Zimbabweans have come out onto the streets in strength in the wake of a decision by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to double the petrol price. The move sparked outrage because most Zimbabweans are struggling to make ends meet as cash shortages bite and supermarket shelves get emptier. Robert Rotberg sets out what the real issues are that Mnangagwa should be turning his attention to, including rooting out corruption and fixing the currency
crisis.
The January 7 attempted coup in Gabon was highly improbable, so much so that established economic and political predictors didn’t anticipate it. Clayton Besaw and Jonathan Powell explore the reasons why the coup attempt happened and was doomed to fail.
The second instalment of our podcast is here. Listen to the latest episode of Pasha where Andy Hardy tells us more about Zanzibar’s malaria battle and how drones are being used to fight the disease. Our podcasts are now on iTunes. They can be found here.
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Zimbabwe erupted in violent protest after the government doubled the price of petrol.
EPA-EFE/Aaron Ufumeli
Robert Rotberg, Harvard Kennedy School
President Emmerson Mnangagwa's decision to double the price of petrol shows very poor judgement and bad leadership.
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A coup attempt failed in Gabon, following President Ali Bongo’s extended illness and absence.
EPA/Stringer
Clayton Besaw, University of Central Florida; Jonathan Powell, University of Central Florida
Gabon is a wealthy and stable country and this might explain why the January 7 coup attempt failed.
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Health + Medicine
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Marleen Temmerman, The Aga Khan University; Ties Boerma, University of Manitoba
A Lancet series shows that C-sections are performed for non-medical reasons in private health while poor women who need the surgery don't have access.
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Solomon Abrha Bezabh, Mekelle University; Gregory Peterson, University of Tasmania; Jackson Thomas, University of Canberra; Jorg Heukelbach
Tungiasis, a disease caused by fleas, is neglected and needs action in sub-Saharan Africa.
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From our international editions
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Anthea McCarthy-Jones, UNSW
Beginning with President Chávez and continuing under President Maduro, Venezuela has evolved into a rampant kleptocracy.
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Ingrid Sharp, University of Leeds; Corinne Painter, University of Leeds
It's been 100 years since the murder of Marxist revolutionary Rosa Luxemburg.
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