Wednesday, 3rd August 2016

Wednesday, 3rd August 2016

Author: BBC World Service August 3, 2016 Duration: 30:01

Running battles in Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, between police and anti-government demonstrators. Local elections in South Africa - a major test for the ruling ANC. Malian music sensation, Modja... plus more.


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
Mali: UN peacekeeping mandate to expire [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:46
As the mandate for United Nations peacekeeping soldiers to remain in Mali comes to an end after more than a decade, we look at what the force has achieved in the country, and what could happen once the troops have depart…
Huge inflation ahead of Zimbabwe’s election [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:12
Zimbabweans are once again experiencing triple-digit inflation, ahead of August’s presidential election. We look at the state of the economy, which is once again a huge point of contention ahead of the vote.Plus, as sold…
Championing African feminism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:34
We discuss the living legacy of Ghanaian author and champion of women's rights Ama Ata Aidoo, who died recently at the age of 81 with journalist Dr Sharihan Al-Akhras. Also in the pod: we discuss with journalist Mark Lob…
Who leads Wagner in Africa now? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:53
As the Kremlin sends the Wagner boss to Belarus following a dramatic weekend in Russia, what happens to the thousands of Wagner mercenaries serving in Africa? We discuss three possible scenarios with Senior Analyst for t…
How Sudan's clans endanger Sahel security [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:11
We look at how clan affiliations which cross national borders have set the tone for the recent fighting which has engulfed Sudan.Plus, as the US dollar becomes more expensive for many African countries, could some be poi…
The gangs terrorising Mogadishu [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:56
We focus on Ciyaal Weero, the Mogadishu gangs terrorising residents of Somalia's capital. They emerged in outlying districts of the city in late 2021, and have been using extreme violence to rob and extort people.Plus, w…
Remembering Berlusconi's love for the Kenyan coast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:51
Italy's former PM Silvio Berlusconi died on 12th June. Known for his lavish spending on Milan football club and his tumultuous relationship with Italian justice, the late media magnate had also a lesser-known passion: re…
Sierra Leone gears up for general elections [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:23
Sierra Leone is experiencing election fever ahead of its fifth election since the end of a brutal civil war in 2002. More than three million voters are expected to choose the next president, parliamentarians and local co…
Low turnout for Mali's referendum [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:40
Mali's ruling military junta held a constitutional referendum on Sunday, but turnout was around 27%, with many people refusing to take part. We look at what was on the table, and what the outcome could mean in terms of t…
Greece boat disaster: Nine men charged [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:06
Nine Egyptian nationals suspected of involvement in the sinking of a boat carrying hundreds of migrants off the Greek coast last week have pleaded not guilty after appearing in court. The men were arrested on suspicion o…