Africa Today
Africa news and analysis from the BBC's Focus on Africa. The Africa Today podcast contains the day's top stories from African news - available to download Monday to Friday from 1630 GMT.
Sierra Leone: Who is Hawa Hunt and why was she arrested?
There is growing concern that a law introduced in 2021 is being used to muzzle freedom of expression in Sierra Leone. Hawa Hunt, a social media infleuncer with Siera Leonean and Canadian citizenship is the latest victim of the Cybersecurity and Crime Act 2021. She is accused of insulting President…
Kenya slammed for hosting Sudan rebels
Sudan's military led government are upset by Kenya's decision to host a conference of the paramilitary Rapid Support ForcesIs there a regional power play behind Mauritania and Morocco's electricity exchange agreement ?And what's the deadly bacteria that's making Lake Victoria turn green?Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Frenny Jowi in Nairobi with…
USAID Suspension: Where next for Africa?
Experts say the health of millions of Africans is at stake following the suspension of much needed USAID funds. Programs that the US organisation funds on the continent are vast and crucial. What do African governments need to do to fill the gap?Also, a new report says that the recruitment…
Deadly collapse at Mali gold mine
The collapse of an illegally operated gold mine in western Mali at the weekend killed dozens of peopleThe world’s ‘first openly gay imam’ who was shot dead in South Africa, Muhsin Hendricks, is remembered What can be done about overcrowding in prisons in Africa?Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Sunita Nahar and…
African Union members elect new leader
African Union members have elected Djibouti's Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf as the next chair of the AU Commission. Mr Ali Youssouf defeated Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and former Foreign Minister of Madagascar Richard Randriamandrato. What are some of the challenges he faces?Also, why is Gambia running short…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Uganda: Military courts ruled 'unconstitutional'
Uganda’s Supreme Court recently ruled that trying civilians in military courts is unconstitutional. Human rights groups welcomed the decision as a major step in protecting the right to a fair trial, but the government criticized the move. Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni said his government would continue to prosecute civilians in…
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…
Gabon's election: A fresh start?
Gabon's military government recently announced that the presidential elections will be held on the 12th of April. It's a key step to re-establish civilian rule following a coup in August 2023. How significant is this?Also we'll look at the links between Sierra Leone's President and one of Europe's most wanted…
Why has a Libyan suspect got Italy's PM investigated?
Who is Osama Najim, the Libyan suspect wanted by the ICC for alleged war crimes?What is the reason behind the high-level diplomatic spat between Rwanda and South Africa over the fighting in DR Congo?Plus, why Kenya is putting its nuclear program on holdPresenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Bella Hassan, Amie Liebowitz…
What's Africa's reponse to Deepseek?
A Chinese-made artificial intelligence (AI) model called DeepSeek is stunning investors and sinking some tech stocks. It's also quickly impressing AI experts and has the attention of the entire tech industry and the world. How does it work and has it inspired Africa or not?Also, why does Namibia have some…
US aid cut hits African healthcare
There are concerns that an international US foreign aid cut will reverse gains, especially in the fight against HIVWho are the M23 - the group operating in eastern DR Congo?And how a non-alcoholic bar in Ghana is challenging the drinking culturePresenter Charles Gitonga Producers: Frenny Jowi in Nairobi with Yvette…
Rare criticism for Zimbabwe's President
A group of prominent Zimbabwean war veterans, including a senior figure from the ruling Zanu PF party, have issued a rare rebuke against the country's president Emerson Mnangagwa. They've accused him of seeking to violate the country's constitution by pushing for a third term in office. What does this mean…
DR Congo crisis: rebels claim Goma takeover
Rwandan-backed rebels have taken over most of the city of Goma in eastern DR Congo. There are reports of Congolese and Rwandan troops exchanging fire across the border. Calls for European Union member countries to respect the human rights of migrants in North Africa. Plus, we remember one of the…