Africa Today

Burkina Faso’s former president Blaise Compaore faces a military trial, accused of involvement in the killing of his predecessor Thomas Sankara.Plus, more than 40 people have died after their boat got into trouble between Yemen and Djibouti.And we meet the children’s author from Sierra Leone who wants to decolonise the alphabet.

Millions of Somalis face severe food shortages and hunger by the end of the year due to low rainfall and destructive locusts. Eritrean authorities release dozens of prisoners jailed for practising their Christian faith. And Uganda and Tanzania sign a long awaited oil pipeline deal.

Tanzania’s new President Samia Suluhu Hassan has outlined a shift in government policy in the areas of media freedom, Covid-19 response and foreign policy.Sudan has declared a state of emergency in west Darfur following deadly tribal clashes.And why Zimbabwe's once famed education system has become a pale shadow of its former self.

The Covid-19 crisis has been the big story of 2020 but how has Africa handled the pandemic, and amid the serious set backs have there also been some digital and technical gains? What opportunities will the African Continental Free Trade Area bring after it comes into effect in January 2021? How can Africa take charge of its own climate change policies? And is the continent ready for the fourth Industrial Revolution?These are some of the questions that the guest panel of Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Rebecca Enonchong, Professor Ken Opalo and Professor Landry Signé address with presenter Dickens Olewe as they look back at the issues and trends in Africa over the past year, and discuss what 2021 might bring.Producer: Patricia Whitehorne

From a prestigious award for standing up for science, to breaking barriers to become the highest ranking woman in the Nigerian police force, and the ultra-viral internet dance challenge, Jerusalema – in this special Christmas edition of the podcast we look back at the inspiring stories that made us all think, smile and laugh in an otherwise difficult year.

At least 15 top Kenyan government officials and businesspeople face prosecution in connection for alleged theft of tens of millions of dollars meant for Covid-19 supplies. Zambia’s credit rating has been downgraded over mounting debt crisis.We also meet the man responsible for carrying on the tradition of the talking drum.

The United States has imposed sanctions on the country's former First Lady Zineb Jammeh accusing her of corruption during her husband Yahya Jammeh's rule. The US treasury suspects her of helping the former president transfer money illegally, and controlling his assets abroad. Talks have continued between Mali's military junta and opposition parties to try break a deadlock over a proposed transitional agreement. Zimbabwe's plan to return farms to foreign white farmers who lost their land some 20 years ago under the rule of Robert Mugabe.

Cameroon army launch operation dubbed "Bamenda Clean." It aims to restore order to the capital of the Northwest Region which the army claims has been the target of attacks by what it calls "terrorists and criminals".Zimbabwe bans mining operations in the country's national parks following an outcry over proposed mining activities in Hwange National Park by two Chinese companies.South Africa introduce laws to try and deal with high levels of gender based violence in the country.

Uganda’s Deputy Labour Minister, Mwesigwa Rukutana was today charged of attempted murder following a shooting incident during NRM party primary elections at the weekend.Protesters in South Africa force the closure of Clicks chain stores because of an advert deemed to be racist. Zimbabwe journalist Hopewell Chin’ono narrates his arrest and prison ordeal.

African presidents are among world leaders calling for a free Covid-19 vaccine that should be made available worldwide. The European Union pledges 480 million Euros to help revive Sudan's struggling economy. Our Resident Presidents tell us why health experts aren’t their cup of tea.

Burundi has ordered four key staff members of the World Health Organisation to leave the country. Clashes in Sudan’s South Kordofan region leave at least 26 dead. Our listeners share their experiences of life under lockdown.

Lesotho today became the last country on the African continent to record a coronavirus case. Cameroon's Julie Owono talks about her appointment to the board overseeing Facebook content. Malawian artist Hazel Mak on her new ‘Unorthodox’ album.

Zambia has acted quickly to close the border with Tanzania after a surge in Covid-19 cases near the national boundary. Sierra Leone grapples with a spate of violence in areas supportive of the main opposition party. And we hear from France-based singer YSEE on Tony Allen’s final recording before his passing.

Malawi’s Supreme Court has upheld the invalidation of last year's presidential election results and ruled that Peter Mutharika was not duly elected.Political tensions are rising in Ethiopia over the postponement of elections which were scheduled for August this year.And the miraculous tale of a migratory Mongolian Cuckoo called Onon which flew from Kenya to Asia in just seven days - a journey that normally takes seven days.

Madagascar is conducting mass coronavirus tests in its worst hit area and more on its Covid-Organics.Why are schools being vandalised during coronavirus lockdown in South Africa?And the we hear from,ML Kejera, the first Gambian to be shortlisted for the prestigious Commonwealth Short Story Prize.

Some African countries among them Nigeria, South Africa and Rwanda have started relaxing coronavirus measures but some of their citizens see it as an ill-advised move.Tanzania President John Magufuli criticised for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.Somalia remains one of the most dangerous places to be a journalist in the world.

The South Africa government has outlined a stimulus package to aid the country's recovery from the effects of coronavirusThe South African-Ghanaian entrepreneur helping light up Sierra LeoneEast Africa face the combined threat of coronavirus and a second wave of locust swarms thought be 20 times bigger that the one which began last year

Police in Morocco have arrested more than fifty thousand people for violating coronavirus emergency measuresAfrican nurses and doctors on how they are dealing with coronavirus on the frontline of the fight in Europe and the US.And Angelique Kidjo repurpose an old song to help spread the message on coronavirus

The Cameroonian government has admitted the involvement of its military in the death of civilians last FebruaryHow the coronavirus pandemic has given the planet a lifeline Kenya government hunts a group of people who escaped from a quarantine facility

A dip in oil demand around the world is having big effect on Africa's countries big producers Nigeria and Angola.We hear from a hand washing expert who is on a mission to save lives and she also has tips on how to keep clean even when there's no water. And a group of Kenyans question why they are being forced to stay in quarantine despite testing positive for coronavirus.