France's far-right leader, Marine Le Pen, is visiting Chad this weekend where she will meet President Mahamat Déby. It's her second visit following a meeting with Déby's late father, President Idriss Déby, in 2017. Why is the French opposition leader back in Chad? Also, why do some African parents choose to send their children back home to Africa for school? And the blind football coach in Tanzania, who thinks anything is possible if you love the game! Presenter: Audrey Brown Technical Producer:...
Mar 14, 2025•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast France's far-right leader, Marine Le Pen, is visiting Chad this weekend where she will meet President Mahamat Déby. It's her second visit following a meeting with Déby's late father, President Idriss Déby, in 2017. So why is the French opposition leader back in Chad? Also, why do some African parents choose to send their children back home to Africa for school? And the blind football coach in Tanzania, who thinks anything is possible if you love the game! Presenter: Audrey Brown Technical Produc...
Mar 14, 2025•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast Last week Nigerian lawmakers suspended senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months after she alleged being sexually harassed by the senate president, Godswill Akpabio. He strongly denies the allegations. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has now made an impassioned plea at the UN, calling for better treatment of women in politics. What's it like for women in politics in Nigeria? Also what's the controversial story behind the JesusMinistries hashtag in Kenya? And whilst the world grapples with democracy...
Mar 13, 2025•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast South Sudan’s unity government, led by President Salva Kiir with former rebel leader, Riek Machar as First Vice President, is facing mounting tensions, and clashes between forces allied to the president and first vice president are threatening a fragile power-sharing agreement. Could the young nation be heading towards a new civil war? For the first time in 17 years, Libya is calling on foreign companies to explore oil in its territory. But will investors be forthcoming? And why South Africa's a...
Mar 12, 2025•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sudan is taking the United Arab Emirates to the International Court of Justice, accusing it of supporting Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Khartoum argues the UAE is "complicit in the genocide" through military, financial and political backing for the RSF. The UAE has strongly rejected Sudan's allegations, calling the case a "cynical publicity stunt" and saying it will seek an immediate dismissal. Also will China be able to fill the gap after the withdrawal of USAID in Africa? And Jame...
Mar 11, 2025•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo has started a dialogue with opposition parties on ending post-electoral tensions and reaching a political compromise. But his main political opponent was not included. Can there be a compromise deal without the participation of Venancio Mondlane? Why do so many African women die of breast cancer? It is now one of the top causes of cancer deaths on the continent. Cancer specialists met in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, to discuss how to bring the numbers down. An...
Mar 10, 2025•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast Calls for a ceasefire in Sudan during the month of Ramadan have been ignored. As the war approaches the three -year mark, those observing Ramadan in the country say, this year is the toughest yet. Also, the BBC's International correspondent Orla Guerin returns to DR Congo and tells us what's changed from the time she first reported from the country, more than 20 years ago And African authors on how they're making their books more available on the continent! Presenter: Audrey Brown Technical Prod...
Mar 07, 2025•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Ecowas countries are aiming to roll out a regional single currency - the Eco - in 2027. But past launch dates have come and gone, so will they meet the new target date and will a single currency work? Malawi's agriculture minister refutes the claim that a global decline in tobacco use is affecting farmers in the country. But is his government also helping tobacco farmers to diversify? And South Africa is running out of snake antivenom. What does that mean not only for South Africa, but other...
Mar 06, 2025•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast French Prime Minister François Bayrou recently announced that his government will be "re-examining" a 1968 migration pact which has historically made it easier for Algerians to settle in France. The announcement came after years of diplomatic friction, which seems to be escalating. What's going on? Also, Tanzania reverses the trend on maternal and newborn deaths. What are they doing differently? And why tobacco farmers in Malawi are finding it difficult to farm other crops Presenter: Charles Git...
Mar 05, 2025•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has withdrawn its mediation team from Guinea Bissau. Its mission was to help reach a political consensus on the elections, which were postponed by President Umaro Sissoco Embalo. So will voting, pushed back to later this year, still go ahead? A BBC investigation finds that young women in Kenya are being lured into sexual exploitation on TikTok. Is the social media platform doing enough to keep users safe? And former South African football st...
Mar 04, 2025•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast South Africa voted for a UN General Assembly resolution calling for Ukraine’s territorial integrity to be respected last week, while the US abstained from the vote because it considered the resolution too anti-Russian. How does the very public falling out between the US and Ukraine affect South Africa's offer to broker peace between Moscow and Kyiv? What's South Africa's role in all of this? Also, navigating the subject of witchcraft in Zambia. And how did Guinea eradicate sleeping sickness? Pre...
Mar 03, 2025•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast How is Burundi coping with a refugee crisis caused by fighting in eastern DR Congo? What dangerous substances are being added to the deadly drug Kush? And why are some people adding detergent to the West African staple food fufu? What are the dangers? Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Patricia Whitehorne, Yvette Twagiramariya and Stefania Okereke in London with Blessing Aderogba in Lagos. Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Mut...
Feb 28, 2025•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast A ship the size of a football field, crewed by more than 50 engineers and technicians, cruises the oceans around Africa to keep the continent online. It provides a vital service, repairing damaged internet cables that lay deep under the sea. We go onboard the Léon Thévenin. Also, recent reports say, Tunsian authoraties are cracking down on the LGBTQ+ community in Tunisia And why are West Africans more prone to getting Kidney disease? Presenter: Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Gabriel O Regan...
Feb 27, 2025•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast A border clash between Ethiopia and Kenya has left several people dead or missing. Germany elections: Why is the rise of right-wing parties worrying for African communities? Somalia passes a " game changing" law to protect persons living with disabilities Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Amie Liebowitz and Bella Hassan in London. Blessing Aderogba in Lagos. Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer Chris Kouzaris Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi...
Feb 26, 2025•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast In a bold diplomatic move Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi has reportedly proposed granting the United States and Europe access to the country’s vast mineral resources. What's the deal and why now? Also, what is postpartum depression and why does it need to be taken seriously? And a young cancer survivor in Tanzania shares her story of recovery with us. Presenter: Audrey Brown Technical Producer: Gabriel O Regan Producers: Patricia Whitehorne, Nyasha Michelle and Sunita Na...
Feb 25, 2025•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast Former military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, publicly regrets annulling the Nigerian1993 presidential election. How does family of presumed winner, Moshood Abiola, respond? We explore the affordable housing crisis in DR Congo's capital Kinshasa. And reaction after Botswana lifts a ban on South African vegetables Presenter : Audrey Brown Producers :Sunita Nahar and Amie Liebowitz in London and Blessing Aderogba in Lagos. Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer : Jack Graysmark Edi...
Feb 24, 2025•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast There is growing concern that a law introduced in 2021 is being used to muzzle freedom of expression in Sierra Leone. Hawa Hunt, a social media infleuncer with Siera Leonean and Canadian citizenship is the latest victim of the Cybersecurity and Crime Act 2021. She is accused of insulting President Julius Maada Bio and his wife Fatima Bio in a video posted on Facebook in 2023 just as the country was preparing for elections. Her dramatic arrest during a live television show was a national talking ...
Feb 21, 2025•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sudan's military led government are upset by Kenya's decision to host a conference of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces Is there a regional power play behind Mauritania and Morocco's electricity exchange agreement ? And what's the deadly bacteria that's making Lake Victoria turn green? Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Frenny Jowi in Nairobi with Sunita Nahar, Stefania Okereke, Nyasha Michelle and Bella Hassan in London. and Blessing Aderogba in Lagos Technical Producer : Philip Bull Sen...
Feb 20, 2025•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Experts say the health of millions of Africans is at stake following the suspension of much needed USAID funds. Programs that the US organisation funds on the continent are vast and crucial. What do African governments need to do to fill the gap? Also, a new report says that the recruitment of children as soldiers on the continent remains a challenge. We hear from a former child soldier. And a proposal for a fresh approaching in saving the African rhino, but this time, everyone is included in th...
Feb 19, 2025•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast The collapse of an illegally operated gold mine in western Mali at the weekend killed dozens of people The world’s ‘first openly gay imam’ who was shot dead in South Africa, Muhsin Hendricks, is remembered What can be done about overcrowding in prisons in Africa? Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Sunita Nahar and Stefania Okereke in London. Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical producer: Gabriel O'Regan Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.
Feb 18, 2025•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast African Union members have elected Djibouti's Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf as the next chair of the AU Commission. Mr Ali Youssouf defeated Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and former Foreign Minister of Madagascar Richard Randriamandrato. What are some of the challenges he faces? Also, why is Gambia running short on medicines? And are tech-savvy Gen Z's really more vulnerable to cyber attacks? Presenter: Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Philip Bull Producers: Patricia Whit...
Feb 17, 2025•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast A month-long fishing ban in Sierra Leone leaves families struggling to cope. Who are AfriForum- the white Afrikaner minority group that's behind Donald Trump's intimidation of South Africa? And we meet Nada Hafez -The Egyptian fencer whose Olympic pregnancy stunned the world. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Patricia Whitehorne, Nyasha Michelle, Frenny Jowi and Paul Bakibinga. Technical Producer: Jack Graysmark Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.
Feb 14, 2025•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights is holding a public hearing in Tanzania, on a case filed by DR Congo against Rwanda. The country accuses Rwanda of violating its sovereignty, orchestrating violence, and destabilizing the DRC. Rwanda denies the accusations. How significant is this? Also, a look at the growing economic partnership between the United Arab Emirates and Zimbabwe. What difference does it make to ordinary Zimbabweans? And why a separatist fighter in Cameroon handed over h...
Feb 13, 2025•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast Did Shell ignore clean-up warnings in southern Nigeria? Why residents of Cape Town’s brightly coloured Bo-Kaap neighbourhood are concerned about tourism numbers And calls for AI to bridge the gender equality gap in Africa Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Frenny Jowi in Nairobi with Patricia Whitehorne and Nyasha Michelle in London. Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Francesca Dunn Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
Feb 12, 2025•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast In January this year DR Congo's Justice Minister Constant Mutamba said 127 people, aged between the ages of 18 and 35, had received the death sentence. Rights groups said that number was higher. The DRC government had announced it would resume executions in 2024 following a two-decade hiatus. Who are these men and why have they been sentenced to death? Also, why are global powers interested in the Seychelles, the smallest country in Africa? And we hear why, it really does take a village to raise...
Feb 11, 2025•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast After a recent summit, leaders from east and southern Africa called for an immediate ceasefire to end the fighting in eastern DR Congo. Willing the warring parties listen? After a fire kills 16 children in Zamfara state, north western Nigeria, how can schools there be made safer? How will Sam Nujoma the first president of Namibia be remembered? Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Victor Sylver, Patricia Whitehorne, and Nyasha Michelle in London with Frenny Jowi in Nairobi. Technical Producer: ...
Feb 10, 2025•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has moved to defuse a row with the new US administration over a new land law by speaking to Elon Musk. However, President Ramaphosa has said his country "will not be bullied". What's at stake for the country? Also why have Moroccans decided to call a general strike? It's the first one in almost a decade And Rwanda faces allegations of sports washing, a claim the country denies. What's going on? Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, B...
Feb 07, 2025•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast Kenya's Business Registration Service (BRS) reveals a major data breach has exposed sensitive information of numerous private companies Will the killing of several key jihadist militants spell the end of IS in Somalia? And how will the late Aga Khan, leader of millions of Shia Ismaili Muslims, be remembered? Presenter: Blessing Aderogba Producers: Charles Gitonga in Nairobi with Bella Hassan and Amie Liebowitz in London. Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Editors : Andre Lombard...
Feb 06, 2025•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast This episode has been edited to correct an editorial error Gabon's military government recently announced that the presidential elections will be held on the 12th of April. It's a key step to re-establish civilian rule following a coup in August 2023. How significant is this? Also Dutch authorities say one of Europe's most-wanted fugitives has been living in Sierra Leone. Who is he and what do we know so far? And what does the new passport issued by the Alliance of Sahel States mean? Presenter: ...
Feb 06, 2025•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Uganda’s Supreme Court recently ruled that trying civilians in military courts is unconstitutional. Human rights groups welcomed the decision as a major step in protecting the right to a fair trial, but the government criticized the move. Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni said his government would continue to prosecute civilians in military tribunals, despite the ruling. We hear analysis of this. Also the government in Botswana has struck a new deal with the diamond mining giant De Beers. What'...
Feb 05, 2025•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
