Increased concerns over missing Ethiopia journalists

Increased concerns over missing Ethiopia journalists

Author: BBC World Service August 20, 2025 Duration: 27:44

Two prominent journalists in Ethiopia, Abdulsemed Mohammed and Yonas Amare, have been missing for more than a week after being abducted by what reports say, were men wearing masks and military uniforms. There has been no news about their whereabouts but their disappearances have raised concerns about a crackdown on media freedom in the country.

Aid agencies warn that a surge in the number of people with the respiratory illness diphtheria is becoming 'the most urgent and dangerous threat' to public health in Somalia. Why are cases of the disease increasing?

And how the conflict on the ground in Sudan is affecting migratory birds in the sky.

Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Tom Kavanagh and Nyasha Michelle in London. Richard Kagoe in Nairobi Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne Senior Journalist: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Maryam Abdalla, Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard


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: 922

Focus on Africa
Podcast Episodes
Sierra Leone has banned child marriage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:31
Sierra Leone recently passed a landmark bill to ban child marriage. The country has one of the highest child marriage rates in the world. How easy will it be to eliminate the practice?Also we hear from the new chancellor…
Why is a new regional force for West Africa necessary? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:03
Ministers of Ecowas, the regional and political organisation for fifteen west African countries, are meeting in Abuja to discuss the formation of a new regional force against terrorism and unconstitutional government cha…
Kenya: Why have police stepped up action against young protestors? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:27
Protesters in Kenya embarked on yet another round of demonstrations against a new finance bill that seeks to introduce new taxes. Police appeared overwhelmed in some parts of the capital, Nairobi. Demonstrators were seen…
A victory for the Christian LGBTQ activist in Namibia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:50
Namibian activist Friedel Dausab, who won a landmark case when judges ruled that laws banning same-sex acts between men are unconstitutional, says he drew strength from his Christian faith and from his mum.Over a billion…
Kenya: Why are these protests different? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:02
Kenya braces itself for more marches next week when lawmakers take a final vote on the controversial tax proposals. But who are the young people taking to the streets and are they really changing the face of protest in K…
How do Hajj pilgrims cope with a heatwave in Saudi Arabia? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:41
Hundreds of Muslim worshippers have reportedly died during Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca. Most of the deaths have been because of heat-related illnesses. Saudi Arabia has been hit by sweltering temperatures…
The harsh conditions facing Sudanese refugees in Egypt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:49
Amnesty International is calling on Egypt to stop arresting Sudanese people seeking refuge from war. The human rights watchdog says Egypt must also stop sending refugees back to Sudan. Our correspondent in Cairo tells us…
Kenya: Why have some proposed taxes been scrapped? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:33
Kenya's government has bowed to public pressure and scrapped plans to introduce new taxes on items like bread and motor vehicles. Why were Kenyans so angry with the tax increments? Ethiopia one of sub-Saharan Africa's ma…
Why a university protest got female students arrested in South Sudan? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:27
Female students at the University of Juba in South Sudan say, they were arrested and beaten by police following a protest against a rise in hostel fees. It's caused concern amongst civil society groups in the country. We…