AfDB chief agrees to help struggling Zimbabwe resolve debt

AfDB chief agrees to help struggling Zimbabwe resolve debt

With Zimbabwe’s inflation rate running rampant, President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe completed a two-day round of talks on Tuesday that focused on the country’s debt-laden economy. Mnangagwa met with Akinwumi Adesina, head of the African Development Bank (AfDB), to discuss ways to resolve some US$13 billion in debt. “Zimbabwe did…

SADC puts Mozambique security assistance plan in motion

SADC puts Mozambique security assistance plan in motion

President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe signaled that regional military support for Mozambique may be on the way in its fight against Islamic State-aligned extremists in the Cabo Delgado region. Mnangagwa made the comment while talking with reporters following Thursday’s Southern African Development Community (SADC) meeting, called to elevate the urgency…

African leaders wish Trump well following COVID diagnosis

African leaders wish Trump well following COVID diagnosis

Ghanaian President Nana Akufo Addo was among the world leaders quick to send encouragement to United States President Donald Trump following the news that Trump and his wife, Melania, tested positive for the coronavirus. “My wife Rebecca and I send best wishes,” said Akufo Addo, who was exposed to the…

Zimbabweans mourn loss of activist, opposition leader

In Zimbabwe, friends and supporters of political activist Patson Dzamara are mourning the news that Dzamara has died while awaiting medical treatment. Dzamara, 34, was a human rights defender who opposed the ruling Zanu PF party and was active in calling for change during the end of former president Robert…

Zimbabwe charges 3 opposition activists amid human rights outcry

In Zimbabwe, three women activists with the opposition Movement for Democratic Change – Alliance party who were detained following protests two weeks ago are back in custody pending a final bail ruling on Thursday. The women, including MDC-Alliance MP Joanah Mamombe, above, were charged earlier this week in connection with…

Three opposition leaders missing amid Zimbabwe’s COVID crisis

In Zimbabwe, the international community joins local groups in their concern over the latest arrest of opposition leaders, this time three women including Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) MP Joanah Mamombe. Mamombe, along with MDC leaders Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marowa, has been missing since Wednesday after participating in protests…

Mugabe funeral held in Harare

A state funeral was held for former president Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe on Saturday, but the moment of honor in Harare was one of mixed messages and conflicting emotions. That’s been the case since Mugabe, the 95-year-old founder of the independent nation, died in a Singapore hospital on September 6….

Mugabe is gone. But Mugabe already was gone, and yet remains

Robert Mugabe has died, and Zimbabwe is planning a historic funeral to mark the passing of the man both honored and loathed by his nation. World leaders – from Nigeria and Kenya, Venezuela and the United States and China – responded to the news with their condolences. His Zanu PF…

Laureen Fagan

Laureen is the editor of Africa Times

Mnangagwa defends Zimbabwe currency decision

President Emmerson Mnangagwa said Tuesday that the country’s decision to return to a single Zimbabwean currency is part of a suite of decisions meant to stabilize the economy – but the abrupt decision to make other currencies illegal, effective immediately, has caught many off guard. Mnangagwa said the use of…

Ahead of EU review, the clash over Zimbabwe sanctions

South Africa has issued the latest appeal to the international community to lift longstanding sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe in order to alleviate pressures contributing to its economic and political crises. “Zimbabwe has been going through a challenging socioeconomic situation, which has inadvertently had an impact on South Africa. We have…

Zimbabwe national dialogue begins without Chamisa

President Emmerson Mnangagwa proudly kicked off a Zimbabwean national dialogue process on Wednesday, amid the country’s ongoing political and economic crisis – but opposition leader Nelson Chamisa was among those staying away. Mnangagwa said the dialogue launch marked the fulfillment of a pledge made at his inauguration to advance the…

Musician Mtukudzi laid to rest in Zimbabwe

Burial services were held Sunday in Zimbabwe for musician Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, whose legendary music was beloved across the world. The 66-year-old Mtukudzi, considered a cultural icon in Zimbabwe for his Afro-jazz style as well as his philanthropy and political activism, was laid to rest in his hometown of Madziwa….