Paris Live, Thursday 26 March 2020

Today's edition of Paris Live begins with an update on the situation in France, with President Emmanuel Macron's announcement of a military mission called "Resilience" under which the army will join the fight against Covid-19. This began last week with the installation of a military field hospital near Mulhouse in eastern France to help relieve local hospitals.

We then take an overview of the coronavirus situation in Africa - namely with the announcement of a border closure between The Gambia and Senegal, a decision which means that many people have been left stranded with little food and no proper shelter.

Elsewhere, in South Africa, residents have gone into overdrive to prepare for a 21-day lockdown which starts at midnight on Thursday. It's being billed as the most draconian government action since the apartheid era.

In a special report, we find out why Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan could be facing the biggest ever threat to his power. Two former close allies who've formed new political parties, are now calling for a more democratic Turkey.

In sports news, we hear about a number of high-profile football players and coaches who are helping and entertaining their fans during the coronavirus shut down.

Meanwhile, Kevin Mitchell, tennis correspondent for The Guardian newspaper reacts to the emergency meeting called to discuss this year's Wimbledon tournament, which has only ever been cancelled during the two world wars.

And we wrap up on a lighter note, with RFI's Susan Owensby who talks about how she's been doing Sound Kitchen from a distance, with new ingredients and of course, we finish with a happy song!