In 2018 Meaza Ashenafi made history when she became Ethiopia’s first female Chief Justice, transforming the country’s judicial system while breaking barriers for women.

But her remarkable path began far from the courtroom, in a small town in Benishangul-Gumuz, in north west Ethiopia.

In today's Africa Daily, she speaks to Alan Kasujja about her journey- her childhood, her law school days as the only woman in her class, defending human rights, being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and what shaped her vision of justice.

‘‘I was a very ambitious young girl, I looked at Margaret Thatcher and Israeli Prime Minister, Golda Meir, and I said well, if they can do it at that level, why not me?’’

What and who made you the person you are today? It’s a big question and the answer is different for us all.

As she pursued her education in France and the USA, Aminata was clear in her mind what she wanted to do: champion human and women’s rights.

Her work on reproductive health in Senegal, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and later with the United Nations would help her prepare a set of priorities for when her opportunity would come to serve in the government.

But it wasn’t all work and she loved football and judo - interests her mother worried would stop her from finding a husband.

“My age was the most talked-about thing, but I turned it into my strength.”

“For people to be seeing me like this today, I feel embarrassed. I won’t lie to you. There are times when I want to go home and talk to them, but I’m thinking I might get rejected” - Brian Singh, a homeless man in Durban, South Africa

In today’s episode, our presenter Alan Kasujja meets South African musician and writer Lebohang Morake.

Popularly known as Lebo M, he co-wrote and sang the music for the Disney movie The Lion King back in 1994.

After 50 years of Assad family rule, Syrians are celebrating the fall of Bashar al-Assad after rebel forces captured Damascus.

But his fall isn’t just Syria’s story - it’s one with global implications. In Africa, countries that rely on Russian paramilitary support from groups like Wagner, also known as the African Corps, are bracing for potential impacts. Disrupted security alliances, risks of militants returning home, and heightened instability are all major concerns.

To unpack how this may reshape North and West Africa, Alan Kasujja is joined by experts Beverley Ochieng and Rabeb Aloui.

For more than a year the Somali government has been using security cameras as a key part of its strategy for countering the violence of the Islamist group al-Shabab within the capital city.

Producer: Mohamed Gabobe

Isabel Dos Santos is the eldest daughter Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, the former president of Angola and she was once described as one of the richest women in Africa- with an estimated fortune of $2 billion.

But over the last four years her life has changed dramatically. She’s faced lawsuits, her assets have been frozen in several countries and in 2022 global police agency Interpol issued a red notice calling for her to be arrested.

She says all accusations against her are politically motivated by the government that followed her father.

"It’s not your typical ‘white Christmas’ where you’re sitting around sipping hot cocoa with family. No… it’s back-to-back parties, beach parties, pool parties, concerts featuring global superstars. That's what Detty December is!"

This festive season, known as Detty December, transforms Lagos and Accra into buzzing hubs of celebration. It’s a time when members of the diaspora, jokingly called IJGBs (I Just Got Back), return home to reconnect with family, indulge in the energy of West Africa, and join the festivities.

Over the years, Detty December has grown into a global phenomenon, celebrated for its electric vibe and unforgettable memories.

However with inflation rising and living costs soaring, how will 2024's Detty December unfold- will locals feel excluded, or can they benefit from the boom in tourism?

Alan Kasujja explores the energy, culture, and questions surrounding this year’s festivities with guests Michael Sonariwo, Akosua Shirley, and Jola Ayeye.

In December 1944, Senegalese troops who fought for France in World War II were killed for demanding the pay and dignity they were promised.