Author: WAJ Team

In a landmark decision, the UN General Assembly has adopted a Palestinian-drafted, non-binding resolution demanding that Israel end “its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory” within 12 months. The resolution, crafted by Palestine and inspired by a recent advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), passed with 124 votes in favor, 14 against, and 43 abstentions. Resolution Overview The resolution calls for Israel to immediately withdraw its military forces from the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. It also demands an end to all settlement activities, the evacuation of existing settlers, the dismantling of the…

Military logistics experts from 13 African nations and the United States have convened in Douala, Cameroon, for the West Africa Logistics Conference. This event, hosted by U.S. Africa Command and the Cameroon Armed Forces, gathers over 60 leaders specializing in military logistics from across West Africa and the U.S. for a two-day series of discussions and workshops. The conference is designed to tackle common logistical challenges faced by the participating nations and to explore avenues for enhancing cooperation, interoperability, and overall operational efficiency. Through a series of presentations, panel discussions, and collaborative sessions, attendees will address a range of topics…

Five months after its introduction, Zimbabwe’s new currency, the ZiG, is encountering significant challenges. The gold-backed ZiG, launched in April at a rate of 13.6 ZiG per U.S. dollar is now facing severe devaluation, having lost nearly 80% of its value on the black market. This currency is Zimbabwe’s sixth attempt at establishing a stable monetary system in the past 15 years. The devaluation of the ZiG is largely attributed to a lack of public confidence, compounded by rising grain imports, which are depleting the country’s foreign reserves. This economic strain jeopardizes the government’s ambitious plan to make the ZiG…

On Thursday, the Kenyan government strongly condemned the worsening humanitarian situation in the Middle East, reflecting growing concerns over the region’s escalating political tensions. At a special session of the United Nations General Assembly convened to address the Middle East crisis, Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ekitila Lokaale, voiced the country’s support for Palestinian self-determination and urged an immediate ceasefire between the warring states. Ambassador Lokaale expressed deep distress over the severe humanitarian impacts of the ongoing conflict, condemning all acts of terrorism, including the devastating attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians on October 7. Ambassador Lokaale criticized…

In a major effort to enhance economic empowerment, over 5,000 chicks have been distributed to women across Matabeleland North Province. This initiative, driven by the Zanu PF Women’s League, spans all 13 constituencies within the province, reflecting a commitment to bolstering women’s roles in local development and economic activities. The distribution ceremony was held at the Zanu PF headquarters in Lupane, where Cde Judith Ncube, Deputy Secretary for Women Affairs, delivered a key address on behalf of Secretary Cde Mabel Chinomona. Ncube highlighted that the initiative is a significant component of President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, which aims to elevate Zimbabwe…

Nigerian authorities have issued flood warnings across 11 states in anticipation of controlled water releases from Cameroon’s Lagdo dam. This precaution comes in response to significant rainfall recently experienced in West and Central Africa, which has prompted the need for regulated water management. Umar Mohammed, the director-general of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NHSA), explained that the water releases from the Lagdo dam will be conducted gradually to minimize the risk of severe flooding downstream in Nigeria. Despite these assurances, the 11 states located along the Benue River’s path are expected to experience varying degrees of impact due to the…

The Zimbabwean government is making notable efforts to bridge the gap between education and industry through initiatives that emphasize entrepreneurship and incorporate emerging technologies. This was evident at the 2024 National Business Case Harare Province competition held at Prince Edward School. Dr. Patrick Ngandini, the Ministry of Education’s research director, highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship in fostering economic growth and job creation. He noted, “Education should go beyond acquiring knowledge; it should equip individuals with the skills to shape their future paths.” Aligned with the National Development Strategy 1, the competition showcased education as a crucial driver of economic and…

A recent analysis has underscored the critical role that population growth plays in exacerbating Africa’s climate crisis, which is already straining the continent’s economies, ecosystems, and ways of life. The study reveals that stabilizing the continent’s population could be a pivotal strategy for addressing the complex interplay of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. The research highlights that sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing a rapid annual population increase of 2.5 percent. Despite the region’s minimal contribution of less than 3 percent to global greenhouse gas emissions, it remains highly vulnerable to climate-related disruptions. The study forecasts that by 2100, Africa will…

In a game-changing move for the athletics world, Kenyan athletes are set to experience a significant increase in earnings as the Wanda Diamond League announces its largest-ever boost in prize money. This landmark decision was revealed this Wednesday, marking a major shift in the league’s history. For the 2025 season, the Diamond League will raise the total prize fund to an unprecedented US$9,240,000, approximately Ksh1.2 billion. This represents a historic increase, the largest since the league’s establishment in 2010. The substantial rise in prize money underscores the Diamond League’s commitment to enhancing rewards for athletes and elevating the competition’s prestige.…

A Tunisian court has handed down a 20-month prison sentence to presidential candidate Ayachi Zammel, intensifying concerns among opposition leaders about the integrity of the upcoming election, which many fear could be engineered to secure President Kais Saied’s continued rule. Zammel, the leader of the opposition Azimoun party, was arrested two weeks ago on charges of falsifying voter signatures on his candidacy papers. He has vehemently denied the accusations, calling them a fabrication by Saied’s administration to suppress his presidential run. As the country gears up for the October 6 election, political unrest has grown, especially after Saied’s electoral commission…

Mpumalanga has surpassed KwaZulu-Natal to become the province with the highest HIV prevalence in South Africa. In 2022, Mpumalanga’s HIV prevalence rate reached 17.4%, translating to an estimated 890,000 individuals living with HIV in the province. This marks a significant shift, as KwaZulu-Natal had previously been the most concerning province for health authorities. The data, provided by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) in their report on the Sixth South African HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behaviour Survey (SABSSM VI), reveals that HIV prevalence was 7.8% among youths aged 15 to 24. Within this group, males had a prevalence of 9.8%,…

On September 17, 2024, a devastating midnight raid by the CODECO militia claimed the lives of ten civilians in Ituri province, eastern Congo. The attack occurred in Djugu territory, an area predominantly inhabited by the Hema community. The assailants struck two households, leading to the death of ten individuals. Local authorities reported gruesome details: some of the victims were decapitated, while others suffered severe mutilation. This horrific assault unfolded near a Congolese military position, raising questions about the security measures in place. The CODECO militia, part of a broader array of armed groups in the region, has faced accusations of…

The European Union has announced a significant €40 million ($44.4 million) funding initiative to support Rwanda’s pharmaceutical sector. This decision was revealed on the sidelines of the East Africa Pharma and Biotech conference held in Kigali. The funding is intended to enhance local manufacturing capabilities and ensure equitable access to high-quality, safe, effective, and affordable health products. The EU’s investment will be directed towards several key areas, including pharmaceutical research and development, skills enhancement, entrepreneurial ventures, improvements in supply chains, and strengthening regulatory frameworks. These initiatives were initially pledged by EU President Ursula von der Leyen during a meeting with…

A state-of-the-art AI innovation hub has officially opened its doors at Novation City, Tunisia, signaling a major step forward in the country’s technological and industrial evolution. The hub, aimed at empowering developers across the region, is strategically located in a high-tech park that promotes synergy between the fields of IT, mechanics, and electronics, known as mechatronics. This facility is designed to nurture a collaborative environment where education, research, and industry converge, paving the way for breakthrough innovations in Tunisia and beyond. The hub, developed in partnership with a prominent deep learning institute, offers a comprehensive range of resources, including advanced…

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has issued a pressing alert about the future health risks posed to children due to climate change. Their new report, “A Race to Nourish a Warming World,” highlights that by 2050, millions more children could face severe hunger, malnutrition, and disease unless urgent and comprehensive actions are taken. The foundation’s report forecasts alarming trends if current conditions persist. It predicts that climate change will cause an additional 40 million children to suffer from stunting, a condition that severely impairs physical and cognitive development. Another 28 million children could face wasting, a critical state of…

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has issued a troubling report detailing the intensified violence in Burkina Faso, perpetrated by armed groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS). The NGO’s findings, released recently, reveal that since February 2024, these militant factions have been responsible for at least 128 civilian deaths across seven separate attacks. These acts are deemed to be serious violations of international humanitarian law and are categorized as war crimes. The HRW report underscores a disturbing trend of escalating violence, with these groups targeting not only villagers and displaced persons but also Christian worshippers. The nature of these attacks reflects…

Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, is scheduled to visit Africa in mid-October, marking his first trip to the continent in seven years. This visit is part of JPMorgan’s strategic push to expand its operations in Africa, a region increasingly important for global financial institutions. Dimon will travel to key markets including Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Ivory Coast. JPMorgan Chase, one of the world’s largest banks with assets exceeding $4.1 trillion and operations spanning more than 100 countries, views Africa as a critical area for growth. The bank already has established operations in South Africa and Nigeria, where it…

In a recent address at an HIV/AIDS sensitization workshop for Parliamentarians, Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda praised the efforts of community and village health workers, highlighting their pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s significant achievement of a 70% reduction in new HIV infections nationwide. This milestone, as reported by the health ministry, underscores the crucial contributions of these frontline workers in the ongoing battle against the epidemic. Mudenda commended these health workers for their comprehensive approach to combating HIV. They have played an essential role in demystifying the virus, promoting voluntary counseling and testing (VCT), supporting adherence to treatment, and acting as…

Nigeria’s 650,000 barrels per day (b/d) Dangote refinery has officially commenced the sale of gasoline to the domestic market, with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) serving as the exclusive buyer. For the month of September, the NNPC is purchasing gasoline from Dangote in U.S. dollars. However, starting in October, a crude-for-gasoline swap arrangement will come into effect, with payments made in naira. The refinery’s set ex-refinery price for gasoline is $736 per ton, translating to 898.78 naira per litre ($0.55 per litre). Meanwhile, the retail price in Lagos has risen to N950.22 per litre, reflecting the impact of recent…

Nationwide protests have surged in Ghana as thousands of supporters from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the main opposition party, demand a thorough independent forensic audit of the country’s voter register. The NDC asserts that serious inaccuracies in the electoral roll need to be corrected to ensure the integrity of the December elections. The party claims that the voter registry contains several critical errors, including unauthorized name transfers, missing voters, and the inclusion of names of over 50,000 deceased individuals. Despite the Electoral Commission’s claims of addressing previous errors, the NDC insists that a more comprehensive review is necessary. Protesters…

In a significant address at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) general conference in Austria, South Africa’s Minister of Energy and Electricity, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has raised profound concerns about the escalating threat to global stability and the heightened risk of nuclear weapons use amid intensifying geopolitical tensions. Dr. Ramokgopa’s remarks reflect South Africa’s deep apprehension about the deteriorating international security environment, which has been exacerbated by growing rivalries among nuclear-armed states. He underscored that the increasing likelihood of nuclear weapons being used is a serious and troubling development that poses a substantial risk to global peace. The Minister also…

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who secured his second term in the September 7 presidential election, was formally inaugurated today at the Palace of Nations in Algiers. This official ceremony was marked by the presence of Algeria’s highest institutions, highlighting the significance of the event in the nation’s political landscape. The inauguration began with the recitation of select verses from the Noble Qur’an, setting a solemn tone for the proceedings. Following this, Omar Belhadj, Chairman of the Constitutional Court, presented a statement detailing the final election results, confirming Tebboune’s substantial victory with 84.30% of the vote. Supreme Court President Tahar Mamouni then…

The Malian military successfully repelled a terrorist attack on the Faladie Gendarmerie School in Bamako early Tuesday morning. The situation is now reported to be under control, with the military conducting a thorough security sweep of the area. The attack began around 5:30 a.m. local time, with intense gunfire and explosions reported near the military police center located in the Feladie district, on the southeastern outskirts of Bamako. According to the military, a group of terrorists attempted to breach the gendarmerie school. The armed forces have launched “mopping-up operations” throughout the area to ensure the threat is fully neutralized. They…

A U.S. lawmaker has expressed concern over the ongoing detention of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan in Nigeria, warning that it could strain diplomatic relations between the two countries. In a statement on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Representative James Hill, Vice Chairman of the U.S. House Financial Services Committee, urged the Biden administration to intensify efforts to secure Gambaryan’s release. Hill expressed surprise that Nigeria, a key U.S. ally, is holding a U.S. citizen who, according to Hill, is not directly involved in the matter for which he is detained. Hill also highlighted Gambaryan’s significant contributions to combating cybercrime,…

Zimbabwe has announced a plan to cull 200 elephants in response to a severe drought that has left many communities facing acute food shortages. The drought, intensified by the El Niño weather phenomenon, has wreaked havoc across southern Africa, resulting in widespread crop failure and impacting approximately 68 million people in the region. According to Tinashe Farawo, a spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (Zimparks), the elephant meat from this culling operation will be distributed to communities severely affected by the drought. This measure is intended to provide immediate relief to those struggling with food insecurity. The culling,…

The Egyptian cabinet has disclosed that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has instructed the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) to inject $5 billion into Egypt as part of the initial stage of a larger investment initiative. This announcement was made following a high-profile meeting in Riyadh between Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and the Crown Prince, where discussions centered on advancing and deepening the strategic partnership between the two nations. The cabinet’s statement did not elaborate on the precise timing of the investment, the nature of the planned projects, or how many phases the investment strategy will include. As…

On September 17, Angola will celebrate National Heroes’ Day, a significant public holiday dedicated to Agostinho Neto, the nation’s first president and a pivotal figure in the fight for independence from Portuguese rule. This day is marked by commemorative events that highlight Neto’s profound influence on Angola’s journey to freedom. Neto’s legacy is deeply embedded in Angola’s national identity. As a leader of the liberation movement and the country’s first president, his impact resonates through Angola’s values of unity, resilience, and independence. National Heroes’ Day serves as a tribute to his enduring contributions and the ideals he championed. A Look…

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Egypt on Tuesday to hold critical discussions on a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages. The meetings with Egyptian officials are a key step in efforts to end the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Significance: The visit comes amid prolonged negotiations involving the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, aimed at brokering a truce between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. The primary objectives are to halt the violence and facilitate the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees. Major challenges include Israel’s demand to maintain its military presence in the Philadelphi…

Zimbabwean Olympic gold medalist and Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture, Kirsty Coventry, is setting her sights on a groundbreaking achievement by campaigning to become the first female president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Coventry’s candidacy marks a significant milestone in the IOC’s history, as it has yet to be led by a woman or an African. Coventry is one of seven candidates shortlisted for the prestigious role. Her competitors include prominent figures such as Britain’s Lord Coe, a two-time Olympic champion in the 1500m; Spain’s Juan Antonio Samaranch, who has significant experience in Olympic administration; Jordan’s Prince…

In Eswatini, a growing number of legislators, supported by human rights advocates, are calling for an urgent review of the 1991 Game Act. They argue that the law, which gives wildlife park rangers the authority to use lethal force against suspected poachers, lacks adequate checks and balances, resulting in unnecessary deaths and a lack of accountability. Park owners and conservationists have long defended the shootings, claiming that they are crucial for protecting endangered wildlife, especially in a country where poaching is a significant threat. According to them, these drastic measures have helped preserve Eswatini’s biodiversity and deter poaching activities, which…

Ghana has experienced significant losses in its cocoa sector during the 2023/24 season, with over a third of its total production lost to smuggling. This crisis has emerged as a result of low domestic cocoa prices and delayed payments to farmers, which have led many to seek better returns by selling to increasingly well-organized smuggling networks operating across the region. The global cocoa market has been strained by poor harvests in both Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, the two largest cocoa producers in the world. This has resulted in a four-year global supply deficit, causing cocoa and chocolate prices to rise.…

President Paul Kagame emphasized the crucial balance between politics, religion, and culture during the Thanksgiving Prayer Breakfast at Kigali Convention Centre. He advocated for a cautious approach to these domains to prevent extremism, underscoring that simplicity in their practice is vital for maintaining harmony and effectiveness. The event, organized by the Rwanda Leaders Fellowship (RLF) under the theme “Foundations of a Grateful Nation,” gathered a diverse group of attendees, including government officials, business leaders, diplomats, and senior religious figures. The purpose was to promote ethical values in leadership, celebrate electoral achievements, and set the stage for future development goals. Martine…

Nigeria’s annual inflation rate saw a significant decline to a six-month low in August, which may provide policymakers with an opportunity to pause their current cycle of rate hikes at their forthcoming meeting. According to the latest data, consumer prices rose by 32.2% in August, down from 33.4% in July. This reduction aligns with the predictions made by economists. The easing of inflation could prompt the central bank to reconsider its strategy of raising interest rates. This slowdown is attributed to several factors: the diminishing impact of currency devaluation, the temporary removal of fuel subsidies, and higher corn yields. These…

On Sunday, the Federal Government of Nigeria announced that it had received a significant shipment of humanitarian aid from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This aid, totaling 50 tons, is intended to support communities severely affected by recent flooding. The delivery took place at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, where it was formally presented by UAE Ambassador Salem Alshamsi. In his address, Ambassador Alshamsi underscored that this relief effort was spearheaded by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Al Nahyan. The gesture reflects the UAE’s enduring commitment to aiding nations stricken by natural disasters. This substantial contribution highlights the UAE’s role…

Zimbabwe is facing a profound humanitarian crisis, driven largely by El Niño-induced droughts that have ravaged the country’s agricultural sector. Peter Gift Mutasa, Chairperson of the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition and a prominent political commentator, shared critical insights on the worsening situation. According to Mutasa, the El Niño phenomenon has brought about severe storms and prolonged dry spells, which have decimated more than half of Zimbabwe’s harvest. This disaster has plunged approximately 7.6 million Zimbabweans into a state of acute hunger. Mutasa elaborated that the food insecurity crisis is expected to intensify between January and March, with projections indicating that…

South African actor Sello Motloung has passed away at the age of 54 following a collapse at his Johannesburg home on Sunday afternoon. Eloife Clasen from Artist Connection, his agency, confirmed that despite being rushed to the hospital by his wife, Motloung tragically died later that day. The sudden death of Motloung has deeply impacted both his family and his professional community. Clasen expressed profound grief, noting that Motloung was a cherished member of their agency and that his loss is felt keenly. Known for his passionate support of Orlando Pirates, Motloung had recently shared a light-hearted post on social…

Two tragic incidents unfolded on Saturday as a traveler died at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport, while another individual lost their life at King Shaka International Airport in Durban. Both cases are currently under investigation, with authorities yet to determine the exact cause of death. At OR Tambo, officials were alerted to a distressing event around 3:10 p.m. A report indicated that an individual had fallen from the fifth level of the airport’s parking structure to the ground below. Law enforcement and medical teams, including those stationed at the airport’s 24-hour clinic, responded immediately. Despite their swift efforts, paramedics pronounced…

On Sunday, Moroccan authorities successfully halted a major migration effort as hundreds of individuals attempted to cross into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. This operation was reportedly triggered by social media campaigns encouraging the crossings, which led to a surge in attempts Ceuta, along with Melilla—another Spanish territory located on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast—has long been a focal point for irregular migration. These enclaves are unique as they are the only European Union territories that share a land border with Africa, making them prime targets for those seeking to enter Europe. On the day of the incident, large groups of people,…

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are preparing to launch a new biometric passport system, as announced by Mali’s military leader, Colonel Assimi Goita. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reinforce the alliance among these nations, which have been increasingly isolating themselves from traditional regional frameworks following their departure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Since 2020, the three Sahelian countries have been under military rule following a series of coups. In response to these changes, they formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in September 2023, shifting their geopolitical orientation from former colonial power…

As Namibia approaches its critical November election, the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) have unveiled a comprehensive manifesto aimed at tackling key national issues with innovative strategies. Addressing Youth Unemployment Central to the IPC’s plan is combating the high youth unemployment rate, which stood at 46.1% in 2023. IPC leader Panduleni Itula, running for president for the second time, has proposed a plan to cut youth unemployment by 50% over the next five years. This includes creating sustainable job opportunities for graduates, ensuring 80% secure employment within a year, and doubling youth entrepreneurship. Itula envisions that by 2028, 90% of…

Rwanda has achieved a distinguished ranking in the latest Global Cybersecurity Index, with a score between 95-100%. This exceptional performance has placed the country in the top tier of the index, recognizing it as one of the 46 nations classified as “Role Models” for their exemplary adherence to all five core cybersecurity pillars: legal measures, technical measures, organizational measures, capacity building, and cooperation. Among the nations awarded this elite status are several African countries, including Mauritius, Ghana, Kenya, and Tanzania. Rwanda stands out in this group, joining global leaders like the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Qatar, who are…

On Saturday, thousands of Tunisians took to the streets of the capital city to protest against what they view as the worsening state of their country. This demonstration coincided with the official launch of the presidential election campaign, underscoring the growing discontent among citizens. Samia Abbou, a former assembly member and one of the protestors, openly criticized President Kais Saied for his perceived failures to address crucial issues. Abbou and other demonstrators pointed to the country’s mounting economic difficulties and political instability. They carried placards highlighting the rising prices of essential goods and voiced concerns about increasing restrictions on civil…

In northwestern Nigeria, a devastating accident occurred when a boat carrying more than 50 passengers sank on the Gummi River in Zamfara State, resulting in over 40 people feared dead. The boat was transporting 53 farmers to their fields on Saturday when it capsized. Authorities have confirmed that only 12 people were rescued shortly after the sinking, while the search for the remaining passengers, who are presumed dead, continues. The vessel was reported to be significantly overloaded, which contributed to its overturning. The incident has drawn a somber response from Nigeria’s President, who extended heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families…

In a significant legal development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a military court has issued death sentences to 37 individuals, including three U.S. citizens, for their involvement in a failed coup attempt in May. The court, presided over by Freddy Ehume, delivered its verdict during a live television broadcast on Friday, imposing the death penalty for charges including criminal association, attack, and terrorism. Among those sentenced are a Briton, a Belgian, and a Canadian, all of whom now have five days to appeal the court’s decision. The trial, which commenced in June, resulted in the acquittal of 14…

President Joe Biden is scheduled to make his first visit to Angola in the coming weeks, according to sources familiar with the matter. This landmark trip will mark the first time a sitting U.S. president has visited Angola and is seen as part of Biden’s broader effort to strengthen relations with African nations. The visit is expected to take place following the United Nations General Assembly in late September and before the U.S. presidential election in November. The White House has not officially commented on the details of the trip, but Biden’s visit is seen as a strategic move to…

A comprehensive plan has been introduced to facilitate the distribution of mpox vaccines, tests, and treatments to the most vulnerable populations in the world’s poorest countries. This plan comes in the wake of the recent approval of the first mpox vaccine and reflects the extensive global efforts observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative is designed to enhance vaccine access in African nations that have been severely impacted by mpox, particularly as a new strain of the virus spreads from the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighboring regions. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared this outbreak a global public…

Nigeria is set to benefit from a substantial N589 billion (£272.6 million) as a result of eight new partnership agreements signed with the United Kingdom in Abuja. These agreements, endorsed by Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and the UK’s Charge d’Affaires, aim to strengthen collaboration in crucial areas including governance, climate change, education, health, and economic development. During the signing ceremony, the Nigerian minister expressed gratitude for the UK’s significant support, which he viewed as a testament to the strong bilateral ties between the two nations. He highlighted the importance of these agreements given the ongoing global economic…

Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has signaled that he may reconsider his earlier decision not to run for re-election, following an emotional response from the public. In a recent media address, Embaló expressed surprise at the reactions, noting that some citizens were so affected by his decision that they declared a state of mourning. “I see that the population has been in shock since yesterday, and some have even declared mourning. This is worth thinking about,” he said, indicating that public sentiment could influence his final stance on the matter. The next presidential election in Guinea-Bissau is scheduled for November…

In a significant diplomatic meeting on Tuesday, Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore engaged with Ghana’s National Security Minister Albert Kan-Dapaah to discuss bolstering cooperation in the fight against insecurity. The discussions aimed to deepen the partnership between the two neighboring countries and address mutual security concerns. During the meeting, Traore expressed his gratitude for Ghana’s crucial role in hosting refugees fleeing the ongoing unrest in Burkina Faso. He highlighted the importance of the strong and cooperative relationship between the two nations, which has been instrumental in managing the refugee crisis. Kan-Dapaah, in response, reaffirmed Ghana’s unwavering support for…

In Liberia, the United Nations has taken significant steps to assist those affected by the recent severe flooding by directing its agencies to provide targeted support. A substantial aid package totaling $1.5 million has been allocated to help address the immediate needs of flood victims. On September 10, 2024, during a press briefing in Monrovia, the Executive Director of Liberia’s National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) discussed the ongoing challenges faced by the country in managing such disasters. The Director highlighted that the country’s disaster response capabilities are hampered by infrastructural deficiencies, which have exacerbated the impact of the flooding. The…

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the successful elimination of at least 28 terrorists during a series of precision airstrikes conducted in Bassa, located in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, on Wednesday. These strikes were part of the ongoing Operation Whirl Punch, aimed at neutralizing threats from insurgents and restoring peace in the region. In an official statement released by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information for NAF, the air operations were launched on September 11 in response to a request for air support from ground forces in the area. The request followed an…

In a recent address, President Kaïs Saied underscored Tunisia’s commitment to preserving its national unity, emphasizing that the inclusion of Article 4 in the Constitution—stating that Tunisia is a unified state and prohibiting any laws that could compromise this unity—was a deliberate decision. Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony for new governors, Saied reflected on the historical evolution of Tunisia’s administrative structure. He noted that when the office of governor was first established, Tunisia was divided into 14 regions. Over time, this structure was expanded to include 24 regions, a change that Saied highlighted as significant in the context of Tunisia’s…

Pravin Gordhan, a towering figure in South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle and a long-serving government minister, passed away on Friday at the age of 75. Gordhan’s political journey began with his resistance to apartheid, and he remained a pivotal force in South African politics through various key roles until his retirement. Gordhan’s family announced that he died peacefully in the early hours of the morning at a hospital, surrounded by his loved ones, including family members, close friends, and long-time colleagues from the liberation struggle. His death followed a battle with cancer, which led to his hospitalization earlier this week. President…

Petro de Luanda, the champions of the 2024 Basketball Africa League from Angola, are set to compete in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup, taking place in Singapore from September 12 to 15. This prestigious tournament features top teams from around the world and starts with a notable game between Argentina’s Quimsa, the titleholders of the Basketball Champions League Americas, and NBA G League United. The tournament has expanded this year to include teams from every continent, a first in its history. The teams are divided into two groups: Group A includes Spain’s Unicaja, Angola’s Petro de Luanda, and Lebanon’s Al Riyadi,…

Botswana has embarked on a significant public health initiative by partnering with the American biotech firm Ginkgo Bioworks to implement advanced pathogen surveillance at its border entry points. This collaboration is aimed at strengthening the country’s capacity to detect and respond to emerging disease threats, reflecting a proactive approach to safeguarding public health amid global health challenges. The surveillance program, which commenced with the introduction of mpox screening for travelers last month, represents a critical component of Botswana’s strategy to enhance early detection of potential health risks. Health officials emphasize that this initiative is designed to complement existing measures and…

Zimbabwe’s government revealed on Thursday that it is weighing a highly contentious proposal to cull its elephant population, aiming to address severe food shortages caused by an ongoing El Niño-induced drought. The plan, which has already sparked concerns among conservationists, is seen as a drastic measure to mitigate the effects of a climate crisis that has left millions across southern Africa without adequate food supplies. Environment Minister Sithembiso Nyoni explained that the country’s forests are overburdened by an excessive number of elephants, far more than the ecosystem can support. As part of the proposal, authorities are exploring the possibility of…

Rwanda is preparing to make a significant impact at the upcoming COP29 conference in Azerbaijan this November. This follows the recent introduction of the ‘Loss and Damage Fund’ at COP28 in Dubai in 2023. The fund is designed to support countries that are most affected by climate change but have contributed minimally to the crisis. Herman Hakuzimana, the Deputy Lead Negotiator from the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), has outlined Rwanda’s key objectives for COP29. These include obtaining additional financial support and establishing transparent and inclusive mechanisms for direct access to the Loss and Damage Fund. This fund is crucial…

In a distressing development, an internal United Nations report has unveiled that more than 260 female inmates were sexually assaulted during a failed mass escape from Makala Central Prison in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), earlier this month. The attempted breakout on September 2 resulted in a tragic loss of at least 129 lives as prison guards resorted to live ammunition to prevent inmates from fleeing. The prison, which is officially designed to accommodate 1,500 inmates, was severely overcrowded, housing over 15,000 prisoners at the time. The government had initially confirmed that assaults on female prisoners occurred but did…

Tunisian coast guards successfully retrieved the bodies of five African women and a baby from the waters off the coastal town of Monastir, a tragic incident that highlights the ongoing risks faced by migrants attempting perilous sea crossings. Judge Farid Ben Jha confirmed the recovery of the bodies, stating that the operation took place late Wednesday. According to the judge, the deceased migrants were from sub-Saharan Africa, a region where many individuals, driven by conflict, poverty, or political instability, embark on dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean in search of safety or better opportunities in Europe. This incident adds to the…

Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Cissoko Embalo has announced that he will not seek re-election in the November elections. Embalo, who has held office since January 2020 after winning with 54% of the vote, will step down at the end of his current term. This announcement, made on Thursday, has the potential to create a power vacuum and increase political instability in Guinea-Bissau, a nation with a tumultuous history of coups and unrest. Embalo explained that his decision was influenced by his wife’s advice. He did not name a successor and explicitly ruled out prominent opposition figures from consideration. Embalo, a former…

Uganda is poised for a significant economic boost with the anticipated start of commercial oil production, projected to elevate the country’s economic growth to 10.8% in the 2025/2026 fiscal year, beginning in July. This growth forecast represents a notable increase from the earlier projection of 6.2%. The upcoming surge in economic growth is expected to be driven primarily by the new oil industry. The commencement of petroleum extraction is anticipated to bring considerable improvements to Uganda’s fiscal health and financial stability. The country, after nearly 20 years of delays, is finally on the brink of starting oil production and export…