Will el-Fasher's fall change Sudan?

Will el-Fasher's fall change Sudan?

Author: BBC World Service October 28, 2025 Duration: 31:34

As the strategic city of el-Fasher finally falls to the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group, we analyse what it means in Sudan’s ongoing civil war. How the world’s oldest president, Paul Biya of Cameroon, is set to change things as he wins a disputed eighth term that could keep him in power until the age of 99. And why are South Africans trying to save an ancient language, which has just one speaker?

Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Mark Wilberforce, Stefania Okereke, Sunita Nahar and Yvette Twagiramariya Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Senior Producer: Piers Edwards Editors: Maryam Abdalla and Sam Murunga


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
Uganda's Medical Association issues guidance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:37
In today's podcast: Uganda's Medical Association tells members not to treat ebola patients without PPE, and asks the Government to quarantine hotspot areas after doctors and interns are exposed to the deadly disease.Also…
Seleka leader stands trial at the ICC [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:12
Mahamat Abdel Said, leader from the Seleka rebel movement in the Central African Republic, has appeared before the International Criminal Court for the first day of his war crimes trial.Also, Ugandan authorities confirm…
Regional concerns in the spotlight at UN General Assembly [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:37
Presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Buhari of Nigeria raise regional concerns and global fears at the United Nations General Assembly.Also, massive floods across most of Nigeria. In one town at least 500 graves and crop…
UN says both sides in Tigray conflict are guilty of atrocities [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:59
A UN Commission on human rights reports on major atrocities being perpetrated by both the TPLF and Ethiopian Government forces particularly in Tigray... We hear how civilians have suffered.Also, Ugandan authorities confi…
Eritrea amasses reservists on border with Ethiopia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:29
Eritrea has mobilised thousands of army reservists and massed them along the border with Ethiopia.Also, the Egyptian authorities have released 46 people - most of them activists in detention without trial.Plus, the contr…
School reopening suspended in Sudan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:50
In Sudan floods force the government to push back the reopening of schools by two weeks.Also, the war goes on in the north of Ethiopia - currently, Tigrayan forces say they have ceded control of a couple of townsPlus, th…
Ethiopia's TPLF says it's willing to stop fighting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:20
Tigrayan forces in Ethiopia say they are ready for a ceasefire after a five month truce broke down. They also pledged willingness to participate in African Union-led talks. Will the Government in Addis respond in kind?Al…
Landslide kills several in Uganda [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:11
A landslide after heavy rains claims at least fifteen lives in Uganda.Also, the latest on a grain shipment from Ukraine to the Horn of Africa. Will it reach the people who need it most?And Cameroonian parents brave the d…
UN: Millions at risk of famine in the Horn of Africa [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:45
The UN say millions are at risk of famine in the Horn of Africa following the worst drought in 70 years. We hear from Somalia where the Islamic relief fund describe what they are doing for 7 million already facing starva…