Topic: Southern Africa

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Africa Monitor
South Africa's report card on democracy gets worse

South Africa ranks fifth for governance in Africa, but its scores have consistently declined over the past five years, with diminished press freedoms and rule of law, writes guest blogger Karl Beck.
Change Agent
Five trees you’ve never heard of that are helping to feed Africa

Trees such as black plum, marula, and dika provide fruits, leaves, and nuts that have nourished Africans for centuries.
Africa Monitor
Zimbabwe and Mugabe top the agenda at southern Africa summit

The Southern African Development Community will not call on Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe to cede power. But by insisting on fair elections, it may push Mugabe into a corner nonetheless.
In Swaziland, heavy crackdown beats back Egypt-inspired protests

Three days of protests took Swaziland – Africa's last absolute monarch – by surprise. Police and the Army fired tear gas and water cannons to control 1,000 protesting teachers and students.
Invoking Libya, African leaders call for more UN action in Ivory Coast

West African leaders called on the UN to take "all necessary action" to protect Ivorian civilians caught in a political standoff that has turned violent, but some others insist on an "African solution."
Africa Monitor
Ivory Coast police fire live rounds to disperse protest as African Union ponders mediation

Police loyal to Ivory Coast's renegade incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo today dispersed a rally led by supporters of President-elect Alassane Ouattara.
Hunger and food security: One way to create an African breadbasket

Foreign investment in a Zambian farming firm may be a business model for Africa's hunger and food security problems.
Editor's Blog
The Samaritan's dilemma: How best to help after a natural disaster?

Our humanity prompts us to rush assistance to victims after a disaster like the Haiti earthquake. But assistance can sometimes trigger a whole new set of problems.
Rhodesian Ridgeback gives birth to 17 puppies

A dog in Germany gives birth for the second time to 17 puppies – and all have survived, thanks to heroic efforts of dog's owner.
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.
Looking for John

On her first trip to a Zimbabwe in turmoil, this taxi driver had made her feel safe.
Coup attempt threatens Madagascar's uneasy path to democracy

Restoring democracy in Madagascar means parsing the motives of former presidents back from exile for upcoming elections – and learning how to build a stable government.
Global leadership: Voters launch a power surge of women

Brazil's President-elect Dilma Rousseff is the latest in a power surge of women in global leadership positions.
Difference Maker
Surviving floods, droughts, and poachers' bullets to save elephants

For four decades Iain Douglas-Hamilton has been an advocate for elephants, the endangered giants of Africa.
Almost orphans: Two children receive unexpected help

Yollanda and her teenage brother find a band of mothers in Zimbabwe quietly rallying to their aid.
Zimbabwe diamond ban: Will it work?

The US-based Rapaport Diamond Trading Network announced a Zimbabwe diamond ban Monday, but will it have the desired effect of preventing child labor and forced labor?
Room with no view, but perfect for an office

When the strongest cellphone signal is in the smallest room, a strawberry colored tub becomes a desktop.
Tornadoes in Wisconsin, Montana spur early warning system

The VORTEX-2 tornado research project completed last week aims to increase warning times and reduce false alarms.
Bharti Airtel takes on African cellphone market

Bharti Airtel, an Indian company, paid $9 billion for access to an African cellphone market serving 45 million. The world's last unsaturated market holds a potentially huge payoff.
No $5 million Mo Ibrahim prize: no honest African leaders?

This year, cellphone magnate Mo Ibrahim won't be giving a $5 million prize for good governance. Why not?
EU visit widens Zimbabwe split

A top ally of President Robert Mugabe said the European Union 'wants to undermine the inclusive government.' Meanwhile, the opposition party is considering pulling out of the fragile coalition.
African leaders embrace Mugabe at SADC summit

The group's soft approach to Zimbabwe's president disappoints many, but some say it may be more effective in engaging him.
Is Mugabe losing control of Zimbabwe?

Court documents show two ministers are defying President Robert Mugabe in a power struggle over control of a mining company.
Message to Zimbabwean prime minister: aid is linked to improved human rights

On visits to the US, Europe, and Scandinavia, Morgan Tsvangirai asks for more aid – and says progress is being made.
US and Europe allow 'banned' Zimbabwe officials to visit

Sanctions, human rights violations are waived, for now, so that Zimbabwe's power-sharing government can make some progress.