Author: WAJ Team

In a letter sent Tuesday to King Mohammed VI of Morocco, celebrating the 25th anniversary of his reign, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Rabat’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara is “the only foundation for achieving a just, lasting, and negotiated political resolution.” This message elicited a strong reaction from the Polisario Front, which advocates for independence, and its main supporter, Algeria. The Algerian foreign ministry announced that its diplomatic representation in France is now managed by a chargé d’affaires, condemning Macron’s statement as an “unprecedented move by any previous French administration.” Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, is predominantly…

On Monday, Guinea’s transitional authorities unveiled a draft of a new constitution aimed at reducing and setting limits on presidential terms, potentially enabling current military leader Mamady Doumbouya to run in the next presidential election. The junta, which seized power in a 2021 coup, had initially proposed a two-year transition to elections by 2022 after discussions with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). However, there has been little progress toward organizing a vote. The new draft constitution, which will be subject to a referendum yet to be scheduled, could signal a return to constitutional governance for the West…

An oil spill has triggered a major emergency on South Africa’s west coast following the MV Ultra Galaxy, a Panama-registered cargo ship, breaking apart over the weekend. The vessel, which had run aground on July 9 while headed to Dar es Salaam with a fertilizer cargo, was severely damaged by strong waves from a cold front impacting the Western and Northern Cape regions. This led to an immediate activation of South Africa’s Oil Spill Contingency Plan. According to the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), the ship split into four sections, with one of its fuel tanks rupturing and causing…

In response to the increasing spread of disinformation in Burkinabe digital spaces, the National Center for the Coordination of the Early Warning and Response Mechanism (CN-CMAPR), in collaboration with the NGO Search For Common Ground (SFCG), held an awareness-raising workshop for community leaders and journalists on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Bobo-Dioulasso. Captain Franck Sarambé, representing the Permanent Secretary of the National Center for the Coordination of the Early Warning and Response Mechanism (CN-CMAPR), stated that this gathering is part of the government’s initiative to prevent and counter digital threats that compromise the country’s social cohesion and stability. “Disinformation has…

Public health experts are worried that a new variant of Mpox, known as the clade I virus, which emerged last year in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), might spread further into the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). To date, Burundi and Rwanda have reported cases linked to North Kivu in the DRC. Last week, health officials in Burundi reported two cases in Bujumbura and one in Isare. In Rwanda, two cases among refugees, traced back to the conflict-affected North Kivu, were identified. Edson Rwagasore, the head of public health surveillance and emergency…

In 1872, Leland Stanford, founder of Stanford University, enlisted the help of eccentric inventor Eadweard Muybridge to settle a debated question: did a trotting horse ever have all four feet off the ground at once? Muybridge, an accomplished photographer, captured blurry images of a horse in mid-trot, demonstrating that the naked eye can’t easily perceive rapid, subtle movements. His work contributed to the development of cinematography and included photographing various animals in motion, though he did not capture hippos. Regarding hippos, Muybridge speculated that their fastest gait on land was likely an amble, possibly a trot, but with minimal or…

Parents, students, and teachers at Kamuwunga Primary School in Lukaya Town Council, Kalungu District, are enduring significant disruptions due to flooding that has displaced them for several months. The school has had to move into tents for shelter. Floodwaters have inundated the area for the past seven months, and the school community is calling on authorities to find a lasting solution to prevent future flooding. “These floods began in December 2023, and nothing has been done to address the situation or clear the area,” said Scholastica Apiding, the headteacher of Kamuwunga Primary School. Despite the attempts by local authorities and…

Rwanda and DR Congo’s foreign ministers are set to meet in Luanda, Angola, on Tuesday, July 30, to discuss the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nations. By Tuesday morning, a Rwandan delegation, led by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Olivier Nduhungirehe, had arrived in the Angolan capital. This meeting follows a recent agreement between the two countries’ foreign ministers, made during an East African Community (EAC) meeting in Zanzibar, Tanzania, to address security issues causing diplomatic strains. This will be the second meeting in Luanda regarding the conflict in eastern DR Congo, with the first having taken…

The departure of Samia Suluhu Hassan’s deputy from Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) on July 29, following the removal of two prominent party figures from the cabinet, indicates major shifts in Tanzania’s leadership landscape ahead of the upcoming elections. Political heavyweight Abdulrahman Kinana stepped down as vice chairperson of the ruling party, citing exhaustion and the need for rest. In a statement released late Monday, the CCM announced that President Samia, the party leader, accepted Kinana’s resignation “with a heavy heart.” His departure follows closely on the heels of her dismissal of two senior cabinet ministers, who, alongside Kinana, played a…

In Mpigi district, police and security agencies have uncovered four suitcases filled with human skulls in a hideout belonging to Tabula Lujja, the orchestrator of the February 25, 2024, murder of Ndiga clan leader Daniel Bbosa. The skulls were discovered in one of Lujja’s shrines during a July 29, 2024, operation. Lujja, who is currently on the run, is the target of an active manhunt for planning and hiring the individuals who killed Engineer Bbosa in Lungujja, Rubaga division, Kampala, while he was traveling with his family. Deputy Resident District Commissioner (DRDC) Hassan Kasibante confirmed the find on July 29,…

Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has reassured South Africans that the department, in collaboration with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and municipalities, is dedicated to finding a lasting solution to the rising electricity costs. During a media briefing on Monday, he emphasized the urgent need for an effective electricity pricing plan. Ramokgopa also discussed municipal initiatives, like the controversial surcharge, which have been poorly received by communities. He stressed that the focus is not on debating the necessity of such fees but on developing a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the issue. The Minister noted that discussions with SALGA had already…

Since the launch of kidney transplant services in Rwanda last year, all 32 cases requiring such procedures have been successfully managed locally, according to Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, the Minister of Health. The services, which began at King Faisal Hospital (KFH) in May last year, started with three living donor kidney transplants, marking a key achievement in the government’s goal to cut down on costly medical referrals abroad. Before these services were introduced, nearly 70 patients had been referred overseas for kidney transplants, with costs exceeding Rwf 800 million. A June 2023 article by Rwandan doctors in the Rwanda Public Health…

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa officially handed over St. Charles Lwanga Church to the Kigarama parishioners in Mitooma District, Uganda, on Sunday. The ceremony began with a thanksgiving mass led by Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha of Mbarara Archdiocese. The church, which is 83 percent complete, was consecrated by the archbishop with Tayebwa’s support. Fr. Bainomugisha praised Tayebwa for his generous contribution and urged the congregation to follow his example by giving back to the community and serving God. He also extended gratitude to Tayebwa’s father, Mzee Daudi Bangirana, for his role in this project and encouraged everyone to contribute to their communities.…

On Monday, King Mohammed VI of Morocco pardoned three journalists who had been detained for several years, alongside hundreds of other prisoners whose sentences were commuted to commemorate the monarch’s 25th year on the throne. Among the 2,476 people granted clemency were Omar Radi, Soulaimane Raissouni, Taoufik Bouachrine, and historian and rights advocate Maati Monjib, according to a government official who requested anonymity. Rights organizations, such as Reporters Without Borders (RSF), had condemned the imprisonment of Radi and Raissouni, who were detained since 2021 on charges of sexual assault, which they denied. Human Rights Watch accused Morocco of using criminal…

Tatjana Smith (formerly Schoenmaker) surged from behind to claim Team South Africa’s first gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning the women’s 100m breaststroke final on Monday night. Smith, who secured silver in this event at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, had to close the gap after China’s Tang Qianting raced ahead from the start. Qianting completed the first 50m in just 29.94 seconds, while Smith turned at 30.62 seconds. Ireland’s Mona McSharry, also performing well in lane two, nearly took the lead with a strong finish. However, Smith, the gold medalist in the 200m breaststroke from Tokyo, made…

Former South African president Jacob Zuma has been expelled from the African National Congress (ANC) after publicly supporting a rival political party and campaigning for them ahead of the upcoming elections in May. Zuma had been a member of the ANC for 65 years. He joined the anti-apartheid movement in 1959 as a young man and, like Nelson Mandela, was imprisoned on Robben Island for his role in fighting against white minority rule. Following the establishment of democracy in South Africa, Zuma, like Mandela, served as president. However, his long association with the ANC came to an unfortunate end on…

The Registrar of Political Parties has refused to reserve names associated with Gen Z for the registration of political parties. Efforts by a segment of Kenya to secure the name for future use failed after the ORPP rejected the request. Simon Maina Mwangi had written to the ORPP to request the reservation of the names. In response to the ORPP’s rejection, Maina has vowed to challenge the decision at the Political Parties Tribunal, arguing that the reason given is invalid. “If you claim Gen-Z is discriminatory, what about Farmers Party? Not everyone is a farmer. We’ll be taking this to…

The perplexing case of how a facility legally registered and run by an accredited security training provider became an illegal military training camp for undocumented Libyans has raised serious concerns in South Africa. The recent raid, which led to the arrest of 95 Libyans, highlights issues of weak border controls and possible immigration corruption, turning the country into a potential haven for terrorists. Adding to the unease, recent reports suggest that some individuals within South Africa may be funding the rising Islamist insurgencies on the continent. This situation is troubling for South Africa, which already faces a high level of…

The Judiciary has rolled out Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) County Action Plans and Suites in Trans Nzoia County to bridge a notable justice gap of approximately 17 percent, affecting those who often forgo seeking justice. At the launch event, Supreme Court Judge and Kenya Judiciary Academy Director Smokin Wanjala announced the establishment of three AJS Suites (Ukumbi) in Kitale, Kiminini, and Cherangany, aiming to broaden access to justice for all Kenyans. Justice Wanjala pointed out that these Suites will function as both physical locations and symbols of hope, independence, and empowerment for the people of Trans Nzoia. He highlighted that…

The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) has revealed that essential veterinary services will now be managed by private operators through the ‘Veterinary Sanitary Mandate’ Scheme, with government supervision. This initiative is designed to make veterinary services more accessible to farmers and strengthen the connection between private veterinarians and the government. The mandate tasks veterinarians with serving both the state and the public in key areas, including the early detection and management of animal diseases. Jean-Claude Ndorimana, Director General of Animal Resources Development at MINAGRI, noted that the increasing livestock population has caused farmers to depend significantly on sector-level…

The introduction of a one-time windfall tax on foreign exchange (FX) gains has led to a sharp drop in the value of Nigerian bank stocks, resulting in a N1.3 trillion decrease in market value for investors on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX). Approved by the National Assembly, this new tax raises the rate on FX gains from 50% to 70%, with the goal of increasing national revenue. The Senate has also proposed changes to the 2023 Finance Act to enforce this tax, causing a significant impact on the stock market. Since the announcement, market capitalization has decreased from N56.929 trillion…

Tuareg rebels in northern Mali reported having killed and injured numerous soldiers and Wagner mercenaries over two days of clashes near the Algerian border. This follows the army’s statement of losing two soldiers while claiming to have killed around 20 rebels. The rebel group, known as the Permanent Strategic Framework for Peace, Security, and Development (CSP-PSD), announced on Saturday that they had captured armored vehicles, trucks, and tankers during the skirmishes in Tinzaouaten on Thursday and Friday. They also claimed to have damaged a helicopter, which subsequently crashed in Kidal, located several hundred kilometers away. The Malian army reported that…

Seven people were killed and many others sustained injuries in a stampede that erupted during a music concert in Kinshasa, Congo’s capital, authorities reported on Sunday. The tragedy occurred on Saturday at the Stade des Martyrs, an 80,000-capacity stadium, where renowned Congolese gospel singer Mike Kalambayi was performing. According to Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba, the chaos began as a large crowd, estimated at around 30,000 people, tried to enter the stadium. The stampede resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, and some of the injured were rushed to intensive care units. The exact cause of the stampede has not yet…

After more than 257 individuals were killed in the disaster, locals hunt desperately for the missing by hand-digging through mud. For days, retired teacher Meaza Tadelu, clinging to hope that his missing wife might still be alive, has watched with despair. Barefoot and frail at 66, he observed as younger volunteers tirelessly dug through mud and debris in search of survivors in his village in Ethiopia’s Gofa Zone. “She went to the nearby market to buy household goods, and I fear she was caught in the mudslide,” Tadelu, a resident of Daly village, said, his clothes and thin hands covered…

On Sunday evening, President William Ruto rejected claims that the government was selling Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to a private investor. He justified the involvement of a private investor in the airport’s development, explaining that the costs of refurbishment were too substantial for the government alone. Speaking at a town hall meeting in Mombasa County, Ruto emphasized the importance of having a private company undertake the upgrade, similar to other infrastructure projects. “Let’s be honest, Kenyans—the airport we have now includes a canvas structure in the middle of the tarmac at the arrivals area. This is a temporary setup that…

France has taken a significant step to remember the African soldiers killed on French army orders in Senegal during World War II, in an effort to ease historical tensions with former colonies, the government announced on Sunday. Six African soldiers — four from Senegal, one from Ivory Coast, and one from present-day Burkina Faso — have been posthumously recognized for “dying for France.” An official from France’s veterans and remembrance ministry informed AFP that this decision was made in advance of the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye events in Senegal in 1944. The official added that this action aligns with…

A company connected to a Cabinet Secretary nominee faced a significant setback in its attempt to operate a new grain bulk terminal after the Supreme Court halted its tender awarded by Kenya Ports Authority. Judges, including Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, Mohammed Ibrahim, Isaac Lenaola, William Ouko, and Smokin Wanjala, issued an order preventing Portside Freight Terminals Limited from developing a grain handling facility at the Port of Mombasa until the resolution of an appeal filed by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah and the Dock Workers Union. The Supreme Court ruled, “Until the consolidated appeal is heard and resolved, a conservatory…

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…

Police have apprehended a former MP who was reportedly found with two briefcases containing suspected counterfeit dollars. The former MP is married to a former corruption suspect who was among several individuals targeted in an all-day operation by the EACC. The EACC is investigating claims of embezzlement of public funds amounting to Sh199 million through fraudulent claims by the National Hospital Insurance Fund for a city health facility between 2021 and 2023. As part of the investigation, the EACC conducted searches at the residences of both the health facility directors and NHIF officials on Thursday. During the search, the former…

On Tuesday, July 23, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide, visited the Nkamira Transit Centre in Rubavu District, Western Province. The camp, which shelters hundreds of Congolese Tutsi refugees, was the focus of her visit. Earlier on Monday, Nderitu had met with President-elect Paul Kagame. During her visit to Nkamira, she was briefed on the conditions in the refugee camps and engaged with residents, many of whom have fled conflict zones in DR Congo, including North Kivu Province. Nderitu listened to their distressing accounts of violence and severe hardships, as reported…

On July 23, the National Assembly acknowledged receiving public recommendations to eliminate the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary. These suggestions were presented to the National Assembly Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations, chaired by Ndindi Nyoro, the Member of Parliament for Kiharu. In its report on the Budget and Appropriations Committee’s First Supplementary Estimates for the Financial Year 2024/25, Parliament stated that the proposal to eliminate the Executive Office currently held by Musalia Mudavadi would be sent to President William Ruto for further action. The committee, led by Ndindi Nyoro, noted that only the Presidency has the authority to…

Accountants are expressing strong objections to what they describe as the illegal profiling of audit firms in the country. Through their regulatory and professional body, they have claimed that some financial institutions are placing discriminatory restrictions on clients of accounting firms concerning the legitimacy of their audited financial statements. The institute has denounced this as an unlawful and unacceptable attempt to undermine its authority. The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) reported that several firms have raised concerns that preference is being given to statements audited by the ‘big four’—PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC), Deloitte, KPMG, and Ernst & Young—over those…

Namibia, a leading diamond exporter in Africa alongside Angola, Botswana, and South Africa, shipped over $940 million worth of diamonds in 2022. The global appetite for natural diamonds has recovered from the COVID-19 downturn, with Namibia’s largest marine diamond company, Debmarine, reporting an 83% sales increase in 2022 compared to the previous year. However, Debmarine CEO Willy Mertens is concerned about the impact of synthetic diamonds on the industry, which could lead to job losses for many Namibians. Though skilled jewelers can identify the difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds, the distinction is not obvious to most consumers. Modern Mining…

South Africa’s consumer inflation continued its downward trend, with the consumer price index dropping to 5.1 percent in June from 5.2 percent in May, according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) data released on Wednesday. Patrick Kelly, chief director for price statistics at Stats SA, noted that the consumer price index had persistently stayed between 5 and 6 percent over the past 10 months. In June, South Africa’s annual food inflation reached its lowest point in 45 months, the data revealed. According to Xinhua news agency, Patrick Kelly reported that food and non-alcoholic beverage inflation had decreased to 4.6 percent…

Namibian Michelle Nehoya has invested nearly $500 (£390) in a visa application to visit Canada, but after more than two years, she still hasn’t received it. The 38-year-old from Windhoek is eager to reunite with her aunt and cousins in Quebec, whom she hasn’t seen in nearly ten years. The application process has required her to complete numerous forms and provide six months of bank statements, an invitation letter, and a detailed travel history. Since there’s no application center in Namibia, she had to travel to South Africa to submit her biometric data, including fingerprints and a photo. Nehoya’s experience…

Since the call for reforms started last month, there has been a resurgence in political parties and coalitions. The push for dialogue and the formation of a broad-based government has created uncertainty about the future of the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition. Wednesday’s Cabinet nominations, which included members of Raila Odinga’s ODM party in President William Ruto’s administration, are likely to disrupt the coalition. Azimio co-principals have been divided since the “handshake” debate began. On Tuesday, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna issued a statement dismissing rumors that the party was joining the government. Leaders accuse Raila of betrayal as ODM…

Dr. Stephen Amoah, Deputy Finance Minister, states that while improvements in the economy will eventually lead to better living conditions for Ghanaians, patience is required. He acknowledges that it is understandable for people to be frustrated by the slow impact of macroeconomic growth on their incomes and daily lives. Dr. Amoah attributes this delay to the largely informal and SME-driven economy, which tends to respond gradually to improvements in macroeconomic indicators like inflation. During a technical briefing organized by the Ministry of Finance on Wednesday, July 24, following the mid-year budget review presentation to Parliament, Dr. Stephen Amoah addressed concerns…

On Wednesday, security forces detained three activists, Abigail Kalenda, Denis Pato, and Ruth Nalunkuma, at a press conference in Kampala. The activists, associated with civil society organizations, were preparing to speak at Hotel Eliana in Ntinda when they were apprehended and taken to an undisclosed location. The raid occurred around 1:30 p.m., with security forces surrounding the hotel and arresting the activists who were about to address the media about the previous day’s anti-corruption march. The activists were charged with unlawful assembly at City Hall Court and held until Thursday morning. They face charges under sections 61 and 62 of…

On Wednesday, July 24, 2024, the President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traore, welcomed a United Nations delegation headed by Under-Secretary-General Amina Mohamed. This visit aligns with the ongoing efforts of the United Nations in Burkina Faso amid the current security and humanitarian crisis. According to Under-Secretary-General Amina Mohamed, the mission aimed to observe the situation in Burkina Faso firsthand to better assist in finding sustainable solutions to the country’s challenges. The discussions with the Head of State focused on two primary issues. “We addressed the crises in the sub-region, including conflicts, governmental changes, and the climate or humanitarian crisis.…

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s enactment of the Climate Change Bill on Tuesday signals the beginning of a new era in unified climate action for South Africa, according to the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC). The new law establishes a legal framework for a comprehensive national response to climate change, including both mitigation and adaptation strategies. This approach represents South Africa’s equitable contribution to the global effort against climate change, the commission stated. The Act mandates that all government bodies review and, if necessary, update their policies and practices to address the risks and vulnerabilities associated with climate change. This requirement goes beyond…

Since dissolving his Cabinet on July 11 following weeks of deadly anti-government rallies, President William Ruto has revealed his second round of nominees for Cabinet Secretaries. In a speech on Wednesday at State House in Nairobi, the President declared Kipchumba Murkomen the CS nominee for Youth Affairs, Sports, and Creative Economy. Murkomen, who served as the transport minister in the previous Cabinet, was given the Youth docket, which Ababu Namwamba had previously held. As for the ministries of trade and investments, Salim Mvurya, the former head of the mining ministry, has been nominated, and John Mbadi, the chairman of the…

On Tuesday, Science and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande introduced a new program aimed at fostering collaboration between South Africa and Palestine through science diplomacy. Nzimande announced that the new program will focus on enhancing Palestine’s research and innovation capabilities and infrastructure. This initiative will involve joint research projects between South African and Palestinian researchers, seed funding for Palestinian scholars and students in South Africa through exchange programs, and sharing South Africa’s experiences in science and system development. The program will be managed by the National Research Foundation and funded through the department’s existing international cooperation budget. Nzimande emphasized that the…

President William Ruto has removed the controversial Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale from the Ministry of Defence. In a move that surprised many legislators yesterday, Ruto reassigned Duale to the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry without offering any explanations. Soipan Tuya is now set to be vetted for the Defence position. Notably, Ruto’s memorandum, which was read by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, only included a list of 10 names for the House to consider, omitting the nominee for Attorney General, Rebecca Miano. This is despite Ruto having initially nominated 11 Cabinet members last week, a move he described…

President William Ruto has reaffirmed the government’s dedication to delivering on its promise of salary increases for prison officers and police personnel, starting this month. During the swearing-in ceremony for the new Prisons Service Commissioner General at State House, Ruto assured that his administration would uphold its commitment to these servicemen. “In accordance with the pledge I made to our uniformed officers, we will begin implementing the promised salary enhancements from this month,” President Ruto stated. “They will receive their first installment of the salary increase starting this month.” Earlier this year, the government committed to a 40 percent salary…

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…