Author: WAJ Team

On Friday, January 3, Harvesh Seegolam, the former Governor of the Bank of Mauritius (BoM), was detained upon his arrival at Plaisance Airport. The arrest follows an investigation into allegations of conspiracy to defraud, tied to a suspected embezzlement case involving the Mauritius Investment Corporation (MIC). Authorities are focusing on a 45 million Mauritian rupee disbursement made on October 28 of the previous year. The funds were reportedly allocated to a company classified as a high-risk level 5 entity, which raises concerns about the legitimacy and financial stability of the transaction. The investigation has prompted speculation that other former senior…

Algeria’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amar Bendjama, expressed deep concern on Thursday over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and announced that the UN Security Council would hold an emergency session on Friday to address Israel’s attacks on healthcare facilities in the region. The session aims to shed light on the mounting toll on civilians as the situation continues to deteriorate. In a press briefing following Algeria’s assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of January, Bendjama reiterated the country’s unwavering focus on Palestine and Gaza, emphasizing that the suffering of the Palestinian people and…

A devastating fire has ravaged the Kantamanto Market in Ghana’s capital, Accra, destroying one of the largest second-hand clothing markets in West Africa. The fire, which broke out late Wednesday evening, engulfed vast sections of the sprawling market, leaving thousands of traders without their livelihoods. Emergency services, including 13 fire trucks from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), fought the blaze through the night, but by Thursday morning, only charred remains were visible where rows of market stalls had once bustled with activity. Goods worth millions of Ghanaian cedi have been destroyed, leaving vendors struggling to rebuild. “This tragedy has…

The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg has declared the City of Johannesburg’s controversial VIP protection policy unconstitutional and invalid. The ruling, handed down on Thursday, challenges the policy that allowed the mayor to be assigned up to eight bodyguards, as well as multiple security details for the speaker and other senior council members. The decision came after the Democratic Alliance (DA) contested the policy, arguing it misused public funds intended for essential services such as water, electricity, and infrastructure maintenance. The policy, adopted in March 2024, had violated ministerial guidelines that limit bodyguard allocations to just two for top officials,…

Carlos Vila Nova, President of São Tomé and Príncipe, called for “more responsible and active governance,” urging the government to tackle the unresolved challenges that have continued to affect the country. Vila Nova described 2024 as a particularly difficult year for the nation, with many of the issues carried over from previous years still unresolved, exacerbating the hardships faced by the people. “2024 has been a year fraught with difficulties for São Tomé and Príncipe and its citizens. Many of the struggles from 2023 and earlier remain unresolved, and these have compounded the challenges of this year. The people continue…

Presidents Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and William Ruto of Kenya, alongside former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, marked their presence at the annual Piny Luo Festival in Siaya County. The event, which celebrates the deep cultural roots of the Luo community, underscores the importance of preserving heritage and promoting regional cooperation across East Africa. In his address, President Museveni emphasized the significance of cultural preservation as a tool for fostering unity in the region. “Our shared heritage is the foundation upon which we will build stronger ties and ensure the economic prosperity of East Africa,” Museveni remarked, reinforcing the vital…

Guinea is poised to strengthen its industrial base as China’s State Power Investment Corp. (SPIC) prepares to construct a major alumina processing plant in the West African nation. The plant, which is expected to be the largest of its kind in Guinea, marks a significant step forward for the country’s mining sector, as SPIC transitions from bauxite extraction to alumina production. Construction of the plant will commence in March 2025, with a projected completion date set for the end of 2027. Once fully operational, the plant will have the capacity to produce 1.2 million tons of alumina annually, surpassing the…

The U.S. Government has allocated $450,000 (around 29 million meticais) through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to assist Mozambique’s emergency recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Chido on December 15. The funding will focus on addressing immediate humanitarian needs in the hardest-hit areas, particularly Cabo Delgado province. The cyclone, which brought intense rains and powerful winds, caused widespread destruction, displacing thousands and leaving many in need of shelter, clean water, and sanitation. In a bid to assist affected communities, USAID is partnering with local and international organizations, including the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA),…

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell in Cairo on Thursday to discuss pressing conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, and Syria. The talks aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and exchange perspectives on regional and international issues, according to a statement from Egypt’s Foreign Ministry. During the discussions, Abdelatty underscored Egypt’s ongoing efforts to mediate in Gaza, where violence has reached catastrophic levels. He emphasized the urgent need for a cease-fire and the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged territory. Abdelatty criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, describing them as systematic violations of international laws.…

As the new year begins, Africa’s most prosperous individuals are aiming for new heights, setting ambitious goals that once seemed unattainable. These billionaires not only focus on expanding their own fortunes but also have a profound impact on the continent’s economic trajectory. Africa, endowed with abundant natural resources, a youthful population, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, presents vast opportunities for growth. Yet, the continent continues to face deep-rooted challenges such as unemployment, poverty, and infrastructure deficits. In this context, the continent’s billionaires play a crucial role, not just in growing their wealth, but in addressing these socioeconomic issues and fostering…

Mali’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed concern over Algeria’s ongoing involvement in its internal affairs, following comments made by Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf regarding Mali’s national security approach. In a statement released on Wednesday, the ministry emphasized that national security is a matter of sovereignty and decisions on such issues are within the jurisdiction of Mali and the Confederation of Sahel States. Mali’s government rejected Algeria’s comments, stating that it does not seek nor accept external advice on security matters. The statement pointed out that Algeria has historically managed its own security issues independently. Attaf had suggested that…

The Nigerian government has issued a travel advisory for its citizens, urging them to be cautious when traveling to or living in Australia due to increasing reports of discrimination, harassment, and verbal abuse directed at foreigners. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over a recent surge in hate crimes, particularly Islamophobic incidents, that have raised alarms about the safety of foreign nationals in Australia. The ministry noted that this rise in hate incidents has affected several communities, especially in cities with larger foreign populations. The advisory stresses the importance of heightened vigilance, advising Nigerians to be mindful of local…

A devastating boat tragedy off the coast of central Tunisia has claimed the lives of at least 27 migrants, including women and children, after two boats capsized. Civil defense officials reported on Thursday that 83 people were rescued from the waters near the Kerkennah Islands, as they attempted to reach Europe from sub-Saharan Africa. The victims were part of a larger group of migrants who had embarked on the perilous journey across the Mediterranean Sea, one of the deadliest migration routes in the world. Zied Sdiri, head of civil defense in Sfax, confirmed that all the passengers were from sub-Saharan…

Morocco’s recent tax amnesty program has concluded with impressive results, with declarations totaling MAD 100 billion ($10 billion), far surpassing initial expectations. The initiative, introduced under the 2024 Finance Law, has been hailed as a significant step in the country’s efforts to bring previously undeclared wealth into the formal economy. According to the final report, MAD 60 billion ($6 billion) was declared through cash deposits within Morocco’s banking sector, while the remaining MAD 40 billion ($4 billion) was attributed to real estate purchases and contributions to partners’ current accounts. This broad range of asset categories underscores the scope of the…

South Africa’s rand opened the new year on a stronger footing, recovering from a turbulent close to 2024. As of 0803 GMT Thursday, the rand was trading at 18.7625 against the U.S. dollar, up by 0.6% compared to its previous close. The rand, like many emerging market currencies, was severely affected by volatility in late 2024, primarily due to the uncertainty surrounding the U.S. political landscape following Donald Trump’s election as president. Market participants were unsettled by his proposed tariffs and other economic policies, coupled with a more hawkish outlook from the U.S. Federal Reserve, which contributed to significant fluctuations…

Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has dismissed Defence Minister Harry Mkandawire in a Cabinet reshuffle aimed at strengthening the country’s governance as part of efforts for a better 2025. The reshuffle, announced on Wednesday, also saw the removal of Deputy Education Minister Nancy Mdooko and the reassignment of several other ministers to new positions. The move follows mounting public pressure on Chakwera, particularly over the controversial handling of Vice-President Saulosi Chilima’s death in a military plane crash on June 10, 2024. The crash, which claimed the lives of Chilima and eight others, occurred in a remote forest in northern Malawi amid…