As Russian president Vladimir Putin marks 25 years in power, experts analyze his country’s influence across Africa. So what is Russia’s historical relationship with the continent of Africa, and how is it manifested on the ground today?

DW correspondents in Kenya, Zambia, and Ghana speak about Christmas in their countries and what ordinary people think about the coming year 2025.

The Democratic Republic of Congo accuses Apple of using minerals sourced from illegal mining. Local communities impacted by illicit mining explore the consequences of a potential victory against the tech giant. DW's Josey Mahachi and Alex Ngarambe discuss the fallout with Alex Vines from British think tank Chatham House.

ECOWAS has given Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso six months to reconsider their decision to quit the West African bloc. Eddy Micah Jr explores what could happen next and the potential economic, political and social consequences.

On June 10, 2024, tragedy struck Malawi when Vice President Saulos Chilima died in Malawi's deadliest aviation accident. This moment shook the nation to its core, and many questions remain: What role did the weather play? Could this tragedy have been avoided? DW's Mirriam Kaliza and political analyst Khumbo Soko join us for this discussion.

We have something special for you today! DW has launched its new AfricaLink podcast - packed with news, politics, culture, and more. To tell you more, here's the head of English for Africa, Asumpta Lattus, and one of the AfricaLink hosts, Josey Mahachi, and our correspondent in Ghana, Isaac Kaledzi.

Malawi is bracing for possible flooding as Cyclone Chido continues its eastern trajectory. In recent years, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and other parts of southern Africa have been devastated during the December to March cyclone season. Josey Mahachi talks to Lucy Mtilatila, Director of Climate Change and Meteorological Services in Malawi, and DW correspondent Mirriam Kaliza in Malawi.

The El-Nino-induced drought in southern Africa has been the worst the region has seen in decades. It prompted Zimbabwe its neighbors to declare states of disaster in 2024. As another dry spell looms, how can Zimbabwe prevent millions from facing hunger? Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Tomson Phiri, a UN World Food Program spokesman and DW correspondent Privilege Musvanhiri in Zimbabwe.

Ethiopia and Somalia have reached a deal to end a nearly year-old bitter dispute, following talks brokered by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two neighbors have been at loggerheads since landlocked Ethiopia made a deal with Somaliland to gain access to the sea. Josey Mahachi talks to Martin Oloo, a political commentator, and DW's editor, Isaac Mugabi.

Zambia's Constitutional Court has ruled that ex-President Edgar Lungu cannot run in the 2026 election, contrary to an earlier indication. The ruling follows a petition challenging his third term bid. Zambia's constitution allows only two five-year terms. Was the final decision politically influenced? Josey Mahachi discusses with DW correspondent Glory Mushinge.