Why has ECOWAS established a standby force?

Malawians in the diaspora and rights groups are asking the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to introduce electronic voting in addition to traditional methods to combat election fraud. With past elections marred by controversy, the changes could restore public trust. But is Malawi ready? Mimi Mefo speaks to Undule Mwaka Sungula a governance expert and DW correspondent George Mhango in Blantyre.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other politicians. The move comes amidst political instability in the region and has sparked a national debate about democracy. DW’s Josey Mahachi spoke to Nigeria’s former minister of transport and former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi.

African teams are fighting it out at the CAF World Cup qualifiers for a chance to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The expansion to 48 teams in 2026 offers several countries a unique chance to qualify. How are the matches going, and which teams seem likely to make the cut? Josey Mahachi talks to Annet Mugabo, a sports journalist and commentator in Rwanda, and DW’s Ololade Adewuyi.

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 by water scarcity and climate challenges and DW correspondent Andrew Wasike.

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 for Cognitive Justice in Kaduna Nigeria and DW's Correspondent Ben Adam Shemang in Abuja.

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 Columbus Mavhunga in Harare and political analyst and researcher Takura Zhangazha.

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 Lual Deng and Patrick Oyet, President of the Union of Journalists in South Sudan.

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 Khumalo and political expert Ntsikelelo Breakfast.

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 on the Great Lakes region and DW's correspondent Nasra Bishumba in Rwanda.

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?