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• Striking gold

  “This is a diamond!”: In 2017, two young miners, Komba and Saffea, struck gold. They uncovered a huge 709 carat diamond - the ‘Peace Diamond’ - worth millions of dollars, in Sierra Leone. It was a dream come true for them both. They were rich beyond their wildest dreams. And then, their dream began to unravel. Thanks for listening. Let us know what you think. #TheComb Get in touch: thecomb@bbc.comProduced by Mary Goodhart

• Am I in a cult?

  “I was losing myself”: When Mbali was introduced to a new church through a bible study group she was excited at the prospect of finding a new religious community. But as she became more involved with the church, she began questioning some of their unusual teachings and approaches. It left her asking the question ‘Am I in a cult?’ Thanks for listening. Let us know what you think. #TheComb Get in touch: thecomb@bbc.com

• Not guilty

  Accusations, imprisonment, and vindication: The lie that changed Ishmail's life, taking away his freedom, and breaking up his family in Malawi. Nearly 20 years later, Ishmail reflects on the painful reality of being falsely accused. Thanks for listening. Let us know what you think. #TheComb Get in touch: thecomb@bbc.comProduced by Mary Goodhart

• Parenting and punishment

  “My dad beat me.” How the physical punishment of a child changed the lives of a Nigerian family forever. Behaviour which was the norm for a mother who grew up in Nigeria was treated as assault in the UK. Thanks for listening. Let us know what you think. #TheComb Get in touch: thecomb@bbc.com

• How did Egypt win its battle against hepatitis C?

  Egypt once had the highest rate of hepatitis C in the world, but has now almost completely wiped out the liver attacking virus in less than 10 years. How did they do that?Could the African mealworm be a solution to tackling plastic waste? Kenyan researchers say the larvae of the darkling beetle species native to Africa can digest plastic in their guts and degrade styrofoam, one the most harmful materials to the environment.Also in the podcast, how Nigerian pet owners are having to make heartbreaking decisions about their animal companions as the high cost of living continues to squeeze finances.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Stefania Okereke, Aimie Liebovitz and Bella Hassan in London. Blessing Aderogba in Lagos Technical Producer: Philip Bull Senior Journalist: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

• Why are more Francophone countries cutting ties with France?

  Ivory Coast has confirmed, French troops stationed in the region for decades, will begin withdrawing from Ivorian soil this month. This marks another shift in the growing trend across West Africa, where France is seeing a reduction in their military presence.  An analyst explains  the genesis of this resentment.Also, French President Emmanuel Macron was recently heckled during his visit to cyclone-hit Mayotte.  What's France's relationship with Mayotte?And will the rights of the Kua people in Botswana, also known as Bushmen, be better under new President Boko Duma's government ? Presenter: Audrey Brown Producer: Sunita Nahar in London Technical Producer: Jack Graysmark Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

• What can Africa expect from President Trump’s second term?

  During his first term as US president, Donald Trump had a very limited engagement with Africa, so what will his return to the White House mean for the continent? We hear from a political analyst on the potential opportunities and perils for US-Africa relations. Did you know that drowning is one of the leading causes of death globally for children and young people under 30? Podcast host Audrey Brown has a conversation with the World Health Organization about how they are helping countries, including in Africa, to devise effective drowning prevention strategies, and she makes a new year resolution that she is determined to keep. Also in this episode, we meet the remarkable 25-year-old Malawian, Tusaiwe Munkhondya, who through her foundations, has fostered dozens of children and provided help and support to vulnerable people across Malawi.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya in London and Susan Gachuhi in Nairobi Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

• How South Africa’s drug trade is rooted in apartheid rule

  South Africa has become a key player in the International drugs trade, that's according to the global crime index. The country has a growing domestic market and now shares trade connections with South America, Europe, Hong Kong and Australia. We'll hear from South African journalist and author Caryn Dolley who has written about how deeply entrenched South Africa is in the international narco sceneAlso, why are there so few legal protections for whistleblowers? And advice on pension funds and why we need to start thinking about it!Presenter: Audrey Brown Technical Producer: Nick Randell Producers: Rob Wilson and Bella Hassan in London. Blessing Aderogba in Lagos Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard