BBC News Africa

The US and Iran have long been rivals, but they used to be close allies. Here, we explore some of the key events that led to the relationship between the two countries falling apart and explain how President Donald Trump fits in. Click here to subscribe to our channel 👉🏽 http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica 00:00 How the US and Iran became bitter rivals 00:57 How oil in Iran changed the role of the country on the global stage 02:00 The nationalisation of oil and 1953 coup 02:24 The former Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi 03:32 The 1979 Iranian revolution and arrival of Khomeini 04:24 The US hostage crisis and first US sanctions 04:58 The Iran-Iraq war 05:25 Anti-US and anti-Israel sentiment intensifies 06:18 What is the axis of resistance 07:16 Iran’s nuclear deal 07:38 Tensions escalate with President Trump 08:27 October 7th attacks, Iran’s support of Hamas 08:57 Iran and Israel’s twelve day war and US strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities 10:06 Why people in Iran are protesting 11:20 Supreme Leader Khamenei blames the US 11:37 How people in Iran are reacting to President Trump’s offer to help Watch more of our explainers here 👉🏽 https://bbc.in/4tZQMGb 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/

Aid agencies say they’re at breaking point. Life-saving programmes are shutting down whilst more families are being displaced. The risk of cholera and famine is rising. Now there are renewed calls for the international community to step in and push for real peace in South Sudan. Focus on Africa's Daniel Dadzie has interviewed Tom Fletcher, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator (OCHA), who has been in Juba, South Sudan. Reporter: Daniel Dadzie Edited by Bushra Mohamed 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/

Three years after a war that killed half a million people, there are concerns that Ethiopia is on the brink of yet another conflict. Once again, the northern region of Tigray could be the epicentre. And this time, regional and Middle Eastern alliances could mean even more devastation. The BBC’s Kalkidan Yibeltal explains. #ethiopianews #tigraynews #bbcafrica 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/

🚨 “Not worth it!" The Africa Cup of Nations is still costing some African stars big moves in Europe. That’s according to 🇰🇪coach Benni McCarthy who says 🇳🇬 Victor Osimhen went from 'top of the list' at Manchester Utd to being passed over. This was while he was scoring for fun and firing Napoli to a historic league title. Instead, he moved to the Turkish giants Galatasaray. And then last night… Osimhen shows up on the Champions League stage and helps take down European giants Juventus. 👀🔥 So, was he ever 'not worth it'? 🤔 Are African players still paying the price for Afcon? 🌍 👇🏾 Let us know 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/

Humanitarian conditions at refugee camps in Burundi are deteriorating following a surge of refugees fleeing fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to the United Nations over one hundred thousand refugees have entered the country since early December, overwhelming local resources. Aid agencies are warning that humanitarian pressure is intensifying, with many camps and transit centres struggling with overstretched health, water, and sanitation systems. Reporter: Sammy Awami Edited by Brian Khisa 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/

US President Donald Trump has been heckled as he delivered the longest-ever State of the Union speech. As Republicans gave Trump a standing ovation when he spoke about his immigration policy, he scolded those who didn't stand, saying, 'You should be ashamed.' The heated moment occurred as Trump urged lawmakers to support the stance that the U.S. government should prioritise protecting American citizens over foreign nationals. Minnesota Democrat Ilhan Omar, the first Somali-American to be elected to Congress, and Democratic Representative Rashida Talib shouted at the president. 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 being part of an elite crew in a high stakes mission: taking back looted African artefacts from Western museums. That’s the premise of Relooted, an afro-futuristic game developed by South African studio Nyamakop. It is not just a game - as you complete various missions you learn historical facts about real African treasures, events, and characters. The makers of the game want it to be as entertaining as it is educational about African culture and history. Will you be trying out the heist of the century 🎮? 🎥 📷 Credit: Nyamakop Presenter/producer: Njoroge Muigai Filmed by Gloria Achieng 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/

BBC Focus on Africa podcast host Charles Gitonga spoke to a Kenyan man who says he believed he was travelling to Russia to join a basketball team but was instead coerced into military service. He describes signing a contract in Russian, witnessing death in battle, and fighting in a war he says he never agreed to join. Young men across Africa are receiving promises of jobs abroad, only to find themselves at the forefront of the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukraine says more than 1,400 people from 36 African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces. In Kenya, a new intelligence report suggests that more than 1,000 citizens may have been recruited. Chapters 00:00-00:49 Coming up 00:50-01:46 How many Africans are fighting for Russia in Ukraine 02:03-05:10 How he ended up in Russia 05:12-08:32 Tricked into signing the ‘wrong’ contract 08:32- 12:03 ‘Forced’ military training 12:17-15: 14 Deployed into combat and drone attack 16:41- 18:03 ‘Racism’ in the battlefield 18:09-21:17 Journey back home 21:46-23:08 Scars from the battlefield 23:24-24:10 Kenyan government response 24:11- 24:47 Russian Embassy in Nairobi response 24:48-25:15 Closing #bbcafrica #ukrainerussiawar #kenyanews Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Carolyne Kiambo and Fana Negash Senior Producer: Priya Sippy Editors: Maryam Abdalla and Sam Murunga #RussiaUkraineWar #theconversation #bbcafrica 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/

Benni McCarthy hopes Jose Mourinho will apologise for his “wrong” comments after the alleged racial abuse of Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr, but maintains that his former manager is “not a racist”. Tuesday's Champions League clash between Madrid and Mourinho’s Benfica was stopped for 10 minutes when Vinicius made the allegation against Gianluca Prestianni. After the match, Mourinho - who was also sent off for arguing with the referee - said Vinicius had been “disrespectful” when celebrating his goal which gave Madrid a 1-0 win, pointing to the club’s legendary striker Eusebio as proof that Benfica is not a racist club. Former South Africa striker McCarthy, who won the Champions League under Mourinho in 2004 when playing for Porto, told Isaac Fannin of Newsday that response was "a mistake”. South Africa striker Benni McCarthy 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/

Watch the fuller episode 👉 https://youtu.be/WjQ1hvQotT0?si=VvkLzwhnt3TnNujg Around 350 million people worldwide are on dating apps in search of real love. Some actually find it. Others log off for good after one too many "uncomfortable" encounters. On Focus on Africa, host Nkechi Ogbonna speaks to a Nigerian couple who got married after swiping right on a dating app, and to Sharon Yams, who was left creeped out after receiving several unsolicited nude requests on similar platforms. 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/

Have Nigeria qualified for the World Cup? It’s a question the country’s football fans have been asking, but not because the Super Eagles have been playing. Rumours have been circulating about the result of an appeal made by the Nigeria Football Federation to World Cup organisers Fifa after they lost in Africa's World Cup play-offs. So what’s going on? 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 took four days now only takes one hour.” Known as the ‘tree against hunger’, enset feeds 20 million people across Ethiopia. It is a vital plant in a country that experiences high levels of food insecurity. But for generations, preparing it has meant hours - even days - of painful work, which usually falls to women. Now, new technology is not only transforming the lives of those scraping the so-called ‘false banana’, but providing communities a means to earn and eat when money and food is scarce. 🎤 Reporters: Habtamu Tibebu and Mati Olana 🎞️ Edited by: Rhiannon Fitz-Gerald 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 Russian ‘pick-up artist’ has been accused of secretly filming sexual encounters with women in Ghana and Kenya, before sharing the footage online without their consent. African and Russian media identified the suspect as a self-styled "pick-up artist" and online blogger in his 30s. Ghana said it intends to request that the man be extradited from Russia, while Kenya's government says it is pursuing the case "with urgency". Reporter: Peter Mwangangi Filmed and Edited by Brian Mala and Gloria Achieng 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/

Millions of Muslims across the world are celebrating Ramadan with fasting, prayer, charity, and self-reflection. Breaking your fast with dates during Ramadan is a religious tradition — but it also has scientific backing. From boosting energy to preventing overeating, here are the reasons why this small fruit is perfect for anyone fasting. 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 Tola Andu had her first child and later learned he was autistic, she feared for his future. Now 20, her son Kevin is navigating adulthood with the support of his family. From winning a UK TikTok award for autism awareness to securing his first paid job at a local gym, Kevin’s journey has inspired thousands who follow his story online. Tola says the family is focused on helping him manage everyday life as a young adult – building confidence, independence and a sense of belonging in the world around him. Filmed by Jenna Abaakouk Produced and edited by Jelilat Olawale 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/

Around 350 million people worldwide are using dating apps to find romantic connections. But the picture looks a little different in Africa. Research by Sagaci, an Africa-focused market research and data analytics firm, suggests that only about 28% of people on the continent have ever used a dating app, with Cameroon and Kenya among the countries recording growing usage. Focus on Africa: The Conversation host Nkechi Ogbonna speaks to a Nigerian couple who met on a popular dating app and went from swiping to marriage. Nkechi also speaks to a Kenyan woman whose experience included pressure for nude photos, uncomfortable requests, and being ghosted. Chapters 00:00 – 00:31 Coming up 00:32-02:07 Who’s using dating apps? 02:10-03:51 The swipe that started it all 04:07-05:31 Expectation of finding love on the app 05:38-06:13 Deleting the apps: When do you know it’s serious? 06:19 - 06:51 Red flags for Nana's first dates 07:08-09:38 What was the swiping experience like for the couple? 09:54 - 10:35 Staying safe on the dating apps. 11:07-12:22 The first meeting: Did reality match the photos on the dating app? 12:49-14:00 The reason Nana gave up on the dating apps 14:21-16:51 Family’s reactions on the dating apps 17:11-17:57 Swipe fatigue: When the apps just feel exhausting 18:11-18:24 Would they recommend dating apps? 18:26-18:40 Where Nana now meets people. 18:48-19:27 What would you wish dating apps had written on them? 19:41-20:09 How would you be able to reach out? Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Carolyne Kiambo, Fana Negash and Makuochi Okafor Senior Producer: Priya Sippy Editors: Maryam Abdalla and Sam Murunga #DatingStories #DatingApps #theconversation #bbcafrica 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/

If that line sounds familiar, you’ve probably heard the viral hit by Nigeria’s Kabusa Oriental Choir - a song which has become a Valentine season favourite across social media every year. We spoke to the group behind the trend about how it all started. 🎧 https://bbc.in/4tBMEMg listen to the full conversation on the Focus on Africa podcast. And if you know the song, drop your favourite line in the comments. Presenter: Chiamaka Dike Reporter: Tamara Ebiwei Edited by: Nnjoroge Mugai Shot by: Ifiok Ettang 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/

57-year-old Yameogo Aminata has told the BBC how armed insurgents overran her village in central Burkina Faso in 2022 while she was away. The militants seized cattle and land and killed several residents, including her four sons, aged between 25 and 32. More than 10,000 people have been killed in Burkina Faso’s insurgency, which has spread to Mali and Niger, with the UN describing the wider Sahel as the “epicentre” of global jihadist violence. 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/

Around the world, more people are deciding not to have children. Some are even opting for permanent birth control procedures like tubal ligation. Focus on Africa podcast host, Nkechi Ogbonna sits down with 29‑year‑old Naisula Sironka, who made that choice in 2024. Watch the full conversation on BBC Africa’s YouTube channel here 👉 https://youtu.be/rxuPYUy6OB0 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 UNFPA has warned that human fertility rates are facing an ‘unprecedented decline' across the globe. In a recent report, it said that many people are having fewer children than they want, or none at all, because of factors like the cost of living and difficulties finding a suitable partner. At the same time, some people are actively choosing a child-free life, and more women are now opting for sterilisation procedures like tubal ligation. Focus on Africa podcast host, Nkechi Ogbonna, spoke to 29-year-old Nelly Naisula Sironka, who has chosen to be child-free and underwent tubal ligation in 2024. 00:00-00:30 Coming up 00:30-01:30 The child-free movement on social media 01:30-02:57 Nelly's decision to be child-free 02:57-04:10 What influenced her decision 04:10-05:45 The decision to tie her tubes 05:45-06:53 Is Nelly worried she might change her mind? 06:53-08:07 The stigma around being child-free 08:08--08:50 Other contraceptive methods Nelly tried 08:50-09:52 What was the tubal ligation procedure like? 09:52-15:14 What is dating like? 15:14-16:49 The reaction from her family 16:49-17:47 Nelly's mental and physical health after the procedure 17:47-18.36 Hearing from men who are child-free 18.36-20.24 Reactions from social media 20.24-23:16 Why are more people choosing a child-free Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Carolyne Kiambo and Fana Negash Senior Producer: Priya Sippy Editors: Maryam Abdalla and Sam Murunga #childfree #theconversation #bbcafrica 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/

#BBCAfricaEye investigates a wave of enforced disappearances spreading fear across Tanzania – told through powerful testimonies from survivors of abduction and torture. 🎥 Watch the documentary 'State of Fear', here: https://youtu.be/9WkYK-SjJtE *** Click here to subscribe to our channel 👉🏽 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/ #Tanzania #Documentary #BBCNews #Shorts

Scroll through social media and you’ll find no shortage of beauty tips and must-have products. Yet, fake cosmetics are common on the market, while many global brands imported to the continent are not tailored towards black skin. Click here to watch to the full episode of The Conversation 👉🏽 https://youtu.be/ML9gd-v4woc So, what impact does this have? Focus on Africa: The Conversation host @iamnkechinna spoke to @zithobemacheli from South Africa and @jessicamolefe_ , from Botswana. They explain why more Africans are demanding better and safer beauty products. 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/ #skincare #skincareroutine #skincareproducts #skincareforblackpeople #bbcafrica #TheConversation #podcast

What happens when your personal history collides with a nation’s political turning point? In his BAFTA nominated new film - My Father’s Shadow, director Akinola Davies Jr explores masculinity, family, memory and trauma against the political backdrop of Nigeria’s 1993 annulled presidential election. It follows two young brothers who explore Lagos with their estranged father amid the country's social unrest. The BBC’s Yemisi Adegoke spoke to Davies Jr ahead of the film’s theatrical release. Reporter: Yemisi Adegoke Video Journalist: 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/

In Narok, Kenya - where more than half of girls undergo female genital mutilations (FGM) - a former headteacher has spent nearly 30 years running rescue shelters for those fleeing the practice. ⁣ ⁣ Patrick Ngigi has sheltered 3500 girls and offered them education and some technical skills through a vocational centre within the rescue centre.⁣ ⁣ Reporter: Agnes Penda Filmed by Simon Mbai ⁣ Edited by: Gloria Achieng 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/