BBC News Africa

He ruled Uganda for just eight years, yet his legacy continues to spark debate decades later. Feared by many, Idi Amin’s rule was marked by violence, uncertainty and dramatic political change. But how did a former boxer rise to become one of Africa’s most controversial rulers? Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/ Producer/Presenter: Anne Okumu

A small but growing number of women around the world are choosing to consume their own placenta after childbirth, often turning it into pills or smoothies to boost post-pregnancy health. But across Africa, deep-rooted cultural traditions mean the organ is usually buried, not consumed.⁣ ⁣ So, why are some modern African mothers breaking with tradition? ⁣ ⁣ Focus on Africa host Nkechi Ogbonna spoke to midwife Ruth Sally Kodam and a placenta encapsulation specialist Mary-Nissi Lemon.⁣ Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

He ruled Uganda for just eight years, yet his legacy continues to spark debate decades later. Feared by many, Idi Amin’s rule was marked by violence, uncertainty and dramatic political change. But how did a former boxer rise to become one of Africa’s most controversial rulers? Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/ Producer/Presenter: Anne Okumu

A detective is murdered. The trail leads to South Africa's elite soldiers. #BBCAfricaEye investigates. This is Episode 2 of a two-part investigation. 📽️ Watch Episode 1 here: https://youtu.be/AN0ogq0K-y0 Click here to subscribe to our channel 👉🏽 http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica When police investigator Frans Mathipa began investigating the abduction of a suspected Islamic State operative by South Africa's Special Forces, the case led him deep into the shadowy world of covert operations - a journey from which he would never return. Months later, he was fatally shot on a highway outside Pretoria. Now, with exclusive access to police evidence documents and interviews with high-ranking insiders, Africa Eye investigates the extraordinary events surrounding his death. It is a tale of secrecy, subterfuge and an alleged cover-up that reaches the darkest corners of South Africa's security establishment. At the centre of the case are members of the country's elite Special Forces, who allegedly orchestrated the killing of Frans Mathipa to suppress a police investigation into their operations. Drawing on unprecedented access to evidence and insider testimony, this documentary pieces together the events that lead to one of the most explosive criminal cases in modern South African history. The investigation raises disturbing questions about power, accountability and impunity - and examines whether a detective's pursuit of the truth ultimately cost him his life. 00:00 Recap of episode 1 03:23 An unlikely amateur sleuth 05:42 A front company for Special Forces 06:07 The cover-up begins 07:25 The American connection 09:17 Questions for Ramaphosa 11:29 Mathipa moves quickly 13:20 A fateful premonition 14:14 A training exercise? 14:27 Mathipa’s last day 19:05 Who killed Mathipa? 19:52 The cover-up continues 22:01 Arrests and charges 23:31 Justice must be served 24:23 Mathipa’s grieving family 🎧 Listen to The Documentary Podcast, 'Special forces on Trial': https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0p37cdq 🎥 Check out all Africa Eye investigations here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLajyiGz4JeyO2qgCvioQO-BzP1XCajJqt Watch more investigative journalism from our award-winning #BBCEye investigations team at this documentary playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLz_B0PFGIn4fa8LK1lptsvoA_spfJhzda You may also be interested in watching these BBC Africa Eye documentaries: https://youtu.be/wmIsgTIoW3I https://youtu.be/xVrUb7xwRcA https://youtu.be/-vQvFRDCa2g https://youtu.be/Qk9HEzcFiZ4 https://youtu.be/QPB42_uLLh0 https://youtu.be/rogZ8BYg-kM Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/ #SouthAfrica #Documentary #InvestigativeJournalism #BBCNews #BBCWorldService #BBCAfrica

Angélique Kidjo said that when she received the news that she was going to be awarded with a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame she thought it was some “stupid joke” from her husband.⁣ ⁣ It took seeing the news in the BBC to realise it wasn’t so. “If it’s on the BBC, then it’s the truth. ⁣ ⁣ Although the Beninese musician has felt flattered by the unprecedented achievement, being the first African musician to receive it, she says it also raises a question in her mind: “How many African artists will follow?”. ⁣ ⁣ That and more in the exclusive interview granted by Angélique Kidjo to Focus on Africa’s Waihiga Mwaura. ⁣ 🎤 Reporter: Waihiga Mwaura 🎞️ Edited by: Chiamaka Dike Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

A goat for a GOAT! 🐐 When this Nigerian mother couldn’t afford a car to celebrate her son completing his studies, she gifted him a live goat instead. The 23-year-old says he will treasure the gift and plans to keep and care for the goat. Watch the video and tell us: what’s the most meaningful gift you’ve ever received? Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

Imagine living with the lifelong physical and psychological scars of an attack fuelled by misogyny or romantic rejection. It’s the brutal reality for many women globally, yet the stigma of acid violence forces most survivors into silence. Focus on Africa podcast host Nkechi Ogbonna sits down with two survivors. They share their raw stories of living with the trauma, finding the strength to heal, and rebuilding their lives. 00:00-00:30 Coming up 00:30-02:00 Meeting Benta and Frances 02:00-08:00 The moment the attacks happened 08:00-10:20 Getting treatment at the hospital 10:20-12:50 Seeing themselves for the first time after the attack 12:50-14:50 Healing physically and emotionally 14:50-15:50 Living with scars 15:50-17:30 Sharing their stories online 17:30-20:30 The struggle of finding a job 20:30-22:35 How acid impacts the body 22:35-23:40 Hearing from a NGO that supports survivors 23:45-25:20 How has the attack changed them? Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/ Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Carolyne Kiambo and Fana Negash Senior Producer: Priyanka Sippy Editors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla

Brighton’s Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh is a young African who began his career playing ⚽ barefoot on sandy pitches in The Gambia 🇬🇲. From there his journey has taken him to Denmark 🇩🇰 and the Netherlands 🇳🇱, but now the 22-year-old has established himself in England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 with Brighton and Hove Albion. With the new season kicking off this weekend Minteh reveals his top five African players 🌍 from the Premier League era. Tell us yours in the comments below👇🏿 Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/ Filmed by Joshua Akinyemi Reporter: Isaiah Akinremi Edited by Njoroge Muigai

How do you get one of football’s megastars to join your club? Well, the man who persuaded Mohamed Salah to move to Turkey has told BBC Sport Africa how he used the passion of the fans to sell Trabzonspor to pull a transfer coup. Of course, earning €17m a year helps, but but Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan insists it isn’t all about money. 🎞️ Edited by: Ian Williams Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

After every publisher she wrote rejected her book, Sue Nyathi spent $3,000 to publish 500 copies herself.⁣ ⁣ The Zimbabwean single mother had dreamed of becoming a novelist - but she has gone on to have almost unimaginable success.⁣ ⁣ The Polygamist series - based on her book - has become a global Netflix hit.⁣ ⁣ She spoke to Megha Mohan about her achievements.⁣ Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

62 Ghanaians have been killed and 15 remain missing after being recruited to fight for Russia in its ongoing war with Ukraine 🇬🇭🇷🇺 While Ghana announced it has secured promises from Moscow to halt the illegal recruitment of its citizens, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov maintains that all foreign fighters joined voluntarily "in full compliance with Russian law." ​Ukrainian officials report that over 272 citizens from Ghana have been drawn into the conflict since 2022. ​How should African nations protect their citizens abroad? 👇🏾 Share your thoughts in the comments! Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/ Edited by Brian Khisa & Jenna Abakouk Filmed by Brian Khisa Produced by Beryl

More than 2,000 people have died in DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak. Health workers face violence, mistrust and difficult conditions as they try to stop the virus spreading. BBC’s Emery Makumeno looks at why the outbreak has been so difficult to bring under control.⁣ Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

Is it everyday you come across a story of how a dog saved a man’s life? Nigerian content creator Oreoluwa Osoba, popularly known as 'Oga Duke', has opened up about how adopting a dog from South Africa saved his life. Following the painful loss of a close uncle, Osoba slipped into a deep depression and was on the verge of ending his life when his dog intervened. In this BBC interview, Oreoluwa Osoba narrated his experience and talks about the role his dog played in saving him. Producer: Jelilat Olawale Reporter: Marvelous Obomanu Filmed by: Emmanuel James Edited by : Marvelous Obomanu Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

A reported gold discovery in a remote village in western Kenya has sparked a rush of fortune seekers hoping to strike it rich. Hundreds of people from across the region and neighbouring Uganda have descended on Cheporor village in West Pokot County. But the sudden influx is putting pressure on the community’s limited infrastructure and raising concerns about safety and security. The BBC’s Akisa Wandera reports. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/ Filmed and edited by Briank Whitney Reporter Akira Wandera

More than 100 people have been killed in a landslide at a mining site in Zamboï, a locality on the border between Cameroon and the Central African Republic. It is not immediately clear what triggered the landslide. Videos circulating online appear to show the soil collapsing on several artisanal gold miners present at the site. Rescue efforts are reportedly underway amid fears the figures are expected to rise. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

From bus conductor to viral sensation. Bradley Marongo, known as Gen Z Goliath, says being one of Africa's tallest men comes with its challenges, from finding shoes to fitting into airplane toilets. But now, his height is his career. And he's loving it. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/ Produced by: Priyanka Sippy Filmed and edited by: Basma El Atti

A detective is killed. The trail leads to South Africa's elite soldiers. With exclusive access to police evidence, #BBCAfricaEye uncovers a disturbing story of power, secrecy and murder at the heart of South Africa's security establishment. 🎥 Click through to watch Episode 1 of ‘South Africa: Anatomy of a Cover-Up’: https://youtu.be/AN0ogq0K-y0 Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/ #Shorts #SouthAfrica #Documentary #InvestigativeJournalism #BBCNews #BBCWorldService #BBCAfrica

To eat or not to eat? A small but growing number of women around the world are choosing to consume their own placenta after childbirth, often turning it into pills or smoothies to boost post-pregnancy health. But across Africa, deep-rooted cultural traditions mean the organ is usually buried, not consumed. So, why are some modern African mothers breaking with tradition? Focus on Africa host Nkechi Ogbonna spoke to maternal health advocate Ruth Sally Kodam and a placenta encapsulation specialist, Mary-Nissi Lemon. 00:00-00:30 Coming up 00:30-02:00 Meeting MaryNissi and Ruth Sally 02:00-03:45 What is placenta encapsulation and the benefits 03:45-05:20 What is the science behind placenta encapsulation? 05:20-08:20 Placenta traditions in Africa 08:20-10:00 Hearing from different mothers 10:00-11:30 What midwives recommend women do with their placentas 11:30-13:00 How to do placenta encapsulation safely 13:00-14:20 What do doctors think about eating placentas? 14:20-17:45 Will placenta encapsulation become more common? 17:45-20:00 Would MaryNissi or Ruth Sally eat their placentas? Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/ Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Fana Negash and Carolyne Jotham Senior Producer: Priya Sippy Editors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla

A tour boat narrowly escaped a hippopotamus chase. Even though the tour guide slowed the boat to avoid disturbing the animal, after a while they had to speed up to escape it. Tourist Oznur Bell, who filmed the footage, says, “It was one of the most terrifying moments I’ve ever experienced. I was in the boat with my three children and my closest friend, and they were absolutely terrified.” Everyone on board managed to get away safely from the animal. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

Across West Africa, vultures are vanishing at an alarming rate. Seen as nature’s clean-up crew, these vital birds are being pushed towards extinction by poisoning, hunting, habitat loss and harmful beliefs. By feeding on dead animals, vultures help prevent the spread of disease and keep ecosystems healthy. But across parts of West and Southern Africa, their numbers have significantly decreased, with Nigeria emerging as a major hub in the illegal trade linked to belief-based use. Now, in a community in Anambra State, south-eastern Nigeria, one man known as the “King of Vultures” is fighting to change their fate. Working alongside conservationists, he is challenging long-held perceptions and showing why protecting these misunderstood birds is essential for people and the planet. Reporter: Makuochi Okafor Producer: Abayomi Adisa Filmed and edited by: Ifiokabasi Ettang & Gift Ufuoma Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

Now, it’s difficult to miss the on-pitch action of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) – but let’s meet the Nigerian woman who’s inspiring girls around the world to think differently about what can be done with a foot and a ball. Evelyn Okafor is the first African woman to qualify for the World Finals in the history of Freestyle Football. That’s after winning nearly all the awards on the continent for her dazzling footie skills. Inspired by Nigeria’s captain Rasheedat Ajibade - who had won freestyle competitions before making her name in professional football - Evelyn believed she could follow a similar path. BBC Sport Africa’s Isaiah Akinremi went to learn some tricks and flicks with the African champion. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

What do you think of when you hear South Sudan? Well, these days you might be thinking of the catwalk. From Anok Yai and Adut Akech to Alek Wek, South Sudan has produced some of the world’s biggest models. In fact, 9 of the world’s top 50 models on Models.com are originally from South Sudan. But visa hurdles and access to international runways remain a challenge. Focus on Africa host Nkechi Ogbonna speaks to 19-year-old Khloe Nyanda, an up-and-coming model from Juba, about her career so far. Watch full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJFnEZ33tSE Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

Nigerians on social media successfully pressured South African Afropop singer Tyla into removing Lagos from her upcoming tour following calls of boycott but these Nigerian journalists think that the boycott might impact the future of African music. Produced by Jelilat Olawale Reporter - Makuochi Okafor Edited by Emmanuel James Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

Nigerian artist Davido explains why he believes success also comes with responsibility as he addresses the illegal immigration crisis in South Africa. Do you think artists have a responsibility to use their platform for social issues? Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/