The unexpected death of Alfonso Dhlakama, leader of Mozambique’s main opposition party Renamo, comes at a difficult time for the country as it tries to end decades of conflict and faces an economic crisis. Eric Morier-Genoud says that the question of who succeeds him could affect the outcome not just of ongoing peace talks, but also the fortunes of the country’s governing Frelimo party.

The DRC has had many outbreaks of Ebola. As a result it’s developed the capacity to deal with new ones. But, as with every other disease that threatens global health security, the collaboration of neighbouring countries is critical to ensure the outbreak is kept under control. Chikwe Ihekweazu explains.

Migratory birds enjoy a perpetual summer thanks to their habit of travelling from north to south each year, dodging winter. But this is just one form of migration – there are many others and many of these involve African birds. But they aren’t well understood. Les Underhill explains why this needs to change in the interest of conservation.