The first group of South African soldiers deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo, arrive back in the country today. South Africa sent around one thousand five hundred troops to the DRC as part of a wider peacekeeping mission. In February, at least fourteen soldiers were killed during heavy clashes with the M23, a group fighting against the national government led by President Felix Tishekedi. At home in South Africa there has been public debate about the need for this deployment. Richard d...
Jun 13, 2025•30 min
Hospital services in Ghana grind to a halt after a nurses' strike escalates What are the implications of Afreximbank's credit rating being lowered to one notch above junk And will Ecowas ever realise its dream of a borderless region? Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Patricia Whitehorne and Tom Kavanagh in London. Blessing Aderogba in Lagos. Technical Producer: Philip Bull Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.
Jun 12, 2025•31 min
A 31-year-old blogger, Albert Ojwang, has died in police custody in Kenya. A post-mortem revealed that he was hit on the head and his death was likely to have been caused by assault. The results of the post-mortem contradict police previous claims which said Albert had "sustained head injuries after hitting his head against a cell wall". His death has sparked widespread outrage in Kenya. We'll find out more about the case. Also, what happens to desperate people when humanitarian organisations ca...
Jun 11, 2025•36 min
Russia says the paramilitary group Wagner has accomplished its mission and has left Mali, although a Russian presence remains in the West African country, through the Africa Corps. So what did the Wagner Group achieve? Why has a separatist movement on the tiny, remote island of Annobón that is part of Equatorial Guinea, appealed to Argentina for support with its independence claim? And new research shows that Africa now has more Christians than any other continent, surpassing Europe for the firs...
Jun 10, 2025•33 min
In 2023, Uganda voted in some of the world's harshest anti-homosexual legislation meaning that anybody engaging in certain same-sex acts can be sentenced to death. The World Bank decided to ban Uganda from receiving loans because of its legislation. The bank now says it's confident that new "mitigation measures" will allow it to roll out funding in such a way that does not harm or discriminate against LGBTQ+ community. We hear analysis. Also, why increasing numbers of people in Togo are thinking...
Jun 09, 2025•28 min
Is Trump's latest travel ban part of a US disengagement from Africa? Why are many countries now shifting their views on Western Sahara in favour of Morocco? And how can digital skills be made more available for disabled people in Africa? Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Sunita Nahar, Patricia Whitehorne and Tom Kavanagh in London, with Charles Gitonga, Richard Kagoe and Christine Ntayiai in Nairobi. Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Alice Muthengi and...
Jun 06, 2025•33 min
Mothers in Lesotho are campaigning against a needle sharing method which exposes drug users to the risks of HIV and other diseases, taking root in the country. What is 'bluetoothing' or 'hotspotting'? Also, the wider impact of the rising Islamist attacks in West Africa And why do people choose Hunger strikes as a form of protest, and are they effective? Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Bella Hassan and Yvette Twagiramariya Technical Producer: Nick Randell Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editor...
Jun 05, 2025•35 min
Mali's army says it has repelled attacks by jihadists on two military bases. Why is the Al-Qaeda linked group stepping up attacks? South Africa's continued hunt for an alleged illegal mining kingpin in Lesotho And why is Nigeria the worst place in the world to give birth in? Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Sunita Nahar and Tom Kavanagh in London. Blessing Aderogba in Lagos Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi...
Jun 04, 2025•31 min
Microsoft founder, Bill Gates says that most of his fortune will be spent on improving health and education services in Africa over the next 20 years. The 69-year-old said, "by unleashing human potential through health and education, every country in Africa should be on a path to prosperity". He also tells us what he makes of online attacks against his philanthropy. Also, we hear about the devastating impact of war on Sudan's children And how an automated system is protecting birds in South Afri...
Jun 03, 2025•33 min
Nigerian officials have warned there's little hope of finding alive around 500 people still missing after flash floods in Niger state. How are survivors coping? Mauritania’s Sidi Ould-Tah elected as the new president of the African Development Bank. What was the voting process like? And we meet one photographer who has turned his lens on insects to tell a bigger story Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Sunita Nahar ,Yvette Twagiramariya and Nyasha Michelle in London. Blessing Aderogba in Lagos ...
Jun 02, 2025•30 min
A South African woman, Racquel "Kelly" Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn have been given life sentences after being convicted of trafficking her missing 6-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith. The case has captivated and horrified audiences around the world. It has also highlighted the wider issue of human trafficking in South Africa. An anti-trafficking campaigner responds to the rulling and explains the extent of problem in the country. Also, Kenya and Mayotte...
May 30, 2025•32 min
US embassies globally have halted student visa appointments, as social media vetting expands. How is Africa affected? Why is Zimbabwe's controversial radio tax now being implemented? And how AI can predict and prevent child malnutrition in Kenya? Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya and Bella Hassan Technical Producer: Chris Kouzaris Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
May 29, 2025•27 min
Russia's 13th International Security Summit in Moscow attracts over forty African leaders. How significant is it and what does it mean for the continent, especially for the Sahel? Also, Boeing seals a deal with the US Department of Justice over the fatal crashes of two 737 Max aircraft that killed hundreds of people. One family who lost their son and daughter-in-law in the 2019 Ethiopian plane crash share their reaction with us. And the impact of the temporary closure of Ghana's embassy in US ov...
May 28, 2025•35 min
Uganda cuts military ties with Germany following diplomatic rift. Somalia's government moves to control clan militias fighting al-Shabab - after allegations of serious atrocities. And will Starlink's strategy of 'winning big by thinking small' help them cover the African continent? Presenter: Blessing Aderogba Producers: Bella Hassan, Tom Kavanagh and Yvette Twagiramariya in London. Technical Producer Chris Ablakwa Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi...
May 27, 2025•28 min
The Libyan capital city, Tripoli, has been rocked by clashes between armed rival groups, and pressure is building up on the prime minister to resign as protests erupt in other parts of the country. Can the United Nations mission in Libya (UNSMIL) help to bring stability to the divided country? Smart cities are popping up across Africa, blending tech, data, and infrastructure to create the digital urban towns of tomorrow. But just how 'smart' are these projects? And we hear from victims caught in...
May 26, 2025•31 min
As South Africa releases its latest crime statistics. Who are the main victims of violent crime and why does the country have such a reputation? Is there "democratic backsliding" in East Africa? What does this mean? We hear from a human rights activist. And talk to the man behind a lasting tribute to Thomas Sankara's memory. Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Bella Hassan, Patricia Whitehorne and Yvette Twagiramariya in London. Frenny Jowi in Nairobi Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Senior Produc...
May 23, 2025•35 min
The US President Donald Trump, confronted South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa with false claims of white genocide and land seizures during a tense White House meeting. It was reminiscent of the US President's ambush of Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy earlier this year. At a time when diplomacy means everything, how did the South African President fare and what next for the US/South Africa relationship? Also, who will the next President of the African Development Bank be? And we find ou...
May 22, 2025•31 min
Why is Djibouti reportedly targeting Somalis and Ethiopians in a major anti-immigration crackdown? Can DR Congo's former President Joseph Kabila's immunity from prosecution be lifted by authorities? And what is driving the loss of Africa’s tropical forests? Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Bella Hassan, Yvette Twagiramariya and Blessing Aderogba Technical producer: Chris Kouzaris Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
May 21, 2025•29 min
There are concerns that South Sudan will relapse into an all-out civil war. But, why is peace in the world's youngest democracy so fragile? Also, what some young Africans think about the UK's tightening immigration policies. And how a swimming coach in Nigeria is providing inspiration and life lessons to children with disabilities. Presenter: Audrey Brown Technical Producer: Jonny Hall Producers: Tom Kavanagh, Blessing Aderogba and Sunita Nahar Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editiors: Andre Lom...
May 20, 2025•32 min
A BBC investigation has found evidence that children are being trafficked into illegal mines and sexually abused across South Africa. Were assets of the Gambia's ex-leader Yahya Jammeh sold for a song? And a landmark ruling in Nigeria finds that the Football Federation's negligence contributed to the death of a footballer Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Bella Hassan, Patricia Whitehorne and Tom Kavanagh Technical Producer: Jonny Hall Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and ...
May 19, 2025•27 min
Burkina Faso's military ruler, 37 year old Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has skilfully built a persona of a pan-Africanist leader, determined to free his nation from what he sees as, 'the clutches of Western imperialism and neo-colonialism'. This message has resonated across Africa and beyond on social media. But what's fact and what's fiction? Why has Ethiopia's government banned the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) from taking part in elections? And Benin's bid to become Africa's cycling supe...
May 16, 2025•37 min
Mali's military junta has dissolved all political parties in the country. Why are the youth dissenting? Why are Nigerians being trafficked to Ivory Coast? And plans by Ethiopia to allow foreigners and companies to buy property in the country Presenter: Blessing Aderogba Producers: Nyasha Michelle and Tom Kavanagh in London, Richard Kagoe and Frenny Jowi in Nairobi. Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi...
May 15, 2025•28 min
Medical professionals in various parts of Ethiopia are on strike. They say they are seeking adjustments in salaries, improved benefits and better working conditions. We hear from Ethiopian doctors. Also, as the movie industry expands in Africa, so do concerns about the safety of actors. And we'll meet 19 year old Makhosazana "Khosi" Dlomo, who is breaking barriers as the first black female competitor in tent pegging. Presenter: Audrey Brown Technical Producer: Chris Kouzaris Producers: Bella Has...
May 14, 2025•28 min
The UN says "a double crisis" is facing the DR Congo, as it suffers flooding and mass displacement caused by ongoing conflict. Why is Sierra Leone’s largest diamond miner laying off more than 1,000 workers? And we visit churches in South Africa where polygamy is allowed. Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Richard Kagoe in Nairobi with Nyasha Michelle, Yvette Twagiramariya and Tom Kavanagh in London Technical Producer: Pat Sissons and Kane Morgan Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lom...
May 13, 2025•31 min
The United States said it was pulling the plug on millions of dollars' worth of aid to Zambia's health sector after the country failed to tackle 'systematic' theft of much needed medicines. The US Ambassador to Zambia, Michael Gozales' said that the "difficult" decision was made after repeated warnings to the Zambian government, to safeguard vital drugs meant for the country's most vulnerable patients. We'll hear analysis. Also, why did the International Court of Justice dismiss Sudan's case of ...
May 12, 2025•34 min
The Roman Catholic Church has a new leader, Pope Leo XIV. What do youth from the world's youngest Catholic population want? Why did billionaire and philanthropist Bill Gates decide to close his foundation in 2045? And how are parts of Zimbabwe's capital tackling an infestation of bed bugs Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Richard Kagoe and Frenny Jowi in Nairobi with Tom Kavanagh in London and Blessing Aderogba in Lagos. Technical producer: Craig Kingham Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors ...
May 09, 2025•32 min
Sister Ngalula is the only African woman to be appointed to the Vatican’s International Theological Commission. She previously spoke to the late Pope Francis about the need for more female leadership in the church. She says, although many roles in the Catholic clergy are technically open to women, fear among cardinals and bishops is blocking their participation. We hear from Sister Josée Ngalula. Also, why has the EU declared Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt safe for asylum seekers? And the campaign t...
May 08, 2025•37 min
An investigation into a new dangerous people smuggling route through Northern Kenya. Why are large and ongoing protests continuing in Morocco? And food fraud: what is it? And why is it dangerous? Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Amie Liebowitz, Stefania Okereke and Tom Kavanagh in London with Blessing Adegroba in Lagos Technical producer: Jonathan Greer Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.
May 07, 2025•31 min
Multiple explosions have been heard in Sudan's de facto capital, Port Sudan, for a third day in a row. Prior to the attacks the city had avoided bombardment and was regarded as one of the safest places in the war-ravaged nation. We hear analysis. Also, how and why Togo remains Africa's longest ruling political dynasties. And what is financial abuse and how to spot it? Presenter: Audrey Brown Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya and Nyasha Michelle in London Senior ...
May 06, 2025•34 min
Seychelles has long featured high in world press freedom rankings, but has the expulsion of a newspaper editor dented that image? We have a response from the government As a Ugandan UN judge is jailed for forcing her maid to work as a slave-does she have support back home? And we meet Princess Oluwayemisi Oki - the woman behind a movement of female tricycle riders in Nigeria's Ondo state Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Richard Kagoe, Frenny Jowi, Tom Kavanagh and Bella Hassan Technical Pro...
May 05, 2025•31 min
