Zimbabwe
Zimbabwean teachers refuse to work as government reopens schools without COVID-19 protection
By Stephan McCoy, 9 October 2020
Teachers are demanding that as frontline workers they should have regular testing, adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), and risk allowances before they are prepared to start work again.
Tensions rise as Zimbabwe’s economy implodes
By Stephan McCoy, 20 August 2020
There is widespread speculation about a possible coup to depose President Mnangagwa.
Africa’s one million coronavirus cases “the tip of the iceberg”
By Stephan McCoy, 8 August 2020
Between June and July, the number of cases grew by 500 percent indicating that COVID-19 is more widespread than the official figures suggest.
Zimbabwe: Government repression as social unrest mounts
By Stephan McCoy, 5 August 2020
The crackdown gives the lie to the claims that Mnangagwa would bring an end to tyranny, corruption, and social misery.
Zimbabwe: Social unrest grows amid economic collapse
By Stephan McCoy, 25 July 2020
Security forces have used COVID-19 lockdown laws to arrest nurses striking over poverty wages, appalling work conditions and lack of personal protective equipment.
Zimbabwe nurses strike as economic crisis brings threat of second coup and military dictatorship
By Stephan McCoy, 4 July 2020
Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government is preparing to confront mounting opposition in the working class through dictatorial forms of rule and the abrogation of democratic rights—even as it is threatened by the possibility of a coup.
Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s longtime president, dies at 95
By Bill Van Auken, 7 September 2019
Mugabe was the last surviving leader of Africa’s anticolonial struggles who subsequently came to power in a newly independent nation.
French Nutella workers strike, Tram and metro workers’ stoppage in Greek capital
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
7 June 2019
Workers at the Nutella factory in Normandy have been blockading the plant over demands for a wage increase while Greek tram workers stopped work Monday to protest the Syriza government’s attacks on public transportation.
Extreme social crisis ravages Mozambique in wake of Cyclone Idai
By Eddie Haywood, 30 March 2019
The devastation in the storm’s wake has produced a full-blown humanitarian crisis, exposing the impoverished conditions already present before Cyclone Idai hit.
Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi face a humanitarian catastrophe in the wake of Cyclone Idai
By Meenakshi Jagadeesan, 20 March 2019
Mozambique’s president, Filipe Nyusi, reported that more than 1,000 people had been killed by high winds and widespread flooding.
Zimbabwe-South Africa summit: The Butcher of Marikana meets the Crocodile
By Stephan McCoy, 28 February 2019
Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa and Cyril Ramaphosa will meet in the Zimbabwean capital next month against a backdrop of deepening economic crisis and rising social discontent in both countries.
Flooding of mines in Zimbabwe leaves 24 dead, dozens more missing
By Eddie Haywood, 21 February 2019
The mining tragedy comes amid an immense social and economic crisis wracking Zimbabwe, with skyrocketing inflation and mass unemployment.
Zimbabwe: Mnangagwa government clamps down on popular opposition
By Stephan McCoy, 18 February 2019
The ZANU-PF regime has responded to rising social discontent by unleashing the military.
Zimbabwe’s government cracks down on protest over fuel price increase
By Stephan McCoy, 18 January 2019
President Emmerson Mnangagwa finds himself at the head of a government that is increasingly viewed with hostility by the Zimbabwean population.
Zimbabwe: Violence follows disputed re-election of President Mnangagwa
By Chris Marsden, 6 August 2018
Mnangagwa, who came to power in a coup against President Robert Mugabe last November, advances himself as the strongman required to restore the order necessary for resumed investment by the major corporations.
Zimbabwe sacks 16,000 striking nurses, as Uganda nurses threaten strike
By Eddie Haywood, 23 April 2018
The Zimbabwean government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa has faced growing popular opposition since coming to power after a military coup removed long-time president Robert Mugabe.
Zimbabwe graphite miners strike at former German-owned mine
By Dietmar Henning, 8 January 2018
More than 200 miners in northern Zimbabwe have been on strike since the end of December protesting the fact they have not received their wages for more than a year.
Zimbabwe government and opposition compete for imperialist backing
By Chris Marsden, 29 December 2017
To underscore President Mnangagwa’s commitment to free market economic reform, the first budget since the coup was framed as an appeal for investment, matched with pledges to curtail government spending.
IMF lays down the law for Zimbabwe post-Mugabe
By Chris Marsden, 27 November 2017
The International Monetary Fund is demanding that Zimbabwe curb “excessive government spending” and impose massive austerity cuts to “restore fiscal and debt sustainability.”
The way forward in Zimbabwe after Mugabe
By Chris Marsden, 24 November 2017
The goal of the new Zimbabwean president, Mnangagwa, is to impose an adrenalized version of the capitalist policies that have already created so much suffering.
Robert Mugabe resigns as president of Zimbabwe
By Chris Marsden, 22 November 2017
Mugabe’s resignation is the result of a palace coup with political and economic aims dictated by bourgeois forces no less corrupt than Mugabe.
Zimbabwe: Defying calls to step down, Mugabe faces impeachment
By Eddie Haywood, 21 November 2017
The Zimbabwean military appears anxious to avoid its intervention provoking any popular movement among the masses.
Zimbabwe: Factional warfare continues after Mugabe fails to resign
By Chris Marsden, 20 November 2017
The leader of the Veterans Association backed up a threat to impeach Mugabe if he did not quit by noon today with a warning that the military would allow him to be attacked if he refused to go.
Campaign to force out Mugabe escalates in Zimbabwe
By Chris Marsden, 18 November 2017
It is China's support for the coup, rather than a supposed desire for a "democratic transformation," that accounts for the cautious reaction in the United States, Britain and other Western powers.
Military stage coup in Zimbabwe
By Chris Marsden, 16 November 2017
Zimbabwe’s army staged the coup in response to President Robert Mugabe’s November 6 sacking of his former vice president, Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Cables reveal how US and UK sought to plunder Zimbabwe’s resources
By Ann Talbot, 6 January 2011
The US diplomatic cables published by WikiLeaks contain revealing details of how the United States and Britain sought to further their commercial interests in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe: MDC proceeds with power-sharing fiasco
By Chris Talbot and Barry Mason, 21 February 2009
Morgan Tsvangirai of the Movement for Democratic Change has been sworn in as prime minister in a power-sharing government in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe: Cholera death toll rises
By Chris Talbot, 30 December 2008
The cholera epidemic in Zimbabwe has now infected up to 24,000 people with nearly 1,200 deaths, according to the official figures from UNICEF.
Half of the Zimbabwe population faces starvation
By Barry Mason, 5 November 2008
Aid charities and the UN estimate that 5 million people in Zimbabwe face starvation.
Letters and a reply on Zimbabwe
24 September 2008
The following letters were received in response to the September 19 article, “Power-sharing deal signed in Zimbabwe.” They are followed by a reply by the article’s author, Ann Talbot.
Power-sharing deal signed in Zimbabwe
By Ann Talbot, 19 September 2008
The governing ZANU-PF party of President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) signed a power-sharing deal on Monday.
Britain’s Guardian: An apologia for imperialist intervention in Zimbabwe
By Barbara Slaughter, 3 April 2002
On March 14, in the immediate aftermath President Robert Mugabe’s election victory in Zimbabwe, the Guardian newspaper published an editorial pronouncing its verdict on the result.
Zimbabwe election used to pressure African leaders
By Chris Talbot, 30 March 2002
Britain and the United States have demanded the leaders of African countries condemn the recent presidential elections in Zimbabwe or lose financial aid. Meeting in Abuja, Nigeria this week, leaders from 21 African states are discussing the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), an attempt to win Western investment that will be taken to the G8 economic summit in June.
British threats follow Mugabe’s re-election in Zimbabwe
By Ann Talbot, 18 March 2002
Zimbabwe faces the threat of further punishment from the British government after Robert Mugabe won a third term in the presidential elections that took place on 9-11 March.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair declares his hand on Zimbabwe
By Ann Talbot, 9 March 2002
Prime Minister Blair has threatened that countries across Africa will suffer the consequences, if Zimbabwe’s general election this weekend does not result in a victory for the western-backed Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).
European Union takes united action against Zimbabwe
By Barbara Slaughter, 27 February 2002
The decision of the European Union (EU) to withdraw its team of election observers from Zimbabwe and impose sanctions marks a significant political shift. In the past the EU has been divided in its attitude towards Zimbabwe, whereas last week’s decision to pull out the observers shows a remarkable unanimity.
Why the MDC opposition in Zimbabwe fell for a transparent sting operation
By Barbara Slaughter, 21 February 2002
The Zimbabwean Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) is contesting the forthcoming presidential elections with its candidate, Morgan Tsvangirai. Since its foundation three years ago the MDC has achieved widespread popular support, especially in the urban areas, because of the growing opposition to President Robert Mugabe’s autocratic rule through his Zanu-PF party.
Britain temporarily "suspends" deportation of Zimbabwean refugees
By Barry Mason and Barbara Slaughter, 16 January 2002
For weeks the British government has been refusing asylum to political refugees from Zimbabwe, forcing them to return to a country where they face persecution, torture and possibly death.
An exchange on the land occupations in Zimbabwe
17 October 2001
Comrades,
Zimbabwe land agreement reflects West’s concern over instability in Africa
By Chris Talbot, 14 September 2001
The agreement made at the Commonwealth conference in Abuja, Nigeria last week over the escalating land occupations reflects the growing concern by the Western powers over a dispute that has continued for the last 18 months. It is also the product of increasing pressure from the governments of Africa to settle the issue, due to fears that it will destabilise the whole region.
Zimbabwe: Mugabe regime steps up repression as economy collapses
By Barbara Slaughter and Chris Talbot, 18 August 2001
Zimbabweans are responding to growing poverty and unemployment with strikes and demonstrations.
Widespread protests against fuel increases in Zimbabwe
By our correspondent, 23 June 2001
The past week has witnessed sporadic protest actions in many of Zimbabwe’s urban areas against massive increases in fuel prices. The price hike was announced on state television on June 12. Petrol prices have risen by 74 percent, diesel by more than 67 percent and paraffin, which is used by most of the population for cooking and heating, has increased by 69 percent. The latest increases mean that fuel prices will have tripled over the last 18 months.
Alleged coup plot in Zimbabwe
By Chris Talbot and Barbara Slaughter, 1 June 2001
An alleged coup plot, in which top military leaders would seize power and oust Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, has been leaked to the British Guardian newspaper and its sister paper, the South African Mail and Guardian.
Zimbabwe economy in free-fall
By Barry Mason and Barbara Slaughter, 5 April 2001
The Zimbabwean government faces a deepening economic crisis. According to the South African Financial Mail of March 23, the economy is in "free-fall”.
Zimbabwe: Relations between MDC opposition and Mugabe deteriorate
By Chris Talbot, 13 October 2000
Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai said last month that Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe should step down from office or “we will remove you violently”. Tsvangirai was speaking at a rally celebrating the first anniversary of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), which he heads.
Civil war looms in Zimbabwe
By Chris Talbot, 11 August 2000
Zimbabwe faces a growing danger of economic collapse and open civil war, provoked in large part by the efforts of the West to destabilise the regime of President Robert Mugabe.
Narrow victory for Mugabe in Zimbabwean elections sets stage for further upheavals
By Chris Talbot and Chris Marsden, 29 June 2000
The majority vote for the ruling Zimbabwean National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) government in last weekend's parliamentary elections represents a setback for Britain and the United States. The openly expressed desire of the Western powers was that the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) would sweep to victory and pave the way for the ouster of ZANU-PF President Robert Mugabe.
Crisis in Zimbabwe: British military force poised to intervene
By Chris Talbot, 1 May 2000
Tensions between Britain and Zimbabwe continue to deepen at the opening of a round of talks designed to bring an end to the seizure of white-owned lands by supporters of President Robert Mugabe's ZANU-PF.
Tensions grow between Zimbabwe's ZANU-PF government and MDC opposition
By Chris Talbot, 12 April 2000
Five people have been killed and several seriously injured in clashes, as supporters of the ruling ZANU-PF party stepped up their occupations of white-owned farms in Zimbabwe. Violence has escalated in the past two weeks, since ZANU-PF supporters wielding clubs and iron bars attacked a march through the capital Harare organised by the opposition National Constitutional Assembly (NCA). The NCA—a coalition of politicians, church groups, academics and others opposed to the ZANU-PF regime—is dominated by the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).
Zimbabwe: Referendum defeat for Mugabe shakes Zanu-PF government
By Barbara Slaughter and Stuart Nolan, 22 February 2000
Last week voters in Zimbabwe rejected the new constitution being proposed by President Robert Mugabe and the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (Zanu-PF). In a result that surprised most commentators, the vote was 578,000 in favour of the new constitution and 697,754 against. Turnout was low at just over 20 percent. Voters in the cities, like Harare and Bulawayo, voted No by three to one, whilst in the rural heartlands that were expected to vote Yes there were widespread abstentions.
Divisions in British government over arms to Zimbabwe
By Chris Talbot, 26 January 2000
The Labour government is to allow shipments of spare parts for Hawk fighter aircraft used by the Zimbabwean regime in the Congo war. Britain had imposed an unofficial arms embargo against Zimbabwe over the last year, refusing to supply parts for the 10 Hawk jets which were purchased under the Thatcher government in the early 1980s. However Prime Minister Tony Blair personally intervened last week, opposing Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, to permit the delivery of spare parts.
IMF tightens the screws on Zimbabwe
By Jean Shaoul, 18 August 1999
After months of withholding finance, bringing Zimbabwe to the brink of collapse, the International Monetary Fund has finally agreed to provide a 14-month standby loan of US$193 million. This is to enable the country to resume its repayments to its international creditors. For the first time since independence in 1980, Zimbabwe is $20 million a month behind in its foreign debt payments, resulting in a $190 million deficit for 1999.
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