Focus on Africa

South Africa's president declares gender-based violence and femicide a national crisis after planned protests   A campaign to encourage us to donate our bodies to medical science   And Audrey Brown bids farewell to Focus on Africa     Presenter Audrey Brown   Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Yvette Twagiramariya, Patricia Whitehorne, Stefania Okereke and Sunita Nahar in London. Charles Gitonga is in Nairobi. Technical Producer: Francesca Dunn Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors:  Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Yared Hailemaryam, an Ethiopian human rights campaigner, sheds light on the harrowing reports of sexual violence in the Amhara conflict, discussing its traumatic impact on civilians. Awo Aydam Amenya, Executive Director of Child Online Africa, advocates for a continent-wide eSafety Commission to protect youth from online harm. Kingsley Pungong, a Cameroonian sports entrepreneur, shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of owning football clubs, including the emotional and financial toll of management decisions.

Victor Ndede, a human rights researcher at Amnesty Kenya, uncovers how the Kenyan government allegedly used digital tools to silence Gen Z protestors. He reveals tactics like internet shutdowns, disinformation campaigns, and AI-generated harassment aimed at female activists. Rama Salah Diang, a political scientist, analyzes the tense rift between Senegal's President Faye and Prime Minister Sonko, discussing its implications for the 2029 elections. Khadija Abdullahi, a primary school teacher, reflects on Nigeria's controversial shift from mother-tongue teaching back to English and its classroom impact.

Buki Shonibare, co-founder of Bring Back Our Girls, discusses the urgent need for stronger protections against mass school abductions in Nigeria, highlighting security gaps and the importance of safe school measures. Yitna Tekaling, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia, shares insights into the country's housing crisis driven by rapid urbanization and details on ongoing projects aimed at tackling slum conditions. Tembisa Fakude, a Mail & Guardian columnist, provides a critical analysis of the arrival of Palestinians from Gaza in South Africa, discussing its political implications.

Phil Clark, a Professor of International Politics at SOAS, dives deep into the DRC-M23 peace negotiations, outlining the complexities of the Doha framework and ongoing atrocities. Professor Chris Piwuna, President of ASUU, highlights the dire state of Nigerian universities facing strikes, emphasizing the need for tangible agreements to resolve grievances. Lastly, BBC sports reporter Piers Edwards breaks down DR Congo's stunning victory over Nigeria, analyzing the implications for their World Cup journey while reflecting on Nigeria's missed opportunities.

Dr. Abraham Kualnouan, a political science professor at the University of Juba, analyzes the unsettling dismissal of South Sudan's Second Vice-President and its potential to ignite instability. Dr. Wairumu Mbogo, Kenya's first female president of the Pharmaceutical Society, discusses the transformative impact of the newly launched African Medicines Agency on healthcare across the continent. Sports journalist George Addo Jr. delves into the hefty $13 million price tag for the Angola-Argentina friendly match, highlighting the implications of securing Lionel Messi's presence.

This podcast features Dr. Gildas Offelhaus-Othemont, a political science professor who dives into the corruption trial of Gabon's ex-first lady and her son, highlighting their informal power and the judicial challenges facing Gabon. Dr. Edify Hamukale, an agriculture consultant, discusses Zambia's ambitious plan to pivot from minerals to a $1 billion livestock industry by 2030, emphasizing market potential and sustainability concerns. Lastly, Abbas Abraham, a legal expert, examines Mauritania's anti-corruption efforts, revealing skepticism about the president's commitment and the need for systemic reform.

Professor Foday Sa leads Sierra Leone's battle against the devastating kush epidemic, discussing urgent government measures, accountability for suppliers, and the need for rehabilitation. Dr. Daniel Kwesi Adjakoum analyzes the tragic military helicopter crash in Ghana, highlighting safety shortcomings and critical recommendations for improvement. Meanwhile, Alexis Akwajaram explores Senegal's rejection of IMF restructuring due to sovereignty concerns and its impact on the citizens, emphasizing the political and economic ramifications. This lively conversation delves into pressing issues facing West Africa.

In this discussion, David Otto, a defense expert, sheds light on Mali's escalating security crisis and the impact of a jihadist blockade on daily life and military trust. Alessandro Ardueno, a security specialist, highlights the rise of modern mercenaries in Africa, revealing motivations and recruitment tactics amidst ongoing conflicts. Plus, music guests Cheb Mimo and Zouj explore the evolution of YY, a new Algerian Rai genre that resonates with the youth and reflects significant cultural movements. The blend of security insights and musical innovation makes for a captivating listen.

Ayanda Charlie, a BBC Africa Eye reporter, dives into Johannesburg's hijacked buildings crisis, revealing shocking living conditions and the tactics used by criminals to seize properties. Nkosinati Sitole, a senior attorney at SERI, discusses the legal hurdles residents face and the challenges of evictions. Meanwhile, Toda Opeyemi reports on the turmoil surrounding the Museum of West African Art in Nigeria, where protests highlight issues of cultural heritage and local grievances. It's a gripping exploration of urban struggles and cultural conflicts in Africa.