Africa Today

Tanzania’s former President John Magufuli, who died of heart complications, has been buried in his hometown of Chato. Plus, concern over the fate of Eritrean refugees who have fled looted camps in Ethiopia’s Tigray region. Also, the giant cargo-ship that is blocking Egypt’s Suez Canal is causing a "traffic jam" in the Red Sea. And the Resident Presidents discuss the news.

Refugees in Kenya’s Dadaab and Kakuma camps, who have already fled persecution because of their sexuality, face attacks and hostility within the settlements. One resident tells his story. Plus, the Ghanaian schoolgirls who are defying stereotypes and making their mark by building robots. And Comoros qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations football finals, in a fairytale achievement.

The 18 freed men were arrested in the run-up to the elections in January, and it is believed they were being held by Uganda’s security services. Plus, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission reports possible war crimes were committed in the Tigrayan city of Aksum by Eritrean soldiers. And we have a report on the tailor-made transport service for women who are fed up of having to live with the threat of rape in Cape Town.

Thirty years ago in Sierra Leone, former army corporal Foday Sankoh and his Revolutionary United Front began a campaign to overthrow President Joseph Saidu Momoh, resulting a civil war that lasted 10 years. Plus Zanzibar pays its last respects to the late Tanzanian President John Magufuli. And we take a visit to a Johannesburg 'rage room' where, if you are feeling stressed, you can let off steam.

African heads of state join mourners to pay their last respects to former Tanzanian President John Magufuli at a state funeral in the capital, Dodoma. Plus, a tribute to Egyptian feminist and trailblazer, Nawal el Saadawi, who has died, aged 89. And on World Water Day, are African nations closer to achieving access to clean, safe water for everyone?

Samia Suluhu Hassan becomes Tanzania’s new president, making history as the first female leader of the East African nation. Young Tanzanians give their views on ‘Mama Samia’. Plus we have a report on the humanitarian situation in Ethiopia's troubled Tigray region, as our correspondent gains rare access there. And the Resident Presidents catch up with the week’s big story.

Tanzania is in mourning after the death of President John Magufuli, who has died of heart failure, aged 61. In this special edition we reflect on his terms in office and his legacy.

Kenya’s High Court has upheld a ban on female genital mutilation in a landmark ruling, dismissing a petition that argued the ban was unconstitutional. Plus Tanzania's President John Magufuli has not been seen in public now for more than two weeks. And Zulus ‘bid farewell’ to their King as he is taken to his final resting place.

Aid agency Save the Children says Islamist militants are beheading children as young as 11 in Mozambique's northern province of Cabo Delgado. The World Health Organization says there is no clear evidence of a link between the AstraZeneca vaccine for Covid-19 and blood clots, and advises countries to continue using it. And old and neglected sewage pipes are causing an unbearable stench in parts of Liberia’s capital city, Monrovia.

The medical aid-agency Medecins Sans Frontieres has condemned "deliberate and generalized" attacks on health clinics in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. Last November, the Ethiopian Government launched an attack blaming the ruling party in the region, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), for attacks on federal army camps. Our Africa Editor Will Ross tells us the details of the damages reported by MSF More kidnappings in Kaduna State, Nigeria- but this time abductors reach a new low, targetting primary school children. The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) says people living in Sub-Saharan Africa eat fewer fruit and vegetables than the global average (already low). We speak to Senior Food Nutritionist at FAO, Mphumuzi Sukati, who highlights how much you should be eating and what happens if you don't get enough of it.

As President Nyusi sacks Mozambique’s army and air force chiefs, we bring you a special report from the epicentre of the insurgency in Cabo Delgado province. South Africans mourn the death of King Zwelithini. Our Resident Presidents look to the global recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ivoirian Prime Minister Hamed Bakayoko, was being treated for cancer. He is the second prime minister of Ivory Coast to die in less than a year. Plus, why are opposition parties in Chad boycotting April's presidential election? And Malawian musician Namadingo on global recognition, gospel music and love.

One person was killed, as police fired rubber bullets to disperse students who had been blocking roads and demonstrating outside Johannesburg’s University of Witwatersrand. Plus Nigerian unions stage nationwide protests over changes to minimum wage negotiations. And families in Uganda fear for their relatives who are still missing, two months after the bitterly contested general election.

Twenty children are feared to have drowned after an outing to Apam Beach in southern Ghana. Twelve bodies have so far been retrieved. Plus one of the Chibok girls held captive by Boko Haram in 2014, who managed to escape, talks to our Nigeria correspondent about the experience. And we have a report on how technology and a new tracking system are protecting Kenya’s endangered rhinos from poachers.

In this special edition to mark International Women’s day, we hear from Mali’s former foreign affairs minister who was one of the world’s youngest to serve in government. Plus the female head coach leading a male national side to success. And two Moroccan rappers on music, challenges, and peer-to-peer support. Producer: Patricia Whitehorne

Supporters of Senegalese opposition leader Ousmane Sonko continue their protests against his arrest and detention on rape charges. Plus the UN Security Council fails to agree on a statement about the Tigray crisis. And the Resident Presidents have a lot to say about this week’s global events making headline news.

Authorities impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Nigeria’s Zamfara state, after a reunion ceremony for the kidnapped girls and their parents turned violent. Plus the eco-friendly solution to dealing plastic waste in Sierra Leone. And we’ll hear from a new dad in South Africa, who is creating at buzz on Twitter with his updates on his hands-on approach with his baby daughter.

Sixty nuns and 25 priests have died in Tanzania in the last two months after showing symptoms of coronavirus, the Catholic Church in the East African nation says. Plus, as more Covid-19 vaccines are becoming available - why isn’t there one so far from an African country? And music guru Rita Ray takes us on a tour of the new talent and sounds around the continent.

Nearly 300 girls who were kidnapped from a boarding school in Nigeria’s north-western Zamfara state a few days ago, have been released. There is increasing concern about the safety of journalists detained by Ethiopia's military in the conflict-hit region of Tigray. And we meet a brave, young Kenyan diagnosed with a rare debilitating disorder that has dramatically changed his life.

Ivory Coast launches the first widespread Covid vaccine drive under the internationally sponsored Covax scheme, while Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo leads by example by getting his Covax jab in public. Plus a Zambian banking executive describes how she defied the odds to reach the top of her profession.

More than 300 Nigerian schoolgirls have been abducted in a night-time attack in Zamfara state, in the latest mass abduction targeting schools. Morocco's largest parliamentary party drops its opposition to legalising cannabis after the UN removed the plant from its ‘most tightly controlled narcotic drugs’ list. And the Resident Presidents look forward to going to a galaxy far, far away.

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?

Cameroon's defence minister and army chief escape an attack by Anglophone insurgents; after five years of civil war, the UN imposes an arms embargo on South Sudan, the same day women march for peace in Juba; and Sierra Leone: 100 days of President Bio - the pluses and minuses.

Kenyans wondering why twenty lawmakers went to Russia during the World Cup on the taxpayers' dime; a new study shows just how long a shadow Ebola cast on those who survived it; the multicultural roots of the ZCC; The Gambia's healthcare crisis.

After nine hours of talks, European Union leaders agree a deal of sorts on migration; Ghana's electoral commission boss, Charlotte Osei, sacked, the information minister tells us why; Gambia's Adama Barrow's major reshuffle; and the Resident Presidents on the merits or not of a lie detector.

Why has Ghana slapped a ban on all imports of tilapia? The Ebola outbreak in the DRC could be over but the WHO remains cautious; families continuing to try and find missing relatives after a deadly fire in Nairobi; and LGBTQ Pride celebrations in Swaziland.

South Sudan's warring leaders hold talks in Addis Ababa; Eritrea and Ethiopia's peace overtures; law reforms in Tunisia; and the government of The Gambia responds to the killings of demonstrators in Faraba.

The World Health Organisation says snake-bites are a global health priority; why is a Dutch company claiming ownership of Teff - an Ethiopian staple? Remembering the Malian music maestro, Kassé Mady Diabaté, who died last night.

A burst dam in Kenya kills 47 people; a shortage of HIV medication in Liberia; Ethiopia orders closure of a mine after protests; the prospects for the Gambia's capital as the city votes for a new mayor.

Thousands left homeless after fire in Lang'ata suburb in Nairobi. Also in the programme: The UK High Court to sit in Sierra Leone to hear allegations of human rights abuses by a mining company; and antibiotic-resistant germs, could onions be the answer?

Israel gives African migrants three months to leave the country voluntarily or face forcible repatriation or indefinite jail terms. The daily life of a female Zambian UN peacekeeper in the Central African Republic. The Grand Mufti of Egypt proscribes the crypto currency, bitcoin. And exciting new music coming out of Africa in 2018 with DJ Rita Ray.

In the last of our special podcast series about Kenya's elections this year, Dickens Olewe covers the twists and turns of the process in a rare interview with former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga. He explained his view that a new political party is needed to take the place of the current political elite, and why he would like to chair a commission of inquiry into alleged police brutality.

Britain's top diplomat to Nigeria on the three-year long search for the Chibok girls; More than ninety migrants feared drowned after their boat sank off the coast of Libya; Eighty thousand teenagers in danger of missing out on school in Burundi.

The new South Sudanese Vice President addresses key issues in the country and what political alliances will emerge in South Africa after recent municipal elections?

Ahead of tomorrow's elections Zambian civil society groups call for a free and fair vote. Burkina Faso bans donkey meat and skin exports following huge demand from China.

Running battles in Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, between police and anti-government demonstrators. Local elections in South Africa - a major test for the ruling ANC. Malian music sensation, Modja... plus more.

HIV infections are still the leading killer of African children. And old attitudes to the virus still prevail; the AU postpones elections for a new chairman, so what happens next? And Africa's first Spelling Bee competition.

Health experts warn of serious levels of under-nutrition linked to obesity. In South Africa, Reeva Steenkamp's father says her killer, Oscar Pistorius, must pay for his crime

UN warns billions could starve as extreme weather changes poison food crops. 1000s of Zimbabweans march in support of Robert Mugabe to thwart party infighting.