Focus on Africa

During a parliamentary session, legislators in Senegal voted on a bill that was introduced last month by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, doubling the penalty for same sex relationships that are already a crime in the West African country. People convicted under the new law will now serve prison sentences of between 5 and 10 years and face fines of up to 17,600 USD.
We also look at why snakebite antivenom is so expensive in many African countries. In a conversation with Professor John Amuasi of the Global Snakebite Task Force, we discuss what can be done to improve access to treatment for snakebites in remote parts of Africa.
Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Bella Twine, Basma El Atti and Ayuba Iliya
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Senior Producers: Daniel Dadzie and Blessing Aderogba
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

In this episode, we explore two important stories from Africa. First, Algeria’s parliament has passed a revised law criminalising French colonial rule. The amendments remove earlier demands for an official apology and reparations after the Senate requested the changes. The law still includes demands for compensation for victims of French nuclear tests in Algeria.
We then turn to Tourette syndrome, a neurological condition causing involuntary tics that affects millions worldwide. In Africa, the condition is often misunderstood leading to stigma. Advocates are pushing for awareness, early diagnosis and support. We hear from someone in Nigeria about what it’s like to live with Tourette syndrome.
Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Basma El Atti and Ayuba Iliya
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

In this episode, we look at the impact of the ongoing US–Israel war with Iran on neighbouring Middle Eastern countries. Africans in the region are caught in the crossfire, some have been evacuated by their governments, while others remain stranded. We speak to a young Ghanaian still in Bahrain and a Ugandan who has just returned home.
We also explore Lesotho’s annual three-day Moshoeshoe Walk, where thousands retrace King Moshoeshoe I’s historic route. What began as a tribute to his legacy has grown into a heritage-tourism event celebrating history, wellness and community, while raising funds to support girls’ education.
Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Ayuba Iliya
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Senior Producer: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

In recognition of International Women’s Month, we speak to Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization. We discuss women representation in leadership, the impact of the latest Middle East conflict on African economies and the shifting balance of global trade and Africa’s place in it.
And, we also look at LGBTQ rights on the continent. In much of Africa, homosexuality remains criminalised in 33 out of 55 countries, according to the Institute for Security Studies. While South Africa recognises same-sex marriage, most African countries do not. In Botswana, two women are now challenging the government in court for the right to marry, despite same-sex relationships being decriminalised.
Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Chiamaka Dike
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Senior Producer: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

As the US and Israel continue to strike Iran and Lebanon, and Iran targets Tel Aviv and US assets across the Gulf, we look at how Iran's African community has been affected.

We hear from Priscilla Kounkou-Hoveyda, a film maker and the founder of the Collective for Black Iranians, which brings together the voices of Black and Afro-Iranians. Priscilla grew up in Iran to an Iranian mother and Congolese father, she speaks to us from South Africa where she is currently living.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Carolyne Kiambo
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Senior Producer: Priya Sippy
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla