Author: WAJ Team

On Tuesday, UNICEF issued a statement in response to reports of teargassing involving young children during nationwide protests against the government. The UN’s representative in Kenya, Shaheen Nilofer, denounced the conduct of the Kenyan police as unacceptable. She stressed that safeguarding children’s safety should always be a top priority for law enforcement. “I am deeply troubled by reports of tear gas entering the grounds of Mwiyala Primary School and affecting students during today’s protests,” her statement read. “Children and schools must never become targets of violence.” UNICEF joined other leaders in condemning the police’s actions after tear gas was used…

Veteran journalist Macharia Gaitho was reportedly forcibly detained by police officers at Karen police station while driving with his son, who recorded the incident. After the arrest, Gaitho was taken to an undisclosed location by the officers from Karen Police station. Witnesses reported that officers at the station stood by and watched as unidentified individuals in plain clothes forcibly removed him. Macharia Gaitho, previously a managing editor for special projects in Nairobi, now works independently as a journalist. He writes a weekly opinion column and provides political analysis for several newspapers across East Africa. Recently, he has been outspoken about…

The country’s tax policies are very favorable. For the DRC, where it is a major investor in the extractive sector, the economic benefits for the host countries are uncertain. According to an IMF report published on Monday, July 15, 2024, Mauritius, an island nation in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa, poses a tax evasion risk for numerous African countries, particularly in the extractive industries. The country is one of the top five investors in seven out of fifteen sub-Saharan African economies that heavily depend on mineral wealth. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), 63% of foreign…

Fidelity Services Group has pointed out a concerning trend where hijackers are increasingly targeting Chinese-manufactured cars in South Africa. The first quarter of 2024 has witnessed a notable surge in hijackings compared to the same period last year. Brands like Haval and Chery have seen a significant rise in sales, making them attractive targets for car thieves. The increasing popularity of hijackings and heightened risks Speaking about these concerning trends on Newzroom Afrika, Wahl Bartmann, CEO of Fidelity Services Group, highlighted, “While traditional brands remain targets, we’ve observed a notable rise in thefts involving other products.” With the growing market…

Due to climate change impacts, Seychelles’ fisheries sector is largely affected, with the exception of artisanal fishing, which continues to experience increased fish catches. Minister Jean-Francois Ferrari addressed this issue during a National Assembly session in response to a query from Waven William, the elected representative of Grand Anse Mahe in the western Mahe district. Ferrari mentioned that the ongoing rise in ocean temperatures and the influence of El Nino and La Nina disrupt the natural balance of the ecosystem. He further explained that these phenomena significantly alter sea temperatures and ocean currents, potentially affecting the distribution of pelagic fish…

Police Disperse Gen Z Protesters with Tear Gas in Nairobi CBD Tear gas was deployed by police near Archives in Nairobi’s CBD to scatter crowds that had gathered. Some individuals were seen rushing to escape the gas, which filled the air and caused discomfort, particularly affecting those trying to clear it from their eyes. Boda bodas were left unattended at their stage without riders. More young people were expected to join the demonstrations. Police cars were also observed patrolling the CBD while protesters waved Kenyan flags. Demonstrators sat on the pavements as crowds began to assemble, leading to the barricading…

Despite interest from several clubs, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who had recently been named captain of Olympique de Marseille, has decided to leave. To everyone’s surprise, the Gabonese international has chosen to join Al-Qadisiyah in Saudi Arabia. The deal is reportedly worth 20 million euros per season, which translates to more than 13 billion FCFA. This move comes after Aubameyang scored an impressive 30 goals in 51 games across all competitions last season. Last season, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored 30 goals in 51 games across all competitions, with 17 in Ligue 1 and 10 in the Europa League, establishing himself as the top…

Could BRICS Implement Cryptocurrency for Its Payment System. Russian Senate Leader Discusses CBDC Potential at BRICS Forum Recently, a Russian Senate leader highlighted the potential for digital currencies, specifically Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC), to play a crucial role in the BRICS alliance’s financial framework. At a BRICS Forum in St. Petersburg, discussions centered around the alliance developing its own native financial structure, potentially integrating digital currencies. Earlier this month, Iran proposed a payment system linking all BRICS member central banks, suggesting cryptocurrency as a straightforward solution. Chairman of the Russian Federation Council, Valentina Matvienko, emphasized this could be a…

Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, met today with Mikhail Bogdanov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. They discussed strategies to bolster political and economic relations between their nations. They also highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation within the BRICS framework, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Taye expressed that the two nations should elevate their collaboration in the areas of technology transfer and capacity-building. The meeting also addressed matters concerning peace and security at national, regional, and continental levels.

On Monday, Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor began conducting postmortem examinations on several mutilated bodies recovered from the Kware dumpsite in Nairobi. He stated that the victim’s body showed mutilation in the lumbar region, located on the lower abdomen, inflicted by a sharp object. Oduor revealed that the victim likely died from excessive bleeding caused by a head injury from a blunt object used by the perpetrator. The government pathologist mentioned that the examination of the remaining bodies would begin on Wednesday, July 17, starting with X-rays. Oduor explained, “We will continue this process until completion, as some body parts…

The UAE Lifts Travel Restrictions for Nigerians, Allowing Visa Issuance Without Limits. Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, announced this development following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu on Monday. The UAE has lifted a longstanding travel ban on Nigerian passport holders, which had been in place for over two years due to diplomatic tensions. Initially imposed in 2021 amid concerns over COVID-19 cases among travelers from Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the ban was exacerbated by disputes over flight operations involving Air Peace and the UAE’s aviation authority. This led…

Ahead of the OccupyCBD demonstration scheduled for Tuesday, most shops in Nairobi’s Central Business District remained closed, with police patrolling the streets. Activist Boniface Mwangi confirmed on Monday that the peaceful protests would proceed as planned until the government acknowledges responsibility for the deceased protesters. “He emphasized that we shouldn’t assume victory as we lack tangible gains. He questioned why the President hasn’t apologized or reached out to the families of the deceased,” he commented. The government has acknowledged the deaths of at least 25 protesters during the protests, although the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported 41…

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has overwhelmingly won the presidential election with 99% of the vote, according to preliminary results announced late Monday evening. The electoral body reported that 79% of the ballots had been counted, with Kagame maintaining a 99% lead. Kagame, who has been in power since 1994, achieved a similar victory in the 2017 election. Voters began lining up as early as 7 a.m. on Monday, eager to cast their ballots. Many expressed their excitement to fulfill their civic duty, with some stating they wanted a leader who could meet the population’s needs, while others praised the progress…

The group departed on a UN-chartered flight and was expected to land in Port-au-Prince by Tuesday. A second group of 200 Kenyan police officers departed Nairobi for Haiti to assist in combating gangs that have nearly taken control of the Caribbean nation. The well-trained team left Nairobi on Monday night, July 15, on a UN-chartered flight scheduled to arrive in Port-au-Prince by Tuesday at 10 am Kenyan time. Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police and coordinator of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti, Noor Gabow, along with acting DIG James Kamau, were present to bid farewell to…

In Southern Kordofan, severe malnutrition affects both the indigenous population and numerous war-displaced individuals. Across the arid expanse, the wind carries echoes of tens of thousands. Dust clouds swirl around as people queue with hope in Agiri camp, nestled in Sudan’s Nuba Mountains, home to approximately 48,000 residents. In June, anticipation builds as rumors spread of a potential food aid delivery, only the third since January. Desperation grows as local food stocks dwindle, escalating a hunger crisis that has led to severe malnutrition cases and forced some Sudanese to consume leaves to endure. Among those at Agiri camp are internally…

Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), criticizes the federal government’s decision to lift the suspension on food imports. Speaking at a retreat organized by the African Primates of the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA) in Abuja over the weekend, AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina stated that Nigeria cannot rely on food imports to stabilize prices. His comments followed the July 8 announcement by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, that duties, tariffs, and taxes on the importation of maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas would be suspended for 150 days through the…

Justice Francis Gikonyo ruled that Anthony Mwaura’s appointment as Chair of the Board of Directors at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) was unlawful due to pending corruption charges against him. “The appointment was procedurally flawed and illegal. The court cannot condone such illegality,” stated Justice Gikonyo. The judge emphasized that the appointment violated both statutory law and constitutional provisions, despite Mwaura’s claim that the criminal case had been resolved in his favor. Mwaura had argued that there was no legal barrier to his appointment, but the judge disagreed. “Appointing him while charges were pending is problematic. The court cannot endorse…

President William Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua have been publicly showcasing their newfound camaraderie following a period of rumored discord. Over the past three days, they have appeared together at various public and religious events. Their recent joint activities included attending a tree-planting event in Elgeyo Marakwet on Saturday, accompanied by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. They also participated in a church service at A.I.P.C.A Ndogino in Nyandarua on Sunday, where Ruto emphasized the importance of prayer ahead of their plans for a unity government. On Monday, they visited Nakuru to launch development projects and engage with local residents,…

Today, Rwandans are participating in a presidential election that is likely to extend President Paul Kagame’s rule, which began in 1994. In the capital city of Kigali, some voters arrived as early as 5 a.m. to await the opening of polling stations, leading to long queues. “This is my first time voting. I’m choosing President Kagame because I haven’t seen a leader like him before,” shared Jean Claude Nkurunziza, a motorcyclist. Election officials report that 9.5 million Rwandans out of a population of 14 million are registered to vote. Preliminary results are expected later today, with Kagame anticipated to secure…

Activist Fredrick Bikeri has dropped his petition demanding Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua retract remarks made against National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji. Fredrick Bikeri, represented by lawyer Danstan Omari, has formally notified the High Court of his decision to withdraw his petition. “Inform the court that the applicant, Fredrick Bikeri, wishes to completely and voluntarily withdraw the entire lawsuit filed on June 28, 2024, with no stipulations regarding costs,” the withdrawal notice stated. Bikeri had previously denounced the remarks against Noordin Haji as “inaccurate, inflammatory, and unlawful,” arguing they did not align with the standards expected of a…

Shakira Wafula, the activist who famously confronted a police officer during the anti-tax protests, reassured everyone of her well-being in a recent TikTok video. “I want to clarify the rumors about me being shot,” she said firmly. “That’s false. I am alive, in good health, and I have never been shot.” Shakira urged fellow Kenyans to help combat misinformation by reporting any fake social media accounts or posts claiming to be hers. She emphasized the importance of discernment in consuming information, urging, “Don’t be misled by attention-seekers or those trying to distract us from the critical issues facing our country.”…

The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) will now oversee and regulate gaming activities in Rwanda, including the licensing of industry operators. Under the new arrangement, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, formerly responsible for these duties, will now focus on policy development for the sector. A high-ranking official from the Ministry of Trade and Industry has confirmed: “The transition process is nearing completion and is scheduled to finish by August this year,” the source revealed. “We are currently in the transition phase where RDB will take on the responsibility of licensing operators. This move to the RDB one-stop center is anticipated…

Certainly! Here’s a paraphrased version: A bombing in Mogadishu’s Boondheere district killed five civilians and injured 20 others at a busy restaurant during Sunday night’s Euro final match between Spain and England. The explosion, caused by a vehicle packed with explosives parked outside Top Coffee, was reportedly carried out by Al-Shabaab, according to Somali police. The restaurant, crowded with patrons watching the soccer game, suffered significant damage, including flames and smoke visible in photos from the scene. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as people sought to escape the chaos. Located in a heavily guarded area near key government buildings, Top…

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has strongly condemned the brutal killings of women whose mutilated bodies were discovered in Kware, Nairobi County. She has called for prompt investigations into the matter and urged the government to enhance protection for women and girls, emphasizing the urgent need to combat Gender Based Violence. “As a woman leader and a mother, I demand swift investigation and assurance from the police that the culprits will be apprehended and brought to justice,” she stated. Governor Ndeti also extended condolences to the families affected by this tragic incident, expressing hope that justice will be swiftly served. Director…

Kenyan citizens have until July 22 to submit their feedback on the new budget, following the rejection of the Financial Bill. The National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee will start gathering public opinions on the Supplementary Estimates (No.1) for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, covering both recurrent and development expenditures, as well as the revised Programme-Based Budget. President William Ruto returned the Financial Bill to Parliament for withdrawal after protests led to over 40 deaths and 300 injuries. Speaker Moses Wetangula instructed the Ndindi Nyoro-led Committee to prepare and present its report to the House by July 24, enabling MPs to…

Information You Need to Know Chisano had a very deep relationship with his father, John OkaloOlwangu (RIP). Additionally, South Africa’s Pieter-Steph du Toit is Chisano’s favorite rugby player. During the 1990s, Joaquim Chissano served as the president of Mozambique. Upon retiring from the presidency, he became one of the most sought-after political dignitaries in Africa and beyond. Until a few years ago, the only person known by that name was Joaquim Chissano. Then, unexpectedly, a young player emerged on the Uganda rugby scene with the same name. Interestingly, he has no connection to Mozambique. The name issue will be revisited…

Several suspected al Shabaab insurgents were killed during a confrontation with police in Guba, Elwak, Mandera County. Authorities anticipate that the casualty count among the suspects will rise, as blood trails were discovered leading towards the main Kenya-Somalia border. The Incident occurred on the evening of Thursday, July 11, when a Special Operations Group team pursued suspected militants spotted in the area. The officers were ambushed, resulting in a fierce clash. Police reported seizing a variety of weapons from the suspects involved in the skirmish. The area, situated near the Kenya-Somalia border, is frequently penetrated by terrorist groups who launch…

Burkina Faso’s military junta recently approved revisions to the family code, which now includes provisions criminalizing homosexuality. Previously, Burkina Faso was one of 22 African countries where same-sex relationships were legally permitted. Since the 2022 coups, Burkina Faso has been under military rule and part of a confederation with Mali and Niger’s juntas. None of these interim governments have held elections yet and have distanced themselves from Western allies. In a statement on Wednesday, the junta announced the adoption of the updated family code during a weekly council of ministers meeting led by interim military leader Ibrahim Traore. “Effective immediately,…

Saint Academy, a school located in BusaBuji, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, collapsed around 11 am while students were taking exams, trapping numerous students and teachers inside. Rescue efforts are ongoing to save those trapped, with soldiers and police on the scene assisting. The full extent of the damage and the exact number of trapped students are still unknown.

Why has the government chosen to grant a logging concession in Cameroon’s biodiverse Ebo forest to an obscure company? During Yetina Victor’s last visit to the Ebo forest in October 2023, he experienced both enchantment and concern. Enchanted by the crystal-clear Nibouem river enveloping the trees, he was also worried about the forest’s future. As chief of NdikBassogog I village in Cameroon’s Littoral region, Yetina highlighted Ebo’s richness, including diverse fauna, wild fruits, medicinal plants, and towering trees. Spanning 2,000 km2, Ebo is home to endangered species like Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzees and forest elephants, crucial for 40 Banen communities’ livelihoods. Despite…

Four incubation hubs being developed under Rwanda’s government initiative are poised to revolutionize opportunities for young innovators in the country’s secondary cities. Launched in 2021 in collaboration with the European Union, these hubs, known as ‘Hanga Hubs’, are currently being established in Rubavu, Rusizi, Muhanga, and Nyagatare districts. The initiative aims to bridge the digital skills gap and tackle unemployment by providing entrepreneurship support services to technology-driven startups in secondary cities. Pascal Murasira, Technical Advisor to Hanga Hubs, emphasized the importance of decentralizing these services to support talented innovators across Rwanda, not just in Kigali. Murasira anticipates that the new…

The High Court declared the establishment of the Shakahola Massacre Inquiry Commission illegal. This decision followed a lawsuit filed by the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition, which argued against the commission, highlighting concerns over the separation of powers. They contended that President William Ruto’s appointment of a sitting judge to the commission undermined this principle. Justice Lawrence Mugambi’s judgment stated, “The decision made by the President on May 4, 2023, as published in Kenya Gazette No. 5660, to establish the Commission of Inquiry into the Shakahola Tragedy and to confer powers akin to those of independent constitutional commissions and…

The French Embassy in Kenya has clarified that it will not release the names of the delegation accompanying Team Kenya to the Paris Olympics. The Embassy stated that its responsibility is solely to process visa applications and emphasized its legal obligation to safeguard the personal information of applicants. “The Embassy is also obligated to uphold privacy and protect personal data, prohibiting the disclosure or publication of visa applicants’ personal information,” stated the Embassy. The statement followed demands from some Kenyans to disclose the complete list of individuals accompanying the Kenyan Team to the Paris Olympics, citing concerns about unnecessary participants…

Authorities in Niger imposed a curfew in the unstable Tillaberi region following a breakout from a heavily guarded prison known for housing jihadists. The incident happened on Thursday at Koutoukale prison, situated approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) northwest of Niamey, according to the interior ministry. Previous attempts to escape from the facility in 2016 and 2019 were thwarted. Niger’s military is already strained by jihadist assaults in the west and its responsibilities in safeguarding the junta that seized power in last year’s coup. The ministry did not disclose the exact number of prisoners who escaped in the recent jailbreak. However,…

In South Sudan, there is mounting resistance against a recently passed security bill, primarily from opponents of President Salva Kiir. They are urging him to send the bill back to parliament, citing concerns that it grants excessive powers to state security agents. Critics argue that the bill, if enacted, would enable the National Security Service to arrest and detain suspects without a warrant, potentially stifling dissent among opposition groups and civil rights activists. The SPLM-IO, the main opposition party in South Sudan, has joined forces with various civil rights activists in unified opposition to the security bill. Oyet Nathaniel, the…

Mary Moraa, the reigning World Champion in the women’s 800m, is among the leading favorites to secure the Gold Medal at this year’s Paris Olympics in France. Having progressed from the youth championships in Kenya, Moraa will compete in her second Olympic Games after being eliminated in the semi-finals at the Tokyo Olympics. Since then, she has cemented her status by winning a Bronze medal at the 2022 World Athletics Championship in Oregon and achieving triumph at last year’s games in Budapest. She has also clinched a Gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. Moraa has been ramping up her training…

Digital fraud schemes are on the rise in the country, with 80% of Kenyans targeted in the first three months of the year, according to a new TransUnion Consumer Pulse Survey. The survey found that 72% of those who were targeted managed to avoid falling victim to these schemes, while 8% were successfully defrauded. Awareness of fraudulent schemes was notably high, as only 20% of consumers reported being unaware of any fraud attempts. Younger generations showed the highest levels of awareness. “In Q2 2024, vishing (fraudulent phone calls to extract data) was identified as the most common scam, reported by…

Yesterday, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) revealed that Nigeria needs a minimum of $66 billion to successfully implement essential railway infrastructure across the nation. The Managing Director of the NRC, FidetOkhiria, suggested that the government view the construction of railway lines as a long-term social investment rather than a pursuit of immediate profits. Okhiria emphasized that developing the railway network would not only boost Nigeria’s economy but also alleviate widespread transportation challenges throughout the country. Back in 2017, approximately seven years ago, the Nigerian government estimated it would require around $16 billion to build and upgrade significant rail infrastructure. “The…

President William Ruto has dismissed his entire Cabinet, including all Cabinet Secretaries and the Attorney General. However, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi is not affected by this decision. “I have chosen to immediately remove all Cabinet Secretaries and the Attorney General from their positions, with the exception of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs,” Ruto announced. “The office of the Deputy President will also remain unaffected.” Ruto stated that Principal Secretaries will manage the Ministries’ operations until a new Cabinet is appointed. The President indicated that the new Cabinet will be selected after extensive consultations…

Upon arriving in the northwestern town of Koki in the Central African Republic in November 2022, Sadock believed he had finally found a safe haven to live and work. For years, small-scale miners like Sadock have been forced to move repeatedly whenever outsiders entered local areas, took control of nearby gold mines, and displaced local miners. “Some artisanal miners, including myself, chose to settle in Koki because we believed it was a peaceful spot for our work in the northwest region,” said Sadock, who only goes by his first name due to concerns about reprisal. “We soon discovered our assumption…

Over the past few weeks, Kenya has clearly demonstrated its full embrace of digital advancements. Important interactions between citizens and the government now occur on X Spaces, and national discussions are increasingly shaped by big data and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Participants from remote areas like Lokichogio, Mount Elgon, and Elwak, as well as major global cities such as London, Paris, New York, and Sydney, connected to the President’s interview on X Spaces last Friday. This illustrates how digital technologies are enhancing inclusivity and public participation in a cost-effective manner. Years of strategic infrastructure development, broadening broadband access, improving digital skills…

The City of Cape Town has advised residents, especially parents, to avoid flood waters, particularly for children’s safety The City of Cape Town has cautioned residents to avoid flood waters, particularly children. According to Sonica Lategan, spokesperson for the Disaster Risk Management Centre, incidents captured by the city’s CCTV network include children playing in flooded streets and near water bodies nearing full capacity. Lategan urged communities to ensure children are kept away from these water bodies due to the associated health and safety risks. 25 000 Eskom customers throughout the Western Cape are currently experiencing power outages Eskom reported that…

Barrick Gold Corporation has adopted Tanzania’s benefit-sharing partnership model for reopening the Porgera mine in Papua New Guinea. Barrick Gold President and Chief Executive, Mr. Mark Bristow, highlighted the importance of ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Loulo-Gounkoto gold mining complex and announced plans for increased investment in Mali. Mr. Bristow noted that Barrick had developed a successful benefit-sharing partnership for its operations in Tanzania, which has now served as a model for the reopened Porgera mine in Papua New Guinea. He shared these insights with Malian media and stakeholders. According to a recent statement from Barrick, the same model…

A 24-year-old TikTok user named Edward Awebwa has been sentenced to six years in prison by the Entebbe Chief Magistrate Court. This decision follows his posting of a brief video on TikTok in which he made insulting remarks about President Museveni, First Lady Janet Museveni, and First Son Gen. MuhooziKainerugaba. The video included tribalistic comments and highly vulgar language, causing significant disruption to the peace of the first family. Court records indicate that Awebwa committed these offenses between February and March 2024. He admitted to charges of hate speech and spreading malicious information targeting the President and his family during…

The government has decided to allocate extensive tracts of land in Mukono District to Senegalese American singer Akon. This announcement has caused concern among residents in Mpunge Sub-county, who firmly maintain that the land encompassing eight villages is rightfully theirs. These villages are Buleebi, Sango, Mbazi, Kyazi, Lulagwe, Muvo, Kiziru, and Kamwanyi. In 2022, the government secured a square mile of land in Mukono for Akon’s ambitious project to build a futuristic city valued at $6 billion (Shs22 trillion). However, the allocation of the land to the singer did not calm local residents; instead, it sparked several protests. Following these…

In the second quarter of 2024, Rwandan consumers displayed impressive financial resilience, with a majority expressing increased optimism regarding their income prospects for the upcoming year, according to a new report by TransUnion Rwanda. The report from the credit reference bureau revealed that 33% of surveyed consumers reported higher incomes from April to June, while 22% embarked on new business ventures and 21% secured new jobs, leading to additional income. Sam Tayengwa, CEO of TransUnion Rwanda, noted, “Rwandan consumers are demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of financial challenges.” The inaugural report, which examines shifts in consumer behaviors and attitudes…

Namibia recently announced plans to reduce 80,000 seals this year, a decision met with opposition from animal rights groups. The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources argues that reducing the seal population is necessary to maintain ecological balance and protect Namibia’s fishing industry, which contributes significantly to the nation’s economy. According to Annely Haifene, executive director of the marine ministry, the seal population has grown from 1.3 million to 1.6 million over the past three years, indicating a healthy marine ecosystem. However, this increase poses challenges as seals compete with the fishing industry by preying on fish stocks. Haifene also…

Nigerian lawmakers have called for an investigation into the Samoa Agreement, a deal signed by federal authorities with the European Union. The request follows media reports suggesting that certain provisions of the agreement could advocate for same-sex relationships. Authorities in Nigeria have denied these allegations and have pledged to take action against the news organizations that reported them. Lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with not being consulted before the agreement, named after the Pacific Island nation of Samoa where it was initially negotiated in November, was signed. A majority of legislators voted to launch an inquiry into the agreement. Critics, such as…

The UN’s chief human rights official has accused Libya’s political leaders of suppressing dissent to retain power, leaving the nation divided and its people suffering from crisis, poverty, and misery. In a report presented to the UN Human Rights Council on Tuesday, Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, strongly condemned the methods used by Libya’s ruling elite to eliminate their political opponents and stay in control. “A stalled political process, dominated by those benefiting from the status quo, is destroying the hopes of Libyans for a stable, open, and prosperous society—hopes they have held onto for too…

Cabinet Secretaries will now have only one adviser each, following a new government initiative aimed at reducing costs. The adjustment reduces the previous allowance of two advisers per Secretary. According to a letter from Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, the number of personal staff per CS will remain at two, in line with Public Service Commission guidelines. In the letter, Koskei requested Cabinet Secretaries to assess their office needs and specify which adviser they wish to retain to assist in their portfolio responsibilities. He emphasized that any advisers exceeding the new limit will be phased…

Twelve students from Rocklands Primary School and Laerskool Blyvooruitsig in Carletonville, along with the driver, tragically lost their lives in a morning crash in the Kokosi-Wedela area of Merafong. Seven other students were rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention. Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation Matome Chiloane expressed deep sadness over the incident in a statement, emphasizing the profound impact on the community. The department has mobilized its Psycho-Social Support team to offer immediate assistance to affected individuals and families.

The health department of Tshwane City has raised concerns about the ongoing occurrence of HIV transmission from mothers to their children. The South African National AIDS Council (Sanac) aims to ensure that at least 95% of HIV-infected children are tested and connected to treatment and care amid concerns about rising infection rates among infants. This follows the Tshwane City health department’s warning about the ongoing prevalence of mother-to-child HIV transmission in the district. In the period from January to June 2024, 232 infants in Gauteng tested positive for HIV, with 39 cases reported in Tshwane. This represents a slight decrease…

A fire outbreak in Farafenni, North Bank Region (NBR), completely destroyed a building used as accommodation for students at the FatoumattaBintRasoul Madrasa, resulting in dozens of students being left without homes. MatidaSanneh, the school owner, reported that at the time of the incident, 35 students were staying in a nearby mosque. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Victims stated that food supplies, clothing, and tuition fees paid by students were all lost in the blaze. Ms. Sanneh described the fire incident as heartbreaking, noting its devastating impact on many students who are now homeless. She expressed…

Operation Feed Yourself was an agricultural initiative introduced in Ghana during the tenure of military leader Ignatius Kutu Acheampong. It began in February 1972 and continued until the end of Acheampong’s regime in 1978. Led by Colonel Frank George Bernasko, the Commissioner for Agriculture, the program successfully increased food production and promoted self-sufficiency. It encouraged Ghanaians to take charge of their food supply and reduce reliance on imported goods, aiming to liberate the country from its colonial economic constraints. Former President John Dramani Mahama, the 2024 presidential candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has announced intentions to introduce a…

The new minister continues to make waves, recently halting the ‘super fans’ free trips to support SA teams abruptly. Now, McKenzie is focusing more on his ministry, recognizing the necessity for significant changes during his tenure. The Patriotic Alliance leader compared the previous system to mafia-like practices in a recent social media post. I will dismiss the corrupt individuals. “We have many dedicated people at @SportArtsCultur, but there are a few corrupt figures who operate like mafias. Some are influenced by creatives who use politicians’ names to seek funding. I will ensure the removal of corrupt elements and safeguard the…

Southern Africa was shaken by a 6.7-magnitude earthquake on Wednesday morning, classified as ‘very strong’ by the US Geological Survey. The quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 km, and there have been no reports of damage so far.

On Tuesday, lawmakers from the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) enacted a law extending their term by one year. These lawmakers, elected in 2020 for a term set to end on March 10, 2025, will now serve until 2026, following a request from President Paul Biya. The CPDM, holding 156 of the 180 parliamentary seats, supported the extension. Government officials argue that the constitution allows Biya to consult the Constitutional Council and propose term extensions and election postponements as needed. However, Joshua Osih, a lawmaker and leader of the opposition Social Democratic Front, opposes this extension. The Social Democratic…

Violence has erupted in Sinja, Sennar, and Dinder, causing civilians to flee to neighboring states. The conflict in Sudan is nearing its 16th month, resulting in tens of thousands dead and millions displaced, marking it as the world’s worst displacement crisis according to international organizations. In April 2023, clashes broke out between Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), both competing for control following the 2019 overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir and a subsequent 2021 military coup. Civilian forces have struggled to establish stable governance amidst continued armed hostilities. Here’s an overview of the ongoing conflict…

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni engaged in discussions with a delegation from Huawei Technologies Uganda at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi. During the meeting, Huawei announced their plans to set up a Digital Village Prototype in Uganda. Hover Gao, President of Huawei Sub-Saharan Africa Region, explained to the President that the project’s goal is to demonstrate the transformative effects of digital infrastructure in rural areas. Gao emphasized that the Smart Village initiative will offer Smart Classrooms, Learning Centers, Remote Diagnosis, and Smart PVs (Solar) free of charge to the Ugandan government. “Huawei is committed to accelerating Uganda’s digital transformation. To…

On Tuesday, Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, announced that the digital economy sector is expected to generate approximately N18.3 billion by 2026. The Senate Committee on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Cybersecurity, along with the House of Representatives Committee on Digital and Information Communication Technology, jointly organized the forum on the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill, during which Tijani made this statement. Although applauding the proposed legislation, the minister stated that if it were to become law, it would enable the nation to fully realize the potential of the digital economy. He stated,…

This came after interviews were held with shortlisted foreign coaches. “Everything is still under wraps,” a source revealed. “But it is known that the NFF president and the Sports Minister were in London last week regarding this appointment. “The announcement of the new Super Eagles coach is expected soon.” Virtual interviews with a number of coaches were conducted with Austin Eguavoen, vice chairman of the NFF technical committee, Felix Anyansi-Agwu, and the NFF general secretary in attendance. The new coach’s name is still unknown, much like the NFF president’s and the Sports Minister’s journey to London remained a secret. Still,…