Republic of Zimbabwe: a landlocked Southeast African nation
South Africa has processed more than 53,000 foreign nationals for deportation or repatriation after sustained anti‑migrant protests and door‑to‑door searches. Thousands have fled to temporary centres such as Musina and Lindela; Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria and others have arranged buses and flights. Governments and NGOs are warning of overcrowding, poor conditions and rising diplomatic tensions.
Nigeria is investigating a fictitious presidential council that allegedly secured 1.3 billion naira in the 2026 budget. Authorities say forged documents created apparent legitimacy, prompting calls for independent inquiry and a government probe.
El Niño has strengthened, with forecasters warning it will be among the strongest on record. Regions across Africa, South Asia, and the Americas face droughts, floods, and rising food prices as climate impacts intensify. Aid groups warn that vulnerable communities and smallholder farmers will bear the brunt as aid budgets tighten.
Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and her daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, 5, were found dead at a home in Great Denham, near Bedford. Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, 45, known as Mark, is suspected of murder and is sought internationally after leaving the UK. Police say the family are deeply mourned and have thanked supporters as the investigation continues.
The ICC has restructured the 50-over World Cup for 2027, proposing a first-round round involving the three lowest-ranked qualifiers, a two-group main stage, a 'Super Seven' knockout, and no quarterfinals. The change aims to increase context and consequences but faces concerns over transparency and impact on emerging cricket nations.
The South African Netflix drama The Polygamist has captivated global audiences since its June release, topping non-English streaming charts and sparking worldwide conversations about polygamy, modernity, and African family life.
England has leveled the ODI series against India after a four-wicket win in Cardiff. Root has guided the chase, finishing on 99 not out, as England adapts to 50-over cricket and eyes a Lord’s finale ahead of the World Cup.
England is searching for a new Test head coach after Brendon McCullum’s departure. Former Zimbabwean player Andy Flower has ruled himself out, citing IPL and Hundred commitments. The ECB is considering other candidates, including Jonathan Trott and Justin Langer, as they look to appoint before the Pakistan series in August.
Nelson Mandela Day is marked with community service across South Africa. Volunteers highlight Ubuntu and cross-community solidarity, while anti-migrant groups push a stricter stance. The Nelson Mandela Foundation condemns xenophobia as tensions surface amid economic strain.
Funding for HIV programs has declined sharply, pressuring prevention and community health services while treatment remains more stable. US policy changes and broader donor pullbacks have led to thousands of clinic closures and tens of thousands of job losses, with warnings of longer-term risks to the epidemic.
The UK has faced global aid cuts affecting disabled children, eye health partnerships, and youth mental health initiatives. International cooperation is framed as essential to security and development ahead of the G20 presidency. The piece links funding reductions to impacts on programmes and vulnerable groups.
Malawi has launched Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, offering hope for reducing new infections. Advocates warn that information gaps and stigma remain challenges as communities adapt to long-acting prevention.
Kenya Wildlife Service has reported that 15 elephants have died in the Amboseli ecosystem between 24 June and 24 July after showing paralysis and difficulty breathing. Preliminary tests have detected traces of cyanide in carcasses and tomatoes were found in stomachs. Investigations are ongoing into the cyanide source as farmers and conservationists dispute the cause.
Since late May more than 160,000 foreign nationals have returned or been repatriated from South Africa, with governments reporting 115,000 back to Zimbabwe and 56,000 to Malawi; many returns have followed protests that have targeted migrants, sparked violent attacks and diplomatic rows across Africa. Petitioners have asked the ICC to examine whether the violence and state failures constitute crimes against humanity.
England’s search for a new red-ball coach is nearing a resolution as Stephen Fleming emerges as the frontrunner, with interviews underway following Brendon McCullum’s departure. A decisive appointment could shape the team’s direction ahead of next year’s fixtures.
The BCCI has named uncapped fast bowler Auqib Nabi as Bumrah’s replacement for India’s tour of Sri Lanka after Bumrah withdrew with knee discomfort. Nabi, from Jammu and Kashmir, earns his first senior call-up, while Sai Sudharsan’s participation remains subject to fitness clearance. The series starts in Galle on Aug. 15.
Barcelona confirms a 54-year-old worker has died from a head injury during Camp Nou renovation work. The incident prompted an investigation; the club has offered condolences to the family as construction continues and capacity expands.
Zimbabwean pensioners and widows say NSSA payouts are far too low to cover basic living costs. A High Court case seeks a constitutional review and a guaranteed link between contributions and benefits, arguing pension filings are a protected property right.
Fringe performers from The Scotsman, Guardian and Independent discuss their journeys, challenges and upcoming Edinburgh shows, offering a window into the festival’s evolving landscape.
Kenya Wildlife Service has found cyanide traces in elephant carcasses in the Amboseli–Tsavo corridor, with ten elephants showing paralysis before dying. While authorities caution that this is preliminary, conservationists urge caution and question the pesticide link amid broader regional pesticide use and cross-border trade.
Public demonstrations have intensified as Zimbabwe has adopted constitutional amendments moving the presidential election to 2030 and handing parliament the power to elect the president. Authorities assure stability as opposition calls for peaceful stay-aways.
Nauru has renamed itself to Naoero, with the short form Naoero and citizens identified as dei-Naoero. The government has dropped plans for a referendum, saying the change reflects an existing national identity and heritage. Transition is underway and international bodies have been informed.
Nauru has officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero, reverting to its traditional designation. The government says the move strengthens national identity and heritage; the UN and several foreign ministries have updated their listings accordingly. A referendum was not pursued, with lawmakers endorsing the change after “extensive discussions.” The transition will also affect the country’s international code and demonym.
A British family’s deaths in a July incident are being investigated as an extradition fight unfolds over a Zimbabwean man suspected of involvement. UK and South African authorities continue to pursue charges while tributes are paid at funerals in Bulawayo.
A wave of xenophobic protests in South Africa has intensified, targeting undocumented migrants and fueling violence, looting, and displacement. Governments are coordinating repatriation, while discussions on formal migration policy and regional dialogue are accelerating ahead of local elections.
England has named a 16-man squad for the first two Tests against Pakistan, with Joe Root returning as captain. Jordan Cox is moved to No. 3, while Dan Lawrence is slated at No. 6. Bethell misses the series through knee injury, and Ollie Pope provides batting cover. Stephen Fleming is not yet in post, with Trescothick acting as interim coach.
A continental push to industrialise the textile and manufacturing sectors is accelerated by investment in long-term funding, high-value processing, and regional value chains. Across Africa, governments and investors are turning cotton, textiles, and infrastructure into job-creating industries to retain value at home.
The Electoral Commission has paused vote counting amid reports of violence and theft of ballot papers. Bishops warn that delays undermine election credibility, while the government and opposition accuse each other of irregularities. Official results are expected soon as observers monitor the process.
Rescue teams have recovered 68 bodies after an overloaded ferry overturned on Lake Kariba this week. Authorities have rescued 77 people; ticket records show 114 adult passengers and five crew, while the vessel’s capacity was 90. Officials say dozens of children were unaccounted for and the president has declared a state of disaster.
Bangladesh takes a commanding lead in the Darwin Test after core contributions from Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, with Australia facing a tough path to victory as the hosts trail by a substantial margin on day three.
Iran seeks membership in BRICS’ New Development Bank to diversify funding amid sanctions and war pressures. Tehran aims to use regional currencies for trade and to secure financing for infrastructure as it faces economic strain.
Xenophobic violence and discriminatory rhetoric have dominated the Durban summit discussions as regional leaders address the crisis. South Africa’s president has apologized for violence against foreign nationals, while Mozambican and other regional leaders press for accountability and faster regional integration.
Zambia’s presidential election has produced a lead for Hichilema with nearly 59% of counted votes; observers note irregularities and violence, including a halted tally. Final results are expected in coming days amid allegations of armed interference and questions about fairness.
Prince Harry has stepped down from the board of African Parks after a decade of service as the charity undergoes a governance refresh. The move follows earlier revelations that rangers employed by African Parks committed human rights abuses in Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of the Congo. The duke remains a supporter of the charity’s mission as the Sussexes plan an extended stay in the UK.
South Africa is experiencing intensified xenophobic protests and a large-scale migrant repatriation, with political and diplomatic tensions rising as regional governance faces scrutiny. The protests, repatriations, and international responses are shaping the country’s stability amid upcoming local elections.
Senior coroner has opened an inquest into Jason Arday’s death in London after intense media scrutiny over claims of plagiarism and questions about his career. He is Cambridge’s former youngest Black professor, who resigned in August, and his family has urged respect for privacy amid ongoing investigations.
Algeria is confronting a severe heatwave that has intensified wildfires across the northern provinces, causing multiple deaths and injuries. Officials report dozens of blazes, with Bejaia, Jijel and Tizi Ouzou among the hardest hit; hundreds have been evacuated as firefighting efforts continue.
Guinea-Bissau has held a referendum to approve a new constitution shifting from a parliamentary to a presidential system. The military junta says the reform aims to stabilise institutions ahead of December elections, while opponents warn it concentrates power and risks undermining civilian rule. Voter turnout surpassed 55%, with results expected soon.