Republic of Zimbabwe in Southeast Africa
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.
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.
Protests are planned over Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 as Zimbabwean authorities tighten security. The amendments extend Mnangagwa’s presidency to 2030 and shift presidential selection to Parliament. Officials pledge peace while opposition and civil society anticipate potential clashes.
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.
The inquest into Cambridge’s former youngest Black professor Jason Arday has opened in London after he resigned amid plagiarism allegations. Senior coroner Dr. Julian Morris has launched an investigation into his death, which his family says followed relentless media scrutiny and public accusations.
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.
Voters in Guinea‑Bissau have approved a new constitution that shifts the country from a semi‑presidential to a stronger presidential system, with provisional results showing about 70% support and turnout near 55–60%. The charter gives the president power to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet, create or abolish ministries and dissolve parliament ahead of December elections.
A head-on collision between a mining truck and a minibus near Chivhu, Zimbabwe, has killed at least 23 people on scene, with the death toll rising as victims succumb to injuries. Authorities have declared a State of Disaster to coordinate relief and identify the deceased.
Zambia’s president has inaugurated a new term amid ongoing tensions after August elections. Observers flag uneven counting and concerns over the conduct, while opposition leaders face treason charges and arrests. Calls for unity contrast with reports of intimidation and legal challenges.
Zendocs is launching a browser-based document platform designed to eliminate downloads and installations, offering speed, accessibility and real-time collaboration. Founders say the platform responds to the need for fast, mobile-friendly tools and aims to become a global reference for browser-only document workflows.
Several women in Africa and the UK face long waits for fibroid treatment and endometriosis diagnosis, highlighting delays in access to care, testing, and surgical options. New tests abroad offer hope, but are not yet widely available in the US.
Namibia has reached an agreement with the United States to phase out the US-AIDS funding for HIV programs starting in 2027, with Namibia taking over financing through a technical cooperation model as the US reduces its aid. The deal follows Namibia’s rejection of the US data-sharing provisions and surpasses UNAIDS targets on testing and treatment. The transition will integrate HIV response into Namibia’s national health system.
Leeds Crown Court has convicted two men, Baqa Haider and Nathan Rivers, for their roles in an "industrial scale" scheme that processed criminal cash into gold and exported it with fake invoices. Haider has been jailed for six years; Rivers has received a 27‑month suspended sentence and a curfew. Police are still seeking three men sentenced in absence.
Australia’s tour of South Africa faces a critical Test series as Marnus Labuschagne seeks form after a string of modest scores. The squad includes Cooper Connolly, Matthew Kuhnemann and Michael Neser, with Pat Cummins as captain; Bangladesh and South Africa tests loom in October.
Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma has pleaded guilty to firearms and immigration offenses in a plea deal, as U.K. authorities prepare to press murder charges. South Africa will consider extradition to the U.K. after his local case concludes, with the victims' family in Bedford identified and the investigation progressing on three murder counts.
A trio of finance deals and a regional seminar are outlined as Zimbabwe seeks to boost export capacity. POSB is highlighting new credit lines from Afreximbank and targeted support for exporters, while policymakers push for broader access to finance and regulatory clarity.
Motherwell’s Zlatan Johansson has stayed with the club until at least January 2027 after a disrupted pre-season due to a jaw injury. He has netted twice and provided two assists in 11 appearances this season as manager Johansson says the squad is in good shape and focused on building fitness and team relationships during the upcoming fixtures.
Gloucestershire and Forestry England are surveying for a potential beaver reintroduction in the Severn Vale. Defra says beaver reintroduction could boost nature recovery, with beavers already in Greathough Brook since 2018. A licence would be required, and consultations with landowners are underway.
Amnesty International has found that migrants from Brazil, Colombia, Sri Lanka and South Africa were lured by fake civilian jobs to Russia and then conscripted into the Russian army. The group says coercion, passport seizure and false promises amount to trafficking in many cases. Ukraine and Russia have long recruited foreigners for their wars, with thousands serving on both sides.
The flame for the Youth Olympic Games has left Athens and begun a 3,600-kilometre tour of Senegal. Dignitaries and a crowd in Dakar welcomed the flame, carried by women known as lingeer, as the IOC leader calls the ceremony a proud moment for Africa.
Abhishek Sharma has hit a 108 off 34 to lead India to 221-7 against Afghanistan in New Delhi. Sanju Samson adds 50 as India cruise to a 127-run win; Afghanistan collapses to 94 all out, bowled by Bishnoi, Patel and Reddy. India head to the Asian Games in Nagoya while Afghanistan plans a largely different side.