A Qatar air force fighter jet on the runway Iran has continued launching strikes on Israeli and US-linked targets in the Gulf, even as casualties rise across the region amid intensifying joint attacks by Israel and the United States on Iranian territory. Tehran’s latest wave of attacks reportedly included ballistic missiles and drone launches targeting military infrastructure linked to both countries. The escalation comes as Washington and Tel Aviv expand coordinated operations aimed at degrading Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities. Qatar said its air force “successfully intercepted” two Iranian SU-24 fighter jets, along with seven ballistic missiles and five drones that had entered its airspace. Doha did not immediately specify whether the aircraft were targeting Qatari territory or transiting toward other Gulf states. Officials described the response as defensive and in line with efforts to protect national sovereignty. Inside Iran, joint US-Israeli strikes have reportedly killed at least 555 people , according to local sources. The attacks are said to have targeted military facilities, missile sites, and strategic infrastructure. Iranian security chief Ali Larijani denied reports in US media suggesting that he had opened new channels to restart nuclear negotiations with Washington. “We have not initiated any fresh talks,” he was quoted as saying, dismissing claims of renewed diplomacy amid the conflict. In neighbouring Kuwait, the Defence Ministry reported that several US warplanes crashed on its territory. All crew members survived. The US military later clarified that the aircraft were accidentally downed by Kuwaiti air defences during what it described as a misidentification incident amid heightened regional tensions. The violence has also spread beyond the Gulf. In Lebanon, at least 31 people were killed in Israeli air strikes launched after Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel. Following the escalation, Lebanon’s prime minister announced a ban on Hezbollah’s military operations in an effort to prevent further retaliation and regional spillover. With Iran continuing retaliatory strikes and Israel and the US pressing ahead with military operations, the conflict shows little sign of slowing. Regional governments remain on high alert as the risk of broader confrontation increases, raising fears of further civilian casualties and destabilisation across the Middle East. Stay with us for continuing updates on this developing situation. Iran Israel US Gulf strikes Suggested Internal Backlinks Middle East Conflict Coverage  → Anchor: Latest Israel-Iran war updates US Foreign Policy Section  → Anchor: US military involvement in the Gulf Lebanon Coverage  → Anchor: Hezbollah-Israel border tensions Defence & Security Reports  → Anchor: Ballistic missile developments in the Middle East If you'd like, I can also prepare a Google Discover–optimised headline or a live-blog SEO structure.

Creative Economy Week Zimbabwe 2026 By Percy Nhara | Southerton Business Times Across Harare, Bulawayo, and Masvingo, the mood this week is unmistakable. It is not just the late-summer heat, it is the momentum of Creative Economy Week Zimbabwe 2026. From 2–7 March, creatives, policymakers, and investors are sharing platforms, exchanging cards, and, more importantly, building partnerships. The headline theme is inclusive growth in the arts. But beneath the panels and performances lies a deeper strategic shift aligned with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2): collaboration is no longer optional. It is the new currency. The Inclusive Growth Pivot Under NDS2 For years, Zimbabwean creatives have worked in silos. Musicians focused on studio time. Filmmakers chased grants independently. Designers built brands in isolation. The NDS2 creative strategy signals a pivot from individual hustle to structured ecosystems. Inclusive growth in the arts means building value chains, not just projects. Consider this: a filmmaker in Chipinge partners with a costume designer in Bulawayo, sourcing textiles from artisans in Mount Selinda, to produce a music video for a recording artist in Harare. That collaboration creates employment, multiplies revenue streams, and strengthens bargaining power when negotiating distribution deals. This ecosystem thinking is central to discussions led by the British Council  and the Creative Business Academy for Africa (CBAfA). Rather than teaching “music business” or “film production” in isolation, the focus is now on integrated creative enterprises, intellectual property, digital distribution, export strategy, and cross-sector collaboration. In short, the ecosystem is the new studio. Creative Economy Week Zimbabwe 2026: Inclusive Growth Pivot The Legal Dimension: Why the Banjul Protocol Matters While networking dominates the headlines, legal developments are quietly reshaping the landscape. Recent updates to the Banjul Protocol , administered by the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) , strengthen mechanisms for protecting trademarks and industrial designs across multiple African jurisdictions. For Zimbabwean artists, this is not an abstract policy it is a business strategy. Your stage name, logo, furniture design, fashion label, or digital brand is an asset. Under the revised ARIPO Banjul Protocol framework, creators can secure broader regional protection more efficiently. In a digital economy where a song can trend in Nairobi overnight, safeguarding intellectual property is fundamental to monetisation. The message is clear: collaboration must be matched by protection. Inclusive growth in the arts depends on secure ownership structures. Networking in the NDS2 Era Creative Economy Week Zimbabwe 2026 also highlights an often-underestimated skill: structured networking. Many beneficiaries of NDS2-linked funding mechanisms and creative grants credit partnerships, not just talent, for their success. Inclusive growth requires that emerging creators from outside major urban centres gain access to the same networks as those in established districts. That is why the presence of creatives from regions like Mount Selinda and smaller towns matters. Digital platforms, combined with ecosystem thinking, mean geography is no longer destiny. And yes, there is still room for artistic independence. But in 2026, independence should not mean isolation. The Bottom Line: Collaboration Is Competitive Advantage The myth of the “lone wolf” artist is fading. Global markets reward scale, consistency, and professionalism outcomes that ecosystems deliver better than individuals working alone. Creative Economy Week Zimbabwe 2026 underscores a practical truth: inclusive growth in arts is not charity. It is economic logic. Collaboration spreads risk, expands reach, and enhances negotiating power. Under NDS2, Zimbabwe’s creative sector is being positioned not merely as a cultural space, but as a structured industry capable of exports, regional competitiveness, and sustained employment. The new rule is simple: go alone if you want speed. Build together if you want sustainability. And in today’s creative economy, sustainability pays. Creative Economy Week Zimbabwe 2026

Artists at a festival concert promoting peace LUBUMBASHI —   The 11th Amani Festival, long a hallmark of Goma’s cultural calendar and a symbol of youth‑led peacebuilding in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, will be held in Lubumbashi from April 10 to 12, 2026, organisers announced, citing security concerns in North Kivu. Festival director Augustin Mosange  said the decision followed assessments that many artists and participants would be unable or unwilling to travel to Goma because the city is not under Kinshasa’s control. “We are aware that there are several constraints the festival would face if it were organised in Goma, notably cancellations by artists who cannot travel to a zone that is not under Kinshasa’s control. So we believe this is among the reasons why the festival has been relocated,” Mosange said. Launched in 2014, the Amani Festival has grown into a powerful platform for promoting peaceful coexistence in a region long affected by armed conflict. Each year, the event brings together local and international artists, activists, and thousands of spectators to celebrate culture as a tool for reconciliation and hope. For many residents of Goma, the festival’s presence has been a rare public affirmation of normalcy and civic life. Since January 2025, Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, has been under the control of the M23 rebel movement, backed by Rwanda, according to multiple observers. The shift in control has disrupted travel, logistics, and public events, prompting organisers to seek a safer venue to ensure the festival can proceed. Local reactions were mixed. Some residents expressed disappointment at the festival’s absence from Goma this year. David Kas, a Goma resident, described the move as “a small disappointment” but acknowledged the necessity: “We know it is also a way for the festival to survive despite the insecurity experienced here in the east of the country.” Organisers’ priorities and plans Organisers said the relocation is temporary and aimed at preserving the festival’s continuity and safety. Programming in Lubumbashi will retain the festival’s core themes of peacebuilding, youth engagement, and cultural exchange. The team plans to include performances, workshops, and panels that highlight the role of the arts in conflict transformation and community resilience. Officials also indicated efforts to maintain connections with Goma‑based artists and community groups, ensuring that voices from the east remain central to the festival’s agenda despite the change of venue. While the move underscores the persistent security challenges in eastern Congo, organisers and supporters say the festival’s relocation should not be seen as a retreat from its mission. Instead, they frame it as an adaptive step to keep the Amani spirit alive and to continue using culture as a lever for peace until conditions allow a safe return to Goma. Amani Festival Lubumbashi 2026

Prisoners being released HARARE —   The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS)  has started releasing 4,305 inmates under General Notice 99 of 2026, gazetted as Clemency Order Number 1 of 2026 , the Justice Ministry announced on Monday. The executive measure, authorised by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, takes effect from 2 March 2026 and is intended to ease overcrowding while prioritising rehabilitation and public safety. Who benefits and how the scheme works Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said the amnesty targets specific categories of prisoners who meet eligibility criteria, including all convicted female inmates except those convicted of specified serious offences. Other beneficiaries include inmates under 18 years old, those aged 60 and above who have served at least one‑third of their sentence, and prisoners certified as terminally ill or with severe disabilities that cannot be managed in custody. The order also covers inmates held in open prisons and those who have served a minimum of 20 years, including individuals whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment. Most beneficiaries must have served at least one‑third of their sentence by the date the order was gazetted. Numbers, timing, and staggered releases Of the 4,305 beneficiaries, 223 are women, and 4,082 are men. Minister Ziyambi said 3,755 of the male beneficiaries will be released immediately, while 327 will be released in a staggered manner. Inmates serving more than 48 months for non‑specified offences will receive a one‑quarter remission of their remaining sentence. Ziyambi emphasised that the release of 3,978 beneficiaries begins on 2 March 2026, and that the ZPCS conducted a nationwide audit using an electronic inmate data capturing programme to identify eligible individuals. Exclusions and safeguards To protect public safety and uphold the rule of law, the Clemency Order excludes inmates convicted of serious offences, including murder, treason, carjacking, robbery and armed robbery, rape and other sexual offences, as well as crimes under statutes such as the Electricity Act , Copper Act, Railways Act, and Postal and Telecommunications Act. Offences involving trafficking in persons, public violence, and contraventions of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act are also excluded. Government rationale and call for community support Minister Ziyambi framed the amnesty as an act of restorative justice and a pragmatic step to reduce prison congestion and enhance rehabilitation. He urged communities, families, and the private sector to assist with reintegration, saying successful social support is essential to prevent recidivism. “This executive action reflects a profound commitment to restorative justice, national compassion, and the strategic decongestion of correctional facilities,” Ziyambi said, calling on Zimbabweans to receive returnees with grace and to support their reintegration. Authorities said arrangements are being made to manage the releases, provide necessary documentation, and coordinate with social services to facilitate reintegration and monitor compliance with any post‑release conditions. ZPCS Clemency Order 2026 releases 4305

Land at the centre of local disputes ZAKA —   Police are seeking a village head under  Chief Ndanga in Zaka after allegedly stabbing three people in a series of attacks tied to ongoing land disputes, authorities confirmed on Monday. Police said George Muvavi, the village head of Mukambwe Village, and his brother Tinashe Muvavi are accused of attacking two members of a neighbouring community and a local teacher on 14 February 2026. One suspect remains at large while one was detained following the incidents, which police have linked to allegations that the Muvavi family sold land belonging to neighbouring villages. Incident details Masvingo Provincial deputy police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu said the first incident occurred at Chipato Shopping Centre, where Tinashe allegedly stabbed a 16‑year‑old boy in the hand with a knife. Later that evening the brothers reportedly went to Jerera Shopping Centre, where George allegedly stabbed Tatenda Tinarwo in the chest. Tinarwo is currently admitted to Masvingo Provincial Hospital . On the same day, a teacher from Muchechetere School  was allegedly attacked at Chipato Shopping Centre and suffered facial injuries after being stabbed with a broken bottle. Police recorded the cases under reference numbers RRB 6705696 and RRB 6705678, and said investigations are ongoing. Authorities confirmed that one victim remains hospitalised. The 16‑year‑old sustained a hand injury and received treatment, while the teacher was treated for facial wounds. Police said they are monitoring the condition of all victims and will provide updates as inquiries progress. Police and local sources said the violence appears linked to long‑running land disputes involving the Muvavi family. The brothers are accused of illegally selling land that belongs to neighbouring villages, including Tinarwo Village. Similar disputes with Mashanyare Village have reportedly been taken to court, according to community members. Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect believed to be on the run and urged anyone with information to come forward. Assistant Inspector Patinyu said investigators are following leads and processing forensic and witness evidence to build a case. Authorities appealed to community leaders to help calm tensions and to allow the legal process to run its course. Residents were urged to avoid taking the law into their own hands and to report any related incidents to the nearest police station. Zaka village head stabbing land dispute 2026

Mutare High Court A 75-year-old woman from Murambinda in Buhera District, Manicaland Province, has filed an urgent court application accusing a private hospital of unlawfully detaining her over an unpaid medical bill. Marita Manyore has been held at Exclusive Medcare Hospital  for close to two weeks after the facility allegedly refused to discharge her until her medical bill, now said to total US$2 200, is fully paid. Discharge Recommended, Release Denied Manyore was admitted on 10 February 2026 under the care of a specialist physician after her family sought medical assistance. On 15 February, following an assessment that reportedly found her condition had improved and no longer required specialist care, the attending doctor recommended her discharge. However, when her family requested that she be released, noting that the bill had already reached US$1 070, hospital authorities allegedly declined. The family offered to pay US$200 immediately and settle the balance in two monthly instalments of US$500 each. According to court papers, the proposal was rejected, with hospital officials insisting on full payment before discharge. On 19 February, the family again attempted to negotiate, offering US$500 upfront. By then, they were informed that the bill had risen to US$1 440. Lawyers Step In On 25 February, the family paid US$500 as part payment and engaged lawyers Peggy Tavagadza and Tatenda Sigauke of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) . In a letter addressed to the hospital, the lawyers described the continued detention as unlawful and unethical. They argued that the hospital could discharge Manyore and recover any outstanding debt through a payment plan or civil recovery processes without infringing on her rights. Despite this intervention, the hospital allegedly remained adamant. During a meeting on 26 February, a director reportedly informed the family that the bill had escalated to US$2 200 and that the US$500 payment was insufficient motivation to release her. Urgent Court Application Left with limited options, Manyore, through her son Witness Mavambire , filed an urgent chamber application at the Mutare High Court  on 28 February 2026. In the application, she seeks an order declaring her detention illegal and compelling the hospital to release her immediately. Her lawyers argue that continued confinement in a medical facility where she is no longer receiving treatment, while additional costs continue to accumulate, violates her constitutional rights and effectively traps her in a cycle of debt. Manyore has reportedly expressed gratitude for the medical care provided, but maintains that contractual obligations cannot justify the violation of her fundamental rights. The matter is yet to be set down for hearing at the Mutare High Court. Hospital detention unpaid medical bill Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe embassy building in Tehran   HARARE —  The Zimbabwean government has evacuated non‑essential staff from its embassy in Tehran , relocating personnel to Armenia  for safety after the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran on 28 February. Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet for Presidential Communications George Charamba confirmed the move on X, saying the decision followed a security review of the situation in the Islamic Republic . Charamba said non‑essential embassy staff were being flown home and that Zimbabwe was assessing security needs across its missions in the Middle East and the welfare of Zimbabwean nationals in the region. “Following a review of the security situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, which has been jointly aggressed by the US and Israel, the Zimbabwe Embassy staff in Tehran has been evacuated to the neighbouring State of Armenia for safety,” Charamba posted. He added that the government was in contact with its missions across the region to determine further protective measures. Officials said the evacuation was a precautionary step intended to reduce risk to diplomatic personnel while the security environment remains uncertain. The move follows reports of military operations by the United States and Israel that prompted heightened tensions and safety concerns for foreign missions in Tehran. Zimbabwe’s decision mirrors actions taken by other countries that have adjusted diplomatic staffing or issued travel advisories in response to the strikes. Charamba’s statement indicated that essential embassy functions would continue from the temporary location in Armenia and that Zimbabwe would maintain diplomatic engagement through secure channels. The evacuation raises practical questions about consular services for Zimbabwean citizens in Iran. Government officials said arrangements were being made to support nationals affected by the disruption and to provide updates on repatriation or assistance where required. Charamba emphasised that the safety of staff and citizens was the priority and that ongoing security assessments would guide further operational decisions. Analysts note that temporary relocations of diplomatic staff are a common response to sudden escalations in conflict zones and are intended to preserve diplomatic continuity while minimising exposure to harm. The use of neighbouring countries as interim bases allows embassies to sustain essential functions and coordinate with host and partner governments. Zimbabwe’s foreign ministry is expected to issue more detailed guidance on consular services and any planned returns of staff once the security situation stabilises. In the meantime, the government said it would continue to monitor developments closely and coordinate with international partners to safeguard its diplomatic personnel and citizens in the region. Zimbabwe evacuates embassy staff Tehran 2026

Rwandan soldiers on patrol WASHINGTON —   The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF)  and several senior Rwandan military officials, accusing Kigali of backing the M23  rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and calling for an immediate withdrawal of Rwandan forces from the mineral‑rich region. The U.S. Treasury Department said gains made by the M23 last year “would have been impossible without Rwandan backing,” while the State Department said Rwanda’s support had enabled “horrific human rights abuses.” Sanctions target senior officers, including the army chief of staff, the chief of defence staff, the special operations force commander, and the commander of the 5th Infantry Division. Rwanda has repeatedly denied allegations from the DRC, the United Nations, and Western governments that it supports M23. In a statement to Reuters, Kigali described the sanctions as unfair and said they “misrepresent the reality and distort the facts of the conflict.” The Rwandan government said it remained committed to disengaging its forces in line with mediation efforts and accused the DRC of failing to end support for other armed groups. The move follows a fragile diplomatic push to stabilise the region. A U.S.‑brokered agreement signed in Washington last December aimed to reduce hostilities and pave the way for disengagement, but fighting has continued. Days after the ceremony, M23 captured the eastern Congolese city of Uvira near the Burundian border in a major escalation; the group later withdrew under U.S. pressure, officials said. U.S. officials warned that M23’s continued presence near Burundi’s border risked widening the conflict into a broader regional war. Over the weekend, Congolese authorities accused M23 of launching a drone attack on Kisangani airport, hundreds of kilometres from the main frontlines. M23 had earlier claimed responsibility for a separate airport attack; the group did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the latest allegations. Analysts say the sanctions are intended to increase pressure on Kigali to halt any material support for M23 and to reinforce diplomatic efforts to stabilise eastern DRC. Critics of the sanctions argue they could complicate mediation and regional cooperation, while supporters contend targeted measures are necessary to deter external interference that fuels the conflict. Humanitarian organisations have repeatedly warned that renewed fighting in eastern DRC has driven displacement, disrupted access to aid, and exacerbated abuses against civilians. The region’s strategic importance, including its mineral wealth and porous borders, has made it a focal point for competing political and military interests. U.S. officials said the sanctions would be accompanied by continued diplomatic engagement with regional partners and international institutions to press for a durable cessation of hostilities and accountability for abuses. The situation remains fluid, and observers say progress will depend on concrete steps by all parties to disengage forces, allow humanitarian access, and resume political dialogue. US sanctions Rwanda RDF M23 2026

Daniel Munyanyi (50) An armed robbery suspect accused of fatally shooting two police officers in Zaka District, Masvingo Province, has been arrested. The suspect, identified as Daniel Munyanyi (50), was apprehended on Monday in the Nyika area of Bikita District after allegedly going into hiding following the incident. In a statement issued on 2 March 2026, Zimbabwe Republic Police  (ZRP) spokesperson Paul Nyathi  confirmed the arrest. Nyathi said Munyanyi was captured late in the afternoon by members of the public, who then alerted police. The firearm allegedly used in the killings has since been recovered. Police commended residents of Nyika for working closely with law enforcement to secure the suspect’s arrest. Munyanyi, of Ndume Village under Chief Ndanga in Zaka, is alleged to have shot and killed two Criminal Investigations Department (CID) detectives at around 5 am on Sunday, 1 March 2026. According to police, the officers were part of a team tracking the suspect in connection with armed robbery cases in Harare and surrounding areas. The deceased officers have been identified as Detective Constables Bernard Chimbeke (37) and McKenzie Chitsowe (43). During the exchange of gunfire, three other detectives were reportedly seriously injured. According to reports, one officer was shot in the thigh, another sustained gunshot wounds to both legs, while a third suffered severe injuries that led to the amputation of one leg. Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the condition of the injured officers. Police said investigations are continuing and more information will be released in due course. The fatal shooting has sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community, highlighting the dangers officers face during operations involving armed suspects. Zaka police shooting suspect arrested

Smoke rising from a damaged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz   DUBAI —   Two commercial vessels were struck on Sunday in the Strait of Hormuz , maritime security agencies reported, as Iran pressed a second day of retaliatory strikes following reported U.S.‑Israeli air raids. The incidents prompted shipping companies to reroute vessels and raised fresh concerns about safety in one of the world’s busiest energy corridors. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO)  said one ship off the coast of Oman was hit by an unknown projectile above the waterline, causing an engine‑room fire that was later brought under control. In a separate incident, another vessel was struck by a projectile that ignited a fire, which was subsequently extinguished; that ship intended to continue its voyage, UKMTO added. Private maritime security firm Vanguard Tech reported that the second vessel, identified as a tanker, was located about 17 nautical miles northwest of Mina Saqr in the United Arab Emirates when it was struck. Iranian state television broadcast images of thick black smoke rising from a vessel it said had been hit while transiting the strait and reported the ship was “sinking,” though independent confirmation of that claim was not immediately available. The attacks followed a declaration by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps the previous day that the shipping lane was closed and unsafe after what Tehran described as US‑Israeli strikes. The closure warning and subsequent incidents prompted major carriers to take precautionary measures. Danish shipping giant Maersk announced it was suspending all vessel crossings through the Strait of Hormuz until further notice , citing safety concerns. Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) also instructed ships in the Gulf to proceed to designated safe shelter areas. Several other operators and insurers were reported to be reassessing transits and coverage for vessels in the region. The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic maritime chokepoint through which a significant share of global seaborne oil and liquefied natural gas passes. Disruptions there can have immediate implications for global energy markets and shipping costs, and the incidents are likely to draw close attention from governments, industry groups, and international maritime agencies. Authorities in the region have not yet released a full account of the incidents, and investigations were reported to be underway. Shipping companies and maritime security firms urged vessels to exercise heightened caution, maintain communications with local authorities, and follow guidance from naval and commercial security advisories. Analysts warned that continued attacks or further escalation could prompt broader rerouting of tankers around the Cape of Good Hope, increasing voyage times and costs. For now, the immediate focus remains on ensuring the safety of crews, assessing damage to affected vessels, and clarifying the circumstances of the strikes. Strait of Hormuz two vessels attacked in 2026

Advisory note issued ABU DHABI —   The Zimbabwean embassy in the United Arab Emirates has issued an advisory urging Zimbabwean nationals to avoid non‑essential travel and remain calm after a series of military strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel  sparked regional tensions. In a statement, the embassy encouraged citizens to exercise caution, follow official safety guidance issued by UAE authorities, and stay informed through verified channels. The advisory comes as explosions were reported across the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait amid Iran’s retaliatory strikes on US assets in the Gulf, which entered a third day and raised concerns about a wider and prolonged regional confrontation. The embassy said it was closely monitoring developments and coordinating with local authorities to assess risks to Zimbabweans in the region. It advised nationals to register with the mission where possible, keep emergency contact details up to date, and follow instructions from local emergency services. Officials emphasised that the advisory was precautionary and aimed at reducing exposure to potential harm while the security situation remained fluid. The embassy also urged travellers to defer non‑essential journeys to and within the Gulf until the situation stabilises. The strikes and counter‑strikes have prompted several countries and international organisations to review their diplomatic postures and issue travel guidance. Shipping companies and airlines have also adjusted operations in response to heightened security alerts in the wider region. For Zimbabweans living, working, or travelling in the Gulf, the embassy recommended practical safety measures, including staying indoors during reported explosions, avoiding large gatherings, keeping mobile phones charged, and maintaining contact with family members. The mission said it would provide updates through official channels and consular hotlines as more information became available. Analysts say that in volatile situations, embassy advisories serve to reduce risk and ensure that citizens have clear instructions on how to seek assistance. Temporary changes to consular services and staffing are common as missions balance the need to provide support with the safety of diplomatic personnel. Zimbabwe has previously taken precautionary steps in response to regional instability, including temporary relocations of staff and issuing travel advisories. The embassy’s current guidance reflects a similar approach aimed at protecting nationals while maintaining essential consular functions. Zimbabwean nationals in the UAE and neighbouring states were advised to monitor official UAE government updates, follow local media from reputable outlets, and contact the embassy for consular assistance if needed. The mission reiterated that the safety of Zimbabweans abroad remained a priority and that it would continue to liaise with host authorities and regional partners to assess and respond to emerging risks. Zimbabwe embassy UAE advisory 2026

Alick Macheso Sungura legend Alick Macheso  says his “heart bleeds” for local musicians amid escalating turmoil at the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) , accusing the association’s leadership of failing to uphold transparency and accountability. ZIMURA, registered in 1982 as a collective management organisation, is mandated to protect, license, and manage copyrights for composers, authors, and publishers . However, the association is now facing internal divisions, governance allegations, and growing dissatisfaction among members over royalty payouts. Leadership Rift and Avondale Flats Controversy Reports indicate widening tensions between the board and management, with some board members pushing for an extraordinary general meeting to address longstanding grievances. At the centre of the unrest was a January 12 public notice concerning the alleged illegal sale of two flats in Avondale, Harare. Although the transaction was initially approved, it was later reversed following public outrage over alleged irregularities. Despite the cancellation, the episode has reportedly damaged ZIMURA’s reputation and triggered a leadership crisis. The election of First Farai Batani  as vice chairperson has further fuelled tensions, with reports suggesting internal contestation within the six-member board. Former executive director Polisile Ncube-Chimhini stepped down last month after three decades in office, following a 2025 fraud conviction. Her departure has reportedly deepened instability rather than resolving it. Royalty Disparities Spark Outrage In September 2024, ZIMURA distributed US$95 000 in royalties to more than 3 500 members. While top earners reportedly received over US$2 000 based on airplay from stations such as Star FM and Diamond FM, some musicians are said to have received as little as US$3. The disparities have angered many artists. Sungura musician Romeo Gasa questioned why he received just US$41 for an album that earned US$700 in the ZBC Top 50 competition. Producer and songwriter Charles Ayibeki, who writes for Sekuru Gudo, said he was paid only US$5.60 for his hit song “Weru.” He alleged that officials classified the track as a “folk song” to justify the low payout and declined to disclose total collections before deductions. Macheso Weighs Membership Exit Macheso, despite being one of ZIMURA’s top earners, said musicians’ frustrations are justified. “The chaos at ZIMURA exists for a reason. Musicians do not make noise without cause,” he said. “This association does not belong to those in power it belongs to every member.” He criticised a system that allegedly forces artists to travel long distances to collect royalties that do not cover transport costs. “We do not know the criteria used and we are told certain songs are no longer considered for royalties how is that possible?” Macheso revealed he is reconsidering his decades-long membership. “ZIMURA exists because of us artistes, but what is happening now is not what we signed up for. I am considering cancelling my membership.” Management Responds Acting deputy director Henry Makombe  dismissed claims of bullying and lack of transparency, saying public notices were issued to ensure openness. Batani also defended the royalty system, stating in a video posted online that payouts are based on airplay and usage data. “There is a functional system in place. It is unfortunate that some musicians demand more when their music is simply not being played,” he said. Industry at a Crossroads As tensions simmer, confidence within Zimbabwe’s music industry has been shaken. Veteran artistes like Macheso warn that urgent reforms are needed to restore trust in the association tasked with protecting their livelihoods. Whether ZIMURA can regain credibility may depend on its ability to address governance concerns, improve transparency, and rebuild faith among its members. ZIMURA crisis