Focus on Africa

The Russian Ministry of Defence says at least forty-two African mercenaries have been killed in Ukraine, but what do we know so far?Also, why is Burkina Faso's army conducting an eight-hour military exercise in the capital, Ouagadougou? How often does this happen and are residents aware of what's going on?That and much more in the podcast.

Belgium returns a tooth belonging to the Congolese independence hero, Patrice Lumumba, more than 60 years after his brutal murder.Also, one of Sierra Leone's most popular musicians has his dreadlocks shaved by the police - the Inspector General defends the action.And the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) has opened in Kigali. Focus on Africa's Bola Mosuro is there.

South Africa considers importing crude oil from Russia. The country's Energy Minister says Russian oil is not on the sanctions list.Also, the Democratic Republic of Congo says it's suspending all trade agreements with Rwanda.  They say it's because  Rwanda is supporting the M23 rebels which further exaccerbates levels of violence in the Eastern DRC.  Kigali denies this claim.Plus more...

We hear the latest on clashes between police and the Maasai community in Tanzania.And what's happening to residents still displaced by the floods in Durban, South Africa? Has local government done enough to help them? We'll hear from the Deputy Mayor.

More than 700 people made up of Rwandan former combatants and their families are resettling in the country. Most used to be FDLR ethnic Hutu fighters who have undergone rehabilitation and training.Also, chief virologist, Dr. John Nkengasong, takes on a new role as coordinator of PEPFAR - the US initiative on HIV and Aids - and says he'll still be serving Africa.Plus, floods uproot lives in Ghana's capital with homes swamped by heavy rains.

Hopes of finding eight miners trapped more than 700 metres underground in Burkina Faso are fading after rescuers today  found a second  safety chamber empty. We hear the frustrations and despair of some of the men's wives.Also, Nigeria's chief accountant has been arrested in connection with a $190 million dollar fraud case involving money laundering and diversion of funds.And how South Africa is tackling high youth unemployment.

The fuel prices emergency is hitting households across the continent, from Egypt to Tanzania, Uganda to Nigeria and South Africa. The airline industry has also been affected. So what can governments do?Also, in Somalia, dozens of candidates have registered for the presidential race in six days. We hear who's challenging the incumbent, Farmajo.Plus, how South African singer, Nomfundo Moh, has made it big in the world of music.

There's been a major attack on an ATMIS forces base in Somalia. Al Shabab militants have claimed responsibility, and there are fears about the death toll.The UN Secretary General speaks after visiting camps in Nigeria's Borno state housing hundreds of thousands of victims displaced by Boko Haram and Islamist insurgent attacks. Meanwhile,  one NGO decries the closure of camps which have left IDPs in unsafe and vulnerable conditions.Mali's military leader announces they're cutting ties with France accusing the French of flagrant security violations.Plus, how 16 months of civil war in Tigray in northern Ethiopia and turbulence in other regions have affected press freedom in the country.

A  damning report alleges that ex South African President Jacob Zuma put interests of his corrupt associates ahead of those of his country.Also, why have a group of Turkish nationals who've been running a high performing high school in Liberia been expelled from the country?And Kenya bids farewell to its third president Mwai Kibaki at a State funeral in Nairobi.

Today: Mounting concerns about the rise in police brutality and disappearances in Kenya.Also, a BBC investigation uncovers the ugly and dangerous side of Egypt's beauty industry.(Image: Kenyan activists protest against police brutality in Nairobi. Credit: EPA)