Cris Chinaka

A media rights activist has been detained by police in Zimbabwe, pointing to a crackdown on Zanu-PF dissenters ahead of elections next year.

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe’s main rival has denounced his plans to nationalise foreign-owned firms as "looting and plunder" by a greedy elite.

Internet campaigns calling for protests against the rule of President Robert Mugabe on Tuesday did not lead to any mass gatherings in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe faces a new political storm with President Robert Mugabe pushing for an early election opposed by rivals.

Zimbabwe hopes to have clear plans by the end of the year on turning around 10 struggling state firms.

Zimbabwe wants normal ties with powers critical of its policies but will press ahead with a plan to hand control of companies to black Zimbabweans.

Officials say there is no reason for Zimbabwe not to hold elections in 2011, but analysts say the polls could be much later.

Zimbabwe celebrates 30 years of independence this weekend, but there is little hope in a country only slowly recovering from economic collapse.

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai says Zimbabwe should invite a peacekeeping force to ensure that its next national election is free and fair.