Focus on Africa

A report submitted to the UN Committee against Torture this week said, torture in Egypt has been used as a political tool to curtail dissent and that it was so widespread it amounted to crimes against humanity. We hear a testimony from an Egyptian female in exile in the United States, who alleges she was tortured in prison, under the current regime. The Egyptian government denies all allegations of torture in facilities, including prisons. Also quelea birds are a pest across many countries on the continent. Recently, Tanzania culled over a million of them but the chemical used to kill them in Africa, is either banned or restricted in other countries. I speak to my colleague Dorcas Wangira who has covered this story extensively in Kenya. And we meet Rwanda's first female Barista.

The main opposition leader in Seychelles, Patrick Herminie, is one of eight people charged with witchcraft, following the exhumation of two bodies. They deny the charges, with Mr Herminie calling the prosecution a "political show" intended to taint his image. Meanwhile, we examine the arrest of Tunisian opposition politician Abir Moussi, and look at why another opposition leader from the country, Rached Ghannouchi, is on hunger strike.And why the price tag for conserving the king of beasts, the African lion, could be a staggering $3 billion per year.

Focus on Africa takes you inside Sierra Leone's overcrowded prisons and looks closely at the country's justice system. Our reporter Umaru Fofana looks into a much needed review on how prisoners are treated.Also the Nobel peace prize-winning gynaecologist Denis Mukwege, who is renowned for helping victims of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, announces his plans to run for president in December. What's the reaction in the DRC and can Denis Mukwege make a difference?And we talk to African playwrights, Tonderai Munyevu and Yael Farber who join over 60 of the world's leading playwrights for an online charity auction taking place at Christie's in London. The event, "Out of the Margins", is organised by the Good Chance theatre and will include writers; Wole Soyinka, Inua Ellams, Tom Stoppard, Tina Fey, and Tanika Gupta.

One year on from the most recent coup in Burkina Faso, we look at the current state of play regarding security, the economy and the ruling junta.We examine the political tensions in Mozambique ahead of the country’s local elections next week.Plus, we meet Kenyan stargazer Susan Murabana, who is bringing astronomy to the people.

Thousands of people in Sudan remain displaced with many seeking shelter in schools. The impact of the war has had a devastating effect on the country's youth who now have no formal schools to attend. We'll hear how this ongoing conflict is disrupting the lives of young people in Sudan.Also, there's frustration in Nigeria as the country grapples with ongoing power outages, despite investment in the energy sector. We find out what's behind the perennial blackouts and get analysis from Nigeria.And how Ethiopians are praying for peace and unity as they begin celebrating the annual religious holiday of Meskel.

The World Health Organization says the African continent has the highest prevalence of the "silent killer" hypertension.  What are the signs and what can be done?Why is the DR Congo government now calling for an accelerated withdrawal of the UN peacekeeping mission? And good news for Morocco ,a chance to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and after 50 years ,East Africa will host the tournament in 2027.

Kenya says it's confident the deployment of hundreds of its police to Haiti by January will end gang warfare in the country. Last year Haiti's government appealed for help because of spiralling gang violence. Kenya's Foreign Minister Alfred Mutua says it will be an intervention force to disarm what he called the "thugs and the gangs". So does Kenya really have the capabilities to help end Haiti's violence and how do Kenyan's feel about this deployment? Also, why Zambia's former President Edgar Lungu has been warned against jogging in public. The police have described his weekly workouts as "political activism". We hear from Mr Lungu's lawyer and get analysis on the wider political situation in the country.And how AI technology in South Africa is helping with immediate health concerns.

Fighting has reportedly erupted in Ethiopia’s turbulent Amhara region. Reports say local militia fighters clashed with the military, over government plans to disarm local forces. What's behind this escalation, and what does it portend for the future of Africa's second most populous country?We look into why the Egyptian government has ordered a three-month ban on onion exports.And why young women admired  Zoleka Mandela, granddaughter of Nelson Mandela, who has died of cancer aged 43.

France says it will withdraw its troops and ambassador from Niger. The military junta which seized power in July has welcomed the move. But what impact will this have on Niger’s ability to deal with insurgency?Also, in Ghana protestors demand their right to protest amid the arrest of several people by police. For three days demonstrators have taken to the streets to protest against the high cost of living.And we speak to Zawadi Ya Mungu and Kerolin Govender two South African singers from different backgrounds who are collaborating to heal racial divides.

Mohbad: There's been controversy and outrage following mysterious death and hasty burial of Nigerian Afrobeats rapper Mohbad. Authorities have now carried out an exhumation of his body for autopsy following protests on streets and social mediaHow is climate change affecting Africa's pastoralists. We hear from a representative attending Climate Week in New YorkAnd at the rugby World Cup in France this weekend it is reigning champions South Africa against Grand Slam winners -Ireland. What are Africa's chances?