Best Rebel Base Media Podcasts (2025)

1
Nigeria's kidnapping crisis leaves parents scarred 22:59

Play Pause

4m ago22:59

22:59

Nigeria: A deep dive into the spike in school mass abductions by armed groups in northern Nigeria. We hear from the parents of some of the victims and ask: Who is behind the kidnappings and what's the government doing about it? And how are mental health institutions perceived in Africa? We speak to someone in Uganda about their mental health journe…

1
Is Egypt reasserting its influence in Africa? 22:59

11m ago22:59

22:59

A rare conversation with Egypt's Foreign Minister about the Sudan War and the tensions with Ethiopia over the river Nile, and Focus on Africa moves its hub from London to Nairobi.Egypt's Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty has denied that his country is supporting the Sudanese Armed Forces in the war against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. He…

1
Zambia President Faces Backlash Over Constitution Amendments 36:13

21m ago36:13

36:13

Zambia: President Hakainde Hichilema faces challenges over proposed constitutional changes Why Zimbabwean short film RISE deserves an Oscar nomination Should footballers from the diaspora be allowed to join African national teams after they qualify for the World Cup? Presenter : Nyasha MichelleProducers: Sunita Nahar, Yvette Twagiramariya, Alexande…

1
Why Maasai leaders want luxury camp removed 28:33

20m ago28:33

28:33

Kenya’s Maasai Mara Game Reserve is at the centre of a legal battle over a new Marriott Ritz-Carlton luxury safari lodge. Why are Maasai leaders calling for the camp to be removed? Also in the podcast, we hear from Malian refugees who allege war crimes committed by the now largely disbanded private Russian paramilitary group, Wagner. And a tour gui…

1
Guinea-Bissau: General sworn in after coup 32:50

32m ago32:50

32:50

A military general has been sworn in as Guinea-Bissau's transitional president following the 15th coup in the country. Why is the country prone to coups? BBC speaks to families of missing students in Niger state as Nigeria declares a state of emergency following a surge in kidnappings. And we look at what could be the reasons behind America’s move …

1
Mali settles gold mine dispute 31:14

7d ago31:14

31:14

The Malian government and Canadian mining firm Barrick have ended their two year tax dispute and have agreed a multi-million dollar settlement. So what does the agreement involve? Why did a volcano in Ethiopia erupt after laying dormant for more than 10,000 years? And we find out why Madagascar's beloved lemurs are at risk. Presenter: Nyasha Michel…

1
Guinea- Bissau: Rivals claim victory over election 27:26

26m ago27:26

27:26

In Guinea-Bissau, rivals Embalo and Dias claim victory in a tense presidential election as official results remain pending. In Nigeria, separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu has been sentenced to four life terms for terrorism and treason. What does it mean for the group calling for separatism. And in Tunisia, an Indigenous centre in Tataouine preserves her…

1
Selling body parts for 'rituals' in Sierra Leone 36:09

8d ago36:09

36:09

A BBC Africa Eye documentary has exposed the practice of selling body parts for magic rituals in Sierra Leone. We speak to the reporter who went back to the town where an 11-year-old boy was murdered as part of a suspected black magic killing four years ago. Why were two Zimbabwean university students, campaigning during elections for their Student…

1
Gender-based violence declared a national crisis in South Africa 29:14

24m ago29:14

29:14

South Africa's president declares gender-based violence and femicide a national crisis after planned protests A campaign to encourage us to donate our bodies to medical science And Audrey Brown bids farewell to Focus on Africa Presenter Audrey Brown Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Yvette Twagiramariya, Patricia Whitehorne, Stefania Okereke and Sunita N…

1
Amhara conflict: Thousands of reports of rape and assault 32:01

13d ago32:01

32:01

A special BBC investigation has collated data which shows there have been thousands of reports of rape between July 2023 and May 2025, in the conflict between militias and Ethiopian government forces in the Amhara region. We hear a personal testimony and also find out more about the scale of the abuses. Also in the podcast, why the advocacy and cam…

1
Did Kenyan authorities use technology to silence Gen Z protestors? 27:15

15m ago27:15

27:15

Amnesty International alleges that the Kenyan government used digital tools to suppress Gen Z organised demonstrations Has the rift between Senegalese President Faye and Prime Minister Sonko widened? Also, Nigeria has Nigeria canceled mother-tongue teaching in primary schools and reinstated English- why? Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Joseph…

1
Search continues for schoolgirls abducted in Nigeria's Kebbi State 28:37

22m ago28:37

28:37

At least 20 schoolgirls are still missing in Nigeria's north-western Kebbi State after they were kidnapped at dawn from their dormitories at a secondary school. How can mass abductions in Nigeria be stopped? South Africa fears a "cleansing agenda" after the controversial arrival of 153 passengers from Gaza in the country. And how Ethiopia plans to …

1
Are DR Congo and M23 rebels nearing a peace deal? 33:02

14d ago33:02

33:02

The DR Congo and the M23 rebels sign a framework agreement in Qatar for a peace deal to end fighting Will Nigeria's seemingly endless academic staff strikes end? And Nigeria's Eagles to miss the World Cup after defeat by DR Congo's Leopards Presenter: Nyasha MichelleProducers: Sunita Nahar and Joseph Keen in London with Madina Maishanu in Abuja.Tec…

1
South Sudan: Why was a powerful vice-president fired? 32:21

15d ago32:21

32:21

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has sacked his Second Vice-President Dr Benjamin Bol Mel, who was seen as a possible successor. So with First Vice-President Riek Machar under house arrest charged with treason, how will this latest move by the president affect political stability in the country? Africa finally has its own drug-regulation body fol…

1
Gabon's ex first lady and son get sentenced 31:47

20d ago31:47

31:47

Wife and son of Gabon's ousted leader get 20-year jail terms in two-day corruption trial. Mauritania's president, Mohamed Ould Cheikh Al-Ghazouani, recently sacked some senior government officials. Can he win the fight against corruption? And Zambia's ambitious plans to diversify from minerals to agriculture and livestock by 2030 Presenter: Nyasha …

1
Sierra Leone steps up fight against kush 31:38

20d ago31:38

31:38

Can new tougher measures announced by Sierra Leone's President Bio really be effective in combating kush, the illegal psychoactive blend of addictive substances that is devastating the country. What caused the fatal helicopter crash in Ghana that killed eight people, including two high profile government ministers? And why has Senegal dismissed the…

1
Can Mali's Junta withstand a jihadist blockade? 35:45

18d ago35:45

35:45

Can Mali's military junta maintain its hold on power despite a jihadist blockade? What role are mercenaries playing in Africa's current conflicts. And the genesis of a new type of Algerian rai protest music known as "Way Way" Presenter: Audrey BrownProducers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Patricia Whitehorne, Bella Hassan and Mark Wilberforce in London wit…

1
Can Johannesburg reclaim 'hijacked' buildings? 32:39

21d ago32:39

32:39

The South African city of Johannesburg has well over 100 abandoned and derelict buildings plagued by rubbish and open sewage and some have been taken over by criminal gangs. Many are also home to some of the city's most vulnerable residents. As Johannesburg gears up to host leaders from the world's major economies for the G20 summit, what is being …

1
What will COP30 change for Africa? 31:46

26d ago31:46

31:46

What can Africa expect from the COP 30 climate conference? Sudan's paramilitary RSF agrees to a humanitarian ceasefire, but the government wants guarantees from the international community And why are marginalised cultures being celebrated during Fashion Week in Namibia? Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Tanya Hines and Yvette Twagiramariya in Lon…

1
Nigeria pushes back on 'Christian genocide' claims 33:44

13d ago33:44

33:44

Nigeria rejects claims of a “Christian genocide,” saying violence stems from terrorism and land disputes, not religion, and that both Christians and Muslims have suffered attacks. Some Christian leaders however say there have been instances of Christians being specifically targeted. Also in the programme: Malaria elimination is stalling in southern…

1
Nigeria : Was there an alleged coup plot? 31:34

24d ago31:34

31:34

The arrest of senior Nigerian military officers and the sacking of security officials fuels speculation of an alleged coup Ugandan born Zohran Mamdani wins New York City mayoral election Plus the AI aunty helping to fight gender based violence. Presenter: Audrey BrownProducers: Todah Opeyemi in Lagos. Yvette Twagiramariya, Sunita Nahar, Bella Hassa…

1
After the oath, can Tanzania heal its divisions? 32:12

24d ago32:12

32:12

Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been sworn in after the deadly protests that followed her election victory. Can she use her second term to unite the country? At least 40 people have died in multiple landslides that struck Kenya and Uganda's mountainous border region in the Great Rift Valley. What makes that belt susceptible to such cal…

1
South Africa’s expropriation test case 36:02

29d ago36:02

36:02

South Africa's municipality of Ekurhuleni's attempt to expropriate land without compensation is under mediation after the private owners of the land sought compensation. The outcome of this landmark case will shape the future of land ownership and property rights across South Africa. Why illegal mining is a public health concern in Ghana. Are young…

1
Women in Kenya are facing increasing online abuse, says new report 34:40

25d ago34:40

34:40

New research reveals how digital platforms are being weaponised to abuse and exploit women in Kenya. We hear from a victim of online sexual abuse who gives a harrowing account of her experience, and also speak to a Digital Rights adviser on what needs to be done to protect women. Plastic waste is not only bad for the environment but can also be har…

1
The Gambia: Can ex-President Jammeh return home? 30:29

1M ago30:29

30:29

Why has the Gambian government issued a strong warning to ex -President Yahya Jammeh following his announcing plans to return from 9 years in exile?. Nigeria, South Africa, Mozambique, and Burkina Faso removed from a global money-laundering watchlist. How can they benefit? And how years of drought is decimating wealth, and thousands of lives in the…

1
Kenyan authorities seize a tonne of methamphetamine 27:05

1M ago27:05

27:05

Authorities in Kenya intercept more than a tonne of methamphetamine in the Indian Ocean as part of the country's ongoing fight against narcotics trafficking and addiction Thousands of Tunisians protest in the southern city of Gabes, calling for a chemical plant to be shut down because they say it's ruining their children's health And three Sudanese…

1
Will el-Fasher's fall change Sudan? 31:34

1M ago31:34

31:34

As the strategic city of el-Fasher finally falls to the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group, we analyse what it means in Sudan’s ongoing civil war. How the world’s oldest president, Paul Biya of Cameroon, is set to change things as he wins a disputed eighth term that could keep him in power until the age of 99. And why are South Africans trying…

1
Tanzanian elections: What issues are young people concerned about? 33:44

1M ago33:44

33:44

As Tanzania gears up for elections on 29 October, we hear from two young people about the issues that matter to them and whether youth concerns have been featured in the electoral campaigns. How a young Senegalese footballer's dream of joining a professional club ended in tragedy after he was tricked and lured to Ghana by fake football agents. And …

1
The landmark event in Manchester that changed Africa 34:04

1M ago34:04

34:04

We mark the 80th anniversary of the Fifth Pan-African Congress- a landmark event in Manchester, England that changed Africa Why people with albinism in Tanzania face rising fear ahead of elections The plight of Cameroon's female gold miners Presenter: Nyasha MichelleProducers: Mark Wilberforce, Stefania Okereke, Sunita Nahar and Yvette Twagiramariy…

1
Hundreds of stolen social media identities used to spread propaganda 32:11

1M ago32:11

32:11

A BBC investigation uncovers dozens of social accounts using stolen identities of Somali and Muslim influencers and posting political propaganda content. We hear more about what was uncovered and who might be behind this widespread operation. Chad’s parliament has overwhelmingly approved a controversial constitutional amendment removing presidentia…

1
Drone attack on Sudan's Khartoum Airport 28:30

1M ago28:30

28:30

Sudan war: Can Khartoum airport reopen just hours after a drone attack? 15 years after Boko Haram militancy started, why does a jihadist threat still remain in Nigeria's northeastern Borno state Ivory Coast: With the main opposition candidates barred from running, is President Alassane Ouattara set for a controversial fourth term? Presenter: Nyasha…

1
Can DRC be declared ebola free? 29:59

1M ago29:59

29:59

The last ebola patient in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been released from a treatment centre in Kasai province. Can the country now be declared free of this latest outbreak? What is behind the escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea over control of the Red Sea? And we hear from the Nigerian scientist, who has been recognised wi…

1
Who is Madagascar’s new military leader? 32:20

1M ago32:20

32:20

Can Madagascar's new president, Col Randrianirina, deliver change demanded by Gen Z Mada? Are West Africa’s illicit economies fueling the region’s wars and causing instability ? And a look at plans by the WHO to integrate traditional and modern medicine. Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Mark Wilberforce, Stefania Okereke …

1
Raila Odinga's influence beyond Kenya 35:00

2M ago35:00

35:00

Kenya's opposition leader, and former prime minister, Raila Odinga, has died suddenly at the age of eighty. We explore his legacy in Kenya and the rest of Africa. The world's largest producer of cobalt is the Democratic Republic of Congo. It replaces the ban with quotas but what does that mean for the DRC economy and its local mining communities? A…

1
Nigeria's presidential pardons spark controversy 34:46

2M ago34:46

34:46

Nigeria's president Bola Tinubu pardons many individuals-some posthumously. How were the decisions arrived at? Why are marriages and births declining in Tunisia? And are journalists in Tanzania exercising a lot of caution ahead of the general elections? Presenter: Nyasha MichelleProducers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Sunita Nahar, Patricia Whitehorne and…

1
What led to the downfall of Madagascar's president 32:11

1M ago32:11

32:11

An elite military unit says it has seized power in Madagascar from President Andry Rajoelina following weeks of youth-led protests. Where did it all go wrong for the entrepreneur and former DJ, who first became president in 2009 when he was just 34. Being a park ranger in Africa can be one of the most dangerous professions in the world. We hear fro…

1
Cape Verde’s football team make history 34:33

2M ago34:33

34:33

Cape Verde have become the second-smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup-how did they do it? What was Egypt's role in mediating the deal to end the Gaza war? And how did The UAE became one of the biggest state investors in Africa? Presenter: Nyasha MichelleProducers: Sunita Nahar, Bella Hassan and Yvette Twagiramariya in LondonSenior Producer:…

1
Militants' blockade paralyses Mali-Senegal trade corridor 38:20

2M ago38:20

38:20

Mali's military government is reportedly engaged in talks with the militant group Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) amid an ongoing blockade which has paralysed a key trade route for fuel, food, and essential goods. Could the crisis also threaten Mali’s stability and governance? A BBC Africa Eye investigation in Cape Town, South Africa, re…

1
Cameroonians vote in hope and fear 29:47

2M ago29:47

29:47

Cameroon holds presidential elections this Sunday with Paul Biya, the world's oldest ruler, seeking another seven-year term. At 92 years old, there have been concerns about his health and ability to rule. The credibility of the election commission has also been questioned. And insecurity is rife in the English speaking parts of the country. So, can…

1
Madagascar: President asks for year to resolve problems 37:12

2M ago37:12

37:12

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has asked for one year to fix the country's challenges, promising that if they persist, he will resign. He said this during a town-hall style meeting at his palace with various groups of government supporters. Many attendees had the opportunity to ask the president questions or simply share their views. We hea…

1
Eswatini accepts 10 US deportees 28:07

2M ago28:07

28:07

Eswatini accepts 10 more US deportees, despite rights groups in the southern African state mounting legal action to block the plan. We ask what has the Eswatini government got in return? Nigeria's Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaj, resigns after allegations that he forged his academic credentials. And nurses and midwives pro…

1
Darfur: Militia leader convicted of war crimes 37:00

2M ago37:00

37:00

By BBC World Service

1
Ghana: Why are children dying in boarding schools? 34:15

2M ago34:15

34:15

By BBC World Service

1
Morocco's Gen Z protests rise and spread 28:08

2M ago28:08

28:08

Violent clashes, arrests and deaths during Morocco’s GenZ 212 protests Why Senegal's fishermen are blaming a BP natural gas project for lack of fish And Nigeria's First Lady raises $13million for national library – but why has it taken so long? Presenter : Nyasha MichelleProducers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Mark Wilberforce, Bella Hassan and Joseph Kee…

1
Ex-DRC president sentenced to death 29:41

2M ago29:41

29:41

The former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo is sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity, treason and backing the Rwandan-supported M23 rebels in eastern Congo. The court has ordered his arrest, but his whereabouts remain unknown We look at the man and his life. Also in the programme: Officials in Namibia have deployed…

1
AGOA: US-Africa trade deal set to expire 33:02

2M ago33:02

33:02

AGOA: Why is a vital US-Africa trade deal set to expire? And why will women be more affected? Oil workers go on strike at Dangote Refinery in Nigeria following dismissal of hundreds of staff. And professional boxing suspended in Ghana following the death of two boxers in 6 months. Presenter Nyasha MichelleProducers: Tanya Hines, Joseph Keen ,Yvette…

1
Why is Gen Z protesting in Madagascar? 30:44

2M ago30:44

30:44

Authorities in Madagascar impose a curfew in the capital, Antananarivo, after protests over frequent power and water shortages turn violent. As the police continue to patrol the streets, we ask whether the government has improved conditions in the country? Also in the programme: The Island of Seychelles, one of the richest countries in Africa, hold…

1
Who is Malawi's old next President? 34:47

2M ago34:47

34:47

Malawi re-elects former President Peter Mutharika. At 85. How did he beat other contenders? What's life like in Bunagana town along Uganda's recently reopened border with rebel held eastern DR Congo Nigerian women push for more female MPs. Does reserving seats for women in parliament help ? Presenter: Charles GitongaProducers: Mark Wilberforce, Nya…

1
A landmark deal for HIV jab 29:52

2M ago29:52

29:52

A new HIV prevention drug will be made available at a lower cost in over 100 low-income countries within two years, including across Africa. It's a move expected to give millions access to the breakthrough treatment and potentially bring the world closer to ending the HIV/Aids epidemic. So, how affordable and effective is it? Also, Zimbabwe continu…

1
The two African countries which don’t recognise Palestine 36:25

2M ago36:25

36:25

UNGA: More than 150 member states recognise the State of Palestine-Cameroon and Eritrea will not. South Africa's police discover illicit drugs worth $20 million on a farm. Plus, we discover the nutritional benefits of eating dried fish. Presenter: Charles GitongaProducers: Patricia Whitehorne, Makuochi Okafor, Mark Wilberforce, Sunita Nahar and Nya…