Author: WAJ Team

Residents of Tsumeb, a northern Namibian town, are enduring serious health problems linked to the long-term emissions and hazardous waste of a now-shuttered copper smelter. The smelter, formerly operated by Canadian mining company Dundee Precious Metals (DPM), was the town’s largest employer for over a decade before it was sold in August 2024 to Chinese firm Sinomine Resource Group. Local workers in nearby citrus orchards report persistent symptoms such as burning sensations in their eyes and throats, dizziness, nausea, and headaches, which intensify when winds blow toxic fumes from the smelter site. Residents also report visible health problems in children,…

On the day Daniel Chapo was sworn in as Mozambique’s president, post-election violence claimed the lives of seven more people, intensifying the political crisis in the southeastern African nation. Chapo, a member of the ruling Frelimo party, took the presidential oath for a five-year term on Wednesday, despite ongoing unrest following the disputed October elections. The fresh casualties were reported in the capital, Maputo, and the northern city of Nampula, according to monitoring group Plataforma Decide. With the latest fatalities, the total death toll from the violence has now surpassed 300, highlighting the escalating tensions since protests erupted following the…

Rescue efforts at an abandoned gold mine in South Africa’s North West Province have resulted in the recovery of 246 survivors and 78 bodies, authorities confirmed late Wednesday. The operation, which began on Monday, targeted illegal miners trapped in the disused Stilfontein mine, a site that has become a hotspot for unregulated gold extraction. According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the survivors, all engaged in illegal mining activities, were brought to the surface and subsequently arrested. While no additional bodies were found since the previous update, police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe emphasized that the operation remains ongoing. “The Mine…

Gabon’s military leader, Brice Oligui Nguema, has appointed Mark Doumba as the country’s new economy minister in a reshuffle aimed at tackling its escalating debt issues. Doumba, an entrepreneur with a Harvard University background in public administration, replaces Mays Mouissi following the announcement of the cabinet changes on the presidency’s official Facebook page. The reshuffle comes at a critical time for Gabon, after the World Bank suspended its financial disbursements to the Central African nation due to arrears totaling 17 billion CFA (approximately $27 million). Gabon also faces the looming maturity of its dollar-denominated bonds in June 2025, which have…

Morocco has introduced an innovative initiative aimed at transforming the global mining sector with a focus on sustainability and responsible resource management. During her address at the 4th International Mining Ministers Meeting in Riyadh, Leila Benali, Morocco’s Minister for Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, unveiled a proposal for a new mining framework, the “OTC Corridor,” which stands for Origin, Transit, and Certification. The proposed framework is designed to promote sustainable practices across the mining industry, integrating cutting-edge technologies, robust legal frameworks, and advanced systems to facilitate competitive and environmentally-friendly production. In addition to fostering innovation, the model aims to reduce…

As Chad continues to navigate regional complexities, travelers to the Central African country must remain vigilant about potential security risks and health concerns. While the capital city, N’Djamena, offers relative safety, travelers must be aware of the fluctuating security situation and the health risks that can arise, particularly in rural and remote areas. Security Landscape and Regional Instabilities Chad’s security environment is influenced by the regional instability of neighboring countries, such as Libya and Sudan, and ongoing tensions within the Lake Chad Basin area. Armed groups remain active in certain border regions, contributing to higher security risks. Travelers should exercise…

Cape Town, South Africa’s legislative capital, has been crowned the world’s best city for 2025 in the latest rankings by global media powerhouse, Time Out. The city climbed from its previous second-place finish last year to take the top spot in the coveted annual “Best Cities in the World” list, a testament to its rising appeal among residents and visitors alike. The ranking, revealed on Wednesday, highlights Cape Town for its blend of scenic beauty, resident satisfaction, and thriving food culture. Time Out, which compiles the list through a survey of over 18,500 residents and expert insights from more than…

Almost 200,000 people have been forced from their homes in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since November 2024 as intense clashes between government forces and armed groups escalate, the World Food Program (WFP) has reported. The violence, primarily driven by the resurgence of the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels, has violated an August 2024 ceasefire deal and further destabilized the volatile region. Worsening Violence The renewed fighting has swept across North Kivu and neighboring provinces, leaving a trail of displacement and reports of inter-community violence. The WFP warned on Wednesday that the humanitarian situation, already fragile due to…

Ethiopia, often regarded as the cradle of humanity, boasts a history that stretches back over 1.8 million years. Known for its extraordinary cultural diversity, deep-rooted history, and breathtaking natural wonders, Ethiopia stands as one of Africa’s most intriguing nations. From ancient human evolution to its current position as a major player in Africa’s development, the country’s journey continues to captivate both historians and travelers alike. This article explores the various facets of Ethiopia’s history, culture, and unique geography. The Cradle of Humanity Ethiopia holds a distinguished place in human history, particularly in the Afar region, which is considered a pivotal…

Eswatini, a hidden gem nestled in Southern Africa, continues to attract travelers from around the globe with its rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and abundant wildlife. The kingdom offers an enchanting destination for those seeking both adventure and cultural immersion. However, like many destinations, travelers are advised to exercise caution to ensure their safety while exploring the nation. Eswatini’s warm hospitality and vibrant traditions provide a welcoming atmosphere, particularly in areas like the scenic Malolotja Nature Reserve and the renowned Mlawula Nature Reserve. The kingdom’s relatively low crime rate contributes to its reputation as a peaceful country. Nevertheless, authorities recommend…

The Amazigh New Year, known as Yennayer, has been celebrated for over 3,000 years, marking the dawn of a new agricultural cycle in North Africa. Rooted in the region’s ancient history, the calendar begins in 950 BCE with the ascension of King Sheshonq to the Egyptian throne, making this year 2974 in the Amazigh system. The Amazigh people, often regarded as the indigenous inhabitants of North Africa, have a deep cultural and historical presence across countries like Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and parts of Mauritania. Large populations of Amazigh continue to live in these regions, preserving their language, culture, and…

Central African Republic (CAR) President Faustin-Archange Touadera has arrived in Moscow for a crucial three-day visit aimed at strengthening ties with Russia, the Kremlin confirmed on Wednesday. This visit marks a significant step in reinforcing the growing partnership between the two nations, particularly as Russia continues to bolster its presence in Africa. Moscow has long been a key ally to the CAR government, deploying hundreds of military “instructors” to support the government of Touadera in its ongoing battle against insurgent groups. The war-torn country has faced instability for over a decade, with rebel factions continuously threatening the country’s sovereignty. During…

In a significant move towards cultural authenticity, Burkina Faso’s President, Ibrahim Traoré, has officially banned the use of British and French colonial wigs by judges in the country’s courts. This bold decision signals a shift away from colonial-era practices, aligning the legal system more closely with Burkina Faso’s rich cultural heritage. Speaking at a press conference, President Traoré highlighted the importance of distancing national institutions from the remnants of colonial influence. The ban is part of a broader strategy to decolonize the country’s legal and judicial systems, reinforcing Burkina Faso’s sovereignty and promoting a strong sense of national identity. The…

Mozambique’s newly elected president, Daniel Chapo, was sworn into office on Wednesday, marking the culmination of a tense electoral period. However, the ceremony took place amid deadly unrest sparked by accusations of electoral fraud, as opposition leader Venancio Mondlane vowed to disrupt the country with continued protests against the disputed election results. Mondlane, a prominent figure with strong support among the youth, has repeatedly claimed that the October 9 elections were rigged in favor of Chapo’s Frelimo party, which has ruled the gas-rich nation since its independence in 1975. Despite official results showing Chapo with a 65% victory, Mondlane asserts…

Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamed Ali Nafti has expressed concern over the lack of progress in the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigations into the ongoing situation in Palestine. Speaking on Tuesday during a meeting with an ICC delegation, Nafti called on the court to take decisive action and hold accountable those responsible for crimes against the Palestinian people. The meeting, held at the Tunisian Foreign Ministry, saw the participation of ICC First Vice-President Rosario Salvatore Aitala and Haykel Ben Mahfoudh, a Tunisian judge serving at the court. Nafti underscored the strong, ongoing cooperation between Tunisia and the ICC, highlighting…

In a pivotal analysis of Africa’s role in global geopolitics, Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with the continent, viewing it as an essential player in the emerging multipolar world. In an article titled “The African Pole of a Multipolar World” published on January 6, Alexey Drobinin, director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department of Foreign Policy Planning, underscored the strategic significance of Africa’s independence and its growing influence in global affairs. Drobinin emphasized the necessity for Africa to assert itself as a key pillar in global power dynamics. He called for partnerships based on respect, equality, and…