Focus on Africa

In January this year DR Congo's Justice Minister Constant Mutamba said 127 people, aged between the ages of 18 and 35, had received the death sentence. Rights groups said that number was higher. The DRC government had announced it would resume executions in 2024 following a two-decade hiatus. Who are these men and why have they been sentenced to death?Also, why are global powers interested in the Seychelles, the smallest country in Africa?And we hear why, it really does take a village to raise a child!Presenter: Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Frank McWeeny Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya and Bella Hassan Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

After a recent summit, leaders from east and southern Africa called for an immediate ceasefire to end the fighting in eastern DR Congo. Willing the warring parties listen?After a fire kills 16 children in Zamfara state, north western Nigeria, how can schools there be made safer?How will Sam Nujoma the first president of Namibia be remembered?Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Victor Sylver, Patricia Whitehorne, and Nyasha Michelle in London with Frenny Jowi in Nairobi. Technical Producer: Frank McWeeny Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has moved to defuse a row with the new US administration over a new land law by speaking to Elon Musk. However, President Ramaphosa has said his country "will not be bullied". What's at stake for the country? Also why have Moroccans decided to call a general strike? It's the first one in almost a decadeAnd Rwanda faces allegations of sports washing, a claim the country denies. What's going on? Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Bella Hassan and Nysaha Michelle Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Kenya's Business Registration Service (BRS) reveals a major data breach has exposed sensitive information of numerous private companiesWill the killing of several key jihadist militants spell the end of IS in Somalia?And how will the late Aga Khan, leader of millions of Shia Ismaili Muslims, be remembered?Presenter: Blessing AderogbaProducers: Charles Gitonga in Nairobi with Bella Hassan and Amie Liebowitz in London. Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Editors : Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.

Joseph Sigal, an expert in Gabonese politics, discusses the significance of Gabon's upcoming presidential elections following a military coup. He raises concerns about the legitimacy of elections under military oversight. Umaru Fufana, a Sierra Leonean journalist, reveals troubling connections between the president and drug trafficking, including a recent embassy scandal. Danielle Resnick sheds light on the new Sahel States passport, addressing its implications for trade and regional dynamics. This lively conversation tackles critical political and social issues shaping West Africa.

Tegule Gawaya, a constitutional lawyer from Uganda, discusses the Supreme Court's landmark ruling that has deemed military courts unconstitutional, a move applauded by human rights groups for advancing fair trial rights. He also touches on the ongoing tension with President Museveni's administration regarding this decision. Marisa Lorenzo, a political analyst, delves into the new diamond deal between Botswana and De Beers, exploring its implications for the economy and employment, particularly for youth, amidst broader economic diversification efforts.

President Donald Trump has said he will cut all future funding to South Africa over allegations that it was confiscating land. South Africa's President Ramaphosa says that is not true.Concerns that the conflict in eastern DR Congo could spread deadly diseases.And what is are the reasons behind Namibia's high unemployment. Presenter: Blessing Aderogba Producers: Frenny Jowi and Charles Gitonga in Nairobi with Victor Sylver and Nyasha Michelle in London. Senior Producer :Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Who is Osama Najim, the Libyan suspect wanted by the ICC for alleged war crimes?What is the reason behind the high-level diplomatic spat between Rwanda and South Africa over the fighting in DR Congo?Plus, why Kenya is putting its nuclear program on holdPresenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Bella Hassan, Amie Liebowitz and Yvette Twagiramariya in London with Frenny Jowi in Nairobi. Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Jack Graysmark Editors. Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

A Chinese-made artificial intelligence (AI) model called DeepSeek is stunning investors and sinking some tech stocks. It's also quickly impressing AI experts and has the attention of the entire tech industry and the world. How does it work and has it inspired Africa or not?Also, why does Namibia have some of the highest rates of cervical cancer in the world?And the race to host Formula One on the continent. Who will win? Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Nyasha Michelle and Bella Hassan Technical Producer: Jack Graysmark Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

There are concerns that an international US foreign aid cut will reverse gains, especially in the fight against HIVWho are the M23 - the group operating in eastern DR Congo?And how a non-alcoholic bar in Ghana is challenging the drinking culturePresenter Charles Gitonga Producers: Frenny Jowi in Nairobi with Yvette Twagiramariya and Bella Hassan in London. Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Chris Kouzaris Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi