Focus on Africa

Chad’s opposition leader, Succès Masra says he is challenging the preliminary results of the recent presidential election. Preliminary results show President Mahamat Deby won with just over 61% of the vote and the runner-up Succès Masra had just over 18%. So why are the results being challenged? Also why are South Africans enjoying a sustained period of electricity supply? Is it because of upcoming elections or has the main electricity supplier Eskom, changed things around? Former CEO of Eskom, Andre De Ruyter shares his view with Audrey. And why do Kenyans think that the song "Zakayo" by Tanzanian gospel singer Christina Shusho is really about them?Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Victor Sylver, Rob Wilson, Bella Hassan and Richard Kagoe Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

The Somali government has asked the U.N. Security Council to end the U.N. political mission in Somalia that has been helping the war-ravaged country since 2013. Can Somalia afford to go it alone? Why is Nigeria's Senate calling for the death penalty for drug trafficking?And concern that African penguins are facing gradual extinction.Presenter : Audrey Brown Producers: Charles Gitonga, Richard Kagoe, Rob Wilson and Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Craig Kingham Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Human Rights Watch says ethnic cleansing has taken place in El Geneina against the Massalit and non-Arab residents. What's the evidence? Also, after more than three billion doses, the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid vaccine won't be manufactured anymore. Why is that, and how will this affect future vaccine uptake in Africa?And we explore attitudes to twins from Igbo Bora, a small rural community in southwest Nigeria which has an extraordinarily high number of them!Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Bella Hassan, Victor Sylver, Charles Gitonga and Rob Wilson Senior Producer: Karnie harp Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Kenyan government doctors have signed an agreement to return to work in a bid to end a strike that started nearly 2 months ago. However, not all the doctors' demands have been met.Thousands of Sudanese refugees flee two UN camps in Ethiopia due to security concerns.And South Africa initiates plans to regulate the use of Artificial Intelligence.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Charles Gitonga, Richard Kagoe, Susan Gachuhi, Rob Wilson and Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Editors : Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

As the defence partnership between countries in the Sahel and the US and France ends, there's curiosity about which West African country will offer a base for French and US troops. Why is it important for these forces to have a base in West Africa? Also we revist the plight of migrants in Libya, after 107 people, including women and children are freed from captivity.And Audrey chats to ‘The Queen of Afrobeat'....singer-songwriter and actress, Tiwa Savage!Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Charles Gitonga, Bella Hassan, Rob Wilson and Yvette Twagiramariya Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Senior Producer: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Two time Olympic champion marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge has been speaking to the BBC about the impact of social media abuse on him and his family.Togo's ruling party wins a parliamentary majority in legislative elections, is President Faure Gnassingbé set to extend his time in power?And can the tropical modernism architectural style help face the challenge of climate change?Presenter:Audrey Brown Producers:Patricia Whitehorne, Rob Wilson,Bella Hassan, Victor Sylver and Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Jonny Hall Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Hundreds of people have been killed and thousands remain displaced across east Africa. Kenya and Tanzania escaped major damage from cyclone Hidaya, over the weekend, but they remain at risk of further flooding and landslides. Have governments done enough?Also why has the place of birth been removed from the passports of a group of people born in the Chagos Islands?And what's going on between Wizkid and Davido?Presenter: Daniel Dadzie Producers: Audrey Brown, Bella Hassan and Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Phillip Bull Senior Producer: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

The U.S. has withdrawn its troops from Chad, this follows a similar move in neighbouring Niger. The head of the US Africa Command says it was "temporary repositioning" of troops. What does he mean and how damaging is this to global security interests?Also why is there growing concern for the safety of children in South Africa?And cyclone Hidaya is expected to make landfall on the East African Coast, affecting mainly the already flooded countries of Tanzania and Kenya. How prepared are they?Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Charles Gitonga, Bella Hassan, Richard Kagoe and Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

A UN-backed special court has issued an international arrest warrant for the former president of the Central African Republic, François Bozizé. This is in connection with an investigation into his alleged involvement in crimes against humanity committed by soldiers in a prison between 2009 and 2013. We'll get the details.Also why are gunmen guarding cocoa crops in Uganda?And a big victory for a small indigenous community in South Africa, who won a Goldman Environmental Prize for standing up to a multinational company.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Rob Wilson, Charles Gitonga, Paul Bakibinga. Senior Producer: Karnie Sharp Technical Producer: Nick Randell Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

The U.S. has warned of a looming potential "large scale massacre" in Al-Fashir, a city in Sudan. The United Nations says it's also concerned about a possible imminent attack. What's going on? Also state TV in Mali says the senior IS commander, Abu Huzeifa, who had a 5 million dollar bounty on his head has been killed by troops from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Who was he and why is his death being seen as significant? And we meet the award winning Cameroonian conservationist saving manatees.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Victor Sylver, Rob Wilson, Patricia Whitehorne, Bella Hassan and Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

More than 160 people are now known to have been killed by weeks of flooding in Kenya following torrential rain, that's according to officials. We'll hear from the Kenyan President, William Ruto.Also former UK diplomat, Tim Cole, says it's time to reset London's relationship with Africa. What would that new relationship look like? And we meet young Africans pushing the boundaries of representation in the gaming industry!Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Charles Gitonga, Bella Hassan, Patricia Whitehorn, Nyasha Michelle and Rob Wilson Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Senior Producer: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

It is 30 years since South Africa held its first democratic elections. Three decades on, is it hope or gloom for the 'rainbow nation'?Also did a national emergency against sexual violence set up 5 years ago, make any difference in Sierra Leone?And we meet the Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama, using cloth to wrap up the brutalist Barbican centre in London and revealing a hidden history. Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Rob Wilson, Patricia Whitehorne, Nyasha Michelle and Paul Bakibinga Editors :Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

More than 220 civilians, including at least 56 children, were massacred by Burkina Faso's military in a single day this year. That's the allegation by Human Rights Watch. So, how did HRW reach this conclusion and what's the response from the Burkina Faso government?Also why is the DR Congo warning big tech companies, like Apple, to not use minerals from the eastern part of the country? And we meet Nigerian Afrobeats artist, Ayra Starr!Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Charles Gitonga, Stefania Okereke and Bella Hassan Technical Producer: Danny Cox Senior Producer: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

The World Bank has suspended a multi million dollar fund to expand Ruaha National Park in Tanzania, after it received allegations of serious abuse, which the Tanzanian government denies. We'll get the details. What is cloud seeding, how does it work and can drought stricken parts of Africa benefit from it or not? And a personal testimony from someone living with disability in a South Sudan refugee camp.

African leaders meeting at a security summit in Nigeria says the continent needs a new plan to tackle violent extremism. The two-day counter-terrorism summit, supported by the United Nations, was also attended by African Union Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat What are the challenges facing the continent and how can it be tackled? Also why is so little money spent on healthcare in Africa? And a plan to save the South African rhino as poaching numbers rise.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Bella Hassan and Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Senior Producer: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

The UK parliament has passed the Rwanda asylum law. People arriving on small boats can have their asylum claims processed in Rwanda. When is this likely to take place and why is it of global significance?Why is Zimbabwe's newly introduced gold-backed currency already on the decline? And a strong caution about harmful chemicals found in hair relaxers.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers:Richard Kagoe, Patricia Whitehorne, Rob Wilson, Bella Hassan and Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio has urged regional leaders to forge common understanding and develop strategies to address the challenges posed by Autonomous Weapons Systems. What are autonomous weapons and what sort of threat do they pose to West African countries?Also how the remains of thousands of enslaved Africans on St Helena is reconnecting this island to the rest of the world.And the Nigerian artist causing outrage with his depictions of black people. What's behind his depiction and why is he doing it?Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Victor Sylver and Patricia Whitehorne Technical Producer: Jonny Hall Senior Producer: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

There have been heavy clashes between Amhara and Tigray in Ethiopia over disputed territory, according to reports. What's going on and how will it impact the country?Also why did the popular Nigerian preacher, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, spread anti-vaccine messages to his followers? And as the countdown to the Paris Olympics continues, can an African country host the games?Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Bella Hassan and Paul Bakibinga Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

The United Nations received financial pledges of just over six hundred million dollars to help with Ethiopia's humanitarian crisis. It fell short of the one billion dollars the UN was seeking. Around 15 million people are in need of humanitarian aid in the country. Is the amount pledged enough and how will the funds be distributed?Also why is gambling on the rise on the continent, attracting young people? And why is South Africa installing the continent's biggest battery and how will it work?Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya and Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Senior Producer: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

The USAid Mission Director to Liberia Jim Wright has alleged that around 90% of pharmacies in the country are selling stolen medicine, donated by aid organisations. What's going on? Cattle rustling and banditry in northern Kenya is on the increase. What can be done to prevent this from happening? And a group of women accused of booing the Zimbabwean First Lady, Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, have been freed. We hear from the lawyer who represented them in court. Presenter:Richard Kagoe Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Daniel Dadzie, Bella Hassan, Nyasha Michelle and Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Chad's interim President Mahamat Idriss Déby has begun campaigning ahead of the country's next presidential election, which is just three weeks away. He faces nine other candidates, including the junta-appointed Prime Minister Succès Masra. President Deby has pledged to strengthen security and guarantee Chad's peace and stability. Will he keep his promises? Also a look at Russia's growing influence in the Sahel as Russian troops arrive in Niger.And how African youth are thinking about future investments.

France is hosting an international conference on Sudan, one year after war broke out. It says, it's seeking much needed aid and attention. Observers say the Sudan crisis has been pushed out of the global conversation due to other ongoing conflicts. Will the conference make a difference? Why has Mali banned political activity and curtailed media freedoms?And cartoonist and satirist Jim Spire Ssentongo on the dangers and challenges of holding authority to account.Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Patricia Whitehorne, Yvette Twagiramariya, Bella Hassan and Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

How the Chibok girls are getting on with their lives ten years on from when they were kidnappedConcern over cyber-crime in Zambia following the busting of a syndicate scamming innocent peopleAnd why African men are twice as likely to get prostate cancer than white men.

South Africa's electoral commission (IEC) has published final candidate lists for general elections. Former president Jacob Zuma is free to contest in May's poll. Should the governing ANC be worried?We learn about the illicit organ trade in Western Kenya, with some young people selling their kidneys.And why Ivory Coast has announced a ban on begging in the commercial capital Abidjan.Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Charles Gitonga, Yvette Twagiramariya, Victor Sylver and Paul Bakibinga Editor: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Warring parties in Sudan accused of killing civilians both deliberately and indiscriminatelyCalls for Tanzanian troops to be withdrawn from the Democratic Republic of Congo after three Tanzanian soldiers were killed thereAnd what Eid Al Fitr celebrations hold for Afro-Palestinians in the Middle East?

Mozambican officials say that disinformation on cholera recently led to a ferry disaster in which more than 90 people died. Why is it still proving to be a challenge to control outbreaks of cholera in southern Africa? What can be done?How lack of basic hygiene in health facilities could be costing Sub-Saharan Africa billions of dollars.Popular Nigerian celebrity Bobrisky pleads guilty to abuse of the naira. What's really at play?Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Charles Gitonga, Bella Hassan, Yvette Twagiramariya and Paul Bakibinga Editor: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Sierra Leone faces a rampant drugs abuse crisis which President Bio describes as an existential threat to the countrySomalia and Turkey sign an agreement to collaborate on oil and gas explorationAnd we look at how a shortage of condoms is impacting HIV and AIDS cases in South Africa

Sierra Leone faces a rampant drugs abuse crisis which President Bio describes as an existential threat to the countrySomalia and Turkey sign an agreement to collaborate on oil and gas explorationAnd we look at how a shortage of condoms is impacting HIV and AIDS cases in South Africa

An underage girl has been placed under police protection in Ghana after it emerged she had been married to a 63-year-old traditional high priest. There was public outrage after footage of the customary wedding went viral. The office of the priest defended the marriage, saying it was only ceremonial. What's going on?Also we hear a moving conversation between two Rwandans, 30 years after the genocideAnd we visit London's first ever Nigerian Michelin star restaurant!Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Charles Gitonga, Susan Gachuhi, Patricia Whitehorne, Nyasha Michelle Compliance: Karnie Sharp Editor: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Gabon has opened up, what it calls, an inclusive national dialogue. Catholic Archbishop Jean-Patrick Iba-Ban who is leading the initiatve, said it should heal the wounds inflicted on the people of Gabon by former leaders who were more interested in power than the people they were called upon to lead. We'll hear analysis.Also Ghana's newly appointed health minister tells us how drones have revolutionised the delivery of critical medical supplies.And a ride with Pelumi Nubi, the PhD student driving from London to Lagos. Could she be the first known black woman to complete the journey? Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Stefania Okereke and Bella Hassan Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Senior Producer: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

South Africa opens a new border authority to curb illegal crossings from neighbouring countries. We hear from the BBC team that visited a town on the border with Zimbabwe. Ghana's new health minister has published a new book on the lessons learnt from the Covid pandemic in his country, and the experience of fear, facts, faith and fortune. And we explore the global potential and profitability of Africa fashion.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Stefania Okereke and Victor Sylver Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Somalia's parliament has approved several constitutional changes which the government says are necessary to establish a stable political system. So what are the changes and why is it causing concern? Also why was Stanis Bujakera, a well known journalist in the Democratic Republic of Congo detained? And what's it like being a journalist in the DRC?And a conversation with wheelchair user, Adebola Daniel in Nigeria, on the discrimination he faced at the KFC at Lagos airport.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Stefania Okereke and Bella Hassan Technical Producer: Danny Cox Senior Producer: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Togo's parliament has voted for a new constitution which resulted in people taking to the streets in protest. The changes mean, parliament now has the power to elect the President for a single six-year term. It all sounds good in theory, so why are critics concerned? Also why does the United States and the United Nations refer to Guinea Bissau as a 'narco-state'?And the cost of cobalt mining in the DR Congo. Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Sunita Nahar, Victor Sylver and Rob Wilson Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Senior Producer: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Gambia's parliament is considering a bill, to reverse a ban on Female Genital Mutilation. If passed, Gambia will be the first country in the world to do this. Some Gambians say the ban violates their rights to practice their culture, others disagree. We'll hear from two women who share different views.Also the airspace dispute between Somalia and Somaliland continues. What's behind it?And a conference in Liberia encouraging young people to talk about issues that affect them. Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Sunita Nahar, Stefania Okereke and Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Cryptocurrency platorms are very popular in Nigeria, so why have Nigerian authoraties clamped down on cryptocurrency firms? And what's going on between the firm Binance and the Nigerian government? Also Mauritians once enjoyed a healthy economy but the Mauritian rupee has taken a hit. Why is that and what's been the impact? And how the London based play 'For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy' is opening up conversations considered taboo, within black communities.

Senegal has a new president-elect, 44 year old Bassirou Diomaye Faye. He is currently Africa's youngest democratically elected leader. Who is he and what are his plans for Senegal?Paying a ransom in Nigeria is illegal but out of sheer desperation, many family members still give money to hostage takers. A ransom negotiator tells us how it's done.And why some African countries, like Sudan and Kenya are experiencing a heatwave.

Uganda's President 79 year old Yoweri Museveni, has promoted his son Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba to head the military. His promotion comes amid a major cabinet reshuffle in which five ministers were sacked. Mr Museveni has denied speculation that he is grooming him as his successor. What do Ugandans make of it? Also an analysis of the recently approved Rwandan bill that, Rwanda says, will ensure the safety of asylum seekers from the UKAnd why the opinion about the police across the continent is very low!

Former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo is once more throwing his hat into the ring. He's agreed to run in next year's Presidential election. He disputed the election results, back in the 2010 poll and that led to an outbreak of civil war in 2011. Thousands died or were displaced. What are his chances, this time round? Also a recent internet outage that affected West and Central Africa was caused by a break in a submarine cable system. How do cables, deep on the ocean floor, get fixed? And we hear thoughts of Ghanaian Afrobeats star, Kuami Eugene

Women have become constant targets of sexual violence in Sudan's conflict between the country's military and their former allies, a paramilitary group called the Rapid Support Forces. We'll hear testimonies from young women and get reaction. Also, why is Ethiopia running out of medicines and what's been the impact? And the founders of Kugali, who produced the animation series IWAJU, tell us how their collaboration with Disney went!

Outgoing president Macky Sall has refused to apologise for the political uncertainty he created when he tried to delay the country's presidential elections. In this special edition on Senegal, we ask if the Senegalese still trust their president? Do they believe in his credibility as leader? Also, ahead of the country's election on Sunday, how engaged are young people in the electoral process?

Yet another kidnapping in Nigeria's Kaduna State, where gunmen abducted around 100 people including women and children, that's according to local authorities. We hear a very brave and harrowing interview from a young woman who was taken by Boko Haram back in 2013, but had a lucky escape. Also Niger's military junta asks remaining US troops to leave the country. Why were they there in the first place and what would their absence mean for an already unstable region?And how did customers at a bank in Ethiopia, withdraw millions of dollars they didn't actually have in their accounts?

A BBC Africa Eye investigation uncovers how dozens of women from Malawi working in Oman, have suffered abuse. The investigation reveals how a WhatsApp group was used to rescue at least 50 of them. How and why were these women abused?Also, how African countries can use 'soft power' for their benefit.And why people in Botswana took to social media to criticise the 2024 Miss World contest

The Rwandan government says elections will be free and fair. But how democratic will they be if an opposition leader has been banned from standing?At least sixty-two Cameroonian national football players have been suspended for lying about their age. So why does lying about your age matter?And a young innovator in Sierra Leone designs a robot which he says will preach peace to the world.

Kenya's health workers defy a labour court order and go on a nationwide strike. They are protesting the delayed employment of thousands of medical graduates. How Egypt's galloping inflation is adversely affecting students and ordinary citizens.And is hosting the African Games worth the price tag for Ghana which is in economic doldrums?

Congolese nationals who are now refugees in Rwanda have been protesting. Some of them fled the eastern DRC more than twenty years ago because of the ongoing conflict there. Why are they protesting and what are their demands? Also, why did one adult and eight children die after eating turtle meat in Zanzibar?And if you're interested in a career as an Afrobeats dancer, Izzy Odigie shares the secrets of the trade!

A Ugandan IT specialist, who was trafficked to Myanmar, shares his personal testimony with us. Francis Kamugisha was trafficked to a scam camp in Myanmar but he managed to escape. We'll hear his compelling story. Also, why is the main opposition party in South Africa, the Democratic Alliance, calling for international observers ahead of the country's next general election? And good news for Ghana's film industry as the government says, it wants to offer tax incentives to film makers

Almost three hundred school children have been kidnapped in the past few days in Nigeria's Kaduna State. The recent kidnappings surpasses the abduction of almost two hundred and seventy six Chibok girls, by Boko Haram in 2014. Why do children keep getting abducted? What's going on? Also how the ongoing Red Sea crisis is affecting Ramadan celebrations in East Africa.And why are fans of Nigerian Afrobeat star Asake, upset with him?

On International Women's Day, we ask is a lack of safety and easily available childcare affecting working women's progress at work?Could blanket large-scale tree planting projects across Africa be damaging to the environment?And heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua fights ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia. Could a major upset be on the cards?

The US accuses President Emmerson Mnangagwa and other senior officials in Zimbabwe of corruption and human rights abuses. But will these sanctions work?More than 70 children are missing following recent jihadist attacks in Mozambique's northern Cabo Delgado province.And how the migrant who inspired an Oscar nominated film survived his harrowing journey?

Kenya and Haiti have signed a deal to deploy Kenyan police officers to Haiti but what's holding up their deployment?The United Nations Security Council sanctions rebel leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We ask just how effective they are.And scientists unearth the hidden mysteries of a giant, moving star dune in Morocco.