Is South Africa becoming a mafia state?

After a high-stakes vote returned President Alassane Ouattara for a fourth term, DW's AfricaLink podcast unpacks what this means for Cote d'Ivoire’s political future. Eddy Micah Jr. speaks with DW West Africa correspondent Bram Posthumus and Alex Vines, expert on African affairs at the European Council on Foreign Relations, to explore the implications for democracy, development and stability.

At 92, President Paul Biya was declared the winner of Cameroon's presidential election, extending his decades-long rule. But opposition parties are rejecting the results, alleging widespread voter fraud. What does this mean for Africa's oldest president and a country yearning for change? DW’s Eddy Micah Jr. breaks it down with Dorcas Ekupe and political analyst Mac Anthony Akuhmbohm in Yaounde.

In Ghana, gold is more than just a precious metal. From environmental destruction due to galamseys (illegal mines), to alleged funding of extremist violence through proceeds made from illegal mining, the country faces a complex crisis. DW’s Eddy Micah Jr. discusses this critical topic with extractives expert Solomon Kusi Ampofo, Maxwell Suuk, DW correspondent in Tamale and voices from the ground.

As Tanzania heads to the polls on October 29, President Samia Suluhu Hassan faces voters for the first time, while the opposition hopes to chip away at decades of the ruling CCM's dominance. Eddy Micah Jr. speaks with political analyst Paternus Niyegira and DW’s Faidha Ngaga in Dar es Salaam about the key issues, the Gen Z factor, and whether Tanzania is ready for change.

For decades, he was the face of the opposition in Kenya — a political giant who shaped the democracy through protest, persistence, and power-sharing deals. Who will fill the vacuum left by Raila Odinga, the late veteran ''people's president''? Eddy Micah Jr. talks to political analyst Billian Ojiwa and DW correspondent Felix Maringa in Kenya.

Will Paul Biya extend his 40-year presidency in Cameroon, or will a new leader emerge? The country is tense as voters prepare to hear the result of a general election on October 23. Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Yaounde-based political analyst Dr. Atia Tilaruis and DW correspondent Dorcas Ekupe.

Nigeria’s human rights activist Omoyele Sowore remains a relentless thorn in the side of the authorities. He’s faced multiple arrests and harsh crackdowns but still vows to confront Nigeria’s political elite, especially the current President Bola Tinubu. But is his crusade truly for the people, or his political ambition?

Some experts say South Africa meets several global indicators of a mafia state. Organized crime has infiltrated government institutions, corruption is rampant and assassinations are on the rise. Even police are drawing parallels with Colombia or Ecuador. Cai Nebe talks to Prof. Andre Duvenhage and DW correspondent Dianne Hawker in Johannesburg.

Bobi Wine's 2021 presidential run shook Uganda's political landscape. Though long-time leader Yoweri Museveni retained power, Wine's campaign sparked massive youth engagement and online mobilization. But can he do it again? And will Ugandans rally behind him this time?

The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has called for peace with neighboring Rwanda as tensions rise in eastern DRC. Kigali rejected the offer — raising fears of escalating conflict and failed diplomacy in the region.