Author: WAJ Team

Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, has outlined the federal government’s bold strategy to revitalize the economy and focus on improving citizens’ welfare. In a recent TV interview, Edun highlighted the government’s dedication to food security, emphasizing efforts to make nutritious food both affordable and accessible to all Nigerians. He shared that the administration is tackling food prices through both reserve utilization and import facilitation. He explained that this strategy, supported by the President’s resolve, aims to make food more readily available and reduce living costs. Edun noted that enhancing food production is essential…

Niger’s military-led government has announced it is ending diplomatic relations with Ukraine, becoming the second African nation to do so. This decision follows comments from a Ukrainian official perceived as supporting rebels in neighboring Mali. The move aligns with Russia’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the Sahel by backing military regimes dealing with separatist and Islamist insurgencies. This development comes after Mali’s military government also severed ties with Ukraine on August 4, accusing it of involvement—an accusation Ukraine denies—in an attack by rebels that led to the deaths of many Malian soldiers and Russian mercenaries. Ukraine has not…

Former Malian Prime Minister Moussa Mara has opted to give up his pension, believing that the funds would be better used to support the public. In a letter to current Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga, Mara detailed that his decision was made to alleviate the pressure on public finances and to direct scarce resources toward more essential services for the people. Mara served as prime minister from 2014 to 2015 and previously held the position of minister of town planning. He also ran for president in 2013 but was defeated by Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta in the runoff election. Mara’s pension…

Imane Khelif, amid a gender controversy, secured a unanimous decision victory over Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng in the welterweight semi-finals at the Paris Olympics on Tuesday, moving on to the women’s final at Roland Garros. Khelif, a 2022 World Championship silver medalist, and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting have garnered significant attention, becoming key subjects in both media coverage and social media discussions throughout the Olympics. “I prefer not to discuss the controversy,” Khelif remarked after her victory. Khelif and Lin were barred by the International Boxing Association from participating in the 2023 World Championships in New Delhi. The association announced in…

Nigerian police reported on Tuesday that they had arrested over 90 individuals carrying Russian flags during protests against economic hardship, now in their sixth day. Thousands of people had joined demonstrations last week to protest against government policies and the high cost of living, as Africa’s most populous nation faces its worst economic crisis in decades. Although the protests have largely subsided after clashes with security forces, hundreds of demonstrators continued to take to the streets on Monday in northern states like Kaduna, Katsina, and Kano, as well as in central Plateau state. Some demonstrators were seen carrying Russian flags,…

According to local authorities, over 40 people have died from hunger in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area in the last two months. Information Minister Oleyo Akuer reported that three elderly women starved to death last week, increasing the death toll to 43. In June, 18 people died in Pocholla, 12 in Likwangole, 6 in Jebal Buma, and 7 in Marwo and Loprap. Akuer mentioned that three elderly women in Pocholla South also succumbed to hunger, bringing the total number of deaths in Pochalla to 15. Furthermore, six people died each in Jebal Buma and Marwo, while Loprap experienced severe hunger,…

Niger’s prolonged struggle with terrorism is impacting the efficiency of its extractive sectors. To address the security challenges, the nation plans to grow its armed forces to 100,000 by 2030.Niger has announced plans to create a “Command of Forces for Protection and Development” to address “terrorist attacks on strategic sites,” including its oil wells, the nearly 2,000 km pipeline to Sèmè-Kpodji (Benin), uranium mines, and trade routes. Colonel-Major Moukaila Sofiani, director of strategic studies at the Ministry of Defense, stated that the initiative aims to prevent sabotage, terrorist attacks, and other security threats to these crucial sites, in response to…

Toumani Diabaté will be celebrated globally for his unparalleled mastery of the kora, a revered 21-string instrument from West Africa. In Mali, his impact is even broader: he is remembered not only as the supreme kora virtuoso but also as a patron of the arts, an advocate for HIV awareness, and a key figure in a prestigious griot family. Born on August 10, 1965, in Bamako, Diabaté grew up in a musical environment. His mother, Nama Koïta, was a singer, while his father, Sidiki Diabaté, was honored as the king of the kora at the historic Festac ’77 festival in…

Reaching the home of 79-year-old Matlohang Moloi involves a steep ascent through the mountainous terrain that defines Lesotho’s high elevation. As a mother of ten, Matlohang welcomes visitors into her meticulously maintained home, showcasing photos of her large family. The discussion revolves around her eldest son, Tlohang. At the age of 38, Tlohang became part of a disheartening statistic: Lesotho, known as the kingdom in the sky, has the highest suicide rate globally. Matlohang remembers her son as a loving individual who had confided in her about his mental health struggles. She recalls him mentioning, on the day he took…

Burundi has joined Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania in implementing the ONA, a system that effectively cuts down on high telecommunications expenses in the region. Effective August 1, 2024, the East African Community (EAC) One Network Area (ONA) has been extended to include Burundi. The Burundi Telecommunications Regulation and Control Agency (ACRT) announced on July 29, 2024, that new regional roaming rates will apply starting August 1, 2024, in line with Decree No. 100/202 issued on October 2, 2023, regarding Burundi’s integration into the EAC ONA. Burundi now joins Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania in the…

A Tunisian court has sentenced several prospective presidential candidates to prison and prohibited them from participating in the upcoming election. This decision, reported by local media, politicians, and a lawyer, is seen by critics as an effort to eliminate key challengers to President Kais Saied in the October vote. The court’s ruling on Monday involved well-known figures such as politician Abdel Latif Mekki, activist Nizar Chaari, Judge Mourad Massoudi, and another candidate, Adel Dou. Lawyer Mokthar Jmai informed Reuters that each of the four received an eight-month prison term and was barred from running for office due to allegations of…

A 36-year-old resident of Magopane ward, Ramotswa, who is implicated in a series of 15 rape cases, appeared before Extension II Magistrates Court today to answer to a new charge of sexual assault. Gomolemo Leeto is accused of raping a 30-year-old woman from Moeng ward in Ramotswa on July 28 this year. In court, it was reported that during the attack, Leeto recognized the victim and tried to strangle her. However, she managed to escape and report the crime to the police, leading to his arrest. Investigating officer Lucas Tibone disclosed that upon Leeto’s arrest, it was found that he…

For South Africa’s new government of national unity (GNU), addressing the country’s energy crisis is the most pressing and critical priority. Persistent power outages, locally known as “load-shedding,” have severely impacted the South African economy. These scheduled blackouts can leave households without electricity for hours at a time. The economic effects are substantial: consultants PwC estimate that load-shedding likely reduced potential real GDP growth by five percentage points in 2022, while the South Africa Reserve Bank forecasts a 0.6 percentage point reduction in GDP growth for this year. The frustration and inconvenience experienced by South Africans are significant but hard…

On Friday, the High Court in Pretoria ruled that the Afrikaner-only township of Kleinfontein, located in the eastern part of the city, is illegal. The court found that the approximately 650 residents of the township are unlawfully occupying the land. It was determined that Kleinfontein Aandeleblok (Edms) Bpk, the entity overseeing the township, had violated the law by permitting shareholders to use the land for residential purposes without meeting necessary legal requirements. The court has directed the City of Tshwane to promptly enforce all relevant planning and building regulations concerning the Kleinfontein settlement. Although criminal prosecution is a potential course…

On Monday night, eight suspected criminals who were allegedly preparing to carry out a cash-in-transit robbery were killed in a gunfight with police in Town Two, Khayelitsha. Brigadier Novela Potelwa from the Western Cape police reported that a combined team of Hawks members, intelligence officers, Special Task Force operatives, and security personnel had been investigating leads on a potential robbery. When the team closed in on the suspects, the individuals opened fire, leading to a shoot-out where eight suspects were killed and five others were taken into custody. The police recovered seven AK-47 rifles, two R5 rifles, four additional firearms,…

The M23 rebels have taken control of the Ishasha border, forcing Congolese government security officials to flee to the Ugandan side in Kanungu District. This is the third major border post captured by the M23 rebels from the Congolese government, following the takeovers of Bunagana in June 2022 and Kitagoma in October 2022, both near Uganda’s Kisoro District. M23 spokesperson Lt Col Willy Ngoma confirmed the capture of the Ishasha border in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on August 5, 2024. Lt Col Ngoma confirmed in a phone interview that their forces took over the Ishasha border post in…

Rwanda has uniquely maintained progress in implementing the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and meeting the Malabo declaration commitments, which aim to be fulfilled by 2025. The Malabo declaration, adopted in June 2014 by African Union (AU) leaders in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, aims to accelerate agricultural development and secure food availability across Africa. Upon adopting the declaration, African nations committed to seven key objectives, including increasing agricultural investment, with a target for governments to allocate 10 percent of their annual national budgets to agriculture from 2015 to 2025. Additionally, the declaration includes goals to eliminate hunger in Africa by…

Unhappy Zimbabweans living in South Africa plan to protest in Pretoria on Tuesday, August 6, heading to the Zimbabwean embassy in response to a significant hike in passport fees. The Zimbabwean consulate in Johannesburg announced on July 26 that the passport price would increase from R3,100 to over R4,500, nearly a 50% rise. This announcement prompted over 1,000 Zimbabweans to sign a petition requesting the government to reconsider the decision. The demonstration will start at 10 a.m., with participants gathering at an open area on Madiba Street and Stanza Bopape Street.The protest route will begin at the gathering point, proceed…

According to the railway transport news portal Railway Supply, Gabon’s government and the Société d’exploitation du Transgabonais (SETRAG) have reached an agreement for the second phase of upgrading the Trans-Gabon Railway. This 648 km railway connects Libreville, the capital on the Atlantic coast, with Franceville in the southeastern part of the country. The upgrades will take place along the stretches from Ndjolé to Alamba and from Mvengué to Franceville. As part of the modernization, new rails weighing 60 kg/m will be installed, replacing the old 50 kg/m rails, and wooden sleepers will be replaced with two-block concrete ones. The total…

On Monday, Mozambique’s President Filipe Nyusi urged a frank dialogue on drug trafficking and its impact in Eastern and Southern Africa. Addressing the third high-level meeting of the Eastern and Southern African Commission on Drugs (ESACD) in Maputo, Nyusi called for both policy reforms and increased regional collaboration. He emphasized the need to confront uncomfortable truths about the drug trade, stating, “Some individuals gain wealth from the suffering of others, and we must act decisively to stop this.” Nyusi stressed the importance of direct and open discussions, warning that delays can lead to adverse outcomes. He highlighted that investing in…

On Monday, the federal government issued a travel alert advising its citizens who are planning to visit the United Kingdom. In a statement issued by Amb. Eche Abu-Obe, the spokesperson for the Minister of Interior, the government highlighted the heightened risk of violence linked to recent riots in the UK. The statement cautioned that “the recent riots in the UK have led to an increased risk of violence and disorder.” It advised Nigerian travelers to the UK to be “extra cautious and take necessary precautions.” Nigerians are urged to avoid political demonstrations, protests, rallies, marches, crowded locations, and large gatherings.…

Despite President Bola Tinubu’s appeal for dialogue, protesters continued their nationwide demonstrations against hardship and hunger for the fourth consecutive day on Monday, August 5. The demonstrators, advocating for improved economic conditions and governance, took to the streets across the country, disregarding the president’s request to halt the protests. Moreover, the organizers of the “End Bad Governance in Nigeria” movement have scheduled an international press conference for August 5 at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota, Lagos State. Omoyele Sowore, who has run for president twice and is viewed as a leading figure in the protests, shared the latest news…

In Johannesburg’s Sunnydale Ridge, the South African Police Service’s Special Task Force (STF) has rescued ninety Ethiopian nationals who were being held in severe and inhumane conditions. The rescue operation was part of a broader investigation into a kidnapping case. While tracking a ransom victim, the STF discovered the undocumented individuals locked in cramped and confined spaces. The authorities are investigating how these individuals were trafficked into South Africa. The rescued Ethiopians, including the kidnapping victim from Benoni—who had been abducted and whose family faced demands for a significant ransom—have been transported to a hospital for medical evaluation and care.…

In response to the severe fighting between government forces and armed groups in Eastern DRC, thousands of refugees have crossed into Uganda. Maj. Kiconco Tabaro, Defence Public Information Officer for the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division, reported that over 2,000 refugees have arrived in Uganda in the past 72 hours, fleeing from regions including Katwiguru, Kiwanja, Binza, Kiseguro, Kiringa, Masisi, Bwenza, Walungu, and Rutchuru. Tabaro pointed out that civilians near the Ugandan border, particularly the elderly, sick, pregnant women, and children, are facing heightened risks of violence, hunger, displacement, and cultural loss due to the ongoing conflict. He emphasized, “The influx…

The country’s Mpox case count has risen to 24 following the detection of two more laboratory-confirmed cases in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. This update, released by the Department of Health on Sunday, comes 26 days after the last case was reported. With the new cases, the total now stands at 24, with 12 in Gauteng, 11 in KwaZulu-Natal, and one in the Western Cape. The number of deaths linked to the disease remains at three. The 23rd case is a 36-year-old man from KwaZulu-Natal who was admitted to a Durban public health facility in late July with symptoms resembling Mpox, including…

The ruling junta claims that Kiev played a role in the significant defeat of the Malian army and the Wagner Group at the end of July during clashes with separatists and jihadists in the northern region of the country. The Malian government, on Sunday, August 4, resolved to “immediately cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine,” according to its spokesperson, Colonel Abdoulaye Maïga. Abdoulaye Maïga, in a statement, expressed the Malian government’s “deep astonishment” at Andriy Yusov’s remarks. Yusov, spokesperson for Ukrainian military intelligence, admitted Ukraine’s involvement in a “cowardly, treacherous, and barbaric” attack by armed terrorist groups that resulted in the…

Soilless farming is proving essential for boosting food security among internally displaced people (IDPs) who live in camps or densely populated areas with limited agricultural space. As land access becomes increasingly difficult, these resourceful women have turned to soilless methods in compact areas, showing promising results. This innovative approach is even fostering entrepreneurial spirit among some displaced women. In a modest courtyard shielded from roaming livestock, women diligently manage weeds in small containers under the intense sun. While their labor might seem simple to outsiders, it’s second nature for these dedicated individuals. In their well-organized, secure environment, these women are…

At the Paris Games on Sunday, Algeria’s Kaylia Nemour made history by becoming the first African gymnast to earn an Olympic medal. She won gold with a remarkable asymmetric bars routine that thrilled the audience at Bercy Arena. The 17-year-old delivered a high-energy performance with intricate release-and-catch moves, impressing fans who had previously seen her compete for France. China’s Qiu Qiyuan, the 2023 world champion, secured the silver medal, while American gymnast Sunisa Lee earned her second consecutive Olympic bronze on the apparatus with a score of 14.800 points. The 17-year-old, Nemour delivered a high-speed routine with complex release-and-catch elements…

Nigeria’s president has called for an end to the widespread protests against economic challenges, describing the rallies as violent and attributing them to “a few with a political agenda.” Despite this appeal, the protests continued on Sunday for a fourth day in several areas, including Lagos. The protests, which started on Thursday, have been marked by incidents of looting, vandalism, and allegations of excessive force by security forces. Amnesty International has reported that nine protesters were killed in clashes with police and four others died from a bomb explosion. Nigerian authorities have disputed these claims. In his first public response…

President Bola Tinubu declared that his administration is enacting bold economic policies to drive the nation’s economy out of the downturns caused by various global shocks. He also emphasized the need for global cooperation among African nations to address their common economic challenges and seize opportunities. Speaking at the opening of the 2024 African Caucus Meeting in Abuja, the President stated, “Our government has launched ambitious economic reforms designed to guide our economy away from the setbacks caused by global shocks and toward a path of recovery and resilience through substantial economic transformation.” “Our reform efforts are strategically focused on…

On Friday, more opposition members were arrested in Zimbabwe as the hearing for four democracy activists, who are seeking the release of opposition leader Jameson Timba, was postponed. The ruling ZANU-PF party, which has been in power since 1980, has long been criticized for undermining democracy and suppressing dissent. Human Rights Watch indicates that an intensifying crackdown on opposition and civil society groups is occurring in advance of the regional summit Zimbabwe will host in August. Home Minister Kazembe Kazembe has accused the opposition of orchestrating protests around the summit to provoke a “heavy-handed response” and gain international attention. Jameson…

On Friday, the United States was eliminated from the Olympic men’s soccer tournament following a 4-0 defeat to Morocco in the quarterfinals. Soufiane Rahimi, Ilias Akhomach, Achraf Hakimi, and Mehdi Maouhoub scored for Morocco at Parc des Princes, ending the U.S. team’s medal hopes at the Paris Games. Morocco, buoyed by strong support in Paris, will compete against the winner of the Japan vs. Spain match in the semifinals in Marseille on Monday. Despite making it to the quarterfinals for the first time since Sydney 2000, the U.S. was outplayed by a Moroccan team that had already defeated Argentina in…

In a recent address to her congregation at Covenant Nations Church, Patience Museveni Rwabwogo recounted a distressing financial challenge her family faced, nearly leading to the auction of their home due to unpaid mortgage. Patience Rwabwogo, daughter of President Museveni, revealed that their family’s home was at risk of foreclosure more than 18 years ago when financial difficulties caused delays in mortgage payments. Despite their high-profile status, they struggled with accumulating interest and the looming threat of losing their property. Ms. Rwabwogo shared that their income from business ventures had become strained, resulting in a backlog of mortgage payments. The…

In 2007, the African Union introduced the Great Green Wall (GGW) initiative, an ambitious project aimed at rehabilitating 100 million hectares of degraded land, capturing 250 million tons of carbon, and generating 10 million green jobs by 2030. Effort Has Rehabilitated 20 Million Hectares of Land Initially, the GGW involved 11 countries spanning Africa: Burkina Faso, Chad, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, and Sudan. Over time, Algeria, Benin, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Libya, Nigeria, Somalia, and Tunisia have also joined. Seventeen years into the project, significant progress has been made, with around 20 million hectares of…

Nigerians from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have launched a major protest aimed at ending bad governance. The demonstrators are rallying against the high cost of living, widespread hunger, rising unemployment, and inadequate access to quality education. Our digital reporter spoke with Lagos residents participating in the #EndBadGovernanceProtest in Ojota, who shared their reasons for joining the movement. One protester expressed deep frustration over the escalating prices, stating, “The suffering in this country is unbearable. The price of commodities is so high that we can’t afford basic necessities like pepper and rice—items we used to enjoy as…

Film Africa’s 11th edition is set to bring together a diverse range of film talent from Africa and its diaspora, highlighting the vibrant contributions Africans make to cinema. The festival will showcase how the expanding African film industry leverages digital technology to craft compelling narratives, enhancing its distinctive style and the vast potential for creative storytelling. This year’s festival will feature a meticulously curated selection of over 70 films across various London venues. It will kick off with an Opening Ceremony on October 25th, featuring directors and key cast members, and will wrap up with a Closing Celebration on November…

While the Malawian police are aware of the smuggling activities, their efforts are hampered by bribery. Nearly two weeks after a dramatic raid by the Malawian army on Dzaleka Refugee Camp, Malawi, aimed at dismantling people smuggling networks, public support for the operation remains high but is mixed with concern that these entrenched networks may quickly reconstitute themselves. On July 18, over 200 people were arrested when the army, with no prior warning, launched a raid to disrupt a lucrative operation transporting undocumented young men from rural Ethiopia to seek employment in urban South Africa. The raid caused widespread panic,…

Fatoumata Sylla has made history as the first athlete from Guinea to compete in archery at the Olympic Games. This remarkable feat underscores not only her personal dedication but also marks a significant moment for Guinean sports on the global stage. The Olympic Games have always been a symbol of competition, self-improvement, and profound emotions. Archery, known for its elegance and precision, stood out during the ranking round at Les Invalides, where Sylla made a notable impact representing Guinea. With guidance from her coach, Howard Catherine, Sylla achieved significant milestones, pushing her limits and improving her skills. Her journey to…

The European Union (EU) has unveiled a €32 million initiative designed to improve vaccine production in Ghana. This announcement was made at the Ghana-EU Business Forum in Accra. The initiative, called the Special Measure on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines, and Health Technologies in Africa (MAV+), aims to enhance Ghana’s healthcare system by increasing access to high-quality health products, with a particular focus on vaccines. Ghana’s objectives for development Myriam Ferran, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission, highlighted the EU’s dedication to supporting Ghana’s development objectives. She pointed out that the initiative is anticipated to not only enhance the…

The University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK) has obtained advanced endoscopy technology that integrates endoscopy and ultrasound. This innovation allows for the simultaneous evaluation of gastrointestinal issues and the performance of minimally invasive biopsies. Officials note that Rwanda is among the few nations in sub-Saharan Africa to adopt this technology. Referred to as echo-endoscopy or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), this technology provides detailed images and data of the digestive tract and nearby tissues and organs, enhancing the diagnosis of conditions such as pancreatic cancer and bile duct stones. Dr. Martin Nyundo, CHUK’s Director of Clinical Services, praised the new diagnostic equipment…

A food security report supported by the United Nations determined on Thursday that over a year of conflict in Sudan has driven certain regions of North Darfur into famine, including a camp for displaced individuals sheltering over 500,000 people. The report indicates that, for the first time in the history of the IPC survey in Sudan, extreme hunger conditions are expected, with 14 regions identified as “at risk of famine” in the near future, according to U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. Although it provides the necessary evidence, the IPC does not officially declare famine. The IPC indicates that severe hunger is…

In her final Olympic appearance, Tatjana Smith added another remarkable chapter to her storied career. While she didn’t achieve the fairytale ending of retaining her 200m breaststroke gold medal, she secured a silver medal behind the USA’s Kate Douglass in a highly competitive race. Smith gave her all in the thrilling race, ultimately finishing with a smile. Afterward, she confirmed it was her last Olympic race. It was a fitting conclusion to an illustrious career. The determination and tenacity she displayed in defending her 200m breaststroke title highlighted her legacy as much, if not more, than her impressive haul of…

On Thursday, South Africa’s government condemned the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, warning that it could escalate the turmoil in the Middle East. The attack in Tehran is widely believed to have been executed by Israel, though there has been no official comment from the Israeli government. South Africa, a strong critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza, has drawn comparisons between the plight of Palestinians and the experiences of Black South Africans during apartheid—an analogy Israel disputes. The South African government expressed concern that the killing of Haniyeh and ongoing attacks on Gaza civilians could further heighten regional tensions.…

Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) has revealed Uganda’s inaugural electric mobility expo alongside an open house event at the Kiira Vehicle Plant (KVP). The expo is scheduled for Friday, August 16, 2024, at the Kiira Vehicle Plant in Jinja, running from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Held under the theme “The Future is Green; The Future is Now,” this pioneering event aims to explore, showcase, and promote the adoption of electric mobility solutions in Uganda. The Kiira Vehicle Open House and E-Mobility Expo 2024 will bring together over 200 industry leaders, potential customers, suppliers, policymakers, investors, innovators, and the public to…

The 7th SADC Industrialization Week (SIW) commenced on Sunday, with the theme “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustainable Economic Growth and Development Towards an Industrialized SADC.” This event served as a precursor to the 44th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit, which took place on August 17 in Harare, where President Mnangagwa assumed the Chairmanship of the regional bloc. Vice President Dr. Constantino Chiwenga and other dignitaries arrived at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC). President Mnangagwa also arrived for the official opening ceremony. Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndhlovu delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the significance of…

The term “invasive alien birds” might sound like a plotline from a Hollywood thriller, but for residents of coastal Kenya, it’s a serious issue. Concerned about the disturbances caused by Indian house crows, authorities have initiated a campaign to cull a million of these birds. Unlike the human-targeted terror of Hitchcock’s The Birds, these crows have been causing significant problems for years by preying on wildlife, raiding tourist spots, and attacking poultry farms. The first phase of this eradication effort involves using poison in Watamu and Malindi, with the goal of preventing the crows from advancing toward Nairobi. Known locally…

On Thursday, security sources reported that a bomb detonated in a teahouse in a village in northeastern Nigeria, resulting in 19 deaths and injuring around 24 others. The explosion that occurred Wednesday night in Kawuri village, Borno State, stands out as one of the most lethal in recent years in northeast Nigeria, a region where jihadist violence has been decreasing. Ibrahim Liman, a member of an anti-jihadist militia collaborating with the army, reported, that the blast at a teahouse around 8:00 pm resulted in 19 deaths and 27 injuries. This information was corroborated by two other militia members.

On Wednesday, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party appointed Junet Mohamed, the Suna East MP, as the new Minority Leader in the National Assembly. Junet has taken over the role previously held by Ugunja MP James Opiyo Wandayi, who was recently appointed by President William Ruto as the Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary. In a related move, the ODM party has nominated Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo as the new Minority Whip in the National Assembly, succeeding Junet Mohamed in that position.Meanwhile, Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has been appointed as the Chairperson of the National Assembly’s Public Accounts…

Since the start of the year, at least 163 people have died from Lassa fever, with 933 cases confirmed in the West African country. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDCP) has reported that 163 people have died from Lassa fever so far this year, with 933 cases confirmed. At the same time in 2023, 165 deaths were reported from 165 confirmed cases. For 2024, Lassa fever has been recorded in 28 states and 125 local government areas across Nigeria, which includes 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Bauchi, Edo, and Ondo states account for 65%…

After surviving a drone attack in eastern Sudan on Wednesday, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the de facto ruler, rejected any negotiations with the RSF paramilitaries. The army reported that the drone strike on a ceremony at the Gibet base, where Burhan was attending a graduation event, resulted in five fatalities. Addressing his troops at the base following the attack, Burhan vowed, “We will not retreat, we will not surrender, and we will not negotiate,” despite appearing unharmed. “We are not afraid of drones,” he declared at the Gibet base, located approximately 100 kilometers from Port Sudan, where the army-backed government…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has enacted a law granting the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) the authority to probe serious crimes involving police officers and municipal police members, regardless of whether they are on or off duty. In a statement on Wednesday, Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for the Presidency, noted that the new law enables IPID to investigate any fatalities resulting from the actions of members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) or municipal police services. Magwenya stated, “IPID now has the authority to investigate cases of rape involving members of the SAPS or municipal police services, whether they were on…

According to the latest report from the African Development Bank (AfDB), Rwanda requires an annual investment of at least $3.4 billion to achieve significant structural transformation, which would boost productivity and shift the country towards a knowledge-based economy. The report, titled “Driving Rwanda’s Transformation: The Reform of the Global Financial Architecture,” was released on July 31 and aligns with AfDB’s annual economic outlook. It evaluates how different countries have accessed the necessary finance for their structural transformation and advocates for a reformation of the global financial system to better support African economies. Structural transformation involves moving from low-productivity, labor-intensive sectors…

On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Ouagadougou, the National Police, National Gendarmerie, and National Fire Brigade hosted the inaugural feedback workshop (RETEX). The session, led by Inspector General of Police Jean-Alexandre Darga, Director General of the National Police, focused on the theme “What synergy of actions in the face of security challenges?” To improve field operations, the internal security forces paused to exchange experiences. This feedback meeting (RETEX) will be an ongoing initiative. Commander Kouagri Natama, Chief of Staff of the National Gendarmerie, praised the initiative and emphasized the value of sharing experiences in combating insecurity. “These individual experiences become…

Human Rights Watch has accused Tanzania of forcibly removing indigenous tribes from their ancestral land in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. According to a report released on Wednesday, the rights group details a Tanzanian government program aimed at relocating 82,000 people to repurpose the land for wildlife conservation, tourism, and hunting. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, located in northern Tanzania, is a U.N. World Heritage Site managed by the Tanzanian government. The Maasai tribe has coexisted with wild animals in the area for centuries. In 2022, the Tanzanian government initiated a program to promote the voluntary relocation of the Maasai tribe from…

Sudan’s military leader, Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has survived an assassination attempt, according to the army spokesman. Nabil Abdallah attributed the attack to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been in conflict with the army for the past 16 months over control of the country. The spokesperson reported that two drones targeted an army graduation ceremony, resulting in the deaths of five individuals at a base in Jabait, an area under military control. The RSF has yet to comment on the incident, which follows the recent agreement by Gen Burhan’s government to conditionally participate in US-mediated peace talks…

The government has achieved notable advancements in resolving court cases through various Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods, leading to substantial financial savings and more efficient judicial processes. In the 2023/2024 period, over 12,000 cases were settled through mediation and plea-bargaining, resulting in a savings of Rwf 7,504,967,480 from 38 mediation trials. In the previous year, 2022/2023, the country saved Rwf 9,558,832,028 using similar approaches, and the year before saw savings of over Rwf 11 billion. According to Harrison Mutabazi, a court spokesperson, 6,848 cases have been resolved through mediation over the past seven years. In the 2023/2024 judicial year alone,…

The Nairobi High Court has issued a groundbreaking ruling, directing the government to pay over Ksh470 million to the families of Garissa University students who were killed or injured in the 2015 terror attack. On Wednesday, July 31, Justices Antony Ndung’u, Mugure Thande, and Daniel Kemei issued the judgment, concluding that the state was negligent in its responsibility to safeguard the students. The court granted Ksh3 million each to the families of the 148 students who were killed in the 2015 Garissa University attack. For the 14 survivors who were injured and brought the case to court with Kituo Cha…

The inaugural United Nations Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa, hosted in Zimbabwe, represents a major advancement for both the nation and the continent. Held in Victoria Falls, the forum underscored Zimbabwe’s dedication to using gastronomy as a driver for sustainable tourism growth both locally and across Africa. Under the patronage of First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa and in partnership with the Basque Culinary Centre, the event gathered approximately 200 delegates from 33 countries, including 11 ministers and deputy ministers, along with representatives from the African Union (AU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the Food and Agriculture…

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has informed Nigerians that while they take part in protests against the government, he and other officials will continue to benefit from President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Akpabio made this remark during a meeting with the NDDC executive management, Niger Delta ethnic groups, and other stakeholders in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, just days before the planned nationwide protests from August 1 to 10. The protests, led primarily by youths, are aimed at addressing issues of poverty, unemployment, and economic hardship. Despite concerns that these protests could cost the economy around N4 trillion and further strain the already…

Violent protests against MTN Nigeria, following the blocking of some subscribers’ lines over the weekend, are exacerbating tensions in the West African nation. In response to the vandalism, MTN has closed its stores across the country. This unrest aligns with nationwide protests scheduled to begin on Tuesday, as Nigerians demonstrate against corruption and the worsening economy under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The day before the protests, mobile network operators face a deadline to deregister clients who have not complied with the government mandate to link their SIM cards to their national identity numbers (NIN). Days before the deadline, some mobile…

Cape Town – Today is the deadline for the city’s homeless in the downtown area to dismantle their tent cities and vacate, or they risk having their structures demolished and facing legal action from the sheriff. A court order from the Western Cape High Court has authorized the City to remove hundreds of unauthorized individuals from public spaces in the CBD starting August 1. The affected areas include Buitengracht Street, FW de Klerk Boulevard, Foregate Square, the taxi rank and Foreshore, Helen Suzman Boulevard, Strand Street, Foreshore/N1, Virginia Avenue, and Mill Street Bridge. The initial eviction notice was issued in…