Editor's note

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.

Thabo Leshilo

Politics + Society Editor

Top Stories

Zimbabwe erupted in violent protest after the government doubled the price of petrol. EPA-EFE/Aaron Ufumeli

Bold steps Mnangagawa should be taking instead of fiddling with the petrol price

Robert Rotberg, Harvard Kennedy School

President Emmerson Mnangagwa's decision to double the price of petrol shows very poor judgement and bad leadership.

A coup attempt failed in Gabon, following President Ali Bongo’s extended illness and absence. EPA/Stringer

The coup in Gabon surprised everyone. Why forecasts, and the plot, failed

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.

Health + Medicine

Huge disparities in C-sections highlights inequalities in healthcare

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.

Sand flea disease is neglected: what needs to be done

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.

From our international editions

Venezuela is fast becoming a ‘mafia state’: here’s what you need to know

Anthea McCarthy-Jones, UNSW

Beginning with President Chávez and continuing under President Maduro, Venezuela has evolved into a rampant kleptocracy.

Beyond Rosa Luxemburg: five more women of the German revolution you need to know about

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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