Mugabe ally 'shuts down' newly formed opposition party, rejoins Zanu-PF – report
A Zimbabwean political party which was said to be backed by ousted president Robert Mugabe has reportedly been disbanded, with its leaders saying they were now rejoining the ruling Zanu-PF party.
The National Patriotic Front (NPF) party was formed by a former army brigadier Ambrose Mutinhiri, who quit Zanu-PF to protest the removal of Mugabe last November, AP reported.
Mutinhiri, a veteran of the 1970s war against white minority rule, met Mugabe before announcing he had formed the opposition party in May.
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PICS: Row over roundabout underscores Zim's deep political divide
A row over a new roundabout shows the deep political divide persists in Zimbabwe, two months after disputed polls.
The roundabout on Harare Drive – the road that rings the capital - has captured public attention because of its interesting features, including blue floodlights that light up its centre at night, and the fact that it represents a positive development after years of neglect under former president Robert Mugabe.
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Tanzania investigates ferry disaster which killed 227
Tanzania's government has launched an inquest into the cause of the ferry disaster, in which 227 people died when a boat capsized in Lake Victoria last week. The government is also taking steps to build a bigger ferry.
A preliminary investigation found that overloading was the main reason why the MV Nyerere overturned on Thursday. More than 260 people were on the ferry, which had a capacity for 101 passengers. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said a report on the tragedy should be turned in to the government within 30 days.
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At least 500 000 children face 'immediate danger' in Libya capital: UN
Half a million children are in "immediate danger" in Libya's capital Tripoli due to fighting, the United Nations children's fund Unicef said on Monday.
Clashes that broke out between rival militias in late August had killed at least 115 people and wounded nearly 400 by Saturday night, according to Libya's health ministry.
The Unicef said on Monday that "over 1 200 families have been displaced in the past 48 hours alone as clashes intensified in southern Tripoli".
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US diplomat found dead at his house in Madagascar: police
An American diplomat has been found dead after an apparent attack at his residence in Madagascar's capital, police said on Monday, adding that a suspect had been arrested.
In the early hours of Sunday morning "after receiving a call from neighbours and private security guards, the gendarmerie night patrol found an American diplomat dead at his home," police spokesperson Herilalatiana Andrianarisaona told AFP.
The victim was confirmed dead at the scene by paramedics, he said.
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