“Huge positive developments in Somalia” as elections continue

There have been “huge positive developments in Somalia” over the past four years despite the ongoing terrorist threat posed by militants of the Al-Shabaab group, according to the head of UN Police in the country. Somalia's first democratic elections in 47 years are underway as the country continues to recover from civil conflict and the ravages of recurrent droughts. Christoph Buik is the Police Commissioner with the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia, known as UNSOM. He spoke to Daniel Dickinson in our studio at UN Headquarters.

Non-state groups responsible for 60,000 deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa

In the past decade, armed groups have been responsible for 60,000 deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa alone, according to the head of UN peacekeeping operations. Herve Ladsous made the remarks at an event to mark the tenth anniversary of community violence reduction programmes, CVR for short, in peacekeeping. These community-driven efforts aim to combat insecurity and include mediation and development of alternative livelihoods for youth involved in armed violence. Jocelyne Sambira has the details.

Vision, training and funding crucial to growing tech in Africa

Investing in training is critical to expanding the tech sector in Africa, according to Rwanda’s Minister of Youth and ICT, or information and communications technologies. Jean Philbert N-sengi-mana said his government has supported tech entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises, by providing a “hub” where their ideas can be turned into businesses.  Mr N-sengi-mana has been in Bangkok for an annual gathering organized by the International Telecommunication Union, the UN agency that deals with ICT-related issues. Maximillian Jacobson-Gonzalez asked him what needed to be in place to grow Africa’s digital economy.

Presenter: Matthew Wells

Production Assistant: Sandra Guy

Duration: 10'00″