With just days until America's midterm elections, President Donald Trump's grip on Congress is under threat. Democrats are leading national polls as Republicans fight to defend their majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. For voters, the cost of living is a central concern; for Trump, losing either chamber could mean investigations and roadblocks to his agenda during his final two years in office. More than 39 million Americans have already voted early, as both parties launch their final push in an election that could reshape Washington's direction - with consequences far beyond America's borders. Sherwin Bryce-Pease reports from New York

With just days until America's midterm elections, President Donald Trump's grip on Congress is under threat. Democrats are leading national polls as Republicans fight to defend their majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. For voters, the cost of living is a central concern; for Trump, losing either chamber could mean investigations and roadblocks to his agenda during his final two years in office. More than 39 million Americans have already voted early, as both parties launch their final push in an election that could reshape Washington's direction - with consequences far beyond America's borders. Sherwin Bryce-Pease reports from New York

Africa Rise & Shine

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US midterms: Trump faces threat to Republican control of Congress as voters weigh cost of living and his agenda.

On The Discourse this morning, we turn our attention toward voter participation at local government level. This, as South Africa prepares for its upcoming local government elections, with attention turning to a critical question: how engaged are citizens in choosing the leaders responsible for delivering services in their communities? Local government is often the level of government closest to the people, yet voter apathy, declining public trust and dissatisfaction with service delivery can weaken democratic participation. Across Africa, experiences vary, with local elections shaped by political competition, electoral credibility, civic education and citizens' confidence in democratic institutions. To explore these dynamics, we spoke to Dr Tendai Mbanje, a governance and political analyst, with many years of experience in African election monitoring.

On The Discourse this morning, we turn our attention toward voter participation at local government level. This, as South Africa prepares for its upcoming local government elections, with attention turning to a critical question: how engaged are citizens in choosing the leaders responsible for delivering services in their communities? Local government is often the level of government closest to the people, yet voter apathy, declining public trust and dissatisfaction with service delivery can weaken democratic participation. Across Africa, experiences vary, with local elections shaped by political competition, electoral credibility, civic education and citizens' confidence in democratic institutions. To explore these dynamics, we spoke to Dr Tendai Mbanje, a governance and political analyst, with many years of experience in African election monitoring.

South Africa's local elections put Africa's voter participation, public trust and service delivery under the spotlight.

Sudan's embassy in South Africa is calling for accountability for atrocities committed in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, as it marks one year since killings attributed to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, or RSF. The city endured a prolonged siege marked by killings, sexual violence, starvation and mass displacement. Sudanese Ambassador to South Africa Uthman Abu Musa Muhammad is urging South Africa, the African Union and the international community to step up efforts to protect civilians and support Sudanese-led dialogue towards lasting peace. Channel Africa's Michael Mbewe reports.

Sudan's embassy in South Africa is calling for accountability for atrocities committed in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, as it marks one year since killings attributed to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, or RSF. The city endured a prolonged siege marked by killings, sexual violence, starvation and mass displacement. Sudanese Ambassador to South Africa Uthman Abu Musa Muhammad is urging South Africa, the African Union and the international community to step up efforts to protect civilians and support Sudanese-led dialogue towards lasting peace. Channel Africa's Michael Mbewe reports.

Sudan marks one year since El Fasher atrocities as embassy calls for accountability and urgent civilian protection.

Rwanda is yet to respond to the US decision to impose fresh sanctions on the country's Ministry of Defence. America on Thursday announced sanctions on the ministry, accusing Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel groups in eastern DRC. President Donald Trump's administration says Rwanda must withdraw its troops from the eastern DRCongo. The sanctions come months after Rwanda and the DRC signed a US - brokered peace agreement aiming at ending the conflict. Despite the agreement, fighting has continued in eastern DRC and now the US says Rwanda's defence ministry directed thousands of troops to fight alongside M23 in the DRC.To unpack this we spoke to Jean Baptiste Gasominari, Rwandan based political analyst and attorney

Rwanda is yet to respond to the US decision to impose fresh sanctions on the country's Ministry of Defence. America on Thursday announced sanctions on the ministry, accusing Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel groups in eastern DRC. President Donald Trump's administration says Rwanda must withdraw its troops from the eastern DRCongo. The sanctions come months after Rwanda and the DRC signed a US - brokered peace agreement aiming at ending the conflict. Despite the agreement, fighting has continued in eastern DRC and now the US says Rwanda's defence ministry directed thousands of troops to fight alongside M23 in the DRC.To unpack this we spoke to Jean Baptiste Gasominari, Rwandan based political analyst and attorney

US midterms: Trump faces threat to Republican control of Congress as voters weigh cost of living and his agenda.

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