Focus on Africa

Olumuyiwa Oluo Goyega, Editor-in-chief at Tech Cabal, and Abdullahi Mustaf, BBC Monitoring reporter covering Somalia, delve into Uganda's suspension of military ties with Germany amid diplomatic tensions. They discuss the implications for Uganda's politics as elections approach. The conversation shifts to Somalia, addressing the rise of al-Shabaab and the government's struggle to control clan militias amid serious human rights concerns. Finally, they explore Starlink's ambitious expansion plans in Africa and the regulatory challenges it faces.

In this engaging discussion, Michael Michier, AI expert and co-founder of Everstack, teams up with Hana Tete, the UN's Special Representative for Libya, to explore pressing issues in the region. They delve into Libya's political turmoil and the UN's potential role in fostering stability amid violence and protests. The conversation also highlights the ambitious rise of smart cities across Africa, addressing their technological integration and community impact. Further, they reflect on the humanitarian crisis in Cameroon, sharing poignant stories from those affected.

Guests Patrick Bond, a sociologist, Jebedu Francis Kere, an architect known for designing a mausoleum for Thomas Sankara, and Martha Karua, a Kenyan human rights lawyer, bring diverse perspectives. They discuss troubling crime statistics in South Africa, the historical roots of violence, and the prevailing socio-economic challenges. Martha highlights democratic backsliding in East Africa, with activists facing dire consequences. Jebedu shares insights on the mausoleum's design, symbolizing resilience and hope amidst the quest for justice and empowerment.

In this engaging discussion, guests include Mohamed Kassimji, a seasoned diplomat with deep insights into U.S.-South Africa relations, Hannah Wanjir-Rida, a CEO focused on international development, and Sahar Amarir, a North Africa analyst. They unpack the tense Trump-Ramaphosa meeting, revealing implications of Trump's controversial remarks on human rights. Plus, they delve into the South African crime crisis and its international ramifications, alongside the upcoming leadership election for the African Development Bank, highlighting candidates' strategies to drive Africa's growth.

Tanya Pacifico, Chief of Mission for the International Organization for Migration in Djibouti, highlights the challenges faced by migrants in the country amid a crackdown aimed at undocumented individuals. Kambale Musavuli, a human rights advocate, discusses the impact on vulnerable populations like women and children. Izmi Stollard, a BBC Climate and Science reporter, delves into the dire environmental implications of deforestation in Africa, linking it to conflict and urging for global action to protect crucial tropical forests.

In this discussion, Jok Madut Jok, a fellow at the Rift Valley Institute, provides keen insights into the fragile peace in South Sudan, diving into the historical context of its ongoing crises. Kenyan journalist Hanifa Safia Adan shares powerful narratives about young Africans’ thoughts on tightening UK immigration policies, revealing their aspirations and challenges. Emeka Chuksnadi, a Nigerian swim coach, discusses his inspiring initiative, Swim in One Day, which empowers children with disabilities to overcome fears through swimming, showcasing resilience and hope.

Mayeni Jones, the BBC's Africa correspondent, joins fellow journalists Omar Wali and Piers Edwards to discuss harrowing findings of child trafficking and abuse within South Africa's illegal mines. They reveal the dire conditions under which vulnerable children work and their suffering due to exploitation. The conversation also touches on financial scandals in The Gambia and growing public discontent regarding corruption. Additionally, they highlight a landmark legal ruling in Nigeria that addresses negligence in sports, aiming to improve player safety and accountability.

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 superpower. Presenter: Audrey Brown Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Patricia Whitehorne and Bella Hassan Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

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 countryPresenter: 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

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 Hassan, Blessing Aderogba and Yvette Twagiramariya Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi