Focus on Africa

Senegal’s President Macky Sall is coming under increasing pressure from West African leaders and the international community to reverse a decision to postpone the presidential election. He is accused of putting the country’s democratic path on to “a dead end”. We find out why some asthma inhalers are environmentally unfriendly.And what was reggae icon Bob Marley really like? We hear from the veteran Zimbabwean broadcaster John Matinde, who hung out with him during the country's independence celebrations in 1980.

There has been a resurgence of fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo involving rebels from the ethnic Tutsi-led M23 movement. Thousands of civilians have fled the violence. What is behind this latest escalation and what do the rebels want?Nurses and midwives in Nigeria protest new rules for verifying their qualifications to foreign nursing boards.Why are cases of prostate cancer increasing in South Africa ?

The just concluded Africa Cup of Nations has been hailed as a huge success but what will be the lasting legacy for the host nation, Ivory Coast.Is chemical castration the solution? Madagascar’s parliament has approved a law allowing for the chemical or surgical castration of those found guilty of the rape of a minor. And sadness in the world of athletics as the men's marathon world record holder, Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum, dies in a car crash.

The Ugandan government says it's involved in rescue efforts to secure the release of at least 30 citizens still caught in scam compounds in Myanmar. Also, why are mllions of people still battling tropical diseases on the continet? And does Zanzibar, a popular tourist destination, have an alcohol shortage?

Zimbabwe's government has moved to abolish the death penalty, nearly two decades after the country's last execution. Last year, Ghana become the 29th country in Africa to do the same. So, is Africa leading the way when it comes to abolishment? Also, why do conversations about Menopause matter? And the award winning Mozambican Mayor determined to make his city the most sustainable in Africa.

The African Mining Indaba 2024 on how to invest in the African mining sector, is taking place in Cape Town, South Africa.  Who benefits the most from the continent's expansive mining industry and is investment in mineral processing in the continent on course? There is an increase of cases of Dementia in Africa.  According to one recent report, dementia will affect over three million people in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.  Countries in the region have the fastest growing older population in the world.  Is the continent equipped to deal with the rise in numbers? And we probe the rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa as they argue over who is better at entertainment..and football!

Senegelese President Mackay Sall, shocked the country over the weekend by announcing that the upcoming February 26th election would be delayed.  This led to protests and a vote by lawmakers, agreeing to extend the Presidents tenure and delay elections until December. Is this move lawful? Also, Botswana often tops the list as Africa's least corrupt country, so what is it doing differently?And how did former president Nelson Mandela’s personal belongings end up in an auction?

After the huge gas explosion and fire that engulfed buildings and cars, killing at least six people and injuring scores of others, we hear from Nairobi County Governor Sakaja Johnson, on what action is being taken to investigate officials accused of being "incompetent and corrupt". Ethiopia is on the brink of famine triggered by war and drought warns a UK government minister. We hear more from the BBC’s diplomatic correspondent who has been visiting Ayder hospital in Mekelle, the capital of Ethiopia's Tigray region. And history making at the Grammys, as South African singer Tyla picks up the first ever award for best African performance.

As Facebook looks to celebrate its 20th birthday on Sunday, we look at its appeal on the continent. What do Africans think about the social media platform?Also Tunisia positions itself as a competitive destination for medical tourism And Ethiopia wants to ban fuel imported cars for personal use, replacing it with electric ones but, does it have the infrastructure to do this?

Political analyst Kholood Khair assesses Tagadum, a civilian initiative lead by former Sudan Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok seeking to bring the two fighting generals to the peace table.Should the rules to reducing carbon emissions, be different for African countries? And we reflect on the legacy of Ghanaian pioneer photographer Bruce Vanderpuije.