Author: WAJ Team

Detectives from DCI headquarters have successfully confiscated a Browning pistol from a notorious gang of three who had been instilling fear in the Ogembo market area of Kisii County. While patrolling Kisii County, the detectives received vital information about three criminals on a motorbike planning to rob an M-Pesa shop. The officers strategically positioned themselves to intercept the suspects. “Upon spotting the officers, the criminals opened fire and escaped in different directions,” reported DCI. “Undeterred, the officers fought back, fatally wounding one of the robbers.” A nearby river unintentionally assisted the escape of the remaining two criminals, who jumped into…

Eswatini, previously known as Swaziland, is the sole African nation that still has diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which China regards as a breakaway province. Despite this, Eswatini continues to be a significant trade partner with China, necessitating careful diplomacy as it seeks new economic opportunities in other Asian countries. Eswatini’s recent initiatives to strengthen relationships with South Korea, Singapore, and Bhutan might be seen as distancing itself from China, its largest trading partner in Asia. In 2022, the kingdom imported goods worth over $109 million from China. However, government spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo called such conclusions presumptive. He emphasized that diplomacy…

Three rhino poachers have received sentences of 50, 33, and 21 years for their involvement in rhino killings at Kruger National Park. Dominic Mnisi, Lwazi Malambe, and Ayanda Ngomane were found guilty of various offenses, including trespassing, illegal possession of firearms, conspiracy, and animal cruelty. Mnisi was sentenced to 50 years, with several charges served concurrently. Malambe received a 33-year sentence, while Ngomane was given 21 years. Mnisi and Malambe were apprehended in January 2017 with a rifle, ammunition, and four fresh rhino horns, with a tracker dog aiding in locating Mnisi and Ngomane. The horns were subsequently connected to…

Tanzania’s much-anticipated Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) electric train service connecting Dar es Salaam and Dodoma is poised for its official launch on Thursday, marking a transformative milestone in the nation’s transportation sector. This new rail link is expected to significantly reduce travel times and stimulate regional economic activities. On its maiden journey, the SGR electric train departed Dar es Salaam station at 6:00 AM, carrying over 900 passengers in 14 carriages, and arrived safely in Dodoma. This initial trip serves as a prelude to the official inauguration ceremony, which will be led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan next Thursday. Passengers…

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Friday that the Africa Cup of Nations finals have been rescheduled to December 21, 2025, through January 18, 2026. Originally planned for mid-2025 in Morocco, the tournament’s timing was adjusted due to FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup, featuring 32 teams, which will be held in the United States next June and July. Additionally, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has been delayed by a year and will now take place from July 5-26, 2025, also in Morocco. The dates for both tournaments have been highly awaited, as CAF had previously admitted to…

During the Sudan mediators retreat held in Djibouti, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, an IGAD Secretariat representative, engaged in a pivotal meeting with South Sudan’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, HE Monday Simaya Kumba. The discussions focused on pressing regional and organizational issues, particularly the ongoing situation in Sudan. Both parties acknowledged and praised South Sudan’s significant role in fostering peace efforts in Sudan and its efforts in hosting thousands of refugees displaced by the conflict. They committed to a closer collaboration aimed at enhancing regional peace and stability.

Eritrea has suspended Ethiopian Airlines from its airspace starting September 30, 2024, citing “passenger mistreatment and operational problems.” The Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority reported several issues, including luggage theft, frequent delays in flights and baggage, and insufficient compensation for affected passengers. They have advised travelers with bookings beyond the suspension date to seek alternative arrangements. Ethiopian Airlines currently operates five flights per week to Asmara, alongside services from Saudi Arabian, Turkish, and Egyptian carriers. Asmara claimed that despite numerous requests for resolution, Ethiopian Airlines did not address these concerns. “Repeated and persistent requests for Ethiopian Airlines to rectify these issues…

The Mbale City Northern Division Produce Dealers Emyoga SACCO has made significant strides in enhancing the livelihoods of its members, showcasing the success of the presidential “Emyoga” initiative aimed at wealth and job creation. Based on Bukonde Road in Bufumbo Cell, Namakwekwe Ward, the SACCO has 422 members who have collectively accumulated savings of Shs40 million. To date, the SACCO has issued Shs105 million in loans, recovered Shs58 million, and has 54 loans still outstanding. These accomplishments are bolstered by membership contributions and subscription fees. According to SACCO Secretary Sylvia Nafuna, the organization initially received Shs30 million in seed capital,…

After a week of protests in Kampala, Uganda, where police arrested over 70 young demonstrators known as Gen Z, Professor Jimmy Spire Sentongo, a well-known cartoonist and activist, has addressed a profound letter to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. In his letter, Spire urges the President to reflect on the government’s response to the protests. The full letter, which Spire shared on his Twitter account, includes a Baganda proverb: ‘ne gwozadde, akukubira engoma n’ozina’ (even your child can drum for you, and you dance). I am here to drum for you, Mr. President, and I hope you dance. “Mr. Kaguta Museveni,…

As the end of July approaches, the month is set to showcase a wealth of cultural events that honor Zimbabwean traditions through music, dance, and cuisine. Locally, attendees will have a wide range of options, and Zimbabweans in the United Kingdom will also enjoy the festivities. According to a survey by The Herald Arts, the weekend will feature a diverse selection of activities, including music, modeling, poetry, and theatre, with promoters preparing an array of events to kick off the weekend in style. Here are some of the major events happening this weekend: Masvingo’s Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Final The…

In Rabat, Abdeltif Loudyi, the Minister Delegate for National Defense, welcomed General Kassoum Coulibaly, the Defense Minister of Burkina Faso, who was leading a delegation on an official visit. The discussions focused on enhancing and diversifying cooperation between the two nations, particularly in security matters. The visit culminated in the signing of a military cooperation agreement covering areas such as training, military exercises, expertise sharing, and military health partnerships. Loudyi emphasized the significance of this collaboration, highlighting King Mohammed VI’s vision of transforming Africa’s Atlantic coast into a center of economic integration, stability, and prosperity. Coulibaly also voiced his satisfaction…

According to study results, twice-yearly injections used to treat AIDS were completely effective in preventing new HIV infections among women. In a trial involving around 5,000 young women and girls in South Africa and Uganda, none of those who received the injections contracted HIV. In contrast, about 2% of those given daily prevention pills ended up with HIV from infected partners. Salim Abdool Karim, director of an AIDS research center in Durban, South Africa, praised the results, calling the level of protection “stunning,” though he was not involved in the study. The injections, produced by U.S. drugmaker Gilead and marketed…

Nigerian authorities have claimed that a regime change agenda is behind the upcoming nationwide anti-government protests. The Department of State Services (DSS) made these allegations ahead of the August 1 protests against President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The DSS stated that it had uncovered “a sinister plan by some elements to infiltrate the protest and use it to cause chaos and extreme violence in the land.” According to the intelligence agency, the protest’s motive is political, with organizers allegedly intending to smear federal and sub-national governments, making them unpopular and turning them against the masses. “The long-term objective is to achieve…

The United Nations reported Thursday that the death toll from landslides in a remote part of southern Ethiopia has reached 257, with the number potentially climbing to 500. Rescue teams continue their somber efforts in Kencho Shacha Gozdi, where anguished locals are sifting through mud with their hands and shovels in search of victims and survivors. Solomon Tsoma shared that 13 of his relatives have perished, including his uncle’s seven children and his brother’s infants. “We’ve recovered 12 bodies, but my sister’s remains are still missing,” he said. According to the U.N. humanitarian agency OCHA, the current toll of 257…

When Benson Wanjala began farming in his western Kenya village 25 years ago, his 10-acre plot produced a robust 200 bags of maize. Now, his harvest has dwindled to just 30 bags. He blames the decline on the acidifying fertilizers introduced in Kenya and other African countries in recent years. These fertilizers initially increased his yield but eventually lost their effectiveness. The Kenyan government introduced a fertilizer subsidy in 2008 to make these chemicals more accessible to smaller-scale farmers. According to the agriculture ministry, 63% of Kenya’s arable land is now acidic. This has contributed to reduced production of staple…

President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed on Thursday his decision to appoint Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya as the next Chief Justice of South Africa. “President Cyril Ramaphosa, in accordance with section 174(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, has appointed current Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya as Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, effective 1 September 2024,” announced his office. As Chief Justice Raymond Zondo retires at the end of August, Maya will become the first woman to lead the South African judiciary. Ramaphosa emphasized the historical importance of her appointment in his statement. He…