Is South Africa becoming a mafia state?

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.

Raila Odinga has died suddenly in India. Cai Nebe and Andrew Wasike look at his legacy — from shaping democracy to inspiring generations of Kenyans.

Zimbabwe is set to roll out lenacapavir, an HIV drug that clinical trials show is 99% effective in preventing infections. But while experts are hopeful, public skepticism persists. Will it change the fight against HIV?

Polls have closed in Cameroon as Paul Biya seeks an eighth term. With a divided opposition and rising youth disillusionment, DW explores what's next.