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The military has effectively seized control of Zimbabwe in what so far appears to be a bloodless coup. James Hamill argues that the events of the past few days have formally stripped away any pretence that Zimbabwe is a constitutional state. Instead, it’s a militarised party-state where the military is a pivotal actor in the ruling party’s internal politics. Meanwhile, Steven Feldstein discusses how development in the southern African nation has stagnated during President Robert Mugabe’s decades-long rule, and what moves by the military to topple him will mean for the country.
In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, girls from poor families often drop out of school at a relatively young age - and many then get married. Child marriages, or early marriages, are a culturally accepted way of securing their future. Laura Stark explains how girls who wish to marry later and who feel they have no other choice, can be better supported.
In yesterday’s newsletter, we erroneously stated that Robert Mugabe has been Zimbabwe’s president since 1987. This is incorrect: Mugabe came to power in 1980. We regret the error.
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Top stories
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James Hamill, University of Leicester
The coup in Zimbabwe's means that Mugabe’s long and disastrous presidency is finally over. The questions that remain are the precise details and mechanics of the deal which secures his departure.
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Steven Feldstein, Boise State University
Mugabe and his powerful wife have been overthrown in an apparent coup orchestrated by Zimbabwe's vice president. Will the country transition into democracy or get strapped with yet another dictator?
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Education
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Laura Stark, University of Jyväskylä
Creating more opportunities for young women and girls to work and earn money is a possible solution to early marriages. Subsidising secondary education to keep poorer girls in school is another.
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Politics + Society
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Donna Hornby, University of the Western Cape
Farm dwellers' conclusion is that the politics associated with land is not about an organised emancipatory movement. Farm dwellers are mainly preoccupied with daily survival strategies.
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Environment + Energy
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Surina Esterhuyse, University of the Free State
A vulnerability map could help assess the risks associated with fracking and groundwater which around 300 towns depend on in South Africa's Karoo.
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From our international editions
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Martina Grecequet, University of Minnesota; Ian Noble, University of Notre Dame; Jessica Hellmann, University of Minnesota
Although climate change threatens the world's small island nations, many can find ways to adapt and preserve their homes and cultures – especially if wealthy countries cut emissions and provide support.
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Johanna Debora Imelda, Universitas Indonesia
Coin rubbing, a traditional treatment for the common cold, is still widely used by modern Indonesians despite criticism that it is not rational.
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Todd Golde, University of Florida
The first clinical trial examining a drug to treat Alzheimer's was begun 30 years ago. There is still no cure and no known way to prevent the disease. Two factors may contribute to that.
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