Is peace ever possible in DR Congo?

Is peace ever possible in DR Congo?

Author: BBC World Service December 14, 2023 Duration: 42:58

A largely unobserved truce in DR Congo, results in heightened tensions between Rwanda and the DRC. There's a presidential election just round the corner, with President Félix Tshisekedi seeking a second, and final, five-year term in office. So, is peace ever possible in the DRC?

Also, South African musician Tyla sparks a debate on social media, after describing herself as "coloured". She was talking about her mixed heritage on TikTok. We'll hear a fascinating conversation about the complexities of coloured identity within the South African context.

And we meet Rebeca Omordia the Romanian/Nigerian pianist, championing the work of African classical music composers!


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
Taiwan's president visits last African ally Eswatini [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:43
Taiwan's president is visiting Eswatini. It's to mark 55 years of cooperation with her country's last African ally. Has Taipei's influence on the continent waned ? We examine the recent spate of coups in former French co…
DR Congo: What's behind the instability? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:30
The government in the Democratic Republic of Congo has said that at least 43 people were killed when soldiers broke up a demonstration against UN peacekeepers in the eastern city of Goma on Wednesday. We ask what's behin…
First ever African Climate Summit begins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:01
As the first ever Africa Climate Summit begins in Nairobi, we hear from a community suing the Kenyan government over climate damage.We look at the serious danger to human life posed by air pollution in Nigeria's commerci…
South Africa fire: What are Johannesburg's hijacked buildings? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:59
Many buildings in the centre of the South African city of Johannesburg, where a horrific fire has killed more than 70 people, are deemed unfit to live in. Yet these old blocks, abandoned by their owners or the city autho…
Climate change: 15 truck drivers die on Egypt-Sudan border [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:38
At least 15 truck drivers stuck on the Egypt-Sudan border have recently died from heat stroke. Hundreds have been stuck at the border due to bureaucratic red tape causing congestion What are the medium and long term impl…
What led to the Gabon coup? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:52
Senior army officers in Gabon announced a coup shortly after President Ali Bongo's re-election was announced. One of the BBC's team spends 24 hours with Tunisia's coast guard as it finds people desperate to cross contine…
Sierra Leone  considers health emergency over illegal drug Kush [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:42
Sierra Leone is grappling with a serious substance crisis. A cheap and illegal synthetic drug known as Kush that is wreaking havoc among the youth.Around 500 schools have been shutdown in Cameroon. Will they open in time…
Zimbabwe election dispute analysis: The role of electoral observers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:11
The runner-up in Zimbabwe's presidential election, Nelson Chamisa, has accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa of carrying out an electoral coup. Former Independent National Electoral Commission of Nigeria chairperson Attah…
Why are Ethiopia and Egypt joining BRICS? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:50
The BRICS bloc of developing nations agreed this week s to admit six new countries. The countries Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates - are set to join in January. Can this counter…
Prigozhin’s presumed death: Impact for Wagner in Africa [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:35
Wagner boss Prigozhin is presumed dead after Russia plane crash. In his last address, he said the Wagner group is making Africa "more free". His presumed death received little media attention or official reactions in Mal…