Africa Today

In November, the UK Supreme Court ruled that the plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, was unlawful. The court said it was concerned about Rwanda's poor human rights record and its past treatment of refugees. The Rwandan government rejected the Court judgement and said: "We take our humanitarian responsibilities seriously and will continue to live up to them." We will hear a personal objection to the plan, from a Rwandan living here in the UK. Also what's behind the sacking of cabinet ministers in South Sudan?And an invitation to a unique North African Jewish holiday, celebrating women!

Egypt election: Despite a crumbling economy, why is President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi seeking a consecutive third term? Is a high voter turnout expected?The growing influence of Russia in the Central African Republic. And a progress report on African countries looking to help Europe meet its rising gas needs.

Exactly one week ago the United Nations Security Council unanimously voted to lift Somalia's arms Embargo, thirty years after it was first imposed. So, why now? And why was it imposed in the first place?Also one of the key themes emerging at this year's COP28 is securing funding for renewable energy, like solar power. We'll look at the potential of how African countries can harness the sun. There are challenges, but there is progress too. And how the viral song "Mwaki" has created Africa's new global sensation...we meet Sofiya Nzau.

Congestion at sub-Saharan Africa's busiest shipping terminal -South Africa's Durban port is causing costly delays for shipping companies. Importers fear the Christmas rush will be missed.We return to Morocco three months after the deadly earthquake.And the hopes and dreams of Gambian actor for his country’s film industry

At least 85 civilians have been killed in Kaduna state, north-west Nigeria, in a drone attack. The incident took place during a religious celebration on Sunday, according to the local emergency management authority. President Bola Tinubu says it was a "bombing mishap". So what went wrong? And has something like this ever happened before? Also, why are children in South Sudan turning to drug and alcohol abuse?And we meet Jennifer Uchendu, one of the inspiring women on this year's 100 Women list.

The United States ambassador to Niger has presented her credentials to the military government in Niamey. The US announced the suspension of security cooperation and some financial aid following the coup in July but has gradually shifted its position.A wave of TikTok videos are allegedly being used to harass LGBTQ+ people in Ethiopia And a ban on Kaunda suits in Kenya's parliament sparks outrage online

A report shows how six young girls fell victim to sex trafficking in Sierra Leone. They ended up in Senegal and are waiting to be repatriated. We have the details.Also a look at the African Disability Protocol. What is it, what does it aim to do and is it effective?And we meet Zandile Ndhlovu, the first black South African free-diver, inspiring local children to swim.

Four Kenyan women living with HIV have won a legal battle over being sterilised without their informed consent. In this special edition of Focus on Africa for World Aids Day, we delve into the impact of HIV/ AIDS on the African Continent.

The Loss and Damage Fund is on everyone's lips as COP28 gets underway in Dubai. We'll have a look at what it is, and why it's important to the continent.Also, why is Boko Haram still a major security threat in Nigeria, years after it first emerged?And following on from a conference in South Africa, organised by the African Union and UN Women, we'll ask what is positive masculinity?

More than 136,000 people, including an estimated 74,000 children are trapped in the historic northern Mali city of Timbuktu, according to the NGO Save the Children. This follows a siege by the al-Qaeda linked jihadistsHow did Zambia get into so much debt and how it plans to get out of it?And we meet Abdullahi Mire - winner of a top UN award for promoting education for refugee children.

Eleven miners have been killed at a platinum mine in South Africa, despite earlier concerns about safety. The country has some of the deepest platinum and gold mining shafts in the world and accidents are a regular occurrance. So, how safe are the mines in South Africa? Also, coup leaders in Niger have overturned an eight-year-old law criminalising migrant smuggling in the country. What will its impact be? And an opera celebrating the life and times of gay rights and anti-apartheid activist Simon Tseko Nkoli.

Sierra Leone's government says it repelled an attack at the weekend and was in control of the situation. President Maada Bio calls for unity. What led to this unrest?A special investigation into the dangers of unsafe abortions in Kenya. And a prize for Ugandan psychologist Dorothy Nambi for raising awareness of autism in her country.

The United Nations says at least 75 people have been killed in Abyei. It's a highly contested region, sandwiched between Sudan and South Sudan. While the borders between the two countries were agreed, Abiye was left unallocated. What's the reason behind the ongoing battle for Abyei? Also Mali's military junta have retaken a town held by Tuareg rebels, with the help of Wagner mercenaries. So where does this leave Mali?And the award winning Mozambican photographer Mario Macilau, tells us what inspires him.

Another round of peace talks between Ethiopia and the Oromo rebel group aimed at ending years of conflict end without a deal. What does this mean for the country’s unity?Why does cheating in exams occur? We look at a problem many African countries are grappling with.Plus, an Irish woman explains why she is returning African artefacts from her late father's collection.

As Liberians wait to swear in President-elect Joseph Boakai, we look back at George Weah's time in office. Why did he lose the last election? What impact did he make?Also what happened at the stadium in the Brazaville-Congo where 37 people died and over 100 were injured? And how the rise in the cost of living is forcing girls out of schools in some African countries.

The United Nations recently held the third session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee, in order to develop an international treaty on plastic pollution. However, campaigners have accused oil and plastic producing countries as well as special interest groups of delaying progress.Over 20 African countries are on the slippery path to debt distress. What is it, and what can they do to avoid it?And is the development of women's footballing talent in Africa stuck in the slow lane?

There's a fresh call from the Sudan Humanitarian crisis conference in Cairo to end the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The three-day conference concludes today with peacebuilding experts suggesting, negotiations in Sudan this time round, should largely be African-led. Also is there press freedom in Eritrea? The founder of ERISAT, which has been broadcasting in the country since 2018 shares her experience.And how a production company in the UK, is changing the narrative of Somali women in Britain.

Calls for a global fund to compensate Africans for the transatlantic slave trade were made at a recent summit in Ghana. However, what form should this compensation take?Sudan civil war: Returning home to Port Sudan after escaping clashes bewteen Sudan government solders and the RSF paramilitary unit. Reporter Osman Mohamed shares his experience. At nearly five million, the country officially has the highest number of internally displaced people in the world.And a South African initiative which gives abandoned babies a new lease of life ordered to close for ''breaking law''

Over thirty MPs from Zimbabwe's opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change, have lost their seats. There have also been four abductions and a death. What's going on? We shine a light on abusive work practices on foreign flagged fishing boats operating in Africa.And what's behind the world record breaking craze in Nigeria? A Nigerian woman has broken a record for making the longest hand-made wig. It stretches up to 351.28 metres!

People in Madagascar will head to the polls on Thursday, but 10 of the 13 candidates have called for a boycott of a presidential election which follows months of street protests. We look at why questions over the President Andry Rajoelina’s dual French nationality have contributed to a contentious campaign.Translators who have worked for German troops serving as United Nations peacekeepers in Mali say they fear reprisal attacks from jihadist militants, as the UN winds up its mission.2026 FIFA World Cup: Africa’s qualifiers kick off today, with a record number of teams from the continent set to make it to the finals.