Focus on Africa

An investigation by Reuters news agency has revealed that Ethiopia built a secret training camp for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) - a group involved in the Sudan war. Satellite images released by Reuters show that the camp is located in western Ethiopia near the border with Sudan. Experts say this is the first time Ethiopia has been directly linked to the war between the RSF and the Sudan Armed Forces. We look at Ethiopia's alleged involvement, alongside other countries like Chad, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.
And, a look at the life and legacy of Ebo Taylor, the Ghanaian Highlife musician who died recently. We speak to Ghanaian artist, Gyakie on growing up listening to Ebo's sound.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba and Mark Wilberforce
Technical Producer: Herbert Masua
Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

In this episode of Focus on Africa: The Conversation, we explore the world of dating apps on the African continent. Around 350 million people worldwide are using dating apps to look for romantic connections. But the picture looks different in Africa.
We hear from a Nigerian couple who met on a popular dating app and ended up getting married. And a Kenyan woman who says her experience with the apps left her heartbroken.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Carolyne Kiambo, Fana Negash and Makuochi Okafor
Technical Producer: David Nzau
Senior Producer: Priyanka Sippy
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Authorities in Senegal are investigating a transnational network of criminals accused of committing henious crimes against children. The police in the west African country say that the network was operating in coordination with a French national who was arrested in France in April last year. The suspects are accused of paedophilia, pimping, rape of minors under 15, sodomy and intentional transmission of HIV/AIDS.
 
And we speak with a founder and director of Kabusa Oriental Choir from Nigeria about their 'Valentine is coming' viral hit song.
 
 
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Chiamaka Dike
Technical Producer: David Nzau
Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

In an exclusive interview with Focus on Africa, Lieutenant General John Brennan, the Deputy Commander of US Africa Command (AFRICOM), says that over 90% of revenue generation and recruitment by Islamic State (IS) terror organisation is now happening in Africa. He also discusses how the US is seeking to deepen its military cooperation with African countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, Somalia and Mali.
And ahead of Valentine's Day celebrations, central banks in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda have banned the use of bank notes to make cash bouquets - saying the practice destroys the integrity of their currencies.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Bella Twine, Daniel Dadzie and Ayuba Iliya
Technical Producer: David Nzau
Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Over 200 cases of the Foot and Mouth Disease have been confirmed in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province. The highly contagious viral disease that affects cows, sheep, goats and other split hoofed animals has also been confirmed in Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini and Mozambique. We hear what this means for farmers and the economy.
Also - between Morocco and Algeria, who really owns the caftan?
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba and Basma El Atti
Technical Producer: David Nzau
Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla