Israel on Friday rejected as false and "grossly distorted" South Africa’s accusations that its military operation in Gaza is a state-led genocide. Morocco has won a vote to lead the United Nations Human Rights Council after a heated showdown with South Africa. We’ll look at what it takes to get the position. And, in entertainment , Global Hip Hop artist Dumisani Ndlovu and backup singer Troy Elder join Heather Maxwell live on set to perform some of his latest work. All this and a lot more on today’s Africa 54.

At International Court of Justice in The Hague, South Africa accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza -- Israel says the claim is baseless. Hundreds of people die massive flooding in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring Congo-Brazzavill. And - we’ll examine Russia’s expanding influence in Africa -- as it deepens ties with countries across the continent. All this and a lot more on today’s Africa 54.

2024 is set to be a major test of democratic rule as an estimated 4 billion people in more than 50 nations are set to vote in elections. A legal battle brews in the Hague, as South Africa accuses Israel of genocide in its war against Hamas in Gaza – the proceedings begin Thursday at the United Nations' top court. And -- in our Technology report -- Tanzania is actively working to reduce the gender gap in its rapidly growing tech industry. All this and a lot more on today’s Africa 54.

Lebanese Christians worry about the prospect of getting caught in the middle- east conflict. Artificial Intelligence is everywhere at hi-tech Consumer Electronics Show opening Tuesday in Las Vegas. Since October, Zambia’s Ministry of Health has reported nearly 5100 confirmed cases of cholera. 195 people in the country have died of the virulent disease over the weekend according to government data. All this and much more coming up on today’s Africa 54!

The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry says over 23-thousand Palestinians have been killed since October 7th – and nearly 250 in the last 24 to 48 hours. Sudan's army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan rejects an agreement signed between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and political groups. And --the Consumer Electronics Show opens in Las Vegas on Tuesday with over three-thousand companies showcasing their latest developments. All this and a lot more on Africa 54.

South African Olympian Oscar Pistorius is released on parole after serving nearly 9 years for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. More shuttle diplomacy as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken returns to the Middle East amid rising fears that the Israel-Hamas war could spread across the region. And -- Music time in Africa host Heather Maxwell takes viewers on a behind the scenes look at a popular segment in her weekend radio program. All this and a lot more coming up on today’s Africa 54.

The United Nations World Food Program warns of a looming hunger catastrophe in Sudan affecting 22 million people. Former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma is denying any involvement in last November’s coup attempt. And -- every New Year, people worldwide make resolutions to improve their lives. In Burkina Faso, a common New Year’s goal is to get in better physical shape. All this and much more is coming up on today’s Africa 54!

Somalia is rejecting a pact its breakaway region of Somaliland signed with Ethiopia allowing it to use a major port with access to the Red Sea. Israel kills Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri in a drone strike in Lebanon. And – Reliable internet connectivity remains an issue in many parts of Africa. Africa 54’s Paul Ndiho has a report. All this and much more coming up on today’s Africa 54!

United Nations peacekeeping troops face opposition in various African countries. What’s fueling the sentiment? We will have a report and analysis. Kenya’s Health Ministry rolls out a digital health information system to help workers diagnose patients and store their health records. And, Israel pulls tanks out of some Gaza City districts as it announces plans to shift tactics and cut back on troop numbers in its war with Hamas.

All this and much more coming up on today’s Africa 54!

The Democratic Republic of Congo electoral commission declares Felix Tshisekedi winner of the presidential election -- but opposition candidates and observers question the validity of the results. Israel’s prime minister says its war against Hamas is far from over as the increasingly global conflict spills into 2024. And -- in part-one of our series—“River at Risk” -- the Colorado River supports the largest cities in the southwestern U.S, but several decades of drought and a flawed allocation plan have brought the river system close to failure. All this and much more coming up on today’s Africa 54!