Channel Africa Rise & Shine
News and Current Affairs show that gives insight into political events on the continent and internationally.
Central Africa wrap with Geopolitical Analyst, Aaron Ng'ambi
Now time for us to focus on Central Africa - a region where diplomacy, security, and economic power are shifting in subtle but significant ways. From new embassies and changing alliances, to energy deals, military cooperation, and even the relocation of national capitals - these are not isolated developments, but signals of deeper strategic movement across the region. To make sense of what's driving these changes, and what they tell us about Central Africa's direction, is Geopolitical Analyst, Aaron Ng'ambi.... TALKING POINTS ** Chad has expressed concerns over the developments in Venezuela ** Meanwhile, Chad officially opens its first permanent Embassy in Benin ** Central African Republic president Faustin-Archange Touade'ra has won third term by landslide ** Still with the CAR, the country express desire to open drone training center in partnership with Russia ** Equatorial Guinea moves its Capital from Malabo city to Ciudad de la Paz ** Oil and gas gaint- Shell buys stake in Angola's offshore blocks from Chevron ** And Gabon suspends its national football team and fired the coach after lossing at the Africa Cups of Nations
Alcohol campaign warns of soaring festive season spending in SA
A South African (SA) alcohol harm-reduction campaign is warning about the scale of alcohol consumption and spending in the country, particularly during the festive season. The Rethink Your Drink campaign says that in the days leading up to New Year's Eve, South Africans were spending an estimated $60 million a day on alcohol, highlighting what it describes as a pattern of intense, short-term consumption linked to rising social harm. The campaign says alcohol spending in SA now amounts to around $9 billion a year, raising concerns about public health, safety and the economic cost of harmful drinking. Thuto Ngobeni reports.
SA advocacy groups push for wider access to continuous glucose monitors
South African (SA) diabetes advocacy groups are calling for continuous glucose monitors, known as CGMs, to be recognised as essential healthcare devices rather than lifestyle products. With diabetes now affecting more than four million people in SA, and ranked as one of the country's leading causes of death, campaigners say wider access to accurate and safe glucose monitoring could prevent serious complications and save lives. Our reporter, Lebogang Mabange, has more.
ANC marks 114 Years amid growing political, governance pressures
South Africa's (SA) liberation movement, the African National Congress (ANC), is today marking the 114th anniversary of its founding. This year's celebrations come amid mounting political and governance pressures within the party. The main celebration will take place on Saturday in Rustenburg in the North West province, where the party's president, Cyril Ramaphosa, is expected to outline the party's priorities for the year, with a focus on reclaiming lost ground in the upcoming 2026 local government elections. For more on this, we are joined on the line by Dr Sysman Motloung, a Political Studies and International Relations lecturer at the North West University in SA.
Benin heads to polls in crucial test of democratic direction
Benin goes to the polls this weekend in elections that many see as a key test of the country's democratic direction. On Sunday, voters will elect all 109 members of the National Assembly in legislative polls that will shape Benin's political balance ahead of next year's presidential election. The chair of Benin's electoral authority, Sacca Lafia, who heads the Independent National Electoral Commission, has called on political parties, the media, security forces and citizens to help ensure a peaceful and credible vote. But the polls are taking place against a backdrop of growing political tension, especially after Benin's Constitutional Court confirmed that the main opposition party, Les Démocrates, will not be allowed to contest the 2026 presidential election, a ruling that has raised broader questions about political inclusion and competition. To help us understand what is at stake in these elections, and what they may mean for democracy in Benin and the wider West African region, is Austin Aigbe, Advocacy Officer at the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network.
Israeli policies in West Bank amount to racial segregation: UN Report
A report released by the United Nations Human Rights Office has detailed the impact of Israel's laws, policies and practices on every aspect of daily life for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The report warns that Israel is violating international law requiring States to prohibit and eradicate racial segregation and apartheid. The report further found that the Israeli authorities treat Israeli settlers and Palestinians residing in the West Bank under two distinct bodies of law and policies, resulting in unequal treatment on a range of critical issues, including movement and access to resources such as land and water. To talk to further on the report, is the Head of the United Nations Human Rights office in the occupied Palestinian territory, Ajith Sunghay.
West Africa wrap with Political Scientist and Conflict Resolution expert, Dr David Matsanga
We turn now to West Africa, where political uncertainty, shifting alliances and policy changes continue to shape the region. In Burkina Faso, supporters have rallied in Ouagadougou following reports of a thwarted coup attempt, highlighting ongoing instability in the Sahel. At the same time, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are asserting a more defiant stance internationally, including retaliatory travel restrictions against U.S. nationals. Meanwhile, Guinea's Supreme Court has confirmed Mamady Doumbouya's election victory, even as ECOWAS warns against prolonged military-led transitions elsewhere in the region. To unpack these developments, is Political Scientist and Conflict Resolution expert, Dr David Matsanga. POSSIBLE QUESTIONS * Let's start in Burkina Faso - supporters have taken to the streets in Ouagadougou following reports of an attempted coup; what does this tell us about the current balance of power and public sentiment in the country? * More broadly in the Sahel, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger appear increasingly aligned, both politically and militarily; how significant is this bloc, and how might it reshape regional security dynamics? * These same countries have also imposed retaliatory travel bans on U.S. nationals - what message are they sending to Western powers, and how could this affect diplomatic and economic relations? * Turning to Guinea, the Supreme Court has confirmed Mamady Doumbouya's election victory; does this ruling settle questions of legitimacy, or are deeper political challenges still unresolved? * ECOWAS has rejected the transition process in Guinea-Bissau and warned of possible sanctions; is the regional body losing influence, or is it recalibrating its approach to military-led governments? * How do these repeated tensions between ECOWAS and transitional authorities affect regional integration and collective security in West Africa? * Beyond politics, Cape Verde has ended visa-on-arrival access for travellers from 96 countries - what are the possible economic and diplomatic implications of this decision for a tourism-dependent economy? * Ghana is being positioned as a leader in modernising short-sea shipping in West Africa; why is this development important for regional trade and economic integration? * Finally, Togo has expanded its nuclear safety framework through new international accords - how significant is this step, and what does it signal about the region's engagement with global governance standards?
BLA supports mandatory lifestyle audits for all Prosecutors
The Black Lawyers Association in South Africa has thrown its weight behind Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi's call for mandatory lifestyle audits for all prosecutors. The association says the move is critical to protecting the integrity of South Africa's justice system, particularly in light of serious concerns raised about the National Prosecuting Authority during the Zondo Commission into State Capture. Channel Africa's economics reporter innocent Semosa has more.
Somalia condemns Israeli FM's visit to Somaliland
Israeli Foreign Minister (FM) Gideon Sara is in Somaliland, 10 days after Israel formally recognised the self-declared republic as an independent and sovereign state. Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the visit, describing it as a violation of Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The ministry says Israel's official engagement with Somaliland, conducted without Somalia's consent, is illegal and null and void, and has called on international bodies, including the United Nations and the African Union, to uphold and support Somalia's territorial integrity. For more on this is Dr Seife Tadelle Kidane, a Director of the Centre for Governance and Intra Africa Trade Studies (CGIATS) and The Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation (IPATC) Associate Researcher at the University of Johannesburg.
SA groups urge government to press UK over detained pro-Palestine activists
Several civil society organizations based in South Africa (SA) yesterday staged nationwide protests in support of pro-Palestine hunger strikers currently held in the United Kingdom (UK) prisons. The groups urged the South African government to pressure the British authorities to release the 33 activists from the Palestine Action group who remain in pre-trial detention, having not yet appeared in court. The activists have been held for more than a year on allegations of breaking into Elbit Systems, a UK subsidiary of the Israeli defence company, in Bristol, as well as a Royal Air Force base in Oxfordshire. For more on this, is Sunny Morgan from the Palestinian Solidarity Alliance (PSA).
NGO calls on Ramaphosa to raise legal drinking age in SA
A South Africa (SA)-based non-governmental organisation, Gatekeepers, has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa proposing that the legal drinking age be raised from 18 to between 21 and 23. The organisation is calling for stricter regulation of alcohol sales and consumption to curb widespread alcohol abuse, which it says contributes to problems such as domestic violence and drunk driving. Lizelle Maurice, the founding director of Gatekeeper SA, argues that legislation has previously been effective in limiting cigarette advertising and could be used similarly to address alcohol-related harm.
UNICEF: Sexual violence against children worsening across DRC
Sexual violence against children is endemic, systemic, and worsening across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) according to a recent report by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). While conflict remains a major driver, the report shows cases documented in communities across every province and rising sharply since 2022. In the report, nationwide data compiled by protection and gender-based violence service providers indicate that more than 35 000 cases of sexual violence against children were recorded nationwide in the first nine months of 2025, pointing to a crisis that continues to escalate. To talk to us further on this we are now joined on the line is the Deputy Representative for UNICEF in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mariame Sylla.
Guinea Supreme court confirms Doumbouya election victory
Guinea's Supreme Court has officially confirmed the results of the December 28 election, clearing the way for coup leader Mamady Doumbouya to serve a seven-year term as President. The court's validation, a required step following any election, upheld provisional results showing Doumbouya won a decisive 86.72% of the vote. Doumbouya, a former special forces commander, seized power in 2021 in a coup that ousted then-president Alpha Condé. For more on this, Political Analyst, Jean Donald Taladzi.
Political choices turned Venezuela's oil riches into hardship: Analyst
Chifipa Mhango, Chief Economist at Don Consultancy Group, notes that despite Venezuela's vast petroleum resources, the country's oil industry, which was once the cornerstone of state finances, foreign policy, and social spending it has been severely weakened over the years by politicisation, mismanagement, and institutional decay. Mhango explains that Venezuela has become a striking example of how political decisions can turn immense natural wealth into economic hardship. He adds that any reform of the country's oil sector must be accompanied by broader political and institutional changes.
UN Security Council meets after US capture of Venezuela's President
The United Nations (UN) Security Council yesterday convened to discuss the US military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who is now facing trial in New York on drug-related charges, including conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed concern that the US action could further destabilise Venezuela, warning of a possible escalation of instability in the country. Meanwhile, during his first court appearance, Maduro pleaded not guilty, telling the judge that he remains the president of Venezuela and is not guilty of anything that is mentioned. His wife, Cilia Flores, also entered a plea of not guilty. For more on this, Professor Bheki Mngomezulu, Political Science & International Relations Analyst and the Director for the Centre for the Advancement of Non-Racialism and Democracy at Nelson Mandela University.
Botswana tightens border controls after Foot and Mouth outbreak in SA
Botswana's Ministry of Lands and Agriculture has introduced precautionary measures following the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in South Africa. The Acting Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Kobedi Segale, says the measures include heightened surveillance at border points, as well as stricter controls on the movement of livestock and animal products into the country. Dr Segale has urged farmers and all stakeholders to remain vigilant and to strictly observe Foot and Mouth Disease preventative measures, in order to reduce the risk of the disease being introduced into Botswana. For more on this, Acting Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Kobedi Segale, at the Department of Lands and Agriculture in Botswana.
Amnesty flags election repression in Uganda
Amnesty International says authorities in Uganda have launched a brutal campaign of repression against opposition parties and their supporters ahead of the general elections scheduled for 15 January 2026. The human rights organisation says actions by security forces are severely undermining citizens' rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly. According to Amnesty International, authorities have unlawfully targeted opposition rallies using unnecessary and excessive force, carried out arbitrary arrests, and subjected some participants to torture or other forms of ill-treatment. For more on this, Amnesty International researcher for Uganda and Tanzania, Sikula Oniala.
BMA intercepts illegal border crossing near Beitbridge
As holidaymakers make their way back across South Africa, officials from the Border Management Authority (BMA) intercepted a group attempting to cross illegally from Zimbabwe near the Beitbridge border. In the operation, BMA officers also arrested two suspected facilitators believed to aid undocumented migrants in moving through the area between the border fence and the Beitbridge port of entry. Meanwhile, border posts nationwide have reported a marked increase in the number of travellers returning home over the past 24 hours. For more on this, is Border Management Authority Spokesperson, Mmemme Mogotsi.
Round up wrap with Pan-African political commentator, Mighti Jamie
On the Roundup Wrap, we look back at the biggest news stories and events from the past week across Africa and beyond, especially where global developments could have a real bearing on the continent. To help us make sense of what it all means, and what it could signal for the days ahead, is Pan-African political commentator, Mighti Jamie. TALKING POINTS: ** US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the US is not at war with Venezuela, as Maduro is set to appear in a New York court today. Rubio also indicated that the US won't govern Venezuela but will press for changes through an oil blockade... ** Benin and Niger have expelled each other's diplomats, deepening a standoff between the two West African neighbours and highlighting growing diplomatic strain in the region. ** Gabon's President Brice Oligui Nguema has replaced his finance minister, Henri-Claude Oyima, according to a decree, as the oil-producing Central African country grapples with a liquidity squeeze and rising arrears. ** AFCON quarter finals qualifiers
UN Secretary-General Alarmed by US-Venezuela standoff
The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, António Guterres, says he is deeply alarmed by the standoff between the United States (US) and Venezuela in recent months, which culminated on Saturday with the capture of President Nicolás Maduro by US special forces. In a statement, Guterres stressed the need for full respect of international law, including the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. Meanwhile, in a joint statement, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Spain and Uruguay expressed deep concern and outright rejection of the unilateral military actions carried out on Venezuelan territory, warning that such actions contravene fundamental principles of international law. For more on this, Peter Fabricius, an independent journalist and analyst on foreign policy issues.
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