Africa Daily

Nearly 900,000 people have received the Covid vaccine in Lesotho. That’s almost half the population of 2 million people. And the government is keen to see that figure rise and has introduced a vaccine mandate. People now have to be vaccinated to have access to their work place and many public services. But not everyone is happy. Many people are still reluctant to get jabbed and not everyone thinks rules like this are the solution. So, will Lesotho’s vaccine mandate work?#AfricaDaily

In the years between 1999 and 2020, fewer coups took place than in previous decades. Many hoped they’d been largely consigned to history. But in 2021 it seemed like coups were becoming a regular event once again. In Mali, Sudan and Guinea, governments were overthrown by the military. And there was an attempt to do so in Niger. So, is this a new trend? Are coups really on the rise in Africa? #AfricaDaily

Buying items in small sachets, instead of full size packs, is nothing new in Nigeria. But over the past year, an ever wider range of products have become available in these small plastic pouches. Even sanitary pads are sold in packs of just two. They may be cheaper, but they aren’t always economical in the long run. Inflation in Nigeria peaked at 18% last year. And food inflation reached a high of 23%. It means people’s wages aren’t stretching as far at the market. And people are finding they can’t afford to buy full sized products. So, is the sachet economy here to stay?Host: Alan Kasujja Reporting: Olivia Ndubuisi #AfricaDaily

Last week a professor in Morocco was jailed for two years. He had been found guilty of indecent behaviour and sexual harassment. Women in Morocco have been sharing their stories. They say this kind of behaviour is widespread. And this case may sound familiar if you’re in West Africa. Two years ago, the BBC uncovered evidence of sexual harassment by professors at some universities in Ghana and Nigeria. They have been removed from their posts after internal investigations.Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja)Reporting: Nora Fakim (@norafakim) Kiki Mordi (@kikmordi)#AfricaDaily

A robust rail network helped South Africa become the continent’s most industrialised nation. And for many people, the train has been the most affordable form of transport. But in recent years, South Africa’s railways have started to fall into disrepair. Criminals have found the that cables and rails can be stolen and sold for scrap. More than 200km of steel rails were taken across the country in November alone. And in some places, trains are coming to a halt. Can the government’s plans to revitalise the network get the trains back on track?Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Reporting: Mpho Lakaje (@mpholakaje)#AfricaDaily

This time last year we were asking whether Africa would get enough Covid-19 vaccines. As 2021 progressed, it became clear that it wouldn’t. African leaders complained that rich countries weren't meeting their commitments to Covax, the scheme aimed at ensuring equitable access to the vaccines. South African president Cyril Ramaphosa coined the term vaccine apartheid, in reference to the gulf between vaccination rates on the continent and other parts of the world. And some people began to ask how the continent could avoid being in this position again in the future. So, can Africa become self-sufficient when it comes to vaccine production? #AfricaDaily

In November last year, Uganda’s capital was rocked by a series of suicide attacks. The government blamed the ADF rebel group, said to be allied to the Islamic State. President Museveni said the military would go after them. And within days Ugandan forces were entering eastern DRC. Journalist Raymond Mujuni has been finding out what they are facing.Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Reporter: Raymond Mujuni (@qataharraymond)#AfricaDaily

In March 2020, Uganda closed all its schools as part of measures to deal with the pandemic. Some students hadn’t been back until they reopened on Monday. Others had been able to return for just a few weeks last year. So, are Ugandan students excited to be back in the classroom? And what challenges are they and their teachers facing?Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Guests: Edward Mukasa and Bridget Rukwebe Mujogya #AfricaDaily

Around the world, football fans are glued to the Africa Cup of Nations. It’s a proud moment for players to represent their country and perhaps draw some international attention. For years, Africa’s top players have aspired to play for European clubs in La Liga, the Premier League and the Bundesliga. But clubs in countries like Egypt and South Africa are starting to offer lucrative contracts that match those available in parts of Europe. So, how are these teams able to afford the big bucks? And might more players stay in Africa in the future? #AfricaDaily Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Guests: Cavin Johnson Mark Gleeson

Endometriosis is a condition experienced by one in ten women of childbearing age around the world. It’s caused by tissue similar to the womb lining growing in other parts of the body, where it can lead to bleeding and severe pain. But the symptoms – which can be debilitating - are often dismissed as period pain. It can be difficult to diagnose and campaigners say many doctors still aren’t aware of the condition. One woman, Grace Nagawa, who struggled with the illness for years, started a support group – the Endometriosis Foundation of Uganda – otherwise known as the ‘Endo Warriors’ – to raise awareness. She shares her story with #AfricaDailyHost: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Guests: Grace Nagawa Dr Ozelle Herbert

West African leaders have imposed sanctions on Mali’s military government. They have been calling for a return to civilian rule since a military coup in 2020. Mali has experienced a second coup since then. And elections which were planned for February are now facing a lengthy delay. Mali’s leaders have called the sanctions illegal. But will the measures encourage them to bring forward the elections? And what does it all mean for people in Mali?Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Reporting: Beverly Ochieng (@beverlyochieng)

Basant Khaled was 17 when she is believed to have taken her own life. It’s alleged that private, digitally altered images of Basant were shared online. And that they were seen by fellow students. Her family say she wasn’t able to cope with people’s comments before her suicide. Her story has led to much discussion on social media in Egypt. And women are calling for more rights and supports for women facing sexual harassment.This episode contains frank discussions of suicideHost: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Reporting: Rana Taha Guest: Farah Swellam

Football fans are getting ready for the Africa Cup of Nations to kick off on Sunday. Some of the worlds best footballers are in Cameroon for the competition. And we’ve got one of the best from that country to be our guide. Former AFCON winner Geremi tells us why Cameroon is ready to impress after an extended wait. They were initially meant to host in 2019, but it was relocated to Egypt due to unrest and unfinished infrastructure. And the pandemic meant it had to be postponed last year. So, is Cameroon now ready for AFCON 2022?Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Reporting: Isaac Fanin (@isaac_fanin)

On Sunday, Abdalla Hamdok resigned as Sudan’s Prime Minister, leaving the army in full control. Pro-democracy protesters took to the streets after the army staged a coup in October. Demonstrations continued when Hamdok returned to his position in a deal with the army. And there was more violence as he left power this week. Many are calling for new kind of politics in the country. So, how are they organised? And can they be successful? #AfricaDaily

On Sunday a fire quickly spread through South Africa’s parliament building. The blaze took dozens of firefighters to contain and destroyed most of the National Assembly. Thankfully nobody was hurt. The damage will cost millions of dollars and could disrupt the government’s operations. But amid all this, some people in South Africa are celebrating. So, what’s the story behind the parliament fire?Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Reporting: Mo Allie (@moallie1)#AfricaDaily

Charismatic churches are attracting followers in many countries across the continent. They are often lead by a single powerful leader. But some of them have been accused of unconventional, even dangerous practices. And authorities in counties like South Africa are starting to talk about regulating the churches. So, why are they becoming so popular?#AfricaDaily

More than 20 years ago, BBC journalist Peter Macjob witnessed the murder of a young man by a cultist group. He has spent the last two years working with the BBC’s Africa Eye on an investigation into the group known as Black Axe. For the documentary he met face to face with members of criminal gangs. So, what does it take to carry out an investigation like this? #AfricaDaily

Burkina Faso has been battling an escalating insurgency since 2014. Islamist militants allied to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State group have are threatening security. More than 70 people were killed in militant attacks in November. And people have taken to the streets in frustration. The President has appointed a new prime minister and promised to tackle the militants.#AfricaDaily

The UK has lifted Covid travel restrictions on all countries in Africa. The measures came into place after the Omicron variant was discovered by scientists in South Africa. And many other countries still have restrictions in place. So, what impact have they had on economies in those countries affected?#AfricaDaily

At the beginning of November, at least 45 people died when a luxury development collapsed in Lagos. But, there have been similar problems reported in other parts of the continent. There is a construction boom in Kampala, but across Uganda at least 17 buildings have collapsed since January. So, what’s going on? And how can construction be made safer?#AfricaDaily

How’s your love life? Dating can be tricky at the best of times…and the pandemic hasn’t made things any easier. The dating app Tinder says users have sent 20% more messages since the pandemic began. But lockdowns and fear of catching Covid has made meeting those matches in person more difficult. So, how have we adapted to dating during a pandemic?Host: Alan Kasujja Guests: Didi Edet, Hannah Ajala#AfricaDaily

Africa has relatively low rates of diabetes. But cases are rising faster than any other continent. The condition causes the levels of glucose in the body to become too high. Untreated it can damage the nerves, eyes, heart and even lead to death. So, why is it a growing problem across Africa? And what can be done to prevent further cases?The episode contains frank discussion about sexual health issues.Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja)Guests: Osarenkhoe Ethel Chima-Nwogwugwu (@osaethel) Professor Kaushik Ramaiya#AfricaDaily

Artists like Burna Boy, Black Coffee and Wizkid are paving the way for a generation of music stars. They’re winning awards and collaborating with artists around the world who recognise their talent…and the influence sounds from the continent have had for centuries. And with African artists streaming and touring in these markets, it could be big business. Nigeria’s music industry could be worth $15 billion by 2025. So, what next for Africa’s artists?Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Reporting: Mpho Lakaje (@mpholakaje)#AfricaDaily

Nigeria’s prisons are overcrowded and a majority of inmates are still awaiting trial. In the last year, the has been a spate of attacks on jails by armed gangs. They’ve freed more than 5000 prisoners…many still haven’t been recaptured. So, why are so many prisoners escaping? And can anything be done to stop it?#AfricaDailyHost: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Guests: Yusuf Akinpelu (@akinpeluyusuph) Francis Enobore

The BBC has announced nominations for African Sports Personality of the Year. Six competitors from across athletics, football and swimming are in the running, after a packed year of sport. So, who’s on the list? You can see the nominees and vote here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/africa/59089895 And what were some of the best moments of 2021?#AfricaDailyHost: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Guest: Celestine Karoney (@cjkaroney)

Bruises and broken bones. Dambe is not kind to the human body. As extreme as this combat sport may be, it’s amassed legions of fans not only in Nigeria, where it was born, but also around the world. What’s it all about? And how did it become so popular?Hosted by Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Maxwell Kalu, founder and CEO of African Warriors FC; Dogon Kyallu, Dambe fighter.#AfricaDaily(This episode was first broadcast on 1st September 2021)

It’s been a week since South Africa first reported Omicron…a name now recognised around the world. While South Africa discovered the new covid variant, it’s unlikely we’ll learn exactly where it first appeared. The WHO has praised the country for its transparency. So, how did South Africa discover the omicron variant?Host: Alan Kasujja Reporting: Mpho Lakaje Guests: Wasim Abdool Karim and Dr Thierny Balde#AfricaDaily

On Saturday, Gambians will head to the polls to vote for their next leader. Many people say they feel they’re voting in a ‘new Gambia’. In 2016, Yahya Jammeh was ousted after 22 years in power. So, what’s at stake for the continent’s smallest country?#AfricaDailyHost: Alan Kasujja Guests: Omar Wally and Assan Jobe

Fistula is an uncomfortable medical condition. It is particularly common in women after a difficult childbirth. And can sometimes be found in men. The condition leaves a hole in the bladder or rectum. It allows faeces and urine to leak uncontrollably. And although it can often be fixed with surgery, many thousands of women are thought to need treatment across the continent.This episode contains frank discussion of medical issues and surgery.#AfricaDaily Host: Alan Kasujja Guest: Dr Justin Paluku

Since long-term leader Muammar Gaddafi was toppled in 2011, Libyans have endured a decade of instability. The last elections in 2014 left the country divided between competing factions in the east and west. Fresh parliamentary and presidential elections are planned for the end of December. But there is even disagreement over how they will be run. So, can the upcoming vote unite Libya?#AfricaDailyHost: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Reporting: Amira Fathalla (@amirafathalla)

Scientist in South Africa have identified a new variant of the Covid-19 virus. Cases of the Omicron variant have been identified in countries including Belgium, Germany, Australia and Hong Kong. Some countries have put restrictions on travel from parts of Southern Africa. Scientists say that it will be a couple of weeks before we understand exactly how the Omicron variant behaves. But what do we know so far? #AfricaDaily

A little over two years since winning the Nobel Peace Prize, Abiy Ahmed is leading a country at war. Rebels from the northern Tigray region have taken increasing territory over the past few months. Thousands have died and more than two million have been pushed from their homes. The international community is showing increasing concern about the situation. Many countries have told their citizens to leave. So, how did it all come to this?#AfricaDailyHost: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Reporter: Beverly Ochieng (@beverlyochieng)

Gender based violence is a problem around the world. And Africa is no exception. For years, women across the continent have been raising their voices and demanding change. On Thursday, many of them will join women around the world for ’16 days of activism against gender based violence’. So, how are women leading the conversation? #AfricaDaily hears from women across the continentThis programme contains frank discussions of a physical and sexual violence.

A leaked report by an inquiry panel found that Nigerian armed forces shot and killed #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki toll gate in October 2020. The report refers to the incident as a massacre. But Nigeria’s information minister Lai Mohammed has dismissed the report as a ‘triumph of fake news’. He denies that soldiers fired live bullets at protesters.Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Reporter: Is’haq Khalid (@ikmkhalid)#AfricaDaily

Tourism is an important part of Kenya’s economy. And the money spent by visitors is vital for funding conservation programmes, that protect wildlife and biodiversity. But some critics are questioning whether conservation and tourism are too dependent on each other. And whether indigenous people are being treated unfairly to make space for conservancies. #AfricaDaily

Highlife music has been getting people on to the dance floor for decades. It originated in Ghana in the 19th century. And has been embraced around West Africa…and the world. Now a Nigerian duo - The Cavemen - are bringing the music to a new young audience. So, is highlife back and here to stay?Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Reporting: Hannah Ajala (@hannah_ajala) Guests: The Cavemen (@staycavy) #AfricaDaily

The COP26 climate summit concluded in Glasgow on Saturday. Despite an agreement being reached, many people on the continent have asked whether it delivers enough for Africa. The next round of negotiations will take place next year at COP27 in Egypt. So, how should Africa’s environmentalists be moving forward?Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Guests: Peter Musembi (@musembipm) Wanjira Mathai (@MathaiWanjira)#AfricaDaily

On Tuesday, three people were killed in suicide attacks on Kampala. The government is pointing the finger at the ADF, a rebel group which has pledged allegiance to IS. And IS have claimed responsibility for these attacks. Kampala has witnessed other bomb explosions in recent months. Police say they were also linked to the ADF. So, why is Kampala coming under attack? Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Guest: Raymond Mujuni (@qataharraymond)

A quarter of Ghana’s population lives along its 500km coastline. But devastating tidal waves and flooding are becoming more common. There have been three this year alone. Earlier this month, the latest tidal surge left more than 4000 people displaced in the Volta region. And people are starting to demand action from the government. So, what can be done to protect coastal communities?#AfricaDaily Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Guests: Kojo Akoto Boateng @kojoab Dzifa Gomashie @dzifa_gomashie Professor Kwesi Appeaning Addo

Tina was diagnosed with a rare heart condition as a baby. She fought against odds that said she wouldn’t live to be a teenager. Thanks to double lung and heart transplant, she has just celebrated her 40th birthday. But for the 5000 people in need of an organ transplant in South Africa today, there is a long and difficult wait. And the pandemic has only made things more difficult.#AfricaDaily Host: Alan Kasujja

Botswana has moved all remaining rhinos out of the Okavango Delta after a surge in poaching. More than 90 of the endangered animals were killed over the past two years. And it’s a similar story in other parts of southern Africa. Rhino horns are valuable on the international black market. So, what can be done to save the remaining rhino species?#AfricaDailyHost: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Guests: Dr Kabelo Senyatso Dominic Naidoo

Dozens of schools across Kenya have burned down in recent weeks.There are suggestions that students may be to blame.The education minister has warned that any students found to be responsible for starting fires will be banned from public schools.So, what’s going on with Kenya’s school fires?#AfricaDaily

The war in Ethiopia started just over a year ago.The conflict between forces from the northern Tigray region and the federal government has escalated in recent weeks.It’s been caused by various recent political issues.But it also has it’s roots in modern history…events that go back more than 100 years.So, to understand Ethiopia’s present, do we have to look to the past?#AfricaDailyHost: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja)Guests: Yohannes Woldemariam

Uganda’s coffee exports have seen significant growth in the past year. And income from the crop had increased by almost 50%. It’s partly due to production issues in countries like Brazil and Vietnam. But Uganda is among the countries in Africa to take advantage of the disruption in the market. So, how have they done it?#AfricaDailyHost: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Guests: Darren Allan Kyeyunye (@allandarren) and Jackie Arinda (@jackiearinda)

Some of Zimbabwe’s teachers are going on strike. They say that inflations means they’re no longer being paid enough to live on. And that conditions in the classroom are making teaching more and more difficult. The government in Zimbabwe denies that schools lack resources and say they aren’t aware of strike action. So, why do teachers in Zimbabwe say they’re struggling to get by?#AfricaDailyHost: Moho Lakaje (@MphoLakaje)

It’s nearly ten years since Agnes Wanjiru died. Her family believe she was killed by a British soldier. An inquest in 2019 found the same. Agnes lived close to a British army training camp in Kenya. The base has been blamed by local people for a wildfire earlier this year. And they have complained that British soldiers there aren’t ever held accountable for their poor behaviour. So, is the British army still welcome in Kenya?#AfricaDailyHost: Mpho Lakaje (@mpholakaje) Guest: Ferdinand Omondi (@ferdyomondi)

World leaders are continuing to negotiate a plan to tackle climate change at the COP 26 summit. Global warming will affect most people on the planet in some way. But not everyone will feel the impact equally. Africa is thought to be among the most vulnerable continents. And research suggests that women will face a greater burden from a changing environment. Journalist Ugochi Anyaka-Oluigbo has heard these stories from across the continent.#AfricaDailyHost: Mpho Lakaje (@mpholakaje) Guests: Ugochi Anyaka-Oluigbo (@ugogreenangle)

In recent weeks, the Beitbridge border crossing between Zimbabwe and South Africa came to a standstill. Truck drivers were stranded for as long as ten days. They complained about robberies and going without food. The crossing is one of the busiest on the continent, helping to connect countries across southern Africa. But when a new toll for trucks was introduced, delays led to queues going back miles. And although the congestion is now cleared, there are worries about what will happen over the busy festive period. So, how did a new toll cause chaos at the border? #AfricaDaily Host: Mpho Lakaje (@mpholakaje) Guests: Pindai Dube and Prosper Chitambara

When South Africa’s cricket team took to the pitch last week, one player was missing.Quinton de Kock refused to play, after the players were told they must ‘take the knee’.Sports teams around the world have adopted the gesture to take a stand against racism.The former captain has since apologised and took the knee at the next match. He explained that he was initially unhappy at being ordered to make the gesture…and at short notice. But his hesitancy has fuelled debates about racism in South Africa, more than 25 years after the end of apartheid.So, should players be forced to take the knee?#AfricaDailyHost: Mpho Lakaje (@mpholakaje)Guests: Mahlatse Mahlase (@hlatseentle) Lawson Naidoo (@lawsonnaidoo) Hermann Pretorius

People in Sudan are back on the streets.In 2019, they protested for months to remove President Omar al-Bashir after 29 years in power.They stayed on the streets until the military agreed to share power with civilians.There were supposed to be elections in 2023, but a coup two weeks ago has put that in doubt.Is democracy the Sudanese worked so hard for now in jeopardy?#AfricaDailyHost: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Guest: Raga Makawi (@makawiraga)