Focus on Africa

BBC Africa Eye reveals abuse of elderly people at a care home in Kenya. Secret filming shows staff mistreating residents and leaving medical conditions untreated.Plus, we look at the current intensification of fighting in Ethiopia's Amhara region.And Nigeria lose to England at the Women’s World Cup, but will Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses maul France?

We bring you reaction to the Senegalese authorities banning TikTok, which activists have been using to coordinate a string of recent protests. Tensions are high in the country, with repeated protests over legal cases against opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, whose PASTEF party was dissolved by the government this week.Plus, ahead of Zimbabwe’s elections later this month, we speak to democracy activist Namatai Kwekweza about the state of politics in the country.And we break down the story behind the viral video of the slow Somali runner competing in the 100m at the World University Games in China.

Kenya’s government has ordered cryptocurrency company Worldcoin to stop signing up new users, due to privacy concerns over the company’s eyeball scanning technology. We look at some of the concerns around digital identities.What's behind the spate of Quran burnings in Sweden and Denmark?South Africa's Banyana Banyana reach the knockout stage of the Women's World Cup for the first time with a stoppage-time goal.

Niger’s military rulers reopen the borders, as Mali and Burkina Faso warn ECOWAS not to use military force to reinstate deposed president Mohamed Bazoum.Plus, following the jailing of its leader Ousmane Sonko, Senegalese authorities dissolve the country’s largest opposition party Pastef.And we take you to the exhibition showcasing Nigerian artists in a part of South London famous for its connection to the diaspora.

Mauritius, Morocco and Madagascar are leading African countries in making inroads in the fight against smoking, which claims over 8 million lives annually around the world.What's behind the staying power of South Africa's second largest opposition party the EFF and its leader Julius Malema?And Nigeria makes it into the Women's World Cup knockout phase

West African regional body ECOWAS has threatened a military response to the coup in Niger, if deposed president Mohamed Bazoum is not reinstated within a week.Plus, we look at the impact of Kenya suspending the reopening of its border with Somalia after 11 years of closure, due to attacks by al-Shabab militants. And we look at the impact of South Africa adopting sign language as the country’s twelfth official language.

Nigerian doctors tell us why they called an indefinite strike, as we discuss some of the challenges facing the country’s healthcare sector.Plus, Mali relegates French, removing it as one of the country’s official languages, after the recent constitutional referendum.And we’re in Kenya, where it’s hoped electric boda boda taxis will save drivers from rising fuel costs while saving the environment.

Soldiers in the West African country of Niger have announced a coup on national TV. They said they had dissolved the constitution, suspended all institutions and closed the nation's borders.From street child to MP- Meet the man who led the campaign to abolish the death penalty in Ghana.The journeys of church bells that herald Africa's new role as the beating heart of Christianity. Hannah Ajala follows the Marinelli bells to Nigeria where she interviews one of the country's most famous pastors, Dr Paul Enenche, about the rapid rise of Pentecostalism

Devastating wildfires along Algeria's coast and in neighbouring Tunisia have destroyed homes and killed at least 34 people. We focus on the efforts to bring them under control.We look ahead to the second Russia-Africa summit starting tomorrow in St Petersburg. How much leverage do African leaders have?Plus, why polyamory is a growing lifestyle choice among some young Africans.

We look at how illicit financial flows are costing African governments billions of dollars in lost revenue and affecting spending on vital public services.Plus, as the conflict in Sudan surpasses the 100-day mark, we examine international efforts to mediate an end to the fighting.And we take you to the new International African American Museum in South Carolina in the United States.

One hundred days since the start of Sudan's new war -harrowing testimonies of Sudanese refugees in neighbouring Chad. Meanwhile protection and learning in child friendly spaces.A leaked memo showing the Lagos State government in South West Nigeria had approved $77,000 for a mass burial of 103 victims of the historic 2020 anti-police brutality EndSars protest has sparked outrage in the country.Plus the significance of the Lobito Corridor rail link offering an easier means of export for landlocked countries

All eyes on the African teams as the Women’s World Cup gets underway. After years of being in the shadows, Morocco's national team will be making history in their first appearance. We will be in the Central African Republic to find out more about the upcoming constitutional referendum.And we take a look at the hurdles faced by women with disabilities when trying to access sexual and reproductive health services in Africa.

The challenge facing Africa's women and children is highlighted by a new United Nations report, which reveals that no country has achieved full gender parity or empowerment. With rice becoming a staple food in Africa, we learn about a new initiative by the South Korean government to help countries on the continent ramp up their own production. Nigeria's new national obsession is smashing world records, but can you set one for anything? We talk to Guinness World Records to find out which tasks are eligible.

Is there school in Kenya? Schools in the capital Nairobi and the coastal town of Mombasa have been shut indefinitely as three days of nationwide cost-of-living protests kicked off on Wednesday.Russia cancels grain deal. Russia's withdrawal from the deal allowing Ukraine to safely export grain through the Black Sea is a "stab on the back" for those in drought-hit countries, Kenya's government has said. We look at what this means for food security in Africa. And FIFA Women's World Cup 2023: Morocco's women football team has defied all odds to earn a spot in this summer's tournament.

Twitter’s former employees in Ghana say the company has gone silent on all negotiations regarding payment of severance pay. In Africa, the biggest impact was in Ghana where the company opened a physical office just four days before the decision to fire staff. We speak to BBC business reporter in Lagos, Nkechi Ogbonna.In Zimbabwe, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said that every party must be allowed to campaign. However, the high court has banned former cabinet minister and member of Zanu-PF, Saviour Kasukuwere from standing in the race due to ineligibility. He tells us why he finds the court ruling baffling.Plus, In the fight against AIDS, an impressive success story has emerged from five African countries—Botswana, Rwanda, Tanzania, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe. We hear from Dr. Jerome Kamwela, the Director for Monitoring and Evaluation at the Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACADS) about this progress.

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