Global News Podcast – BBC World Service
Episode: Sudan's RSF Rebels Claim Capture of El Fasher
Date: October 27, 2025
Host: Janak Jalil
Episode Overview
This episode covers major international news stories with a focus on breaking events, political developments, and interesting scientific research. The main theme centers around the Sudanese city of El Fasher, reportedly captured by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) amid ongoing conflict, and reviews the resulting humanitarian crisis. Other segments report on Cameroon's controversial election, President Trump’s diplomatic trip to Japan, the looming threat of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, a new LGBT military memorial in the UK, updates on the Israel-Gaza ceasefire, voter registration disputes in India, and innovative research on the use of music during surgery.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Sudan: RSF Rebels Claim Control of El Fasher
[03:00–12:00]
-
Situation Update:
- The RSF claims to have captured El Fasher, the final army holdout in Darfur, which the Sudanese military disputes.
- Approximately half a million civilians are trapped under siege, facing starvation and a lack of medical supplies.
- Civilians share harrowing accounts of surviving with little to no food, soaring prices, and no access to medicines.
-
Humanitarian Concerns:
- UN and the Governor of Darfur express alarm over reports of civilian casualties and fears of ethnic cleansing, citing historic precedents in the region.
- Both sides in the conflict are accused of targeting populations perceived as supportive of the other.
-
RSF Response:
- The RSF claims they will protect civilians, provide humanitarian corridors, and deliver aid, possibly in an effort to improve their image internationally.
-
Strategic and Political Impact:
- If RSF secures El Fasher, their territorial control in Darfur would be cemented, giving easier access to international borders (notably Libya).
- This would enhance their standing in any potential future negotiations, shifting the balance of power in Sudan.
- Analysts suggest RSF aims to be recognized as a national force rather than a regional militia.
Notable Quote:
"The UN has also warned previously of the danger of ethnic cleansing if the RSF captures Al Fasher, targeting non-Arab populations…"
– Barbara Plett Usher, BBC Africa Correspondent [07:43]
2. Cameroon: President Paul Biya Wins a Controversial Eighth Term
[12:00–17:20]
-
Election Results:
- Paul Biya, aged 92 and the world’s oldest president, declared winner with nearly 54% of the vote.
- Opposition leader Isa Chiroma Bakari contests results, claiming electoral fraud and declaring himself the legitimate winner.
-
Public Reaction:
- Surprise at Biya’s continued candidacy, but most expected his declared victory due to past outcomes.
- Protests outside the opposition leader’s house reportedly met with lethal force; potential for post-electoral crisis.
-
Biya’s Legacy:
- In power since 1982; “his entire life has been in the public domain.”
Notable Quote:
"Many had thought that this would be the last stretch, just thinking that he would have passed the torch. But he said that he still had much to offer to the country."
– Paul Njie, BBC Africa [15:33]
3. United States – Japan Diplomacy: Trump Meets Emperor Naruhito
[17:20–22:30]
-
Diplomatic Visit:
- Trump visits Japan, meeting Emperor Naruhito, echoing a historic first meeting in 2019.
- Sets the tone for talks with Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the first woman to hold the post.
-
Political Context:
- Anticipation for Takaichi’s first big diplomatic test; she draws inspiration from Margaret Thatcher.
- Both leaders have shared interests, especially on China policy and connections to former PM Shinzo Abe.
- Challenge for Takaichi to balance strengthening US ties with asserting independent leadership.
Notable Quote:
"It’s quite significant because of course, it’s the symbolism, the pomp and ceremony – which Donald Trump loves. It really sets the tone for his visit."
– Shaima Khalil, Tokyo Correspondent [18:35]
4. Jamaica: Bracing for Hurricane Melissa
[22:30–25:40]
-
Storm Update:
- Hurricane Melissa upgraded to Category 5, forecast to bring catastrophic flooding and destructive winds.
- Residents prepare supplies, authorities issue evacuation orders, and concerns rise due to slow storm movement.
-
Government Response:
- PM Andrew Holness warns all Jamaica likely to be affected, with winds exceeding 100 mph and up to a meter of rainfall.
- Reference to severe damage already incurred in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Notable Quote:
"Based on current assessments, all of Jamaica will likely be affected by hurricane conditions, meaning heavy rains and winds above 100 mph."
– Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica [24:08]
5. United Kingdom: National Memorial for LGBT Military Personnel
[25:40–30:05]
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Memorial Dedication:
- King Charles unveils the UK’s first national LGBT armed forces memorial.
- Marks ongoing movement to redress historical wrongs against LGBT personnel dismissed or forced out under previous bans.
-
Voices of Impact:
- Veterans discuss significance, the end of shame and stigma, and importance of remembrance.
Notable Quotes:
"Clearly, those headlines were horrific and intrusive, but they were in my lifetime, very clearly. It’s important that today we remember all ... veterans who suffered during the ban between 1967 and 2000."
– Professor Andrew Hartle [28:05]
"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."
– Porigin Nai Riley, former RAF telegraphist [29:12]
6. Gaza: Queen Rania of Jordan Critiques International Response
[30:05–34:20]
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Ceasefire Reflections:
- Queen Rania, of Palestinian descent, gives exclusive BBC interview, praising the American-led efforts (Trump) for securing a ceasefire, but criticizes the global community for overall inaction.
-
Human Toll:
- The ceasefire brings “relief weighed down with grief” after tremendous loss and destruction in Gaza.
- Emphasizes need for ongoing international involvement in peace-building and reconstruction.
Notable Quotes:
"Choosing hope is not just naive optimism. It is a form of defiance."
– Queen Rania [33:58]
"This is only the first step… The road to reconstruction and recovery is going to be long and arduous."
– Queen Rania [31:42]
7. India: Election Commission Disputes
[34:20–36:28]
- Voter Roll Revision:
- India’s Election Commission revising voter rolls in 12 regions; aims to eliminate duplications and deceased voters from lists.
- Opposition alleges exercise is a pretense to disenfranchise minorities and benefit the ruling BJP.
Notable Quote:
"Opposition parties also argue that vulnerable people and minority groups may find it difficult to produce the extensive paperwork required to prove their citizenship."
– Ambras Etirajan, BBC [36:13]
8. Medical Innovation: Music as an Alternative to Anesthetic
[36:28–41:03]
-
Research Findings:
- Indian study shows patients listening to calming music during minor surgery require 15% less anesthetic.
- Benefits include faster recovery, less risk of blood pressure drops, and reduced stress response.
-
Expert Commentary:
- Dr. Fred J. Schwartz, anaesthetist and researcher, explains the clinical implications and the importance of patient-chosen, non-jarring music.
Notable Quotes:
"The patients in the music group needed less anesthetic to maintain the same depth of anesthesia, which was very beneficial because there’s less decrease in blood pressure and hemodynamic instability." – Dr. Fred J. Schwartz [38:27]
"Choosing hope is not easy… it is the only path that doesn’t deny Palestinians or betray their struggle or our humanity." – Queen Rania [33:58]
Memorable Quotes by Timestamp
-
Ethnic Cleansing Warning:
“The UN has also warned previously of the danger of ethnic cleansing if the RSF captures Al Fasher, targeting non-Arab populations…”
—Barbara Plett Usher [07:43] -
Legacy of President Paul Biya:
“Many had thought that this would be the last stretch, just thinking that he would have passed the torch. But he said that he still had much to offer to the country.”
—Paul Njie [15:33] -
Diplomatic Ceremony in Japan:
“It’s quite significant because of course, it’s the symbolism, the pomp and ceremony – which Donald Trump loves. It really sets the tone for his visit.”
—Shaima Khalil [18:35] -
Jamaica Preparedness:
“Based on current assessments, all of Jamaica will likely be affected by hurricane conditions, meaning heavy rains and winds above 100 mph.”
—PM Andrew Holness [24:08] -
LGBT Veterans' Remembrance:
“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.”
—Porigin Nai Riley [29:12] -
Queen Rania on Hope:
“Choosing hope is not just naive optimism. It is a form of defiance.”
—Queen Rania [33:58] -
Music in Surgery:
“The patients in the music group needed less anesthetic to maintain the same depth of anesthesia, which was very beneficial because there’s less decrease in blood pressure and hemodynamic instability.”
—Dr. Fred J. Schwartz [38:27]
Important Timestamps for Segments
- Sudan/El Fasher: 03:00–12:00
- Cameroon Election: 12:00–17:20
- Trump in Japan: 17:20–22:30
- Hurricane Melissa: 22:30–25:40
- LGBT Military Memorial: 25:40–30:05
- Jordan/Israel-Gaza Ceasefire: 30:05–34:20
- India Voter Dispute: 34:20–36:28
- Music in Surgery: 36:28–41:03
Summary
This episode provides listeners with a comprehensive overview of current global affairs, prioritizing urgent developments like the fall of El Fasher in Sudan and the escalating humanitarian disaster. It delivers insightful coverage of contentious political events, natural disasters, and positive social progress, ending with a look at innovative medical science. The episode combines journalistic rigor, on-the-ground accounts, and expert analysis, making it essential listening for anyone seeking a nuanced understanding of the world’s most pressing stories.