Gambia transition “clear evidence” of “preventive” diplomacy in action

The peaceful transition of power in the Gambia to President Adama Barrow is “clear evidence” that “preventive diplomacy” works. That’s according to Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Head of the UN's Office for West Africa and the Sahel, who was a key figure in resolving the political crisis there, alongside regional leaders in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU). Former President Yahya Jammeh eventually agreed to leave after 22 years in power. Matthew Wells asked Mr Chambas what it had been like being in the capital Banjul for the new president’s arrival.

Sexual education in Uganda schools can protect youth from HIV

Comprehensive sex education programmes are important to stop the spread of HIV among young people, a Programme Director for the Uganda Network of Young Positives has said. Nicholas Niwagaba, who is also a member of the UNAIDS network called Act2015, spoke on the margins of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum at UN Headquarters. Mr Niwagaba talked to Jocelyne Sambira about his organization’s efforts to encourage young people to get tested.

Canada supports WFP cash transfer programme for refugees in Tanzania

A US$385,000 contribution from Canada is being used by the World Food Programme (WFP) to provide cash transfers to thousands of Congolese refugees in western Tanzania. The pilot programme at the Nyarugusu Refugee Camp will give households the freedom to purchase items at a nearby market which will also inject money into the local economy. Under the three-month scheme, 10,000 refugees will receive twice-monthly transfers of US$4.50 to their mobile phones, as well as food. Stella Vuzo spoke to Saidi Johari, head of WFP’s office in Kasulu, located in the Kigoma region of Tanzania.

Presenter: Matthew Wells

Production Assistant: Sandra Guy

Duration: 10’00″