Focus on Africa

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 ...

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 ...

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, B...

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 outra...

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, B...

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...

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 ...

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...

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 challenge...

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 Giton...

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?

Pr...

An underage girl has been placed under police protection in Ghana after it emerged she had been married to a 63-year-old traditional high priest. There was public outrage after footage of the customary wedding went viral. The office of the priest defended the marriage, saying it was only ceremonial. What's going on?

Also we hear a moving conversation between two Rwandans, 30 years after the genocide

And we visit London's first eve...

Gabon has opened up, what it calls, an inclusive national dialogue. Catholic Archbishop Jean-Patrick Iba-Ban who is leading the initiatve, said it should heal the wounds inflicted on the people of Gabon by former leaders who were more interested in power than the people they were called upon to lead. We'll hear analysis.

Also Ghana's newly appointed health minister tells us how drones have revolutionised the delivery of critical m...

South Africa opens a new border authority to curb illegal crossings from neighbouring countries. We hear from the BBC team that visited a town on the border with Zimbabwe.

Ghana's new health minister has published a new book on the lessons learnt from the Covid pandemic in his country, and the experience of fear, facts, faith and fortune.

And we explore the global potential and profitability of Africa fashion.

Presenter: Audrey Bro...