*Morning News: Saturday 22 February 2025* *Headlines* *Zimbabwe Ranks Highest Corrupt Country In SADC For 2024, Among Top 10 In Africa* *Govt Targets Fuel Cost Reduction To Strengthen Economy* *Chinese Doctors To Provide Free Surgeries For 600 Cataract Patients In Zimbabwe* *Beitbridge On Floods Alert* *Andy Muridzo Sells Wicknell Chivhayo’s Mercedes-Benz Amid Financial Troubles* *Influx Of 40,000 fleeing Congo War Worsens Burundi Humanitarian Plight, UN Says* *US Judge Clears Way For USAID To Put More Than 2,000 Employees On Leave* *Liverpool Draw PSG, Arsenal Face PSV, Villa Meet Club Brugge In Last 16* Join our *Ad-free* News Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacXkvFJJhzd2UoZYF1F *Stories in Detail:* *Zimbabwe Ranks Highest Corrupt Country In SADC For 2024, Among Top 10 In Africa* Zimbabwe has come out as the worst corrupt country in SADC in 2024, according to the latest data from Transparency International coming only ahead of a war-torn DRC. This was also the worst performance since 2015 when it recorded the same score, the year when US$15 billion in diamond revenues was announced to be missing. In Africa, the country was in the top 10 of the worst corrupt nations, aligned with war-torn countries like Sudan, Somalia and Lybia. This is very concerning given the Second Republic’s promise to end corruption decisively without making any cow sacred. Africa also headlined the bottom 20 most corrupt nations. This articles at the later paragraphs will explain why Africa remains highly corrupt. Zimbabwe has a score of 21 this year, with a change of -3 since last year, meaning it ranks 158 out of 180 countries. A country’s score is the perceived level of public sector corruption on a scale of 0-100, where 0 means highly corrupt and 100 means very clean. The data sources used to compile the CPI specifically cover the manifestations of public sector corruption through bribery, diversion of public funds, officials using their public office for private gain without facing consequences and the ability of governments to contain corruption in the public sector. It also takes into account excessive red tape in the public sector which may increase opportunities for corruption, nepotistic appointments in the civil service, laws ensuring that public officials must disclose their finances and potential conflicts of interest, legal protection for people who report cases of bribery and corruption, state capture by narrow vested interests and access to information on public affairs or government activities After the country notched its worst CPI ranking in 2015 , it then improved to 22 out of 100 before reaching the best performances in 2019, 2020 and 2023 with a score of 24 out of 100. Anti-corruption efforts continue to tilt towards the developed countries of Europe, while Russia and China, Zimbabwe’s iron-clad revolutionary allies also recorded worrisome results. For the seventh year in a row, Denmark heads the ranking, with a score of 90. Finland and Singapore took the second and third spots, with scores of 88 and 84, respectively. Scoring 83, New Zealand was outside the top three positions for the first time since 2012, but remained in the top 10, together with Luxembourg , Norway, Switzerland , Sweden , the Netherlands, Australia, Iceland and Ireland. Meanwhile, countries experiencing conflict and with highly restricted freedoms and weak democratic institutions occupied the bottom of the index. South Sudan (8), Somalia (9) and Venezuela (10) took the last three spots. Syria (12), Equatorial Guinea (13), Eritrea (13), Libya (13), Yemen (13), Nicaragua (14), Sudan (15) and North Korea (15) complete the list of lowest scorers. Since 2012, 32 countries have significantly improved their scores on the index and are now seen as having less corruption. Over the same period, 47 countries made significant losses. These decliners include some high-scoring democracies, like the United States (65) and New Zealand (83), as well as autocratic states like Russia (22) and Eswatini (27). The countries that saw improvements include Moldova (43), Kuwait (46) and Uruguay (76). *EquityAxis* *Govt Targets Fuel Cost Reduction To Strengthen Economy* The Government of Zimbabwe plans to directly procure fuel for its own use and key economic sectors in a bid to lower costs and boost competitiveness, Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo has announced. Speaking at the National Competitiveness Commission (NCC) inaugural competitiveness summit in Bulawayo on Wednesday, Minister Moyo emphasized that this strategy aims to ensure stable fuel supply and affordability. The minister expressed concerns over the high costs associated with Zimbabwe’s current fuel procurement system, which he said negatively affects the country’s competitiveness. The cost build-up of fuel in Zimbabwe includes international raw fuel prices, transportation costs, exchange rate fluctuations, taxes, levies, blending costs, and distributor margins. The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) factors in all these components when setting retail fuel prices. Price fluctuations are largely driven by global oil price changes and exchange rate volatility, factors that Zimbabwe cannot control. However, Minister Moyo stressed that the Government would focus on internal cost drivers, particularly import duties and transportation expenses. According to Minister Moyo, Zimbabwe’s fuel prices at the port of discharge are significantly higher than those of neighboring countries. He noted that this places a heavy financial burden on businesses and consumers, making locally produced goods more expensive and less competitive in regional and international markets. The Government’s move to procure its own fuel aims to provide predictable and competitively priced fuel for key economic enablers. While acknowledging the contributions of existing fuel importers, Minister Moyo said the Government must secure fuel at lower prices to support economic growth. “We analyze and say, are we as competitive as Zimbabwe among those who we trade with?” he said. “When we look at ourselves here in the region, I think we are very expensive.” He further explained that both he and Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube have been directed to oversee the process of Government fuel procurement. “We have been directed to make sure that on the Government side and in any way, we should buy our fuel competitively because we used to do that so that we don’t buy spot purchases on the international market, as the other 10 traders are doing,” Minister Moyo said. He pointed to successful models in regional countries such as Mozambique, Zambia, and Tanzania, where fuel traders collaborate with their governments to ensure competitive pricing. While Zimbabwe’s current approach involves multiple private importers, Minister Moyo stated that direct Government procurement would help reduce costs. As of February, ZERA set maximum fuel prices at US$1.58 per litre for diesel and US$1.53 per litre for blended petrol (E15). In contrast, Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board (ERB) set its fuel prices at US$1.24 per litre for petrol and US$1.16 per litre for diesel. Minister Moyo commended existing fuel traders for ensuring a stable fuel supply despite economic challenges and assured the public that the country’s fuel reserves, including stock at ports and in pipelines, are sufficient. However, he reiterated that the Government’s priority remains improving fuel procurement competitiveness to bring down costs and enhance Zimbabwe’s economic standing. *Chinese Doctors To Provide Free Surgeries For 600 Cataract Patients In Zimbabwe* A total of 600 cataract patients in Zimbabwe will receive free surgeries from Chinese doctors under the China-aided “Bright Journey” program. A team of 12 doctors from China’s Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital will perform the surgeries from Feb. 23 to March 1 in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital, Hong Xiuqin, the team leader, told Xinhua on Wednesday. Screening for eligible patients began on Feb. 12 and is currently underway, Hong said, adding that the Chinese medical team will collaborate with local doctors, provide on-site training, and engage in academic exchanges with Zimbabwean healthcare personnel. The program marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Zimbabwe and the 40th anniversary of bilateral medical cooperation. Hong said the program aims to foster cooperation and exchanges between the two countries by bringing light and hope to Zimbabwean patients. “The incidence of cataracts in Zimbabwe is high, and we are concerned about the health of the Zimbabwean people,” she said, adding that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the cooperation and friendship between China and Zimbabwe. Boniface Macheka, head of ophthalmology at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, praised the initiative as a testament to Zimbabwe-China relations. “There is a historical basis to the relationship between our country and China. I believe this relationship is going to be further solidified by this program,” he told Xinhua. He expressed hope for more bilateral medical collaborations in the future. “We hope to be able to increase the diversity of the surgeries that we do at this hospital so that we’ll be able to serve our people better and to make the services more available,” he said. Amos Chakaza, a 67-year-old patient, traveled over 170 km from Manicaland Province to Harare for screening. “I can’t wait for my vision to be clear since I have a lot of responsibilities. Having poor eyesight is detrimental to my work. I need to see clearly to be more productive,” Chakaza said. Hunan has implemented numerous medical projects in Zimbabwe over the years, including initiatives for maternal and child health, schistosomiasis prevention and treatment, and traditional Chinese medicine training. *Xinhua* *Beitbridge On Floods Alert* The Department of Civil Protection in Beitbridge has urged residents in the Tshikwalakwala area to brace for possible flash floods following heavy rains received over the last few days. The floods alert was issued by local DCP chairperson Sikhangszile Mafu Moyo late Thursday night. "Beitbridge community, kindly note that the Limpopo River is flooded, and the Bubi River is also flooded. This will lead to back flow in the Bubi River and affect the Tshikwalakwala area.. Lookout for possible flooding tonight around that area," she said in a communique circulated on various social media groups in the district. "Please advise people to avoid low-lying areas and crossing rivers. Rather (they) move to safer grounds and please spread the message. Tell a friend to tell a friend," said Mafu Moyo. Tshikwalakwala,130 kilometres east of Beitbridge near Crooks Corner where Zimbabwe, South Africa and Mozambique meet borderlines converge, is prone to flooding. *zimnow* *Andy Muridzo Sells Wicknell Chivhayo’s Mercedes-Benz Amid Financial Troubles* Afro-fusion musician Andy Muridzo has reportedly sold the Mercedes-Benz C200 he received as a gift from businessman Wicknell Chivhayo, according to his estranged wife, Mai Keketso. Mai Keketso alleged that Muridzo parted with the luxury vehicle due to financial difficulties. “He sold the car because of financial problems,” she claimed. The artist has not publicly responded to the allegation. The car was part of a fleet of high-end vehicles distributed to musicians and other public figures in 2023. While officially presented as personal gifts from Chivhayo, the cars are widely believed to have originated from President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his family, with Chivhayo acting as their frontman. Chivhayo, known for his close ties to the Mnangagwa regime, has in the past warned beneficiaries against selling the vehicles, insisting they were intended to elevate their status and facilitate their careers. His public stance on the matter has raised questions about the real purpose behind the car giveaways, with critics suggesting they were part of a broader political influence campaign. Muridzo’s decision to sell the vehicle could put him at odds with Chivhayo, who has previously demanded accountability from artists who misuse his gifts. In some cases, he has even moved to reclaim cars from recipients he felt were undeserving or ungrateful. The sale also highlights concerns about Muridzo’s financial stability. Once considered a rising star in Zimbabwe’s music industry, the singer has faced multiple challenges, including contractual disputes, personal scandals, and allegations of poor financial management. His move to sell the Mercedes-Benz has reignited debates about musicians’ reliance on handouts rather than sustainable financial planning. Fans have taken to social media with mixed reactions, with some sympathising with Muridzo’s plight while others criticised him for failing to maintain the vehicle. The incident has also sparked renewed scrutiny of Chivhayo’s influence in Zimbabwe’s entertainment industry and his role as a conduit for the Mnangagwa family’s largesse. Neither Muridzo nor Chivhayo has publicly commented on the matter. *zimnow* *Influx Of 40,000 fleeing Congo War Worsens Burundi Humanitarian Plight, UN Says* Burundi is facing a rapidly worsening humanitarian situation as more than 40,000 people have fled there in two weeks to escape fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the U.N. said on Friday. "Last week more than 9,000 people crossed in one day ... This is the first time Burundi has received this large number of people", Brigitte Mukanga-eno, UNHCR Representative in Burundi, told reporters in Geneva via video link. The M23 advance is the gravest escalation in more than a decade of the long-running conflict in eastern Congo, rooted in the spillover of Rwanda's 1994 genocide into Congo and the struggle for control of Congo's vast mineral resources. Rwanda rejects allegations by Congo, the United Nations and Western powers that it supports M23 with arms and troops. It says it is defending itself against the threat from a Hutu militia, which it says is fighting with the Congolese military. Several areas in northwest Burundi are overwhelmed with people, some of whom have been displaced several times and have arrived injured or with health problems such as measles, according to the U.N. The U.N. representative recounted the story of a woman whose two children died from exhaustion shortly after arriving across the border into Burundi. U.N. refugee agency UNHCR says 36,000 people have fled to Burundi, some on makeshift boats across the Rusizi river separating the two countries, while 6,000 have entered via the official border crossing of Bujumbura since February 14. "The escalating situation in the DRC has had a big impact on Burundi. Over the past few weeks we have observed large number of Congolese who have been crossing into Burundi", Mukanga-eno said. UNHCR plans to move the displaced, who are being temporarily housed in an open air stadium as well as schools and churches, to an area of land where humanitarian care can be provided. The agency has launched an emergency appeal for $40.4 million to provide lifesaving help to support the potential influx of 258,000 refugees into Burundi, Tanzania and Zambia. Burundi has had its own soldiers in eastern Congo for years, initially to hunt down Burundian rebels there, but more recently, to aid in the fight against M23. *Reuters* *US Judge Clears Way For USAID To Put More Than 2,000 Employees On Leave* A federal judge on Friday cleared the way for the Trump administration to put more than 2,000 U.S. Agency for International Development workers on leave, a setback for government employee unions that are suing over what they have called an effort to dismantle the foreign aid agency. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols in Washington lifted a temporary restraining order he had put in place at the outset of the case and declined to issue a longer-term order keeping the employees in their posts. He wrote that he was satisfied by the administration's assurances in court filings that USAID personnel abroad who were placed on leave would still be protected by U.S. security. Nichols, who was appointed by President Donald Trump during his first term, also wrote that, because the affected employees had not gone through an administrative dispute process, he likely did not have jurisdiction to hear the unions' case or consider their broader arguments that the administration is violating the U.S. Constitution by shutting down an agency created and funded by Congress. "We are disappointed in today's decision and believe the harms faced by USAID workers are real. We remain confident that the courts will find the administration's efforts to decimate USAID contrary to law," said Skye Perryman, president of the legal nonprofit Democracy Forward, which represents the unions, in a statement. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The lawsuit was brought earlier this month by the American Federation of Government Employees and the American Foreign Service Association. The global anti-poverty group Oxfam has since joined the case, though Nichols has not yet considered its claims. Trump, a Republican, ordered a 90-day freeze on all foreign aid on his first day in office, throwing global humanitarian relief efforts into chaos. In the following weeks, officials took steps that have largely shut down USAID's operations, including placing much of its staff on leave, suspending or terminating most of its contracts and shuttering its Washington headquarters. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a February 4 letter to Congress that he had taken over as acting director of USAID, which Congress established as an agency independent of the State Department in 1998. He wrote that the State Department would consult with Congress about absorbing parts of USAID and shutting down the rest. The foreign aid freeze and potential USAID shutdown have prompted multiple legal challenges. Nichols' order comes a day after a different judge, who is presiding over lawsuits brought against the administration by foreign aid contractors and grant recipients, for the second time ordered the administration to resume payments on frozen contracts and grants after it failed to comply with an earlier order. *Reuters* *Liverpool Draw PSG, Arsenal Face PSV, Villa Meet Club Brugge In Last 16* Premier League leaders Liverpool will face Paris St-Germain in the Champions League last 16, while Arsenal take on PSV Eindhoven and Aston Villa face Club Brugge. Holders Real Madrid - who knocked out Manchester City in the knockout phase play-offs - face local rivals Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich play Bayer Leverkusen in an all-Germany affair. It will be the first time Liverpool have faced PSG since 2018-19, when the Reds went on to be crowned champions of Europe for the sixth time. The winners of that tie will face Aston Villa or Club Brugge in the quarter-finals, while Arsenal will meet record 15-time winners Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid in the last eight - should they get past PSV. The two-legged last 16 ties will be played on 4-5 March and 11-12 March. Club Brugge v Aston Villa - First leg: 4 March (17:45 GMT), Second leg: 12 March (20:00 GMT) Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid - First leg: 4 March (20:00 GMT), Second leg: 12 March (20:00 GMT) Borussia Dortmund v Lille - First leg: 4 March (20:00 GMT), Second leg: 12 March (17:45 GMT) PSV Eindhoven v Arsenal - First leg: 4 March (20:00 GMT), Second leg: 12 March (20:00 GMT) Feyenoord v Inter Milan - First leg: 5 March (17:45 GMT), Second leg: 11 March (20:00 GMT) Paris St-Germain v Liverpool - First leg: 5 March (20:00 GMT), Second leg: 11 March (20:00 GMT) Bayern Munich v Bayer Leverkusen - First leg: 5 March (20:00 GMT), Second leg: 11 March (20:00 GMT) Benfica v Barcelona - First leg: 5 March (20:00 GMT), Second leg: 11 March (17:45 GMT) Premier League leaders Liverpool against defending French champions PSG promises to be an intriguing tie. PSG looked to be heading out of the competition before a late run of form saw them finish 15th in the league phase. They lost to Arsenal before defeating Manchester City to set up an all-France knockout phase play-off with Brest which they won 10-0 on aggregate. PSG have Ousmane Dembele, one of the in-form goalscorers in Europe right now, with six goals in this season's competition. Liverpool have not won any of their past five away games against French clubs, since a Champions League victory against Marseille in 2008. "At this stage of the competition, the quality of opponent is only going to be of a very high standard and in PSG we have drawn a team and a club with real European pedigree," said Liverpool boss Arne Slot. "They qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League in style earlier this week with a big win against Brest and they had some really good results in the league phase, defeating Stuttgart, Manchester City, Girona and Salzburg." If Liverpool get past Luis Enrique's side, then they will face Premier League rivals Aston Villa in April as long as they see off defending Belgian champions Club Brugge, who finished 24th in the league phase before defeating Atalanta in the knockout phase play-offs. However, Club Brugge beat Villa in the league phase, one of only two defeats suffered by Unai Emery's side. "I'm really happy because we are going to enjoy this moment with our supporters," said Emery about the tie. Arsenal's opponents PSV Eindhoven are defending Dutch champions, who defeated an under-strength Liverpool side 3-2 in January on their way to finishing 14th in the league phase. The Gunners have beaten PSV three times in the group stages of the Champions League, with their most recent victory a 4-0 home win last season. "We know what we are facing," said boss Mikel Arteta. "We've played against them, they're a really good team. When you are at this stage every team is really good." *BBC*