Focus on Africa

Somalia was recently elected by the United Nations General Assembly to be a member of the 15 member U.N.Security Council. This is for a two-year term starting next year. What does Somalia bring to the top table at the UN?Also, how huge quantities of gold are being smuggled out of AfricaAnd we meet the Ghanaian dance duo Afronita and Abigail who wowed a talent show in Britain.Presenter: Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Ricardo McCarthy Producers: Bella Hassan, Rob Wilson, Yvette Twagiramariya, Daniel Dadzie, Emmanuella Alausa and Nyasha Michelle Senior Producers: Karnie Sharp and Paul Bakibinga Editors : Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

The Focus on Africa Podcast turns 1. On this special edition, we look back at the year that's been. We re-visit kidnappings in Nigeria, we head back to the Seychelles where an opposition leader was accused of witchcraft and remember the challenges and opportunities of being a first-born daughter.Presenters: Richard Kagoe and Audrey Brown Producers: Rob Wilson, Nyasha Michelle, Daniel Dadzie, Patricia Whitehorne, Stefania Okereke, Sunita Nahar, Lola Schroer, Amie Liebowitz, Nour Abida and Tom Kavanagh in London. Charles Gitonga, Susan Gachuhi, Frenny Jowi in Nairobi and Todah Opeyemi in Lagos Senior Journalists: Karnie Sharp and Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Jonny Hall Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Russia and Sudan have formally agreed to set up what they call " a logistical support point on the Red Sea". It will be Russia's first naval base in Africa. Why does Russia need a naval base close to the Red Sea?Also, a jail term for Senegalese citizens for criticising Prime Minister Sonko on gay rights. What's going on? And we'll find out more about what's it like living with endometriosis, after the popular Kenyan DJ Jahmby Koikai died from the disease. Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Charles Gitonga, Yvette Twagiramariya, Bella Hassan and Joseph Keen Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Russia's Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov is back in Africa having visited the continent several times in the past couple of years. What is Russia looking for in these frequent visits to the continent? And can it help with Libya?Also, how internet scams in Nigeria are impacting the lives of teenagers in different parts of the worldAnd why Madagascans are unhappy about internet access in their country.Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Charles Gitonga, Bella Hassan, Kaine Pieri and Joseph Keen Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

The first-ever summit of African leaders and South Korea is underway in Seoul. South Korea has promised to boost development aid for Africa by up to $10 billion over the next six years. The country also aims to tap into Africa's rich mineral resources. How else can Africa benefit from this new forged relationship with South Korea? Also the UN warns that millions of people in Sudan are at risk of malnutrition and starvationAnd new initiatives on tackling bullying, are being discussed and planned in schools on the continent. Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Charles Gitonga, Yvette Twagiramariya, Bella Hassan and Emmanuella Aluasa Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Following last week's elections, South Africa’s ruling African National Congress, has lost its majority. The ANC now needs a coalition partner to ally with. It's begun closed-door negotiations with its political opponents, but who will it choose and why?Also Nigeria's public workers begin an indefinite nationwide strike following failed negotiations with the governmentAnd have you heard of 'adaptive' clothing? It's a new much needed fashion trend, helping people with disabilities to shop with ease.Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers; Rob Wilson, Charles Gitonga, Susan Gachuhi, Yvette Twagiramariya and Bella Hassan Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

The United States has sanctioned Uganda’s parliament speaker, her husband and others over corruption and rights abuses, but will the imposed restrictions have a wider impact?After the mysterious disappearance of a Zambia parliamentarian who was later found, opposition politicians fear the country’s democracy is under threat.And why is there a power tussle between the Cameroon government and the national football federation over who should be head coach of the national team - the Indomitable Lions.

It's one year since Bola Tinubu became Nigeria’s President. Mr Tinubu assumed office during a time of unprecedented challenges for Africa’s most populous country. How are Nigerian's feeling about his promise of a "renewed hope"? Somalia is the only sub-Saharan country to carry out the death penalty, where according to Amnesty International executions are on the rise. What's the attitude towards the death penalty there?And Zimbabwe re-launches it's national youth programme, which aims at equipping young people with life skills. What do young Zimbabweans think? Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Joseph Keen, Bella Hassan, Yvette Twagiramariya and Patricia Whitehorne Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Technical Producer: Phillip Bull Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

The military junta in Burkina Faso extends its military rule for another five years. So does this mean it is consolidating its power?There have been chaotic scenes in Sierra Leone during the Bar Association’s ballot for a powerful executive, deeply steeped in the country’s politics, and Gen Z’s desire for promotion in the South African workplace – what are employers doing to accommodate them?

It's getting easier to access illegal arms in Kenya which has led to the rise in violent crime, especially in more deprived areas. What's fuelling the rise in gun crime? Also, why is Ghana turning to nuclear power?And a documentary explores the reality African students face when they choose to study abroad.Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Charles Gitonga, Bella Hassan, Yvette Twagiramariya and Rob Wilson Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Kenya has been designated the status of non-NATO ally by the US President Joe Biden, making it the first sub-Saharan African country to receive that designation. Learn what it means for Kenya and more widely for Africa.How an initiative in West Africa is improving accountability and transparency in the extraction sector, and a Namibian activist who is advocating for the end of fossil fuels in Africa.

The besieged city of El-Fasher in Sudan's Darfur region, is facing a growing risk of genocide as the world's attention is focused on other conflicts, that's the warning from a United Nations expert. Alice Wairimu Nderitu told the BBC, many civilians have been targeted based on their ethnicity in El-Fasher, where fierce fighting has intensified in recent days. What constitutes a genocide?Also why some of the main political parties in South Africa have raised concern about the rise in illegal immigration ahead of the general electionsAnd we meet 18 year old Helms Ategeka from Uganda who has broken the internet after being accepted into over 120 colleges in the United States! Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producer: Frenny Jowi, Toda Opeyemi, Rob Wilson, Yvette Twagiramariya, Bella Hassan and Sunita Nahar. Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Technical Producer: Daniela Victoria Varela Hernandez Editors are Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

The first batch of genetically modified mosquitoes is being released in Djibouti in a bid to stop the spread of malaria carrying vectors that bite during the day and thrive in urban areas. How does this work?Also, an overview of South Africa's 'historic' elections. Who are the main parties and what are the issues? And scientists trace the origins of one of Africa's most iconic trees, the baobab tree, to Madagascar. Why are they in decline on the Island? Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Charles Gitonga, Frenny Jowi, Rob Wilson and Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Daniela Victoria Varela Hernandez Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Hundreds of migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa are being arrested and deported to desert areas in Morocco, Tunisia and Mauritania using funds made available by the European Union. An investigation by eight international news organisations says the migrants also face human rights abuses as countries try to stop them from reaching Europe.Also how illegal logging is funding the insurgency in Northern MozambiqueAnd a Kenyan mother's desperate attempt to help save her son from execution in Saudi Arabia.

At least 200 Kenyan police officers are set to arrive in Haiti as part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. This decision coincides with the current visit by President Ruto to the United States. Have sufficient preparations being made on the ground in Haiti to receive the troops? Also , there is renewed hope that a fresh round of talks can lead to lasting peace in South Sudan.And how effective is the ECOWAS court of justice?Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Frenny Jowi, Charles Gitonga, Rob Wilson and Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Craig Kingham Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

The Democratic Republic of Congo says it has quashed an attempted coup on Sunday. The army said the group of people behind the attempted coup were foreigners or Congolese citizens based abroad. Who are these men and why would they want to topple the government?Also, are Universities on the continent doing enough to inspire the next generation?And meet Lord Spikeheart, the heavy metal music artist from Kenya, yes, from Kenya!Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Patricia Whitehorn, Rob Wilson, Nyasha Michelle and Bella Hassan Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

The United States has called for a temporary nationwide ceasefire following continued fighting between the national army and armed groups in Oromia and Amhara regions. The US alleges that the armed groups target schools, health centres and water infrastructure.Why has Gabon's deposed President Ali Bongo gone on hunger strike?And Audrey speaks to legendary singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder after he was granted Ghanaian citizenship earlier this week!Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Rob Wilson, Karnie Sharp,Bella Hassan, Charles Gitonga and Paul Bakibinga Technical Producers : Jonny Hall and Daniela Victoria Varela Hernandez Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard.

A Swiss court has sentenced ex-Gambian minister,Ousman Sonko to 20 years in prison for crimes against humanity. Mr Sonko fled to Switzerland in 2016. He was arrested and had been in custody since 2017, after a human rights group based in Geneva filed a criminal complaint against him. Audrey speaks with Fatoumatta Sandeng, the daughter of the tortured opposition leader, Ebrima Solo Sandeng. Also why are some South Africans not happy about a new law which provides equal access to healthcare for all citizens? And a conversation with the Cameroonian-American singer Libianca, who received death threats for waving a flag.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Rob Wilson, Richard Kagoe, Yvette Twagiramariya and Bella Hassan Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Over 2 billion people rely on polluting fuels to prepare meals, the UN Secretary-General warns at a summit on clean cooking in Africa. We hear from a young female environmentalist in Malawi with a solution. Calls for an end to the abuse of power in Tunisia after a police raid on the Tunisian Bar Association headquarters and the arrest of two prominent lawyers. And a Ghanaian influencer speaks out on plans to tax income earned on international platforms.

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