Focus on Africa

A UN Commission on human rights reports on major atrocities being perpetrated by both the TPLF and Ethiopian Government forces particularly in Tigray... We hear how civilians have suffered.Also, Ugandan authorities confirm an outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease... A twenty-four year old man has been identified, but could there have been a handful of others before hand?And Iyanu, a child superhero based on Yoruba mythology created by Roye Okupe is a graphic novel turned Cartoon to be streamed by HBO and Cartoon Network.These stories and more in this podcast presented by Bola Mosuro.

Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom has been laid to rest after a funeral service at Westminster Abbey in London. African leaders were among those in attendance. Tens of thousands lined the streets to bid her farewell and pay their respects. We hear from Windsor where The Queen was laid to rest, and we discuss the role of the Commonwealth with King Charles III as head.Also, Cameroon's Catholic Church speaks about abductions of priests and a nun.Plus, South Africa's President Ramaphosa is rushing back home from the UK today after his country is plunged into state 6 of a power crisis.More on those stories in this podcast with Bola Mosuro.

Eritrea has mobilised thousands of army reservists and massed them along the border with Ethiopia.Also, the Egyptian authorities have released 46 people - most of them activists in detention without trial.Plus, the controversial Nyege Nyege music festival is finally underway in Uganda. And as the UK prepares to bury Queen Elizabeth, we assess her legacy in South Africa.More on those stories and others in this podcast presented by Audrey Brown.

In Sudan floods force the government to push back the reopening of schools by two weeks.Also, the war goes on in the north of Ethiopia - currently, Tigrayan forces say they have ceded control of a couple of townsPlus, the African mourners - in London - paying their last respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II.Those and other stories in this podcast with Hassan Arouni.

Tigrayan forces in Ethiopia say they are ready for a ceasefire after a five month truce broke down. They also pledged willingness to participate in African Union-led talks. Will the Government in Addis respond in kind?Also, Uganda pays the DRC $65 million dollars in reparations for the invasion by UPDF forces and looting of resources during the war in the 1990s. Could the ICJ ruling set a precedent?Plus, how some African nations are reacting to the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Her body now lays at rest in Edinburgh. What could King Charles III's accession mean for Africa and the commonwealth?Those and other stories in this podcast with Bola Mosuro.

A landslide after heavy rains claims at least fifteen lives in Uganda.Also, the latest on a grain shipment from Ukraine to the Horn of Africa. Will it reach the people who need it most?And Cameroonian parents brave the dangers of a vicious civil conflict to send their children back to school after a six-year gap.Those stories and more in this podcast.

The UN say millions are at risk of famine in the Horn of Africa following the worst drought in 70 years. We hear from Somalia where the Islamic relief fund describe what they are doing for 7 million already facing starvation.And, over 35 people are killed in Burkina Faso after a bus hit an Improvised Explosive Device. It's said Jihadists are increasing attacks in the midsts of a deepening humanitarian crisis.Those stories and others in this podcast.

William Ruto has been declared the next President of Kenya after the Supreme court rejected all challenges by Raila Odinga who said the results of the August elections were fraudulent.Also, Zambia's finance minister outlines the new fiscal package for the nation after a loan of $1.3billion is promised by the IMF.Plus, the South African pharmaceutical giant Aspen which had been forced to cease production of the COVID vaccine has announced it will produce four life-saving vaccines crucial for children on the continent.Those stories and more in this podcast.

Zambia has agreed a $1.3 billion bailout loan with the IMF after months of negotiations. We’ll look at what this might mean for the country. Why a community in North-West Cameroon are concerned about a strange smell coming from a crater lake. And Ghanaian-born British Vogue editor Edward Eninnful talks about his new memoir, A Visible Man.

Reports of a hospital being bombed in Tigray as fighting intensifies. Both sides once again blaming each other for the atrocity.Also, what are the real reasons behind the collapse of the South African health system?Plus, the last Soviet-era leader, Mikhail Gorbachev, has died. What did he mean for the continent at the end of the 20th century?These stories and more in the podcast.

Final results for Angola's elections have been declared - the governing MPLA and President Lourenco are the winners - but opponents, Unita, stand by their claim that the result is a sham.Also, after a weekend of what's been described as the worst fighting in two years - we ask, who are the players in the deadly struggle for power in Libya?And a ship carrying grains of hope from Ukraine to the drought stricken horn of Africa - expected to dock in Djibouti soon.These stories and more in the podcast.

We'll be in Ethiopia where the blame game over the latest outbreak of fighting continues. We'll hear from Tigrayan spokesperson Getachew Reda.Also, latest figures show that Angola's ruling MPLA is in the lead following elections. It's by no means conclusive - but there is surprise at the speed with which the count is going.Plus, French President Macron is in Algeria following controversial remarks about the country's past. Will Algerians let bygones be bygones?And Ugandan artists demand a fair share of profits made from ringtones - or Call Ring Back Tunes - using their music.

Government and Tigrayan officials are blaming each other for renewed fighting in the north of Ethiopia.Also, thousands of South African workers are on strike over the rising cost of living.Plus, Togo's ambitions to become the continental hub for cyber security and digital innovation.All those stories and more in this podcast.

China writes off 23 debts owed by 17 African countries - does that give a lie to the so-called China debt trap?Also, rural Kenyans take Britain to Europe's top human rights court over historical forceful land evictions - what is their goal?Plus more stories in this podcast.

The Kenyan Presidential contender, Raila Odinga, has filed a legal challenge to last week's election results.And we look at the aftermath of a two-day siege in a bombed hotel in Mogadishu, which finally ended after 30 hours.Much more on those stories and others in this podcast.

Police in Nigeria have arrested three people in connection with the discovery of 20 mummified bodies near Benin City.Also, we examine the track record of Angola's third post independence president as elections draw near.And a right royal battle is raging for the Zulu throne in South Africa. We'll hear the latest from the Kingdom of Kwazulu.

Algerian emergency workers struggle to contain forest fires in which at least 38 people have died.Also, Kenya's electoral commission boss asks for more security following threats and harassment of himself and his staff.Plus, is Sierra Leone's proud tradition of marriage across political and religious lines under threat due to political manipulation?

Kenya's presidential election result is caught in a quagmire, as candidate Raila Odinga alleges foul play... We'll be asking what happens next?Plus, we preview elections in Angola.And we will introduce you to a star called Nutty O, whose fresh music is making people dance to the beat in Zimbabwe.

At least three people were killed in protests in Somaliland. But why was this normally peaceful territory engulfed by violence? Also, Sierra Leone's main opposition APC says it is not responsible for deadly protests earlier this week. They blame the government's economic policies instead. And we take the pulse of Kenya's parliamentary election results.

Voting has ended in Kenya's elections where 22 million have cast ballots to vote for their next President, MPs and Governors... Did delays due to a biometric system cause major problems?Plus, African art lovers mourn the death of Nigerian playwright, author and director, Biyi Bandele, who's died suddenly at the age of 54.

Hundreds of Kenyans rush to collect national identification cards necessary to cast their vote, while many others experience travel woes on the eve of the country's general elections. Observers highlight a few issues ahead of the polls as the Electoral Commission suspends voting in four areas over ballot paper issues. Plus some Kenyans tell us about the panic-buying that's now started.Also, the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, is the latest international diplomat on a charm offensive to woo the continent.. We hear from South Africa.And Ethiopia's Rophnan, DJ turned musician fuses electronic with traditional sounds.

The Senegalese government has signed a peace deal with rebels from the southern region of Casamance. Will it hold this time?Also, warnings of a hike in the price of rice. Can African countries step up to the plate production-wise?Plus, will Kenyans get leaders that tackle corruption this time around?And our resident presidents discuss Zimbabwe's new Chinese-built parliament, and they're not impressed!

Angry mobs on the rampage in a South African township, following the vicious gang rape of a group of women in the town of Krugersdorp last week.And it's fifty years since Asians were forced to flee Uganda's Idi Amin and settle in Britain.

President Etienne Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo is reassessing when MONUSCO peacekeepers should leave the country. We hear from his spokesman.Also, with news of the killing of Al Qaeda leader Ayman Al-Zawahiri, survivors of the 1998 bombing of the US embassies in Nairobi and Dar Es Salaam express disappointment at receiving no compensation like American victims.Plus Somalia's new cabinet includes a former Al Shabab leader.Those stories and more in this podcast.

Following attacks on UN peacekeeping bases this week in the DRC, the governor of North Kivu province, attempts to address the issue.And, Ethiopia's government calls for talks without any pre-conditions with the Tigrayan rebels in a bid to end the bloody civil war.Those stories and more in this podcast.

Did UN peacekeepers open fire on civilians during recent protests against its mission in DR Congo?Also, in Kenya as elections loom, Deputy President William Ruto's running mate is ordered to surrender over 1.6 million Dollars to the state over fraud.And why have Tanzanian health authorities banned the use of a sex enhancing traditional medicine?

Day three of protests against the UN Peacekeeping presence in the East of the DR-Congo.Also, Russia's foreign minister wraps up his tour of Africa.And a rare pink diamond found and in Angola - we hear what makes it very special.

Five protestors and three peacekeepers have been killed after hundreds protest in the east of the DRC over the presence of MONUSCO forces who they say are ineffective.Also, Uganda's president, Yoweri Museveni, explains why he's willing to roll out the red carpet for Russia's Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, during his Africa tour.More on those and other stories in this podcast.

In the shadow of the war in Ukraine, Russia's foreign minister is on a charm offensive in Africa.Also in today's podcast: We'll hear from marginalised women contenders vying for office in Kenya's upcoming elections.And an Africa Eye investigation into the causes of the lethal gangland terror in Nigeria's Zamfara State.

Bread makers in Nigeria turn off their ovens for four days in protest, as one of the country’s bakers unions is demanding the federal government subsidize the cost of baking products. Also, we're on the presidential campaign trail here in Kenya.

Ghanaian health authorities confirm there's been an outbreak of Marburg virus with two deaths. The Director General of Ghana's health service tells us how they are trying to contain the disease and spread awareness in the country.Also, in Zimbabwe officials are investigating how indigenous grains can help stave off food insecurity.Plus, Chadian rebel groups are outraged by the latest announcement by transitional President Mahamat Idris Deby.And we hear from the rising Kenyan RnB and neo soul star, Karun.

A new draft constitution for Tunisia, drawn up by a committee especially picked by President Kais Saied.Also, we'll return to Sudan where 3 more people have been killed in latest protests.And the Residents Presidents discuss the Commonwealth.Much more on those and other stories in this podcast.

Tensions continue to rise between Ethiopia and Sudan, as the latter recalls its ambassador.Also, the United Nations becomes the latest body to call for an independent inquiry over Morocco migrant deaths at the Spanish enclave of Melilla. Plus, Sierra Leone reacts to the US Supreme court banning abortion.And much more in this. podcast.

South African police investigate the mysterious deaths of twenty two young people in a bar in the city of East London.Also, Nigeria's Zamfara state tells residents to take up arms against kidnap gangs and violent attacks, but how will it work?And after the U.S Supreme Court's decision to overturn its own landmark ruling in 'Roe v Wade', should Africa care?Plus much more in this podcast.

Commonwealth heads of state and government begin two days of talks in Rwanda. Big issues on the table including trade, climate change, and even food on your table. Bola Mosuro will be telling us more from Kigali.Also, we will also be hearing from South Africa, where the so-called dirty fuel, King Coal is enjoying a rare bonanza.That and other stories in this podcast.

A much anticipated report on corruption is out in South Africa. The Zondo Report criticises the African National Congress for creating an environment that enabled corruption and wide scale looting under former President Jacob Zuma.Also, an urgent appeal to the international comunity over the famine in Somalia.Those stories and more on Africa Today.

The Russian Ministry of Defence says at least forty-two African mercenaries have been killed in Ukraine, but what do we know so far?Also, why is Burkina Faso's army conducting an eight-hour military exercise in the capital, Ouagadougou? How often does this happen and are residents aware of what's going on?That and much more in the podcast.

Belgium returns a tooth belonging to the Congolese independence hero, Patrice Lumumba, more than 60 years after his brutal murder.Also, one of Sierra Leone's most popular musicians has his dreadlocks shaved by the police - the Inspector General defends the action.And the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) has opened in Kigali. Focus on Africa's Bola Mosuro is there.

South Africa considers importing crude oil from Russia. The country's Energy Minister says Russian oil is not on the sanctions list.Also, the Democratic Republic of Congo says it's suspending all trade agreements with Rwanda. They say it's because Rwanda is supporting the M23 rebels which further exaccerbates levels of violence in the Eastern DRC. Kigali denies this claim.Plus more...

We hear the latest on clashes between police and the Maasai community in Tanzania.And what's happening to residents still displaced by the floods in Durban, South Africa? Has local government done enough to help them? We'll hear from the Deputy Mayor.

More than 700 people made up of Rwandan former combatants and their families are resettling in the country. Most used to be FDLR ethnic Hutu fighters who have undergone rehabilitation and training.Also, chief virologist, Dr. John Nkengasong, takes on a new role as coordinator of PEPFAR - the US initiative on HIV and Aids - and says he'll still be serving Africa.Plus, floods uproot lives in Ghana's capital with homes swamped by heavy rains.

Hopes of finding eight miners trapped more than 700 metres underground in Burkina Faso are fading after rescuers today found a second safety chamber empty. We hear the frustrations and despair of some of the men's wives.Also, Nigeria's chief accountant has been arrested in connection with a $190 million dollar fraud case involving money laundering and diversion of funds.And how South Africa is tackling high youth unemployment.

The fuel prices emergency is hitting households across the continent, from Egypt to Tanzania, Uganda to Nigeria and South Africa. The airline industry has also been affected. So what can governments do?Also, in Somalia, dozens of candidates have registered for the presidential race in six days. We hear who's challenging the incumbent, Farmajo.Plus, how South African singer, Nomfundo Moh, has made it big in the world of music.

There's been a major attack on an ATMIS forces base in Somalia. Al Shabab militants have claimed responsibility, and there are fears about the death toll.The UN Secretary General speaks after visiting camps in Nigeria's Borno state housing hundreds of thousands of victims displaced by Boko Haram and Islamist insurgent attacks. Meanwhile, one NGO decries the closure of camps which have left IDPs in unsafe and vulnerable conditions.Mali's military leader announces they're cutting ties with France accusing the French of flagrant security violations.Plus, how 16 months of civil war in Tigray in northern Ethiopia and turbulence in other regions have affected press freedom in the country.

A damning report alleges that ex South African President Jacob Zuma put interests of his corrupt associates ahead of those of his country.Also, why have a group of Turkish nationals who've been running a high performing high school in Liberia been expelled from the country?And Kenya bids farewell to its third president Mwai Kibaki at a State funeral in Nairobi.

Today: Mounting concerns about the rise in police brutality and disappearances in Kenya.Also, a BBC investigation uncovers the ugly and dangerous side of Egypt's beauty industry.(Image: Kenyan activists protest against police brutality in Nairobi. Credit: EPA)

Angola's government has suspended the salaries of more than 5,000 doctors, describing their strike action as illegal.Malawians no longer have to pay tax on sanitary pads – as a 16.5% levy has been axed.The World Food Program says its food trucks have entered rebel held areas in Ethiopia’s war-torn region of Tigray for the first time since December last year.

In a move which has been described as "historic", the Democratic Republic of Congo has officially been admitted to the East African Community (EAC) trade bloc. Seven passengers have died after gunmen attacked a busy train between Nigeria's capital, Abuja, and Kaduna city, hospital sources have told the BBC.

Malawi kicked off a polio vaccination campaign targeting up to three million children under the age of five. To mark the International Day of Forests, we find out about the health of the second largest tropical rainforest in the world: the Congo basin in Central Africa.

Did Ethiopian government forces kill MSF charity workers in the Tigray region last year?Also, the American Ambassador to the United Nations on why African countries cannot remain neutral in the war in Ukraine.Plus, Tanzania's President, one year into office - how is she performing?And of course, our Resident Presidents on the use of Swahili at the AU.