Focus on Africa

M23 rebels say they will not return to peace talks in Doha unless the DRC government agrees to its demands. Are the talks dead in the water?Could climate change be creating child brides in Malawi?And we learn about the role of matrilineal leadership in everyday Ghana.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Priya Sippy and Stefania Okereke in London Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Maryam Abdalla, Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.

South Africa's President, Cyril Ramaphosa has launched a national dialogue called “uniting voices, shaping the nation". It's an ambitious plan to confront its most pressing challenges and unite a nation still wrestling with the legacy of apartheid, deep inequality, and mounting political tension. Critics say it's been rushed. So, will it work? Also, the Ugandan ex-military men arrested for allegedly wanting to fight in the Russian-Ukraine conflictAnd the African Union backs a campaign to end the use of a 16th-century map in favour of one that more accurately displays the size of the continent. We'll hear from someone campaigning for change.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Tom Kavanagh, Mark Wilberforce and Nyasha Michelle in London. Charles Gitonga and Jewel Kiriungi in Nairobi. Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Maryam Abdalla and Reza Asadi

The US government has approved a $346m arms deal with Nigeria which would include munitions, precision bombs and precision rockets. What is behind the change in a decade-long US policy about selling certain kinds of weapons to Nigeria?The mining of gold has been a key factor of Sudan's economy, and now it is a major source of funding of the two-year civil war. We look back at its history in Sudan, and how the war is driving demand.And one year on since Ghana's parliament passed its landmark Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Act, which was hailed as a victory for women's rights, how have things changed?Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Tom Kavanagh, Nyasha Michelle and Stefania Okereke in London. Charles Gitonga in Nairobi Technical Producer: Philip Bull Senior Journalist: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

There's been outrage in The Gambia following the death of a one-month-old baby girl. Reports suggest she was a victim of female genital mutilation (FGM). Although FGM is outlawed in the country, it's a deeply rooted cultural practice that authorities are battling. Three women have been arrested in connection with the incident.Also, France's president Emmanuel Macron acknowledges France used "repressive violence" against Cameroonians during and after colonial rule.And how did a Martian meteorite from Niger end up at an auction?Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Makuochi Okafor in Lagos. Bella Hassan and Tom Kavanagh in London Technical Producer: Gabriel O'Regan Senior Journalist: Yvette Twagiramariya Editors: Alice Muthengi and Maryam Abdalla

The ongoing war in Sudan and limited access to humanitarian aid has led to starvation amongst those left behind. The United Nations says children are being "reduced to skin and bones."  We'll hear from people within the country.  Also, are Kenya's dreams of becoming a footballing superpower in jeopardy? And how are young African scientists using Charles Darwin’s historical voyage to protect species on the continent?Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Tom Kavanagh, Patricia Whitehorne and Stefania Okereke in London.  Jewel Kiriungi and Charles Gitonga in Nairobi. Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Senior Journalist: Yvette Twagiramariya Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Dozens of soldiers have been arrested in Mali accused of plotting to topple the country's military leaders, sources say. The wave of arrests reflect tension within the military government. The authorities have not yet commented on the arrests. We'll hear analysis.Also, more than 400 people have died and over 6,000 have been affected following a cholera outbreak in Sudan's Darfur region. What are the challenges when it comes to dealing with an epidemic within IDP camps? And how and why an AI generated model sparked international debate? We hear from the creators.Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Bella Hassan, Mark Wilberforce and Nyasha Michelle in London. Makuochi Okafor in Lagos. Technical Producer: Chris Kouzaris Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Doctors Without Borders and other NGOs have raised concerns about anti-migrant groups preventing non-South Africans from accessing healthcare services. The South African government has called on all communities to uphold the rule of law, respect human dignity. So why are activists blocking health clinics and hospitals?   The African Union sends a delegation to South Sudan to encourage the warring sides in the country to revive a 2018 peace deal and pave the way for elections.  Can they bring both sides back to the table?   And as Africa Fashion Week London comes to an end, how can African fashion leverage its global appeal?Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Tom Kavanagh and Stefania Okereke Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

The Zambian government has dismissed claims of dangerous pollution in the Copperbelt mining region, following safety concerns raised by the US embassy. On Wednesday, the US issued a health alert, ordering the immediate withdrawal of its personnel due to concerns of "widespread contamination of water and soil", linked to a spill at the Sino-Metals mine in February. Zambian journalist, Dingindaba Buyoya tells us about the uneasiness the statement by the USA is causing.Also, as Uganda hosts nearly two million displaced people. Can it cope with the rising numbers?And the impact of cocoa smuggling on prices for farmers, entrepreneurs and consumers. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Bella Hassan, Yvette Twagiramariya and Stefania Okereke in London with Richard Kagoe and Jewel Kiriungi in Nairobi. Technical Producer: Gabriel O 'Regan Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

What's behind deadly clashes at Uganda’s border with South Sudan?Why are heatwaves happening more often on the African continentAnd plans by Somalia to revive its airline after three decadesPresenter: Charles Gitonga Producers:  Tom Kavanagh in London, Blessing Aderogba with Makuochi Okafor in Lagos and Richard Kagoe in Nairobi Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Rwanda has confirmed it will accept up to 250 migrants from the US, in a deal agreed with President Donald Trump's administration. Under the scheme the deportees would be given "workforce training, health care, and accommodation to jump start their lives in Rwanda", according to Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo. Human rights experts have raised concerns that removals to a nation that is not a migrant's place of origin - known as a third country - could violate international law. We'll hear analysis.Also, a report finds nearly a fifth of cancer drugs are defective in four African countries.And why the taste for camel milk is gaining popularity in Somalia and beyond!Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Patricia Whitehorne, Yvette Twagiramariya and Sunita Nahar Technical Producer: Gabriel O' Regan Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi `