US sanctions Rwandan army

US sanctions Rwandan army

Author: BBC World Service March 4, 2026 Duration: 22:59

On this episode, we examine the future of the US-brokered peace deal after Washington sanctioned Rwanda’s defence forces and senior military officials over the eastern DR Congo conflict. Kigali calls the move is unfair and accuses the DRC of failing to meet its own commitments. Meanwhile, Ethiopia has opened its first unmanned police station in Addis Ababa, letting citizens report crimes digitally. The pilot is part of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s push to modernize public services, but is raising questions about adoption and data protection.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producer: Keikantse Shumba, Daniel Dadzie and Ayuba Iliya Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba Editors: Samuel Murunga 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: 922

Focus on Africa
Podcast Episodes
Cameroonians vote in hope and fear [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:47
Cameroon holds presidential elections this Sunday with Paul Biya, the world's oldest ruler, seeking another seven-year term. At 92 years old, there have been concerns about his health and ability to rule. The credibility…
Madagascar: President asks for year to resolve problems [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:12
Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has asked for one year to fix the country's challenges, promising that if they persist, he will resign. He said this during a town-hall style meeting at his palace with various grou…
Eswatini accepts 10 US deportees [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:07
Eswatini accepts 10 more US deportees, despite rights groups in the southern African state mounting legal action to block the plan. We ask what has the Eswatini government got in return?Nigeria's Minister of Innovation,…
Darfur: Militia leader convicted of war crimes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:00
A Sudanese militia leader has been found guilty of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Darfur region more than 20 years ago. Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb, is the first pe…
Ghana: Why are children dying in boarding schools? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:15
Nearly a decade ago in Ghana, 15-year-old Kevin Moses died at Achimota High School. In a landmark ruling last year, Ghana’s High Court found the school negligent for Kevin's death. The school has appealed that decision.…
Morocco's Gen Z protests rise and spread [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:08
Violent clashes, arrests and deaths during Morocco’s GenZ 212 protestsWhy Senegal's fishermen are blaming a BP natural gas project for lack of fishAnd Nigeria's First Lady raises $13million for national library – but why…
Ex-DRC president sentenced to death [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:41
The former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo is sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity, treason and backing the Rwandan-supported M23 rebels in eastern Congo. The court has ordered his arr…
AGOA: US-Africa trade deal set to expire [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:02
AGOA: Why is a vital US-Africa trade deal set to expire? And why will women be more affected?Oil workers go on strike at Dangote Refinery in Nigeria following dismissal of hundreds of staff.And professional boxing suspen…
Why is Gen Z protesting in Madagascar? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:44
Authorities in Madagascar impose a curfew in the capital, Antananarivo, after protests over frequent power and water shortages turn violent. As the police continue to patrol the streets, we ask whether the government has…
Who is Malawi's old next President? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:47
Malawi re-elects former President Peter Mutharika. At 85. How did he beat other contenders?What's life like in Bunagana town along Uganda's recently reopened border with rebel held eastern DR CongoNigerian women push for…