Author: WAJ Team

In a significant political shift, Prime Minister Americo Ramos was sworn into office on Tuesday, marking the official start of Sao Tome and Principe’s new government. The ceremony was a key moment in the nation’s ongoing transition of power. Ramos, in his first speech as the country’s new leader, pledged to restore public trust in the government and promised to reinforce cohesion among state institutions. His remarks underscored the need for stronger cooperation and transparency across government bodies to ensure effective governance in the coming years. The appointment of Ramos follows a decree issued by President Carlos Vila Nova on…

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and U.S. President Joe Biden have urged all parties to demonstrate flexibility and remove obstacles to secure a Gaza ceasefire agreement. The call for urgent action came during a phone conversation between the two leaders, as they discussed efforts to end the violence and address the mounting humanitarian crisis. According to a statement from the Egyptian presidency, Sisi emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire to alleviate the severe suffering of Gaza’s civilian population. He also called for the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid to the enclave, warning of dire consequences if the conflict escalates…

Hundreds of Nigeriens marched through the capital on Tuesday in a high-profile demonstration against neocolonialism and foreign influence. The protest, organized by the teachers’ union, showcased widespread support for the National Council for the Preservation of the Fatherland (CNSP), the ruling military government. Carrying banners and chanting anti-imperialist slogans, protesters condemned the policies of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), accusing the bloc of undermining Niger’s sovereignty. The gathering drew representatives from political parties and unions, reflecting a diverse coalition united by a shared demand for independence from foreign control. “The stance taken by ECOWAS shows a clear…

Benin’s annual voodoo festival, Vodun Days, has become a powerful platform to celebrate and promote the country’s rich spiritual heritage while challenging long-standing misconceptions about the 500-year-old religion. The festival, held every January in the coastal town of Ouidah, attracts both locals and international visitors eager to learn about the sacred practices of voodoo, a belief system that honors a diverse pantheon of deities and spirits. One of the most striking moments of the festival occurs at the Python Temple, where visitors are invited to experience a live demonstration of the deep connection between voodoo and nature. The temple manager…

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported on Tuesday that 493 migrants were rescued off the coast of Libya over the past week. From January 5 to 11, the migrants, including 47 women and 17 children, were intercepted while attempting the perilous Mediterranean crossing and subsequently returned to Libya. Tragically, IOM also confirmed the recovery of three migrant bodies during the operation. In 2024, a total of 21,762 migrants have been rescued from the Central Mediterranean route and returned to Libya, a route notorious for its dangers. The crossing has claimed the lives of 674 individuals, with 1,015 more reported…

Kaduna State, located in northern Nigeria, has achieved a landmark peace agreement aimed at ending more than ten years of violent banditry. The breakthrough was reached after a weekend dialogue between state officials and bandits, marking a significant step toward restoring stability to the region. In an unprecedented move, the bandits involved in the conflict expressed remorse for their actions during the talks and pledged to honor the peace accord. The agreement includes commitments to reintegrate into society, promote education for their children, and maintain peace within their communities. “We call on vigilante groups to support this peace initiative and…

Ivory Coast, one of West Africa’s most dynamic and diverse countries, has become an increasingly popular destination for travelers seeking a blend of vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. From the bustling city life in Abidjan to the serene beaches of Grand-Bassam, the country offers a variety of experiences to suit every type of visitor. However, ensuring a safe and memorable journey requires preparation and awareness of certain travel tips. While Ivory Coast has made significant strides in stability, travelers should be mindful of security concerns, especially when venturing outside the major urban areas. Cities like Abidjan and Yamoussoukro…

Sierra Leone has declared a state of emergency following the confirmation of its second case of mpox in less than four days. The announcement from health authorities comes as the West African nation intensifies efforts to prevent further spread of the viral disease. The two patients, who are currently receiving treatment at a hospital in the capital, Freetown, were not reported to have had any direct contact with infected animals or individuals, officials confirmed. This has raised concerns about the potential for undetected transmission within the community. Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, was declared a global health emergency by the…

Cuba has officially filed to intervene in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the court confirmed on Monday. In its submission, Cuba invoked Article 63 of the ICJ Statute, which permits states to intervene in cases involving violations of international law. Cuba’s declaration specifically relates to the ongoing case concerning the application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, with a focus on Israel’s actions in Gaza. South Africa originally brought the case before the ICJ in December 2023, accusing Israel of breaching the Genocide Convention in…

Libya has expressed its willingness to enhance military cooperation with Senegal, focusing on joint efforts to address pressing regional security challenges, Prime Minister Abdul-Hamed Dbeibah announced on Monday. The statement came during a meeting in Tripoli between Dbeibah and Senegalese Chief of Defense Staff Birame Diop. According to Dbeibah’s office, the Libyan leader highlighted the Government of National Unity’s commitment to fostering deeper defense ties with Senegal. “The prime minister reaffirmed Libya’s readiness to strengthen military collaboration with Senegal, emphasizing the need for joint action to address regional security threats,” the statement read. Diop, in response, expressed Senegal’s eagerness to…

Moroccan archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery, uncovering two 19th-century shipwrecks near the coastal city of El Jadida. The announcement, made by the National Center for Studies and Research on Underwater Heritage, highlights the nation’s ongoing efforts to preserve its rich maritime history. The shipwrecks, both metal vessels, were found in separate locations—one near El Jadida’s beach and the other close to the entrance of its port. Initial analyses suggest these vessels date back to the late 19th century, a period when the port served as a crucial hub for Morocco’s trade. Historical accounts indicate that several ships, including L’Alcyne,…

Zimbabwe’s political landscape is witnessing a surprising turn as the main opposition party appears open to supporting calls for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to extend his tenure by two years, potentially remaining in office until 2030. This proposed extension would require a national referendum, as Mnangagwa’s constitutionally mandated second and final term is set to end in 2028. In October, Mnangagwa declined a proposal from his party, the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), to extend his rule. ZANU-PF has governed Zimbabwe uninterrupted since the country gained independence in 1980. However, remarks from Sengezo Tshabangu, leader of the opposition in parliament…

A tragic bus crash near the village of Abu Qurain, situated in eastern Libya’s Al-Loud region, has resulted in the deaths of 23 people, with five others sustaining injuries, the Libyan News Agency reported. The update revises earlier figures from the Ministry of Health, which had initially reported eight fatalities and 20 injuries. According to Mohammed Al-Jali, an official from Abu Qurain, the village’s local hospital received seven bodies and one injured person. Additional hospitals in the towns of Hun and Waddan, located in the Jufra district, received 16 bodies and four injured individuals. The bus, which was traveling on…

Ghana’s President John Mahama has announced the elimination of seven government ministries as part of efforts to cut public expenditure under an austerity program backed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The decision, detailed in a gazette dated January 9, will reduce the number of ministries from 30 to 23. The move is part of Mahama’s commitment to streamline the government, aiming for more efficient and cost-effective administration. Key ministries that remain include finance, health, interior, defence, education, energy and green transition, roads and highways, transport, sports and recreation, justice, lands and natural resources, local government and chieftaincy affairs, foreign…

Chad has officially begun the process of removing French military forces, with around 100 French soldiers departing the Abeche base in the country’s east on Saturday. This marks a key step in the withdrawal agreement between the two nations. According to a statement from the Chadian Armed Forces, January 11, 2025, will be remembered as the day French forces vacated the base, following a formal handover ceremony attended by the Minister of Armed Forces, Veterans, and War Victims. The ceremony symbolizes the end of a long-standing French military presence in Chad, which had been a strategic location for French operations…

Mauritius and Britain have announced substantial progress in their ongoing discussions regarding the future of the Chagos Islands, a dispute that has lasted for over half a century. The two nations have been negotiating the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago, which comprises seven atolls in the Indian Ocean, including more than 60 islands, and holds strategic significance due to the presence of a key military base on Diego Garcia. Following recent talks in London, a joint statement from both countries confirmed that “good progress” had been made and that discussions are continuing to find a mutually beneficial resolution. Both Mauritius…