Despite court rulings demanding that the government remove squatters from farms they’ve occupied the last several weeks, President Robert Mugabe has insisted he will not ask them to leave. Tensions are high in Harare and around the country as the crisis continues. A farmer was killed Apr. 18, three days after another farmer was killed and five others were severely beaten. Two opposition party members were also killed Apr. 15. Mugabe’s position seems to be an effort to shore up support before parliamentary elections scheduled in May, which his party is expected to lose. Recent demonstrations in Harare have become violent, so avoid any large gatherings, and consider deferring travel to Zimbabwe.
