Violence surges in eastern DRC

Violence surges in eastern DRC

Author: BBC World Service January 8, 2025 Duration: 33:20

The M23 rebel forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo have captured the key town of Masisi in the in the mineral-rich North Kivu province, in renewed, intense fighting. Why has there been an upsurge in the the violence and why is seizing control of Masisi so significant?

Also in the podcast, why does Nigeria have the highest rates of neonatal jaundice?

And we hear from two farmers in Sierra Leone - who are both amputees - about a project called Farming on Crutches, that is aimed at helping people with missing limbs find a new way to make a living.

Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Sunita Nahar and Kaine Pieri here in London Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Technical producer: Francesca Dunne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi


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
Nigeria’s ex-President Muhammadu Buhari dead [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:31
Former Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari has died at 82. He was a two-time leader who first led Africa's most populous country as a military ruler, then later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. W…
DRC: Inside a mine controlled by M23 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:45
A recent US-brokered peace deal may have raised hopes of stability in eastern DRC. However, miners have told the BBC that M23’s control of mineral-rich areas could keep the conflict going.US aid cuts are forcing HIV clin…
US slaps 30% tariff on South Africa [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:10
US President Donald Trump announced recently that he would impose a new 30% tariff on imports from South Africa. They kick in next month. What effect will this have on the nation?The United Nations Refugee Agency says th…
Ghanaians lured into football job scam [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:15
Ghanaian authorities have rescued more than 70 young men from a trafficking ring in Nigeria. The men thought they were heading for football contracts or overseas opportunities. Why has football become a gateway for traff…
First malaria drug for infants approved [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:46
The first malaria medicine suitable for babies and very young children is approved for use.How increased taxes on remittances from USA could hurt Africa.Plus, a new tool to help children with communication impairments.Pr…
How is Kenya marking the Saba Saba protests? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:32
Two people have reportedly died of gunshot wounds after police opened fire during protests in Kenya. It's the latest in a wave of anti-government rallies that began last year. The demonstrations mark the 35th anniversary…
Nigeria's new opposition alliance to challenge Tinubu [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:40
Starting pistol fired ahead of Nigeria's 2027 elections. Two main opposition leaders form alliance in bid to unseat President Bola Tinubu and the ruling party.We meet a Kenyan breastmilk champion -who is donating litres…
Militant attacks increase in Mali [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:58
Jihadist militants have launched a series of simultaneous attacks on military posts across numerous towns in Mali. It's the third major assault on Mali's army over the last month. Why is there an increase in these attack…
DRC children fathered by UN peacekeepers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:06
Mothers in the DRC struggling to raise children fathered and abandoned by UN peacekeepers amid fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo.Also in the programme: we ask South Africa's minister of police whether he's los…
Why has polio re-emerged in Angola? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:09
Angola was certified as polio-free in 2015, but is now combatting a new outbreak of the disease after several cases were reported in a Western province. What has caused the virus to come back?A new report says Islamist m…