QUOTES

‘I have heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain and the frustration that drive these protests, and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our citizens.’

– Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has called for the suspension of violent nationwide protests after security forces cracked down on rallies over economic hardship

‘We are aware though that there are many other technical officials, dignitaries invited to the games directly to officiate and as guests and many other hundreds of Zimbabweans in Paris in various capacities, some to support our team at the Games, who as ZOC (Zimbabwe Olympic Committee) we can’t account and comment on.’

– A Zimbabwe official said the Team Zimbabwe delegation that headed to the Olympic Games was made up of just 17 people. ZOC President Thabani Gonye said many officials were invited to the games directly and did not form part of the official Zimbabwe delegation, which was sent to Paris. 

‘They were subjected to torture both in the form of physical assault as well as mental torture.’

– Lawyer Timashe Chinopfukutwa on last week’s arrest of four democracy activists in Harare

‘During the first six months of the year, 229 rhinos were poached, compared to 231 for the same period in 2023. Of those, 191 were killed on state properties and 38 on privately owned reserves and farms. A significant drop was noted during May and June this year with national losses reported at 21 and 22 respectively (May and June of 2023 were recorded at 42 and 34). This reduced loss is thought to be attributable to the dehorning of rhino populations in KwaZulu-Natal province and specifically in Hluhluwe Mfolozi Park where over 1 000 rhinos have been dehorned since April 2024.’

– Environment Minister Dion George has welcomed the downward trend in rhino poaching numbers in South Africa over the past two months 

‘Our support for the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in 2007 is clear and constant. For France, it now constitutes the only basis for achieving a just, lasting and negotiated political solution in line with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.’

– President Emmanuel Macron told King Mohammed VI that France backs Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara.