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
Ethiopia: Why is the US calling for a ceasefire? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:41
The United States has called for a temporary nationwide ceasefire following continued fighting between the national army and armed groups in Oromia and Amhara regions. The US alleges that the armed groups target schools,…
Gambia: Why has Ousman Sonko been sentenced to 20 years in prison? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:21
A Swiss court has sentenced ex-Gambian minister,Ousman Sonko to 20 years in prison for crimes against humanity. Mr Sonko fled to Switzerland in 2016. He was arrested and had been in custody since 2017, after a human righ…
How can more Africans access clean cooking? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:12
Over 2 billion people rely on polluting fuels to prepare meals, the UN Secretary-General warns at a summit on clean cooking in Africa. We hear from a young female environmentalist in Malawi with a solution. Calls for an…
Chad: Why are the election results being challenged? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:22
Chad’s opposition leader, Succès Masra says he is challenging the preliminary results of the recent presidential election. Preliminary results show President Mahamat Deby won with just over 61% of the vote and the runner…
Does Somalia still need a UN mission? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:03
The Somali government has asked the U.N. Security Council to end the U.N. political mission in Somalia that has been helping the war-ravaged country since 2013. Can Somalia afford to go it alone? Why is Nigeria's Senate…
Why are there concerns of ethnic cleansing in Darfur? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:57
Human Rights Watch says ethnic cleansing has taken place in El Geneina against the Massalit and non-Arab residents. What's the evidence? Also, after more than three billion doses, the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid vaccine won…
Why have Kenyan government doctors agreed to end strike? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:57
Kenyan government doctors have signed an agreement to return to work in a bid to end a strike that started nearly 2 months ago. However, not all the doctors' demands have been met.Thousands of Sudanese refugees flee two…
West Africa: which country will US and French troops move to next? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:34
As the defence partnership between countries in the Sahel and the US and France ends, there's curiosity about which West African country will offer a base for French and US troops. Why is it important for these forces to…
Why was Eliud Kipchoge a trolling victim? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:23
Two time Olympic champion marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge has been speaking to the BBC about the impact of social media abuse on him and his family.Togo's ruling party wins a parliamentary majority in legislative election…
East Africa Floods: Have governments done enough? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:29
Hundreds of people have been killed and thousands remain displaced across east Africa. Kenya and Tanzania escaped major damage from cyclone Hidaya, over the weekend, but they remain at risk of further flooding and landsl…