Focus on Africa

The Democratic Republic of Congo has enacted a new law setting out the conditions for organising national referendums, a move that is intensifying political debate over possible constitutional change. The legislation was promulgated by President Félix Tshisekedi and formally read out on national television by a deputy presidential spokesperson, bringing into force a measure that has generated months of political controversy. The law, signed by President Félix Tshisekedi, allows referendums to be called by the president, government, parliament or through a petition supported by 100,000 citizens.
And, a deep dive into the synergy between African films and film festivals and the role they play in the global media landscape.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Rukia Bulle, Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba
Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba
Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

South Africa's liberation party, African National Congress (ANC) has suffered its worst result in municipal elections since the end of apartheid, securing 31% of the national vote against 25 % for its main rival, the democratic Alliance (DA) and Former President Jacob Zuma's party uMkhonto weSiwe had just 10% putting it in the third place.  While the ANC remains the country’s largest party, it seems to be losing support amid growing frustration over service delivery, unemployment, and corruption.
And, Angola’s Lobito Corridor a multibillion dollar transport corridor linking the DRC to Angola's Atlantic coast aims to boost the market for Africa's critical minerals
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Rukia Bulle, Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba
Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba
Technical Producer: Herbert Masua
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

A BBC Africa Eye investigation follows the journey and tragic end of a Sierra Leonan commercial sex worker battling substance addiction, kidnapped into sexual slavery twice, beaten, exploited and trapped by addiction. Her life mirrored the struggles facing countless young women in Sierra Leone. The full interview is on YouTube #BBCAfricaEye
And, a blind Nigerian athlete's quest to bag world championships medals in Sambo. This is a combat sport that combines elements of judo and wrestling.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Albert Kirui, Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba
Senior Producer: Keikantse Shumba
Technical Producer: Herbert Masua
Senior Producer: Bella Twine
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

There’s been a growing debate on social media about women’s clothing, personal freedom and cultural values, following incidents in Rwanda and Tanzania where women faced consequences over what they wore. In Rwanda, women were reportedly stopped by police and denied entry to a music concert for wearing miniskirts and tight-fitting clothes. President Paul Kagame later defended dress codes in public spaces, saying freedom of expression should respect cultural values. Meanwhile, Tanzanian singer Nandy was recently fined for wearing a diamond catsuit. BBC Focus on Africa spoke to two young women, Kea Sefako from Cape Town, South Africa, and Lez Muriithi from Nairobi, Kenya, to hear their perspectives on dress codes for women.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Fana Negash and Carolyne Kiambo
Technical Producer: Maxwell Onyango
Senior Producers: Priya Sippy and Bella Twine
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

Democrats have won control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, securing a congressional majority for the final two years of President Donald Trump's term. Six candidates of African origin won seats in Congress, including 29-year-old Ethiopian-born Melat Kiros, who becomes the first Gen Z woman elected to the US Congress. The daughter of Tigrayan immigrants, Kiros defeated a 15-term incumbent in the Democratic primary before going on to win the seat. But how does their win shape US foreign policy within the African continent?
And Victoria Ama, a Nigerian dancer and contortionist is fusing African traditional dance with ballet. The result is a style that is both visually striking and rooted in African culture.
Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Albert Kirui, Chiamaka Dike, Ayuba Iliya and Blessing Aderogba
Technical Producer: Maxwell Onyango
Senior Producer: Bella Twine
Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla