Author: WAJ Team

Angola’s oil production reached an average of 1.134 million barrels per day in the first three quarters of 2024, marking a 4% increase from the same period in 2023, according to the National Petroleum, Gas, and Biofuels Agency (ANPG). This growth comes just one year after Angola’s exit from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in December 2023, following dissatisfaction with the country’s production cap of 1.11 million barrels per day. Data from ANPG indicates that monthly production consistently exceeded the OPEC-imposed quota throughout most of 2024, except for April when output fell below the threshold. The figures…

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a strong call for an immediate end to hostilities in Gaza and the urgent release of hostages, in a statement marking the New Year. Delivered on Tuesday, Ramaphosa’s message condemned the ongoing violence and described the actions against the Palestinian people as genocide. He reiterated South Africa’s firm commitment to standing in solidarity with the Palestinian cause. “As the conflict in the Middle East endures, with genocide being perpetrated against the people of Gaza, and Israeli hostages still being held captive, we remain unwavering in our call for the cessation of hostilities and…

The government of Ivory Coast announced on Tuesday its decision to begin the withdrawal of French troops from its territory, signaling the end of a military presence that has lasted decades. The move underscores a broader shift across West Africa, where countries are reevaluating their military and political ties with their former colonial power, France. President Alassane Ouattara stated that the withdrawal process would commence in January. “We have decided on a coordinated and organized withdrawal of French forces from Ivory Coast,” he said during an address. The military infantry battalion in Port Bouet, currently operated by French forces near…

In a significant step toward regional stability, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shiban held a productive phone conversation on Tuesday, marking a renewed commitment to addressing ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Both sides underscored their shared responsibility in promoting peace and stability in the region. Egypt’s Foreign Ministry stated that Abdelatty reaffirmed his country’s unwavering support for Syria’s sovereignty, national unity, and the protection of its institutions. The Egyptian top diplomat emphasized the importance of the Syrian people achieving their legitimate aspirations, free from external interference. Abdelatty also called for a comprehensive political…

Gabon’s military-led government has assumed full control of the country’s timber industry, seizing the Société Nationale des Bois du Gabon from the Gabon Special Economic Zone (GSEZ). This move grants the government direct access to a $620 million sector, further consolidating its authority over one of the nation’s key economic assets. The timber industry is a significant contributor to Gabon’s economy, accounting for 3.2% of its $19.4 billion GDP, according to the World Bank. In a bid to strengthen its grip on the sector, the government has brought 600,000 hectares (1.5 million acres) of Gabonese forest under its management. This…

In a transformative year, Africa and Türkiye have achieved unprecedented milestones in their diplomatic, economic, and security partnerships. Throughout 2024, both regions have deepened their strategic relationship, which has been steadily evolving for over two decades. This year’s achievements highlight a shared commitment to growth, stability, and mutual prosperity. Diplomatic Bonds: A Year of Engagement The year 2024 witnessed significant diplomatic activities, with key African leaders visiting Türkiye to reinforce bilateral relations. Notable visits included those by Senegal’s newly elected President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, Sudan’s Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan, and…

Nigeria has significantly escalated its efforts to tackle oil theft in the Niger Delta region as part of a broader strategy to increase its national oil production to 3 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2025. As Africa’s largest oil producer, Nigeria heavily relies on oil for approximately two-thirds of its state revenue and over 90% of its foreign currency earnings. However, large-scale oil theft has become a persistent issue, draining state finances and impeding economic growth. According to government estimates, Nigeria’s oil output for 2025 is projected at 2.06 million bpd, a figure that falls short of the country’s…

South Africa’s rand has emerged as one of the best-performing emerging-market currencies of 2024, marking a significant milestone for the first time since 2016. Despite a late-year setback, analysts predict further gains for the currency, supported by strong economic fundamentals and strategic interventions by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB). Following a sharp decline in December that erased earlier gains, the rand ended the year with a 2% loss. However, it still stands as the fifth-best-performing currency among 24 major developing-nation currencies, trailing behind the Malaysian ringgit, Hong Kong dollar, Thai baht, and Peruvian sol. This is a notable achievement,…

Nigeria and Indonesia are enhancing their defense cooperation, focusing on shared security challenges and regional stability. Ambassador Usra Harahab of Indonesia, in his role as Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasized the growing collaboration between the two nations in strengthening their defense and military ties. Harahab, a retired Air Vice Marshal in the Indonesian military, discussed how his extensive military experience has contributed to deepening Indonesia’s defense engagements in West Africa. During his six-year tenure in Nigeria, Harahab facilitated training programs for Nigerian military personnel at Indonesian defense universities, with many officers already having completed their studies or currently undergoing…

Ridah bin Saleh al-Yazidi, a Tunisian national who had been held at Guantanamo Bay since its opening in 2002, was repatriated to Tunisia on Monday. Al-Yazidi, 59, spent more than 20 years at the US military prison without being charged with any crime. The transfer was confirmed by the US Department of Defense, marking the latest in a series of detainee repatriations under the Biden administration. This is the fourth such transfer in the past two weeks as the administration works to reduce the population of Guantanamo Bay, which held 40 detainees when President Biden took office in 2020. Al-Yazidi’s…

A wave of violent robberies in Zimbabwe has shocked the nation, with armed criminals targeting both mining operations and businesses in separate incidents across the country in the last week of December. These robberies, which have resulted in the theft of valuable goods, have prompted calls for increased security measures and investigations from authorities. In the most recent robbery, on December 27, 2024, seven armed assailants raided a mine in Filabusi, overpowering three security guards on duty. Armed with machetes and logs, the robbers stormed a carbon storage room, stealing 250kg of gold-trapping carbon valued at approximately US$22,400. According to…

Morocco is grappling with a rapidly escalating measles outbreak, having reported more than 19,500 cases since October 2023. Health Minister Amine Tahraoui shared these alarming figures during a parliamentary session on December 30, revealing an incidence rate of 52.5 cases per 100,000 people. The outbreak has resulted in 107 deaths, which accounts for 0.55% of the total reported cases. Of particular concern, half of the fatalities have been children under 12, highlighting the heightened vulnerability of younger populations amid this health crisis. Initially emerging in the Souss-Massa region last year, the outbreak has since spread across the country, prompting urgent…

The Egyptian parliament has approved a landmark agreement with the African Development Bank (AfDB), marking a pivotal step in the nation’s economic reform and diversification strategy. Egypt’s House of Representatives ratified a $131 million deal to finance the first phase of the Private Sector Development and Economic Diversification Program. The agreement, formalized through Presidential Decree No. 383 of 2024, was announced during a parliamentary session. The program is aimed at driving private sector growth, diversifying the economy, and advancing sustainable development. Speaking on the approval, Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, highlighted the importance of this…

Sixteen people lost their lives in a series of tragic road accidents across South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Province on Monday, marking a somber day during the festive season. Among the most devastating incidents, eight members of a single family were killed in Nkandla when their minibus overturned and rolled down an embankment. Authorities confirmed the family was traveling to a wedding when the crash occurred, turning a celebratory occasion into an unimaginable tragedy. “We are deeply saddened by this loss of life, particularly during a time meant for joy and celebration,” said Siboniso Duma, Executive Council member for Transport and Human…

The African economy has demonstrated resilience in 2024, maintaining steady growth despite the ongoing global challenges of geopolitical tensions, protectionist measures, and rising inflation. This trend highlights the continent’s potential and strength in the face of uncertainty, according to experts and reports from the African Development Bank (AfDB). The year saw African nations strengthening domestic reforms while fostering international cooperation, particularly with key global partners. These efforts have led to significant advancements in infrastructure, regional integration, and digital innovation, laying a robust foundation for long-term growth. Strong Growth Projections The African Economic Outlook 2024 report, published by the AfDB, projects…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarm over a significant $11.1 million funding gap that threatens to derail efforts to combat a growing mpox outbreak in Uganda. With over 1,000 confirmed cases and six fatalities reported, the need for urgent intervention has become increasingly pressing. According to a report released on Monday in Kampala, only $1.8 million of the $12.9 million required for Uganda’s outbreak response has been secured. WHO has urged global partners to step up and provide financial support to bridge the gap, warning that the high utilization rate of available resources has left the country vulnerable.…