Author: WAJ Team

US-based center Bella Murekatete has joined the Rwandan national women’s basketball team for their preparation for the FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 pre-qualifiers, which will take place in Kigali from August 19-25. The team is currently staying at Kigali Delight Hotel and training twice daily at BK Arena. At 24, Murekatete has been competing with the Washington State Cougars, playing a crucial role in their success, which saw them reach the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) semifinals. Standing 6-foot-3 (1.90m), she participated in all 36 games this season, averaging 11.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. This year,…

KwaZulu-Natal police fatally shot three suspects linked to a series of murders and other crimes during a fierce gunfight in Inanda on Tuesday night. According to Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the suspects were also connected to the killing of a police sergeant last year. Netshiunda explained that a coordinated effort involving the Provincial Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) Tracking Team, DPCI Anti-Gang Unit, KZN Provincial Tactical Response Team, Pietermaritzburg K9 unit, Inanda Task Team, and private security was launched based on intelligence about the suspects’ location. When the team reached a house on Nombonjani Mtshali Road in…

In a remote, mountainous region, residents were observed using their bare hands to sift through the dirt in a desperate search for survivors. Heavy rains triggered mudslides in a remote area of Ethiopia, resulting in the deaths of at least 229 people, including many who were attempting to rescue survivors, local authorities reported on Tuesday. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the event as a “terrible loss.” Victims in the Kencho Shacha Gozdi district of southern Ethiopia included young children and pregnant women, according to local administrator Dagmawi Ayele. He also mentioned that at least five people had been rescued alive.…

NARC-K leader Martha Karua has stated that President William Ruto cannot end the ongoing anti-government protests. On Tuesday, Karua asserted that the President has no authority to declare “enough is enough” without addressing the people’s demands first. “He is not in a position to declare enough is enough. As I mentioned, leadership isn’t simply a title; it’s not like being recalled and told to go home. It is the people who determine when enough is enough,” she remarked. Karua emphasized that only the public has the ability to assess the President’s actions and trustworthiness and decide when the situation is…

The East Africa Business Council (EABC) is experiencing a leadership shift, with Adrian Raphael Njau from Tanzania stepping in as the new Acting Executive Director, succeeding John Bosco Kalisa. Kalisa, from Rwanda, took over the EABC in June 2021, following Peter Mathuki’s move to the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat. His tenure began amid the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the difficulties faced during his term, Kalisa expressed pride in leaving the organization with an enhanced reputation that extends beyond the region. The EABC, as the key representative for the private sector in East Africa, focuses on creating a…

The United States has invited the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for ceasefire talks mediated by the US, beginning on August 14 in Switzerland, according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday. RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo stated early Wednesday that they will participate constructively in the talks to secure “a comprehensive ceasefire nationwide and ensure humanitarian access for all in need.” “We reaffirm our unwavering position: to save lives, stop the fighting, and pave the way for a peaceful, negotiated political solution that returns the country to civilian rule and a democratic transition,” Dagalo…

The Democratic Alliance Coalition (CAD), backing Venâncio Mondlane for Mozambique’s presidency, announced plans on Tuesday for a “peaceful march” on Saturday. This protest is against a ruling preventing CAD from fielding parliamentary candidates in the October general elections, a decision they have already appealed to the Constitutional Council. At a press conference in Maputo, CAD president Manecas Daniel stated, “If the Constitutional Council does not uphold the truth according to the law, it will unequivocally prove the dysfunction of the country’s legal system, indicating we are on the path to becoming a failed state.” Should the council affirm the National…

Police were heavily deployed across the deserted streets of Kampala on Tuesday in anticipation of a banned anti-corruption rally. President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda with an iron fist for nearly forty years, cautioned the protestors over the weekend, labeling their actions as “playing with fire.” Late Monday, three opposition lawmakers were taken into custody following opposition leader Bobi Wine’s claim that his National Unity Platform (NUP) headquarters was under intense scrutiny from police and military personnel. The anti-corruption protest, inspired by similar Gen-Z led movements in neighboring Kenya, has gained traction online. Leading Ugandan protester Shamim Nambasa emphasized…

The African group at the World Trade Organization put forward a proposal during the General Council meeting to re-elect Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the WTO’s Director-General. Adebayo Thomas, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, announced in a statement that a proposal has been made for Ms. Okonjo-Iweala to be considered for another term as the WTO’s Director-General. The proposal also aims to prompt the General Council Chair to begin the appointment process promptly. Nigeria’s permanent representative to the WTO, Abdulhamid Adamu, noted that all members highlighted Okonjo-Iweala’s efforts and contributions, which have significantly advanced the organization. Nearly…

After attempting to smuggle cocaine at the O R Tambo International Airport, a Brazilian national appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court in Gauteng. Tadue Ramos, 36, was caught with a consignment of 4kg cocaine concealed in his body in cling wrap. Ramos was taken into custody by Hawks, the Gauteng branch of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation. According to Captain Lloyd Ramovha, the Hawks’ provincial spokesperson, members of the Hawks’ Organized Crime Investigation team, based in the East Rand, operationalized intelligence after learning of a drug mule who was expected to land at the O.R. Tambo International Airport…

Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has criticized the weekly youth protests, stating they have become a refuge for troublemakers. In a press briefing on Tuesday, Kanja accused these individuals of being driven by a desire to vandalize and steal from innocent, hardworking Kenyans. He blamed the organizers for not complying with the Public Order Act, which requires prior notification to the police. According to Kanja, the chaos could have been avoided if the protesters had adhered to legal requirements and informed authorities in advance. Kanja issued a warning that JKIA is a protected zone and that anyone who…

AfriForum has approached the Constitutional Court, seeking to overturn John Hlophe’s appointment to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) made four months after his impeachment, claiming it is unconstitutional and unlawful. The civil rights organization contends that the appointment of the new parliamentary leader of Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party undermines the Constitution’s mandate in section 165, which requires the legislature to safeguard the independence, dignity, and impartiality of the courts, rather than interfere with their operations. AfriForum argues that it is irrational for Parliament to appoint Hlophe to the JSC, given that he was previously found guilty of violating…

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula disclosed the scale of the damages at Parliament Buildings from the June 25, 2024, invasion. He reported that the incident caused damage to property valued at Ksh94 million. Most of the damage came from broken furniture, digital equipment, and a fire that affected part of the building. Wetangula also revealed that Parliament Buildings were insured, so the insurance company will cover the repair costs. “Our insurer assessed the damage at Ksh94 million. That’s the extent of the damage we incurred. Since we had insurance coverage, the company is taking action. “Restoration work on the damaged…

Buganda’s Katikkiro, Charles Peter Mayiga, has dismissed claims suggesting that Kabaka Mutebi’s return was prompted by a denial of a visa extension in Namibia. Mayiga clarified that Kabaka’s return was always scheduled for July 21, aligning with the end of a three-month medical leave recommended by his doctors. The Kabaka arrived in Uganda on Monday morning, ending months of speculation about his health and stay in Namibia. He landed at Entebbe International Airport shortly after midnight, where he was welcomed by Katikkiro Mayiga, Nnabagereka Sylvia Nagginda, and other members of the royal family, including Nnaalinnya Lubuga Agnes Nabaloga, Prince Jjunju…

Kenyans following the U.S. presidential race largely support President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from seeking a second term. However, some express concern that the Democratic Party now faces a tough challenge in finding a candidate who can defeat former President Donald Trump. In Nairobi, many residents said that while Biden’s exit was likely a difficult choice, it was the right move for him. James Owor said he wasn’t surprised by Biden’s decision. “Based on the news, it was expected. He didn’t seem to be in good health, and it might be better for him to step aside since he…

According to a recent Afrobarometer survey, support for democracy in South Africa and Mali has significantly decreased this year in comparison to 39 other African countries. The report indicated that, on average, trust in democracy has declined by seven percentage points over the past decade. However, the decline was much steeper in South Africa and Mali, with drops of 29 and 23 points, respectively. Ten years ago, 72% of South Africans and 62% of Malians believed that democracy was the most preferable form of government. Currently, less than half of the population in Mali, South Africa, Angola (47%), Mozambique (49%),…