Zimbabwe cabinet lineup dents hopes of change

The coronavirus outbreak has hit small businesses in Zimbabwe that import tech and clothing from China. As Privilege Musvanhiri reports from Harare, business owners say they are struggling to get supplies.

Cyclone Idai hit Zimbabwe a year ago.

On tonight's programme, Zimbabwe follows neighbouring South Africa and imposes a 21-day lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus. We talk to our correspondent about the implications it will have on people in precarious conditions. Nigeria will also be putting its citizens in confinement. We bring you a report on how the country is handling the situation. Finally, our correspondents show you how tech-savvy Tunisians are using their creativity to help reduce covid-19 contamination.

Zimbabwe's health system is being stretched even further by malaria outbreaks that have killed at least 131 people. Also, Burkina Faso and Ghana have started to ease coronavirus lockdown measures but the number of cases continue to rise in both countries and there are fears that the changes have come too early. And finally, in Gabon, masks are now compulsory but the majority of poeple still lack equipment and are struggling economically.

A Zimbabwean woman leads a team of volunteers to feed her community during the COVID-19 lockdown as the majority of bread winners earn their living in the informal sector.

On this edition, new developments have emerged regarding the arrest of three female opposition figures in Zimbabwe. The three MDC members were found on the side of the road after being beaten and sexually assaulted. Our correspondent has the details. Also, truck drivers have been found to be super-spreaders of coronavirus in Africa. Kenyan authorities are mass testing truckers crossing the border. Finally, we look at how the lockdown in Morocco is increasing tensions between the Berber villagers and nomadic herders.

In this edition, Zimbabwe police arrested five opposition officials in tensions on Friday. They were gathered at their party's headquarters after it was forcibly occupied by a rival faction. Also, South Africa has launched a 'Black Friday' campaign in response to the death of George Floyd in the United States. And the families of the twelve Burkinabés who died in police custody on the night of May 11th demand answers. Our correspondent has more on the investigation.

Zimbabwe police have arrested five senior opposition MDC officials amid tensions. The officials were gathered at their party's headquarters after it was forcibly occupied by a rival faction – our correspondent tells us more. Also, South Africa has launched a "Black Friday" campaign in response to the death of George Floyd in the United States. And the families of twelve Burkinabés who died in police custody on the night of May 11 demand answers. Our correspondent reports on the investigation.

It promised reform but Zimbabwe's government has failed to calm international worries over corruption and human rights, while millions face poverty and a dire economy. Foreign Minister Sibusiso Moyo was on Conflict Zone.

A fierce critic of Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been arrested and charged with inciting violence. Journalist Hopewell Chin'ono is accused of encouraging attendance at an anti-government protest. Also, despite the documented abuses at some Islamic schools in parts of Nigeria, some poorer parents say they don't want the institutions to close, as they are often the only schools available. Plus, we visit a disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration camp in Cameroon where former secessionist fighters are trying to prepare themselves for civilian life.

Seven out of eight babies are delivered stillborn in a single night at a Zimbabwean hospital. Maternity staff say that things have become increasingly dire in the country as healthcare is impacted by an ongoing nurses' strike. Also, the UN refugee agency urges African nations to protect migrants travelling within their borders, as a new UN report warns that migrants face violence by African officials. And as Muslims around the world prepare to celebrate Eid-al-Adha, festivities in Morocco are muted in light of extra coronavirus precautions.

Hundreds of military troops and police clamped down on an anti-government protest this Friday. Scores were arrested. The planned demonstration was against corruption and economic hardship amid skyrocketing inflation. President Emmerson Mnangagwa's critics say his government is increasingly resorting to the authoritarian tactics of the Robert Mugabe era. We speak to our correspondent in Harare.