you russia is a power that comes to the chair of hopes and fears. since we are fighting in africa form back, it's the funds for people to, to, to want to collaborate, to 77 percent with you. we've got some hot tips for your bucket list. a magic corner trip hotspot with some great cultural memorials to boot w travel. we go with this as the w news africa coming up on the show hands off africa. pope frances condemned 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 in the horn of africa because of an ongoing drought. you speak to the ranges in kenya, trying to save some of the wild life 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 pseudo. 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 our nations were turning a blind eye to violence in the region because she goes with the news a tragedy that these land said that he got them shed more. generally, the whole african continent continue to endure various forms of exploitation, quit bears an instinctive attitude in many people and many cultures according to whom africa must be exploited. and this is terrible. af, after the political colonialism and economic colonialism was unleashed with equal capacity of putting people in a slavery situation with this country,

which was widely looted, they cannot take advantage of its own resources. the paradox is that the fruits of its own land making the country a foreign entity to its inhabitants san diego, sure. the poison of green release has smeared its diamonds with plug in 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 conflict 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 marilla was there and sent us this updates. as you can see, people are just leaving dolo appleton kinshasa, the math that does then it was a highlight of both francis trip to the d. r c organizer say when over a 1000000 worship is attend. it was a joyful celebration with

a lot of music and of called rita, the people in gala, one of the 4 national languages. and it hurts the company is to forgive those who have had 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 thought as they were so excited about the paypal visit, the 1st since 1985. but only me now is dw religion and ethics correspondent martin gag martin. what is the goal of this trip for pope francis and 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 piece. and i think that this is mainly oriented to piece building efforts that have begun long before the trip usually begins. so we have had, actually, you know, very sort of active vatike and in a very active catholic church in various countries,

not just in the democratic republic of congo and in south so then who are actually working very, very seriously and constantly abyss building and trying to bring parts in conflict together at the pope did have um, some strong words while he was in the 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 here or that the words that actually jump to the side, which are colonialism and poverty. and i mean, obviously slavery's of great importance as well. at least in the history of the continent. but i think that the main point is one that is very close to this, open 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,

that the point that is being made is really that the mediation of the church, in places in which the church is dealing 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 n, south to, than our place in which the question of corruption and the question of this revision of wealth and distribution of means of production. it's very much slanted . so obviously, in a way the pope sees this as a word that is pretty much cut out for the church. and is it usual for the pope tipple? 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. but 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 to then and a country that has been completely assailed. they conflict and political corruption so on and more generally he did call for peace. but 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 brushes, of bus cation process of justice, not piece itself as an end point,

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 bulb 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 1 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 or see 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. the church comes in and feels a god. 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. c. watching the daily news, 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 countries presidential elections. female candidates, a hopeful women voters will show their support. he w a macau koya 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 sweats, who cannot religion cages you to another cleanout society sees. this is what is right, that is what is one at 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 i in terms of opportunities. she's asking women from all walks of life to support her beat for

office, missouri after talking with them in the market. the invite her to privates meetings to discuss her ideas. women hold me to us 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 that he said war, they are going to support and mobilize to deliver blocks of votes for a particular candidates. momma. helen is convinced that field article boy is the right candidate for her. and the other women in her community, and she still in every one about it. when to politicians came to the woman. an accident report, news there coordinate for them. because the qualities are there know that the women have power. wendy, women are by facts you and see that you are where you are being faced the lobby. thought you like you. i'm to godaddy what one miss are people?

when does said yes. yeah, we do know delivery hotel. 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, they're 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 deborah's have died t w's felix marina reports from the under sally national park. in southern kenya. you don't have to go far inside kenya's unforeseen national park to see these sad sight. just some of the thousands of animals that have died here in recent months. the other victims of the last drought to history joined in the last decade. ha, cringe us. see, they're struggling to cope for when we have all of the month we have no control over my life. we have no control over. we have lost cause we have no control over causes just like hundreds of carcasses just like a we did not, nor that

a do what he does this way at 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 really legally or maureen during the long season, longing season. you vaccine that season been phase. 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 drugs that's causing problems. heads of kettle, inside the park, face other dangers to remember we had to bring our cows into the park because of the drought. 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 deaths are the height of

the drought necessitated alternative means to feed the happy vase who've been the was the victims of the field trains. they can now wildlife service initiated a here feeding program to feed the animals, but they're in the see. it may not be sustainable. and the reins needs to pause soon. but it's just a short term solution. i'm proud of this, but what i would like for them to fear don't be own much to depend on us on the beer don't depend on this. he request to follow. if you do recently miss this head a bit on how i've 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 here. i think we need to start planning

for ourselves, making sure that that is enough. enough gras 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, you know, our grass months for themselves from us, need the animals to survive for their livelihoods. and the ranges near 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 nom up 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 stock, up 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 leila perrin gunners attempt to keep the story of what the german empire did to his people, the hero, a life. it's very important for the future generation to remember the past must be told. it must not be hit, and under the rick, the history of all of our on sisters niche should be christopher, that history dates back to 19 o 4. when the media 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 considered what happened next to be the 1st genocide of the 20th century. thousands were killed after he german general issued an extermination order against heroes. 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 colon, your soldiers were killed and even forced to pay the office came from the scouting. and it's a very painful lum history. this make me do what i, what i'm doing right now. lead law 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, foreman, where,

where you are going on the tunnel, so call and us on shore, 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 residence, one to hold on to the legacy that early driven setters left behind. take street signs. for example. i'm standing at one of the main thoroughfares of swa copeland 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 beards, colonial named 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 swa combined. the names have got a purpose and i have seen it said that they just get lost. that's why i decided let's put as much history into this place as possible. above out. not overlooking the passers by norbert, put up a replica of the high touch in crime for almost 100 years. the original statues stood prominently in the capital to commemorate driven soldiers and civilians who died in the file and of 19 for 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 stood controversy, sought offensive at all. it's part of history. so the tourists,

especially the german tourist when they come here, they're coming in because this german roots here, i think it all the way maybe the tourist one, phyllis. no, i'm comfortable to go, not comfortable, but they haven't got a reason to come. and while he wanted german tourists to keep coming, he thinks german politicians should keep out of debate on colonialism. go what he said next is something i heard from many namibian of german descent club. like in general, i don't think it's right to call it a genocide. it was never spoken about and then germany or some germans came and said, we'll brought the theme up again and made the political, the thing out of it. leave us alone. leave our culture 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 laidlaw,

it's an uneasy co existence. she wants the replica and another colonial statue standing in the center of swap one to removed the marine dank man was also put up to commemorate colonial triumph. and it was what so high with which means that we had cut us list. that's where he's standing at this big house grown. been now, but we are talking about the national reconciliation. but this that is violating the bid, the rights of innocence, and it is glorifying sir. the perpetrators was every year the german community. ah, they used to come here common racing in all singing colonial song and so on. but we are 2 minutes to stop the it's inscription detailing the time and police were german soldiers died, fighting resonates with lead law personally. and now you see the name of any person or seen them about it or in, okay, you know where my frequent follows the reason why people like lead law and norbert

see history. so differently also has historical rules. mm. 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 namibian, his ideas about their ancestors were not challenged. people are 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, mind 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 collapsed 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 around me surrounding me that the bassoon, happy of what i'm doing in or trying to bring to committed to them. 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 on 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 molly and born independence to new on. 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, with

who shift your guide to life in the digital world explored the latest online trends. navigate your way through the digital jungle. get

a global perspective, will be your guide and show you what's possible. you decide what really matters to you. shift in 15 minutes on d, w, i, africa, and russia. it's a complicated relationship. mm. what do young people think about russia one year since the invasion of your friends, in terms of influence? we see russia has a power that come to the chair of hopes and fears. were trying to fight in africa form back. it's this for people to, to, to want to collaborate with the 77 percent and then in 30 minutes, the w. o. a

journey is full of surprises. we've gone all out. use them. why they in the foot of the rape me home. i'm in your northern most count please. ah, brain times along. still very much alive. d. w channel, you'll guy to the special with recognizes where exactly. it was fun and i have learned a lot our culture history. all their d. w. travel extremely worth a visit. oh no, no da vinci's mysterious masterpiece. oh this perhaps the greatest leonardo masterpiece and the collection of the louvre and no, it is not them on the lease,

it is the virgin of the rocks. was there another symbolic meaning to this beautiful painting that perhaps we just don't understand? the search for answers starts february 10th on d, w. ah ah, this is d w news lines from berlin. basha and ukraine have carried out a prisoner exchange. after intense negotiations, the 2 parties agreed to re patch rates, nearly 200 prisoners of war. the pentagon says.