Focus on Africa

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.

The Tanzanian opposition leader, Tundu Lissu is back in the country from self-imposed exile. Tanzanians are happy he's back... but will he be allowed to operate freely?A thousand cholera deaths in Malawi makes it the worst outbreak in its history. Three other countries are struggling to contain the illness as well. We'll hear what efforts are being made.Also: a new report on justice for Africa's children as ever more of them are forced from the playground and into a gruelling labour market.Those stories and more in this podcast with Audrey Brown.

The Somali ministry of information says Al Shabab fighters stormed a military base this morning, killing a base commander among others. Al Shabab claims it killed many more. We'll hear what happened.Also, a hearing to determine if a class action against the mining giant Anglo-American for allegedly poisoning thousands of Zambians at a lead mine can go ahead.Plus, encouraging youngsters to read in Sierra Leone.And our resident presidents on Ethiopia's peace process.Those stories in this podcast presented by Audrey Brown.

In Senegal: the mayor of Ziguinchor is on trial for rape. Ousmane Sonkor says the charges were brought to stop him running for president next year.Also, Nigerian presidential contender Rabiu Kwakwanso explains why voters should choose him in elections next month.And Sierra Leone introduces a new law mandating quotas to allow women into public office and private positions.Those stories and more in this podcast presented by Audrey Brown

In Cameroon the Ambazonian separatist leader known as 'One Blood', has been killed near the Northwest Regional capital Bamenda.Also, we've a special focus on South Sudan with former child soldier turned musician and activist, Emmanuel Jal, as our guest editor.And conflict rages in South Sudan's Upper Nile and Jonglei states, causing fears of a worsening humanitarian crisis.Those stories and more in this podcast presented by Bola Mosuro.

After two years of being cut off and lives devastated by the civil war in Tigray, an Ethiopian Government delegation arrives in Mekelle, the capital of the region.Also, tragedy has rocked Boksburg community in South Africa after a tanker explosion.Plus, thousands displaced and living in Kayaruchinya camp in the east of the DRC return home to Kibumba after the M23 rebel withdrawal.And the Ganda Boys bring the warmth of Uganda as they share their folk music with the world.Those stories and more in this podcast with Bola Mosuro.

More details about the people involved in the foiled coup in The Gambia raises more questions about what exactly happened on Tuesday night.Also, Egypt and Tanzania inaugurate the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Dam - the largest in East Africa.And a debate in South Sudan over the quality of English spoken by graduates. Some blame the failings of the education system.Those stories and more in this podcast with Audrey Brown.

South Africa's President Ramaphosa breathes a sigh of relief after being re-elected leader of the ruling African National Congress, following a serious challenge by his former Health Minister.Also, the High Court in London rules the UK Government's asylum plan to send migrants to Rwanda is legal.And we hear from Senegal's rising music star Samba Peuzzi.Those stories and more in this podcast with Bola Mosuro.

A new US-Africa trade pact. How will it differ from previous ones?Also, who threw a grenade into a camp housing thousands of refugees in Malawi?And Gabon aims to replace the Great Lakes Region as the prime gorilla viewing destination. Can it succeed?Those stories and more in this podcast presented by Audrey Brown.

Three days of national mourning in the DRC following floods in which more than 120 people died.Also, the company that owns Facebook is in court in Kenya for spreading hate and violence during Ethiopia's civil war.And how the failure of the cryptocurrency FTX is affecting African investors.Those stories and more in this podcast with Audrey Brown.

President William Ruto of Kenya has launched his Hustler Fund to alleviate poverty, which he says over a million Kenyans have signed up for. Also, Zimbabweans are trying to get to grips with the worst power shortages in years, but the Government is blaming former President Mugabe.Plus, Moroccans are still basking in the glory of making it through to the semi-finals of the World Cup. So what is the secret of their success? We hear from Casablanca.And we speak to Zambian artist Sampa the Great, whose name is a true reflection of her achievements so far. She shares her story, musical style, and love of African futurism and sci-fi.Those stories in this podcast with Bola Mosuro.

Malawi's Director of Public Prosecution is suspended after the head of the anti-corruption bureau is arrested then released.We hear from Nigerian Presidential front runner Bola Tinubu of the ruling APC party. Why does he think now is the time for him to take the top job of president?Plus, the giant commodities conglomerate, Glencore, has agreed to pay $180million in corruption fines to the DRC.Those stories and more in this podcast with Bola Mosuro.

Is the writing on the wall for South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa after the ANC executive meet today to decide his fate and there are calls from within his party for his impeachment?Also, tear gas is used to disperse thousands of Sudanese who've taken to the streets of Khartoum and other towns following the opposition civilians saying they've signed a framework agreement with the military... Sudanese resistance movements accuse them of letting the coup leaders off the hook.Those stories and more in this podcast with Bola Mosuro.

President Ramaphosa's presidency hangs in the balance following alleged misconduct in handling a theft at his farm; but what do South Africans think about this?Also, the Congolese Army has accused M23 rebels of killing around 50 civilians. Where does that leave the recently agreed truce?And can a man-made waterfall solve Cameroon's electricity problems?

From Mozambique: The son of former president Armando Guebuza is on trial for embezzlement, money laundering and blackmail in the country's biggest financial scandal.We'll hear how an army base housing the Wagner Group's fighters in the Central African Republic was bombed.In South Sudan: A spike in premature births - and attempts to keep the infants alive.Those stories and more in this podcast with Audrey Brown.

Leaders from the Great Lakes region agree a ceasefire between the government of the DRC and M23.Also, Getachew Reda from the TPLF on the agreement they signed to end the war with Ethiopia.Plus, will this year’s budget kick-start Ghana’s stuttering economy?

Nigerians have to swap their current high-value banknotes for new ones by the end of January. Why the change?Also, we take a rare look at the workings of an elite Somali military unit fighting Al Shabab.Plus, from Harare - President Mnangagwa makes this year's state of the nation address in Zimbabwe's new parliamentary building.More on those stories in this podcast with Audrey Brown