Zimbabwe Roundup: Resignation of President Mnangagwa, resurgence of HIV, bus-truck collision
Resignation of President Mnangagwa
Zimbabwe is currently in the throes of political upheaval as war veterans have openly demanded the resignation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. With apprehensions about his potential rule extending beyond constitutional limits, war veteran leader Blessed Geza has articulated intentions for a nationwide shutdown aimed at compelling Mnangagwa to resign. Geza also faces looming arresUt due to his confrontational stance against the president, for which authorities are actively searching him on multiple charges, including inciting violence.
Resurgence of HIV
Zimbabwe is experiencing a resurgence of HIV, influenced by the withdrawal of mobile health clinics which previously provided critical services like antiretroviral drugs, condoms, and testing. This cessation followed the suspension of U.S. foreign aid on January 20, leaving many, particularly vulnerable groups such as sex workers, without necessary healthcare access. With approximately 1.3 million individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe, the fallout from the aid suspension poses significant health risks as condom supplies decrease.
De-dollarisation
Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has signalled that Zimbabwe is not positioned to initiate de-dollarisation until it restructures its outstanding $21 billion debt, essential for regaining access to international credit. Since defaulting in 1999, Zimbabwe has faced exclusion from capital markets, with potential debt restructuring promising necessary support for balance of payments. The introduction of the new ZiG currency has stumbled, marked by a significant 43% devaluation in September, inciting calls for its reconsideration; the central bank has allocated over $400 million in support measures while tightening liquidity.
Bus-truck collision
A tragic vehicle collision occurred in Matabeleland South Province on February 13, 2025, claiming at least 24 lives. The incident involved a bus and a haulage truck, leading to seventeen fatalities at the scene and seven additional deaths in hospital care, with twelve individuals remaining in critical condition. Eyewitnesses indicated that the bus was en route to Beitbridge, near the South African border, while the truck was transporting a substantial cargo of 34 metric tons of magnesium. The police have confirmed the event and pledged to release more comprehensive details.
Longstanding debt
Zimbabwe's longstanding debt crisis poses a critical issue, with more than $21 billion accumulated over 25 years, largely stemming from unpaid obligations. The country has been in default to significant creditors, most notably the World Bank and the IMF, since 2000, a situation exacerbated by severe drought conditions adversely impacting the agricultural sector.
