Editor's note

Zimbabwe’s military seems to have staged a coup against President Robert Mugabe, who has ruled since independence in 1980. The move was precipitated by the firing of Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa. David B. Moore ponders what’s next for the country that’s been in political and economic turmoil since the early 2000s. With Mugabe’s long reign seemingly over, Steven Feldstein discusses how development in the southern African state has stagnated and what toppling him will mean for the country in the longer term. Meanwhile, James Hamill argues that the events of the past few days have formally stripped away any pretence that Zimbabwe is a constitutional state.

In early October, four American soldiers were killed and two wounded in Niger. The incident reaffirmed the need to ask important questions about US military presence in foreign territories - especially in Africa. Craig Bailie explains.

Thabo Leshilo

Politics + Society Editor

Top Stories

A military coup is afoot in Zimbabwe. What's next for the embattled nation?

David B. Moore, University of Johannesburg

The protracted political crisis in Zimbabwe has worsened since President Mugabe fired vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa. Now the military has entered the fray, raising fears a coup is imminent.

After coup, will Zimbabwe see democracy or dictatorship?

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?

Mnangagwa and the military may mean more bad news for Zimbabwe

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.

Niger: a reminder of why the US military's presence in Africa needs constant scrutiny

Craig Bailie, Stellenbosch University

The deaths of four American soldiers in Niger last month highlighted the nature and implications of US military presence in Africa.

Politics + Society

Science + Technology

Environment + Energy

  • How barcoding is helping South Africa track its precious pollinators

    Dirk Swanevelder, The Agricultural Research Council; Annemarie Gous, The Agricultural Research Council; Connal D. Eardley,, The Agricultural Research Council; Sandi Willows-Munro, University of KwaZulu-Natal

    Pollination in South Africa's ecosystems is extremely complex. However new advances such as pollen metabarcoding help us understand interactions between pollinators and pollen.

  • Groundwater maps could help South Africa prepare for safer fracking

    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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