In post-apartheid South Africa a woman is raped every 17 seconds. Public outcry has forced a debate, but do MPs have the political will to act? And what is the cause of this sickness?

France's intervention to chase jihadist forces from northern Mali in July has caused many African politicians and military leaders to question the state of Africa's armed forces. Governments face a series of new threats – from piracy to Islamist terrorism – and militaries are changing in order to build up new regional and continental forces.

The judiciary and electoral commission say they are prepared for the 4 March vote and will not repeat the mistakes of the contested December 2007 polls.

With memories of 2007's post-election violence still fresh, Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta face off in 4 March elections. Should there be a second round, Kenyans could go to the polls while running mates and former rivals Kenyatta and William Ruto undergo trial at The Hague.

As aid budgets fall, market-minded philanthropists from the West and Africa are moving in with a new agenda. The Africa Report investigates the increasingly blurred lines between business and charity.

Malian and West African troops prepare to retake rebel-held northern Mali in 2013. A military victory would only be the first step, as the country must elect a new government and rebuild the trust destroyed by the north-south divide.

The new chair is taking a leading role in negotiating an intervention force for Mali. Expectations are high that she will reform the institution and push development projects, but she cannot do so without the approval of member states.