Focus on Africa

BBC World Service
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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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Feb 11, 2025 • 31min

DR Congo sentences over 100 to death

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
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Feb 10, 2025 • 31min

Will DR Congo ceasefire calls be heeded ?

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
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Feb 7, 2025 • 31min

South Africa's response to US threats

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
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Feb 6, 2025 • 29min

Major data breach in Kenya

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.
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Feb 6, 2025 • 27min

Gabon's election: A fresh start?

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.
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Feb 5, 2025 • 31min

Uganda: Military courts ruled 'unconstitutional'

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.
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Feb 4, 2025 • 31min

Trump threatens South Africa funding cut

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

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