Focus

After 37 years of undivided power, Robert Mugabe resigned in Harare on Nov. 21. It marked a brand new chapter for the millions of Zimbabweans who had lived under his repressive regime. But also for those who travelled abroad to escape it. His departure has encouraged a number of Zimbabwean expats to return back home. Our reporters Caroline Dumay and Stefan Carstens speak to some of them about their hopes and fears for the country’s future. A program prepared by Yong Chim and Florence Viala

This Christmas, it is estimated that more than 400 million smartphones will be sold across the globe. Their lifespan will average at around two years, then a large part of them will be shipped to Africa, especially to Ghana, where they will be sold on the second-hand market. The problem is that millions of these phones will finish their lives there, polluting the soil and the environment. Some locals are now hitting back, however, sending tons of the non-functional phones back to Europe. A program prepared by Yong Chim and Florence Viala

Last year, Japan registered its lowest birthrate on record. Declining fertility, matched with an aging population, is reducing the size of the country’s labour force and leaving some people at a loss as to who to pass on their family businesses to. In Japan, inheriting companies is steeped in such a solid tradition that many are now adopting grown men to take over their businesses. This phenomenon, called mukoyoushi, has made Japan the country with the highest adoption rate in the world. A program prepared by Yong Chim and Florence Viala

Recent weeks have seen a wave of revelations about sexual harassment, from Hollywood to Paris and beyond. The #MeToo campaign has become a global rallying cry, including here in France. One month ago, tens of thousands of women across France went public with their stories of harassment at home, at work and in the streets. It sparked a national dialogue and calls for new legislation to better address the issue. Our reporters met some of the victims to ask if the dialogue has led to change. A programme prepared by Yong Chim and Florence Viala

In Syria, hundreds of young Westerners have joined the YPG (Peoples' Protection Units), a Marxist-leaning Kurdish force which is fighting the Islamic State group in the north-east of the country. Our reporters met two of these volunteers: a young Frenchman from Bordeaux and an American from Charleston, South Carolina. They told us why they left everything behind to come to Syria and take up arms alongside the Kurds.

With its image tarnished by years of repeated terrorist attacks, Pakistan doesn't figure on many people's lists of dream holiday destinations. But that could soon change. Pakistan's security situation is slowly improving and a record number of foreign tourists visited the country last year. Our correspondents report. A programme prepared by Yong Chim and Florence Viala

In early October, an overcrowded boat carrying migrants sank off the Tunisian island of Kerkennah, near the city of Sfax. At least 45 people lost their lives. Many of the victims were from the central town of Bir Ali. Our reporters went to meet some of its residents. Seven years after the revolution, amid unemployment and dashed hopes of a better future, many young Tunisians still dream of leaving Bir Ali and reaching Europe - even if it means risking their lives in the process. A programme prepared by Yong Chim and Florence Viala

In July, US President Donald Trump announced on Twitter that he was re-instating a ban on transgender people serving in the military. Trump justified his shock decision by citing medical costs and operational readiness. LGBT organisations have expressed outrage, accusing the White House of simply re-institutionalising discrimination. In the meantime, a federal judge has temporarily blocked the new policy coming into force. Our correspondent reports. A programme prepared by Yong Chim and Florence Viala.

Mauritania is being invaded by typha, a thick type of plant that has sprung up and is growing all over the North African country, destroying other species and even forcing people to leave their homes. However, there is a silver lining. Local scientists have found that the typha reeds also have a use: they can be turned into coal, which is very useful for cooking. Our colleagues from France 2 report. A programme prepared by Emerald Maxwell, Wassim Cornet and Florence Viala.

Six months after becoming France's youngest ever president, Emmanuel Macron is facing signs of rebellion and frustration from within his own party. Some 100 members, including some local committee organisers, have said they will quit La République en Marche this Friday, the day before it holds its first Congress, amid accusations that Macron is failing to honour his campaign promise of doing things differently. Is the party using methods from the past? Our reporters investigate. A programme prepared by Yong Chim and Florence Viala.