Zimbabwe faces protests over arrests of opposition leaders amid ongoing political tensions; a former British colony with a shaky economy.
As of March 2026, healthcare systems worldwide face severe challenges. Yemen's war-torn north suffers from crippled health infrastructure and travel restrictions, leaving patients without care. In the US, immigration enforcement disrupts hospitals, eroding trust and staff morale amid nurse strikes over understaffing. Malawi battles chronic drug shortages worsened by theft, while Zimbabwe struggles with inadequate infrastructure. Kenya reports deaths linked to unlicensed clinics, exposing systemic vulnerabilities globally.
Heavy rains and flooding across Mozambique, South Africa, and Malawi have caused deaths, destroyed homes, and increased cholera risks. Mozambique faces its worst floods since 2000, while Malawi launches vaccination campaigns amid rising cases. Authorities warn of ongoing health and infrastructure challenges.
Recent heavy rains caused catastrophic flooding across Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini, with a year's worth of rain falling in days. Studies attribute the increased severity to human-caused climate change, worsened by La Niña conditions. The floods have resulted in loss of life, infrastructure damage, and humanitarian crises.
Recent studies reveal over half of Brazil's Cerrado has been lost in five decades, driven by agriculture and global demand. This threatens water security, biodiversity, and climate stability across South America, with impacts extending to Britain through food imports. Urgent conservation efforts are needed to prevent further ecological damage.
Recent reports highlight unprecedented heatwaves and wildfires across Australia, South America, and Africa, driven by climate change. Temperatures are reaching new highs despite La Nina's weakening influence, with experts warning that El Nino could further intensify these events in 2026. The fires threaten ecosystems and communities worldwide.
In February 2026, Tropical Cyclone Gezani struck Madagascar’s eastern port city Toamasina with winds up to 270 km/h, killing at least 38 people, injuring hundreds, and displacing thousands. The cyclone destroyed 75% of Toamasina’s infrastructure, leaving widespread flooding and power outages. Madagascar’s military leader declared a national disaster and called for international aid amid ongoing recovery efforts.
In Kenya and Zimbabwe, the tradition of giving flower bouquets has evolved into cash and metal arrangements amid economic challenges. Kenya has banned elaborate money bouquets made from banknotes, prompting sellers to adapt by using alternative currencies or simpler designs. Zimbabwe's dollar-dominated economy fuels the popularity of dollar bill bouquets, which are now a Valentine’s Day staple, reflecting economic realities and social trends.
Recent US deportation flights have sent migrants, including protected individuals, to Cameroon and other African nations under third-country agreements. Critics highlight concerns over legality, oversight, and human rights implications amid increased deportation efforts by the Trump administration.
The US has ended a $367 million health aid deal with Zimbabwe, citing concerns over data sharing, sovereignty, and fairness. Zimbabwe rejected the deal, which aimed to support HIV, TB, and maternal health, citing risks to sovereignty and lack of reciprocal data access. The move follows similar withdrawals in other African countries amid US restructuring of aid policies.
Zimbabwe has announced an indefinite ban on the export of raw minerals, including lithium, to promote domestic beneficiation and industrial growth. The move follows increased mining activity and illegal stockpiling, with authorities emphasizing transparency, local processing, and revenue retention. The policy aims to boost value addition and attract investment.
African countries including Ghana, South Africa, and Kenya are confronting reports of their citizens being deceived and recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine. Despite official denials, evidence suggests thousands have been lured with false promises, with some killed or captured. Governments are working to counter illegal recruitment schemes amid diplomatic tensions.
Authorities in Alameda and Harare are addressing safety risks linked to unpermitted gatherings. In Alameda, crowds are participating in illegal games involving toy guns and water balloons, prompting police patrols. Meanwhile, Harare faces hazards from informal street vending with unsafe cooking practices, raising public health and fire risks.
The 2026 World Happiness Report reveals a significant decline in life satisfaction among under-25s in Western countries, especially in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, linked to heavy social media use. Finland remains the happiest nation for the ninth year, while Costa Rica rises to fourth place. The report highlights social media's harmful effects on youth mental health, particularly among teenage girls.
Opposition figures in Zimbabwe plan protests against constitutional amendments extending presidential terms. Several leaders, including Tendai Biti and Morgan Ncube, have been detained for organizing gatherings without police approval. The government’s actions reflect rising tensions over proposed constitutional changes that could prolong President Mnangagwa's rule.
UK inflation remained at 3% in February, with recent data showing a stable picture. However, experts warn that the conflict in the Middle East, which escalated at the end of February, will likely cause inflation to rise sharply in the coming months due to higher energy prices. The latest figures do not yet reflect this impact.
Zimbabwean authorities are working to repatriate 66 citizens deceived by fraudulent recruitment schemes promising jobs abroad. Instead, they were coerced into fighting in Russia's Ukraine conflict, with some killed and others still in captivity. Similar cases are reported across Africa, highlighting regional trafficking issues.
The US is negotiating health aid deals with African nations that include demands for access to critical minerals and data sharing, causing pushback from countries like Zimbabwe and Zambia. The secrecy and conditions raise concerns about exploitation and sovereignty, with some nations walking away from negotiations.
African countries are experiencing rising fuel prices due to global energy shocks linked to conflicts in the Middle East and supply disruptions. Governments are implementing measures to mitigate impacts, but dependence on imported refined petroleum exposes the continent to external risks, affecting economies and daily life.
Algeria's former president Liamine Zeroual, who served during the civil war and organized the country's first multi-party election in 1995, has died at age 84. He was respected in retirement. Flags will fly at half-mast across Algeria.
Cameroon has passed a law consolidating presidential power, including appointing the vice president, with Biya expected to sign. Zimbabwe is considering extending Mnangagwa's term to 2030, shifting to parliamentary election of the president. Both countries face opposition criticism and protests.
The US has issued travel warnings and ordered non-essential staff to leave Nigeria due to escalating violence, terrorism, and kidnapping. Nigeria's government criticizes the advisories as unbalanced, citing ongoing security efforts and progress. The situation remains volatile across many states, with US warnings covering over half of Nigeria's regions.
A bus has lost control and veered off the N1 highway near Musina, Zimbabwe, resulting in multiple fatalities. Emergency services are responding, and authorities are urging caution on the dangerous road section. The crash highlights ongoing road safety issues in the country, where deadly accidents are frequent.
A Chinese national has been fined and sentenced to prison in Kenya after pleading guilty to attempting to smuggle over 2,200 ants out of the country. The case highlights ongoing wildlife trafficking concerns, with authorities warning of rising demand for ants in Asia and Europe. The suspect is set to be deported after serving his sentence.
Marondera's water treatment infrastructure is overstretched due to rapid population growth, leading to erratic supply. The town's MP has called for US$20 million investment to expand the system. Meanwhile, Fairfield faces a severe water crisis caused by aging pipes and drought, risking further shortages and the need for emergency measures.