Bold steps can be taken by the EU to ease sanctions while not rewarding recalcitrant behaviour by Zanu-PF leadership

The pervasive fear of violence and intimidation in Zimbabwe’s 2013 elections contradicts political leaders’ rhetorical commitments to peace, and raises concerns that the country may not be ready to go to the polls.

A return to protracted political crisis, and possibly extensive violence, is likely as Zimbabwe holds elections on 31 July. conditions for a free and fair vote do not exist.

Madagascar, one of the world’s poorest countries, has been mired in political crisis, since 2009, when 34-year-old former radio disc jockey Andry Rajoelina toppled President Marc Ravalomanana in a military coup d’état.

Zimbabwe’s growing instability is exacerbated by dire economic decline, endemic governance failures, and tensions over ruling party succession; without major political and economic reforms, the country could slide into being a failed state.

A year after Zanu (PF)’s election victory and the formation of a new government, Zimbabwe’s politics and economy are increasingly precarious. Immediate prospects for a sustained recovery remain bleak, made worse by dire economic decline, endemic governance failures and tension over ruling-party succession.

Is Angola about to become a global player? Luanda’s recent diplomatic charm offensive means the country is running unopposed for one of three African nonpermanent seats on the United Nations Security Council for 2015 and 2016. Angola is no stranger to projecting power and influence. It has expanded its financial interests well beyond the African continent into Asia, Latin America and Europe. It is intent on developing regional and international influence and is poised to become a key interlocutor on a range of African issues. But this will bring with it potentially heavy responsibilities.

Un año después de la victoria en las elecciones de la Unión Nacional Africana de Zimbabue- Frente Patriótico (ZANU-PF, en sus siglas en inglés) y de la formación de un nuevo gobierno, la política y la economía de Zimbabue son cada vez más precarias. Las perspectivas inmediatas de una recuperación sostenida siguen siendo malas, empeoradas por el alarmante declive económico, los fracasos endémicos en materia de gobernanza y la tensión generada por la sucesión en el partido en el poder.

Hailed as transitional by local observers, the latest polls were expected to usher in a new type of leadership in FRELIMO, with Filipe Nyussi being the first non-liberation northern leader in a southern dominated elite; they would also see opposition parties RENAMO and MDM alter their strategies and become more politically relevant; and would possibly be the last polls before the country became a mass resource-producing economy. However, the Presidential and parliamentary elections of 15 October have made the political setting, the prospects for improved governance and wealth redistribution more opaque, and the implementation of the new peace agreement harder.

Zimbabwe has not escaped its chronic crisis. Infighting over who will succeed the ailing 92-year-old President Robert Mugabe is stifling efforts to tackle insolvency, low rule of law, rampant unemployment and food insecurity. Zimbabwe needs international help to recover, but what it needs most is a leadership willing to act on much-needed reforms.

There is no end in sight to the hardships faced by the majority of Zimbabweans. Political uncertainty and economic insecurity have worsened as the country struggles to develop the necessary foundation to underwrite a broad-based and sustainable recovery.

One major goal of integrative and comparative biology is to understand and explain the interaction between the performance and behavior of animals in their natural environment. The Caviomorph, Octodon degu, is a native rodent species from Chile, and represents a unique model to study physiological and behavioral traits, including cognitive and sensory abilities. Degus live in colonies and have a well-structured social organization, with a mostly diurnal–crepuscular circadian activity pattern. More notable is the fact that in captivity, they reproduce and live between 5 and 7 yr and show hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases (including Alzheimer's disease), diabetes, and cancer.

Two OM workers strike up a friendship with a server in a local café and give him a valuable gift.

Even a simple thing like baking Christmas cookies can lead to an opportunity for sharing the gospel message.

A friendship naturally leads to a Bible study.

A weekend camp provides young believers a chance to relax and rededicate themselves to the Lord.

An OM worker in Israel has an opportunity to share the gospel with his neighbours.

A team of OM workers and local believers share New Testaments and relief packs of food in a Muslim village in Israel.

Worker Ronaldo visits with a rabbi in Israel and discusses prophecies about the Messiah.

A public baptism ceremony at the river becomes an opportunity to teach an onlooker about the true meaning of baptism.

A search for a friend leads to a conversation about peace in Israel.

After listening to the Gospel a self-proclaimed atheist encouraged Christians to go tell others this Good News.

The Passover season leads to a young Israeli woman asking about the Passover Lamb.

In a largely unreached nation, where Christians often face persecution, OM comes alongside local churches to see more vibrant communities of Jesus followers established.

The Hope of Israel outreach team visits Yoqneam, a biblical city without a church.

By utilising short-term teams and partnering with local churches, OM Israel realigns its field focus.

170 volunteers from various countries in Central America shared the gospel and saw many lives changed during Easter in Chimaltenango, Guatemala.

OM SportsLink in Latin America takes part in a training for workers in sports ministry in Honduras and an outreach in Guatemala.

An OM volunteer team confronts spiritual warfare in a Guatemalan town.

A team from Freedom Climb visits a project of OM Guatemala and is a huge blessing to the team and the families involved.

OM workers in a small town in Guatemala help five unregistered children obtain official papers and be able to go to school.

We need a political system that mirrors the best in us.

A story of one OM worker’s struggle, triumph and hope.

OM Malawi endeavours to make its projects and workers self-sustainable, while transforming lives and communities at the same time.

After completing the teachers training course, a young Zambian goes to Malawi where he serves as a father figure for 15 children.

Chiyembekezo School is aptly named. Meaning “hope” in Chichewa, the school brings hope to orphans and vulnerable children in Ntaja, Malawi.

A Bible study for the guardians of the pupils in Chiyembekezo School in Ntaja, Malawi, is bringing freedom to the women who attend.

One OM Malawi worker’s journey of faith has led to increasing AudioBible influence.

Water was not to be found when the OM team drilled in Chisopi, Malawi - until they drilled in front of the church.

Ride 2 Transform takes its third tour of southern Malawi for ministry and support.

A new radio station celebrates its grand opening in Malawi, reaching out across the airwaves.

Ride2Transform allows teams on two wheels to pedal far and wide, praying and sharing the love of Christ in least reached areas in Europe and Africa.

God gets all the glory for the great things He has done through OM the past 50 years. Everyone is looking forward to the next 50 in great anticipation.

Forty-seven women from all over the world are climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Kenya this week to raise awareness of global injustices against women and children.

The Freedom Climbers have completed the first leg of their trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro. They climb to raise awareness and funds to combat slavery.

After five days of strenuous hiking and altitude sickness, the Freedom Climbers rejoice at the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, fittingly called Uhuru (freedom) Peak.

Tired but jubilant, the Freedom Climbers arrive back safely in Loitokitok, Kenya, on 16 January.

The OM Ships’ Thomas Guesthouse in South Carolina, USA, was dedicated to Dave and Joy Thomas, faithful members of OM Ships for 40 years.

150 gathered for the first Freedom Climb Conference in September to learn how to become advocates for oppressed women and children around the world.