DW Africa

03/02/2025

The future of South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) hangs on the 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. In certain circumstances it allows expropriation without compensation. The Democratic Alliance (DA) party, which is the second largest in the unity government has rejected the law threatening not to support the coming budget vote if it’s not reversed. It is also preparing to go to court. The party accuses Ramaphosa of implementing ANC policies in the GNU. The Inkatha Freedom Party, the third largest in the GNU has also expressed reservations while another GNU partner Freedom Front Plus has called on other political parties to join it in taking Ramaphosa to the Constitutional Court over the law. Joining me for this discussion is Sandile Swana, a political analyst based in South Africa and our very own DW correspondent, Thuso Khumalo in South Africa.
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03/02/2025

Burkina Faso leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré has become the first person to receive the newly introduced Alliance of the Sahel (AES) passport, just days after Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali celebrated their official exit from the West African Economic and Monetary Union (ECOWAS). Many believe the new AES passport will help the three nations become more united, especially in light of their departure from ECOWAS. However, some residents remain cautious about the broader implications of this transition, especially in terms of relations with other ECOWAS countries.

03/02/2025

US President Donald Trump has announced a decision to cut all future funding to South Africa due to allegations of land confiscation and poor treatment of certain classes of people. This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a bill allowing land seizures without compensation in certain circumstances. Land ownership in South Africa remains contentious, with most farmland owned by white people.Elon Musk, who was born in South Africa and is now a Trump adviser, has also joined in the debate on his X account, questioning the country's openly racist land ownership laws. South Africa has reacted and rejected any claims of land confiscation.

01/02/2025

A paramilitary attack on the Sabrein Market in Omdurman by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has left 54 people dead and at least 158 injured, according to health authorities. The assault is the latest in Sudan’s escalating civil war. Government spokesperson Khalid al-Aleisir condemned the attack, calling it a violation of international humanitarian law. Many of the victims were women and children, with a nearby hospital struggling to treat casualties due to medical shortages. This comes just a week after the RSF killed 70 people in an attack on El Fasher’s only operational hospital. The ongoing conflict has claimed over 28,000 lives, displaced millions, and triggered famine across parts of Sudan.

01/02/2025

Live Commentary FC Bayern München vs. Holstein Kiel

DW Africa will be bringing live commentary of today’s Bundesliga clash between FC Bayern München and Holstein Kiel. FC Bayern is in stellar form, boasting a league-leading 48 points from 19 games, marking their best start to the season in nine years. Their dominant attack (58 goals) and strong defense (16 conceded) will be tested by Holstein Kiel, who are still seeking their first away win of the season. FC Bayern defeated Kiel 6-1 in the reverse fixture, with Jamal Musiala scoring a quick-fire goal after just 14 seconds.
What are your predictions for today's game?
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01/02/2025

Chad's President Mahamat Idriss Deby on Friday hailed the "definitive and complete departure" of French forces, marking the end of France’s military presence in the Sahel region. The withdrawal follows Chad’s abrupt decision in November to end military cooperation with its former colonial ruler. Speaking at the handover of the Kossei base in N'Djamena—now flying only the Chadian flag—Deby clarified that diplomatic ties with France remain intact but without a military dimension. He stated the need to build "an even stronger, better-equipped army" while forging "new alliances based on mutual respect and without losing sight of the demands of independence and sovereignty."

01/02/2025

A new faction of the M23 rebel group has emerged, with Corneille Nangaa taking over leadership from sanctioned Tutsi rebel leader Sultani Makenga. On Thursday, Nangaa declared that M23 plans to march on Kinshasa to overthrow President Félix Tshisekedi. The Rwandan-backed group recently seized most of Goma, the capital of Congo’s eastern province. Nangaa, a former head of Congo’s electoral commission, was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2019 for overseeing the disputed election that brought Tshisekedi to power.

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01/02/2025

Wicknell Chivayo, a Zimbabwean businessman with a controversial past involving corruption charges and government contracts, is raising concerns as he appears alongside Presidents William Ruto of Kenya, Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda. Seen touring farms, inspecting projects, and enjoying game drives with these leaders, Chivayo's high-profile associations have sparked debate on social media. Many are questioning whether such leaders should be engaging with individuals linked to corruption. What are your thoughts?

31/01/2025

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. Social media has long been a vital tool for Kenyans to organize protests and amplify dissent, making these regulations feel, to many, like an attempt to stifle digital freedoms. Josey Mahachi talks to Mark Kaigwa, a Kenyan tech visionary, founder of Nendo, and one of Forbes Africa’s under 30 most influential people and DW's correspondent Andrew Wasike in Nairobi.

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31/01/2025

SADC heads of state are meeting here at the new parliament buildings in Zimbabwe’s capital Harare for an emergency summit on the DRC crisis. The leaders are expected to deliberate on the security situation in Eastern DRC particularly the involvement of the regional force which in recent weeks suffered casualties from the M23 rebels now occupying the key city of Goma. Resolutions are also expected to be passed on the peace initiatives to end the crisis. DW's Privilege Musvanhiri brings us the latest.

31/01/2025

Here are today's major news headlines:
- Southern African leaders gather for talks on DR Congo crisis
- France completes troop withdrawal from Chad
- German lawmakers set to vote on contentious immigration law

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Here are today's major news headlines:- Southern African leaders gather for talks on DR Congo crisis- France completes troop withdrawal from Chad- German law...

31/01/2025

Uganda's army announced on Friday that its troops in eastern DR Congo will adopt a "forward defensive posture" due to escalating conflicts in the region. Fighting has dramatically escalated in eastern DRC in recent days, as the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group has seized swathes of territory, including the regional capital of Goma. "The aim of the measure will be to deter and deny the numerous other negative armed groups operating in eastern DRC from exploiting the situation," the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) said in a statement. Meanwhile, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will hold a special summit on Friday in Zimbabwe to address the crisis in eastern DRC.

30/01/2025

The Rwanda-backed M23 armed group has vowed to advance toward the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, after capturing most of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. "We will continue the march of liberation all the way to Kinshasa," Corneille Nangaa, head of the coalition including M23 said, adding that "We are in Goma and we will not leave... for as long as the questions for which we took up arms have not been answered." The group's offensive marks a significant escalation in the decades-long conflict in eastern DRC. While Rwanda claims its goal is to eliminate genocide-linked fighters, it faces accusations of exploiting the region’s mineral wealth. Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot who arrived in Rwanda on Thursday to discuss the eastern DRC conflict has urged the withdrawal of Rwandan troops backing the M23 rebels.

30/01/2025

Uganda marked its 39th National Liberation Day in January, commemorating President Museveni’s rise to power through a coup in 1986. Museveni initially promised democratization, fundamental change, and political and economic transformation. Analysts credit him with stabilizing Uganda and the Great Lakes region, restoring peace and security. However, critics argue he has overstayed in power, suppressed opposition, amended the constitution to his advantage, and monetized politics. Josey Mahachi speaks with Ugandan peace ambassador and analyst Milton Kambura, and DW Correspondent Frank Yiga in Kampala.

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30/01/2025

Just In:
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, has been arrested and is set to appear in court on Thursday on terrorism and incitement charges. She is accused of encouraging violence during the July 2021 riots, which left over 350 people dead. Zuma-Sambudla surrendered to police following an investigation into her social media posts allegedly urging further unrest after her father’s imprisonment. The riots led to widespread looting, arson, and destruction, with over 5,000 arrests. Her political party confirmed her upcoming court appearance.

30/01/2025

Britain has warned Rwanda that its involvement in the escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) could jeopardize over $1 billion in annual aid. Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have captured Goma, a city of two million, despite international calls for a ceasefire. The UK and other Western nations accuse Rwanda of supporting the rebels, a claim Kigali denies. British Foreign Minister David Lammy warned that Rwanda’s actions threaten its aid, including £32 million ($39.8 million) from the UK, stating that violations of territorial integrity cannot be tolerated.

30/01/2025

Russia is making bold moves across Africa, promising "total support" in exchange for alliances. At 2024 Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, Moscow said it is willing to offer the continent security, economic, and political partnerships. What's behind the pledge and how extensive is Russian influence in Africa? Please watch the video on our YouTube page and share your thoughts: https://shorturl.at/s5cgI

Russia is making bold moves across Africa, promising "total support" in exchange for alliances. At 2024 Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, Moscow said it is wi...

29/01/2025

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has accused South African officials of distorting facts regarding discussions on the conflict in eastern DRC. In a statement on X this evening, Kagame denied claims that Rwanda supports M23 rebels and criticized the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), calling it a "belligerent force" aiding genocidal groups. He also refuted reports that President Cyril Ramaphosa had issued a warning to Rwanda, stating instead that Ramaphosa sought logistical support for South African troops. Kagame asserted that South Africa is not suited to mediate peace and warned, "If South Africa prefers confrontation, Rwanda will deal with the matter in that context any day." What is your take?