Zimbabwe's ruling party ZANU-PF announced that Emmerson Mnangagwa, the former vice president who fled to South Africa, was expected to return to the country and be sworn in as the new leader on Friday. This follows the resignation of Robert Mugabe after Parliament initiated impeachment proceedings. Mugabe, who had been under house arrest, cited the welfare of the people and the need for a peaceful power transfer as reasons for his resignation. His rule since 1980 was marked by human rights abuses and economic decline. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called Mugabe's resignation an historic moment and congratulated Zimbabweans for advocating change.

In Zimbabwe's National Assembly, a dispute arose when acting Speaker Marble Chinomona ordered MDC lawmakers Trevor Saruwaka and Godfrey Sithole to remove their national flags, following a previous ruling. The lawmakers resisted, leading to a standoff. The national flag has gained symbolic significance due to the #This Flag movement led by Pastor Evan Mawarire, advocating for the fulfillment of election promises by President Robert Mugabe's Zanu PF party. In a separate incident, Deputy Public Service Minister Tapiwa Matangaidze was heckled by opposition members after claiming the government could pay state workers and pensioners despite cash-flow issues and delayed salary payments.

Justice Rita Makarau, chairperson of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, announced the implementation of measures to enhance transparency and credibility in Zimbabwe's electoral system. These include a biometric voter registration exercise to clean the voters roll and a polling station-based voter registration to reduce ballot papers and prevent double voting. The reforms are driven by the new constitution, past election observer recommendations, and stakeholder engagement. Makarau expressed readiness to engage with stakeholders and political parties monthly. While the People’s Democratic Party and MDC spokesperson Kurauone Chihwayi praised the efforts, the Women’s Coalition's coordinator Sally Dura remained cautiously optimistic.

Justice Rita Makarau, chairperson of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, announced the implementation of measures to enhance transparency and credibility in Zimbabwe's electoral system. These include a biometric voter registration exercise to clean the voters roll and a polling station-based voter registration to reduce ballot papers and prevent double voting. The reforms are driven by the new constitution, past election observer recommendations, and stakeholder engagement. Makarau expressed readiness to engage with stakeholders and political parties monthly. While the People’s Democratic Party and MDC spokesperson Kurauone Chihwayi praised the efforts, the Women’s Coalition's coordinator Sally Dura remained cautiously optimistic.

Philip Chiyangwa, President of the National Football Association of Zimbabwe (NFAZ), informed lawmakers that ZIFA was dissolved due to insolvency, with debts over $6 million, including unpaid wages to former coaches, players, and service providers like Air Zimbabwe. The High Court is considering the sequestration of ZIFA. NFAZ, which has qualified teams for the African Nations Cup and Rio Olympics, secured sponsorship from Netone, individuals, and FIFA. Concerns were raised about funding from businessman Wicknell Chivhayo, known for past convictions and fraud. The parliamentary enquiry will continue at a later date.

Kennedy Muguti, Roman Catholic Vicar-General, emphasized the need for political will to ensure the success of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe's new economic measures, including the introduction of bond notes. Skepticism from depositors and industry leaders stems from a lack of confidence in government policies. George Guvamatanga, Barclays Zimbabwe managing director, supported the central bank's measures but called for realistic withdrawal limits and lower costs for using plastic money and RTGS. RBZ governor John Mangudya was open to considering these proposals.

Zimbabwe is facing serious threats to food security due to climate change, with increased temperatures and reduced rainfall leading to regular droughts and high undernourishment rates. The government has established a climate change management department and is implementing a National Climate Change Response Strategy. As the chair of the African Union, President Robert Mugabe will present Zimbabwe's position at the Paris Climate Change conference (COP21). Residents and experts call for more action and broader sector involvement in climate change mitigation efforts. Zimbabwe aims to contribute to limiting global temperature rise to below 1.5 degrees Celsius through its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions.