Racial tensions in Zimbabwe’s farmland

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A decade after the first violent clashes that forced thousands of Zimbabwe’s white farmers out of the country, there’s a new twist in the tale. Some of them are quietly returning to farm again – attracting anger and controversy from whites and blacks alike. Laura Lynch reports from just outside the capital Harare. (Photo: Laura Lynch) Download MP3

• Photo gallery
• BBC Zimbabwe coverage
• Laura’s coverage from Southern Africa

The price of digging for diamonds

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Zimbabwe’s government says the country’s economy may grow 7% this year. Most of that comes from foreign investment and some aid. The African country is also hoping to raise money through diamond sales. Yesterday, we brought you the story of Zimbabwe’s diamonds fields. Today in part 2 of her report, Laura Lynch looks at claims that the diamond fields have also become killing fields. Download MP3

• Part One: Zimbabwe’s ‘blood diamonds’
• Photo gallery
• Laura’s coverage from Southern Africa

Zimbabwe’s ‘blood diamonds’

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The discovery of diamonds in Zimbabwe has led to more misery in a country that’s already seen a lot of hardship. And despite claims to the contrary, Zimbabwe’s government insists the diamonds are ethical. But on a recent trip to the country, Laura Lynch found disturbing evidence that the gems are destroying the lives of many. Download MP3

• BBC Zimbabwe coverage
• Picture still gloomy in Zimbabwe
• Laura’s coverage from Southern Africa

Life in Southern Africa

Laura Lynch recently traveled to Zimbabwe and South Africa to document life in the region. It was her first trip back to Zimbabwe since the controversial elections in 2008 when she was one of a handful of Western journalists allowed in the country to cover what became a gripping story of the struggle for power inside the troubled country. From South Africa Laura reported on the state of the nation just weeks before it is about to play host to the world’s greatest sports event, the soccer World Cup.

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Picture still gloomy in Zimbabwe

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Those looking for signs of hope in Zimbabwe won’t get it from the International Monetary Fund. It’s just released a report painting a gloomy picture of that country’s economy. There have been some gains in Zimbabwe since the formation of the so-called unity government a year ago. But as The World’s Laura Lynch reports from Harare, they’re more than matched by the problems that still plague the nation. Download MP3 (photo: Laura Lynch)

• BBC Zimbabwe coverage
• Living with South Africa’s foreign workers
• Zimbabwe’s Independence Day

Zimbabwe’s Independence Day

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Zimbabwe marks its 30th anniversary of independence on Sunday. And the same man who became the leader of the new nation is still in charge today. Back in 1980 Robert Mugabe was cheered as a hero, now he is reviled by many of his own people who have watched their nation descend into violence and poverty under his rule. The World’s Laura Lynch takes a look at the country’s fractured politics through the lens of soccer. Download MP3

• Timeline: Zimbabwe

BBC back in Zimbabwe

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The BBC returns to Zimbabwe with a special day of live broadcasting from the African country. The ‘Africa Have Your Say’ program comes from Chitungwiza, a ‘Soweto-like’ township outside Harare. It happens to be the hometown of host Farayi Mungazi. Marco Werman talked with him. Download MP3

• BBC Africa Have Your Say
• Zimbabwe’s media ‘still not free’

Zimbabwe lifts BBC ban

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Zimbabwe is lifting restrictions on the international media working inside its borders. This week it lifted an 8-year-ban on the BBC. The BBC’s Andrew Harding reports from the capital Harare.

Geo Answer and Global Hit (8:15)

The answer to today’s Geo Quiz is Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe. Two of Zimbabwe’s leading protest poets, Comrade Fatso and Outspoken, grew up on the streets of Harare. They speak with anchor Marco Werman about their hip-hop street poetry.