DW AfricaLink

Human Rights Day commemorates the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10. This document enshrines inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to. But there are persistent challenges that shape the lives of millions across Africa when it come to human rights. We're talking to DW correspondent Ben Shemang in Abuja, Nigeria and political commentator Ivan Mugisha.

Former President John Mahama has won Ghana's presidential election. Mahama became the fifth opposition leader in Africa to win an election this year. Is Mahama's victory a sign that more opposition parties in African countries will take over? Josey Mahachi talks to election consultant Ben Graham Jones and Isaac Kaledzi, DW correspondent in Accra, Ghana.

Africa is experiencing a resource boom, attracting global investors. However, resource wealth often brings instability. We explore how Tanzania balances profitable mining with small-scale artisanal mining. How can African governments tap resources responsibly? Josey Mahachi talks to DW's Naomi Jasseda and Dr. Mussa Daniel Budeba, CEO of the Geological Survey of Tanzania.

Malawi claims cannabis exports can supplement waning tobacco sales, bringing in much-needed foreign currency. But a strong debate is raging in the country about the government throwing its weight behind a crop that is still considered illicit in many countries. DW’s Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Nelson Zakeyu, the Executive Director for Drug Fight Malawi, and DW’s Chimwemwe Padatha in Lilongwe.

US President Joe Biden has pleddged to bolster the ties between the the US and African nations nations as he prepares to leave office. But what will he be remembered for in Africa as he exits the presidency? Josey Mahachi, speaks to Edmilson Angelo, an Angolan Doctoral researcher, analyst and specialist on African Studies and DW correpondent based in Accra, Ghana, Isaac Kaledzi .

The East African Community (EAC) marked 25 years of existence. However, EAC is facing persistent tensions and infighting among its member states. This could undermine the bloc's efforts toward regional integration, calling into question its very existence. DW’s Josey Mahachi speaks to Ivan Mugisha a social and political commentator and DW’s James Shimanyula.

Ghana is holding its election on December 7. Over 18 million registered voters will choose a new president this weekend. Incumbent Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia from the ruling party and former President John Mahama from the opposition are the two front runners. Eddy Micah Jr talks to Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Gadafi, a political scientist and DW correspondent in Accra, Isaac Kaledzi.

World AIDS Day 2024 reminds us that access to healthcare is not a privilege but a fundamental human right. Join us as we explore the global fight against HIV/AIDS, uncover the barriers still faced by millions, and spotlight the inspiring stories of resilience and advocacy. DW's Josey Mahachi speaks to Dr. Mainza Bubala, a Zambian researcher on HIV/AIDS and DW's reporter Kathy Short in Lusaka.

Kenya, once a haven for refugees, now faces scrutiny over forced repatriations, including high-profile cases like Nnamdi Kanu and Kizza Besigye. What do these incidents reveal about Kenya’s human rights stance? DW's Josey Mahachi speaks to activist Wanjeri Nderu and journalist Andrew Wasike to unpack the rising risks for asylum seekers.

Over 250 households in Ntchisi District, Malawi, lack piped water or boreholes. Residents trek long distances to a stream that dries up in the hot season. The hilly terrain becomes slippery in the rain, making it hard to fetch water. Women face domestic violence during the rainy season. DW's Josey Mahachi and George Mhango discuss the issues with Chandiwira Chisi.

Nigeria, Africa's largest oil producer, sits on vast crude oil reserves, yet imports most of its fuel. Public outcry has forced the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to undergo a structural overhaul. But critics say it's too late for an institution drowning in corruption. DW's Josey Mahachi talks to DW’s Ben Shemang in Abuja and Nigerian economist Sani Nasidi.

Sub-Saharan Africa faces a severe shortage of reconstructive surgical care, with 93% of the population lacking access to these vital services. Despite high rates of burns and injuries, Africa has just one reconstructive surgeon for every 10 million people. Eddy Micah Jr. speaks with Dr. Paa-Ekow Hoyte-Williams and Nana Bediako Brogya to discuss how the continent can address this urgent issue.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan became the first female African leader to participate in a G20 summit, which is an annual gathering of leaders from 19 of the world's largest economies including. Why is that such a big deal? Eddy Micah Jr. talks to DW's Naomi Achieng in Tanzania, business consultant David Kafulila and analyst Emmanuel Bensah.

A standoff between police and illegal miners at Stilfontein has forced illict mineral extraction into the spotlight. The unsafe and unregulated "zama zama" trade draws many to South Africa where the government doesn't appear to be offering any good alternatives. Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Johannes Qankase, a community leader in Stilfontein and DW correspondent Thuso Khumalo in South Africa.

Protests in Maputo have claimed more than 30 lives. Human rights groups report that police have used excessive force, resulting in the injuries and death among protesters. Pressure is mounting on the 16-member regional body, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), to act. Eddy Micah Jnr talks to DW correspondent Privilege Musvahiri and Zimbabwean human rights activist Linda Masarira.

Africa’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are essential for creating jobs, broadening the tax base and growing national revenue. But there are nowhere near enough of them on the continent. Eddy Micah Jr talks to Gideon Brefo, CEO of hapaSpace Innovation Hub in Ghana, and business owner George Antwi-Boasiako of Agrico hub.

As the world gathers for another UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), a pressing question lingers: Have global climate summits lost their meaning for Africans? Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Togolese negotiator Sena Alouko and sustainability and climate journalist Zeynab Wandati.

Conflict over land has gone on for decades in the border town of Bawku in northern Ghana. Experts warn that Islamist extremists fighting in neighboring Burkina Faso and Togo could take advantage of this volatile situation in Ghana. Josey Mahachi talks to Dr. Naazia Ibrahim, a conflict resolution researcher at the University of Development Studies and DW correspondent Maxwell Suuk in Ghana.

Disinformation campaigns in Africa have surged fourfold since 2022, threatening democracy and stability. These attacks now target 39 nations, distorting information systems for political agendas. In Ghana, a coalition of fact-checkers mobilizes to counter this threat. Josey Mahachi talks to Rabiu Alhassan of FactSpace West Africa and Roselena Ahiable of Dubawa Ghana.

Nigerian authorities have released minors facing trial for cost-of-living protests. Among the 76 arrested in August for treason, destruction of property and mutiny, at least 30 were children. The crisis has sparked mass protests, with several reported killed and hundreds arrested. Rights groups are alarmed by the crackdown. Is Nigeria suppressing dissent?