Burkina Faso's Traore on religious extremism

Burkina Faso's Traore on religious extremism

Author: BBC World Service July 30, 2026 Duration: 22:58

In Burkina Faso, the military-led government has launched a controversial campaign targeting what it describes as religious extremism. Transitional leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré, appears to be at odds with sections of the country's Muslim community after the arrests of some clerics and signing of a new law aimed at curbing radicalisation and extremist preaching. The government has announced plans to recall about 800 Burkinabè students studying Islamic law in Arab countries, while introducing a requirement for government approval before students can pursue similar studies abroad.

And today marks International Day of Friendship by the United Nations, a day that recognises how friendships between individuals, communities and cultures can foster understanding, strengthen connections and even contribute to peace. We speak to two sets of old friends who have known each other for more than two decades.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna

Producers: Bella Twine and Ayuba Iliya

Senior Producers: Keikantse Shumba

Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru

Editors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla


Each weekday, as the afternoon draws to a close, Focus on Africa provides a thoughtful and necessary pause to understand the continent's dynamic pulse. Produced by the BBC World Service, this daily podcast goes beyond headlines, unpacking two essential stories with depth and context. The reporting doesn't just explain the major events shaping nations and communities; it deliberately highlights the individuals living through these changes, ensuring the human dimension of every story is heard. Furthermore, the program offers a vital African perspective on worldwide events, examining how global developments resonate locally. Under the steady guidance of host Nkechi Ogbonna, listeners are offered clarity and insight, making complex issues accessible. This reliable briefing is crafted to fit into your routine, arriving before the evening with the authority and nuance you expect. Tuning into this podcast means connecting with a nuanced portrait of a continent, its people, and its place in the world, all delivered with journalistic rigor five days a week.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Focus on Africa
Podcast Episodes
Surviving an acid attack [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
Imagine living with the lifelong physical and psychological scars of an attack fuelled by misogyny or romantic rejection. It’s the brutal reality for many women globally, yet the stigma of acid violence forces most survi…
Moroccan Influencer jailed over public indecency [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
A Moroccan influencer is serving a ten month jail sentence for violating public decency laws. Soukaina Janah was found guilty of inappropriate behaviour while marketing a dress on TikTok. She has also been banned from us…
Uganda to send troops to Gaza [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
Uganda's parliament has approved plans to deploy it's troops to Gaza under a U.S.-backed International Stabilization Force mission. This is an invitation from President Donald Trump's Board of Peace initiative which is m…
Somalia: Humanitarian agency warns malnutrition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
An international medical charity is warning that children in southwest Somalia face alarming food shortages. A survey by Doctors Without Borders found half the children screened were acutely malnourished and one quarter…
Vote counting underway after Zambia election [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
Security officers in Zambia have arrested 11 people including opposition candidate Brian Mundubile. The government claims that they could be planning a revolt. Incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema who is running for se…
Are placenta practices changing in Africa? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
A recent report by Cognitive Market Research says the global placenta powder market is expanding rapidly, driven by growing demand for placenta-based cosmetics and dietary supplements. But across Africa, deep-rooted cult…
South Africa seeks reimbursement for migrant deportations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
South Africa says it is asking Nigeria, Malawi and Ethiopia to share the cost of deporting tens of thousands of illegal immigrants to their home countries. The country's Department of Home Affairs says it spent nearly $1…
Conflict, health gaps fuel DRC's Ebola surge [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
Deaths from the Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo have crossed the 2,000 mark. Officials have described the outbreak as the fastest spreading in the country’s history, blaming the rapid rates of infection on late detect…
Beats, ballots and Zambia's election music [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:58
Zambia's 8 million registered voters are expected to cast their ballots on August 13, when the country will hold presidential and parliamentary elections. Fourteen candidates are gunning for the presidency but many see i…
BBC investigates murder of top South African detective [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
BBC Africa Eye has seen evidence suggesting a South African police detective, Lieutenant Colonel Frans Mathipa, was shot dead by the country’s special forces while investigating the disappearance of a suspected Islamic S…