Focus on Africa

Somalia has accused the United Arab Emirates of undermining its sovereignty, including allegedly facilitating Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, which Somalia considers part of its territory. In response, Mogadishu has canceled all agreements with the UAE, from ports to defence, raising questions about trade and security. We then turn to Botswana, following a recent visit by American YouTuber IShowSpeed to the Diamond Trading Centre in Gaborone, where he held a rough diamond and asked if he could buy it. Botswana’s diamonds are a major part of national wealth, but acquiring them in raw form is strictly regulated. We explore what you need to know about these gems. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Ayuba Iliya, Keikantse Shumba, Bella Twine Senior Producer: Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Terry Chege Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Sami Awami, BBC correspondent in Kampala, gives on-the-ground reporting of Uganda’s charged election mood and voter interviews. Emery Patrick Efibole, art history professor from the University of Abomey-Calavi, explains Vodun Days, its rituals, diaspora return and cultural revival in Ouidah. They discuss security, youth perspectives, ritual practices and efforts to reframe Vodun as cultural pride.

This podcast features Dr. Barham Salih, the recently appointed UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and Wahiga Mwaura, a field reporter at Kakuma refugee camp. Salih discusses the pressing need for reform in response to global displacement and emphasizes durable solutions for refugees. Mwaura shares on-the-ground insights into refugees' experiences at Kakuma. The conversation also touches on the growing urban fitness communities in Africa, where social media is fostering connections and wellbeing among runners in cities like Abuja and Nairobi.

Jihan Abass is the founder of Lami Insurance Technology, a fintech firm in Kenya, while Mawano Kambeu runs Dotcom Zambia, a tech and payments company. They share candidly about their struggles with burnout as startup founders. Jihan discusses juggling family and leadership amidst startup stress, while Mawano recounts near-bankruptcy and how social media became a lifeline. Both emphasize the daunting pressures of financing and identity tied to their ventures, and offer valuable insights on coping strategies like therapy, self-care, and the importance of support systems.

Heavy fighting between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has intensified in the central region of Kordofan, forcing tens of thousands of civilians from their homes. The UN says entire communities were displaced late last year, as residents describe horrific abuses, fleeing attacks and searching for safety.We then turn to AFCON in Morocco, where one DR Congo supporter has captured attention by posing as a living statue of Congolese independence hero Patrice Lumumba. Beyond the viral moments, we explore why history, identity and politics are finding a place inside the football stadium.Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Blessing Aderogba, Chigozie Ohaka, Keikantse Shumba, Chiamaka Dike Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Technical Producer: Terry Chege Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Burkina Faso’s military government says it has stopped an attempt to assassinate junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré, just hours after soldiers allegedly plotted to remove him and other senior officials. The latest plot follows years of coups and instability in the West African nation.We then turn to Africa’s digital frontier, where disinformation is evolving fast. Generative AI and deepfakes are being used to manipulate videos and images, especially during elections. In Uganda, authorities are warning political actors to campaign ethically, while experts demonstrate how to spot fake content. The episode explores both the fragility of power and the fragility of truth.Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Blessing Aderogba, Ayuba Iliya, Keikantse Shumba, Bella Twine Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Technical Producer: Terry Chege Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Crispin Piri, Spokesperson for South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation, shares the government's legal perspective on the U.S. operation capturing Nicolás Maduro. He discusses Africa’s diplomatic objections and the risk of undermining multilateralism. Meanwhile, the African Union expresses concerns over the event, urging respect for sovereignty. The podcast also highlights fans' frustrations attending AFCON due to high costs and poor connectivity, showcasing the blend of excitement and challenges surrounding the event.

New tax laws in Nigeria are drawing criticism just days after taking effect, with many citizens worried about rising costs, shrinking incomes and pressure on small businesses. The government insists the reforms are designed to make the system fairer and more efficient, but scepticism remains over how the money will be used. We unpack what the new laws actually change and hear from officials defending the policy.We also turn to health, as experts warn that stress-induced overeating is becoming a major problem across Africa, driven by economic pressure, urban life and uncertainty.Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Blessing Aderogba, Makuochi Okafor, Keikantse Shumba, Priya Sippy, Bella Twine Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Technical Producer: Terry Chege Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

In this engaging discussion, Dion Rapakgadi, a trainee lawyer from Johannesburg, shares his battle with smartphone addiction and its toll on his mental health. Kenyan musician Nviiri the Storyteller reveals his drastic switch to a basic phone, highlighting the newfound peace it brings. Clinical psychologist Dr. Ethel Obeng-Treve identifies key signs of addiction and offers practical strategies for digital detoxes. Listeners will be inspired by the guests' transformative journeys and practical tips for fostering healthier relationships with technology.

January 1 isn’t just the start of a new year. For a significant number of Africans, it’s also the birthday written on official documents, often by default, not fact. This episode explores how missing birth records, colonial systems and migration shaped identity on paper, through voices from Somalia, France and Morocco.We then turn to Mali, where new US travel restrictions have taken effect, affecting several African countries. We hear reactions from the streets of Bamako and unpack what the bans mean for diplomacy, mobility and power in the Sahel.Presenter : Charles Gitonga Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Basma El Atti, Bella Twine, Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Terry Chege Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla