Focus on Africa

It is 30 years since South Africa held its first democratic elections. Three decades on, is it hope or gloom for the 'rainbow nation'?

Also did a national emergency against sexual violence set up 5 years ago, make any difference in Sierra Leone?

And we meet the Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama, using cloth to wrap up the brutalist Barbican centre in London and revealing a hidden history.

Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Rob Wilson, Patricia Whitehorne, Nyasha Michelle and Paul Bakibinga Editors :Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

More than 220 civilians, including at least 56 children, were massacred by Burkina Faso's military in a single day this year. That's the allegation by Human Rights Watch.  So, how did HRW reach this conclusion and what's the response from the Burkina Faso government?

Also why is the DR Congo warning big tech companies, like Apple, to not use minerals from the eastern part of the country? 

And we meet Nigerian Afrobeats artist, Arja Starr!

Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Charles Gitonga, Stefania Okereke and Bella Hassan Technical Producer: Danny Cox Senior Producer: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

The World Bank has suspended a multi million dollar fund to expand Ruaha National Park in Tanzania, after it received allegations of serious abuse, which the Tanzanian government denies. We'll get the details.

What is cloud seeding, how does it work and can drought stricken parts of Africa benefit from it or not?

And a personal testimony from someone living with disability in a South Sudan refugee camp.

African leaders meeting at a security summit in Nigeria says the continent needs a new plan to tackle violent extremism. The two-day counter-terrorism summit, supported by the United Nations, was also attended by African Union Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat What are the challenges facing the continent and how can it be tackled?

Also why is so little money spent on healthcare in Africa?

And a plan to save the South African rhino as poaching numbers rise.

Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Bella Hassan and Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Senior Producer: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

The UK parliament has passed the Rwanda asylum law. People arriving on small boats can have their asylum claims processed in Rwanda. When is this likely to take place and why is it of global significance?

Why is Zimbabwe's newly introduced gold-backed currency already on the decline?

And a strong caution about harmful chemicals found in hair relaxers.

Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers:Richard Kagoe, Patricia Whitehorne, Rob Wilson, Bella Hassan and Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio has urged regional leaders to forge common understanding and develop strategies to address the challenges posed by Autonomous Weapons Systems. What are autonomous weapons and what sort of threat do they pose to West African countries?

Also how the remains of thousands of enslaved Africans on St Helena is reconnecting this island to the rest of the world.

And the Nigerian artist causing outrage with his depictions of black people. What's behind his depiction and why is he doing it?

Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Victor Sylver and Patricia Whitehorne Technical Producer: Jonny Hall Senior Producer: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

There have been heavy clashes between Amhara and Tigray in Ethiopia over disputed territory, according to reports. What's going on and how will it impact the country?

Also why did the popular Nigerian preacher, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, spread anti-vaccine messages to his followers?

And as the countdown to the Paris Olympics continues, can an African country host the games?

Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Bella Hassan and Paul Bakibinga Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

The United Nations received financial pledges of just over six hundred million dollars to help with Ethiopia's humanitarian crisis. It fell short of the one billion dollars the UN was seeking. Around 15 million people are in need of humanitarian aid in the country. Is the amount pledged enough and how will the funds be distributed?

Also why is gambling on the rise on the continent, attracting young people?

And why is South Africa installing the continent's biggest battery and how will it work?

Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya and Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Senior Producer: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

The USAid Mission Director to Liberia Jim Wright has alleged that around 90% of pharmacies in the country are selling stolen medicine, donated by aid organisations. What's going on?

Cattle rustling and banditry in northern Kenya is on the increase. What can be done to prevent this from happening?

And a group of women accused of booing the Zimbabwean First Lady, Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, have been freed. We hear from the lawyer who represented them in court.

Presenter:Richard Kagoe Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Daniel Dadzie, Bella Hassan, Nyasha Michelle and Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Chad's interim President Mahamat Idriss Déby has begun campaigning ahead of the country's next presidential election, which is just three weeks away. He faces nine other candidates, including the junta-appointed Prime Minister Succès Masra. President Deby has pledged to strengthen security and guarantee Chad's peace and stability. Will he keep his promises?

Also a look at Russia's growing influence in the Sahel as Russian troops arrive in Niger.

And how African youth are thinking about future investments.

France is hosting an international conference on Sudan, one year after war broke out. It says, it's seeking much needed aid and attention. Observers say the Sudan crisis has been pushed out of the global conversation due to other ongoing conflicts. Will the conference make a difference?

Why has Mali banned political activity and curtailed media freedoms?

And cartoonist and satirist Jim Spire Ssentongo on the dangers and challenges of holding authority to account.

Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Patricia Whitehorne, Yvette Twagiramariya, Bella Hassan and Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

How the Chibok girls are getting on with their lives ten years on from when they were kidnapped

Concern over cyber-crime in Zambia following the busting of a syndicate scamming innocent people

And why African men are twice as likely to get prostate cancer than white men.

South Africa's electoral commission (IEC) has published final candidate lists for general elections. Former president Jacob Zuma is free to contest in May's poll. Should the governing ANC be worried?

We learn about the illicit organ trade in Western Kenya, with some young people selling their kidneys.

And why Ivory Coast has announced a ban on begging in the commercial capital Abidjan.

Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Charles Gitonga, Yvette Twagiramariya, Victor Sylver and Paul Bakibinga Editor: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Warring parties in Sudan accused of killing civilians both deliberately and indiscriminately

Calls for Tanzanian troops to be withdrawn from the Democratic Republic of Congo after three Tanzanian soldiers were killed there

And what Eid Al Fitr celebrations hold for Afro-Palestinians in the Middle East?

Mozambican officials say that disinformation on cholera recently led to a ferry disaster in which more than 90 people died. Why is it still proving to be a challenge to control outbreaks of cholera in southern Africa? What can be done?

How lack of basic hygiene in health facilities could be costing Sub-Saharan Africa billions of dollars.

Popular Nigerian celebrity Bobrisky pleads guilty to abuse of the naira. What's really at play?

Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Charles Gitonga, Bella Hassan, Yvette Twagiramariya and Paul Bakibinga Editor: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Five protestors and three peacekeepers have been killed after hundreds protest in the east of the DRC over the presence of MONUSCO forces who they say are ineffective.

Also, Uganda's president, Yoweri Museveni, explains why he's willing to roll out the red carpet for Russia's Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, during his Africa tour.

More on those and other stories in this podcast.

In  the shadow of the war in Ukraine, Russia's foreign minister is on a  charm offensive in Africa.

Also in today's podcast:  We'll hear from marginalised women contenders vying for office in Kenya's upcoming elections.

And an Africa Eye investigation into the causes of the lethal gangland terror in Nigeria's Zamfara State.

Bread makers in Nigeria turn off their ovens for four days in protest, as one of the country’s bakers unions is demanding the federal government subsidize the cost of baking products.

Also, we're on the presidential campaign trail here in Kenya.

Ghanaian health authorities confirm there's been an outbreak of Marburg virus with two deaths. The Director General of Ghana's health service tells us how they are trying to contain the disease and spread awareness in the country.

Also, in Zimbabwe officials are investigating how indigenous grains can help stave off food insecurity.

Plus, Chadian rebel groups are outraged by the latest announcement by transitional President Mahamat Idris Deby.

And we hear from the rising Kenyan RnB and neo soul star, Karun.

A new draft constitution for Tunisia, drawn up by a committee especially picked by President Kais Saied.

Also, we'll return to Sudan where 3 more people have been killed in latest protests.

And the Residents Presidents discuss the Commonwealth.

Much more on those and other stories in this podcast.

Tensions continue to rise between Ethiopia and Sudan, as the latter recalls its ambassador.

Also, the United Nations becomes the latest body to call for an independent inquiry over Morocco migrant deaths  at  the Spanish enclave of Melilla.

Plus, Sierra Leone reacts to the US Supreme court banning abortion.

And much more in this. podcast.

South African police investigate the mysterious deaths of twenty two young people in a bar in the city of East London.

Also, Nigeria's Zamfara state tells residents to take up arms against kidnap gangs and violent attacks, but how will it work?

And after the U.S Supreme Court's decision to overturn its own landmark ruling in 'Roe v Wade', should Africa care?

Plus much more in this podcast.

Commonwealth heads of state and government begin two days of talks in Rwanda. Big issues on the table including trade, climate change, and even food on your table.  Bola Mosuro will be telling us more from Kigali.

Also, we will also be hearing from South Africa, where the so-called dirty fuel, King Coal is enjoying a rare bonanza.

That and other stories in this podcast.

A much anticipated report on corruption is out in South Africa.  The Zondo Report  criticises the African National Congress for creating an environment that enabled corruption and wide scale looting under former President Jacob Zuma.

Also, an urgent appeal to the international comunity over the famine in Somalia.

Those stories and more on Africa Today.

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)

Angola's government has suspended the salaries of more than 5,000 doctors, describing their strike action as illegal.

Malawians no longer have to pay tax on sanitary pads – as a 16.5% levy has been axed.

The World Food Program says its food trucks have entered rebel held areas in Ethiopia’s war-torn region of Tigray for the first time since December last year.

In a move which has been described as "historic", the Democratic Republic of Congo has officially been admitted to the East African Community (EAC) trade bloc. Seven passengers have died after gunmen attacked a busy train between Nigeria's capital, Abuja, and Kaduna city, hospital sources have told the BBC.

Malawi kicked off a polio vaccination campaign targeting up to three million children under the age of five.

To mark the International Day of Forests, we find out about the health of the second largest tropical rainforest in the world: the Congo basin in Central Africa.

Did Ethiopian government forces kill MSF charity workers in the Tigray region last year?

Also, the American Ambassador to the United Nations on why African countries cannot remain neutral in the war in Ukraine.

Plus, Tanzania's President, one year into office - how is she performing?

And of course, our Resident Presidents on the use of Swahili at the AU.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has said that South Africa has been approached to play a mediation role in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Nigerian customs officials say they have intercepted 1,390 sacks of donkey meat in the north-western state of Kebbi near the border with Niger.

At least 750 civilians were killed in the northern Afar and Amhara regions in the second half of last year, Ethiopia's human rights body says.

Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta has ordered the authorities to re-register all motorbike taxi operators - locally known as boda-bodas - following public outrage over an attack on a woman in her car in the capital, Nairobi.

Plus, Nigerian women push members of parliament to reconsider gender laws.

In Ukraine, we hear from a Cameroonian student who is one of many still stranded in the besieged city of Kherson is in the south west.

And we meet the Kenyan teenager who is rising tennis star.

Presented by Aisha Afrah. Producer: Patricia Whitehorne.

Eritrea was one of only five countries in the world to vote against a UN resolution deploring Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and supporting sanctions.

Kenya's deputy president says it's up to the people of Kenya to make up their own minds on the fallout between him and President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Plus singer, songwriter, and record producer Davido talks about what it takes to stay at the top of his profession for more than a decade.

As the fighting continues in Ukraine, thousands continue to pour out of the country. We hear about the situation at the Polish border. A court in the Democratic Republic of Congo has temporarily removed control of a huge copper and cobalt mine from its Chinese owners. Plus, we hear from an avid listener who tunes into the BBC everyday despite not speaking English.

The trial of Paul Gicheru, a Kenyan lawyer accused of bribing prosecution witnesses of the International Criminal Court has started in The Hague. The arrest of Nigerian "super cop" Abba Kyari on drug-trafficking charges has laid bare the "public bickering" between two of Nigeria's law enforcement bodies, an analyst told the BBC. Commander Abba Kyari is accused of trying to recruit fellow officers into a drug plot. Plus we talk to Syriacus Buguzi, a Tanzanian medical doctor turned journalist, he tells us why he started the first science and technology newspaper in Swahili language.

A Sudanese politician who had been a member of the dissolved joint civilian-military government has been arrested.Some Chagossians evicted from the islands 50 years ago returned in a trip organised by the Mauritian government. The Mauritian flag has been raised for the very first time on the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean. Plus hear from Nigerian singer and songwriter Adekunle Gold, he explains how the pandemic encourage him to embrace the idea of change and develop a new musical style.

A teachers' union in Zimbabwe has gone to court to challenge the government's decision to suspend thousands of staff who have not been going to work, citing low pay.The UN is warning that South Sudan could spiral back into civil war because of delays in implementing the 2018 peace deal that brought nearly six years of conflict to an end.This week our resident presidents are talking about democracy.

Uganda’s Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi has told the BBC the government is investigating allegations that novelist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija was tortured while he spent a month in custody. Parliament in Libya has unanimously approved a new interim prime minister in a move that threatens to spark a new power struggle in the country as there already is someone else who holds that position. Plus we hear about a documentary exploring the Ghanaian city of Bukom renowned for having produced the most world boxing champions from Africa.

Scientists in South Africa have made a copy of the Moderna Covid vaccine, a move which they say could help boost vaccination rates across Africa. West African regional bloc Ecowas will deploy troops to Guinea-Bissau to help stabilise the country after this week's attempted coup. The first AU summit since the pandemic began in 2020 kicks off in Addis Ababa this weekend. What's on the agenda?

The president of Ghana has warned that West Africa is in great danger as a result of recent coups in the region. A 20-year study on the use of treated mosquito bed nets in Tanzania has found that children who sleep under them at an early age are more likely to survive into adulthood.There are concerns over the possible environmental impact of an explosion on an oil production vessel off the coast of Nigeria.

The West African regional body Ecowas has suspended Burkina Faso's membership following this week's military coup. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) is warning of extreme hunger in northern Ethiopia. Aid agencies face severe challenges delivering supplies to Ethiopia’s Tigray region, where government forces have been fighting rebels for more than a year. Rwanda will re-open its border with Uganda from next week, the government has announced.

Rescue teams in Ghana are searching for survivors following a huge explosion that killed at least 13 people.

Scientists say the plant enset, an Ethiopian staple, could be a new superfood and a lifesaver in the face of climate change.

Plus, our Resident Presidents offer their satirical take on the winter games due to start in China in two weeks.

Many people are feared dead after a huge explosion near a mining town in western Ghana. Police say a vehicle carrying mining explosives collided with a motorcycle near the town of Bogoso. Liberia's President George Weah has declared three days of mourning following the death of 29 people in a stampede during a church service held on a football field in the capital, Monrovia.

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa opens a brand new Covid vaccine plant in Cape Town, which could be a game-changer in the fight against the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Cameroon's plan to get people vaccinated using their love of football isn't going too well.

Also: an MP from Somaliland argues against  independence from Somalia.

And the Ghanaian artist, activist and humanitarian, Rocky Dawuni and his latest album Voice Of Bunbon.

The leader of the Tigray People's Liberation Front has called for an immediate ceasefire in the year-long war with Ethiopian government forces.

Also, Sudanese protestors are teargassed as they continue protests against the army and try to mark three years since Omar El Bashir was ousted.

Plus, new measures are enforced around the continent as governments try to protect civilians as Omicron cases rise.

The opposition leader in Benin, Reckya Madougou, has appeared at the country's Economic Crime and Terrorism Court on charges of financing terrorism.The Ghanaian government has said that from midnight on Sunday all visitors to the country need to be fully vaccinated against coronavirus before being allowed to enter.

At least 38 people have died and scores more have been injured in a fire which tore through a prison in Burundi. At least 600 women and girls have been kidnapped and enslaved in the last three years by militants in Mozambique northern province of Cabo Delgado, a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) says. US Senator Chris Coons says he advised Ethiopia's PM Abiy Ahmed against waging war on TPLF in Tigray for fear that a 'fracturing conflict' might lead to genocide in Ethiopia.

Nigeria's High Commissioner to the UK has branded as "travel apartheid" the UK's decision to put the West African state on its red list, meaning travellers have to pay to isolate in a quarantine hotel. More than 180,000 people have signed petitions demanding justice after the death of a 12-year-old boarding school pupil in Nigeria.

The new coronavirus variant Omicron has now become dominant in South Africa and is driving a sharp increase in new infections, health officials say.

The United Nations says Botswana has taken a significant step towards eliminating mother to child transmission of HIV.

The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says it has detected the Omicron variant in travellers from South Africa who arrived in Nigeria last week.With three days to go to the presidential election in Gambia, We'll hear why people in ex president Jammeh's ancestral home support him.

Thousands of people are taking part in a protest in Sudan's capital Khartoum, against the country's military leaders.The Ugandan army has launched joint air and artillery strikes against the rebel group the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Those who bear the greatest responsibility for the crimes committed during the presidency of Yahya Jammeh in The Gambia should be prosecuted, according to head of a commission that has been looking into the events that took place during his 22-year rule. Campaigns against gender-based violence have made some gains, but the pandemic has put progress at risk, says Zebib Kavuma, UN Women Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa. Liberia singer Miatta Fahnbulleh on receiving a Life Time Achievement Award in recognition of her longevity in the music business.

The COP26 climate summit in Glasgow is entering its final day, amid growing fears that the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5C is unlikely to be met.

The US, UK and Norway, along with the European Union have criticised the move by Sudan's Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to name a new ruling council with himself as the leader and excluding civilian members of the previous council.

The United States' top-ranking military official in Africa has said that events in Ethiopia could affect the security and safety of the rest of the region.

FW de Klerk, the former president of South Africa and the last white person to lead the country, has died at the age of 85. We speak to Joseph Boakai, Liberia's former vice president. Does he have what it takes to win power from George Weah? A Sudanese a court has ordered the three main telecommunications providers to restore internet access in the country.

Guinea's military junta leader, Colonel Doumbouya holds meetings with religious and political groups ahead of announcing a transitional government.

Plus an accountability group warns that the internet and phone blackout In Nigeria’s Zamfara state aimed at thwarting the activities of bandits, is also harming families and businesses.

And DJ Edu catches up with popular Angolan singer Anna Joyce who has just released a new album in several years.

Col Mamady Doumbouya, who led the coup which ousted Guinea's President Alpha Condé, has begun to consolidate the takeover with the installation of army officers at the top of the country's eight regions and various administrative districts.

Plus two Ugandan MPs are charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with the mysterious killings in Masaka in the Central Region.

And DJ Rita Ray gives us her latest top picks of the hottest sounds across Africa, and this month it is all about the beats.

Zambia's new president has told the BBC that he has inherited an "empty" treasury, while "horrifying" amounts of money had been stolen.

Nurses in The Gambia have started a three-day nationwide strike over non-payment of allowances approved in May.

Gunmen in Nigeria have freed a number of pupils who were kidnapped from an Islamic school in May, according to their head teacher. Why are women's and girl's reproductive rights under siege despite Kenya's new Constitution? We hear from an initiative in Somalia that could bring peace in the country through poetry.

Appeal Court judges in Kenya have upheld an earlier decision by a lower court blocking a government-backed plan to make fundamental changes to the country's constitution, calling the project "unconstitutional and unlawful."

Authorities in Uganda have suspended the work of at least 50 local NGOs for various reasons including failure to register.

Kenya has launched its first-ever national wildlife census, which will count the number creatures on both land and sea.

Uganda will take in 2,000 Afghan refugees fleeing the crisis in their country.Refugees Minister Esther Anyakun told the BBC that President Yoweri Museveni agreed to take in the refugees at the request of the Americans.

Kenya's Public Prosecutor orders the arrest of six Police officers linked to the death of two brothers.

A Zimbabwean-led initiative aiming to put more girls in school has attracted financing from philanthropic organisations.

Burkina Faso’s former president Blaise Compaore faces a military trial, accused of involvement in the killing of his predecessor Thomas Sankara.

Plus, more than 40 people have died after their boat got into trouble between Yemen and Djibouti.

And we meet the children’s author from Sierra Leone who wants to decolonise the alphabet.

Millions of Somalis face severe food shortages and hunger by the end of the year due to low rainfall and destructive locusts. Eritrean authorities release dozens of prisoners jailed for practising their Christian faith. And Uganda and Tanzania sign a long awaited oil pipeline deal.

Tanzania’s new President Samia Suluhu Hassan has outlined a shift in government policy in the areas of media freedom, Covid-19 response and foreign policy.

Sudan has declared a state of emergency in west Darfur following deadly tribal clashes.

And why Zimbabwe's once famed education system has become a pale shadow of its former self.

The Covid-19 crisis has been the big story of 2020 but how has Africa handled the pandemic, and amid the serious set backs have there also been some digital and technical gains?

What opportunities will the African Continental Free Trade Area bring after it comes into effect in January 2021?

How can Africa take charge of its own climate change policies?

And is the continent ready for the fourth Industrial Revolution?

These are some of the questions that the guest panel of Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Rebecca Enonchong, Professor Ken Opalo and Professor Landry Signé address with presenter Dickens Olewe as they look back at the issues and trends in Africa over the past year, and discuss what 2021 might bring.

Producer: Patricia Whitehorne

From a prestigious award for standing up for science, to breaking barriers to become the highest ranking woman in the Nigerian police force, and the ultra-viral internet dance challenge, Jerusalema – in this special Christmas edition of the podcast we look back at the inspiring stories that made us all think, smile and laugh in an otherwise difficult year.

At least 15 top Kenyan government officials and businesspeople face prosecution in connection for alleged theft of tens of millions of dollars meant for Covid-19 supplies.

Zambia’s credit rating has been downgraded over mounting debt crisis.

We also meet the man responsible for carrying on the tradition of the talking drum.

The United States has imposed sanctions on the country's former First Lady Zineb Jammeh accusing her of corruption during her husband Yahya Jammeh's rule. The US treasury suspects her of helping the former president transfer money illegally, and controlling his assets abroad.

Talks have continued between Mali's military junta and opposition parties to try break a deadlock over a proposed transitional agreement.

Zimbabwe's plan to return farms to foreign white farmers who lost their land some 20 years ago under the rule of Robert Mugabe.

Cameroon army launch operation dubbed "Bamenda Clean." It aims to restore order to the capital of the Northwest Region which the army claims has been the target of attacks by what it calls "terrorists and criminals".

Zimbabwe bans mining operations in the country's national parks following an outcry over proposed mining activities in Hwange National Park by two Chinese companies.

South Africa introduce laws to try and deal with high levels of gender based violence in the country.

Uganda’s Deputy Labour Minister, Mwesigwa Rukutana was today charged of attempted murder following a shooting incident during NRM party primary elections at the weekend.

Protesters in South Africa force the closure of Clicks chain stores because of an advert deemed to be racist. Zimbabwe journalist Hopewell Chin’ono narrates his arrest and prison ordeal.

African presidents are among world leaders calling for a free Covid-19 vaccine that should be made available worldwide. The European Union pledges 480 million Euros to help revive Sudan's struggling economy. Our Resident Presidents tell us why health experts aren’t their cup of tea.

Burundi has ordered four key staff members of the World Health Organisation to leave the country. Clashes in Sudan’s South Kordofan region leave at least 26 dead. Our listeners share their experiences of life under lockdown.

Lesotho today became the last country on the African continent to record a coronavirus case. Cameroon's Julie Owono talks about her appointment to the board overseeing Facebook content. Malawian artist Hazel Mak on her new ‘Unorthodox’ album.

Zambia has acted quickly to close the border with Tanzania after a surge in Covid-19 cases near the national boundary. Sierra Leone grapples with a spate of violence in areas supportive of the main opposition party. And we hear from France-based singer YSEE on Tony Allen’s final recording before his passing.

Malawi’s Supreme Court has upheld the invalidation of last year's presidential election results and ruled that Peter Mutharika was not duly elected.

Political tensions are rising in Ethiopia over the postponement of elections which were scheduled for August this year.

And the miraculous tale of a migratory Mongolian Cuckoo called Onon which flew from Kenya to Asia in just seven days - a journey that normally takes seven days.

Madagascar is conducting mass coronavirus tests in its worst hit area and more on its Covid-Organics.

Why are schools being vandalised during coronavirus lockdown in South Africa?

And the we hear from,ML Kejera, the first Gambian to be shortlisted for the prestigious Commonwealth Short Story Prize.

Some African countries among them Nigeria, South Africa and Rwanda have started relaxing coronavirus measures but some of their citizens see it as an ill-advised move.

Tanzania President John Magufuli criticised for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Somalia remains one of the most dangerous places to be a journalist in the world.

The South Africa government has outlined a stimulus package to aid the country's recovery from the effects of coronavirus

The South African-Ghanaian entrepreneur helping light up Sierra Leone

East Africa face the combined threat of coronavirus and a second wave of locust swarms thought be 20 times bigger that the one which began last year

Police in Morocco have arrested more than fifty thousand people for violating coronavirus emergency measures

African nurses and doctors on how they are dealing with coronavirus on the frontline of the fight in Europe and the US.

And Angelique Kidjo repurpose an old song to help spread the message on coronavirus

The Cameroonian government has admitted the involvement of its military in the death of civilians last February

How the coronavirus pandemic has given the planet a lifeline

Kenya government hunts a group of people who escaped from a quarantine facility

A dip in oil demand around the world is having big effect on Africa's countries big producers Nigeria and Angola.

We hear from a hand washing expert who is on a mission to save lives and she also has tips on how to keep clean even when there's no water.

And a group of Kenyans question why they are being forced to stay in quarantine despite testing positive for coronavirus.

A special podcast where we put your questions about the coronavirus pandemic to the World Health Organisation

A world wide push to raise the alarm over climate change. And African children are actively involved in the demonstrations

We explore the trials and tribulations of domestic workers in Africa; Dozens die in Libya drone attack; And the human breast milk bank newly opened in Nairobi.

A day of mourning in Ethiopia following the Ethiopian Airlines crash.

The World Bank estimates that Africa's working age population could grow by as much as 450 million by 2035. So how can African countries create the millions of jobs needed to accommodate these people? This special episode of the Africa Today podcast hears from experts and innovators from across the continent.

Thousands of frustrated Nigerians try to beat the voter registration deadline, but the electoral commission refuses any extension; first, Theresa May and now, the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel visits Nigeria... what's on her agenda? Equality under the law for women married under Muslim rites in South Africa.

Two of Europe's most powerful leaders continue setting out their stalls in separate African visits - Kenya and Ghana state their wants; Nigeria's defence minister on his country's security crisis; Soweto in South Africa after the latest anti-immigrant attacks; and the fishermen staying safe at sea with the help of condoms.

Europe's two leaders on multi-country Africa tours as evermore big world players woo the continent... we ask about the opportunities and risks for Africa; Germany hands back skulls of Namibians massacred more than a century ago; and an uproar over a TV condom advert in Kenya - what's so offensive about socks?

From Uganda, soldiers assaulting a journalist are caught on camera: A police spokesman says the behaviour of the security forces will be investigated; Na waa oh! We celebrate a year of BBC Pidgin; also, why is Arsene Wenger getting the Humane Order of African Redemption from Liberia?

Zimbabwe - presidential election results expected tonight; in Ghana, five banks are merged into one; and two strong Congolese opposition presidential hopefuls warming up for the presidential election in December.

Is New Delhi playing catch-up with Beijing? Zimbabwean women standing in landmark elections; will Eritrea's political landscape change now that the war with Ethiopia is truly over?