Africa Today
News and analysis from the BBC's Focus on Africa. The Africa Today podcast is published from Monday to Friday. It contains the day's top African stories.
Tous les épisodes
Biden reverses Trump's travel ban
Joe Biden flips and reverses some of the executive orders previously signed by former President Trump - including a travel ban on countries with a Muslim majority. Our correspondent Emmanuel Igunza travels to Eastleigh, in Kenya, to find out whether Somali refugees living there are now hopeful that under Biden they will be able to travel to the United States, some to rejoin their families.Who's behind a network of health workers involved in baby-harvesting in Ghana? We hear from the Ghana Medical and Dental Council which has been investigating this storyDr Tabitha Mwangi of Cambridge University highlights the particular issues faced by sex workers in West Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic.Our correspondent Umaru Fofana takes us to an art festival in Sierra Leone's capital Freetown, aimed at revamping the fine arts scene in the country
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Joe Biden becomes the 46th president of the United States
Joe Biden becomes the 46th president of the United States together with his Vice-President Kamala Harris who made history by becoming the first female vice- president of Black American and South Asian descent.What will US relations across the continent look like with a Biden administration?And, we hear about a love story written to illustrate the adage that the path of true love never did run smooth.
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Ethiopia: Alarm over Tigray hunger
As the TPLF is deregistered as a political party in Ethiopia, aid agencies are sounding the alarm that food is hard to come by in the Tigray region and the humanitarian situation is dire.Why has Kigali gone back into a strict Covid-19 lockdown?In Cameroon the game of amputee football is gaining popularity.
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How billions are lost in internet shutdowns in Africa
As internet services are slowly being re-instated in Uganda after a bitterly contested election, we take a look at the economic costs of internet shutdowns on the continent, with the help of the President of the Internet Society, Andrew SullivanYouth riots and arrests have taken place in at least fifteen cities around the country. Ten years after a revolution praised for having taken the country on the path to a functional democracy - is Tunisia's political system still holding together?And in our Coronavirus coverage, we take a look at the difficult decisions that African governments have to make when it comes to the re-opening of schools. This time from the perspective of a Malawian teacher
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Uganda: Robert Kyagulanyi alleges fraud in vote counting
Uganda's opposition presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi also known as Bobi Wine, is alleging fraud in the electoral process.Vote counting is currently underway and incumbent President Yoweri Museveni is leading after a 40 percent count of the votes.Thousands flee fighting in the Central African Republic as post-election violence continues.And, the resident presidents are discussing debt.
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Uganda: Vote count under way in presidential election
Earlier ballot boxes had arrived late at polling stations and biometric voter verification machines failed. The chairman of Uganda's electoral commission said these were just isolated incidents.Robert Kyagulanyi, known by his stage name Bobi Wine is amongst those challenging President Yoweri Museveni who is seeking a sixth term.Plus, Malawi’s president Lazarus Chakwera appeals for help as his country battles a worsening coronavirus situation.And, we hear about a Trade and Investment Fair in the South Sudanese capital, Juba.
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Uganda: The latest ahead of Thursday's elections after a tense campaign
On the eve of Uganda’s presidential election, we get the latest from the capital Kampala, and examine why Facebook took the decision to remove pro-government posts accused of disseminating misinformation.An update from Cameroon on the fate of thousands of refugees who have fled the Central African Republic since December’s elections.And new research from BBC Brasil shows that Brazilian police are five times more likely to kill black people as white people.
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UN condemns human rights abuses ahead of Uganda elections
As campaigns close in Uganda ahead of elections on Thursday, we hear a special report from our correspondent in Kampala about claims that human rights abuses have been carried out in the run up to the polls.Could a Covid-19 vaccine be developed on the continent?And we meet a UK-based business duo making skincare products from Nigerian ingredients.
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Facebook shuts accounts linked to Uganda's top officials
Pressure builds on Facebook as the social media platform takes down several accounts linked to President Yoweri Museveni’s campaign. Social media companies have increasingly come under scrutiny in recent years, alleged to be too slow at reacting to controversial tweets or posts, especially from politicians. So, these recent moves have initiated a new conversation around the power private companies like Facebook and Twitter hold over influencing democracy and free speech. We discuss this latest development with Chair of Information and Communication Technology in Uganda, Albert Mucunguzi.Seychelles becomes the first African state to begin vaccination - but they aren't using any of the three main brands developed in the west. So we are taking a look at the many jabs already developed around the world, and take a glance at upcoming ones.Ethiopia government has announced the killing and arrest of more civilian and military leaders linked to the TPLF party.We speak to the recipient of 2020 Beyond Sport Global Awards: A Kenyan lady who's set up an initiative that wants to get more people into swimming.
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Northern Cameroon insecurity flares up
Our correspondent Killian Ngala reports on the latest attack in the town of Mozogo, in north Cameroon, where according to the Mayor of the town, people were killed by a suicide bomber and others died from gunshots.In the DRC, President Tshisekedi has freed the men accused of the 2001 assassination of the then leader of the country Laurent-Desire Kabila. The pardons appear to be the latest sign from President Tshisekedi, of a break away from Joseph Kabila, with whom he was once with in a coalition government.A senior officer of the secret services in The Gambia has apologised to victims of torture during a hearing at the country's Truth Commission.And from South Africa, a story of personal endurance, as a mother says how dealing with her autistic child inspired her to open a care centre for autistic children
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US power handover... from the point of view of a Kenyan satirist
Kenyan journalist Patrick Gathara shares his views on a mob storming a symbol of American democracy-Capitol HillCovid 19 cases continue to climb alarmingly in South Africa - and Nigerian cases are spiking as well. We take the latest from our correspondents in the respective nations.Ghana President Akufo Addo was sworn in. His re-election has been welcomed in a relatively orderly way, but what are the top priorities for the country now?
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Claims and counterclaims over Mali airstrike
There are conflicting accounts of French airstrike in Mali, which France says was on jihadist militants but witnesses claim a wedding party was hit.Plus the director of the African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention warns that the coronavirus second wave is "truly more aggressive".And we visit a conservancy in Kenya’s famous Maasai Mara, where the local community and wildlife are learning to co-exist.
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Nigeria rolls out ambitious jobs plan
The government of Nigeria is launching a nationwide public works programme seeking to employ three quarters of a million people.The Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, has been re-elected after securing nearly 54% of the votes cast.And as the Ethiopian government pledges to repair a centuries-old mosque that was damaged during the conflict in the northern Tigray region, we’ll learn more about why the mosque is so important.
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Kenyan students back in the classrooms after nearly a year
New COVID-19 measures allow Kenyan students to be back in the classrooms after months spent e-learning from home. We hear about the challenges (but also the happy discoveries) of parents who have had to pair up the day job with helping their children with homeschooling.An emergency security meeting has taken place in Niger capital Niamey, following attacks on villages bordering Mali in which about one hundred people are thought to have lost their lives. A university student from Niamey tells us how the incident happened, and what this latest security meeting is expected to achieve.We also speak to Moroccan writer Abdellah Taïa about his new book “A country for dying”, shortlisted for the 2021 Pen America Literary Awards.And we bring you an interview with Sudanese director Amjad Abu Alala, who just pitched his new film to the Oscars Academy Awards, a first for the country.
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2020 Review: How has Africa handled the big challenges?
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
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When will South Africa begin Covid vaccinations?
South Africa's ministerial adviser on coronavirus vaccine development says negotiations are going on with various vaccine manufacturers but availability may not be until the second quarter.Plus, having recovered from the ravages of cyclone Idai in March last year, Mozambique now faces Tropical Storm Chalane.And we hear from the Sierra Leonean who says tennis saved his life, as well as two other inspirational young Africans ending the year with remarkable success.
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Covid: South African hospitals under pressure
After South Africa’s president announces more than one million Covid-19 cases, a frontline nurse tells us hospitals lack the capacity to cope.Plus four months after the ouster of Mali’s president by the military, how is the transition to civilian rule progressing?And Reporters Without Borders has released its latest report on the number of journalists and media workers killed worldwide in the course of their work, the editor in chief tells us how Africa fits into that picture.
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Chad approves its first-ever asylum law
We hear from a UNHCR representative in Chad who tells us about a game-changing law recently approved in the country, that aims at providing hundreds of thousands of refugees with legal protection.An update on the elections held in the Central African Republic over the weekend, where elections went ahead despite violence aimed at discouraging voters from casting their ballotsLiberia receives over 48 million dollars of relief money from the international monetary fund - but under what conditions? We look at the small print
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Africa Today: Highlights from 2020
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.
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Ghana’s main opposition still challenges election results
The chairman of Ghana’s NDC opposition party says ‘wrongs have been perpetuated against them” and the party will continue to fight the outcome of the just-concluded elections.Plus, is Twitter’s copyright policy being used to silence activists in Tanzania?And music for the Christmas festivities, from a Sierra Leonean star.
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Uganda arrests leading human rights lawyer
Police in Uganda have arrested a prominent human rights lawyer over alleged money laundering.The United Nations says the town of Bambari in the Central African Republic has been retaken from rebels who seized it on Tuesday. The country is due to hold elections on Sunday.And we meet the Moroccan curator bringing works from African and Middle Eastern artists together in an online exhibition.
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Kenyan officials accused of Covid-19 corruption
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.
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US sanction former Gambia first lady
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.
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Cameroon army launches operation in North-West Region
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.
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Ugandan Minister charged of attempted murder
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.
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Global leaders call for free coronavirus vaccine
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.
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Burundi orders WHO officials to leave the country
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.
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Lesotho records first coronavirus case
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.
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Zambia closes Tanzania border as COVID-19 cases surge
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.
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Malawi Supreme Court upholds Presidential poll nullification
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.
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Madagascar conducts mass Covid-19 tests.
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.
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African countries lift coronavirus restrictions
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.
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South Africa government outlines plan for COVID19 recovery
The South Africa government has outlined a stimulus package to aid the country's recovery from the effects of coronavirusThe South African-Ghanaian entrepreneur helping light up Sierra LeoneEast 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
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Thousands arrested in Morocco for Covid19 violations
Police in Morocco have arrested more than fifty thousand people for violating coronavirus emergency measuresAfrican 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
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Cameroon government admits military involvement in civilian deaths
The Cameroonian government has admitted the involvement of its military in the death of civilians last FebruaryHow the coronavirus pandemic has given the planet a lifelineKenya government hunts a group of people who escaped from a quarantine facility
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How a dip in global oil demand is affecting African countries
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.
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Coronavirus in Africa: Your questions answered
A special podcast where we put your questions about the coronavirus pandemic to the World Health Organisation
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Climate Change Strikes in Africa
A world wide push to raise the alarm over climate change. And African children are actively involved in the demonstrations
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Detained Nigeria Shia leader to be freed to travel abroad for medical treatment
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.
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Ethiopia Airways crash latest.
A day of mourning in Ethiopia following the Ethiopian Airlines crash.
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Jobs jobs jobs
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.
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Voter Registration Day in Nigeria
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.
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European Leaders Continue Charm Offensive in 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.
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Europe's Leaders on a Charm Offensive in Africa
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?
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Soldiers in Uganda Caught on Tape Assaulting a Journalist
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?
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Zimbabwe Awaits Election Results
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.
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India to Open 18 New Embassies Accross Africa
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?
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Military Chiefs Escape Attack in Cameroon
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.
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Kenyan Lawmakers' Taxpayer-Funded Visit to Russia
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.
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EU Leaders Agree Deal on Migration
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.
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