Focus on Africa

Russia’s security presence in Africa may be entering a new chapter, with the Central African Republic at the heart of the story. Reports suggest Moscow is looking to replace private military operatives,Wagner Group with Africa Corps, a force overseen by Russia’s Defence Ministry. But the handover appears far from straightforward, raising questions about Russia’s influence across the continent, the future of its security partnerships, and what it all means for the Central African Republic.
And in China, an online trend involving dark-skinned dolls known as Natasha Dolls, fuels discussion about racism and discrimination.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Chiamaka Dike and Ayuba Iliya
Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru
Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

Cape Verde's national football team, Blue Sharks, stunned 2010 champions Spain at their first ever World Cup match. From the stadium in Atlanta, to the streets of the archipelago's capital Praia, we hear what the tournament and the result means for fans.
And BBC Africa Eye hears from some of the last surviving soldiers of the Nigerian Civil War, who recall what they went through during the three-year conflict that left an estimated 500,000 to 3 million people dead.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producer: Godwin Asediba
Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru
Senior Producers: Blessing Aderogba and Keikantse Shumba
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues across the United States, Canada and Mexico, we look at the rise of hate-watching across parts of the continent. The trend was especially visible when Mexico faced South Africa at the opening game last week. Some African fans, especially on social media, openly backed Mexico against Bafana Bafana citing the recent xenophobic attacks and anti-immigration sentiments in South Africa. We explain what hate-watching is and how off-pitch tensions shape fan loyalties.
And a new study is aiming to provide medical insights into treating kidney disease in West Africa.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Bella Twine, Godwin Asediba and Ayuba Iliya
Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru
Senior Producer: Blessing Aderogba
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

You may have heard of the manosphere - but what about the femosphere? It's a growing online community of female influencers encouraging women to give up on gender equality, approach relationships strategically and seek financial benefits from men, often in the name of empowerment. While researchers say there's no evidence it's radicalising followers like the manosphere, there are concerns about its impact on young women and modern relationships. 
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Basma El Atti and Fana Negash
Technical Producer: Maxwell Onyango
Senior Producer: Priya Sippy and Carolyne Kiambo
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

Africa's football spirit meets the 2026 World Cup buzz, controversy, and opportunities. The tournament is a landmark moment for African football, coming four years after Morocco became the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final at the Qatar edition in 2022. But even before the games begin, the tournament has been shrouded in controversy after the US denied Somali referee Omar Artan entry into the country. Omar was one of six referees from Africa appointed by FIFA for this year's World Cup. We speak to former Ghana international player Jonathan Mensah and former Ugandan international women's footballer, Jean Manayega Sseninder to unpack the opportunity for the 10 African competitors in the tournament.
And, a remote Kenyan community embarks on a mission to empower young girls with vocational skills.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Godwin Asediba and Blessing Aderogba
Technical Producer: Maxwell Onyango
Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla