BBC News Africa

Some of the last survivors from Nigeria’s Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, share their memories from the frontline. Click here to subscribe to our channel 👉🏽 http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Most survivors of the Biafran War are now in their 70s and 80s. The trauma of the war has prevented many of them from sharing their stories. Time is running out to record their memories. This documentary is directed by award-winning Nigerian filmmakers Meji and Leke Alabi, whose grandfather, a senior Federal Army Commando, took part in the war. Between 600,000 and 3 million people died in Biafra amidst allegations of war crimes. Through deeply emotional testimonies from frontline eyewitnesses, intercut with the BBC’s vast and largely unseen video archives, this programme sheds light on a civil war which impacted the lives of millions and still shapes conversations in Nigeria today. This documentary was produced by BBC Africa Eye with expert support from the BBC Igbo Service. Eyewitness accounts from both sides of the conflict are reflected in the programme. 00:00 Eyewitnesses to the Biafran War 02:22 A family’s story – the directors and their grandfather 07:00 Nigeria gains independence 09:55 1966: the coups 15:36 The birth of Biafra 17:00 Two leaders 18:00 Britain backs the Government 19:31 Biafran rebels prepare for war 22:59 A surprise Biafran attack 25:14 The Government fightback 28:09 Minority groups targeted 29:58 Biafran recruits foreign mercenaries 34:24 Jungle warfare 39:43 The fall of Port Harcourt 41:41 Britain’s source of income 44:35 Air raids on Biafra 50:59 Federal army “war crimes” 53:17 International aid arrives 57:13 Corruption delays the food 58:34 “Thousands are going to starve.” 01:00:00 Protests in Britain 01:01:06 The famine begins 01:07:24 This Civil War “is a disaster.” 01:09:01 Biafra surrenders 01:10:28 Britain “makes a profit” 01:12:16 A generation lost 📽️ Watch this film in HAUSA here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZHQ13rvysU, in SWAHILI here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtBiT8WqEJY, and in FRENCH here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwfVtvugQQ8 🎞️ Check out all #BBCAfricaEye investigations here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLajyiGz4JeyO2qgCvioQO-BzP1XCajJqt 🎞️ Watch more investigative journalism from our award-winning BBC Eye team in this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLz_B0PFGIn4fa8LK1lptsvoA_spfJhzda You may also be interested in watching these #BBCEye documentaries: https://youtu.be/UZZVQxjXWCg https://youtu.be/xVrUb7xwRcA https://youtu.be/9WkYK-SjJtE 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/ #Biafra #Nigeria #Documentary #History #InvestigativeJournalism #HistoricalDocumentary #BBCAfrica

The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, is in Bunia in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the epicentre of the country's Ebola outbreak. The visit comes as health officials step up efforts to contain the virus and strengthen the response on the ground. #ebolavirus #ébola

In some countries, breast reduction surgery is now becoming more popular than enlargements. For many women, having larger breasts may be down to genetics. But for some, breast growth is extreme, painful and life-altering. The condition, called gigantomastia, causes excessive breast tissue growth, leading to chronic pain, mobility challenges, and emotional distress. Focus on Africa podcast host Nkechi Ogbonna speaks to 25-year-old South African content creator Michelle Sekwena, who has been sharing her journey with gigantomastia, and her experience undergoing breast reduction surgery. 00:00-01:00 Coming up 01:00-02:10 The rise of breast reduction surgery 02:10-03:-40 When Michelle noticed she had gigantomastia 03:40-04:50 Michelle's life before excessive breast growth 04:50-06:50 The challenges of finding clothes 06:50-10:43 Other women's journey's with breast reduction 10:43-11:20 What is gigantomastia? 11:20-13:25 Michelle's breast reduction surgery 13:50-15:00 Ruth's breast reduction surgery 15:00-16:40 Life after Michelle's surgery 16:40-18:30 Can breasts grow back after a reduction? 18:00-19:30 The impact of gigantomastia on Michelle's relationships Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Fana Negash and Basma El Atti Senior Producer: Carolyne Kiambo Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla 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/

Anger, tears and frustration engulfed the scene of the deadly fire that killed 16 schoolchildren of Utumishi Girls Academy in Kenya, earlier today, as parents demanded to know where their children are. Some parents are still unsure if their children are alive or dead. The Ministry of Education has said the fire was an arson attack. Eight students have been arrested and are being interrogated for the role they might have played in setting the dormitory a blaze. The BBC’s Victor Kenani tells us what he knows so far. 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/

25 years ago, Africa had no dollar billionaires. Today, there are 23, with a combined net worth of more than $100 billion. ⁣ ⁣ According to Oxfam, the continent’s four richest individuals now own more wealth than half of Africa’s population combined. ⁣ ⁣ As billionaire wealth continues to grow alongside rising inequality, an important question emerges: are billionaires good for Africa? ⁣ Focus on Africa podcast host Charles Gitonga sat down with Tanzanian businessman and philanthropist Mohammed Dewji - Africa’s youngest billionaire - to discuss how he built his fortune and whether Africa’s billionaires have a responsibility to help close the widening inequality gap.⁣ To watch the full episode of The Conversation, c 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/

Invented on a school playground in Nigeria, Abula is a sport inspired by the Yoruba idea of a balanced meal. Often described as a mix of volleyball and tennis, the game has grown from a local pastime into a fast-rising sport - and now its creators hope it could become Africa’s next global sporting export. Produced by: Emmanuel Akindubuwa Filmed & Edited by: Oluwadara Onipede 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's Victor Kenani describes what he saw at the scene in Kenya's Utumishi Girls Academy boarding school, which left at least 16 students died. Survivors say delays in breaking down a locked dormitory door slowed their escape. The authorities are still investigating the cause of Thursday's fire. 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/

Uganda has temporarily closed its borders with the DRC, as the Ebola outbreak intensifies with the neighbouring country. Many people trying to cross over from DRC are being turned away. BBC Africa reporter Swaibu Ibrahim is in Mpondwe, one of Uganda's three major crossing points along the approximately 800km western border, to see how the security measures are being enforced. 🎤 Reporter: Swaibu Ibrahim 🎞️ Edited by: Bushra Mohamed 🎬 Produced by: Tom Santorelli 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 anybody is really my fan, the only thing I tell them is make sure you send me M-Pesa [money via a Kenyan app]."⁣ ⁣ Andrew Kibe is a household name in Kenya who promotes male self-empowerment and misogyny on social media. ⁣ ⁣ It started in the West with influencers like Andrew Tate. Now the Manosphere has gone global - with copycats from Africa to Latin America attracting huge audiences and the cash to match.⁣ ⁣ Two of the influencers the BBC has investigated include Kibe and El Temach, one of Latin America’s biggest manosphere influencers, who have repeatedly attacked single mothers, and regularly accused women of being "gold diggers" who manipulate men.⁣ ⁣ Both of the influencers, the BBC found, are earning large sums of money from their platforms.⁣ ⁣ El Temach and Kibe both strongly deny their content is misogynistic, with Kibe - in an interview with the BBC - even disputing the existence of the concept. ⁣ ⁣ Kibe, when challenged on his misogynistic content, denied this term applied to him and said: "No man hates a woman. We love you - we are like gods to you, worship us."⁣ 📽️ Watch Manosphere Messiahs now: https://youtu.be/JhVOIpK1t-E ---------------- This is the official BBC World Service YouTube channel. If you like what we do, you can also find us here: Instagram 👉🏽 https://www.instagram.com/bbcworldservice Twitter 👉🏽 https://twitter.com/bbcworldservice Facebook 👉🏽 https://facebook.com/bbcworldservice BBC World Service website 👉🏽 https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldserviceradio Thanks for watching and subscribing! #Masculinity #Documentary #Manosphere #GenderEquality #ElTemach #AndrewKibe #AndrewTate #BBCAfricaEye

In Ayetoro, a coastal community in Ondo State, south-west Nigeria, residents say the sea has already swallowed more than half of the town. As rising sea levels and stronger ocean surges hit Nigeria’s Atlantic coastline, people in the community say they are watching their homes, livelihoods and history slowly disappear beneath the water. 🎬 Producer: Abayomi adisa 🎤 Reporter: Esther Omopariola 🎥 🎞️ Filmed and edited by: 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/

Manosphere Messiahs - a new investigation, coming this Thursday 28th May. #BBCEye goes inside the global manosphere, meeting the influencers profiting from it, the followers who believe, and the women left to pay the price. 📽️ Watch Manosphere Messiahs in full now: https://youtu.be/JhVOIpK1t-E Nothing stays hidden forever. *** 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/ Thanks for watching and subscribing! #BBCWorldService #WorldService #BBCEye #Documentary #Manosphere #BBCAfrica

From Tyla to Tems, Ayra Starr to Tiwa Savage, women are reshaping African and global music as artists. But beyond the spotlight, key roles like record label executives, producers and engineers remain heavily male-dominated, with women making up less than 5% of music producers globally. In an interview with Focus on Africa’s Ayuba Iliya, Tiwa Savage discusses navigating the music industry, why representation still matters, and what lies ahead for her career. 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/

As Eid approaches, concerns are growing in over rising livestock prices and possible shortages. The concerns follow’s decision to suspend livestock exports to prioritise its domestic market. The BBC’s Nicolas Negoce visited markets in Abidjan to see how traders and buyers are being affected. #eid #eidmubarak #eid2026 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/

Twenty-five years ago, Africa had no dollar billionaires. Today, there are 23, with a combined net worth of more than $100 billion. According to Oxfam, the continent’s four richest individuals now own more wealth than half of Africa’s population combined. As billionaire wealth continues to grow alongside rising inequality, an important question emerges: are billionaires good for Africa? In this episode of the Focus on Africa Podcast, host Charles Gitonga sits down with Tanzanian businessman and philanthropist Mohammed Dewji - Africa’s youngest billionaire - to discuss how he built his fortune, the role of wealth creation on the continent, and whether Africa’s billionaires have a responsibility to help close the widening inequality gap. 00:00 Coming up 00:40 How much is Mohammed Dewji worth? 02:10 Quick-fire questions 04:00 What does it feel like to be a billionaire? 05:10 The challenges of becoming wealthy 07:20 The origins of Mohammed Dewji's family business 08:25 Expanding the business into manufacturing 09:30 Did Mohammed Dewji think he would become a billionaire? 10:49 Celebrating billionaire status 13:00 Hearing from Oxfam on inequality in Africa 15:50 Mohammed Dewji on creating employment and philanthrophy 18:30 Taxes for the super-rich 19:30 Do we need to change the system to tackle inequality? 22:35 Philanthropy and giving back Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Fana Negash and Basma El Atti Senior Producer: Carolyne Kiambo Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla 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/

Scientists predict the next pandemic is likely to be caused by a virus that comes from animals. Outbreaks of these types of diseases are becoming more frequent. Here, we explain why this is happening and how diseases make the jump to humans. 00:00 - 00:10 Deadly zoonotic outbreaks in history 00:11 - 00:29 What is disease spillover? 00:30 - 00:40 Outbreaks of zoonotic diseases like Ebola and hantavirus are increasing 00:41 - 01:02 How do viruses jump from animals to humans? 01:03 - 01:25 Why are viruses linked to pandemics? 01:26 - 02:13 How an animal virus gets in to a human cell 02:14 - 02:53 Where humans pick up these infections 02:54 - 03:23 Humans and animals are living much closer together 03:24 - 03:46 Climate change and habitat destruction 03:47 - 04:20 Food scarcity and bushmeat 04:21 - 04:50 Meat farming has surged since the 1960s 04:51 - 05:19 There are vaccines for most of the worst pathogens 05:20 - 05:56 Pandemic planning for ‘Disease X’ 05:57 - 06:30 How we can get ahead of these diseases faster 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 treatment centre for Ebola patients in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has been set ablaze after the death of a suspected Ebola patient. Relatives reportedly forced the removal of the body at Rwampara General Hospital despite objections from medical staff. During the chaos, six patients reportedly escaped from the facility, including three confirmed Ebola cases and three suspected cases. It is unclear if there were causalities or injuries following this incident. Medical workers were later placed under military protection as police moved in to restore order. Health experts warn that touching the body of someone who died from Ebola can spread the virus because body fluids remain highly infectious after death. #ebolavirus

Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Bio says her own childhood experience influenced her campaign against child marriage and her support for the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act passed in 2024. In an exclusive interview with bbcglobalwomen, she said that at the age of 13, she was nearly married to a man in his 30s whom she had known as an uncle figure since childhood. As first lady, she has become a prominent but divisive figure. Some young people see her as a strong voice for women and girls, while others argue she has become too vocal and too involved in the affairs of her husband’s political party. #sierraleonenews #fatimabio #bbcnewsafrica 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/

Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has posted a video showing himself taunting detained flotilla activists. The activist were part of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla which was intervepted by Israeli naval forces. The UK, France, Italy, Canada and the US were among the countries who condemned the behaviour of the Israeli minister. His actions also drew rare criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said they were "not in line with Israel's values". The activists were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF). A rights group representing the GSF have demanded their release. 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 an exclusive interview with BBC Global Women, Sierra Leone's First Lady Fatima Bio tells Megha Mohan about how her personal experience led her to become a staunch campaigner against child marriage.⁣ Her efforts aim to ensure children's rights are protected through effective laws. Fatima Bio, is a progressive leader who fearlessly tackles taboo subjects and champions for human rights. She advocates for women rights and addresses gender inequality. ⁣ She ended up seeking refuge in the UK during Sierra Leone’s civil war, and then “I got my independence and was able to fight for myself”.⁣ ⁣ But while her supporters regard her as a pioneer, Fatima Biyo's critics say she's overstepping her remit as an unelected public figure. ⁣She has courted controversy through alleged family ties to an international drug trafficker and questions about her family’s property portfolio.⁣ #sierraleonenews #fatimabio #bbcnewsafrica 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 happens when two of Nigeria’s biggest business names start talking about investing together?⁣ ⁣ Tony Elumelu, one of Nigeria’s most prominent investors, told BBC Focus on Africa presenter Waihiga Mwaura that he and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, are discussing a possible joint investment in Africa’s power sector.⁣ He says better access to electricity could help tackle insecurity and unemployment, drive industrialisation, and unlock more development across the continent.⁣ ⁣ More than 600 million Africans still live without access to electricity - making it one of the continent’s biggest barriers to growth.⁣ ⁣ 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’s booming fashion industry took centre stage at the 2026 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, where bold African designs dominated online conversations and red-carpet highlights. Hosts Nkechi Ogbonna and Godwin Asediba spoke with Ghanaian fashion icon Nana Akua Addo and Nigerian designer Mohammed Abbas about the rise of African luxury fashion, the stories behind their headline-making looks, and how African creativity is redefining global style. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna and Godwin Asediba Producers: Fana Negash and Basma El Atti Senior Producer: Carolyne Kiambo Jotham Editors: Priya Sippy and Maryam Abdalla 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/

Polycystic ovarian syndrome - commonly known as PCOS - a condition affecting an estimated one in eight women worldwide, now has a new name: polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS. Experts say the new name reflects the fact that the condition is not just a reproductive disorder affecting the ovaries, but a complex hormonal and metabolic condition that can impact multiple organs across the body. The BBC’s Gloria Achieng explores what the new name means. Filmed and 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/

Herice Mukelebe talks openly about life with a condition called hirsutism in which women grow thick, dark hair on their face, chest, tummy or back. Hirsutism is commonly caused by hormone disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Herice has never sought an official diagnosis and instead says she has to come to accept her facial hair. Produced by: Eagan Peter Salla 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 has the highest rates of skin bleaching globally. https://youtu.be/qSXbWRU0vs8 f Although these products are banned, they are still accessible and social media is helping fuel the trend. Focus on Africa Podcast host Charles Gitonga spoke to South African software developer Masheane Sefuthi, who has been on a journey to ‘whiten’ his skin. To watch the full episode of The Conversation, click the link here https://youtu.be/qSXbWRU0vs8 Edited by: Basma El Atti 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/