Southern Africa

South Africa has announced plans toreturnZimbabwe’s last remaining soapstone bird, along with ancestral human remains, in a symbolic handover ahead of Independence Day celebrations. The bird was stolen more than 100 years ago during the colonial era.The artefact, carved from soapstone and originating from Great Zimbabwe, is a key national symbol representing pride and identity. Minister Gayton McKenzieRead more » South Africa has announced plans toreturnZimbabwe’s last remaining soapstone bird, along with ancestral human remains, in a symbolic handover ahead of Independence Day celebrations.

The bird was stolen more than 100 years ago during the colonial era. The artefact, carved from soapstone and originating from Great Zimbabwe, is a key national symbol representing pride and identity. Minister Gayton McKenzie President Daniel Chapohas announcedthat Mozambique’s security forces and regional allies have made significant advances in the fight agains insurgents, reclaiming territories previously held by militants.

He said militant groups are now constantly on the move due to sustained pressure from security forces, saying no kidnappings have been confirmed in the last six months.Speaking at a gathering of theRead more » President Daniel Chapohas announcedthat Mozambique’s security forces and regional allies have made significant advances in the fight agains insurgents, reclaiming territories previously held by militants. He said militant groups are now constantly on the move due to sustained pressure from security forces, saying no kidnappings have been confirmed in the last six months. The Zimbabwean Human Rights Commission (ZHRC)has saidthe ongoing hearings on constitutional changes have been marred by intimidation and exclusion, particularly targeting those opposed to the bill.While the Commission acknowledged that attendance at the hearings has been generally high – and commended the Zimbabwean Parliament for publicizing the events and providing platforms for written submissions – itRead more » The Zimbabwean Human Rights Commission (ZHRC)has saidthe ongoing hearings on constitutional changes have been marred by intimidation and exclusion, particularly targeting those opposed to the bill.

[paywall]

While the Commission acknowledged that attendance at the hearings has been generally high – and commended the Zimbabwean Parliament for publicizing the events and providing platforms for written submissions – it A grimreportfrom the Malawi Network of Older Persons Organizations warns of rising violence against the country’s senior citizens. With 11 elderly people murdered over witchcraft allegations in the first three months of this year, the group said the violence is on track to outpace the 22 deaths recorded in all of 2025.Executive Director Andrew Kavala described the situation as “alarming,” sayingRead more » A grimreportfrom the Malawi Network of Older Persons Organizations warns of rising violence against the country’s senior citizens. With 11 elderly people murdered over witchcraft allegations in the first three months of this year, the group said the violence is on track to outpace the 22 deaths recorded in all of 2025.

Executive Director Andrew Kavala described the situation as “alarming,” saying President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwahdeliveredthe State of the Nation Address (SONA), detailing a massive roadmap to revitalize the economy through strategic investment, energy security, and agricultural expansion.She also highlighted key domestic priorities, including the rollout of fully subsidised tertiary education for eligible students, backed by expanded financial aid access. The president urged swift passage of theRead more » President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwahdeliveredthe State of the Nation Address (SONA), detailing a massive roadmap to revitalize the economy through strategic investment, energy security, and agricultural expansion. She also highlighted key domestic priorities, including the rollout of fully subsidised tertiary education for eligible students, backed by expanded financial aid access. The president urged swift passage of the

[/paywall]