Focus on Africa

Conflicting reports on how a prominent Pakistani journalist died in Kenya. Kenyan police say he was shot. Islamabad says he was tortured as well. Who was he? And why was he in Nairobi?Also, the Somali government has shut down hundreds of social media accounts propagating the ideas of the militant group Al Shabaab.Plus, we'll hear how people in Cairo are dealing with toxic levels of air pollution.These stories and more in this podcast with Audrey Brown.

Climate activists say fossil fuel lobbyists are threatening to derail genuine solutions to climate damage at the summit in Egypt.Meanwhile, there are massive fuel shortages in Malawi.And we meet the South Africa woman behind the "Future GhettoPunk" Music, Moonchild Sanelly.These stories and more in this podcast with Audrey Brown.

President Emmanuel Macron of France ends his country's anti-jihadist military operations in the Sahel... But why will some troops remain?Also, Nigeria's anti-drugs agency warns that smugglers are using new strategies to get narcotics into the country.And poetry from the Gambia.Those stories and more in this podcast with Audrey Brown.

On the eve of the second anniversary of the outbreak of Ethiopia’s civil war, we take a close look at the genesis of the conflict between the central federal government and Tigrayan rebels, and assess the prospects for lasting peace after both sides agree a deal to end the fighting.

Tensions rise further between the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring Rwanda over M23 attacks. Both nations trade more accusations about supporting rebel groups and a diplomatic offensive deepens.Also, the parents of the Gambian babies and toddlers who say their children died from contaminated cough syrup are outraged by the latest findings.And a special BBC investigation asks if Moroccan border guards were responsible for the deaths of African migrants in June.More on those stories in this podcast with Bola Mosuro.

At least one hundred-and-twenty people are confirmed dead in Somalia following Saturday's attacks blamed on Al-Shabab militants.Also, Nigeria's Government condemns the recent terror alerts from western embassies as 'irresponsible' and 'unnecessary', but where did such warnings emanate?And how Guinea BIssau artist, Yasmine has become a popular Kizomba artist.Those stories and more in this podcast with Bola Mosuro.

Security alerts in Nigeria and South Africa... We'll hear what they entail and how people are preparing to weather the warnings.And the story of how a four year-old Tunisian child ended up in Italy - on her own - after crossing on a smuggler's boat.Those stories and much more in this podcast with Audrey Brown.

Burkina Faso recruits 50,000 civilians to help take on Islamist militants.Also, illicit fishing on Africa's Atlantic coastline robs the continent of revenue and a vital source of protein - a report exposes those behind itAnd the breakaway Somaliland's chance discovery of black gold - OilAll these stories and more in this podcast presented by Hassan Arouni.

Police clash with protesters in Chad on the day that Mahamat Idriss Deby had promised to leave office.Also, a rural school in Uganda wins an international award as one of five unique schools in the world.And a young climate activist from Zambia spells out what developing countries should demand and get at the climate conference - COP 27.Those stories and more in this podcast presented by Hassan Arouni.

In today's podcast:The UN Commission on Human Rights calls for international action to end the human suffering in South Sudan.Plus, Nigerian kidnappers target hospital patients in the northern Niger state - killing some and going of with many others.And, Zimbabwe approves the use of a long term anti-HIV injection.Those stories and more in this podcast presented by Hassan Arouni.

In Ethopia there are grave concerns for people in the town of Shire in the northern Tigray region after days of intense fighting.. Government forces have taken it from the Tigray People's Liberation Front and two other towns.Also in today's podcast, President Emmerson Mnanagagwa of Zimabwe has said he's launching a commission to heal wounds by talking of operation Gukurahundi where more than 20,000 were massacred in Matabeleland.. We hear from a representative of survivors.And we hear about the power of Oba Obirin - so called Female Kings not Queens in ancient Yorubaland.Those stories and more in this podcast with Bola Mosuro.

How can Africa weather the global economic storm? We ask the IMF's top Africa director.Also, Nigerian university lecturers call off their eight-month strike, but for how long?And we remember the deadliest terror attack in Somalia's history - it happened five years ago.Those stories and more in this podcast with Hassan Arouni.

Atrocities continue in northern Ethiopia - both sides accused of crimes against civilians.Also, the first known ebola death in Kampala during the current outbreak: We speak to an expert about what the authorities should be doing to control it.And we hear from a young Focus on Africa listener - aged 12 - who's creating computer games.Those stories and much more in this podcast presented by Hassan Arouni.

The World Health Organisation issues a global alert warning that four cough syrups manufactured in India could be linked to the deaths of dozens of children in The Gambia. We hear from the director of Health Services.Also, why does the insurgency in Northern Mozambique continue five years on?Plus, the prestigious Makrere University is 100 years old.More on those and other stories in this podcast with Paul Bakibinga.

In today's podcast:Ugandans' tongues are wagging after a day which saw the President's son first demoted and then promoted to full General after a series of bizarre tweets that threatened to cause a diplomatic rift with neighboring Kenya.Also, a $100 million dollar cocaine haul has been seized in Liberia by the Drugs Enforcement Agency, and a number of arrests made after a tip-off from the Americans, and it seems to point to a global syndicate.Plus, thirteen women who'd been abducted from between three weeks to six months are rescued from their captors in Zambia.Those stories and more in this podcast with Bola Mosuro.

In today's podcast: We look at the local forces aiding the successful Somali government onslaught against Al Shabab.As Uganda waits for a presidential statement on the ebola outbreak, we'll hear from someone living in Mubende where the outbreak started.Plus: the famed forth plinth on London's Trafalgar Square will be home to a statue of a Malawian anti-colonial freedom fighting priest.More on those stories in this podcast with Audrey Brown.

In today's podcast: Uganda's Medical Association tells members not to treat ebola patients without PPE, and asks the Government to quarantine hotspot areas after doctors and interns are exposed to the deadly disease.Also, Kenyan lawyer Paul Gicheru who was facing witness interference charges at the International Criminal Court is found dead at his home. The police are now investigating.Plus, how and why is former president, Jacob Zuma trying to make a political comeback in South Africa?More on those stories in this podcast with Bola Mosuro.

Mahamat Abdel Said, leader from the Seleka rebel movement in the Central African Republic, has appeared before the International Criminal Court for the first day of his war crimes trial.Also, Ugandan authorities confirm that twenty-three people have now died of ebola. Other patients are awaiting diagnosis, but now, some doctors and nurses are striking.And it's twenty years since nearly two thousand people drowned on the Joola ferry in Senegal. We hear from a survivor and family members who want closure, but why is one of the World's worst shIpping disasters not known by many?Those stories and more in this podcast with Bola Mosuro.

Presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Buhari of Nigeria raise regional concerns and global fears at the United Nations General Assembly.Also, massive floods across most of Nigeria. In one town at least 500 graves and crops have been washed away.Plus, Somali special forces - along with an armed local group - have reclaimed large swathes of territory from Al Shabaab.And Zambia's President Hichilima on his first year in office.More on those stories in this podcast presented by Audrey Brown.

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.