Focus on Africa

Ethiopia is scheduled to hold its general election on June 1. Millions of voters will be electing members of the national parliament and leaders of the regional councils fronted by 23 political parties. This election happens amid political and security uncertainties in the populous regions of Oromia and Amhara, while there will be no voting in the northern Tigray region. With Ethiopia currently ranked 148th out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index, we look at what's it like for journalists covering the election.
And in Uganda, we hear how therapy dogs are helping survivors of abuse and trauma.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Basma El Atti, Carolyne Kiambo and Ayuba Iliya
Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga
Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

The World Health Organisations says Ebola is spreading faster than originally thought and has declared a public health emergency of international concern. Ebola has also been reported in DR Congo's North and South Kivu provinces, as well as in neighbouring Uganda, where there have been seven confirmed cases. In the last week, there have been incidents where angry crowds attempted to reclaim bodies of loved ones from Ebola treatment centres in Mongwalu and Rwampara. We take a look at how burial traditions are being impacted by the virus and what the recommended procedures look like.
Also, Burkina Faso's livestock export ban has a direct impact on Eid celebrations in Ivory Coast. What are the alternatives?
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Bella Twine and Ayuba Iliya
Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga
Technical producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

May 25 is Africa Day, observed annually to commemorate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity - now known as the African Union (AU). We spoke to three Africans, a generation X, a millennial and a Gen Z about the dreams and aspirations Africans today.
And South African activists on the Gaza bound Global Sumud Flotilla have returned home. The activists were on board the flotilla taking aid to Gaza before being intercepted and detailed by Israeli soldiers. We heard from some of them, who claimed that Israeli security forces subjected them to torture but Israel denies this.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Basma El Atti and Blessing Aderogba
Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga
Technical producer: Jonathan Mwangi
Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla

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

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