Author: WAJ Team

Southern African leaders convened on Wednesday for an extraordinary summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), focusing on regional security challenges amid a backdrop of political unrest and conflict. South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile represented President Cyril Ramaphosa at the high-level meeting chaired by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa. DRC Conflict and SADC Mission’s Future The summit prioritized the escalating security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Leaders reviewed the mandate of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), set to expire on December 14, and underscored the importance of maintaining peace in the conflict-ridden region.…

Africa faces an escalating health crisis as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens to cause an estimated 4.1 million deaths annually by 2050 unless urgent action is taken, warns the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite significant strides in combating the issue, experts emphasize that faster and coordinated responses are essential to prevent further damage to public health and economic stability. The WHO’s Regional Strategy for AMR 2023–2030 has been pivotal in guiding African nations, with all 47 member states being supported in developing National Action Plans. To date, 38 countries have formally endorsed these plans, which aim to curb the spread of…

Morocco’s cultural heritage took the spotlight at the 2024 International Bazaar hosted by the United Nations Women’s Circle (UNWG) in Geneva, with the Kingdom serving as the main organizer. The event, themed “United for Children,” was officially opened by Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Omar Zniber, who underscored the Kingdom’s deep cultural diversity and its role as a crossroads of civilizations. Ambassador Zniber, who also holds the presidency of the Human Rights Council, highlighted Morocco’s centuries-old model of coexistence among different cultures, religions, and civilizations, positioning it as a unique link between Africa, Europe, and…

The Extraordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ Troika on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation opened this morning, with leaders urging the region to continue its support for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in addressing the ongoing conflict in the eastern provinces. The summit, which is part of preparations for the subsequent Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government later today, is being held at the newly inaugurated Parliament building in Mt Hampden. Zanzibar President Ali Hussein Mwinyi delivered the opening remarks on behalf of Tanzanian President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, who currently serves as…

South Africa’s annual inflation rate dropped sharply to 2.8% in October, marking the lowest level since June 2020, with falling fuel prices being the main driver behind the slowdown. The data, released on Wednesday, paves the way for another interest rate cut by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) later this week. According to Statistics South Africa, the key factor behind the decline from 3.8% in September was the substantial reduction in fuel prices. The October figure is the lowest recorded since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when inflation also reached historic lows. Independent economist Elize Kruger explained that…

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Extraordinary Summit will see the attendance of just four out of the bloc’s 16 heads of state. The summit, set to take place on Wednesday, will be chaired by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Key leaders attending include Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi, Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi, and Madagascar’s Andry Nirina Rajoelina, who is set to take over as the incoming chair of SADC. Botswana’s newly inaugurated President Duma Gideon Boko will also make his debut at the summit, marking his first participation since assuming office on October 30. In addition to these…

Namibians are set to cast their votes on November 27 in a high-stakes presidential and parliamentary election, following the death of President Hage Geingob and his temporary replacement by Deputy President Nangolo Mbumba. The election is being closely watched as it has the potential to bring about a historic shift in Namibia’s political landscape. For the first time since the country’s independence in 1990, there is a real possibility that the ruling SWAPO party could lose control of either the presidency or parliament. The race for the presidency is set to be fiercely contested, with candidates from across the political…

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have launched an investigation into the vandalism of the mausoleum believed to house the only remaining relic of independence hero Patrice Lumumba. The incident, reported on Monday evening, has raised questions over the security of the site and the nation’s ability to preserve its historical legacy. Lumumba, Congo’s first democratically elected prime minister, became a symbol of the country’s fight for independence from Belgium in 1960. His leadership, however, was short-lived. Overthrown after just three months in office, Lumumba was executed in 1961. Accounts suggest that a Belgian officer destroyed most of his…

Mozambique’s opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, has called for three days of national mourning following the deaths of 50 people in post-election violence. Mondlane, speaking in a widely-viewed Facebook address on Tuesday, accused the government of using excessive force against peaceful protesters following the controversial October 9 election, which he and his party, Podemos, dispute as fraudulent. Mondlane demanded a recount of the election, in which the ruling Frelimo party claimed victory with 71% of the vote. He described the 50 victims as “martyrs” who were killed by security forces during protests, asserting that they were shot by authorities who should…

Kizza Besigye, a leading Ugandan opposition figure, has been allegedly abducted in Nairobi and is currently detained in a military facility in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, according to his wife, Winnie Byanyima, a senior UN official. Byanyima, who serves as the Executive Director of UNAIDS, took to social media on Tuesday to demand the immediate release of her husband, questioning the legality of his detention in a military prison. “Why is my husband, a civilian, being held in a military facility?” she asked, urging the Ugandan authorities to release Dr. Kizza Besigye without delay. Besigye, a vocal critic of Ugandan President…

Zimbabwe and Zambia are meeting this week in Victoria Falls to discuss strategies to attract investment in energy projects, as both nations grapple with severe power shortages caused by the worst drought on record. The summit comes at a critical time, as water levels in the Kariba Dam have plummeted, resulting in widespread power outages lasting up to 20 hours. The inaugural Zimbabwe-Zambia Energy Projects Summit highlighted the countries’ vulnerability to overreliance on hydropower, with officials from both nations calling for a shift towards renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. Zimbabwean Vice President Constantino Chiwenga emphasized the…

In Nigeria, food is far more than mere sustenance—it is a vibrant reflection of the nation’s rich history, diverse cultures, and communal spirit. From the bustling streets of Lagos to the serene villages of Kaduna, Nigerian cuisine offers a sensory journey defined by bold flavors, hearty meals, and time-honored traditions. The Legacy of Jollof Rice Jollof rice, a dish with roots in the Senegambian region, has transcended its origins to become a national treasure in Nigeria. Simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce enriched with onions, peppers, and a medley of spices, Jollof rice is a staple at celebrations and gatherings…

It has been decades since many African nations gained their independence, yet the shadow of colonial rule still looms large across the continent. The colonial period—marked by the insatiable extraction of resources, manipulation of political structures, and the imposition of foreign values—has left a lasting legacy that continues to affect Africa’s socio-economic and political dynamics. Despite the passage of time, the repercussions of colonial exploitation remain visible today, demanding urgent attention and action. The Lingering Economic and Environmental Chains of Colonialism Colonialism reshaped Africa’s economies by orienting them toward the extraction of raw materials for European benefit, with resources like…

Political parties and civil society organizations in the Central African Republic (C.A.R.) have expressed strong approval of the U.N. Security Council’s decision to extend the mandate of the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSCA). The extension, which runs until November 15, 2025, aims to support the C.A.R. government and help secure peaceful elections in a country marred by years of conflict. The mission’s ongoing presence is seen as crucial in providing the security needed for the upcoming rescheduled parliamentary and local elections, now set for April 6. Civil society groups have emphasized that MINUSCA’s troops will be instrumental in protecting civilians…

Mozambique’s opposition party, Renamo, has called for the annulment of the results of the October 9th general elections, citing widespread allegations of electoral fraud. Renamo’s leader, Ossufo Momade, made the demand during a press conference held at the party’s headquarters in the capital, Maputo, on Monday. Momade accused the ruling Frelimo Party of manipulating the election outcome, claiming that the official results, which show Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo winning the presidency with 70.67% of the vote, are fraudulent. According to the preliminary figures, Momade received just 5.81%. The opposition party has vehemently rejected these results, alleging “vote theft” and linking the…

Namibian actor Alejandro Cooper, 12, was awarded the title of Best Young African Actor at the prestigious Sotigui Awards in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, this weekend. The annual ceremony celebrates excellence in African and diaspora cinema, honoring exceptional talent from across the continent. Cooper was recognized for his compelling portrayal of Lukas in the film Lukas, directed by Philippe Talavera. The gripping drama follows the journey of 11-year-old Lukas, who witnesses the tragic murder of his mother and grandmother. After being sent to live with his aunt in Windhoek, Lukas runs away, eventually joining a gang and confronting the harsh realities…

The South African rand saw a modest decline in early trading on Tuesday, trading at 17.9650 against the U.S. dollar, a 0.1% drop from its previous close. Investors are holding their breath as they await key economic indicators, including the release of October’s inflation data and the South African Reserve Bank’s upcoming decision on interest rates. “It’s a relatively quiet day in terms of data releases,” noted Adam Phillips, a treasury specialist at Umkhulu Treasury. “Although the rand could potentially dip to 17.80, we expect the market to be more stable today, with some consolidation taking place.” Market participants are…

The prestigious Music In Africa Honorary Award, which celebrates influential figures shaping the continent’s musical landscape, was presented this year to two Rwandan cultural icons: Cécile Kayirebwa and Jean Marie Muyango. The award was given during the ACCES Showcase Festival held in Kigali from November 14-16, 2024, marking a moment of national pride for Rwanda. Since its inception in 2017, the Music In Africa Honorary Award has recognized pioneering artists who have left a significant imprint on African music, with past honorees including Senegal’s Baaba Maal, Kenya’s Eric Wainaina, and Tanzania’s Saida Karoli. This year, Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage took…

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday reaffirmed his country’s full support for Brazil’s presidency of the Group of 20 (G20), highlighting its key focus on social inclusion and the fight against global hunger. In a statement delivered at the G20 Leaders’ summit in Rio de Janeiro, Ramaphosa stressed that a comprehensive and integrated social support system is crucial for addressing the needs of the most vulnerable populations. “Only through such a system can we ensure that those most at risk in our societies receive the necessary assistance,” he remarked. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in his opening…

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has reshuffled his cabinet, confirming Prime Minister Nadir Larbaoui’s continued role in government. The move follows the country’s constitutional requirement that all cabinet members resign prior to the appointment of a new government. Prime Minister Larbaoui submitted his resignation, which was accepted by Tebboune, according to a statement from the president’s spokesperson, Samir Aggoune. The resignation was a procedural step, in line with the reshuffle. Despite this, Tebboune, who also holds the positions of supreme commander of the Armed Forces and Minister of National Defence, expressed confidence in Larbaoui and instructed him to remain in his…

In a significant shift, African businesses are increasingly prioritizing trade within the continent over traditional markets in Asia, Europe, and North America. Improved quality of goods, competitive pricing, and easier accessibility are driving this growing preference for intra-African commerce, according to the latest Standard Bank Africa Trade Barometer. The Barometer, which tracks trade trends across 10 countries participating in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), reveals that 37% of businesses now favor African markets for their trade activities. This surpasses the 24% of businesses that prefer Asian markets, 16% that lean towards Europe, and a mere 3% opting for…

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has called on U.S. health authorities to reconsider the Level 3 travel advisory issued for Rwanda in October, citing the country’s significant strides in containing the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak. In a formal communication to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and U.S. CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen, Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya highlighted Rwanda’s effective containment measures. As of November 17, the country has gone 18 days without reporting a new MVD case. All previously infected individuals have fully recovered, and stringent monitoring systems…

Nigeria has officially commenced its long-awaited mpox vaccination campaign, prioritizing healthcare workers and individuals with weakened immune systems in hospitals across the capital, Abuja. The program, initially scheduled to begin over a month ago, seeks to address the spread of the virus by targeting those at greatest risk. The country received 10,000 doses of the mpox vaccine in August as part of international support from the United States. This delivery followed the World Health Organization (WHO)’s repeated designation of mpox as a global public health emergency over the past two years, underscoring the urgency of containment efforts in endemic regions…

Gabonese voters have overwhelmingly approved a new constitution in a referendum held on Saturday, with more than 91% of participants supporting the reforms, according to Interior Minister Hermann Immongault. The referendum saw a voter turnout of 53.54%, reflecting significant public engagement in the process. The approval of the constitution comes more than a year after the military seized power in the oil-rich nation following a coup that ousted President Ali Bongo. Under the leadership of interim President Brice Oligui Nguema, the military government has promised to transition the country toward full democratic governance by the summer of 2025. The new…

Australian mining company Resolute Mining has reached an agreement to pay $160 million to the government of Mali in a bid to resolve a tax dispute. The payment follows the recent detention of the company’s CEO, Terence Holohan, and two employees during a visit to the West African country. In a statement released Monday, Resolute confirmed an initial payment of $80 million from its existing cash reserves, with plans to pay the remaining amount in the coming months using its available liquidity. The company’s stock price dropped by as much as 14.3% in early trading on Monday, reaching a low…

The 19th G20 Leaders’ Summit, taking place on November 18-19, marks a pivotal moment for global governance as the African Union (AU) officially joins the forum as a permanent member for the first time. This historic inclusion of the AU signifies a major step forward in recognizing Africa’s growing influence on the global stage. The G20, which has traditionally brought together leaders from the world’s 19 largest economies and the European Union (EU), now expands its membership to include the AU. This change highlights the increasing importance of Africa in shaping global economic and political policies. However, despite the addition…

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, marking a significant step in deepening the relationship between the two nations. During their meeting, President El-Sisi thanked President Lula for inviting Egypt to participate in the summit, underscoring that the invitation reflects Brazil’s recognition of Egypt’s influential role in the Middle East and Africa. El-Sisi also commended Brazil’s successful hosting of the summit and its focus on the challenges faced by developing nations, particularly through initiatives such as the newly launched Global Alliance to…

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday called for the safe recovery of illegal miners trapped underground in an abandoned mine in North West province. The miners, believed to have entered the disused mine in search of leftover gold, have been cut off from food and water supplies by police as part of efforts to force them to surface and face arrest. In a statement, Ramaphosa stressed that the situation should not jeopardize lives. “No life should be at risk during this standoff,” he said, acknowledging the precarious nature of the situation, which has sparked criticism from local residents and…

In a significant development, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have pledged to enhance cooperation in maritime security, counterterrorism, and advancing the interests of the Global South. The two leaders met on Sunday in Abuja, marking a new chapter in the partnership between the two nations. During his first visit to Nigeria, Modi was welcomed by President Tinubu, where they discussed expanding collaboration across key sectors, including defense, energy, technology, trade, and development. The visit underscores the growing diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries. Nigeria, India’s largest trading partner in Africa, saw its bilateral…

Chidimma Adetshina, Nigeria’s representative, has been crowned first runner-up at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant in Mexico. The prestigious title was claimed by Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark, who triumphed in the competition, marking the first time a Danish contestant has won Miss Universe. Adetshina, a law student and model born and raised in South Africa, represented Nigeria in this year’s contest. She was also honored as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania on Saturday, November 16, before securing the first runner-up position. Adetshina’s impressive performance came after a difficult journey, which included withdrawing from the top 10 finalists of Miss…

Senegal’s ruling Pastef party has claimed a resounding victory in Sunday’s legislative election, securing a majority that will enable it to implement an ambitious reform agenda, just eight months after sweeping to power. According to government spokesman Amadou Moustapha Ndieck Sarre, over 90% of ballots have already been counted, with Pastef emerging as the dominant force in the polls. “I pay homage to the Senegalese people for the large victory that it has given to Pastef,” Sarre told TFM television, as provisional results indicated that the party had won in the majority of polling stations. Faye’s party appears to have…

Angola’s Ministry of Health has confirmed the country’s first case of mpox, previously known as monkeypox, in the capital city of Luanda. The patient, a 28-year-old woman of Congolese nationality, has been isolated alongside her close contacts at the Specialized Center for the Treatment of Endemics and Pandemics. In a bid to curb the spread of the virus, the government has initiated comprehensive measures, including the disinfection of affected areas and the tracing of contacts. Epidemiological investigations are also underway to assess the full scope of the situation. The Ministry of Health has called on the public to take preventive…

In a major turn of events, a mountain in the Katanga region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo collapsed, exposing massive amounts of copper. A video capturing the dramatic collapse of the mountain has surfaced on various social media platforms, showing a large crowd present at the scene as the mountain crumbles, with people running for safety. The Katanga region of the DR Congo is known for its vast mineral wealth. Situated within Africa’s copper belt, a 450-kilometer zone extending from northwest Luanshya in Zambia to Katanga in Congo, the area has been a major hub for copper mining…

South Africa has issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s recent attack on Syria, describing it as a blatant violation of international law. In a statement released over the weekend, the South African government condemned the airstrike on November 14, 2024, which targeted the Damascus suburb of Mazzeh, near the South African Embassy, other diplomatic missions, and United Nations offices. Pretoria emphasized that the attack disregarded Syria’s sovereignty and international norms. The South African Foreign Ministry stated that Israel’s ongoing military actions are destabilizing the region and worsening the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. Over 120 attacks on Syria since…

Saudi Arabia is playing a leading role in advancing equitable energy transitions across Africa, leveraging the continent’s vast renewable resources to improve energy access and foster sustainable growth. Through its ambitious “Empowering Africa” initiative, the kingdom is tackling energy inequalities by harnessing Africa’s untapped solar, wind, and hydropower potential. As world leaders gathered at COP29 to discuss financing climate actions for vulnerable regions, Saudi Arabia stood out as a key driver of South-South cooperation, strengthening partnerships with several African nations to unlock the region’s energy potential. In a landmark move last year, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed…

Ministers responsible for energy from Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi gathered in Ngara, Tanzania, on November 15 for the 16th Council of Infrastructure Ministerial Meeting to assess the progress of the highly anticipated Rusumo Hydropower Project. The 80-megawatt hydropower facility, which is nearing 99% completion, is poised to significantly enhance energy production across the three East African nations, providing 27 megawatts of electricity to each country. Set to be completed in early 2025, the project is expected to provide electricity to over a million households in the region. The plant’s adaptive design is also prepared to address potential changes in water…

A prominent Nigerian environmentalist has accused oil giant Shell of causing environmental and health crises in the Niger Delta, branding the company’s actions as “environmental terrorism” and “environmental racism.” Alagoa Morris, Deputy Executive Director of the Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), voiced his frustration over the long-standing ecological damage caused by oil spills and gas flaring during an interview. “What they wouldn’t dare do in the Netherlands or the UK, they carry out recklessly here in the Niger Delta,” said Morris. His remarks follow a landmark UK Court of Appeal decision allowing the Bille and Ogale communities to sue Shell for…

The Central African Republic (CAR) has successfully convinced the Kimberley Process (KP), the international body overseeing the global diamond trade, to lift the decade-old ban on its diamond exports. The decision, which was confirmed during the KP’s plenary assembly in Dubai, marks a pivotal moment for the resource-rich yet conflict-stricken nation. The ban, imposed in 2013 amid ongoing civil unrest, had severely disrupted CAR’s diamond industry, once valued at approximately $50 million. The embargo was a response to concerns that diamonds mined in conflict zones were fueling violence, and was part of broader efforts to halt the trade in so-called…

South Africa is implementing urgent measures after a wave of food poisoning incidents claimed the lives of 22 children, with President Cyril Ramaphosa ordering the immediate removal of hazardous pesticides from streets and shops. In a televised address to the nation, Ramaphosa disclosed that 890 cases of food-borne illnesses have been reported across the country since September, sparking widespread concern. He linked the illnesses to contaminated food commonly purchased from informal vendors and spaza shops, small township stores that play a critical role in local economies but often lack stringent regulation. One of the most devastating incidents occurred in Naledi,…

A week-long theater festival in Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, has provided a rare moment of escape and solidarity for those displaced by the escalating violence in the Sahel region. The Recreatrales festival, which drew over 4,500 theatergoers, showcased performances from more than 150 African and European artists. For many, the event became a beacon of hope, transforming the Bougsemtenga district into a lively cultural haven amid the country’s ongoing humanitarian crisis. For many displaced Burkinabe participants, the festival was not just an artistic expression but also a therapeutic release from the harsh realities they face. One performer, a mother of…

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin his three-nation tour tomorrow, November 16, with Nigeria as his first destination, followed by visits to Brazil and Guyana over the next five days. This visit is especially significant, marking the first time in 17 years that an Indian prime minister has visited Nigeria, underscoring India’s commitment to deepening its engagement with Africa. During the visit, Modi is set to meet Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with a focus on expanding the strategic partnership between the two nations. Strengthening Long-Standing Diplomatic Ties India and Nigeria share a deep-rooted relationship, forged through their shared…

Grace Akifeza Ngabirano emerged victorious in the Kisoro Woman MP by-election, securing a seat in Parliament for the southwestern district for the next year, until the 2026 general elections. In a tight race, Akifeza, running as an independent candidate, garnered 50,459 votes, defeating her rival Rose Kabagyeni of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) by nearly six thousand votes. Kabagyeni, a former MP, had been seen as a front-runner but was unable to overcome Akifeza’s strong independent campaign. Kisoro District Returning Officer, Daniel Nayebare, declared Akifeza the winner in the early hours of Thursday morning after a tense and prolonged wait…

Russia is intensifying its diplomatic and cultural outreach across Africa, with plans to open a new Russian House in Mali’s capital, Bamako. The initiative is part of a broader effort by Rossotrudnichestvo, the Russian Humanitarian Cooperation Agency, to expand its presence on the continent. The agency is currently in discussions with the Malian government, although the formal agreement has yet to be finalized, according to Kirill Bogomolov, Deputy Head of Rossotrudnichestvo. Rossotrudnichestvo, known for operating Russian Houses worldwide, aims to strengthen cultural ties, promote educational exchange, and enhance Russia’s humanitarian influence. The agency already maintains a footprint in eight African…

Rwanda is aiming to raise $6.2 billion in climate finance between 2024 and 2030, as part of its newly adopted Climate and Nature Finance Strategy. The announcement came during the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, on November 14, 2024, where the country showcased its comprehensive strategy to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss. The strategy, which focuses on innovative climate finance mechanisms and private sector investments, seeks to bridge a significant funding gap. The total cost of Rwanda’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), its climate action plans, since 2020 is estimated at $11 billion, with over…

Chad’s electoral authority has unveiled a provisional list of candidates for the upcoming combined legislative and local elections, with several high-profile figures from the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) among those disqualified. Notably, Mahamat Zen Bada, the MPS’s secretary general and a senior figure in the party, has been excluded from the race due to his failure to disclose a 2012 conviction for forgery and embezzlement of public funds. The National Election Management Agency (ANGE) confirmed that Zen Bada, despite receiving a presidential pardon, remains legally ineligible, as Chadian law does not erase criminal records following a pardon. The MPS,…

De Beers’ CEO expressed confidence that the company will soon finalize a long-awaited diamond sales agreement with Botswana, following a productive meeting with the country’s newly elected president, Duma Boko. Last year, De Beers, a subsidiary of Anglo American, reached a tentative deal with Botswana, the world’s leading diamond producer by value. However, the agreement has yet to be formally signed. President Boko, who assumed office after securing a decisive victory in last month’s election, has criticized the handling of the negotiations by his predecessor. He suggested that the relationship between Botswana and De Beers had soured, with reports indicating…

The South African government has confirmed it will not offer assistance to an estimated 4,000 illegal miners trapped underground in a decommissioned mine in the North West province. The miners, who are believed to be located in a shaft in Stilfontein, have been cut off from essential supplies as part of a nationwide effort to combat illegal mining activities. The miners, who have reportedly been without food, water, and other necessities since the police sealed off their supply routes, are victims of an ongoing operation, Vala Umgodi. This operation is designed to disrupt illegal mining by forcing miners to surface,…

Rwanda has officially declared the end of the Marburg virus outbreak, with no new cases reported for almost two weeks, according to Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana. The announcement comes after a rigorous vaccination campaign was launched in October to curb the spread of the deadly disease, which first emerged in the country in late September. In a press briefing with the Africa CDC, Nsanzimana confirmed the country had seen significant progress, with the last reported death occurring over a month ago. “It has been nearly two weeks without any new cases and a month since the last death related to…

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has officially approved a locally produced mpox diagnostic test from Morocco, marking a significant achievement in the continent’s battle against the ongoing outbreak. The endorsement, announced on Thursday, comes after the Africa CDC declared mpox a public health emergency in Africa three months ago, underscoring the escalating need for effective tools to control the spread of the virus. The approval is seen as a major step in enhancing Africa’s self-reliance in disease diagnostics, which is critical in addressing the continent’s public health challenges. The test, developed by Moroccan scientists, is…

An international festival dedicated to peace and set to take place in eastern DR Congo has been canceled due to security concerns, organizers confirmed on Thursday. Known as the Amani Festival—meaning “peace” in Swahili—the event has long been a cultural highlight, drawing both Congolese and international musicians to the violence-stricken region. This year’s festival, marking its 10th anniversary, was scheduled to run from Thursday through Sunday in the city of Goma, a major urban center in North Kivu. Since 2021, security forces in DR Congo have been engaged in intense conflict with the M23, a predominantly Tutsi militia that has…

The European Union has seen a significant decline in gas imports this year, with a 1.7-fold drop in the first eight months, bringing the total to €49.2 billion. This decrease is compounded by ongoing deindustrialization, with EU industrial production expected to fall by 21% from March 2022 to August 2024. Data from Eurostat shows that Russia and Algeria were the only major suppliers to increase their market share in the EU’s gas imports in 2024. Other leading exporters, including Qatar, the UK, Nigeria, the US, and Norway, experienced sharp declines in supply. Qatar’s gas shipments fell by 2.8 times, the…

In FORBES AFRICA’s inaugural list of South Africa’s top CEOs, corporate leaders showcase their ability to navigate a nation marked by highs and lows, proving that success lies in embracing opportunities and transforming challenges into tangible achievements. From retail giants to financial services and technology innovators, these CEOs highlight how visionary leadership, strategic decision-making, and a commitment to social responsibility are driving South Africa’s economic recovery and growth. Retail Sector: Leading the Charge in South African Business Since his appointment in 2020, Richard Hirsch has brought a dynamic and hands-on leadership style to Hirsch’s, South Africa’s largest independent appliance and…

Morocco has set a new tourism milestone, surpassing 14.6 million visitors by the end of October 2024, outpacing the total number of arrivals for all of 2023 in just 10 months. The country’s tourism sector has seen a remarkable 19% growth compared to the same period last year, adding 2.3 million more tourists, according to Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Morocco’s Minister of Tourism, Handicraft, and Social and Solidarity Economy. Ammor made the announcement during a signing ceremony in Dakhla, where the Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT) and Ryanair unveiled plans to launch two new direct flights starting in January 2025. These routes…

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the government is effectively addressing the threat posed by the newly emerged terrorist group, “Lukarawas.” Speaking at the 2024 Comptroller-General of Customs Conference in Abuja, Tinubu vowed to rid the country of the notorious group, stating that his administration would not tolerate their presence in Nigeria. The group, which recently emerged in Nigeria’s northwest, has raised concerns following their infiltration, facilitated by the coup in neighboring Niger. The disruption of military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger has enabled the militants to cross into Nigeria with relative ease, intensifying security concerns in the region.…

At least 16 people were killed when a landslide struck a boat on the Tsiribihina River in western Madagascar, authorities confirmed on Wednesday. The tragic incident occurred late Tuesday night when the boat, which was traveling between the towns of Belo sur Tsiribihina and Ankalalaobe in the Menabe region, made a brief stop at a local port. While docked, a sudden landslide hit the area, causing widespread devastation. Sixteen passengers were killed instantly, while ten others were fortunate to survive without injury. The boat, carrying a total of 26 people, was caught off guard by the disaster, and rescue operations…

Zimbabwe has confirmed new cholera cases in Kariba, a district near the Zambian border, just months after officially declaring the end of an outbreak that killed over 700 people. The latest outbreak has affected 21 individuals, with one fatality reported so far. Dr. Godfrey Muza, the district’s medical officer, reassured the public that the government is taking swift action to control the spread of the disease. “We have set up cholera treatment centers and oral rehydration stations in the affected villages,” Muza said, highlighting the support from local and international partners, including Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and UNICEF, in providing…

South African citrus growers and other businesses are expressing growing concerns that their duty- and quota-free access to U.S. markets could be at risk with the anticipated return of Donald Trump to the presidency next year. Under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), more than 1,800 products from 32 African nations, including South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana, currently enjoy preferential treatment in the U.S. market. However, Trump’s repeated promises to impose a 10% tariff on all imports from overseas have raised doubts about the future of AGOA. The legislation, which has been in place since 2000 and is…

Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, the South African Minister in the Presidency, has come under fire after making controversial remarks about illegal miners trapped underground in Stilfontein, North West. In a statement that has sparked widespread outrage, Ntshavheni declared that the government would not intervene to assist the miners, instead vowing to “smoke them out.” “The government will not be sending help to criminals,” she said. “We are going to smoke them out. They will come out. Criminals must face prosecution, not aid.” Her comments have ignited a storm of reactions, with many accusing her of lacking compassion for the families of the…

Egypt is intensifying efforts to end Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Lebanon, with Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stating on Wednesday that the country is working to halt the Israeli assault “as quickly as possible.” Abdelatty, who arrived in Beirut early Wednesday morning, engaged in high-level talks with Lebanese officials, including Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, to discuss the rapidly escalating situation. During his visit, Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s firm support for Lebanon, emphasizing that Cairo is committed to providing all necessary assistance to help the Lebanese people cope with the ongoing crisis. “Egypt fully stands with Lebanon,…

Uganda’s government has announced a dramatic 98% reduction in external borrowing to address the country’s mounting debt. This move comes amid rising concerns over the sustainability of public finances and the potential for a debt crisis. The Ministry of Finance also revealed significant cuts to both government spending and domestic borrowing for the fiscal year 2025-26. In a bid to ease the growing debt burden, public spending will be slashed by more than 20%, while domestic borrowing through Treasury bonds will be reduced by 54%. These measures are aimed at preventing further fiscal strain and safeguarding the country’s economic stability.…

In a stern rebuke, South Africa has condemned a recent statement by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who announced that 2025 would be the “year of annexation” for the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The statement prompted South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to issue a formal response on Wednesday, decrying Smotrich’s remarks and calling for decisive global action. DIRCO emphasized the urgency for the international community to counter what it described as Israel’s ongoing expansionist policies in Palestinian territories. It argued that these policies not only violate Palestinian rights but also destabilize the region by escalating tensions. Israel’s…