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.
20 Episodes
Why has Mali replaced its Prime Minister?
Mali has appointed its spokesperson, Abdoulaye Maiga, as prime minister a day after firing its previous leader, Choguel Kokalla Maïga and his government. This came after rare criticism by Maïga of the junta. What's really behind the reshuffle?Also did you know that Ethiopia is a major hub for bitcoin mining?And…
G20: does South Africa's presidency matter?
South Africa takes over the G20 presidency from Brazil for a year. Will Africa benefit from this?How organised crime benefits from trafficking electronic waste to Ghana.And Somalia's Finance Minister on the benefits of debt forgiveness.Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Blessing Aderogba in Lagos. Bella Hassan, Amie Liebowitz, Joseph Keen and Paul…
Russia votes against a ceasefire in Sudan. Why?
Russia vetoed a draft UN Security Council resolution which called for a ceasefire in Sudan. It was proposed by the UK and Sierra Leone, calling on both sides to immediately halt hostilities and start talks aimed at agreeing a national ceasefire. Why did Russia veto it? Also, the online…
How deep are the links between India-Nigeria?
Was India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Nigeria about lobbying for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council?Why are some young TikTokers in Uganda being jailed?And why thousands of indigenous, sacred baobab trees are under threat in the Limpopo region of South Africa.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers : Sunita…
Senegal's government claims victory in elections
The Senegalese government has claimed victory in the recent parliamentary elections. It said the ruling party, Pastef, had won with a "large majority". What does the win mean for the country?Also, the cruel sextortion scams in Nigeria. Parents appeal to the criminals following the death of their sonAnd a prize…
Who are the miners trapped inside a closed mine in South Africa?
South African authorities try to force as many as 4,000 illegal miners - known as zama zamas - to return to the surface, by denying them food and water. The miners, who have been stuck underground, fear they will be arrested. Who are they? And could the government's hardline operation…
EU ends fishing agreement with Senegal
The European Union has announced it will not renew its fishing agreement with Senegal, citing concerns over the country’s efforts to curb illegal fishing. European officials pointed to inadequate monitoring and surveillance systems in Dakar. Without a renewed agreement European vessels will be required to exit Senegalese waters when the…
Africa's quest for money at COP
As COP 29- the climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan focuses on finance. What is the status of the loss and damage fund? Meanwhile a UN panel in Sudan to investigate possible war crimes in Darfur And is Lakurawa really a new jihadist group in Nigeria? How does it operate?Presenter: Audrey…
Somaliland election: What do we need to know?
Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, will hold its general election tomorrow. The incumbent president, Muse Bihi Abdi, is seeking re-election. Somaliland says it would like to be recognised by the international community. Why isn't it recognised and what will the elections mean for the region? Also we'll get reaction…
Sierra Leone’s loitering laws declared discriminatory
The ECOWAS Court recently declared Sierra Leone’s loitering laws discriminatory and ordered their amendment or repealA BBC investigation sees evidence that devastating flood water in South Sudan is spreading pollution from the oil industry.And why is there a dispute over uranium production in Niger ?Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Patricia Whitehorne, …
Mauritians unsure of democracy ahead of elections
The Mauritian government has ended its recent suspension of social media, which threatened voters’ access to information ahead of the general elections on the 10th of November. Once a proud democracy, how are Mauritians feeling about the upcoming election?Also are more African domestic workers escaping Lebanon, as the war continues?…
Violent protests continue in Mozambique
Police in Maputo fire tear gas in a bid to stop opposition protests against the results of last month's disputed election. Mozambique has seen weeks of unrest since the victory by the Frelimo party. The ICC says there has been no payment into a fund for victims of Uganda warlord…
Is it legal to detain children in Nigeria?
Over 30 children in Nigeria, who were arrested in August after taking part in anti-government demonstrations were detained and charged with treason. Those charges have now been dropped, following outrage in the country. The country's President Bola Tinubu also called for the release of the minors. But why were children…
South Sudan's civil servants remain unpaid
After failure to pay civil servants and armed forces for a year-is South Sudan on the verge of becoming a failed state?What do Nigerians make of their former compatriot Kemi Badenoch, who has become the first black woman to lead a major political party in the UK And why are…
Piracy returns to Somalia coast
As piracy returns off the coast of Somalia, we hear from Pakistani and Iranian fishermen who fear being kidnapped. After years of being pushed back, the problem is once again on the rise. Also, find out how Africa's genetic variation could benefit the medical world. And how financial technology is…
Opposition wins election in Botswana
Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi concedes defeat, marking the end of rule for the Democratic Party (BDP). What went wrong for the party that has been in power since independence in 1966?Plus, we hear from the Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi, who says government tactics to silence critics are from a bygone…
Sudan rape victims die by suicide
Civil society groups have warned the risk of sexual violence in Sudan is so severe that some women are taking their own lives. Campaigners have told the BBC of several cases of women taking their lives, either after enduring sexual violence or to avoid it. On Tuesday, a major UN…
Can Chad crackdown on Islamist militants?
Chad's President Mahamat Déby has ordered an army offensive against Islamist militants after 40 soldiers were killed in an attack on a military base. But can the Chadian army defeat Boko Haram?A Congolese asylum seeker to the US shares his story and his message to the presidential candidates.And we hear…
Sudan activists accuse RSF of massacre
In one of the deadliest attacks since Sudan's conflict began, pro-democracy groups report that the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have killed at least 124 civilians and injured over a hundred others in El-Gezira state. The RSF allegedly raided Al-Sireha village on Friday, leading to widespread deaths and injuries, with…
Will Mozambique's election results be overturned?
The leading opposition party in Mozambique files a lawsuit demanding a recount of this month's election results because of alleged irregularities, and deposits three hundred kilos of documents at the country's highest court. Also, the French president, Emmanuel Macron, visits Morocco; we take a look at relations between the two…