Africa

Zimbabwe Braces For Upcoming Elections

by Ofeibea Quist-Arcton

After years of food shortages and drought, in a country that was once the breadbasket of southern Africa, Zimbabwe's crippled economy is recovering — after adopting the U.S. dollar as its currency. But memories of the violent elections in 2008 are fueling fears about security. The disputed vote ended in a power-sharing deal between President Robert Mugabe and his main opposition rival. The Zimbabwean leader has now proclaimed July 31 as election day. New York-based Human Rights Watch warns there's potential for more violence — unless key security and other reforms are brought in before the vote.
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Opponents To Mark Morsi's First Year In Office With Protests

by Merrit Kennedy

On Sunday, it'll be one year since Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi was sworn into office. His leadership has polarized the country and Egyptians face rising food prices, fuel shortages and power cuts just as the long hot summer takes hold. Opposition groups have planned major protests to mark the day, demanding early elections and vowing to remain on the streets until Morsi quits power.
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Nelson Mandela Said To Be Gravely Ill

South Africa is on watch for the fate of the 94-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate. The ailing Mandela, an international icon known for his fight to end apartheid, has been in the hospital for several days. For the latest on his condition, Renee Montagne speaks with NPR's Ofeibea Quist-Arcton.
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