Zimbabwe’s end of an era

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.

Zimbabwe President vows to 'flush out opponents'

Zimbabwe's main opposition party dismisses government claims that it is trying to smuggle weapons into the country. Also, rent control means thousands of people in Cairo pay only a few euros a year for large apartments. But with landlords making a pittance, many of the buildings have fallen into disrepair – our correspondents report. And in Cameroon, the long-promised Yaoundé-Douala highway remains stalled in its first phase, dogged by corruption allegations – our team takes a closer look.

She was the first black woman in Zimbabwe to have a book published in English and, in doing so, Tsitsi Dangarembga became one of the late 20th century's key literary voices. Her latest novel "This Mournable Body" completes the trilogy she started in 1988, tracing the journey of a young girl in post-colonial Rhodesia to womanhood in 21st century Zimbabwe. Applauded by critics worldwide, this latest novel is a powerful study of the struggle to survive in an unforgiving society and the scars – both psychological and physical – of decades of conflict and oppression.

Beatrice Savadye grew up in a poor mining community in northern Zimbabwe. She experienced gender violence at home: her father told her brother to beat her and her sisters up if they misbehaved. But she decided to take a stand and not accept the status quo. Seven years ago, she started a women's group for Zimbabweans called Roots Africa. It pushes for stronger laws to protect women trapped with abusers from a surge in violence and from HIV infections. She joins us as part of our special coverage to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Zimbabwe enters another lockdown as coronavirus numbers spike. Despite calls for people to avoid large gatherings, worryingly large crowds build up at the border with South Africa.

Zimbabwe's transport and foreign ministers have both succumbed to the disease within less than two days of each other. Four ministers have died so far, with several more reportedly fighting for their lives in hospital.