Dr. Frederick Oporia, a public health professional from Makerere University, sheds light on Uganda's alarming drowning rates, emphasizing urgent community awareness and preventive strategies. Thomas Nadi shares a gripping account of James, a Ghanaian man captured by jihadists in Burkina Faso, highlighting the perilous landscape of West Africa’s security. Dele Oyewale discusses disturbing cybercrime trends in Nigeria, focusing on the rise of internet scam academies and the challenges they pose for law enforcement. A profound discussion on pressing issues in Africa.
Uganda's annual drowning fatalities near 3,000 highlight the urgent need for water safety education and community programs to mitigate risks.
The rise of cybercrime academies in Nigeria illustrates the socioeconomic factors driving youth towards illegal activities despite government intervention efforts.
Deep dives
Drowning Epidemic in Uganda
Uganda faces a severe drowning crisis, with approximately 3,000 fatalities annually, making it one of the highest rates globally. Vulnerable groups, particularly young men and children, are at significant risk due to factors such as inadequate water safety education, overcrowded water transport, and a general lack of awareness about drowning prevention. Experts suggest that integrating water safety education into school curricula and community-based swimming programs could help mitigate these dangers. Furthermore, there is a pressing need for comprehensive data collection to inform effective drowning prevention policies across Africa.
Challenges of Porous Borders in West Africa
The porous borders in West Africa have created significant security challenges, as exemplified by the story of a Ghanaian man who was captured by jihadists while traveling through Burkina Faso. Despite efforts from both Ghanaian and Burkina Faso authorities to increase border patrols, the vast stretches of land make it difficult to secure these boundaries effectively. Communities near the borders report concerns over jihadist infiltration, with some individuals seeking refuge in Ghana, compounding security worries. Efforts like the 'See Something, Say Something' campaign aim to encourage local populations to report suspicious activities, but the implementation of these strategies remains a challenge.
Rise of Cybercrime Training Academies in Nigeria
Nigeria has seen the emergence of academies that train young individuals in cybercrime, with an increase in activities associated with the so-called 'Hustle Kingdom.' These institutions often operate with foreign involvement, facilitating a network of scammers who utilize platforms like Yahoo Mail for fraudulent activities. While Nigerian authorities, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, claim to be combating this rise through rapid response operations and legal actions, the scams continue to find support among youth due to high poverty rates and social pressures. To counteract this problem, rehabilitation and reorientation programs are being developed to guide young people towards legitimate opportunities and innovations instead of engaging in cybercrime.
The World Health Organization recently published its first-ever report on drowning prevention. The rates are highest in Africa-with Uganda one of the highest
And a Ghanaian shares his close encounter with jihadists in Burkina Faso
Are there academies in Nigeria where people are taught online scamming?
Presenter : Charles Gitonga
Producers: Susan Gachuhi in Nairobi, Blessing Aderogba in Lagos and Amie Liebowitz in London.
Senior producer: Paul Bakibinga
Technical Producer Philip Bull
Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
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