Focus on Africa

Kenya’s Maasai Mara Game Reserve is at the centre of a legal battle over a new Marriott Ritz-Carlton luxury safari lodge. Why are Maasai leaders calling for the camp to be removed?Also in the podcast, we hear from Malian refugees who allege war crimes committed by the now largely disbanded private Russian paramilitary group, Wagner.And a tour guide in Madrid showcases Africa's influence in the city, that is hidden in plain slight.Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Joseph Keen, Sunita Nahar, Yvette Twagiramariya and Elphas Lagat in London Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

A military general has been sworn in as Guinea-Bissau's transitional president following the 15th coup in the country. Why is the country prone to coups?BBC speaks to families of missing students in Niger state as Nigeria declares a state of emergency following a surge in kidnappings.And we look at what could be the reasons behind America’s move to exclude South Africa from the African Growth and Opportunity Act.Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Joseph Keen, Sunita Nahar, Elphas Lagat in London Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Senior Producer: Yvette Twagiramariya Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Beverly Ochiang, a security and media analyst, discusses the Malian government’s recent settlement with Barrick Gold, emphasizing the economic implications and local infrastructure development. Ataleh Ayele, a seismologist, analyzes the unexpected volcanic eruption in Ethiopia's Afar region, highlighting the lack of monitoring and potential health impacts. Lastly, Jonah Ratsibazafi, a primatologist, sheds light on Madagascar's lemur conservation challenges, linking hunting pressures to urban demand and expressing hope for conservation progress through ecotourism.

In Guinea-Bissau, rivals Embalo and Dias claim victory in a tense presidential election as official results remain pending.In Nigeria, separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu has been sentenced to four life terms for terrorism and treason. What does it mean for the group calling for separatism. And in Tunisia, an Indigenous centre in Tataouine preserves heritage, supports women-led crafts, and creates jobs amid rising drought and heat.Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Stefania Okereke, Sunita Nahar, Elphas Lagat and Saleck Zeid Technical Producer: Gabriel O'Regan Senior Producer: Yvette Twagiramariya Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

A BBC Africa Eye documentary has exposed the practice of selling body parts for magic rituals in Sierra Leone. We speak to the reporter who went back to the town where an 11-year-old boy was murdered as part of a suspected black magic killing four years ago.Why were two Zimbabwean university students, campaigning during elections for their Students Representative Council, abducted in broad daylight and beaten?And we hear from African social media influencers aiming to lead the conversations for a borderless and visa free Africa.Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Stefania Okereke and Sunita Nahar Technical Producer: Francesca Dunn Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

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.