Focus on Africa

BBC World Service
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Dec 14, 2023 • 43min

Is peace ever possible in DR Congo?

A largely unobserved truce in DR Congo, results in heightened tensions between Rwanda and the DRC. There's a presidential election just round the corner, with President Félix Tshisekedi seeking a second, and final, five-year term in office. So, is peace ever possible in the DRC?Also, South African musician Tyla sparks a debate on social media, after describing herself as "coloured". She was talking about her mixed heritage on TikTok. We'll hear a fascinating conversation about the complexities of coloured identity within the South African context.And we meet Rebeca Omordia the Romanian/Nigerian pianist, championing the work of African classical music composers!
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Dec 13, 2023 • 34min

COP 28 : A new deal agreed at the UN Climate summit

COP 28 : A new deal agreed at the UN Climate summit in Dubai. Is it all talk and no implementation?Kenya's ambitious plan to provide employment in other countries for its youth. And will it really take 300 years to end child marriage ?
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Dec 12, 2023 • 35min

A personal objection to the Rwanda asylum plan

In November, the UK Supreme Court ruled that the plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, was unlawful. The court said it was concerned about Rwanda's poor human rights record and its past treatment of refugees. The Rwandan government rejected the Court judgement and said: "We take our humanitarian responsibilities seriously and will continue to live up to them." We will hear a personal objection to the plan, from a Rwandan living here in the UK. Also what's behind the sacking of cabinet ministers in South Sudan?And an invitation to a unique North African Jewish holiday, celebrating women!
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Dec 11, 2023 • 30min

Why does Egypt's President Sisi need a third term?

Egypt election: Despite a crumbling economy, why is President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi seeking a consecutive third term? Is a high voter turnout expected?The growing influence of Russia in the Central African Republic. And a progress report on African countries looking to help Europe meet its rising gas needs.
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Dec 8, 2023 • 34min

Why has Somalia's 30 year arms Embargo been lifted?

Exactly one week ago the United Nations Security Council unanimously voted to lift Somalia's arms Embargo, thirty years after it was first imposed. So, why now? And why was it imposed in the first place?Also one of the key themes emerging at this year's COP28 is securing funding for renewable energy, like solar power. We'll look at the potential of how African countries can harness the sun. There are challenges, but there is progress too. And how the viral song "Mwaki" has created Africa's new global sensation...we meet Sofiya Nzau.
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Dec 7, 2023 • 28min

Why is the South African port of Durban in chaos?

Congestion at sub-Saharan Africa's busiest shipping terminal -South Africa's Durban port is causing costly delays for shipping companies. Importers fear the Christmas rush will be missed.We return to Morocco three months after the deadly earthquake.And the hopes and dreams of Gambian actor for his country’s film industry
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Dec 6, 2023 • 37min

Behind the "accidental" drone attack in Nigeria

At least 85 civilians have been killed in Kaduna state, north-west Nigeria, in a drone attack. The incident took place during a religious celebration on Sunday, according to the local emergency management authority. President Bola Tinubu says it was a "bombing mishap". So what went wrong? And has something like this ever happened before? Also, why are children in South Sudan turning to drug and alcohol abuse?And we meet Jennifer Uchendu, one of the inspiring women on this year's 100 Women list.
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Dec 5, 2023 • 29min

Why has the US recognised Niger's military-led government ?

The United States ambassador to Niger has presented her credentials to the military government in Niamey. The US announced the suspension of security cooperation and some financial aid following the coup in July but has gradually shifted its position.A wave of TikTok videos are allegedly being used to harass LGBTQ+ people in Ethiopia And a ban on Kaunda suits in Kenya's parliament sparks outrage online
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Dec 4, 2023 • 34min

A sex trafficking ring in Sierra Leone

A report shows how six young girls fell victim to sex trafficking in Sierra Leone. They ended up in Senegal and are waiting to be repatriated. We have the details.Also a look at the African Disability Protocol. What is it, what does it aim to do and is it effective?And we meet Zandile Ndhlovu, the first black South African free-diver, inspiring local children to swim.
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Dec 1, 2023 • 30min

World AIDS day: What is it like to live with the condition for 30 years?

Four Kenyan women living with HIV have won a legal battle over being sterilised without their informed consent. In this special edition of Focus on Africa for World Aids Day, we delve into the impact of HIV/ AIDS on the African Continent.

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