In a bold diplomatic move, US President Donald Trump has welcomed five West African leaders to the White House, spotlighting the region's vast mineral wealth and strategic importance. As the US pivots from aid to trade, the high-stakes summit signaled a new chapter in global power dynamics — where Africa's resources are the prize in a growing contest with China and Russia.

Freedom of expression is under threat in Zimbabwe as the ruling party pushes to criminalize criticism of the government, labeling it unpatriotic. Opposition legislators warn that such a law could be used to silence dissenting voices and target journalists. Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Nigel Nyamutumbu, Programs Manager at the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe, and DW’s Privilege Musvanhiri.

Nigerians are divided on the legacy of their late former president. He was hailed for his anti-corruption drive and security focus and criticized for economic problems and rising insecurity. Josey Mahachi talks to Dengiyefa Angalapu, a researcher with the Centre for Democracy and Development, and DW's Abiodun Jamiu in Abuja.

Experts are warning that democracy across Africa is under serious threat. The new Democracy Capture (DEMCAP) Index shows that powerful interests are increasingly taking control of democratic institutions, undermining governance. Eddy Micah Jr speaks to researchers Dr. John Osae-Kwapong and Lois Matthew. They focus on democratization and authoritarianism in West Africa and the Sahel.

In Ghana, women in agriculture face tough challenges, including entrenched gender norms, limited access to credit, and unequal access to land. Some of them have decided to break barriers by joining forces to fight discrimination and poverty while boosting food security in rural areas. DW's Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to Wedam Kadoa Rhoda, CEO of the Song-ba Empowerment Center and DW's own Maxwell Suuk.

The Nigerian government says will simplify the system and boost compliance. But how will this affect businesses and citizens already stretched by rising living costs? Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Daniel Olika, a lawyer and fiscal policy analyst, and DW's Abiodun Jamiu in Nigeria.

A new wave of anti-government protests in Kenya led to scores of fatalities and hundreds of arrested this week. And, the Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights says police are working with criminal gangs. Eddy Micah Jr. talks to political analyst Michael Nato and DW's Diana Wanyonyi in Mombasa.

Uganda's opposition parties are drafting a cooperation agreement ahead of a general election. They aim to unseat Yoweri Museveni, the country's president for the last 40 years. Josey Mahachi talks to Adolph Mbeine, a lecturer at Makerere University, and DW's Frank Yiga in Kampala.

Rights defenders in Kenya want more community protections for elderly women, especially in rural areas. It follows reports of old women being accused of witchcraft, denied inheritance, forced out of their marital homes, and abandoned. Josephine Mahachi speaks to DW’s Andrew Wasike and Anne Rose Chege, a social worker and rights advocate in Kenya.

Malawi’s biggest refugee camp, Dzaleka Refugee Camp, currently home to around 56,500 people, faces a bleak future as UNHCR withdraws funding and staff. What could this mean for a facility that human rights activists say is already as a source of human trafficking and crime? Josey Mahachi speaks to Jessie Chingoma, a gender and labor activist and DW's George Mhango in Blantyre.