Focus on Africa

Human Rights Watch has called for an investigation into an increase in atrocities in Sudan's Darfur region, since recent fighting between the army and Rapid Support Forces paramilitaries began.After disputed elections, Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio announces a new cabinet. A third of its members are women, and for the first time ever a significant number are in their thirties. We talk to the new chief minister David Monina Sengeh, 36, about his role.With Zambia's Copper Queens due to make their debut at the FIFA Women’s World Cup this week, we hear from team captain Barbra Banda. Is there really enough evidence to support gender eligibility regulations?

New MPs were sworn in as Sierra Leone’s parliament opened following June’s elections, but the main opposition APC party is boycotting government business over alleged fraud.Plus, could Ghana become the latest African country to legalise cannabis? President Nana Akufo-Addo has signed off on a bill allowing certain strains of the plant to be grown.And we look at how the increase in people moving off the land and to the city in Africa is affecting the continent’s dietary health.

Kenyan protesters defied a police ban and demonstrations turned chaotic. The opposition called the move draconian, and vowed to go back to the streets. Can the police legally effect the ban?After social media hype, there are reports of a surge in Ugandan men taking their children for DNA tests. But does that paint a true picture? We talk to a microbiologist to get to the bottom of it.Plus, ahead of the Women's World Cup, South Africa's goalkeeper Andile Dlamini shares the inspiring story of how she overcame adversity.

Iran’s president Ebrahim Raisi has kicked off a three-country tour of Africa. His trip to Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe comes as the country is trying to create new economic relationships, in order to mitigate the impact of sanctions imposed on the country by the United States. Plus, we look ahead to the upcoming elections in Gabon. Victory for incumbent Ali Bongo and his family dynasty looks a virtual certainty, before the vote even takes place. And with Wimbledon underway, South African wheelchair tennis star Kgothatso Montjane tells us about making history at this year’s French Open.

As European governments harden their stance on undocumented migration - we hear what's been happening to hundreds of people found in the Mediterranean by Spanish authorities. And what drives people to make these dangerous journeys.Migrants from sub-Saharan Africa have been attacked in the Tunisian city of Sfax, with dozens reportedly wounded. We hear from one of them. And a plan from the African Union to tap into the youthful energy that abounds on the continent.

We get an update from Somalia. The African Union has begun pulling its troops out of the country and plans to complete the withdrawal by December. Could the move hamper the fight against al-Shabab?Plus, we take a look at the job networking website designed for people who work in the informal sector. And we speak to two African entrepreneurs who are marketing their wares in China.

On World Swahili Day, we take at a look at how far the east African language has travelled and hear from people teaching it from Moscow to Bogotá.Also in the pod: Since the covid 19 pandemic, there’s been growing interest in fruit bats. Our Global Health Correspondent Naomi Grimley has been given special access to a scientific research project in Ghana which aims to monitor them.Also, we give you some more details on Threads, Meta's answer to twitting.

South Sudan hasn't voted in an election since the country gained independence in 2011, but that could change if President Salva Kiir's pledge to hold general elections in 2024 go to plan. Also on the pod: anger is still simmering in Nanterre, France, after the killing of a 17 year old by the hand of the police sparked days of violent protests. A BBC team speaks to local activists and hears from the police.And, why are so many Egyptian athlets are fleeing their country? We look behind the intriguing case of an Egyptian wrestling champion who disappeared and resurfaced in France.

President Ruto outrages environmentalists after lifting a ban on cutting trees. But what does this mean for Kenya’s commitment to the environment? We ask Tracy Makheti, Community Manager at Greenpeace Africa.From problems to solutions: we chat to Omolara Svensson, a Nigerian woman whose mission is to change stereotypes around farming and get more young people into agriculture.Plus, Ugandan author Kakwenza Rukirabashaija who has a new book called ‘The Savage Avenger’, tells us about his experience of being detained, tortured and having to flee Uganda.

Senegal’s president Macky Sall has announced he won’t seek a third term in office when the country holds an election in 2024. Speculation around what would have been a controversial candidacy has fuelled unrest in the country.Plus, could Kenya become the latest African country to pass new legislation cracking down on LGBTQ+ rights? We look at the foreign organisations influencing the debate in Africa.And we meet Musa Motha, the amputee dancer from South Africa whose inspiring story has touched the world.

Kenya recently launched an online registry where employers can look up names of convicted sexual offenders. But how effective a deterrent is this? We ask Stanley Mutuma, a legal researcher in Kenya.Also in the pod: Psychologist Dr Kirindi Odindo tells us about the added burden of responsibilities many young women feel as first-born girls in their family.And, I speak with the woman who succesfully campained for the South African government to scrap tax on sanitary pads and other period products.

As the mandate for United Nations peacekeeping soldiers to remain in Mali comes to an end after more than a decade, we look at what the force has achieved in the country, and what could happen once the troops have departed.Plus, we examine the impact of IMF-mandated public spending cuts on countries like Kenya, who have to agree to stringent terms in order to receive emergency loans.And we take a look at how the rising cost of living is making it difficult for some young Muslims to make the Hajj pilgrimage this year.

Zimbabweans are once again experiencing triple-digit inflation, ahead of August’s presidential election. We look at the state of the economy, which is once again a huge point of contention ahead of the vote.Plus, as soldiers from Morocco and Israel carry out joint drills for the first time we examine what the two countries are hoping to get out of their new kinship.And after many of us were gripped by the search for the Titan submersible, we speak to the Egyptian man who holds the record for the world’s deepest scuba dive.

We discuss the living legacy of Ghanaian author and champion of women's rights Ama Ata Aidoo, who died recently at the age of 81 with journalist Dr Sharihan Al-Akhras. Also in the pod: we discuss with journalist Mark Lobel the story of a young man who was trafficked to London for an illegal organ donation operation.And Serge Stroobants, from the Institute for Economics and Peace's tells us why 2022 was the "worst year in conflict, this century".

As the Kremlin sends the Wagner boss to Belarus following a dramatic weekend in Russia, what happens to the thousands of Wagner mercenaries serving in Africa? We discuss three possible scenarios with Senior Analyst for the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime, Julia StanyardAlso in the pod: How disposing of plastics without care can end up clogging up drains and causing floodsAnd, we speak with Luis Munana from the acclaimed Netflix series Young, African and Famous

We look at how clan affiliations which cross national borders have set the tone for the recent fighting which has engulfed Sudan.Plus, as the US dollar becomes more expensive for many African countries, could some be poised to abandon it?And we look at the exhibition bringing the migration stories of African women to the Venice Biennale.

We focus on Ciyaal Weero, the Mogadishu gangs terrorising residents of Somalia's capital. They emerged in outlying districts of the city in late 2021, and have been using extreme violence to rob and extort people.Plus, we speak to the lawyer who represented the family of a Nigerian man who died whilst being restrained by police in Switzerland in 2018, after all of the officers in question were acquitted over his death.And we catch up with South Africa’s Nandi Madida to talk about how she’s using her radio show to promote African artists.

Italy's former PM Silvio Berlusconi died on 12th June. Known for his lavish spending on Milan football club and his tumultuous relationship with Italian justice, the late media magnate had also a lesser-known passion: relaxing in Malindi. He was once quoted saying that he just 'could not get enough of the Kenyan coast'. Today, Malindi attracts European tourists, particularly Italians. A former manager of the super-luxury hotel Lion in the Sun, where Berlusconi stayed, reveals how the once fishing village became a destination cherished by Italians, including the late Silvio Berlusconi.Also in the pod: as politicians and investors meet in Kenya to discuss how to harness renewable energy in Africa, a young policy adviser from Kenya tells us why she believes that wind energy has a promising futureAnd two young Sierra Leoneans discuss the importance of voting in this year's presidential elections

Sierra Leone is experiencing election fever ahead of its fifth election since the end of a brutal civil war in 2002. More than three million voters are expected to choose the next president, parliamentarians and local councillors. And in the pod: A new report into human trafficking states that the number of boys caught up in the system has risen sharply. Why is this?Also: we speak to Bogolo Joy Kenewendo. Not so long ago she was one of the youngest government ministers in Africa. How did she make her presence felt in the corridors of power in Botswana?

Mali's ruling military junta held a constitutional referendum on Sunday, but turnout was around 27%, with many people refusing to take part. We look at what was on the table, and what the outcome could mean in terms of the return to democracy.Plus, as South Africa takes a step towards making universal healthcare a reality, we speak to the head of the country's National Health Insurance about why some people aren't happy about the situation.And we speak to the director of a museum in Nigeria preparing to receive some of the Benin Bronzes looted during the days of British colonialism, about why returning the artefacts home is important.

Nine Egyptian nationals suspected of involvement in the sinking of a boat carrying hundreds of migrants off the Greek coast last week have pleaded not guilty after appearing in court. The men were arrested on suspicion of people smuggling and other offences following the disaster, which saw at least 78 people killed. We talk to someone who has been involved in migrant boat rescue missions in the Mediterranean Sea.Also in the pod: The effect of power shortages on South Africa's water supply.And 10 years of K-Pop in Africa.

As African leaders visit Ukraine and Russia to help negotiate peace , we ask what unique perspectives they can bring to succeed where others have failed.Also in the pod: can you really buy your way out of a climate catastrophe? Our Environment Correspondent tells us why buying carbon credits could be insufficient at preventing overshooting our global temperature targets.And, as Belgium refurbishes a museum holding African artefacts, we reignite a conversation between two young Congolese activists on the future of African artefacts taken during the colonial past.

Nigerian students to get interest free loans for higher education. Thanks to President Bola Tinubu's new student loan bill. How will it work in practice?Also in the pod: There has been a furious reaction in Egypt to Netflix’s recently released “Queen Cleopatra” miniseries. We look at why many in the country are upset that a black actor was cast in the leading role.And American pop diva Beyonce on a global tour but why isn’t Africa part of her world?

How Nigeria's decision to drop a decades-long fuel subsidy scheme has impacted petrol prices in neighbouring Benin. Also in the pod: six years since the BBC uncovered a sex for grades scandal, Nigerian lawmakers have passed a bill to fight sexual harassment in universities.And the president of Uganda was a recent target of disinformation. We find out what happened and give some tips as to how you also can spot false information online.

The Kenyan government is reconsidering a controversial tax change that widens the tax base to include social media influencers and cryptocurrency holders. It's not the only country proposing drastic changes. Opponents of these changes are alarmed saying that this is coming when the cost of living is very high. Also in the pod: South Sudan is facing the fallout from the conflict in neighbouring Sudan. There are fears that the war in Sudan will have a regional impact as more people seek refuge. And... Tackling the pain of a loved one's dementia Elizabeth Mutunga shares her pain and what she's done about it.

The European Union offers to help Tunisia with accessing IMF loans, but in exchange it expects the north African country to gatekeep migrants.Also in the pod: With the BRICS Summit coming up soon, why is South Africa finding it so difficult to keep a neutral stance with Russia? We take a deep-dive in the historical relations between Russia and South AfricaAnd... We hear from a Ghanaian writer and pastor's wife who is rewriting the script about women and sexuality

What is behind this week's deadly fuel protests in Angola? Several people were killed in Huambo, as taxi drivers demonstrated against a sharp rise in petrol prices.In Nigeria: calls for an investigation into the mystery of a vanishing plane.And a chat with Uganda's first wildlife vet Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka. What does she do and why did she choose that career?

Kenya and Nigeria are top targets of cybersecurity breaches in Africa, according to a recent report. The co-Founder of Nairobi's AfricaHackon Security tells us why cyber attacks in Africa are on the up.Also in the pod: Our co-host Richard Kagoe takes a look at how climate change and unending conflict are fueling a humanitarian crisis in the Sahel region.And with Kenya proposing to convert a place infamous for hosting a deadly cult into a memorial site, we ask what exactly is a cult and - could you also be drawn into one?

Racism in football: Last month monkey chants were hurled at Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr during a match, we hear from a member of Fifa's now disbanded Anti-Racism taskforce. Why is this a hard issue to deal with?Also in the pod: June 7 is designated by the African Union as African border day? What does this mean?And Chido Mpemba the AU's Special Envoy for Youth Affairs tells us what are her priorities.

Dakar's time of reckoning. Following days of violent protests triggered by the sentencing of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, the city counts its victims.Also in the pod: Does ChatGPT speak your language? We speak to the people expanding the language capabilities of machine learning systems. And we discuss ‘brain drain’ from the continent with two Ghanaian nurses who are currently working in the UK

Many postgraduate students, including those from Africa, will lose the right to bring their families with the recent UK Immigration rules change. Audrey Brown unpacks the effects on prospective students.Also in the pod: Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni says an attack late last month on the Ugandan peacekeeping mission in Somalia left over 50 soldiers dead. Al-Shabaab claims they killed many more. How will it affect Uganda - and the reputation of the army?And going back to my roots. A British Somali journalist goes home for the first time. How does she reconcile the two very different aspects of living in present day Mogadishu- the positive and the ever present threat of danger.

Sudan what next after the US imposes sanctions on the waring factions?Also, the latest from the political crisis in Senegal.Plus, the Gambia's economic crisis, a warning of debt distress.And our Resident Presidents have got something to tell us.Those stories in this the final edition of the Africa Today Podcast, produced and presented by Esau Williams.

A verdict against Senegalese opposition politician, Ousmane Sonko, has been announced. What impact would it have on his aspirations for higher office?And the controversial 'patriot' clause makes its way through Zimbabwe's parliament.Those stories in depth in t his podcast presented by Esau Williams

Sudan's war has not let up and no ceasefire is apparent and as fighting intensifies, people are desperately trying to flee... Foreign embassies are evacuating their citizens and those Sudanese who can afford it are crossing to neighbouring Egypt.Tens of thousands of foreign students remain stranded... We hear how Nigeria's government is planning to evacuate them.Elsewhere, at least 58 bodies have been found in Masindi in Kenya, the victims of a religious cult.. It's feared more corpses may be unearthed.Those stories and more in this podcast presented by Bola Mosuro.

Intense fighting has continued in Sudan, casting doubt over whether the rival military factions will commit to a 24-hour the humanitarian truce. We hear from the vice-president of the Doctors’ Union on the targeting of hospitals, and the inability to treat the injured. Plus, the leader of Tunisia's opposition Ennahda Party has been detained, and the authorities have banned meetings at all of its offices. And the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) celebrates sweeping the board in the recent senatorial elections, but what will that mean for democracy in the country?Presenter: Bola Mosuro Producer: Patricia Whitehorne

We focus on Sudan where fighting has rocked the capital and other cities since Saturday, in bloody clashes which have left nearly 100 dead.The forces of General Fatah Al Burhan, commander in chief of the army, and his rival, General Mohamed Hamndan Dagalo, head of the Rapid Support Forces are talking tough. Will either heed ceasefire calls coming from the UN and African and international bodies?We hear from activists on the ground who say they only have food for one more day, and foreign students forced out of their hostels by the fighting.Those stories in this podcast presented by Bola Mosuro.

Fears over the fate of 400 people stranded off the coast of Malta after they fled from Libya.Also, thousands of Ethiopians take part in huge protests in Gonder, Betchena and Gojam in Amhara to denounce plans by the Federal government to disband the Amhara special forces.And the strange case of convicted South African rapist and muderer Thabo Bester who's been extradited from Tanzania.These stories and more in this podcast presented by Bola Mosuro.

How did a convicted rapist manage to fake his own death and escape a high security prison in South Africa?Also, Zimbabwean opposition spokeswoman found guilty for communicating falsehoods prejudicial to the government.Plus, we meet the pilot who had to deal with a real life snake on a plane in South Africa.Those stories and more in this podcast with Audrey Brown,

Protests in Kenya for a second Monday running, as promised by Riyla Odinga.Also, business people in Kenya are callng for the political empass to be resolved.And the American vice president, Kamala Harris, is in Ghana. What's on her agenda? We'll hear from our correspondent in Accra.Those stories and more in this podcast with Audrey Brown.

South Africa's opposition Economic Freedom Fighters call for a shutdown of the economy... we'll hear how it went.Also, as Ramadan approaches, Egyptians despair over the rising cost of food.Plus, music and money from Malawi's artists to help victims of Cyclone Freddy.And how clever is Artificial Intelligence when it comes to knowledge about Africa?Those stories and more in this podcast presented by Audrey Brown.

More bodies recovered in the wost-hit areas of Malawi, following the devastation caused by Storm Freddy.Also, why are religious communities in the Kenyan coastal town of Mombasa staging anti-LGBTQI protests?Plus our resident presidents are tackling a major issue... stay tuned...Those stories and more in this podcast presented by Victoria Uwonkunda.

We'll be in Malawi for the latest on efforts to help people caught in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Freddy.Also, Anthony Blinken is the first US Secretary of State to visit Niger, but why now?And what needs to be done to help children recover from the psychological effects of the war in Tigray?Those stories and more in this podcast presented by Audrey Brown.

Up to five million people are affected by floods in Malawi. Things are so bad that even the helpers need help.Also, the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, is in Ethiopia. What's on the agenda?And Professor Daniele Darlan - who risked her own safety to defend judicial independence in the Central African Republic.Those stories and more in this podcast with Audrey Brown.

Several African nations unite in Malawi in a bid to create a taskforce to curb the spread of deadly Cholera.Also, Mozambique braces itself for a second battering by Cyclone Freddy.And our very own satirical resident presidents have their take on the recent elections in Nigeria.Those stories and more in this podcast with Paul Bakibinga.

Former Nigerian vice President, Atiku Abubakar leads a 'black uniform' march by his party, PDP, to the headquarters of the electoral commission INEC. The Presidential candidate said the February 25th poll was compromised and his party demands a re-run after saying they'll challenge it in courts.Also, a BBC investigation exposes a major trade in heroin on the Seychelles Islands, but also what could be the biggest heroin epidemic for a nation globally.Plus, FESPACO ends in Burkina Faso with Tunisia winning the grand prize and a film by a Burkinabe director on the scourge of jihadism in the country coming second.Those stories and more in this podcast with Bola Mosuro.

Nigerians wait with baited breath following Saturday's general election, but some in Rivers state protest over inability to cast their ballots. There were technical hitches during the voting, and today, some parties object to INEC, the electoral commission not uploading results online. Meanwhile, in Lagos, a major upset in the making as provisional results have Bola Ahmed Tinubu beaten in the state by outsider, Peter Obi.Those stories and others in this podcast with Bola Mosuro.

A day before Nigeria's general election, the electoral commission says 87 million people are eligible to vote, but is everything ready?Also, one year on from Russia's invasion of Ukraine: Is it all doom and gloom for Africa?Plus our Resident Presidents.More on those stories in this podcast with Paul Bakibinga.

Cyclone Freddy has wrecked buildings and caused power cuts and flooding as it struck eastern Madagascar. The mayor of one of the worst hit cities says despite the damage, there has been a sigh of relief that the cyclone's impact has not been as severe as anticipated. And as we approach the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, four African students who fled the war, share their experiences of the trauma, uncertainty, optimism and hope, that have shaped their lives over the past year.Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Editor: Uwa Nnachi

The state of the Nigerian nation ahead of elections, as tensions over the shortage of new currency continue.Also, the M23 rebel movement rejects a new report accusing it of perpetrating rape in the eastern DRC.And South Africa begins ten days of naval training exercises with Russia and China. Those stories and more in this podcast with Esau Williams

Eritrea's President Isaias Afwerki has said that the United States supported the Tigray People's Liberation Front or TPLF in its 2-year war with the Government in Addis. In a long interview, he claimed the US pressed the peace deal to prevent the Tigrayans being defeated.Also, Ghanaian pensioners protest outside the Ministry of Finance offices, saying the Government shouldn't make them destitute.Plus, we hear why countries on the continent are now THE destination for African tourists who prefer the attractions closer to home than elsewhere.Those stories and more in this podcast with Bola Mosuro.