forestry seedlings, constituting a mix of 60 percent agroforestry and 40 percent forestry trees, are earmarked for this critical watershed area. The initiative is not only about planting trees but also about safeguarding crucial national assets like the Abbay Dam from sedimentation threats. By reinforcing natural resource management and conservation within the Nile Basin, Ethiopia is taking proactive steps to maintain the dam's longevity and functionality. Collaboration is at the heart of this endeavor, with Fanosie highlighting the collective efforts of state leaders and the general public in driving the Green Legacy Initiative forward. The nationwide commitment is evident in the participation in basin development and green legacy activities, demonstrating a unified approach to environmental stewardship. Looking back at the journey of the Green Legacy Initiative, Ethiopia has made commendable progress, with over 32.5 billion seedlings planted across the nation in the last five years. The ambitious goal to plant 50 billion seedlings in the initiative's first and second phases underscores Ethiopia's dedication to environmental conservation and climate action. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024
- Nigeria's $3.3 Billion Steel Import Revolution
Nigeria's $3.3 Billion Steel Import Revolution Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Mar 1, 2024 Empowering Nigeria's Future: The Heartbeat of Industrial Progress Nigeria's heavy reliance on steel imports, costing the nation approximately $3.3 billion annually, highlights a significant economic challenge and an opportunity for industrial advancement. Despite possessing the 12th largest steel deposits globally , with over three billion tonnes across states like Kogi, Enugu, Zamfara, and Kaduna, the country has yet to harness this potential fully. The situation is further exacerbated by inefficiencies and alleged corruption within key steel companies such as Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO). In a promising development, efforts are underway to reverse this trend and foster domestic steel production. A notable initiative is the establishment of a fully integrated mining and steel processing plant by African Natural Resources and Mines Limited, a subsidiary of the African Industries Group, in Gujeni village, Kaduna. This plant, with a mining capacity exceeding five million tonnes per annum, is poised to enhance Nigeria's standing in the global steel market , promoting economic growth and job creation. This strategic move is expected not only to reduce dependency on imports but also to position Nigeria as a significant player in the international steel industry. The focus on steel production aligns with broader efforts to revitalize Nigeria's mining and steel sectors, as evidenced by recent agreements aimed at resolving long-standing disputes and unlocking the potential of key assets like the Ajaokuta Steel Company. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024
- Zambia's Ex-First Lady Esther Lungu Arrested on Fraud Charges
Zambia's Ex-First Lady Esther Lungu Arrested on Fraud Charges Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Ayize claire Jun 1, 2024 Zambia's former First Lady, Esther Lungu and Edgar Lungu Former president of Zambia Zambia's former First Lady, Esther Lungu, and her daughter, Chiyeso Katete, have been arrested on charges related to the possession of properties suspected to be proceeds of crime. The arrests took place on Thursday in Lusaka, along with a relative, Charles Phiri, according to authorities. The state anti-drug agency reported that Ms. Lungu could not provide a reasonable explanation for acquiring a $1.5 million estate in the capital. Former President Edgar Lungu announced that the family intends to challenge the charges in court, claiming that the government is politically victimizing them to prevent his return to politics ahead of the 2026 elections. He also previously alleged that he was placed under house arrest due to his political activities, a claim the government denies. Ms. Lungu, 66, was arrested for allegedly fraudulently acquiring a luxurious property in Lusaka's State Lodge area, consisting of 15 white double-storey flats. The property, jointly owned with others, was reportedly acquired between 2015 and 2023. Her daughter faces additional charges for acquiring another estate in Lusaka and possessing a high-cost house, four chicken runs, and related works. After questioning, the accused were released on bond. Another daughter, Tasila Lungu, is also facing related charges and has been summoned to appear at the Drug Enforcement Commission on Monday. Former President Lungu, who retired from politics after losing the presidency in 2021, announced a political comeback last October, resulting in the withdrawal of his retirement benefits. His tenure left Zambia with significant debt and a struggling economy. President Hakainde Hichilema's administration has since intensified an anti-corruption campaign, targeting former officials and Mr. Lungu’s family members to recover allegedly looted resources. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024