News

The World Health Organization says that while most Africans do not drink alcohol, those who do can drink heavily. So are some young people turning to alcohol to cope with stress, work pressures, and mental health challenges? And are women facing a different set of pressures? We heard from 26-year-old Kenyan content creator Chebet Ronoh, who has documented her struggles with alcohol and relapse, and addiction therapist Caroline Kagia, who achieved sobriety after struggling with alcoholism for nearly two decades. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Fana Negash, Carolyne Kiambo and Keikantse Shu

Mozambique has reintegrated more than 100 former Islamist militants into civilian life as part of an amnesty programme launched five years ago to help restore stability in Cabo Delgado. The region has been gripped by an insurgency for nearly a decade, leaving more than 6,000 people dead and displacing around 1.1 million others. With military and regional peace efforts, including a mission led by SADC, struggling to deliver lasting peace, we explore whether rehabilitation and reintegration could offer a path to long-term stability.And, we hear from Nigerian dancer and choreographer Benjamin Dan

Nigeria's Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate has confirmed their first Ebola case, which also marks the Bundibugyo strain's entry into West Africa. The patient is reported to have visited Uganda, though authorities in Kampala say she also visted the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is the epicentre of the outbreak. Uganda was declared free of the virus in August. We put the frequently asked questions on social media to the World Health Organisation. And, two years after an invasive plant threatened Cameroon’s Lake Ossa, conservationists say they’ve cleared most of it, with more sightings of

Kenyan high court finds cult leader Paul MacKenzie guilty over the death of 190 children and one adult. Mackenzie ordered members of his cult to starve their children to death so they could "meet Jesus". In 2023, more than four hundred bodies were discovered in mass graves in the forest where his church was located. We hear from one of the first responders onsite in 2023. Also, the World Bank is reporting that Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy should grow by 4.3% this year, higher than the UN projection for the whole world, which is 2.6%. But young people tell us the figures do not translate to jo

Across the continent, the increasing price of fuel is being felt by households and businesses alike, as governments grapple with the economic impact of rising costs. South Africans are demanding an immediate decrease, as users in Malawi face acute shortages. As the ripple effects of the hike spreads, we hear from Nigeria's Finance Minister, who has announced a discount at the pump for consumers. Meanwhile new data from the World Health Organisation shows that less than four out of every ten women in Africa who suffer from breast cancer survive. We speak to one of the survivors from Ghana. Pr

“This is a diamond!”: In 2017, two young miners, Komba and Saffea, struck gold. They uncovered a huge 709 carat diamond - the ‘Peace Diamond’ - worth millions of dollars, in Sierra Leone. It was a dream come true for them both. They were rich beyond their wildest dreams. And then, their dream began to unravel. Thanks for listening. Let us know what you think. #TheComb Get in touch: thecomb@bbc.comProduced by Mary Goodhart

“I was losing myself”: When Mbali was introduced to a new church through a bible study group she was excited at the prospect of finding a new religious community. But as she became more involved with the church, she began questioning some of their unusual teachings and approaches. It left her asking the question ‘Am I in a cult?’ Thanks for listening. Let us know what you think. #TheComb Get in touch: thecomb@bbc.com

Accusations, imprisonment, and vindication: The lie that changed Ishmail's life, taking away his freedom, and breaking up his family in Malawi. Nearly 20 years later, Ishmail reflects on the painful reality of being falsely accused. Thanks for listening. Let us know what you think. #TheComb Get in touch: thecomb@bbc.comProduced by Mary Goodhart

“My dad beat me.” How the physical punishment of a child changed the lives of a Nigerian family forever. Behaviour which was the norm for a mother who grew up in Nigeria was treated as assault in the UK. Thanks for listening. Let us know what you think. #TheComb Get in touch: thecomb@bbc.com

‘Dadaab is a prison’: Making a life in Africa’s largest refugee camp. When Anab and Mark came to Dadaab as refugees fleeing conflict, they thought the camp would be a temporary shelter. Three decades on, they are now both raising their families in the camp with no hope of relocation and no home to return to. Thanks for listening. Let us know what you think. #TheComb Get in touch: thecomb@bbc.comProduced by Aisha Afrah

FIFA has approved the appointment of a normalisation committee to manage the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) until May 31, 2027, pending fresh elections into the federation’s executive committee.

Nigerian troops killed 15 terrorists in a precision air strike near Pulka in Borno State late Friday, the military said Saturday.

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday formally began his campaign for a second term, asking Nigerians for a renewed mandate and promising sustained economic recovery, prosperity and development.

The All Progressives Congress is holding its presidential campaign flag-off for the 2027 general elections at the Kaduna Township Stadium, as the party begins mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has scheduled its third National Executive Committee meeting for Monday, October 26, in Abuja, where it will unveil its National Campaign Council and present candidates with Certificates of Return.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has warned its personnel against getting involved in debt recovery for members of the public, saying the practice falls outside the corps’ core mandate.

Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele says the government is committed to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises to drive economic growth, create jobs and promote entrepreneurship.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention will hold an emergency meeting of African health ministers on Oct. 28 following Nigeria’s confirmation of an imported Ebola case.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu says his administration has delivered 10,623 housing units across 23 estates since 2019, as the state seeks to address its housing shortage.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria take on São Tomé and Príncipe in the final game of the 2024 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers on Sunday.

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Manchester City has started the Premier League season in good form, winning their first three games; the only team to do so.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has moved to reiterate strongly its stand on its reported working relationship with the Chairman of Lagos State Parks Management Committee, Musiliu Akinsanya (MC Oluomo) ahead of the general election. 

Former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has denied reports that he is in advanced talks to replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United, describing claims about his demands as “unfounded.”

FIFA has approved the appointment of a normalisation committee to manage the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) until May 31, 2027, pending fresh elections into the federation’s executive committee.

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has apologised to the club’s supporters following a heavy 4-1 defeat to Italian side Como in the Champions League.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have dropped seven places to 43rd in the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings but remain Africa’s highest ranked team.