AfricaLink

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120 Episodes
1 – 20

Why Africa's regional blocs are failing to resolve crises

Following an East African Community (EAC) meeting on the escalating DRC conflict, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) held an extraordinary summit. SADC is committed to peace after at least 16 troops were killed in clashes with M23 fighters. Why are regional blocs like EAC and SADC struggling to restore…
7 Feb 25 min

Making the Lake Chad basin safer and viable for dwellers

The Lake Chad basin is located in Northern Central Africa and covers almost 8% of the continent and spreads over seven countries. Despite the potential the area holds, in recent decades insecurity, climate resilience, food insecurity, socioeconomic crisis among others have plagued dwellers there.
6 Feb 24 min

Ending the Fulani and indigenes feud in Ghana

There is growing tension between the Fulanis in Ghana and local communities they live in, across the country. The Fulanis, an ethnic group of people live in West Africa, Central Africa and South Sudan. There have been clashes, murders and counter killings among them and indigenous people for years now…
5 Feb 26 min

Who's to blame for Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso leaving ECOWAS?

The military-led governments of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have officially left ECOWAS. We look at what led to the fallout, how ECOWAS tried to get them back, and why this matters for the future of West Africa. DW's Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Dr Abdel-Fatau Musah, who is the…
4 Feb 24 min

Is the South African GNU under threat?

The future of South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) hangs by a thread after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the expropriation bill into law. The law allows the government to expropriate land if it deems it to be in the public interest, but coalition members say Ramaphosa is trying to…
3 Feb 24 min

Why Kenya is cracking the whip on social media and AI?

The Kenyan government has recently ramped up efforts to regulate social media and artificial intelligence, citing concerns over AI-generated images mocking President William Ruto and other leaders. Citizens have been voicing outrage over what they see as a move to suppress free speech. We explore this issue with Mark Kaigwa,…
31 Jan 26 min

What does Trump's US exit from the WHO mean for Africa?

The African Union expressed dismay over President Trump's decision to withdraw the US from the World Health Organization. The US is the biggest financial contributor to the organization and its departure may endanger programs tackling tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and other health crises. Josey Mahachi speaks to former health minister of Zimbabwe,…
28 Jan 26 min

Why the US is returning Nigeria's stolen oil money

This month, the US said it is returning $52.88 million in seized assets to Nigeria as part of a corruption probe against former oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke and associates. Of the repatriated funds, $50 million will be allocated to rural electrification programs in Nigeria. Eddy Micah Junior talks to Dr…
24 Jan 25 min

What does Davos have to offer for African economies?

Every year, powerful world leaders meet at the World Economic Forum in Davos, trade deals are struck, and international partnerships are born. But does Davos really help Africa's economic prospects, considering the continent's economic polices are rarely in the spotlight? DW talks to Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the African…
23 Jan 26 min

Malawi: Why are unsafe abortion cases increasing?

In 2024, Malawi recorded over 52,000 abortion cases, twice the number of cases registered in 2021. In Malawi, abortion remains illegal and can only be performed when a mother's life is in danger. To help us break down the situation, Josey Mahachi talks to Judith Nalikungwi, a health practitioner in…
22 Jan 26 min

Is Kenya doing enough to protect female athletes from GBV?

Kenya has witnessed the deaths of at least four top female athletes in the recent past due to gender-based violence (GBV). The latest is Rebecca Cheptegei, who was killed in September 2024. Why is Kenya's government not providing stronger protections against gender-based violence and femicide? Josey Mahachi talks to Viridiana…
21 Jan 25 min

Can Tanzania's opposition defeat the ruling CCM party?

Tanzania’s main opposition party CHADEMA is determined to unseat the ruling Chama Cha Mapanduzi (CCM) party in this year's election. CHADEMA and rights groups accuse President Samia Suluhu Hassan of clamping down on political dissent. But can they stage an upset? Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Majjid Mjengwa a political…
20 Jan 29 min

Is oil a blessing or a curse for South Sudan?

With South Sudan resuming oil production, 90,000 barrels per day are initially expected to be drilled – but many challenges remain, as war rages to the north in Sudan, where pipelines and export facilities are under threat. Independent political and economic analyst Boboya James Edimond and freelance journalist Patrick Oyet…
17 Jan 26 min

Can Nigeria revive its defunct national carrier?

Nigeria wants to revive its national carrier after it was liquidated in 2004. Experts say the billions of public funds that have gone into the attempts of establishing a national carrier is enough to set up a profitable airline. Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Captain Ahmed Borodo, CEO Flybird Aircraft…
15 Jan 25 min

Can Ethiopia and Somalia mend ties in 2025?

Ethiopia announced that it will collaborate with a new African Union force against Islamist Al-Shabaab insurgents in Somalia. Somalia had previously indicated that Ethiopian troops would not participate due to strained relations between the two countries. Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Somalia's Minister for Information Daud Aweis, and Negash Mohammed…
14 Jan 26 min

Why are Cameroon's Catholic bishops calling for regime change?

Cameroon's Catholic bishops are sparking a national debate as they call for leadership change in a country where President Paul Biya has ruled for 42 years. Members of the government are firing back and social media is ablaze as Cameroonians follow the debate closely. Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Rev…
13 Jan 26 min

Unpacking Ghana's challenges: Mahama's priorities

Ghana's president, John Dramani Mahama, is tackling the country's worst economic crisis in a generation. He aims to create a "24-hour economy" with nighttime jobs and tax incentives. Critics recall severe power cuts during his first term. Mahama plans to renegotiate IMF loan conditions to fund social programs for the…
10 Jan 26 min

How African migration helps host communities, despite virulent rhetoric

The UN estimates only a fraction of Africans migrate to Europe, with most remaining in neighboring states. That has not stopped sharp anti-migration rhetoric across Europe, or even in host countries across Africa. Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Hardi Yakubu of the pan-Africanist Africans Rising movement, and DW's Diane Hawker…
9 Jan 26 min

Why Zimbabwe abolished the death penalty

In a historic move, Zimbabwe has abolished the death penalty, following a decision by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Once sentenced to death himself, Mnangagwa's decision marks a significant shift in the nation's justice system. AfricaLink explores the reasons behind this change and its impact on Africa. Host Cai Nebe speaks to…
8 Jan 27 min
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