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Focus on Africa

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Feb 25, 2025 • 39min

DR Congo proposes deal to the West

In a bold diplomatic move Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi has reportedly proposed granting the United States and Europe access to the country’s vast mineral resources. What's the deal and why now?Also, what is postpartum depression and why does it need to be taken seriously?And a young cancer survivor in Tanzania shares her story of recovery with us.Presenter: Audrey Brown Technical Producer: Gabriel O Regan Producers: Patricia Whitehorne, Nyasha Michelle and Sunita Nahar in London. Frenny Jowi in Nairobi Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
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Feb 24, 2025 • 33min

Nigeria's ex-military leader regrets cancelling election

Former military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, publicly regrets annulling the Nigerian1993 presidential election. How does family of presumed winner, Moshood Abiola, respond?We explore the affordable housing crisis in DR Congo's capital Kinshasa.And reaction after Botswana lifts a ban on South African vegetablesPresenter : Audrey Brown Producers :Sunita Nahar and Amie Liebowitz in London and Blessing Aderogba in Lagos. Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer : Jack Graysmark Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.
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Feb 21, 2025 • 31min

Sierra Leone: Who is Hawa Hunt and why was she arrested?

There is growing concern that a law introduced in 2021 is being used to muzzle freedom of expression in Sierra Leone. Hawa Hunt, a social media infleuncer with Siera Leonean and Canadian citizenship is the latest victim of the Cybersecurity and Crime Act 2021. She is accused of insulting President Julius Maada Bio and his wife Fatima Bio in a video posted on Facebook in 2023 just as the country was preparing for elections. Her dramatic arrest during a live television show was a national talking point. Her daughter, Alicia reflects on the struggle to free her mother.Also, a BBC Eye investigation reveals how highly addictive pills produced in India are flooding the streets of West Africa And Senegal begins refining its own oil, will the locals benefit ? Presenter: Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne Producers: Patricia Whitehorne, Nyasha Michelle and Bella Hassan in London. Frenny Jowi in Nairobi and Blessing Aderogba in Lagos. Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard
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Feb 20, 2025 • 32min

Kenya slammed for hosting Sudan rebels

Sudan's military led government are upset by Kenya's decision to host a conference of the paramilitary Rapid Support ForcesIs there a regional power play behind Mauritania and Morocco's electricity exchange agreement ?And what's the deadly bacteria that's making Lake Victoria turn green?Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Frenny Jowi in Nairobi with Sunita Nahar, Stefania Okereke, Nyasha Michelle and Bella Hassan in London. and Blessing Aderogba in Lagos Technical Producer : Philip Bull Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
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Feb 19, 2025 • 31min

USAID Suspension: Where next for Africa?

Experts say the health of millions of Africans is at stake following the suspension of much needed USAID funds. Programs that the US organisation funds on the continent are vast and crucial. What do African governments need to do to fill the gap?Also, a new report says that the recruitment of children as soldiers on the continent remains a challenge. We hear from a former child soldier.And a proposal for a fresh approaching in saving the African rhino, but this time, everyone is included in the conversation for conservation!Presenter: Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Philip Bull Producers: Patricia Whitehorne, Nyasha Michelle and Stefania Okereke Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
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Feb 18, 2025 • 32min

Deadly collapse at Mali gold mine

The collapse of an illegally operated gold mine in western Mali at the weekend killed dozens of peopleThe world’s ‘first openly gay imam’ who was shot dead in South Africa, Muhsin Hendricks, is remembered What can be done about overcrowding in prisons in Africa?Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Sunita Nahar and Stefania Okereke in London. Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical producer: Gabriel O'Regan Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.
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Feb 17, 2025 • 32min

African Union members elect new leader

African Union members have elected Djibouti's Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf as the next chair of the AU Commission. Mr Ali Youssouf defeated Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and former Foreign Minister of Madagascar Richard Randriamandrato. What are some of the challenges he faces?Also, why is Gambia running short on medicines? And are tech-savvy Gen Z's really more vulnerable to cyber attacks? Presenter: Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Philip Bull Producers: Patricia Whitehorne, Sunita Nahar, Nyasha Michelle and Stefania Okereke in London. Blessing Aderogba in Lagos. Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
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Feb 14, 2025 • 34min

Why has Sierra Leone imposed a fishing ban?

A month-long fishing ban in Sierra Leone leaves families struggling to cope.Who are AfriForum- the white Afrikaner minority group that's behind Donald Trump's intimidation of South Africa?And we meet Nada Hafez -The Egyptian fencer whose Olympic pregnancy stunned the world.Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Patricia Whitehorne, Nyasha Michelle, Frenny Jowi and Paul Bakibinga. Technical Producer: Jack Graysmark Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.
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Feb 13, 2025 • 33min

The case against Rwanda

The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights is holding a public hearing in Tanzania, on a case filed by DR Congo against Rwanda. The country accuses Rwanda of violating its sovereignty, orchestrating violence, and destabilizing the DRC. Rwanda denies the accusations. How significant is this? Also, a look at the growing economic partnership between the United Arab Emirates and Zimbabwe. What difference does it make to ordinary Zimbabweans?And why a separatist fighter in Cameroon handed over his weapons to become a teacher..Presenter: Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Phillip Bull Producers: Sunita Nahar, Stefania Okereke, Yvette Twagiramariya and Bella Hassan Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
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Feb 12, 2025 • 31min

Did Shell ignore clean-up warnings in Nigeria?

Did Shell ignore clean-up warnings in southern Nigeria?Why residents of Cape Town’s brightly coloured Bo-Kaap neighbourhood are concerned about tourism numbersAnd calls for AI to bridge the gender equality gap in AfricaPresenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Frenny Jowi in Nairobi with Patricia Whitehorne and Nyasha Michelle in London. Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Francesca Dunn Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

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