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BBC World Service

Two essential stories to round off your working day. Explaining the big topics and news from Africa, the people behind them, plus an African perspective on global stories. Hosted by Nkechi Ogbonna. Five days a week, ready by late afternoon, Monday to Friday.

Focus on Africa

Zambian-American influencer Ethel Chisono Edwards, also known as 'One Boss Lady', has been a vocal critic of Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema. She was convicted under the Cyber Security Act and the Cyber Crimes Act, two controversial laws that were recently amended to stipulate harsher penalties. The case has raised concerns about freedom of speech in Zambia.

Also, did you know that the trafficking and sale of ants is on the rise? We look at the impact of this illegal phenomenon on the environment.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Bella Twine, Ly Truong and Makuochi Okafor 
Technical Producers: Jonathan Mwangi and Philip Bull 
Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga 
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Zambian influencer imprisoned for hate speech

Nigeria: A deep dive into the spike in school mass abductions by armed groups in northern Nigeria. We hear from the parents of some of the victims and ask: Who is behind the kidnappings and what's the government doing about it?

And how are mental health institutions perceived in Africa? We speak to someone in Uganda about their mental health journey and experience at the country's main referral facility.

Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba and Ly Truong 
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi and Philip Bull 
Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga 
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Nigeria's kidnapping crisis leaves parents scarred

A rare conversation with Egypt's Foreign Minister about the Sudan War and the tensions with Ethiopia over the river Nile, and Focus on Africa moves its hub from London to Nairobi.
Egypt's Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty has denied that his country is supporting the Sudanese Armed Forces in the war against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. He also spoke about tensions with Ethiopia after the collapse of talks over use of the waters of River Nile.

And after more than six decades of broadcasting from London, Focus on Africa has just arrived in its new home, Nairobi.

Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba and Ly Truong 
Technical Producer: Philip Bull 
Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga 
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Is Egypt reasserting its influence in Africa?

Zambia: President Hakainde Hichilema faces challenges over proposed constitutional changes

Why Zimbabwean short film RISE deserves an Oscar nomination

Should footballers from the diaspora be allowed to join African national teams after they qualify for the World Cup?

Presenter : Nyasha Michelle
Producers: Sunita Nahar, Yvette Twagiramariya, Alexander Lathbridge, Stefania Okereke, Joseph Keen, and Mark Wilberforce
Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne
Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Zambia President Faces Backlash Over Constitution Amendments

Kenya’s Maasai Mara Game Reserve is at the centre of a legal battle over a new Marriott Ritz-Carlton luxury safari lodge. Why are Maasai leaders calling for the camp to be removed?

Also in the podcast, we hear from Malian refugees who allege war crimes committed by the now largely disbanded private Russian paramilitary group, Wagner.

And a tour guide in Madrid showcases Africa's influence in the city, that is hidden in plain slight.

Presenter: Nyasha Michelle
Producers: Joseph Keen, Sunita Nahar, Yvette Twagiramariya and Elphas Lagat in London
Technical Producer: Pat Sissons
Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne
Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Why Maasai leaders want luxury camp removed

A military general has been sworn in as Guinea-Bissau's transitional president following the 15th coup in the country. Why is the country prone to coups?

BBC speaks to families of missing students in Niger state as Nigeria declares a state of emergency following a surge in kidnappings.

And we look at what could be the reasons behind America’s move to exclude South Africa from the African Growth and Opportunity Act.

Presenter: Nyasha Michelle
Producers: Joseph Keen, Sunita Nahar, Elphas Lagat in London
Technical Producer: Pat Sissons
Senior Producer: Yvette Twagiramariya
Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Guinea-Bissau: General sworn in after coup

The Malian government and Canadian mining firm Barrick have ended their two year tax dispute and have agreed a multi-million dollar settlement. So what does the agreement involve?

Why did a volcano in Ethiopia erupt after laying dormant for more than 10,000 years?

And we find out why Madagascar's beloved lemurs are at risk.

Presenter: Nyasha Michelle
Producers: Stefania Okereke, Sunita Nahar and Yvette Twagiramariya
Technical Producer: Craig Kingham
Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne
Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Mali settles gold mine dispute

In Guinea-Bissau, rivals Embalo and Dias claim victory in a tense presidential election as official results remain pending.

In Nigeria, separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu has been sentenced to four life terms for terrorism and treason. What does it mean for the group calling for separatism. 

And in Tunisia, an Indigenous centre in Tataouine preserves heritage, supports women-led crafts, and creates jobs amid rising drought and heat.

Presenter: Nyasha Michelle
Producers: Stefania Okereke, Sunita Nahar, Elphas Lagat and Saleck Zeid
Technical Producer: Gabriel O'Regan
Senior Producer: Yvette Twagiramariya
Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Guinea- Bissau: Rivals claim victory over election

A BBC Africa Eye documentary has exposed the practice of selling body parts for magic rituals in Sierra Leone. We speak to the reporter who went back to the town where an 11-year-old boy was murdered as part of a suspected black magic killing four years ago.

Why were two Zimbabwean university students, campaigning during elections for their Students Representative Council, abducted in broad daylight and beaten?

And we hear from African social media influencers aiming to lead the conversations for a borderless and visa free Africa.

Presenter: Nyasha Michelle
Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Stefania Okereke and Sunita Nahar
Technical Producer: Francesca Dunn
Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne
Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Selling body parts for 'rituals' in Sierra Leone

South Africa's president declares gender-based violence and femicide a national crisis after planned protests
 
A campaign to encourage us to donate our bodies to medical science
 
And Audrey Brown bids farewell to Focus on Africa
 
 
Presenter Audrey Brown
 
Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Yvette Twagiramariya, Patricia Whitehorne, Stefania Okereke and Sunita Nahar in London. Charles Gitonga is in Nairobi.
Technical Producer: Francesca Dunn
Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga
Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Gender-based violence declared a national crisis in South Africa

Political analyst Kholood Khair assesses Tagadum, a civilian initiative lead by former Sudan Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok seeking to bring the two fighting generals to the peace table.

Should the rules to reducing carbon emissions, be different for African countries? 

And we reflect on the legacy of Ghanaian pioneer photographer Bruce Vanderpuije.

What is Tagadum and can it end war in Sudan ?

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