Wade proposes broader mediation team to resolve impasse
Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade has told Mugabe and the MDC to engage a broader team of mediators to solve the crisis. The exact details of Wade’s meetings with both parties have been wrapped in secrecy, but sources in the MDC say the Senegalese leader questioned the impartiality of South African President Mbeki as the mediator of the current talks.

Wade motorcade kills pedestrian in Harare
A pedestrian attempting to cross Samora Machel Aveneue in Harare was struck and killed by a vehicle that was part of a motorcade transporting Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade. Our correspondent in Harare said this was the 4th person killed in accidents involving an official motorcade this week. On Tuesday three people were killed when a motorbike leading Mugabe’s motorcade hit a Mazda 323.

UK women’s groups organise conference to mobilise diaspora
A conference bringing together Zimbabwean women’s groups in the UK will kick off this weekend at the London School of Economics. The theme is ‘Zimbabwe Diaspora Women Stand Up and be Counted.’ The conference comes on the sidelines of 16 days of activism against gender violence, an international campaign started by the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership in 1991.

SADC chief says Zim should not be discussed at EU-Africa summit
The Executive Director of the Southern African Development Community Dr Tomaz Salomao has vowed to shield Zimbabwe from being discussed at the EU-Africa summit in December. Preparations for the summit have been dogged by heated debate over whether Mugabe should be allowed to attend in light of his poor human rights record. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and several other leaders from European countries have indicated they will boycott the summit if he attends.

Government unable to calculate inflation due to shortages
The government’s chief statistician, Moffat Nyoni, has said the average inflation figures that are issued at the beginning of each month will be delayed because the basic items used to measure them were not available in the shops. Known as the “average family basket” there are specific basic goods needed by each family, and the cost of these items from month to month is used to calculate the rate of inflation.

Wade expected to talk tough when he meets Mugabe
Mugabe faces a heated meeting with tough-talking Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade, who arrived in Harare Wednesday morning. Wade jetted in for a 2 day state visit and held a press briefing on arrival, emphasising that he was in the country to pave the way for talks between Britain and Zimbabwe. Speaking to journalists Wade also emphasised that his visit had “not been influenced by anyone.”

1000 WOZA members mark 16 days of activism against violence
In a move that caught police unaware, about 1,000 members of Women and Men of Zimbabwe Arise marched through central Bulawayo Tuesday to mark the beginning of ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence.’ This is a global event commemorating the rights of women.

Analysts say free and fair elections will depend on political climate
The country is far away from staging free and fair elections because voters in Zimbabwe still don’t enjoy freedom to criticize government, to publish their criticism and to present alternatives, according to a political analyst. The government recently published new electoral laws that it said would provide a better electoral framework.

Gordon Brown confirms he will boycott EU-Africa summit
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has reiterated he will not be attending next month’s European summit with African leaders as there are reports that Mugabe has said that he will be attending. Brown confirmed his decision to stay away from the Lisbon summit at his monthly Downing Street press conference on Tuesday.

UK set to resume deportation of failed Zimbabwean asylum seekers
The Immigration and Asylum Tribunal in the UK has cleared the way for the UK Home Office to begin deporting thousands of failed Zimbabwean asylum seekers. In 2005 a temporary ban on deportations to Zimbabwe was put in place pending the determination of a tribunal on whether deportees faced automatic risk back home.

Zambia Airways to stop direct flights to Harare
Zambian Airways will stop its direct flights to Harare from Friday, becoming the second airline to pull out of Zimbabwe in less than a month. British Airways stopped its direct flights on 30th October, citing viability problems. David Evans, the chief operating officer for Zambia Airways told Newsreel from Lusaka Monday that the reason for ditching the route was that it was no longer profitable.

SADC tribunal delays Zimbabwe farm case - again
The case brought to the SADC Tribunal in Namibia by Zimbabwean farmer Michael Campbell has been delayed for a second time. Campbell’s Mount Carmel farm in Chegutu was taken by the government and he is contesting the seizure saying it was racially motivated. The date was changed from November 20th to December 4th because the Tribunal failed to notify the Zimbabwean President and government of the date due, they said, to a faulty fax machine.

As Mbeki flies out, CIO tortures 22 NCA activists
22 activists from the National Constitutional Assembly were tortured by state agents at Zanu PF headquarters Thursday. They had taken part in a demonstration near Mbeki’s motorcade earlier in Harare. Alongside an estimated 400 others they marched across town, denouncing the compromise agreement between Zanu PF and the MDC, which led to the constitutional amendment to harmonise elections. Police later arrested 22 protesters and released them after they had paid fines.

Chimurenga legend Mapfumo dismisses Mbeki mediation process
Legendary Chimurenga musician Thomas Mapfumo has dismissed efforts by South African President Thabo Mbeki to broker talks between Zanu PF and MDC as futile. Mapfumo said the Zimbabwean crisis required an internal settlement devoid of foreign hands to achieve a long-term resolution. He said the involvement of the international community only serves to benefit the foreign powers involved.

Gono’s statement on cash shortages betrays his attitude
The state owned Herald has reported that Reserve Bank Governor Gideon Gono is in no rush to address the cash crisis gripping the nation, but has ordered anyone ‘hoarding’ money to bank it in the formal system or lose it. Gono is usually described as a ZPF moderate who cares more for people and country than other ruling party die-hards.

Over 400 NCA activists try to ambush Mbeki entourage
Over 400 Activists from the National Constitutional Assembly took to the streets of Harare for the 2nd day in a row protesting constitutional Amendment 18. The marchers led by chairperson Lovemore Madhuku had wanted to protest near President Thabo Mbeki’s motorcade but riot police moved swiftly to disperse them. An NCA statement said members arrived at the Main Post from the Copacabana Bus Terminus, with Mbeki less than 400 metres away along Julius Nyerere Way.

Malawi faces grain shortages after giving Mugabe maize
Malawi faces severe food shortages after the government of President Bingu wa Mutharika gave thousands of tonnes of maize to the Mugabe regime. Maize is now scarce in Malawi and when it can be found, prices have increased three-fold. Last year Malawi declared a bumper harvest but now people are angry with Mutharika for emptying the country’s grain reserves.

Report blames economy & state violence for disaster in healthcare
A recent report by the International Federation of Health and Human Rights Organisations has revealed the tragic extent to which Zimbabwe’s health sector has deteriorated. Representatives from 24 countries met at the group’s annual meeting in Harare in October and raised serious concerns about human rights abuses in Zimbabwe. The report said there were more than 1200 cases of unlawful arrests and detentions by police and military between January and August of 2007.

Seven injured as police crush NCA demo in Harare
The National Constitutional Assembly say 7 of their members were injured Wednesday after police crushed their demonstration in the city centre. The group was marching to Parliament to denounce constitutional amendment 18 which harmonised presidential and parliamentary elections. Over 300 NCA activists gathered in Harare, holding up placards criticizing the MDC and Zanu PF for voting together in passing the bill through parliament.

Ian Smith dies
The man who imprisoned Robert Mugabe for 10 years after defying the British and resisting majority rule has died. Ian Smith has died in Cape Town at the age 88. In most obituaries there is consensus that Smith and Mugabe are very much alike. Smith blamed the British for what he called interference in Rhodesia’s domestic affairs. Mugabe rants against Britain and western powers for his economic mess, claiming they are after regime change through sanctions.

Zimbabwe dominates ACP-EU conference in Rwanda
Zimbabwe continues to dominate proceedings at the 14th session of the African Caribbean and Pacific-European Union meetings held in Rwanda’s capital Kigali. Delegates say for the past 7 days every time issues related to human rights and election processes are brought up, Zimbabwe dominates the discussion.

Mugabe in no rush to end commonwealth exile
Mugabe appears in no rush to end its self-imposed exile from the Commonwealth, as 52 heads of state prepare to meet in Kampala, Uganda this week. The 3 day meeting which starts Friday, will be held under a campaign to pressure delegates on issues relating to abuses of human rights. The summit is held every 2 years and will also discuss the political and economic developments.

Violence erupts outside Tsvangirai MDC meeting
It has become increasingly difficult to report on the situation on the ground in Zimbabwe due to deliberate mis-information at many levels. The reports of an incident at the MDC Harvest House headquarters on Sunday show this clearly. There are allegations that at least 20 female MDC supporters were injured as followers of President Morgan Tsvangirai clashed with youths loyal to Lucia Matibenga, the former head of the party’s women’s wing, ousted in a boardroom coup.

SA Defence Minister repeats Mugabe’s line on regime change
Comments by Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota have further undermined South Africa’s mediation role on the Zimbabwe crisis. The Cape Times reports that Lekota told a ministerial session of the SA-Zimbabwe Joint Permanent Commission on defence & security, that Southern African countries face a real challenge of regime changes encouraged by foreign powers.

New government policy to worsen shortage of basic goods
In a move criticized strongly by economic experts, the National Incomes and Pricing Commission recently ordered businesses to clear their existing stock by Thursday next week and adopt new prices based on the official exchange rate. Godwills Masimarembwa, the NIPC chairperson announced the order and warned that those who buy their foreign currency on the black market would be prosecuted.

Mutasa suspected of having an affair with diesel n’anga
The saga of the fake spirit medium who fooled the entire Mugabe regime into believing she could extract refined diesel fuel from a rock has taken a new twist. On Thursday Robert Mugabe issued a long rant calling Nomatter Tagarira a “devious n’anga”, and publicly accused one of his officials of being attracted to the self-proclaimed spirit medium.

Mugabe coup plot mastermind turns out to be small time crook
The man accused of plotting a coup to topple Mugabe has turned out to be a small time crook who left the UK after a BBC investigation in 2004 exposed how he assisted fraudulent asylum claims. Now back in Zimbabwe Matapo and 6 other men were arrested in May this year and charged with treason, for attempting to overthrow Mugabe.

Mbeki hints at political reforms before 2008 elections
South African President Thabo Mbeki on Wednesday has hinted there could be political and electoral reforms in line with the SADC election guidelines, before next year’s general elections in Zimbabwe. In a written reply to a question by Cheryllyn Dudley, MP and chief whip of the African Christian Democratic party, Mbeki disclosed that negotiators were crafting the conditions necessary for holding free and fair elections.

Chipinge MDC activists charged under Law and Order Act
Police in Chipinge on Wednesday charged 6 MDC activists under the Law and Order Act for allegedly holding illegal political meetings “under cover of darkness.” The 6 were part of a group of 15 abducted from a house belonging to an MDC member in Chipinge South on Monday.

Corruption rife at border post as Mozambique visas are scrapped
The scrapping of visas between Mozambique and Zimbabwe has given rise to corruption as traders try to capitalise on the relaxation of immigration regulations. Zimbabweans hard-hit by the economic crisis at home have begun flooding into Mozambique since the visa regime between the two countries fell away at the beginning of the month.

WOZA blame police for death of founding activist
Women of Zimbabwe Arise pressure group have blamed police torture for the death of founding member and activist Maria Moyo. The 57 year old died on 6th November from pneumonia, which WOZA say was worsened by her experiences in police custody. Six members of the police Law and Order section burst into her Mabuthweni home in Bulawayo a few months ago and despite pleas from the family that she was ill, dragged her outside and into a vehicle with 4 other women from WOZA.

Suspected soldiers slaughter endangered black rhinos
Last Wednesday night a gang of poachers armed with AK’s and dressed in camouflage shot and killed 3 black rhinos, one of the world’s most endangered species. The slaughtered group included a pregnant female, 2 weeks away from giving birth. The black rhinos were part of a project that hoped to provide a gene pool for this highly threatened species. It is believed the slaughter was meant to intimidate the farm owners into vacating their property, to make way for a top military official who wants the farm.

Chimanimani police threaten to shoot-to-kill MDC activists
An overzealous police chief on Sunday threatened to invoke the shoot-to-kill order against MDC activists if they went ahead with their planned rally at Nedziwa business centre in Chimanimani. The officer-in-charge of Chimanimani police, identified as Inspector Banda deployed heavily armed officers to cordon off the venue of the MDC rally. The uncompromising officer, allegedly vowed ‘he was above the law’ and dared anyone who challenged his authority that his or her fate would be sealed violently.

Tsvangirai slams govt for neglecting Murambatsvina victims
MDC president Morgan Tsvangirai rounded off a visit to Hatcliffe Extension on Monday by criticising government for neglecting the plight of victims of its controversial Operation Murambatsvina. The opposition leader was on a tour of the area, which is home to hundreds of people displaced when their homes were razed to the ground. Most have been living in plastic shacks for over two years despite government pledges to build decent housing under Operation Garikai/Hlalani Kuhle.

Crisis coalition deny crisis at SA office
The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (SA Chapter) has denied media reports that its office is closing down following a withdrawal of funding by donors. Nixon Nyikadzino an advocacy officer with the group says the office will remain open despite a restructuring exercise that carried out an evaluation of projects and personnel.

Government decision to bond teachers rubbished
The government’s plans to bond newly qualified teachers from seeking employment outside the country have been dismissed by teachers and their unions as “unjust”.Education minister Aeneas Chigwedere, told parliament on Thursday that teachers coming out of colleges will no longer be allowed to work outside the country.

Top world legal body condemns police conduct
The largest grouping of legal practitioners in the world has condemned the Zimbabwe Republic Police, accusing it of being partisan and severely repressive.The International Bar Association on Wednesday issued out a report that warned that chances of free and fair polls next year, were slim unless measures are taken to depoliticise the country’s law enforcement agents.

Arrested youth leader released without charge
A student and youth rights activist who was arrested at the University of Zimbabwe where Robert Mugabe was capping graduates on Friday has been released from police cells without charge.Wellington Mahohoma, of the Zimbabwe Youth Movement walked out of the Harare Central Police station free after police failed to pin down any criminal charges against him. Mahohoma was arrested for holding a camera in the presence of Robert Mugabe.

Over 90 WOZA activists arrested and released over Tuesday demo
The group was protesting what they termed escalating state sponsored violence against pro-democracy activists. The protesters marched from the First Street along Nkwame Nkrumah until police intercepted them at the corner of Nelson Mandela and Sam Nujoma avenues. They held up placards and distributed fliers to motorists and pedestrians in the city centre. Anti-riot police then converged on the marchers and ordered them to sit on the pavement outside Standard Chartered Bank, which is opposite the Anglican Cathedral.

Cash shortage worsens despite measures
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe on Tuesday raised the cheque limit that can be accepted for clearing by 150 percent to a maximum Z$500 million in its latest bid to tackle the cash shortages.The move is the latest in a series of measures by the Zimbabwean authorities to alleviate the cash crisis, which many blame on President Mugabe's controversial policies.In his latest attempt to curb the world’s highest inflation, Reserve Bank chief Gideon Gono announced the new measures which analysts and economists swiftly rubbished as cosmetic.

Goverment threatens to sack striking magistrates
The government has threatened to sack all striking magistrates if they continue to defy orders to return to work. David Mangota, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Justice, on Friday ordered magistrates and prosecutors to go back to work and get their grievances addressed while they are on the job. Mangota’s threats have been ignored and the job action continues.

Nigerian President blasts Mugabe
Nigerian President, Umaru Yar'Adua on Sunday condemned Mugabe for disregarding the rule of law. Speaking at the third Germany/European Partnership with Africa in Germany, Yar'Adua blasted Mugabe for his heavy-handed treatment of the opposition and critics. Yar’Adua becomes the first African leader to openly criticise Mugabe in the lead up to the EU-AU Summit, scheduled for next month in Portugal.

Murdered MDC activist’s burial set for Wednesday in Gokwe
Clemence Takaendesa, the MDC activist shot dead in KweKwe, will be buried in Gokwe on Wednesday, a week after he was murdered by retired army Brigadier Benjamin Mabenge. Takaendesa’s body was sent to Bulawayo for a post-mortem on Sunday, while his brother Taurai Chigede, who was seriously injured in the same shoot-out, was transferred to the Avenue Clinic’s intensive care unit in Harare.

Decision on MDC women’s executive deferred
The MDC led by Morgan Tsvangirai has deferred making a decision on the ouster of women’s assembly chairperson Lucia Matibenga, instead choosing to wait for a report from National Chairman Lovemore Moyo. A meeting of the National Executive met over the weekend to discuss several issues, including the controversial dissolution of the women’s assembly.

Claims that Zanu PF & MDC agree to postpone elections
There are reports that say progress has been made on electoral issues by the parties negotiating under the mediation of South Africa’s president Thabo Mbeki. One report said ZANU-PF & MDC have agreed to postpone the elections from March to some time in June. The report quoted “well-informed sources close to the negotiations” saying the move was necessary to allow time for more thorough preparation.

Courts crippled as magistrates go on strike
The country’s courts are in crisis following a nationwide strike by magistrates in protest at low pay and poor working conditions. Regional magistrates at Harare, Mbare and Chitungwiza courts stopped work on Thursday and others followed suit across the country. The magistrates have sent a letter to Justice Minister Chinamasa, Attorney General Sobuza Gula-Ndebele and acting director of public prosecutions Florence Ziyambi, voicing their concerns.

Mugabe signs “succession” bill into law
The controversial Bill that combines the presidential, parliamentary and council elections in Zimbabwe next year, and allows Robert Mugabe to pick a successor should he retire mid-term, has finally been signed into law. A government gazette has announced that the constitutional changes stipulated in the Bill came into effect on Tuesday. Known as the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 18, this legislation is a compromise deal that resulted from the ongoing mediated talks.

Government’s latest HIV/Aids statistics questioned
Experts on HIV/Aids issues have questioned the authenticity of recent figures released by government which suggested that the epidemic’s prevalence rates were dropping. Government on Wednesday released new statistics that showed that the HIV/Aids prevalence rate has declined from just over 18 percent to 15,6 percent over the past four years. The Ministry of Health was quick to claim the “victory” as a “reflection of the unrelenting campaign by the government”.

Government says it has no money to print voters roll
Next year’s crucial elections hang in the balance after the government said it has no money to print the voters’ roll. A senior government official on Tuesday told parliament that the Registrar-General’s Office responsible for elections had inadequate funds. Presenting an audit before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Defence and Home Affairs in parliament, chief accountant in the RG’s Office Edwell Mutemaringa said government requires over Z$3 trillion before the end of the year to print the voters’ roll.

Harare students protest outside Mugabe’s offices
More than 500 students from Harare's institutions of higher learning on Tuesday held a demonstration outside Mugabe’s offices, in protest at the decay of education standards. Students from state-run colleges took to the streets of Harare with a petition addressed to the Minister of Higher & Tertiary Education, Stan Mudenge. Most of the students came from the University of Zimbabwe and Chitungwiza’s Seke College.

Government considering new currency to replace bearers cheques A severe shortage of bearers’ cheques has hit the country and the Reserve Bank is reportedly planning to introduce a new currency. Bearers’ cheques are currently the only legal tender in Zimbabwe. Sources within the RBZ told our correspondent the plan is to bring in the new notes once a substantial amount of the bearer cheques have been removed from circulation. This is an attempt to lower the exchange rate, which passed the Z$1million mark mid October.

MDC crisis meeting will decide fate of women’s executive
The saga over the dissolution of the women’s executive led by Lucia Matibenga looks set to be the subject of a make or break crisis meeting this week. Party president Morgan Tsvangirai is alleged to be facing a potential revolt over the manner in which Matibenga was dismissed from the assembly and the subsequent meeting held in Bulawayo to replace her with Theresa Makone.

Security chief accused of putting a ritual curse on Mugabe
Revelations by a Chinhoyi man detailing how Security Minister Didymus Mutasa performed rituals in a bid to succeed Mugabe have stirred controversy within Zanu PF. Details came to light when Jeremiah Mambo Jenami, a farmer and spiritualist, issued a notice of intention to sue the Police Commissioner for harassment. Jenami alleges he has been prejudiced by the actions of the police who are harassing him since he made it known to Mugabe that Mutasa wanted him gone.

Zimbabwe increasingly isolated as British Airways pulls out
British Airways pulled out of Zimbabwe on Sunday, amid reports that Ethiopian Airlines has indicated it will also pull out of the Harare route in two weeks’ time. The last flight flew out of Harare at 9am Sunday, effectively ending 62 years of service from London. BA was the last foreign long-haul airline still flying to Zimbabwe. Eight years ago 18 foreign airlines used to fly direct to Harare, until passengers started shunning the country owing to security concerns and the collapse of the economy.

High Court rules women’s congress should decide Matibenga fate
The High Court has ruled that the standing committee of the MDC had no power to dissolve the women’s executive led by Lucia Matibenga. The same court however ordered that a special congress set for Sunday should go ahead and allow the women’s congress to decide the fate of Matibenga and her executive.

Zanu PF endorses Mugabe as electoral candidate
Robert Mugabe has secured endorsement to represent Zanu PF at next year’s presidential election after receiving resounding support from the central committee in Harare on Friday. The committee had met to thrash out issues to be discussed on the agenda of the ruling party’s special congress in December, where many believed Mugabe would face stiff competition for the ruling party’s leadership.