Afghanistan: Shaiqa’s story From Our Own Correspondent Kate Adie introduces stories on the fate of a sick Afghan girl, a surprising return to Sudan, Armenia's choice between Russia and the West, Germany's culture of remembrance, and a first-time visit to an Irish wake. In Afghanistan's Hindu Kush, where drought and hunger are rife, Yogita Limaye meets a father who made the unenviable decision to sell his young daughter into marriage to fund her medical treatment. Child marriage is not uncommon in rural communities, and the recent codification of laws under the Taliban government has made it more permissible. Sudan has entered its fourth year of a brutal civil war, though government forces have reclaimed the capital Khartoum over the past year, driving out the paramilitary Rapid Support forces. Mohanad Hashim grew up Khartoum, and recently returned for the first time since the government took back control. Armenia is holding key elections next month, which will serve as a major test of the country's political trajectory - to strengthen old ties with Russia, or to accelerate plans to join the EU. Rayhan Demytrie has been in the capital, Yerevan. Germany’s culture of remembrance has long been seen as a model for how others can reckon with dark episodes of their past. But this has come under some scrutiny after the culture minister announced plans to broaden exactly what the country chooses to remember. Chelsea Coates reports from Berlin. And finally, Vincent Dowd recently returned to southwest Ireland - somewhere he knows well after many years spent holidaying in the region. But this visit was more tentative than usual, as he was to attend his first traditional Irish wake. Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinators: Katie Morrison & Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Are billionaires good for Africa? Focus on Africa About twenty-five years ago, Africa had no dollar billionaires. Today, there are 23. Their combined wealth has grown to more than 100 billion US dollars. At the same time, many people on the continent are living in poverty, and their number has also grown. Focus on Africa Podcast host Charles Gitonga has been speaking to the youngest billionaire in Africa, Tanzanian businessman and philanthropist Mohammed Dewji, about how he made his billions and the responsibility of billionaires to reduce the widening inequality gap. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Fana Negash, Basma El Atti Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Senior Producer:Carolyne Kiambo Jotham Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Who are the Azawad Liberation Front in Mali? Focus on Africa In Mali, separatist group, Azawad Liberation Front have renewed attacks in the northern part of the country with the aim of creating an independent Tuareg state. We hear from a Sahel security expert on the origins of the group, and their recent alliance with Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) - al-Qaeda's armed affiliate in West Africa and the Sahel. And, some lawmakers in Ghana are considering a bill to introduce compulsory DNA testing to combat the increase in paternity fraud cases in the country. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Bella Twine, Blessing Aderogba and Godwin Asediba Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

How Arsenal built a loyal African fan base Focus on Africa After 22 years, Arsenal has won another English Premier League title. The team is one of the most popular European football clubs in Africa, and had been running a multi-million sponsorship deal with the government of Rwanda which concluded at the end of the 2025–26 season. We speak to fans across the continent to hear what this win means for them. And with rising fuel prices in most parts of the world due to the Middle East conflict, we get insight into how fuel prices are determined in some African countries. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Bella Twine, Blessing Aderogba and Rukia Bulle Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Ebola: how does contact tracing work? Focus on Africa The Democratic Republic of Congo says the death toll linked to its latest Ebola outbreak has risen to 131, with 513 suspected contacts now being monitored across six health zones, as the government races to contain the spread of the Bundibugyo variant of the virus. And, with global fuel supply shortages, there are renewed calls for African investments in energy and infrastructure. We speak to Nigerian investor, Tony Elumelu. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Ayuba Iliya, Keikantse Shumba, Bella Twine and Rukia Bulle Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Who is in charge in Somalia? Focus on Africa Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's four-year tenure came to an end on May 15th. However, a contentious constitutional amendment has extended it by a year. The country had failed to hold elections over controversy regarding electoral reforms. We hear how Somalia got here, and what is next for the country. Also, Zimbabwe plans to return commercial farms to white farmers more than two decades after it was seized. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Bella Twine and Rukia Bulle Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

The GlobaL Story: Operation Ajax: The CIA’s Iran coup Global News Podcast At the outset of the war in Iran, US President Donald Trump suggested that regime change was one of its goals. He later said it had been had achieved, a claim that is disputed by critics who point out that the same repressive forces in Iran still hold power. American attempts at regime change in Iran have a long history. In 1953 the CIA, assisted by British intelligence, led a deadly coup that toppled Iran’s last democratically elected leader. It’s a moment in history that poisoned US-Iranian relations, and helped launch the theocratic revolution to come. But the immediate success of ‘Operation Ajax’ would convince the CIA to carry out a wave of similar plots around the world. We get the full story from Scott Anderson, author of King of Kings: The Fall of the Shah and the Revolution That Forged Modern Iran. The Global Story b

Global News Podcast Nearly ninety deaths have been recorded so far in the Democratic Republic of Congo with medical experts warning that the current strain of the Ebola virus has a very high mortality rate. The DRC's health minister said that no vaccine or specific treatment was available. Also, more than fifty children between the ages of two and five are abducted in northeast Nigeria during attacks on three schools in the same town. Several people are seriously injured after a car is driven into pedestrians in the Italian city of Modena. Two rival marches are held on the same day in London with pro-Palestinian demonstrators and British far-right activists kept apart by the police. And Bulgaria stuns Eurovision to become the surprise winner at the song contest in Austria. The Global News Podcast

Putin and Russia's new normal From Our Own Correspondent Kate Adie introduces stories on Vladimir Putin's declining popularity, peace protests in Japan, Serbia's anti-corruption anger, and how Canadian robots are patrolling the Arctic. The Kremlin has recently increased security measures around President Vladimir Putin after a string of assassinations of top Russian military figures. This comes as the president has retreated from public view, as the economic impact of Russia's war in Ukraine continues to bite. Steve Rosenberg observes the shift in the country’s mood Japan has taken a major step away from its post-war pacifist stance, lifting long-standing restrictions on arms exports. The government says it’s a necessary step in an increasingly tense region - but it’s raising alarm and in recent weeks there have been protests in major cities across the country. Kurumi Mori reports from Tokyo. Serbia has also been experiencing a series of protests over the past year – fuelled by anger over alleged government corruption. They began in November 2024 following the collapse of a train station roof in the northern city of Novi Sad, which killed 16 people. Jill McGivering has been to Belgrade to meet a woman whose tragic loss put her at the centre of the political crisis. Governments around the world are increasingly investing in military robots, as the nature of modern warfare evolves. Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney announced an investment of $32bn in Arctic defences, where robotic surveillance technology is being put to the test in icy temperatures. David Baillie has been following one of the trials, but finds human expertise is still far from obsolete. Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinators: Katie Morrison and Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Donald Trump's China summit with Xi Jinping From Our Own Correspondent Kate Adie introduces stories on President Trump's visit to China, the Palestine marathon, the Venice Biennale boycott, a young woman's search for her mother in India, and living in the fast lane with Sierra Leone's First Lady. Laura Bicker has been in Beijing where military parades, red carpets and singing choirs of children greeted Donald Trump as he arrived for talks with President Xi. So what progress was made in China-US relations after a frosty period? Wyre Davies has been in Bethlehem watching on as runners from around the world took part in the 10th Palestine Marathon - a burst of positivity after the race was postponed amid the war between Hamas and Israel, following the October 2023 attacks. The Venice Biennale and the Eurovision song contest were both founded with the intention of bringing nations together through art - but Kirsty Lang finds, upon visiting Venice, an art festival swept up in a clash with global politics. In the Indian state of Maharashtra, Tanya Datta travels with a young woman in search of her birth-mother after she was adopted by a French family and grew up in France. As she goes to the place of her birth, she finds an unexpected connection. And Megha Mohan recounts a hair-raising journey travelling in the motorcade of Sierra Leone's first lady, Fatima Bio - en route to interview her in the Presidential Palace. Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinators: Katie Morrison & Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Did Trump tarrifs shape China-Africa trade deal? Focus on Africa A colorful Beijing, filled with grand celebration has welcomed President Trump who is on a two day visit to the Asian country. At the height of the trade war in 2025, the two countries had levied tariffs that crossed 100% on each other. A fragile truce followed but one of the main questions hanging over this visit is whether that will last, and what deal would take its place? In the midst of all of this, China has extended a trade deal to 53 African countries. How will this deal hold? Plus, two young Nigerians are debating whether a mandatory youth service is still relevant to the country's youth. Mayowa Alawode, a preacher and content creator, and Oluwatobi Afolabi, Managing Editor at OkayAfrica join Charles Gitonga on Focus on Africa. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Rukia Bulle, Makouchi Okafor, Chiamaka Dike and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producer: Bella Twine Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Could President Ramaphosa be impeached? Focus on Africa In South Africa, a speech from the country's President Cyril Ramaphosa firmly saying he will not resign, is trending. A Constitutional Court ruling last week found that parliament acted unconstitutionally when it voted against establishing an impeachment inquiry against Ramaphosa regarding the Phala Phala report in 2022, where thousands of dollars were stolen from furniture at his game farm. And to Lesotho, we speak to an independent writer Tseliso Monaheng about the history of Famo music and why it is tied to a history of violence in the country. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Mpho Lakaje and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producer: Bella Twine Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

What came out of the Africa–France summit? Focus on Africa Protestors have been arrested in Nairobi while objecting the Africa-France event and France-Africa relations, calling it rebranded "imperialism". Macron has announced investments worth $27bn (£20bn) in Africa in areas such as energy transition, digital and AI, the maritime economy and agriculture. The summit is aimed at broadening Paris's partnerships and making investment deals on the continent against a backdrop of rising anti-French sentiment and diminishing power in its former colonies, especially in West Africa. And, we turn to a not-so new but revived sound of music by South-African musician Zawadi Yamungu, who is creating music that feels both spiritual and contemporary, drawing on themes of ancestry, identity and healing. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Rukia Bulle, Godwin Asediba and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producer: Bella Twine Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

11 mai : retour sur des figures marquantes comme Bob Marley, Nelson Mandela et Blaise Diagne.

Iran says its peace terms - rejected by US - are 'generous' Global News Podcast Donald Trump calls Iran's counter offer to end the war "totally unacceptable". Iran defends its proposals, saying they are "generous". Tehran wants the release of its frozen foreign assets, an immediate end to the war on all fronts and a halt to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports. Also: the final passengers from the cruise ship with hantavirus are repatriated. The British prime minister, Keir Starmer, speaks of his hopes for a new deal with the EU, as he tries to shore up support after last week's dismal election results. The former Thai prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, is met by cheering crowds in Bangkok after being released from prison. And the holiday hotels looking to ensure that all their guests get a sun lounger. The Global News Podcast

Botswana President backs Africa-France relations Focus on Africa The president of Botswana Duma Boko in an exclusive conversation with the BBC has shared his view about the state of diplomatic ties between African countries and France, as the "Africa Forward" summit kicks off in Nairobi. And, around the world, about 100,000 seabirds are unintentionally killed each year by fishing gear, including 10,000 in South Africa. In response, the conservation charity, BirdLife set up an Albatross Task Force, and by putting bird-scaring lines on fishing boats, they’ve managed to cut the number of albatrosses accidentally killed by 90 percent. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producer: Bella Twine Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

The Global Story: What Elon Musk did next Global News Podcast It’s been a year since billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk left his informal position in President Trump’s White House in May 2025. But behind the scenes, Musk has been busy. Musk has spent the last few weeks in a California courtroom, where he is suing his former business partner, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. In January, Musk applied for permission with the US government to launch a million satellites into orbit, some of which he says will serve as solar AI data centres. And he is preparing to take his company SpaceX public, with an estimated valuation of over $1 trillion. Though his political presence has waned, is it possible that Elon Musk is more powerful than ever? We speak to the BBC’s North America technology correspondent Lily Jamali about what the world’s richest man has been up to since leaving the White House. The Global Story

Putin and Russia's new normal From Our Own Correspondent Kate Adie introduces stories on Vladimir Putin's declining popularity, peace protests in Japan, Serbia's anti-corruption anger, and how Canadian robots are patrolling the Arctic. The Kremlin has recently increased security measures around President Vladimir Putin after a string of assassinations of top Russian military figures. This comes as the president has retreated from public view, as the economic impact of Russia's war in Ukraine continues to bite. Steve Rosenberg observes the shift in the country’s mood Japan has taken a major step away from its post-war pacifist stance, lifting long-standing restrictions on arms exports. The government says it’s a necessary step in an increasingly tense region - but it’s raising alarm and in recent weeks there have been protests in major cities across the country. Kurumi Mori reports from Tokyo. Serbia has also been experiencing a series of protests over the past year – fuelled by anger over alleged government corruption. They began in November 2024 following the collapse of a train station roof in the northern city of Novi Sad, which killed 16 people. Jill McGivering has been to Belgrade to meet a woman whose tragic loss put her at the centre of the political crisis. Governments around the world are increasingly investing in military robots, as the nature of modern warfare evolves. Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney announced an investment of $32bn in Arctic defences, where robotic surveillance technology is being put to the test in icy temperatures. David Baillie has been following one of the trials, but finds human expertise is still far from obsolete. Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinators: Katie Morrison and Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Couples looking for surrogates still going to Ukraine Global News Podcast For years, Ukraine has been one of the world’s leading hubs for commercial surrogacy - attracting couples from around the world with lower costs and more relaxed laws. Despite Russia’s full-scale invasion, the industry has continued to operate. But now, a proposed law being debated in Ukraine’s parliament could ban surrogacy for foreign parents. Also: Rumours are swirling that a US-Iran deal could be close. Scientists have verified the existence of the second largest tsunami ever. CNN's founder Ted Turner has died. And a robot has become a Buddhist monk. The Global News Podcast

Is Ethiopia involved in Sudan war? Focus on Africa For a while now, Sudan's military government has been accusing Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates of working with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the Sudan war that entered its fourth year in April. Both the UAE and Addis Ababa have refuted that claim. An investigation by the Reuters news agency in January showed the presence of a secret training camp in Ethiopia allegedly used to train thousands of RSF fighters. We speak to a Horn of Africa expert. Also, bicycles are fading away in many parts of urban Nigeria, but in the northeastern rural community of Mishara, they remain a symbol of love and commitment to marriage. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine and Ayuba Iliya Technical Producer: Maxwell Onyango Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Priyanka Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Hantavirus: what you should know Focus on Africa As medical experts work to contain the spread of hantavirus on board a stranded cruise ship in the Atlantic ocean, we hear from a representative of the World Health Organisation in Cape Verde. What's hantavirus, how does it spread and what happens to those on board the MV Hondius luxury cruise liner? Also, seven years after the enactment of the law promoting inclusion for persons living with disability in Nigeria, advocates say implementation remains weak. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Rukia Bulle, Bella Twine and Ayuba Iliya Technical Producer: Maxwell Onyango Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Priyanka Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

What Eswatini risks by standing with Taiwan Focus on Africa Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has finally visited Eswatini where his arrival had been expected since April. The state visit was cancelled last minute, and Taiwan blames China - saying Beijing applied pressure on African countries not to allow the plane carrying President Ching-te to use their airspace on the way to the Kingdom of Eswatini. We look at the significance of this visit and Taiwan's diplomatic ties to the Southern Africa kingdom. Also, we have a fire chat with Ghanian musician Stonebwoy, whose Accra-famous music festival known as BHIM is going global, headlining at the OVO Wembley Arena in London this August. Presenter : Charles Gitonga Producer: Rukia Bulle, Blessing Aderogba and Mark Wilberforce Technical Producer: Maxwell Onyango Senior Producer: Bella Twine Editors: Priyanka Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Sudanese journalists win World Press Freedom Prize Focus on Africa As the world marks World Press Freedom Day, UNESCO has awarded the 2026 Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize to the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate, recognising their courage in reporting amid threats to their safety and rights. Since Sudan’s war began in 2023, more than 30 journalists have been killed and over 500 violations recorded, making it one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists. At the same time, we explore how memes and AI-generated political images are increasingly shaping global power and narratives around the US–Israel war with Iran, raising new questions about influence, information, and the future of digital diplomacy. Presenter : Charles Gitonga Producer: Rukia Bulle Technical Producer: Maxwell Onyango Senior Producers: Blessing Aderogba and Bella Twine Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

President Trump, the King, and a special relationship From Our Own Correspondent Kate Adie introduces stories on the King and Queen's visit to Washington, the current mood inside Iran, elections in Gaza and the West Bank, and why fish are front and centre in the politics of West Bengal. King Charles and Queen Camilla's state visit to Washington came at a fragile moment in the UK-US relationship. A gulf has opened up between the two nations over issues such as Ukraine, defence spending, tariffs, and the Iran War. Sarah Smith reflects on how far the visit has helped restore the 'special relationship'. Donald Trump’s admiration for the traditions of the Royal Family was on full display during the visit, as he praised the King as an ‘elegant man’. Sean Coughlan has travelled with the King on previous tours, and reveals what made this one different. Inflation has soared to 50 per cent in Iran and people continue to struggle with rising prices of staples such as rice, eggs and cheese, as the stand-off in the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt trade. Lyse Doucet reflects on her recent encounters while visiting Tehran. Municipal elections were held last weekend in the occupied West Bank and Gaza. Hamas was officially excluded from participating, as the Palestinian Authority requires parties and candidates to recognise the state of Israel - something Hamas refuses to do. Jon Donnison has been in Ramallah. And in West Bengal a fierce state election battle is underway. Indian PM Narendra Modi's BJP has mounted an aggressive push to unseat the Trinamool Congress party which is seeking a fourth consecutive term. Soutik Biswas reveals how a culinary tradition has become a surprising hot-button issue. Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinators: Katie Morrison and Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

'Is diaspora written on my forehead?' Focus on Africa For the longest time, Africa’s migration story has largely been one way: people leaving the continent in search of opportunity. But that story is beginning to shift. Africa’s young diaspora who were born and raised in Europe, the United States and Canada are increasingly choosing to move to countries their parents once left. Focus on Africa podcast host Charles Gitonga spoke to Dr Maryam Abdishakuur who grew up in Denmark and moved back to her native country, Somalia in her twenties, and Danielle Wanjiku Natche, who grew up in the US and moved to Kenya - where her mother is from - in 2019. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Fana Negash and Basma El Atti Technical Producer: Terry Chege Senior Producer: Carolyne Kiambo Editors: Priyanka Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Listen now South Africans debate the migrant question Focus on Africa In South Africa, rising anti-immigration protests are once again putting xenophobia in the spotlight. We hear from two South Africans with opposing views to understand what’s fuelling the anger, from economic pressure to questions of identity and belonging. Then, we turn to sport, where Kenyan athlete Sebastian Sawe is making global headlines. After a record-breaking performance in London, he has become the first runner to break the two-hour marathon barrier in a competitive race. We look at what this achievement means for the future of long-distance running and what it takes to reach such extraordinary levels. Presenter : Charles Gitonga Producer: Rukia Bulle Technical Producer: Mbarak Abdallah Senior Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Blessing Aderogba Editors: Priyanka Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Listen now King Charles praises NATO in address to US Congress Global News Podcast President Trump has called the bond between the US and the UK a friendship "unlike any other on Earth" at a state dinner attended by King Charles and Queen Camilla. Earlier in a historic address speech to Congress, King Charles praised NATO and said the UK-US partnership was more important than ever. We ask if these warm words can repair the two countries' relations. Also: The former FBI director, James Comey, has been charged with threatening the life of President Trump in a picture he posted on social media last year; Mali's ruler appears in public for the first time since insurgents tried to seize power; and we look at the impact of lab-grown diamonds on the wider diamond industry. The Global News Podcas

What’s driving the coordinated attacks across Mali? Focus on Africa We look at what’s behind the coordinated attacks in Mali by the Azawad Liberation Front and JNIM, which are raising fresh questions about how much control the military-led government really has and whether its alliance with Russia’s Africa Corps is making a meaningful difference in tackling insecurity. Presenter : Charles Gitonga Producer: Ayuba Iliya and Chiamaka Dike Technical Producer: Mbarak Abdallah Senior Producers: Blessing Aderogba and Keikantse Shumba Editors: Priyanka Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Tanzania’s report on election violence sparks debate Focus on Africa Tanzania is under growing scrutiny after a government report revealed there were 518 deaths during the October 2025 elections. The report says 197 of those killed died from gunshot wounds. However, the report doesn’t say who was responsible for the deaths, recommending further investigations. We unpack what it means and what comes next. Plus, in Zimbabwe, we hear how one woman is turning personal pain into purpose by building a support network for families raising children born with cleft lip and palate, helping them access care and challenge stigma. Presenter : Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Mbarak Abdallah Senior Producers: Blessing Aderogba and Keikantse Shumba

Iran War: Pakistan the peace broker From Our Own Correspondent Kate Adie introduces dispatches from Pakistan, the Turkey-Iran border, Kenya, Ukraine, and Paraguay. Why was Pakistan chosen as the host of peace talks between the US and Iran? It's a question some in Islamabad have been asking themselves - and has fired-up a sense of national pride. Caroline Davies has watched on as the country gets ready for another round of negotiations. When the war in Iran began, there was a sense of jubilation among some Iranians, who had long-dreamed of the regime falling. Now that seems like a distant reality, and the mood is changing. BBC Persian's Omid Montazeri has been on the Turkey-Iran border, where he has found attitudes towards the war are shifting. This weekend marks the 40th anniversary of the nuclear disaster in Chernobyl, which remains the world's worst nuclear accident. Jordan Dunbar visited the city of Slavutych in Northern Ukraine, which was purpose built to rehouse workers evacuated from the power plant city of Pripyat - and recounts his search for a DJ legend of the 1980s. In northern Kenya farmers and their families are suffering the effects of consecutive seasons of low rainfall. A new report estimates around 400,000 people are experiencing acute levels of hunger. Sammy Awami reports from Turkana, one of the worst affected areas. And the semi-arid lowlands of the Gran Chaco span an area of around 280 thousand miles across South America - more than half of that is in Argentina, a third in Paraguay and the remainder in Bolivia. It’s the region’s second-largest forest ecosystem after the Amazon – and is also home to a wide range of animal, bird and plant species - as Sara Wheeler discovered. Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinators: Katie Morrison and Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Why more men are getting paternity tests Focus on Africa One testing centre in Nigeria told the Focus on Africa Podcast that the number of paternity tests it conducted rose by 28.8% in 2025 compared to the previous year. Focus on Africa Podcast host Nkechi Ogbonna spoke to Peter Ngumba, a lab technologist in Kenya who, through his work conducting DNA tests, decided to test the paternity of his own two children. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Fana Negash, Carolyne Kiambo Jotham, Chiamaka Dike, Keikantse Shumba and Basma El Atti Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru Editors: Maryam Abdalla and Priya Sippy

Madagascar: Gen Z arrests fuel doubts over military rule Focus on Africa In Madagascar, the arrest of Gen Z protesters is fuelling growing doubts about the military leadership that emerged after the 2025 uprising, as young activists question whether anything has truly changed. Elsewhere on the continent, a new report reveals a deepening economic squeeze: African countries are now paying nearly twice as much to borrow as they did in 2020, as shrinking aid forces governments to rely more heavily on costly debt. Presenter : Charles Gitonga Producers: Chiamaka Dike and Ayuba Iliya Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru Senior Producers: Blessing Aderogba and Keikantse Shumba Editors: Priyanka Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

What does the Morocco–Nigeria gas pipeline involve? Focus on Africa A major gas pipeline is being planned from Nigeria to Morocco, running along the Atlantic coast through countries including Ghana and Senegal, before potentially linking up to Europe. The $25 billion project is aimed at boosting energy access across West Africa, but it is still awaiting a final green light, expected later this year. Also, Masai giraffe numbers have fallen by more than half in the past 30 years. Now, scientists in Tanzania are using artificial intelligence to track the species more quickly, offering new hope for their recovery. Presenter : Charles Gitonga Producer: Chiamaka Dike Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru Senior Producers: Blessing Aderogba and Keikantse Shumba Editors: Priyanka Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Focus on Africa Two essential stories to round off your working day. Explaining the big topics and news from Africa, the people behind them, plus an African perspective on global stories. Hosted by Nkechi Ogbonna. Five days a week, ready by late afternoon, Monday to Friday. Controversy over US deportees in DR Congo More than a dozen deportees from the US, reportedly from South America, have arrived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At the beginning of April, the DRC government announced a deal with the US under which Kinshasa would accept individuals known as “third-country” deportees. The arrival of these deportees has raised concerns and questions among Congolese people and opposition figures. We also explore a different kind of journey - discipline in the African diaspora, where some parents have gone as far as sending their children back home for schooling. What is it like to be sent back to Africa? Presenter : Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru Senior Producers: Blessing Aderogba and Keikantse Shumba Editors: Priyanka Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

Kenyan children in search for British soldier dads Focus on Africa BBC Africa Eye follows Kenyans at the centre of a groundbreaking legal battle to track down their British soldier fathers using novel DNA methods. Nanyuki, Kenya, is home to one of Britain’s largest overseas military training areas, where thousands of British troops train each year. Over the years, nearly 100 children have been fathered by British soldiers here. Many of their dads disappeared, without a trace. Now, in a landmark case, UK-based scientists and lawyers are helping them find answers. And how the work of one conservationist to protect endangered bat species in Nigeria has been awarded the 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize. Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine, Ayuba Iliya and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

The Global Story: The AI model that’s ‘too powerful’ to be released to the public Global News Podcast Anthropic - one of Silicon Valley’s leading AI firms - recently announced that they have built a model which is too dangerous to be released to the public. Instead, they are only giving access to the model to a handful of big companies, to help them find security vulnerabilities.The company says the model has already found weak spots in “every major operating system and web browser”. Is this a genuine example of a company acting responsibly, or more of a carefully calibrated publicity move? We speak to the BBC’s North America tech correspondent, Lily Jamali, about whether this is a watershed moment. The Global Story brings clarity to politics, business and foreign policy in a time of connection and disruption. For more episodes, just search 'The Global Story' wherever you get your BBC Podcasts.

Iran closes Strait of Hormuz a day after declaring it open Global News Podcast Iran says its forces are in full control of the Strait of Hormuz and passage through the vital oil waterway would remain restricted, unless the US removed its blockade of Iranian ports. President Trump has said the US will continue to stop ships going to or coming from Iran until a peace deal is agreed. Tehran warned any vessels approaching the shipping lane would be "targeted". Also: Hezbollah has denied being responsible for an attack that killed a French UN peacekeeper in southern Lebanon. Pope Leo says he was not seeking to debate Donald Trump when the pontiff criticised "tyrants" for spending billions on wars. At least six people have been killed after a person opened fire in Kyiv on Saturday, shooting at people on the street and taking others hostage in a supermarket. We hear about the challenges faced by people with disabilities in Nigeria. One of France's most celebrated film stars, Nathalie Baye, has died aged 77 - we look back at her career. And how China fell in love with snooker. The Global News Podcast

Lebanon Ceasefire: An uneasy calm From Our Own Correspondent Kate Adie introduces stories on Lebanon's deadliest day, life in an Israeli under-siege border town, Hungary's victorious new leader, fuel protests in Ireland, and the secrets of a long life in Japan. President Trump’s announcement of a ten-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon comes after Lebanon experienced its deadliest day of the conflict so far - what's become known as 'Black Wednesday'. More than 2,100 people have been killed since the conflict began, with more than a million displaced. Hugo Bachega reports from Beirut. The ceasefire has been cautiously welcomed by some Israeli citizens too - though many are in favour of the war continuing, to defeat Hezbollah which has mounted cross-border attacks against Israel for decades. Nick Beake travelled to Israel's northernmost town of Metula. The curtain fell last weekend on sixteen years of Viktor Orban’s rule as prime minister of Hungry after he lost the general election in a landslide victory to former ally Peter Magyar. The new leader has promised to repair frayed relations with the EU. Nick Thorpe reports from Budapest. Roads in and around Irish cities came to a standstill for days last week as farmers, truck-drivers and agricultural workers formed a blockade amid soaring fuel prices which they said were crippling businesses. Sara Girvin was in Dublin. There’s a seemingly endless interest in unlocking the secrets to living longer. Many people look to the world’s so-called ‘blue zones’ – areas that are home to a high percentage of centenarians. One of the most renowned is the Japanese island of Okinawa - Christine Finn went looking for clues. Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinators: Katie Morrison and Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

The Happy Pod: Filling the empty chair left by my best friend Global News Podcast We meet the man helping to tackle loneliness by offering strangers somewhere to sit and chat. Dean Perryman started the Empty Chairs project, honouring the memory of his best friend. After he posted the concept online, it has been replicated around the world. Also: How technology has allowed a dancer with a muscle-wasting disease to see herself performing on stage again. A headset allowed Breanna Olson to control a digital avatar with her brainwaves in real time. Plus, we meet the 95-year-old swimmer still breaking records and showing no signs of slowing down. Brazil gets its own tartan. And we introduce you to Marcus, the black labrador too friendly to be a guide dog, but who's found his calling supporting cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Our weekly collection of inspiring, uplifting and happy news from around the world. Presenter: Holly Gibbs. Music composed by Iona Hampson

Le couscous sénégalais « Thiéré » sacré meilleur couscous au monde en 2019 ! Photo de La Rédaction La Rédaction Suivre sur Twitter9 octobre 2019 Temps de lecture 1 minute Les richesses du continent africain ont une fois de plus fait l’unanimité. Le thiéré, le couscous sénégalais est le meilleur au monde. C’est ce qui ressort de la 22e édition du concours « Cous Cous Fest », organisé en Italie. Le thiéré a détrôné sans grande difficulté le Kousksi tunisien. Ce sacre a été possible grâce à l’ingéniosité de la cheffe sénégalaise originaire de Dakar, Marème Cissé, et de son fils Falilou Diouf. La famille tient un restaurant en Sicile, et a ébloui le jury avec une version au poulpe sur lit de mangue. « Les couleurs du couscous, du poulpe et des légumes battus, distinctes et juxtaposées sans être confondues (…) font que la petite ‘nature morte’ représentée dans le plat du chef Marème Cissé est élégant et en même temps attrayant pour le palais », ont laissé entendre les membres du jury rapporte francetvinfo. Pour réussir un bon thiéré renseigne RFI, la graine de mil doit être trempée, pilée, mélangée avec de l’eau, puis passée à la vapeur. Il faut ensuite la tamiser et ajouter une poudre à base de feuilles de baobab. La préparation du thiéré serait une tradition et un met prisé lors des mariages et des grandes cérémonies. A part le Thiep, le Sénégal a d’autres mets succulent dans sa gastronomie diront certains. « Cous Cous Fest » le festival du Couscous, il faut le souligner se tient chaque année en Sicile, à San Vito Lo Capo (nord-ouest). L’édition de cette année avait pour slogan « Faites du couscous, pas la guerre ».

Et le meilleur couscous du monde est… sénégalais Image : Traditional Moroccan homemade Couscous plate on a colorful table. Couscous is a semolina wheat dish with vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, turnip and meat with bones. It can be served with sauce. photo de profil Par Robin Panfili Publié le 08/10/2019 à 11h20 Le thiéré, le couscous sénégalais, vient de remporter le prix tant convoité du meilleur couscous du monde en Sicile. Chaque année, depuis vingt-deux ans désormais, la ville sicilienne de San Vito lo Capo organise un concours devenu une référence dans le monde de la gastronomie : le Cous Cous Fest. Une compétition qui décerne, à chaque édition, le titre de « meilleur couscous du monde ». Et cette année, c’est le Sénégal qui a remporté le gros lot. À voir aussi sur Konbini Au terme d’une âpre compétition qui a vu s’affronter des candidats venus de Tunisie, du Maroc, de Palestine, d’Italie, des États-Unis ou d’Israël, c’est le « Falilou Couscous » qui a séduit le jury, composé de journalistes, chefs, blogueurs et experts gastronomiques. De quoi s’agit-il ? Couscous au poulpe et tartare de légumes Tout simplement, « un couscous au poulpe mariné et poché selon la tradition sénégalaise, accompagné de tartare de légumes de potager du jardin et de mangue, servi sur une crème de carottes et de gingembre aux fines herbes et aux épices de Salamba ». Sur le même sujet...

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La Corde au cou, thriller nuancé sur le dernier recours d’un homme leurré

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Des souliers pour la montagne et d’autres pour le tapis rouge : les coups de cœur mode de la semaine de la rédaction La Tunisie détrônée Il s’agit là d’une première pour le Sénégal qui succède à la Tunisie, tenant du titre et vainqueur à cinq reprises du concours depuis sa création en 1998. Marème Cissé, accompagnée pour l’occasion de son fils Falilou Diouf (qui a donné son nom au plat vainqueur), est originaire de Dakar et tient aujourd’hui Ginger People & Food, un restaurant dans la ville d’Agrigente en Sicile. Le Cous Cous Fest, qui a récemment posé ses valises le temps d’un week-end à Paris, est un événement incontournable en Sicile. Et pour cause, au fil des années, celui-ci s’est imposé comme une célébration des échanges entre les populations et une mise en valeur de la transmission culturelle, notamment autour de la cuisine… et du couscous. À lire aussi : Après la Sicile, Alger et Marseille, le festival Kouss-Kouss débarque à Paris

Tens of thousands of Lebanese return home after ceasefire Global News Podcast A 10-day pause in the fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah has led to tens of thousands of displaced Lebanese families returning home. Despite the ceasefire, Israel has said it reserves the right to continue targeting the Iran-backed militant group. It also says civilians could be forced to move again. Also: finance ministers and central bankers express concern about a powerful new AI model that could undermine financial systems. Large crowds gather in Douala, ​Cameroon's biggest city, for a mass with the Pope. Harry and Meghan are in Australia. Is the trip about making money or for charity? And Japan unveils a new word for extremely hot summer days. The Global News Podcast

ADHD and me Focus on Africa Across the globe, diagnoses of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are on the rise, including in Africa. An estimated 7% of children and adolescents on the continent are living with the condition, and doctors in Nigeria and Kenya told the BBC that they have seen a notable increase in diagnoses in recent years. This surge is partly attributed to the rapid spread of information about ADHD on social media, which has helped raise awareness. However, clinicians also caution that misinformation online is contributing to a growing trend of self-diagnosis. So what does it really mean to live with ADHD in Africa, and what barriers exist when it comes to accessing proper medical care? We hear from 29-year-old Siham Azeroual from Morocco, who is living with both ADHD and autism. Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Basma El Atti and Fana Negash Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru Senior Producer: Priya Sippy Editor: Maryam Abdalla

Ceasefire in Lebanon begins Ceasefire in Lebanon begins A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has come into effect after it was brokered by the United States. Hezbollah have indicated they will observe the truce, though Israeli troops are to remain in Lebanese areas they have occupied. Iran has welcomed the development but wants a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon. President Trump says Iran has agreed to hand over its enriched uranium, one of the key sticking points in negotiations to bring the war to an end. Fresh talks, he said, could resume as early as this weekend with Washington and Tehran "very close" to making a deal. Also: the British Prime Minister is facing calls to resign, after it emerged that his former ambassador to the US was appointed despite failing security vetting. Peter Mandelson was sacked last year over his friendship with the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The future of the Saudi-funded golf tour LIV hangs in the balance as cash appears to be running out. The four astronauts of Nasa's Artemis II say their Moon mission gave the world a sense of hope and unity at a time when both feel in short supply. After a row over tennis tech rules at the Australian Open, tennis stars will be allowed to use trackers and watches to monitor their performances at upcoming majors such as the French Open. And how the escaped wolf Neukgu captured headlines in South Korea, setting firefighters and police on a week-long chase. The Global News Podcast

Pope Leo: 'world ravaged by handful of tyrants' Global News Podcast In unusually forceful political remarks, Pope Leo has said the world is "being ravaged by a handful of tyrants". Addressing a crowd during his visit to a region of Cameroon affected by a separatist insurgency, the head of the Roman Catholic Church condemned the people who -- he said -- manipulated "the very name of God" for their own gain. Also: a Lebanese official has told the BBC that President Joseph Aoun is not planning to speak to the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu - despite earlier suggestions from President Trump and Israeli officials. The outspoken South African opposition politician, Julius Malema, is sentenced to five years in prison for weapons offences. At least 17 people die in Ukraine following a massive Russian drone and missile attack. France looks to ban under-16s from using social media platforms, following Australia's lead. A study finds that communication between sperm whales closely parallels human language. And two rare paintings by the French Impressionist, Claude Monet, are sold at auction in Paris for a total of nearly $20m. The Global News Podcast

Electric vehicles - fixing Africa's fuel crisis? Focus on Africa Kenya is the latest African country to increase fuel prices citing the US-Israel war with Iran. While announcing one of the steepest pump price increments in recent times, the government reduced Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel products from 16% to 8%, as the country's political opposition threatens street demonstrations if measures to lower prices further are not taken. In this episode - we explore if electric vehicles are a viable transport alternative in African countries. Also, the global fashion industry produces 92 million tonnes of textile waste every year with much of it ending up in landfills or being burned, according to the United Nations. We hear a Nigerian fashion designer's journey to curb rising fashion waste through upcycling. Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editor: Maryam Abdalla

Sudan war three years on Focus on Africa It's three years today, April 15, since the war in Sudan erupted triggered by a power struggle between the army and paramilitary group, Rapid Support Forces - RSF. The fighting has led to a partitioning of the country and created the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. The number of women and girls needing support in Sudan following gender-based violence has nearly quadrupled since the start of the war, according to a new UN gender alert. We hear from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk.

China calls US blockade of Iranian ports 'dangerous' Global News Podcast China has described the US blockade of Iranian ports as "irresponsible and dangerous". The measure came into force on Monday, after peace talks failed over the weekend. Beijing's foreign ministry said Washington's actions would undermine the current ceasefire and further jeopardise the safety of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump said he ordered the blockade to force Iran to give up its nuclear ambitions. Analysts say the move is also designed to put pressure on China -- the biggest buyer of Iranian oil. Also: A Chinese court says the founder of collapsed property giant, Evergrande, has pleaded guilty to a series of fraud charges at his trial; a BBC investigation uncovers fresh, wide-ranging evidence that indicates Greek police have, for years, been recruiting migrants to force other migrants back across its river border with Turkey; an unusual way to combat southern Italy's 'brain drain'; and a successful Ugandan conservation project helping Africa's mountain gorillas. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk