Why is Burkina Faso's Ibrahim Traoré 'popular'

Focus on Africa · 2025-05-16

Burkina Faso's military ruler, 37 year old Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has skilfully built a persona of a pan-Africanist leader, determined to free his nation from what he sees as, 'the clutches of Western imperialism and neo-colonialism'. This message has resonated across Africa and beyond on social media. But what's fact and what's fiction?

Why has Ethiopia's government banned the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) from taking part in elections?

And Benin's bid to become Africa's cycling superpower.

Presenter: Audrey BrownTechnical Producer: Jonathan GreerProducers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Patricia Whitehorne and Bella HassanSenior Journalist: Karnie SharpEditors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

Focus on Africa

Three essential stories to round off your working day. Explaining the big topics and news from Africa, the people behind them, plus an African perspective on global stories. Hosted by Audrey Brown. Five days a week, ready by late afternoon, Monday to Friday.

No. of episodes: 696

Latest episode: 2025-05-23

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