BBC News Africa

The Critics Company - nine teenage boys in the Nigerian city of Kaduna - started experimenting with making sci-fi films in 2016. They borrowed smartphones from family members, and made tripods out of wood. Three years later, their first short film became a sensation, drawing the attention of millions of people, including Hollywood Stars. The BBC’s Damilola Oduolowu met @thecritics001 in Nigeria to hear their story. Reporter & Editor – Damilola Oduolowu Filming – Damilola Oduolowu, Hans Fanfon Producer – Lina Shaikhouni 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/

The BBC has launched the World News Komla Dumor Award for 2022. The award was established seven years ago to honour Komla Dumor, an exceptional Ghanaian broadcaster and presenter for BBC World News, who died suddenly aged 41 in 2014. It seeks to find a rising star of African journalism with journalists living and working in Africa invited to apply. The Komla award aims to uncover and promote fresh talent from across the continent, and has come to mean a lot for young journalists as well as the family of Komla. Victoria Rubadiri, the 2020 winner of this prestigious award paid a visit to Komla’s widow Kwansema Dumor and two of his kids, Elorm and Araba Dumor. More info at bbc.com/komladumor 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/

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Kenya, cases of gender-based violence exploded. But a combination of fear, stigma and a lack of trust in the police mean the majority of cases are never reported. It has been described as Kenya’s ‘hidden epidemic’. Africa Eye reporter Tom Odula investigates the deep-seated roots behind the violence, discovers the trauma behind the shocking statistics, and explores the police and government inaction that leaves survivors with little hope of justice. Click here to subscribe to our channel 👉🏽 http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica You may also be interested in these Africa Eye investigations: https://youtu.be/H-gc022W3-8 https://youtu.be/fJTh4Gdn_B8 https://youtu.be/9dl1k79uGFA https://youtu.be/pbrMjZQlN1c *** Africa Eye brings you original, investigative journalism revealing secrets and rooting out injustice in the world’s most complex and exciting continent. Nothing stays hidden forever. You can check out all #BBCAfricaEye investigations here: https://bit.ly/bbcafricaeye *** Credits: Producer and Reporter - Tom Odula Executive Producer - Emma Whitlock, Peter Murimi Producer and Director - Elijah Kanyi, Dickon Le Marchant Film Editor - John Moratiel Online Editor - Chris Stott Dubbing Mixer - Jez Spencer Colourist - Boyd Nagle Impact Producer - Courtney Bembridge Digital Producer - Tamasin Ford Social Media Producer - Anusha Kumar Reversioning Producer - Anna Payton Production Coordinator - Izzy Fleming Production Manager - Simon Frost Africa Eye Editor - Tom Watson 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/

The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has urged that fighting in Ethiopia, between government forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), must end so aid can be distributed effectively in the country. He also hailed the president of Mali for affirming that he is ready to have a dialogue with Ecowas (Economic Community of West African States) to find a solution to the current instability in the country and pave the way for democratic elections. The UN Secretary General spoke exclusively to the BBC's Sophie Ikenye. Edited by Aaron Akinyemi #ethiopia #mali #antonioguterres 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/

Mary Wambui's divorce settlement has set precedent in Kenya, when the presiding judge acknowledged that housework is work in a matrimonial case ruling. This is the first implementation of the 2013 Matrimonial Property Act. This is a landmark declaration for women across Africa and can now be used by other judges in determining cases where housewives are involved hence awarding them with the necessary monetary compensation. Filmed by Yadeta Berhanu Produced and edited by Carolyne Kiambo 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/

In exclusive, never heard before recordings believed to be of former Tunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, BBC News Arabic reveals the anxious telephone calls that helped seal the fate of his 23-year dictatorship and spark a wave of revolutions across the Middle East. The recordings, which are strongly disputed by some, appear to show that, as protests rocked his feared police state, the president's closest aides urged him to stay away from the country. 'The Dictator's Last Calls' uses animation to recreate the last hours of President Ben Ali's rule as he made a dramatic flight to Saudi Arabia to take his family to safety while demonstrators overran the streets. There has been speculation over the events that led President Ben Ali to flee Tunisia and these calls shed light on how his rule finally ended. The BBC has had the recordings forensically analysed by audio experts who found no evidence of tampering or manipulation. We have also played these recordings to people who know the individuals concerned. They believe the voices to be genuine, further supporting the authenticity of the recordings. 00:00 - Introduction 02:24 - Tarak Ben Ammar 05:21 - Ridha Grira 06:59 - Saudi Arabia 08:19 - Kamal Eltaief 09:23 - General Rachid Ammar 10:25 - Ridha Grira 12:17 - Ridha Grira 14:25 - Post script and responses Produced and Directed by Emir Nader; Animation by Jasmine Bonshor and Ismail Moneer; Executive Producer, Mustafa Khalili; Edited by Bettina Waked and Carole Bertinet; Digital Impact Producer, Janay Boulos. 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/

Many countries around the world allow children to stay with their incarcerated mothers in prison. However, the issue is controversial, as some argue prison is not a safe environment in which to bring up a child. In Kenya, around 200 children are currently held in confinement with their mothers who are serving prison sentences. This is raising debates in the country about what course of action is best to help them. The BBC’s Agnes Penda 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/

Kili Paul and his sister Neema are hits on Instagram and TikTok with their Bollywood lip-syncing videos. Fans in India and across the world are astounded they don’t speak Hindi. They’re also amazed that home is a small village in rural Tanzania. We went to meet them and find out the secret of their success. Reporting by Aboubakar Omar Famau Filming by Nicholaus Mtenga Editing by Deepak Jasrotia and Gaurav Rajput Produced by Kinjal Pandya-Wagh 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/

Africa Cup of Nations 2021 will be begin on 9 January in Cameroon. After being rescheduled due to Covid, the 33rd edition of the tournament is due to be packed full of exciting players and teams. Algeria are the defending champions, but will they win it again? We've highlighted the players you should look out for and which teams are most likely to lift the trophy in Yaoundé. Produced by Ameer Ahmed. 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 a seaweed farmer from Tanzania, a scientist in South Africa and a Senegalese influencer all have in common? BBC Africa's Malu Cursino looks back at how Kaije Said Bakari, Tulio de Oliveira and Khaby Lame made their mark in 2021. Presented by Malu Cursino Edited by Alvaro Alvarez Produced by Marko Zoric #2021 #2021review #inspirational 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/

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Nobel Peace prize laureate who helped end apartheid in South Africa, has died aged 90. BBC South Africa correspondent Nomsa Maseko looks back at his life. 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/

The Black Axe are one of the most feared and powerful organised crime groups in the world. The highly secretive mafia – referred to as a “cult” in Nigeria – have been accused of countless murders and are estimated to earn millions of dollars through internet fraud. But who is behind them? Are politicians involved? BBC Africa Eye has been investigating. Reporter Peter Macjob is on a journey to meet the Axemen face to face. Click here to subscribe to our channel 👉🏽 http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica You may also be interested in these Africa Eye documentaries: https://youtu.be/r62xSGw3kcI https://youtu.be/mRADCzmEX6w https://youtu.be/g-fPEHUqhyA https://youtu.be/kTXQFig2LsI *** Africa Eye brings you original, investigative journalism revealing secrets and rooting out injustice in the world’s most complex and exciting continent. Nothing stays hidden forever. You can check out all #BBCAfricaEye investigations here: http://bit.ly/bbcafricaeye *** 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/ #nigeria #investigativejournalism #africa #documentary

Major world powers including the US, China and Russia are jostling for military, political and economic influence in Africa. The continent’s mineral resources, agricultural land and strategic locations have made it a place where many nations are keen for influence. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has recently released the latest American strategy for Africa - but what does this all mean for the continent and its people? Anne Soy has been finding out. Produced and edited by Christian Parkinson. 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/

🇨🇩🏦Unlocking secrets from Africa’s biggest banking data leak, #BBCAfricaEye reveals how millions of dollars of public funds ended up in the private bank accounts of businesses based in Democratic Republic of Congo and owned by family and associates of former President Joseph Kabila. This documentary also raises serious questions about unexplained transactions through an official account for the office of the Presidency when Joseph Kabila was in power. How much did the former president know? The investigation is part of #CongoHoldUp, an international collaboration with access to evidence from BGFI Bank. Click here to subscribe to our channel 👉🏽 http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica You may also be interested in these Africa Eye documentaries: https://youtu.be/k79aV8Ca3tk https://youtu.be/26CWF7lQU40 https://youtu.be/UlTXRWMYpzQ *** Africa Eye brings you original, investigative journalism revealing secrets and rooting out injustice in the world’s most complex and exciting continent. Nothing stays hidden forever. You can check out all #BBCAfricaEye investigations here: https://bit.ly/bbcafricaeye *** Credit list: In Collaboration with MediaPart PPLAAF European Investigative Collaborations The Sentry Congo Hold-up Partners Produced and Directed by Joe Casey Executive Producer - Andy Bell Presenter - Joice Etutu Film Editor - Tom Cottrell Researchers - Ned Davies, Ronan Kemp, Nicole Gilmer Production Manager - Simon Frost Production Coordinator - Sarah Clarke Reversioning Producer - Anna Payton Impact Producers - Rhodri Davies, Hugo Williams Social Media Producer - Anusha Kumar Dubbing Mixer - Jez Spencer Graphics - James Mobbs Colour Grader - Boyd Nagle Online Editor - Chris Stott Archive - Pond 5, Getty Africa Eye Editor - Tom Watson *** 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/

Nimco Happy, the Somali singer famous for her hit track Isii Nafta (I love you more than my life), got married this week in Mogadishu. Congratulations to the happy couple!

Having a baby can have a huge and sometimes unexpected effect on a parent’s mental health. But have you ever thought how it is for deaf mothers? Catherine talks about her experiences as a new mother, her diagnosis of postpartum depression, and how she was able to work through such challenging period in her life, thanks to the support from an organisation in Nairobi, Kenya which helps deaf mothers through postpartum depression. Produced by Anne Okumu and Anthony Irungu Voiceover by Esther Ogola Edited by Anne Okumu Executive producer: Connor Boals 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/ #postnataldepression #kenya #postpartumdepression

The US military and its allies have a large base called Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti. The ongoing war in neighbouring Ethiopia has made the region increasingly unstable. The senior US General William Zana told the BBC's Anne Soy that US troops were "here to respond to crisis". Filmed and edited by Christian Parkinson Produced by Vladimir Hernandez 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/ #Djibouti #Ethiopia #USMilitary

Anne Kemunto's husband took his own life after struggling with depression. Her family has faced stigma in Kenya, where suicide is a taboo topic - and also a crime. The social stigma can be even worse for people who go through the criminal justice system because they attempted suicide. With at least 20 countries still treating suicide as a crime, campaigners are now calling for global decriminalisation by 2030. Reporter: Mercy Juma Produced by Gladys Kigo Filmed by Hassan Lali Edited by Aaron Akinyemi 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/

The former South African President FW de Klerk has died. Mr de Klerk was head of the white minority government, between September 1989 and May 1994. The former president, who was also a key figure in the nation's transition to democracy, had been diagnosed with cancer in 2021. 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/

Nineteen-year-old Chidube Nwaonicha-Emegha (@iamdhubem) has a condition called hirsutism, which causes women to have thick, dark hair on their face, neck, chest or lower back. Hirsutism can be caused by a number of disorders - in Chidube's case, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). But often, it occurs with no identifiable cause, and generally isn’t considered preventable, according to the Mayo Clinic. Chidube uses her social media platform to raise awareness about her condition and encourages others to be proud to be unique. Produced and edited by Saidata Sesay Filmed by Femi Gabriel 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/

When on 4 November 2020 Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered a military offensive against regional forces in Tigray after an army base was seized by the rebels, he vowed the fighting would be over in weeks. A year on and the conflict has not only escalated but it has spread across several regions. Ethiopia has now declared a nationwide state of emergency and asked citizens to pick up arms to defend Addis Ababa as rebel forces press south toward the capital. BBC Africa’s Ashley Lime explains why Ethiopia is still at war with itself. Edited by Ifiokabasi Ettang Graphics by George Wafula 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/

Conflict between the federal government and rebel TPLF forces in Ethiopia threatens the very fabric of the state, with hundreds of thousands of people on the brink of starvation. But while the focus has been on the conflict in Tigray, right across Ethiopia different groups are involved in their own struggles. Foremost amongst them are the Oromo - Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group. Two months ago, the Oromo Liberation Army announced a formal alliance with Tigrayan rebels in the north, against the government in Addis Ababa. On Monday, OLA commander Jaal Marroo told the BBC the group had taken several towns in western, central, and southern Oromia, facing little resistance from government forces who were retreating. Government spokespeople have not responded to the BBC’s request for comment. In this exclusive report, the BBC’s Africa correspondent Catherine Byaruhanga is the first international journalist to be given access to this secretive armed group. 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/

World leaders are attending the COP26 climate change summit in Glasgow, Scotland from 31 October to 12 November. For this conference, 200 countries are being asked for their plans to cut emissions by 2030. Extreme weather events linked to climate change - including heatwaves and floods - are intensifying, especially in Africa. Young climate activists from the continent told us how climate change is affecting their communities, and what message they have for world leaders at COP26. Produced and edited by Ameer Ahmed More on climate summit: The COP26 global climate summit in Glasgow in November is seen as crucial if climate change is to be brought under control. Almost 200 countries are being asked for their plans to cut emissions, and it could lead to major changes to our everyday lives. 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/

Senegalese-born TikTok star Khaby Lame is a viral sensation. Known for his myth-busting of "life hacks" and his famous shrug, he quickly became an international household name. The 21-year-old has even done collaborations with the likes of Naomi Campbell and Greta Thunberg, and is currently the second most popular TikToker. But how did he rise to fame so quickly, and what do his fans in Senegal really think? Produced and edited by Miriam O'Donkor 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/