Focus on Africa

Mali has appointed its spokesperson, Abdoulaye Maiga, as prime minister a day after firing its previous leader, Choguel Kokalla Maïga and his government. This came after rare criticism by Maïga of the junta.  What's really behind the reshuffle?Also did you know that Ethiopia is a major hub for bitcoin mining?And how the world of sport is doing its bit for the climate crisis!Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Nyasha Michelle and Nishat Ladha in London. Technical Producer: Jack Graysmark Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

South Africa takes over the G20 presidency from Brazil for a year. Will Africa benefit from this?How organised crime benefits from trafficking electronic waste to Ghana.And Somalia's Finance Minister on the benefits of debt forgiveness.Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Blessing Aderogba in Lagos. Bella Hassan, Amie Liebowitz, Joseph Keen and Paul Bakibinga in London. Technical Producer: Philip Bull Editors:  Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Russia vetoed a draft UN Security Council resolution which called for a ceasefire in Sudan.  It was proposed by the UK and Sierra Leone, calling on both sides to immediately halt hostilities and start talks aimed at agreeing a national ceasefire.  Why did Russia veto it?   Also, the online trend that has Nigerians furiously tapping their phones   And the Ghanaian-British musician Fuze ODG explains why he thinks initiatives like Band Aid, is not good for Africa.   Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Victor Sylver and Aime Lebowitz in London and Blessing Aderogba in Lagos. Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Was India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Nigeria about lobbying for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council?Why are some young TikTokers in Uganda being jailed?And why thousands of indigenous, sacred  baobab trees are under threat in the Limpopo region of South Africa.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers : Sunita Nahar, Susan Gachuhi and Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

The Senegalese government has claimed victory in the recent parliamentary elections. It said the ruling party, Pastef, had won with a "large majority". What does the win mean for the country?Also, the cruel sextortion scams in Nigeria. Parents appeal to the criminals following the death of their sonAnd a prize that shines a spotlight on detained Eritrean journalists.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Bella Hassan and Victor Sylver in London Technical Producer: Francesca Dunn Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

South African authorities try to force as many as 4,000 illegal miners - known as zama zamas - to return to the surface, by denying them food and water. The miners, who have been stuck underground, fear they will be arrested. Who are they? And could the government's hardline operation be challenged in the courts?What next for Mali - now that the multinational UN peacekeeping force, MINUSMA, has officially ended its mission after being ordered out of the country by the military government. And Miss Somalia, Khadija Omar, tells us about her journey from the stifling heat of a refugee camp to making history on a global stage as the first hijab-wearing beauty queen to take part in the Miss Universe pageant.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Nyasha Michelle and Amie Liebowitz in London. Susan Gachuhi in Nairobi, and Blessing Aderogba in Lagos Technical Producer: Nick Randell Senior Journalist: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

The European Union has announced it will not renew its fishing agreement with Senegal, citing concerns over the country’s efforts to curb illegal fishing. European officials pointed to inadequate monitoring and surveillance systems in Dakar. Without a renewed agreement European vessels will be required to exit Senegalese waters when the deal expires on Sunday. What are the reasons behind this decision? Also, did you know that two in three children endure violent punishment or discipline at home and at school?And making the case for tourism in Africa...it's not only about the fauna and the flora!Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Sunita Nahar, Joseph Keen and Nyasha Michelle in London Technical Producer: Nick Randell Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

As COP 29- the climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan focuses on finance. What is the status of the loss and damage fund? Meanwhile a UN panel in Sudan to investigate possible war crimes in Darfur And is Lakurawa really a new jihadist group in Nigeria? How does it operate?Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Charles Gitonga, Susan Gachuhi and Bella Hassan Technical Producer: Philip Bull Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editor: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

In this engaging discussion, Mohamed Farah Hersi, Director of the Academy for Peace and Development, shares insights on Somaliland's upcoming election and its quest for international recognition. Abdon Atangana, a top mathematician from Cameroon, explores the vital role of mathematics in solving real-world problems and celebrates its African roots. Mabel Onwimele, founder of the Women of Purpose Foundation, recounts her traumatic cesarean experience and advocates for improved maternal healthcare in Nigeria. Together, they shine a light on pressing regional issues and the importance of education.

The ECOWAS Court recently declared Sierra Leone’s loitering laws discriminatory and ordered their amendment or repealA BBC investigation sees evidence that devastating flood water in South Sudan is spreading pollution from the oil industry.And why is there a dispute over uranium production in Niger ?Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Patricia Whitehorne,  Bella Hassan, Joseph Keen and Paul Bakibinga. Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi