Focus on Africa

BBC World Service
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Sep 15, 2025 • 32min

Dubai: BBC investigates deaths of Ugandan women

A Ugandan woman, Monic Karungi, known online as Mona Kizz, tragically fell to her death from a Dubai high-rise in 2022. Within hours her name was trending. A grainy video of a woman jumping from a building began circulating, with social media users claiming it was of Monic and that she’d taken her life after a “porta potty” video of her was leaked. We hear from BBC Eye’s Runako Celina, who spent two years trying to find answers as to why and how Monic and another Ugandan woman by the name of Kayla both died under similar, tragic circumstances. Also, what's the state of press freedom in Africa, as it declines sharply around the world?And how two sworn enemies came together to promote peace in NigeriaPresenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Sunita Nahar and Mark Wilberforce Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard, Maryam Abdalla and Alice Muthengi
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Sep 12, 2025 • 36min

Who is Uganda's Joseph Kony?

The International Criminal Court concludes hearings into war crime charges against the Ugandan rebel leader Joseph Kony and will decide whether he should face trial. But who is Joseph Kony and what are the charges against him? How some South African schools are fighting childhood obesity. And as Malawi gears up for elections, how can the participation and representation of women in the country's politics be increased?Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Sunita Nahar and Priya Sippy in London Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Editors: Maryam Abdalla, Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
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Sep 11, 2025 • 35min

Steve Biko inquest reopens in South Africa

South Africa is to reopen an inquest into the death of anti-apartheid figure Steve Biko, who died in police custody. It will officially be registered in court on the anniversary of Biko's death, the 12th of September, almost 50 years ago. We hear reaction from Biko's friend and fellow anti- apartheid campaigner, Saths Cooper. We also remember the legacy Steve Biko left behind.Also, are Islamist militants targeting civilians in Niger?And we meet the Nigerian poet who is the UN's first Global Advocate for Peace.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Sunita Nahar, Yvette Twagiramariya and Patricia Whitehorne in London. Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Maryam Abdalla, Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
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Sep 10, 2025 • 30min

Africa's climate summit: what viable solutions?

Will the second Africa climate summit produce tangible solutions to fight for climate justice?Police abuse is widespread in Kenya a new study finds. Rights groups warn the findings expose systemic failures that have left many Kenyans vulnerable to police harassment and violence.And how did Botswana become a leader in eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV?Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Ayuba Iliya in Lagos. Priya Sippy, Stefania Okereke, and Yvette Twagiramariya in London. Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Editors: Maryam Abdalla, Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
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Sep 9, 2025 • 32min

Ethiopia opens huge dam despite outside opposition

Ethiopia opens Africa's largest hydroelectric dam on the Blue Nile river deepening a rift with Egypt and Sudan.Authorities in the US have arrested two suspected leaders of the Cameroon separatists' military wing. We find out more about the charges against the two men, and why Cameroon has been blighted by a conflict between armed separatists and government forces in the country's mainly anglophone North West and South West regions. And following the canonisation of London-born teenager Carlo Acutis in a ceremony presided over by Pope Leo in Vatican City, what is the process of becoming a saint?Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Mark Wilberforce, Sunita Nahar and Yvette Twagiramariya in London. Makouchi Okafor in Lagos and Jewel Kiriungi in Nairobi Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Technical Producer: Nick Randell Editors: Maryam Abdalla, Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
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Sep 8, 2025 • 30min

DR Congo declares new Ebola outbreak

A new Ebola outbreak declared in the DR Congo. An emergency response has been launched Over 10 opposition parties form coalition ahead of Ethiopia's next pollsAnd we experience a ride on one of Tanzania's locally manufactured planesPresenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Sunita Nahar, Stefania Okereke and Priya Sippy in London. Makuochi Okafor in Lagos with Jewel Kiriungi in Nairobi. Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Editors: Maryam Abdalla, Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.
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Sep 5, 2025 • 33min

Is the jailing of a former Zambian minister a watershed moment?

Zambia's former Foreign Minister Joseph Malanji has been sentenced to four years in prison with hard labour after being convicted, along with a co-accused of corruption. President Hakainde Hichilema promised to root out corruption when he swept to power four years ago, is he now delivering on that pledge?In Egypt, dozens of teenage TikTok influencers have been arrested in recent weeks on charges such as violating family values, indecency and money laundering. We hear more on why authorities are getting tough with digital content creators.And the Congolese word Liboke is a new entry in a French dictionary, but why has the given definition sparked a debate in the DRC?Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Mark Wilberforce, Sunita Nahar and Yvette Twagiramariya in London. Ayuba Iliya was in Lagos Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Technical Producer: Craig Kingham Editors: Maryam Abdalla, Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
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Sep 4, 2025 • 29min

Somali fighters in Kenya spark fears

Why are fighters from Somalia's Jubaland region crossing the border into Kenya. Their presence is - causing fear and uncertainty Burkina Faso's unelected transitional parliament bans homosexual acts Plus how experts in Africa are tryings to close the AI language gap Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Priya Sippy, Alfonso Daniels, Sunita Nahar, Mark Wilberforce, and Nyasha Michelle in London. Jewel Kiriungi in Nairobi. Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne Editors: Maryam Abdalla, Andre Lombard, and Alice Muthengi
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Sep 3, 2025 • 30min

Sudan landslide: Race to find survivors

A landslide that followed days of heavy rain, has killed hundreds of people in the remote Marra Mountains in western Sudan, and trapped survivors in deep valleys. How do aid agencies help people hit by a natural disaster but caught in the middle of a war?   A new report details an increase in disappearances, kidnappings and torture in Tanzania.  We hear from relatives looking for their family members.   And a new study warns that people are using digital platforms like TikTok to sell the meat of endangered animals.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Mark Wilberforce, Sunita Nahar and Priya Sippy in London. Charles Gitonga and Jewel Kiriungi in Nairobi Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Technical Producer: Chris Kouzaris Editors: Maryam Abdalla, Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
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Sep 2, 2025 • 30min

Barrier built around Sudan’s el-Fasher city

An extensive earthen wall is being built around the besieged Sudanese city of el-Fasher. Researchers from Yale University say it is intended to trap people inside.Why is there a rapidly growing demand for solar panels in Africa?And we meet Iris- the teaching robot in South Africa.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Charles Gitonga in Nairobi, Mark Wilberforce, Yvette Twagiramariya and Sunita Nahar in London. Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Editors: Maryam Abdalla, Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

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