AfricaLink
News, Analysis and Service from Germany and Europe - in 30 Languages
World Water Day: How can Africa end its water crisis?
A recent survey reveals that 40% of young Africans spend more than a quarter of their income to secure water. To delve deeper into this critical issue, DW's Josey Mahachi talks to Abdikadir Aden Hassan, a Kenyan environmentalist and peace ambassador, who focuses on finding solutions for communities hardest hit…
Why has ECOWAS established a standby force?
West Africa's regional bloc, ECOWAS, has introduced a standby force that could serve as a regional shield, ready to respond to crises. But what does this really mean for West Africa? Josey Mahachi talks to a Nigerian Lawyer, Kajit John Bagu, the Chief Executive Officer of Foundation for the Movement…
Zimbabwe's political fugitive calls for March 31 uprising
One of Zimbabwe’s most wanted political fugitives is calling for protests on March 31. Blessed Geza, a war veteran and fugitive, has urged those opposed to President Emmerson Mnangagwa to stage an uprising. But given the history of police brutality, will the protests take off? Josey Mahachie talks to DW's…
South Sudan: Assessing the political and security situation
Germany is temporarily closing its embassy in South Sudan due to the worsening conflict. Why does a nation that sought independence to avoid conflict with Sudan now find itself in another war? Why have leaders failed to secure lasting peace? DW delves into these pressing questions with political analyst Abiol…
South Africa says maintaining good relations with the US is a 'priority'
South Africa says improving ties with the United States is a "priority" after Washington expelled Pretoria's ambassador. Tensions escalated when US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool a 'persona non grata.' What's next for the relationship between the two countries? DW's Josey Mahachi speaks with journalist Thuso…
Why did Rwanda cut diplomatic ties to Belgium?
Rwanda has accused Belgium of undermining it constantly and cut diplomatic ties. Brussels is leading calls for the European Union to sanction Kigali over its support for the rebel group at the centre of crisis in DR Congo — the M23. Josey Mahachi talks to Fredrick Golooba Mutebi, a researcher…
Zimbabwe battles rising drug abuse amid economic woes
Zimbabwe faces a spike in drug use, particularly among youths, with 1 in 30 households affected. Economic struggles and high youth unemployment drive substance abuse. Recent police campaigns have led to arrests and drug hauls, but can Zimbabwe end the drug scourge?
Cameroon's western region battles human trafficking
Stakeholders in the fight against human trafficking in Cameroon are alarmed by the scale of the issue after security forces rescued 100 children from traffickers in the country's western region. Victims' testimonies highlight the dark side of trafficking.
Nigeria targets counterfeit drugs with death penalty
Nigeria's drug agency (NAFDAC) is cracking down on counterfeit medicines, advocating life imprisonment and the death penalty for those involved in their trade. Recently, NAFDAC seized and destroyed fake drugs worth 100 billion naira. The infiltration of these medicines into pharmacies, markets and hospitals endangers lives and erodes trust in…
Sanctions hit Rwanda for backing M23 rebels
M23 fighters, backed by Rwanda, have captured Goma and Bukavu in the DR Congo, controlling all commercial points to Rwanda. With Western sanctions about to hit Rwanda for supporting M23 rebels, Rwandans are bracing for impact.
Kenya: William Ruto's church donations ignite debate
Kenyan President William Ruto's contributions of 20 million Kenyan shillings to the Jesus Winner Ministry and the African Inland Church Fellowship-Annex have stirred controversy. Critics argue these donations blur church-state lines, while supporters claim they reflect a leader committed to faith and community.
Ghana: Mass civil servant dismissals under Mahama
Since Ghanaian President John Mahama took office, thousands of government employees — including nurses and teachers — have lost their jobs. The opposition demands reinstatement, calling the move politically motivated. Trade unions have warned of severe consequences.
Mozambique unrest: Thousands seek return from Malawi
Thousands of Mozambicans who fled post-election unrest to neighboring Malawi are eager to return home. Rights groups report that over 300 people lost their lives in the political disputes and local clashes following the October 2024 elections. Now, the governments of Mozambique and Malawi have initiated a repatriation drive to…
Uganda's rising single motherhood rate
The number of single mothers in Uganda has significantly increased, prompting calls to introduce a marriage unit course at universities. Single mothers aged 18-35 rose from 20% to 30%, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics 2024 report. Marriage counselors aim to educate young people on marriage dynamics, preventing breakups,…
Malawi: Second-hand clothes traders slam high import tariffs
In Malawi, second-hand clothing traders are protesting price hikes due to a scarcity of forex. As the government aims to reduce costs, economists call for a ban on imports to protect the local textile industry. What's the way forward for Malawi's second-hand clothing market?
International Women's Day: Female power in African politics
Ghana recently elected its very first female vice president. Other African nations also have female leaders. But what is the overall state of gender parity across African politics? Becky Enyonam Ahadzi, a senior legal practitioner joins us alongside DW correspondent Adwoa Domena in Accra, Ghana.
How Nigeria loses billlions in bank fraud and financial crimes
In 2024, Nigeria lost 52.3 billion naira (about 32 million Euros) to fraudsters and fraudulent bank transactions. Before, scammers known as the "Yahoo Boys" plagued Nigerian financial institutions. Recently fraud in Nigeria has increasingly taken on an international dimension - but how has this evolved? Host Eddy Micah Jr. speaks…
Zambia seeks to reverse worrying economic slide below poverty line
A new World Bank report shows Zambia has become one of the most impoverished and unequal nations in the world. The trend is driven by poor economic governance and inefficient mineral exploitation. So, how can Zambia turn this trajectory around? DW's Josey Mahachi speaks to Dickson Mwansa, a specialist in…
Rwanda vows to defend itself against FDLR threat
The Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group handed over FDLR fighters to Kigali. They say leaders of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) leaders were involved in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The Congolese government dismissed the claims as "fabricated." So, how does Rwanda see peace succeeding in the region?…
G20 in South Africa: Is global cooperation at risk?
Top diplomats skipping G20 meetings, limited consensus on pressing economic issues, and Donald Trump upending American foreign policy - South Africa's presidency of the G20 has had a rocky start. But can it still achieve its aims for 2025? Host Josey Mahachi speaks to DW's Thuso Khumalo, and analyst Daniel…