Nurses in Zimbabwe now face jail if they strike

The former prime minister was hospitalized after developing high blood pressure as he spent his first night in prison after more than 15 years in exile.

As Zimbabweans head to the polls this Wednesday, we take a look at the dire economic straits the country finds itself in. Inflation has gone from the single digits in 2017 to 77 percent this month, the currency has crashed against the US dollar, and high unemployment has led many to emigrate. While incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa has played up improved infrastructure on the campaign trail, his opponent Nelson Chamisa detailed a plan that he says will build Zimbabwe into a $100 billion economy.

The profound disillusionment gripping Zimbabweans since the 2017 coup has left them questioning their fight for democracy. Experts say military juntas in West Africa may face the same challenge if they don't change.

Zimbabwe's opposition blasted a "fundamentally flawed" electoral process, saying that delays, intimidation and other irregularities meant the ballot was "unable to produce a free and fair electoral outcome."

Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa decried the Zimbabwe election as a case of "blatant" fraud, disputing the reported victory of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

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A high court in Democratic Republic of Congo has sentenced presidential candidate Jean-Marc Kabund to seven years in prison on 12 charges including spreading false rumors and insulting the head of state, his lawyer said on Wednesday.

The German and Ukrainian capitals marked their new partnership in Berlin, where Mayors Vitali Klitschko and Kai Wegner met at the Brandenburg Gate. "Together we are much stronger than alone," said Klitschko.

Detroit's Big Three automakers failed to reach a new labor agreement before their contract with employees represented by the United Auto Workers expired at midnight Thursday, triggering one of the largest strikes to hit the U.S. in years.

Negotiations between the Canadian Unifor union – representing 5,700 workers – and carmaker Ford have been extended for another 24 hours after a prior labour contract expired at midnight on Monday. A strike could be on the cards if a deal is not found by then. Meanwhile, the US's major auto industry union is picketing against Ford, GM and Stellantis. Also in this edition, the EU's digital chief raises concerns over Chinese data laws. Plus, olive oil prices reach record highs.

We look at why US President Joe Biden is under pressure to join Detroit autoworkers on the picket lines as Donald Trump looks to woo them. Canadian papers react to PM Justin Trudeau's explosive statement accusing Indian government operatives of assassinating a Sikh leader on Canadian soil. Also: French papers discuss the link between social media and a wave of recent teenage suicides in France. We finish with a look at whether or not theft can be considered art.

The United Auto Workers and the US's Big Three carmakers remain far apart in their negotiations as time is running out before the union plans to escalate its strike on Friday. Last week, workers walked off the job at three plants, each belonging to Ford, General Motors and Stellantis. Also in this edition, the US Federal Reserve leaves interest rates unchanged. Plus, Japanese conglomerate Toshiba could go private after being on the stock market for 74 years.