The Socialist Party said the People’s Pact remains an alternative framework if the Tonse Alliance fails to resolve ongoing leadership and organizational disputes. He said this ahead of Zambia’s 2026 elections. Party official Cosmas Musumali warned that prolonged infighting within opposition alliances risks weakening their credibility and voter confidence. He said the People’s Pact was designed as a cooperative, principle-based platform to prevent opposition fragmentation if instability persists.

Former Patriotic Front member Innocent Kalimanshi defected to the ruling UPND, saying more opposition members are likely to follow. Kalimanshi, previously involved in PF mobilization, apologized for misleading citizens during the PF’s time in government and urged youths to support President Hakainde Hichilema ahead of upcoming elections. The UPND also reported thousands of recent defections ahead of the Chawama by-election.

The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region held an extraordinary defense ministers’ meeting in Livingstone on January 10. The agenda was to address the escalating security and humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC. Defense ministers from all 12 member states were expected to coordinate a regional response, review ceasefire oversight mechanisms, and assess impacts on regional stability. Preparatory meetings of experts and defense chiefs preceded the talks.

Zambia’s Ministry of Health ordered a nationwide intensified food safety surveillance. The safety measure follows reports of a Nestlé NAN infant formula recall over possible toxin contamination. While authorities confirmed Zambia did not import the affected product, inspectors have been instructed to remove non-compliant foods and take legal action where necessary. The ministry said the measures aim to protect public health. The public are urged to report any suspect products.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) accused the Hakainde Hichilema administration of quietly moving toward a new IMF loan program without public consultation. Party leader Kasonde Mwenda warned that replacing the current IMF facility could deepen debt, intensify austerity, and undermine economic sovereignty. He criticized recent policy choices, including changes to mineral taxation, and urged Zambians to reject continued IMF dependence ahead of the 2026 elections.

A South Africa–based pressure group has urged the family of former Zambian president Edgar Lungu to withdraw a court case over his burial, warning that prolonged litigation could delay closure and deepen uncertainty. The group said cross-border legal proceedings risk overshadowing mourning and called for dialogue or mediation instead. The burial dispute remains before South African courts, with the family maintaining that judicial intervention is necessary.