Focus on Africa Folgen

Somalia has accused the United Arab Emirates of undermining its sovereignty, including allegedly facilitating Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, which Somalia considers part of its territory. In response, Mogadishu has canceled all agreements with the UAE, from ports to defence, raising questions about trade and security. We then turn to Botswana, following a recent visit by American YouTuber IShowSpeed to the Diamond Trading Centre in Gaborone, where he held a rough diamond and asked if he could buy it. Botswana’s diamonds are a major part of national wealth, but acquiring them in raw form is strictly regulated. We explore what you need to know about these gems. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Ayuba Iliya, Keikantse Shumba, Bella Twine Senior Producer: Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Terry Chege Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Uganda’s election campaign enters its final days ahead of voting on January 15th, with President Yoweri Museveni seeking to extend his four decades in power. His main challenger, opposition figure Bobi Wine, has rallied younger voters amid concerns raised by the UN about the political climate. We hear from voters and from the BBC in Kampala on the mood in the country. Then, we travel to Benin’s coastal city of Ouidah, where thousands gathered for Vodun Days, celebrating a spiritual tradition and its growing global appeal. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Blessing Aderogba, Bella Twine Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Technical Producer: Terry Chege Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

In his first interview since taking office on 1 Jan, the new head of the UN refugee agency, Dr Barham Salih, speaks to the BBC about US concerns over the organisation’s effectiveness and his push for reform. Speaking during his first working visit to Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp, he stresses the continuing scale of global civilian displacement and the need for more efficient humanitarian responses. We also look at how social media platforms are helping young people across Africa use running to build community, connection and wellbeing in cities including Abuja and Nairobi.Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Blessing Aderogba, Ayuba Iliya, Keikantse Shumba, Bella Twine, Priya Sippy Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Technical Producer: Terry Chege Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla