Topic: Movement for Democratic Change

All Content

Africa Monitor As Zimbabwe election approaches, West softens its condemnation

In July, Zimbabweans will vote in another election likely to be rigged by the ruling party. But President Robert Mugabe's small reforms have eased pressure from the West.
Africa Monitor Will Zimbabwe's Morgan Tsvangirai be Africa's next fallen hero?

The 'heroic' leaders who follow notorious African dictators to power frequently fall from grace themselves. If Morgan Tsvangirai replaces Robert Mugabe as president of Zimbabwe, will he be next?
Mugabe sets elections for March, but will Zimbabwe be ready?

The elections would include both presidential and legislative contests. But critics say that too many political issues remain unresolved for elections to be fairly held in March.
Global News Blog Why Zimbabwe's President Mugabe was named UN 'tourism envoy'

Zimbabwe's President Mugabe, who signed an agreement to co-host a UN tourism conference, now has an honorary position as envoy, despite a long record of human rights abuses.
Will a new constitution make Zimbabwe more democratic?

A draft constitution, released this week, proposes term limits for presidents, as well as a commission to study past crimes against humanity.
Zimbabwe activists sentenced for watching Arab Spring video

Found guilty for conspiracy to commit violence, six Zimbabwe activists are given fines and community service. Opposition members see beginning of crackdown ahead of elections.
Zambia gets its first white vice president since independence in 1964

The decision by Zambian President Michael Sata to appoint a white Zambian politician, Guy Scott, sends reassuring signals to Zambians that their country has moved beyond post-colonial anger.
10/07/2011 12:49 pm
Zimbabwe threatens to shut down newspapers over WikiLeaks

Papers like the Daily News that ran excerpts of US diplomatic cables leaked by the whistleblower website WikiLeaks could be shut down, Zimbabwe's information minister Webster Shamu said Tuesday.
09/13/2011 12:07 pm
Zimbabwe police arrest, then release, top leaders

Police arrested Zimbabwe's Minister of Industry and Commerce Welshman Ncube and at least 20 other senior members of the smallest of the three parties within the ruling coalition Sunday. They were released hours later.
07/10/2011 06:44 pm
Africa Monitor Zimbabwe treason suspects released on bail

The last six of 45 Zimbabwean detainees arrested last month for watching a video about the Egypt and Tunisia uprisings were released on bail today.
03/17/2011 05:27 pm
Zimbabwe's Mugabe tightens grip to prevent Mubarak-style sendoff

President Robert Mugabe's security forces have arrested democracy activists for watching videos of the Tunisian revolt and have also detained members of the opposition party.
03/02/2011 12:58 pm
Zimbabwe police detain activists for watching video of North African revolts

The incident in Zimbabwe is part of a larger crackdown south of the Sahara on pro-democracy activists, many of whom have been inspired by Tunisia and Egypt.
03/01/2011 10:57 am
Robert Mugabe clamps down further in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe is warily eyeing the recent uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt. Some analysts say those are prompting him to speed up elections and intensify an intimidation campaign against the opposition.
01/27/2011 05:41 pm
Mounting friction between Mugabe, Tsvangirai threaten Zimbabwe's government

Prime Minister Tsvangirai could pull out, leading to early elections that would favor President Mugabe, whose far-reaching powers haven't yet been curbed by promised constitutional reform.
11/19/2010 08:30 am
Looking for John

On her first trip to a Zimbabwe in turmoil, this taxi driver had made her feel safe.
11/17/2010 01:53 pm
Africa Monitor Botswana president wants Zimbabwe sanctions lifted

Lifting sanctions on Zimbabwe would encourage further reform, says Botswana President Khama, formerly a vocal critic of Zimbabwe President Mugabe.
10/08/2010 11:27 am
Africa Monitor How a pair of North Korean-built statues reopened ethnic wounds in Zimbabwe

After the Zimbabwe government paid North Korean sculptors $600,000 for two monuments honoring a Zimbabwe freedom fighter, fierce criticism led to their dismantlement.
10/01/2010 03:22 pm
Africa Monitor Zimbabwe President Mugabe dismisses rumors of poor health

Mugabe rejected accusations that he is in poor health in an interview last week, but a lack of public appearances fueled further speculation that he is ill and may not be in power much longer.
09/15/2010 12:15 pm
Africa Monitor Zimbabwe Youth League urges South Africa to grab mines, land from white farmers

Youth League leaders from Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's ruling ZANU-PF party urged their counterparts in South Africa's ruling party to seize land and mines from minority white farmers to 'correct past imbalances.'
08/26/2010 03:55 pm
Opinion Sanctions aren’t always the answer: Robert Mugabe is using them to his advantage

Sanctions on Zimbabwe have become more of a helpful tool for Mugabe and his ZANU-PF party than a hindrance. And if this once-bountiful country is to turn a corner, the West should seriously consider suspending them.
06/16/2010 12:02 pm
A Shona name for a white child in a tense Zimbabwe

They gave their son, born in Zimbabwe, a Shona name to honor the country and culture and were honored in return.
05/26/2010 04:48 pm
Roy Bennett acquittal shows independence of Zimbabwe judiciary

A judgment that cleared Roy Bennett of terrorism and theft charges Monday signals a new autonomy in Zimbabwe's judicial system. But it does 't mean that President Robert Mugabe is ready to accept Bennett in his government.
05/10/2010 03:18 pm
Will terrorism acquittal of MDC's Roy Bennett salvage Zimbabwe unity government?

Roy Bennett, a white commercial farmer and top figure in the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), was acquitted Monday of terrorism charges. He's offered to lower his profile, but can that boost prospects of Zimbabwe's unity government?
05/10/2010 01:10 pm
After Ahmadinejad visit, Zimbabwe now set to host North Korea World Cup team

Days after Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stopped by, Robert Mugabe's regime in Zimbabwe gets ready to host North Korea's soccer team in the run-up to the World Cup.
04/25/2010 03:47 pm
The Monitor's View Signs of hope in Zimbabwe

The unity government that joined strongman Robert Mugabe with democrat Morgan Tsvangirai a year ago has lasted longer and accomplished more than many people expected. But it's in trouble, and needs a push from neighbor South Africa.
02/15/2010 03:00 am