Sudan's RSF rebels claim capture of El Fasher

0:00This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK.

0:07This advertisement feature is paid and presented by Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Got a big idea? Then you need the right destination to make it happen. Welcome to Poland, Europe's launchpad for startups. My name is Rosalia Urbanek, Chief Investment Officer at PFR Ventures. We invest in innovation, and there is so much to be found in Poland. Poland is somewhere you can accelerate your business with unrivaled higher educated talent, which is everywhere. From engineers and designers to marketers and innovators, Poland is home to one of the youngest, most ambitious workforces in Europe, ready to help turn your vision into a business that scales.

0:52We invested in more than 90 funds, which finance growth of more than 900 companies in Poland. With competitive costs, a buzzing innovation scene and access to 38 million consumers right at your doorstep, Poland gives you the space and the business support to grow faster.

1:14So if you're ready to take your startup to the next level, choose Poland, where bold ideas become global success stories.

1:31Every day, millions of customers engage with AI agents like me. We work round the clock and have the facts at our fingertips. We're fast and effective, but incredibly patient. And we're built on Sierra, the leading AI-powered customer experience platform. No hold music, just answers and action. Visit sierra.ai to learn more. That's sierra.ai.

2:01This is the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service. I'm Janet Jaleel and at 16 hours GMT on Monday the 27th of October, these are our main stories. With the Sudanese city of El Fasha reported to have fallen to rebels, the UN calls for its trapped civilians to be allowed to leave. Paul Beer, the 92-year-old president of Cameroon, wins a controversial eighth term in fiercely disputed elections. President Trump meets the Japanese Emperor Naruhito on the latest leg of his trip to Asia. Also in this podcast, how doctors are reducing the need for anaesthetic during surgery by playing music. What works for the patient is music that is not jarring, that is designed to increase the anaesthetic experience as far as making it a good one.

3:03We begin this podcast in Sudan, where the conflict between the paramilitary rapid support forces and the Sudanese military continues to leave devastation in its wake. On Sunday, the RSF announced it had taken control of the city of Al-Fasha, the Sudanese army's last remaining foothold in the Darfur region, a claim disputed by the military which says fighting is still continuing. Hundreds of thousands of civilians are trapped in the city, enduring atrocious conditions after an 18-month siege. Some of them spoke to the BBC. Some children have fallen seriously ill and are currently in the hospital, and several have already died from hunger.

3:46On some days we receive a single meal, while on others we receive nothing at all. We are enduring extremely harsh conditions, both for ourselves and our children. Even when we have money, there is nothing available to buy. The price of animal fodder has soared to 12 ,000 Sudanese pounds, or about$20, yet it is nowhere to be found. We also cannot find medicines to treat wounds. Gauze is unavailable, forcing us to use the fabrics of the mosquito nets to cover injuries. The UN has expressed deep alarm over the reports of civilian casualties as fighters push further into Al-Fasha. And the governor of Darfur has called for the protection of the city's residents.

4:34Our Africa correspondent Barbara Pletasha is monitoring the fighting from Nairobi. The UN has also warned previously of the danger of ethnic cleansing if the RSF captures al-Fashir, targeting non-Arab populations, like was reported after the RSF captured the nearby Zamzam displaced persons camp, and with the Masalit tribe in the city of Janina at the beginning of the war in West Darfur. There are also revenge attacks against populations seen to support the army. Concern about that. Actually, both sides do this. They target populations that they believe supports the other side when they seize territory.

5:07So these are some of the concerns, I think, that is behind the UN's expression of alarm. And around half of the population of Al-Fashir are children. As you say, atrocious conditions for a long time. How is the RSF likely to respond to this call for the UN, given that they basically built a wall around the city for the past year and a half and kept civilians trapped there? Yeah, in fact, the RSF authorities have issued a statement saying that they are dedicated to protecting civilians, that they will provide safe corridors for those who want to leave, that they'll ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need.

5:40So that's their official position. We had seen signs actually already a few weeks ago that seemed to be an attempt by the RSF authorities to create a counter-narrative to this atrocity one and to this one about them having starved the population. I spoke to one analyst about it. She said perhaps they're trying to distance themselves from their foot soldiers who post horrific videos of killings. But either way, obviously, the proof is going to be in what actually happens. And if El Fasher has fallen, what does this mean for the war overall? Does it mark a turning point? Well, it's an important moment.

6:12It would strengthen the RSF after its defeat in Khartoum in central Sudan. So militarily, if they do fully take al-Fashir and the rest of North Darfur state, that would then cement their control of borders with four different countries. And in the case of North Darfur, with Libya especially, so that would mean it would be easier to bring in weapons. And also, if they control the full western region of Darfur, which is what would happen if they got fully al-Fashir, that would give them the sort of safe rear base to relaunch attacks to the east, including Khartoum, if that's what they wanted to do.

6:43But politically, what it would mean is that it would, you know, getting full territorial control of Darfur, which is the heartland of the tribes that support the RSF, that would strengthen their claims to being a counter government they've set up there themselves in the south at the moment. and it would also strengthen their position in any upcoming talks with the Sudanese armed forces if that actually happens. I think what analysts say is that the RSF is trying to stay relevant as a national force rather than be relegated to a kind of regional militia and this would probably help. Barbara Plet Usher.

7:15Now, most of us would be happy just to be alive at the age of 92. But Cameron's president is not only still going strong personally, he's won re-election for an eighth term that could keep him in office until he's nearly 100 years old. Paul Beer first came to power in 1982 and has held a tight grip on Cameroon ever since. This is a moment when his victory was announced. Order of the candidates according to votes obtained.

7:54The opposition have accused Mr Beer of stealing the election. After the results were announced, the main opposition challenger, Issa Chiroma Bakari, said people gathered outside his home were being shot at. Protests have been banned by the authorities. On Sunday, several people were killed in clashes between opposition supporters and security forces. I got more on the reaction to the election result from BBC Africa's Paul Ngie in Cameroon. People have been surprised by the fact that the 92-year-old ran for the election, but they weren't as much surprised that he might be declared winner because he had never lost an election.

8:30But it took a little twist when opposition candidate Isachiroma Bakari declared himself the legitimate winner of the polls. He said that he had won incumbent President Paul Beer by over 50 percent. And today the Constitutional Council just announced the result, giving Paul Beer the victory with nearly 54 percent. So people are wondering, you know, what might have gone wrong because the opposition decried the fact that there were, in their words, electoral malpractices, alleged fraud and vote irregularities, although the ruling party is already celebrating this victory. And tell us more about Paul Beer, because when he first became president, Ronald Reagan was in the White House.

9:11Indeed, Paul Beer is one whose name would definitely be etched in the annals of Africa's history. He is currently the world's oldest president. He has served in Cameroon as president for 43 years. But I should also tell you that Mr. Beyer came into the public service sometime around 1962, shortly after the country gained independence. He returned from France and has since been active in public service. So this is a man whose entire life has been in the public domain. So Paul Beyer, you know, many have thought that this would be the last stretch, just thinking that he would have passed the torch.

9:45But he said that he still had much to offer to the country. But I should tell you that his victory as well hasn't come without contestation. The opposition challenger Isachiruma Bakari just put out a brief statement on social media today saying that his home is being attacked. It points to the fact that, like analysts have been warning, there might be a post-electoral crisis in Cameroon. Paul NGA in Cameroon. The latest leg of President Trump's week-long trip to Asia saw him land in Japan a few hours before we recorded this podcast. Much has been talked about his meeting the new Japanese Prime Minister, Sanei Takeichi, the first woman to hold that role in what will be the first major test of her diplomatic skills as Japan's leader.

10:31She's described the late British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, as an inspiration. But first, Mr. Trump went to the Imperial Palace in Tokyo for an audience with Emperor Naruhito, six years after they first met there. I asked our Tokyo correspondent, Shaima Khalil, how important the meeting between the US president and the Japanese emperor is this time around. Well, it's quite significant because, of course, it's the symbolism, it's the pomp and ceremony, which Donald Trump loves. It really sets the tone for his visit to a country. It sets the mood for how he does business. You know, when he's welcomed in that way, it puts that country and it puts the diplomacy in very good stead.

11:09So I think setting the tone being received by Emperor Naruhito is quite favorable. But I also think symbolically, the first time that Donald Trump was received by Emperor Naruhito was in May 2019. And he was the first head of state to meet Emperor Naruhito when he ascended to the throne after his father stepped down. And it was the first time this had happened in 200 years, the way that he ascended to the throne. And at that time, Donald Trump acknowledged the rarity of that moment. It was a very historic moment. And so to come back and be received by him, I think, will be quite special. But remember, he's also here for another first, which is that he's also about to meet Japan's first female prime minister.

11:48And there is a lot of anticipation ahead of that meeting because she's spoken in admiring terms about Margaret Thatcher, who's also a hero of Mr. Trump's. And they're both quite hawkish on China. I think they have a lot in common, not least the relationship with the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He was her mentor. She brings a lot of his economic convictions and his economic policies into her leadership, the Abenomics. But also he had a very close friendship with President Trump. And so in one of his first comments on Air Force One about her, he said, I heard so many good things about her. I was very close to Shinzo Abe.

12:21She really loves him. So I think when it comes to ice breaking exercises between leaders that meet each other for the first time, they've got that one covered because they have a lot to talk about in what they have in common. But also there are going to be challenges when it comes to getting down to business, whether they're going to talk about defence spending or trade ties. Donald Trump is going to have a lot to say that will need Sanai Takeuchi to walk a very fine line and to achieve a balance, really, between overtures to the United States, making sure that relationship works, but also standing her ground as a new leader in her first week of leadership.

12:54Shaima Khalil in Tokyo. People in Jamaica are bracing for the impact of Hurricane Melissa, which is forecast to unleash destructive winds and bring catastrophic flooding to the Caribbean nation in the coming hours. Melissa has been upgraded to a Category 5 hurricane, the maximum strength. Residents are preparing as best they can. We are just preparing for the less worst to happen, you know, and we are getting ready. and because since it's a supermarket, we open for public for necessary commodities. Hopefully the Melissa will give the less damage and God bless us, you know, and we are just praying for the less worse to happen.

13:36But the authorities fear that the hurricane, which has already killed several people in Haiti in the Dominican Republic, could even become the strongest to ever hit Jamaica. The Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, issued this warning. We are already experiencing rain and overcast conditions. Based on current assessments, all of Jamaica will likely be affected by hurricane conditions, meaning heavy rains and winds above 100 miles per hour. It is also likely that hurricane conditions could linger over Jamaica due to the slow-moving nature of this system. Given the extended days of rains leading up to landfall and the expected inundation from the actual passage, we can expect general flash floodings across the island.

14:19With more details, here's Will Grant. In the hours before Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Jamaica, the authorities have issued evacuation orders for several areas, including the coastal town of Port Royal, and warned people to seek immediate shelter. The storm is expected to be one of the strongest to hit the island on record, with meteorologists warning of 225 km an hour winds and up to a metre of rain being dumped on Jamaica in the coming days. The US National Hurricane Centre has said the storm could bring catastrophic flooding to some parts of the island. Some residents have been forced to take shelter in government storm shelters or with relatives on higher ground.

15:00Others remain determined to ignore the official advice and try to ride the storm out. However, they only need look at the Dominican Republic and Haiti to see the effects of Melissa's ferocious power, where several people have been killed in flooding and landslides. Civil emergency authorities are concerned about how slowly Hurricane Melissa is moving, which brings additional problems once the eye of the storm passes over populated areas. And time is running out in the last-minute scramble to secure homes and businesses before the storm makes landfall later this week. Will Grant. Still to come, here in Britain, King Charles unveils a memorial to LGBT military personnel We're all getting older, given another 20, 30 years, none of us will be left But the memorial will be there, and that's really important That we've always been there, we've always been willing to give our lives for this country

16:07This advertisement feature is paid and presented by Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Got a big idea? Then you need the right destination to make it happen. Welcome to Poland, Europe's launchpad for startups. My name is Rosalia Urbanek, Chief Investment Officer at PFR Ventures. We invest in innovation, and there is so much to be found in Poland. Poland is somewhere you can accelerate your business with unrivaled higher educated talent, which is everywhere. From engineers and designers to marketers and innovators, Poland is home to one of the youngest, most ambitious workforces in Europe, ready to help turn your vision into a business that scales.

16:52We invested in more than 90 funds, which finance growth of more than 900 companies in Poland. with competitive costs, a buzzing innovation scene and access to 38 million consumers right at your doorstep. Poland gives you the space and the business support to grow faster.

17:15So if you're ready to take your startup to the next level, choose Poland, where bold ideas become global success stories.

17:29This advertisement feature is paid and presented by Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Looking for the perfect place to grow your business? For over 30 years, Poland has been a launchpad for innovation at the heart of Europe, powered by world-class research and ambitious young talent. From bold startups to established powerhouses, Poland offers the momentum, resources and reliability you need to take your business further. Poland, where businesses don't just grow, they're built to last. Find out more at polandyourplacetogrow.com. If journalism is the first draft of history, what happens if that draft is flawed?

18:04In 1999, four Russian apartment buildings were bombed, hundreds killed. But even now, we still don't know for sure who did it. It's a mystery that sparked chilling theories. I'm Helena Merriman, and in a new BBC series, I'm talking to the reporters who first covered this story. What did they miss the first time? The History Bureau, Putin and the apartment bombs. Listen on BBC.com or wherever you get your podcasts.

18:38As the shaky ceasefire in Gaza enters its third week, the Queen of Jordan, Rania, has an exclusive interview with the BBC criticised the international community for, as she put it, failing to stop the war for two years. The Queen, who is of Palestinian descent, praised President Trump for his efforts in bringing about a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, saying he'd used America's diplomatic, military and financial support as leverage on Israel. She was speaking to our special correspondent, Virgil Keane. The ceasefire is fragile. And for the people of Gaza, there's a reckoning with tens of thousands of deaths and vast destruction.

19:22Jordan's Queen Rania, who's of Palestinian descent, is appealing for international help. The ceasefire, obviously, after such unbelievable suffering, comes as somewhat of a relief to them and to many people around the world who have been agonising over the images that we've been seeing. But it's also weighed down by a lot of grief. The road to reconstruction and recovery is going to be long and arduous, and I think it would require enormous support from the global community. but it can't happen unless the ceasefire holds. Last night we reached a momentous breakthrough in the Middle East, something that people said was never going to be done.

19:58American pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and regional powers pushing Hamas helped bring about the ceasefire deal. Together we've achieved what everybody said was impossible. At long last we have peace in the Middle East. To his credit, Trump was the first president in a long time to actually apply pressure on Israel. Beforehand, when they crossed lines, the US president would just maybe just say a few words of rebuke or they just get a slap on the wrist. President Trump actually got Netanyahu to actually agree to a ceasefire. And I hope that he continues to be engaged in this process because this is only the first step.

20:46For Israelis, the ceasefire has seen the living hostages welcomed home two years after Hamas killed more than 1 ,200 and abducted 251 people in the October 7th attacks. The looming question is whether a genuine peace can be built after the agonies of the last two years. I truly believe that Palestinians and Israelis can exist side by side. In the current atmosphere, there's too much animosity, too much anger and grief and hatred and cynicism between the two peoples to actually forge a peace on their own. I'm not being naive here. But I think with the push of the international community, that is the only way.

21:32I mean, you know, so many times during the past two years, hope had felt elusive. It was choosing hope is not easy. You know, it's hard, it's heavy, But it's the only path that doesn't deny Palestinians or betray their struggle or our humanity. You know, choosing hope is not just naive optimism. It is a form of defiance. The plan is to rebuild from the ruins. It will be the work of years. That was Virgil Keane there speaking to Jordan's Queen Rania. India is the world's largest democracy with nearly a billion voters. Its election commission says it's now revising electoral rolls in 12 regions as part of what it says is a nationwide plan to update the voter register.

22:26But opposition parties are crying foul, saying this is an attempt to manipulate future elections and that millions of people could be disenfranchised. This despite reassurances from officials that people can appeal if their names are excluded. Our global affairs reporter, Ambarasan Itirajan, has more details. In this phase, the voter list will be revised in 12 Indian states and federally administered territories. The top poll body argues that the exercise is needed to avoid duplication and to delete the names of the dead. A final list will be announced in early February. The commission has promised that no eligible voter will be left out.

23:06However, opposition parties strongly criticise the initial phase of the exercise carried out in Bihar state, saying millions of names were missing. They said the initiative favoured the governing Hindu nationalist BJP. The electoral authorities and the BJP have dismissed the allegations as baseless. Opposition parties also argue that vulnerable people and minority groups may find it difficult to produce the extensive paperwork required to prove their citizenship. I'm Brasen Eshirajan. Here in Britain, King Charles has unveiled the UK's first national memorial to LGBT military personnel. The monument at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire in central England was recommended by an independent review into the historical treatment of people who were sacked or forced out of the military for being gay until the ban was lifted 25 years ago.

24:03Josh Parry is our LGBT and identity reporter.

24:11The King's visit and the dedication of the LGBT plus Armed Forces Community Memorial is a result of decades of campaigning. First to lift the ban on gay service personnel, a law which wasn't repealed until the year 2000, and then to make reparations for those who suffered. It's the first time the kink has taken part in an official engagement for the LGBT community, a step which will be seen by some as a move towards a more modern monarchy. But for those veterans affected by the ban, it's also a new era, one which leaves behind the shame and stigma and celebrates their service. The Ministry of Defence says it deeply regrets the historical treatment of LGBT veterans and that it hopes all personnel can now feel valued and respected.