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A former interior minister of The Gambia goes on trial in Switzerland on Monday accused of crimes against humanity.

Ousman Sonko faces a lengthy list of charges, including participating in or ordering the killing, torture and rape of political opponents.

Sonko has denied all the charges, AFP news agency reports, citing his lawyer Philippe Currat.

He fled to Switzerland in 2016, shortly before the repressive regime of Gambian president Yahya Jammeh lost power, but was arrested after non-governmental organisations presented Swiss authorities with evidence of his involvement in human rights violations.

Nine of his alleged victims will be in court to testify.

He is the highest-ranking government official ever to be prosecuted in this way in Europe.

Switzerland is trying the case under the principal of universal jurisdiction, which allows countries to prosecute people on their territory, even though the alleged crimes were committed elsewhere.

Before his death in 2021, TB Joshua was one of Africa's richest and most influential televangelists.

Rae was 21 when she became a charismatic Nigerian preacher’s disciple - and suffered years of abuse.

Forced abortions and other atrocities are alleged by dozens of ex-followers of a charismatic televangelist.

The government wants Kenya's three million motorbike taxi riders to go green but only a few have done so.

A wildlife cameraman's close encounter with a silverback as he filmed a process designed to save the species.

Cameraman Vianet Djenguet got a little too close for comfort when filming the alpha male of a gorilla family.

The election body disqualifies three ministers and four governors from last month's chaotic vote.

DJ Edu
Presenter of This Is Africa on �鶹������ҳ��� World Service

Lisandro Cuxi is a young singer-songwriter whose voice has recently won him Best Lusophone Artist at the Trace Awards in Rwanda.

Born in Portugal of Cabo Verdean parents, he moved to France at the age of nine.

His initial inspiration was his sister Soraia Ramos, a successful singer in her own right.

“She used to sing a lot of cover versions. And I used to say: 'I want to sing like you, sister.'”

His former manager spotted his talent after he put a video on social media which went viral.

She proposed that he enter the French version of the TV talent show The Voice Kids in 2015.

“I was scared. This is on TV? No I’m not going there. I’m going to sing in my room!”

But she convinced him to enter at the age of 16 and he finished 2nd.

“When I lost The Voice Kids and my manager said: ‘Let’s do it again,’ I said ‘What? No! Imagine if I lose again! This is not possible!’ But she convinced me. "You’re the best. You can do it!’”

Lisandro started working towards another try.

“I was not getting out with my friends, and all my guys were like: ‘Yo let’s just go out!’ And I was like: ‘No. I got to work my voice, I got to dance, I got to go to the gym.’

"For about two years I was working hard so I think I was ready. And yeah I won it.”

Lisandro says that if it hadn’t been for his sister’s encouragement, he would never have achieved it.

His music has charted in France and a new album is due for release in 2024 featuring some big Nigerian artists.

Who? We’ll have to wait and see.

To hear the full interview with Lisandro Cuxi, plus exclusive acoustic performances of some of his most recent songs, listen to This is Africa on �鶹������ҳ��� World Service radio and partner stations across Africa, and online here

New documents indicate the PM had doubts about sending migrants to Rwanda when he was chancellor.

Two rulings make it less likely that opposition leader Ousmane Sonko can contest next month's election.

The freeing on parole of the ex-athlete reignites the discussion about violence against women in South Africa.

No pirates were found on board the ship when commandos boarded it, Indian navy officials say.

Zambia can win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations despite missing the past three tournaments, according to captain Lubambo Musonda.

The former athlete shot Reeva Steenkamp multiple times through a closed bathroom door in 2013.

The South African runner was freed on parole 11 years after murdering his girlfriend.

The Hollywood star was moved by the �鶹������ҳ��� story of the student who pedalled 4,000km to get to a university.

The film has grossed over $1m in domestic theatres since it was released on 15 December last year.

A selection of the best photos from the African continent and beyond.