Across Africa

The conflict between warring factions in Sudan has left thousands dead and millions have been forced to flee. Half a year on since the outbreak of the fighting, the humanitarian situation is worse than ever, with many refugees in Chad on the brink of famine. Also in this edition: what the gradual lifting of the state of siege in North Kivu and Ituri province means for DR Congo. Finally, Kibera Fashion Week celebrates the talents of local designers.

Increasing numbers of would-be Senegalese migrants are heading to Central America in the hopes of making it to the United States. But the journey is often fraught, expensive and uncertain. Also, in Kenya, the rising cost of living has added to the mental health struggles of many who are finding it increasingly hard to make ends meet. Plus, the rising water levels of Kenya's largest freshwater lake have led to an explosion in the crocodile population that's now threatening communities' lives, limbs and livelihoods. 

Every few years, Malagasy communities hold joyful ceremonies where the remains of lost loved ones are exhumed, cared for and introduced to the newest members of the community. Also, although Tunisia was decades ahead of many other countries in giving women the right to choose whether to go ahead with pregnancies, taboos remain. Finally, we meet some hearing-impaired Beninese children thriving in specially adapted classrooms. 

Professor Jean-Jacques Muyembe is a scientific icon in DR Congo. He's also an inspiration for the next generation of Congolese biologists. Also in this edition of Across Africa, more than 30 percent of harvests are lost to pests and disease. A team of Ghanaian engineers are coming up with new ways to identify risks early. And we see how Gambian rising star Maryama Cham is carving out a path for herself in a music industry largely dominated by men.

There's a special reason to celebrate in Senegal as millions of Mouride pilgrims come together for the Grand Magal. This year also features an exhibition of rare photos of the order's founder. Also, relatives of the 73 Gambian children killed by toxic cough syrups sue Indian drugmaker Maiden Pharmaceuticals. Finally, Beninese students expanding their tech horizons wow judges with their creations. 

World Suicide Prevention Day was marked on September 10. Six of the 10 countries in the world with the highest suicide rates are African, with Lesotho the worst affected. Also in this edition: Kenya tackles wastage in the agricultural sector and Rwanda celebrates its latest mountain gorilla births. 

This week in Across Africa, Georja Calvin-Smith speaks to Namibian President Hage Geingob ahead of his arrival in New York for the UN General Assembly. He shares his perspective on governance, the impact of Africa's first climate change summit and the role of the African Union in responding to regional upheaval. 

Podcasts are on the rise in Africa. The huge sector has been dominated by voices from outside the continent, but more African producers are now turning to the mic to tell their stories. Also the European Court of Human Rights finds that South African Olympic champion Caster Semenya was discriminated against by World Athletics with rules requiring her to artificially lower her testosterone levels. Finally, one of the world's top choirs – Ghana's Harmonious Chorale – pops in whilst on tour.  

In this edition: Niger's private sector has stepped up to fertilise failing plans for Africa's Great Green Wall. Also, people from Ethiopia's town of Lalibela help restore some of the iconic rock-hewn churches unique to their community. Plus, Malian children from riverside communities take to the waters to head out to a specially built island school. 

Last week, a quartet of African leaders headed out to Russia and Ukraine on a peace mission aimed at helping resolve the war between the countries that began last February with Russia's invasion of its neighbour. South Africa's International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor speaks to Georja Calvin-Smith about the mission's impact and limitations.