a documentary series founders with the founders impelling their continent through digital innovation transformer, work, and living conditions in their country, and inspiring with their ideas. probably africa, started february, 13th on b, w with this is the w news, africa coming up on the show. hands off africa, pope frances condense, exportation of the continent as he visits the democratic republic of congo and sells to don is also pushing for peace in the 2 countries. but how much influence does the catholic church have to bring about change? plans?

nigerians are preparing for elections later this month, but why are there so few women candidates? we meet one determined to make hammock. animals are dying at an alarming rate and the horn of africa because of an ongoing drought. you speak to the ranges in kenya, trying to save some of the wildlife and we meet communities in namibia trying to come to terms with a painful past and crimes committed during germany's colonial era. ah, i'm really mohammed welcome to the program. her francis is on a trip to 2 nations in africa and what he's described as a pilgrimage of peace. he arrived in job for the 1st abba paypal visit to south. through dawn, the christian nation has been locked in conflict since gaining independence in 2011

. this follows a 4 day visit to the democratic republic of congo. we're fighting in the countries east has been top of the pope's agenda. the pontiff is pushing for reconciliation and wants to highlight the importance of africa to the future of the catholic church. in the d r. c, the pope condemned which are nations were turning a blind eye to violence in the region because she goes, which is a tragedy that these land is so we gotta shed more generally, the whole african continental continue to endure various forms of exploitation. there's an instinctive attitude in many people and many cultures according to whom africa must be exploited. and this is terrible off with us to look after the political colonialism and economic colonialism was unleashed with equal capacity of putting people in a slavery situation in this country, which was widely looted,

who cannot take advantage of his own resources. to paradox is that the fruits of its own land making the country a foreign entity to its inhabitants. the english showing the poison of greed molina has smeared its dimas with plug. the other one is in more than 37 years since the pope has visited the democratic republic of congo, which was one of the largest catholic populations on the continent. hope frances said one of his biggest open and masses in the capitol, more than a 1000000 people turned out to watch him. he dumping his mario miller was there and sent us this updates. as you can see, people are just leaving dolo ap on here in kinshasa the mass. but just then it was a highlight of both francis trip to the d. r. c organizer say, well over a 1000000 warship is attended. it was a joyful celebration with a lot of music. oh,

read of the people in gala, one of the 4 national languages. and he urged the company is to forgive those who have harmed them to stress the importance of love and tolerance to live together as a community. many people here can't actually outside this airport just to get a good position to see the pope with their own eyes. many dollars there are so excited about the paypal visit, the 1st since 1985. but only me now is the w. religion and ethics correspondent martin gag martin. what is the goal of this trip for pope fonts? is that how important is it that he's there at the moment the pope undertakes most of his troops and this has been particularly the case during african trips as what he calls a pilgrim of bees. and i think that this is mainly oriented to piece building efforts that have begun long before the trip usually begins. so we have heard actually, you know, very sort of active, but in a very active catholic church in various countries, not just in the democratic republic of congo and in south to then who are actually

working very, very seriously and constantly at bis building and trying to bring parts and conflict together and the pope did have um, some strong words while he was in a d r. c. he said political exploitation gave way to an economic colonialism that was equally enslaving to africans. what message was he trying to send care? i think that the 2 words, obviously, that are key sure. or that the words that actually jump to the side, which are colonialism and poverty. and i mean, obviously slavery of great importance as well, at least in the history of the continent. but i think that the main point is one that he's very close to this pope and to this by deacon's political position, which is essentially rescuing the poorer rescuing people out of poverty and doing that by means of actual engagement. so i think that the point that is being made is really that the ation of the church in places where the church is stealing very

directly with poverty and very directly with conflict requires essentially facing up or you know, to the birds that are actually bogged in producing that kind of forward and breezing, that kind of subjection. obviously, this has brought this vertical in a collision course with different political formations around the world. and this is actually no exception. africans obviously no exception. the democratic republic and south. so then our place in which the question of corruption and the question of this revolution, of wealth and distribution of means of production. it's very much slanted. so obviously, in a way the pope says these are so worried that he's pretty much cut out for the church. and is it usual for the pope to pull this political? i think that this pope has been not only very political, but he has also been very, very blunt in many occasions. this is again no exception. i think that what we see here is, so to me,

one of the most interesting aspects of it is the fact that he made us well. he could be, you know, dealing with politics and forums of this possession and forms of corruption. so when much closer to home, meaning rome at this stage or latin america for that matter about in fact his choosing to actually push the agenda farther along the lines in a place that he says, emblematic of mismanagement of corruption and so on. which are, i mean, the youngest country in the world, south. so then, and a country that has been completely assailed, they conflict and political corruption so on and more generally, he did call for peace. that is the pope actually to bring about able to bring about before to change. i don't think, i mean, i think that the good the answer is obvious. nope. can bring peace and no church or clergyman can bring these. but it's quite clear that a church that he's very engaged can actually do a great deal of work in terms of bringing about brothers of pacification processes of justice, not fees itself of us and then falling,

but really initiating and pushing along the process. and i think that the results very often are only visible retrospectively. so i mean, you know, this is not a, this is not a pope that necessarily will say the things in the spotlight. very often we hear the message, we see the trip, we see the prayers and it's only 6 or 2 months later that we understand the geopolitical implications of that kind of action. now around 40 percent of the people in the d. r c are catholic. how important is the d r c for the catholic church and its future? i think it's very important. i think that, you know, francophone, countries in africa had become essentially extremely important because the other place which was latin america, where the church was actually prevalent, has seen its numbers shrinking radically. i think that what happens in africa generally speaking, if, when may speak about africa, i don't feel very comfortable saying that. but nonetheless, is that the catholic church remains very much involved with the community. whereas

in latin america, we have seen sort of a retraction to some degree of the church leaving to reign for other political actors. for instance, the angelic old church in africa in place like the d r c. you actually do see the church still involved in education still involved in providing health services. very often things that the community needs and the government does not provide that church comes in and feels a gov. what that means is essentially that they become not only and important political actor, but they also become an important social actor, which means that in terms of what the church receives in return is sexual participation. martin act, thank you very much and you're very welcome. hey, watching the diabetes africa still to come? we look at the haunting memories of germany's colonial era in namibia. but 1st nigerians had to the poles in the next few weeks for the country's

presidential elections. female candidates, a hopeful women voters will show their support. he w m a car coin met one of the few women standing for a national position and the power brokers who could help her take office from any nigerians. she is a popular hollywood actress. but now she was a different heart. as a politician, hilda took over once to represent a local community in the federal house of representatives. you know, you said, traditionally, you are swept to a cannot religion cages you to another corner society sees. this is what is right, that is what is it, you know, you just have a lot of biases working against the woman. and for me, i don't see why i can't have the same things as the meal in terms of opportunities. she's asking women from all walks of life to support her beat for

office, miss it after talking with them in the market. the invite her to private meetings to discuss her ideas. women hold meters like this across the country in all sorts of different searches. it is here, that's women's political part is rooted. it is here to decide what they are going to support and mobilize to deliver blocks of votes for a particular candidates. momma, helen is convinced that he'll deductible is the right candidate for her. and the other women in her community and she still in everyone about it. when did politicians came to the woman? an accent. dot news. nick, what knit for them? because the qualities are there, no doubt the women have fallen, wendy women, or by facts you and see that you are the way you are being faced, the lobbies, all she liking onto godaddy. what one knit our people when does said yes. yeah,

we do know delivered the hood for you, but these women are not only vault gathers for politicians wallison. the can also be crucial sources of information about what people need and how to meet those needs. so this women are my contact points. they're my a concept room and they help me design programs that meet the needs of people because they're here, they understand those needs. they're in the family, they're in the business, they're, they're everywhere. right? so they know the, the grassroots are in their hands. so they're my, what you call it now, that my connection point, making that connection, tapping into those grassroots, thus will to many politicians and compete managers are aiming to do. it is abusive time as we must markets and organizing groups. oh,

to kenya. now where a lack of rain is causing the worst drought in decades, one national park is raising alarms about the death of its wildlife. between june and november last year, more than a 100 elephants and thousands of will. the beast and zebras have died. you w. felix, my ringer reports from the amble, sally national park in southern kenya. you don't have to go far inside kenya's embassy, national park to see these sad sight. just some of the thousands of animals that update here in recent months. the other victims of the last drought to history joint in the last decade. how cringe us see, they're struggling to cope for when we have lost. i don't want, we have no control over my life. we have no control over. we have lost cause we have no control over because it's just lie hundreds of carcasses just like

a we did not know that it will hit us this way. and all these bud, the drought has forced the animals to seek water and food in new places. and travel farther than they usually would. that's left them weak and vulnerable. so i belong the animal will. it will only be guaranteed. it would seem merely little or more in during the long season, longing season. vaccine thought season been fav. ah. then the very painful part would be, which is now to the extreme of losing everything. but it's not just the direct effect of the drought that's causing problems. has of kettle, inside the pok face, other dangers to remember we had to bring our cows into the park because of the drought and there's no pasture land for them outside the protected area. but our greatest worry is that our livestock will be attacked by lions. conservationists are doing what they can. we help the alamo survive animal death or the height of

the droughts necessitated alternative means to feed the happy boys who been the was the victims of their fail trains. they cannot wildlife service initiated a here feeding program to feed the animals, but they're in to see it may not be sustainable and their rains needs to poor soon . but it's just a short term solution. i'm proud of this, but what i would like as for them to feed on the on much to depend on us on the bid on the bed on this. he request to know if you to we fully meet with him a bit on how of years climate change and the drought it's brought to the horn of africa is an emergency for both animals and humans. even if the rains come now it won't be enough. so local organizations are calling for more long term means of dealing with future disruptions. exploring, hey, i think we need to start planning for ourselves, making sure that there is enough enough grasp banks for animals not only are well

live, but for also lifestyle. and once we have enough or less talk, definitely, ah, well, if we will, or will as well have enough our grass months for themselves, family need the animals to survive for their livelihoods. and the ranges need their wild animals to survive, to keep tourists visiting the spock. all of that is at risk. if the rains continue to fail. in 2021, germany is government recognized. crimes committed by its cloning forces against the harrow and now my people in the media as genocide. but that apology has been controversial for many. germany's colonial rule is being remembered in very different ways to w special correspondence. abraham reports from the namibian, coastal town of soccer wound. a warning, some of the content in this report may be disturbing. in this tiny room,

a brutal and often forgotten chapter of german history is on full display. this is this walk upon genocide museum. it's lee la parent gunners attempt to keep the story of what the german empire did to his people, the hero alive. it's very important for the future generation to remember, the past must be told. it must not be hitting under the rick the history or for her of all on sisters niche should be christened that history dates back to 19 of 4. when namibia was the colony of german south west africa, to black indigenous groups, the hero and nama launched a rebellion against german settlers. for years, there had been tensions overland grabs. historians widely consider what happened next. to be the 1st genocide of the 20th century, thousands were killed after he german general issued an extermination order against her arrows. survivors were put in concentration camps. they were experimented on

and used to slave labor. laid law says his great grandmother was an inmate. my great grandmother was telling me that some of my family members, so when we read by the german colonial soldiers, were killed and even forced to pay off his skin from the scowls and, and it's a very painful history. this make me to do what i, what i'm doing right now. lead las started the museum 4 years ago on the outskirts of town. he receives visitors from around the world and takes them on a journey through germany's colonial past. from a distinctly hero perspective, he says he's noticed more interest in his work, even from local heroes, since germany apologized for the genocide in 2021. the aren't always aware of that dark chapter of history. it's something that he's determined to change. it's very important to know where you came from when, when, where you are going on the tunnel, so call on doesn't show the history of root. that's another reason laid law has

continued with the project. despite receiving death threats from above, the towns polished european character is what's visible. it's streets are lined with charming pastel colored colonial buildings. the attract tourists that name may be as economy desperately needs. but what's missing and swap, government is the context. the story of what happened to the indigenous population when they were built. walking through town, one gets the sense that it's residents want to hold on to the legacy that early german settlers left behind. take street signs, for example. i'm standing at one of the main thoroughfares of smoke of mind following independence. it was renamed sam, the yeoman avenue, after the country's 1st elected black president. but some of the buildings on the street still bear its colonial name, kaiser. vill hm. it's something that you see throughout the town. it's the german communities, way of keeping its heritage alive. says norbert said laskey. the 3rd generation

german namibian runs out shut german for old town. a colonial themed restaurant in the heart of sacrament. the names have got a purpose and i've seen it said that they just get lost. that's why i decided, let's put through as much history into this place as possible. above out that overlooking the passers by norbert put up a replica of the high tugging class for almost 100 years. the original statue stood prominently in the capital to commemorate german soldiers and civilians who died in the file and of 19 afford a symbol of colonial triumph. nearby, as president ordered it removed in 2013, saying it was an obstacle to national healing. so when it made a comeback at norbert restaurant in 2019, it stirred controversy. sought offensive at all. it's part of history so that doris,

especially the german tourist when they come to their company. because this german roots here, they take it all away. maybe the tourist one, phyllis? no, i'm comfortable to go. not comfortable, but they haven't got a reason to come. yeah. and while he wants german tourists to keep coming, he thinks german politicians should keep out of debate on colonialism. go what he said next. something i heard from many namibian of german descent declared like in germany. i don't think it's right to call it a genius. it was never spoken about and then germany, all. some germans came and said, we'll brought the theme up again and made to political the thing out of it. leave us alone. leave our cultures to learn. we live in peace. we learn how to live with each other. it's not necessary to stir and can always say it's genocide and us and let them for lead law. it's an uneasy co existence. she wants the

replica and another colonial statue standing in the center of suave one to removed . the marine dank man was also put up to commemorate colonial triumph, and it was so high and which means that we had cut us list. that's where he standing at this big house grown. been now what we are talking about in a national reconciliation. but this statue is violating the rights and it is glorifying said the preparatory, does the boss, i mean, i mean, you're the german, cool. when it's it all, they used to come here common rating, you know, and singing colonial song and so on. but we actually managed to stop the it's inscription detailing the time and police were german soldiers died, fighting resonates with lead law personally. and you see the name of it or seen him up a little in okay. you know where my great grandfather used to say the reason why people

like lead law and norbert see history so differently also has historical roots. many says anton from vito's hybrid, a former government minister of german descent when germany lost its colonies after world war one, namibia became part of south africa and was ruled under its system of racial segregation known as apartheid. for generations, the hero and nama did not get to process their trauma and german speaking the millions. his ideas about their ancestors were not challenged. people emotional about it because his not something that is tangible for them. it was so long ago, they feel attacked. talk to each other about your experiences, all about the experiences of your forefathers. so that one gets to few gets a feeling for the emotions. also. of the other people

and tons own family tree is intertwined with the events of the genocide. his great uncle was killed by heroes, and the uprising his grandfather came to namibia as a soldier. over the years he's grown more understanding of the nomine herrera perspective. in addition to dialogue, he believes his fellow german nubians should accept evidence like germany's own records. because people, if you study them, you can see what happened. our biggest problem is many people are not willing to ignore their emotions and look at the facts as they are presented. facts like this. a cemetery on the edge of swap month, filled with thousands of unmarked griefs of hero and number, who died in the concentration camps. it's been neglected for years. on the other side, the wall have collapse and the dogs are always coming in and they are digging the grace. and taking out human remains frustrated by the lack of municipal care,

lead law has been raising money and organizing volunteers to restore the grieves hoping his ancestors might be watching it. sometimes when i, when i come here, i feel like you know, a bit calm. i feel like, you know, there's some in all that as yet, there are on me surrounding me that the bassoon had me of what i'm doing, you know, trying to bring ticketed to him. lead law wants to cooperate with western researchers who plan to use technology to identify just how many bodies are buried here. he hopes this helps all namibian to fully see their shared past. ah, and we end the show in the city of say, go in, molly, where the say go aren't festival is currently taking place. despite molly's political turmoil and armed conflicts, the event has become one of west africa most well known,

showcases some of the regions leading artists and provides a platform for new artists to display their work. one of them is malia and born independence to young. she comes from a family of clothing designers and has created this insulation from different materials, including measuring tapes, wires, fabrics, and pieces of wood. well, that's the show, be sure to check out our other stories on d, w dot com, forward slash africa. we're also on facebook and twitter, or marina mohammed from me and the entire team. thanks for watching. take care. bye bye. ah ah, ah ah.

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