Africa Today

Mali's army says it has repelled attacks by jihadists on two military bases. Why is the Al-Qaeda linked group stepping up attacks? South Africa's continued hunt for an alleged illegal mining kingpin in LesothoAnd why is Nigeria the worst place in the world to give birth in?Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Sunita Nahar and Tom Kavanagh in London. Blessing Aderogba in Lagos Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Microsoft founder, Bill Gates says that most of his fortune will be spent on improving health and education services in Africa over the next 20 years. The 69-year-old said, "by unleashing human potential through health and education, every country in Africa should be on a path to prosperity". He also tells us what he makes of online attacks against his philanthropy.Also, we hear about the devastating impact of war on Sudan's childrenAnd how an automated system is protecting birds in South Africa.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Bella Hassan and Tom Kavanagh Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Nigerian officials have warned there's little hope of finding alive around 500 people still missing after flash floods in Niger state. How are survivors coping?Mauritania’s Sidi Ould-Tah elected as the new president of the African Development Bank. What was the voting process like?And we meet one photographer who has turned his lens on insects to tell a bigger storyPresenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Sunita Nahar ,Yvette Twagiramariya and Nyasha Michelle in London. Blessing Aderogba in Lagos Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors : Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

A South African woman, Racquel "Kelly" Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn have been given life sentences after being convicted of trafficking her missing 6-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith. The case has captivated and horrified audiences around the world. It has also highlighted the wider issue of human trafficking in South Africa. An anti-trafficking campaigner responds to the rulling and explains the extent of problem in the country. Also, Kenya and Mayotte sign a trade deal to boost economic ties. What will be traded?And a tribute to and an exploration of, Kenya's literary giant Ngugi wa Thiong’o, who has died at the age of 87.Presenter: Richard Kagoe Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Tom Kavanagh and Amie Liebowitz in London. Charles Gitonga in Nairobi Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

US embassies globally have halted student visa appointments, as social media vetting expands. How is Africa affected?Why is Zimbabwe's controversial radio tax now being implemented?  And how AI can predict and prevent child malnutrition in Kenya?Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya and Bella Hassan Technical Producer: Chris Kouzaris Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Russia's 13th International Security Summit in Moscow attracts over forty African leaders. How significant is it and what does it mean for the continent, especially for the Sahel? Also, Boeing seals a deal with the US Department of Justice over the fatal crashes of two 737 Max aircraft that killed hundreds of people. One family who lost their son and daughter-in-law in the 2019 Ethiopian plane crash share their reaction with us. And the impact of the temporary closure of Ghana's embassy in US over an alleged visa scandal.Presenter: Blessing Aderogba Producers: Tom Kavanagh and Nyasha Michelle in London. Charles Gitonga in Nairobi Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Uganda cuts military ties with Germany following diplomatic rift.Somalia's government moves to control clan militias fighting al-Shabab - after allegations of serious atrocities.And will Starlink's strategy of 'winning big by thinking small' help them cover the African continent?Presenter:  Blessing Aderogba Producers: Bella Hassan, Tom Kavanagh and Yvette Twagiramariya in London. Technical Producer Chris Ablakwa Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

The Libyan capital city, Tripoli, has been rocked by clashes between armed rival groups, and pressure is building up on the prime minister to resign as protests erupt in other parts of the country. Can the United Nations mission in Libya (UNSMIL) help to bring stability to the divided country?Smart cities are popping up across Africa, blending tech, data, and infrastructure to create the digital urban towns of tomorrow. But just how 'smart' are these projects?And we hear from victims caught in the crosshairs of Cameroon's Anglophone conflict, and also speak to the reporter of BBC Africa Eye's latest investigation looking into the country's deadly crisis.Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Tom Kavanagh and Nyasha Michelle in London. Blessing Aderogba is in Lagos Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Senior Journalist: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

As South Africa releases its latest crime statistics. Who are the main victims of violent crime and why does the country have such a reputation?Is there "democratic backsliding" in East Africa? What does this mean? We hear from a human rights activist.And talk to the man behind a lasting tribute to Thomas Sankara's memory.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers:  Bella Hassan, Patricia Whitehorne and Yvette Twagiramariya in London. Frenny Jowi in Nairobi Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga. Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.

The US President Donald Trump, confronted South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa with false claims of white genocide and land seizures during a tense White House meeting. It was reminiscent of the US President's ambush of Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy earlier this year. At a time when diplomacy means everything, how did the South African President fare and what next for the US/South Africa relationship?Also, who will the next President of the African Development Bank be?And we find out more about the former Mauritanian president, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, who has been jailed for 15 years.Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Sunita Nahar, Bella Hassan and Tom Kavanagh Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Why is Djibouti reportedly targeting Somalis and Ethiopians in a major anti-immigration crackdown?Can DR Congo's former President Joseph Kabila's immunity from prosecution be lifted by authorities?And what is driving the loss of Africa’s tropical forests?Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Bella Hassan, Yvette Twagiramariya and Blessing Aderogba Technical producer: Chris Kouzaris Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

There are concerns that South Sudan will relapse into an all-out civil war. But, why is peace in the world's youngest democracy so fragile? Also, what some young Africans think about the UK's tightening immigration policies.And how a swimming coach in Nigeria is providing inspiration and life lessons to children with disabilities.Presenter: Audrey Brown Technical Producer: Jonny Hall Producers: Tom Kavanagh, Blessing Aderogba and Sunita Nahar Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editiors: Andre Lombard and Andre Muthengi

A BBC investigation has found evidence that children are being trafficked into illegal mines and sexually abused across South Africa. Were assets of the Gambia's ex-leader Yahya Jammeh sold for a song?And a landmark ruling in Nigeria finds that the Football Federation's negligence contributed to the death of a footballerPresenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Bella Hassan, Patricia Whitehorne and Tom Kavanagh Technical Producer: Jonny Hall Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Burkina Faso's military ruler, 37 year old Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has skilfully built a persona of a pan-Africanist leader, determined to free his nation from what he sees as, 'the clutches of Western imperialism and neo-colonialism'. This message has resonated across Africa and beyond on social media. But what's fact and what's fiction? Why has Ethiopia's government banned the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) from taking part in elections? And Benin's bid to become Africa's cycling superpower. Presenter: Audrey Brown Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Patricia Whitehorne and Bella Hassan Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Mali's military junta has dissolved all political parties in the country. Why are the youth dissenting?Why are Nigerians being trafficked to Ivory Coast?And plans by Ethiopia to allow foreigners and companies to buy property in the countryPresenter: Blessing Aderogba Producers: Nyasha Michelle and Tom Kavanagh in London, Richard Kagoe and Frenny Jowi in Nairobi. Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Medical professionals in various parts of Ethiopia are on strike. They say they are seeking adjustments in salaries, improved benefits and better working conditions. We hear from Ethiopian doctors.Also, as the movie industry expands in Africa, so do concerns about the safety of actors.And we'll meet 19 year old Makhosazana "Khosi" Dlomo, who is breaking barriers as the first black female competitor in tent pegging.Presenter: Audrey Brown Technical Producer: Chris Kouzaris Producers: Bella Hassan, Blessing Aderogba and Yvette Twagiramariya Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

The UN says "a double crisis" is facing the DR Congo, as it suffers flooding and mass displacement caused by ongoing conflict.Why is Sierra Leone’s largest diamond miner laying off more than 1,000 workers?And we visit churches in South Africa where polygamy is allowed.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Richard Kagoe in Nairobi with Nyasha Michelle, Yvette Twagiramariya and Tom Kavanagh in London Technical Producer: Pat Sissons and Kane Morgan Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

The United States said it was pulling the plug on millions of dollars' worth of aid to Zambia's health sector after the country failed to tackle 'systematic' theft of much needed medicines. The US Ambassador to Zambia, Michael Gozales' said that the "difficult" decision was made after repeated warnings to the Zambian government, to safeguard vital drugs meant for the country's most vulnerable patients. We'll hear analysis.Also, why did the International Court of Justice dismiss Sudan's case of genocide against the United Arab Emirates?And the history behind one of South Africa's official languages, Afrikaans, which celebrates 100 years this year!Presenter: Audrey Brown Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Producers: Bella Hassan and Yvette Twagiramariya Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

The Roman Catholic Church has a new leader, Pope Leo XIV. What do youth from the world's youngest Catholic population want?Why did billionaire and philanthropist Bill Gates decide to close his foundation in 2045?And how are parts of Zimbabwe's capital tackling an infestation of bed bugsPresenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Richard Kagoe and Frenny Jowi in Nairobi with Tom Kavanagh in London and Blessing Aderogba in Lagos. Technical producer: Craig Kingham Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.

Sister Ngalula is the only African woman to be appointed to the Vatican’s International Theological Commission. She previously spoke to the late Pope Francis about the need for more female leadership in the church. She says, although many roles in the Catholic clergy are technically open to women, fear among cardinals and bishops is blocking their participation. We hear from Sister Josée Ngalula.Also, why has the EU declared Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt safe for asylum seekers? And the campaign to add sunscreen onto the list of essential medicines, especially for those with albinism.Presenter: Audrey Brown Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Producers: Bella Hassan, Yvette Twagiramariya and Tom Kavanagh in London Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi