Author: WAJ Team

Egyptian authorities have arrested two men for attempting to steal hundreds of ancient artifacts from the seabed near Alexandria, the interior ministry confirmed earlier this week. The suspects were apprehended after they were found to have retrieved a substantial number of relics from the depths of Abu Qir Bay, located along the northern coast of Egypt. According to the ministry’s statement, the men admitted to their plan of trafficking the items. They had retrieved the artifacts by diving to the bottom of the sea in an attempt to sell the ancient treasures. The stolen items, numbering a total of 448…

In a significant move aimed at fostering national unity, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi issued a pardon on Tuesday for 54 prisoners from the Sinai Peninsula. These individuals had been convicted of various offenses, though the specifics of their sentences were not disclosed. The pardon comes in response to formal requests made by tribal leaders from Rafah and Sheikh Zuwied, two towns in northern Sinai, who appealed to the government for clemency. A statement from the Egyptian presidency highlighted that the decision was made in recognition of the pivotal role that the people of Sinai have played in combating terrorism,…

The IMF and Egypt finalize staff-level talks on the fourth review of an $8 billion economic program, offering hope amid inflation and currency crises. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced on Wednesday that it has reached a staff-level agreement with Egypt for the fourth review under its $8 billion Extended Fund Facility program. The agreement, subject to approval by the IMF’s executive board, could unlock a $1.2 billion disbursement to support Egypt’s struggling economy. Egypt, which secured the 46-month program in March, has faced mounting economic pressures, including soaring inflation and a persistent shortage of foreign currency. These challenges have…

At least 21 people have died in Mozambique following widespread unrest triggered by the Constitutional Council’s decision to uphold the ruling party Frelimo’s victory in the recent general election. The announcement, made on Monday, has deepened tensions in the country, with opposition groups and their supporters taking to the streets to protest what they allege to be a fraudulent electoral process. The Interior Minister, Pascoal Ronda, confirmed the fatalities on Tuesday and revealed that 78 people have been arrested in connection with the unrest. Speaking to the national broadcaster TVM, he emphasized that security forces have been deployed to key…

The Maasai, one of East Africa’s most iconic and culturally rich tribes, continue to stand as a symbol of resilience and adaptation. Known for their vibrant red attire, intricate beadwork, and unwavering connection to the land, the Maasai have long been semi-nomadic pastoralists and fierce warriors. Despite facing significant challenges from colonial history to modern-day pressures, they have remained steadfast in preserving their unique traditions while embracing opportunities for change. Warrior Heritage and Historic Dominance The Maasai are renowned for their warrior traditions and cattle herding, a way of life that dates back centuries. Traditionally, young Maasai men began their…

North African cuisine is a symphony of flavors that mirrors the region’s rich history and diverse cultures. Spanning countries like Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and Libya, its culinary traditions are deeply rooted in aromatic spices and bold ingredients that have been perfected over centuries. Beyond globally recognized flavors like saffron and paprika, North Africa boasts unique ingredients that define its identity and set it apart on the world stage. From the vibrant souks of Marrakesh to the Mediterranean coastlines of Tunis, here are the spices and ingredients that capture the essence of North African gastronomy. Ras el Hanout: Morocco’s Signature Blend…

Gemfields Group has issued a warning about potential disruptions to its operations at the Montepuez Ruby Mining Limitada (MRM), its largest ruby mine in Mozambique, following escalating violence linked to the country’s disputed October elections. The unrest, which has rocked the northern Cabo Delgado province and other parts of the country, follows widespread protests against the recent electoral victory of the ruling Frelimo party. Mozambique’s Supreme Court upheld Frelimo’s win, but opposition groups have fiercely contested the result, alleging that the vote was rigged in favor of the long-dominant political party. The protests have turned violent, with at least 130…

Nigeria has officially lifted a five-year suspension on mining operations in the northwestern state of Zamfara, following significant improvements in security. The ban, which was imposed in 2019 due to escalating attacks by armed groups, has now been revoked as the security situation in the region has considerably stabilized, allowing mining activities to resume in a safer environment. Zamfara is known for its rich deposits of gold, lithium, and copper, which are vital to Nigeria’s plans to diversify its economy away from oil dependency. Minister of Mining, Dele Alake, hailed the security forces’ efforts in reducing violence, noting that the…

President Bola Tinubu has stood firm in his commitment to advancing four tax reform bills currently under review by Nigeria’s parliament, despite growing opposition from several state governors, particularly from the northern region. The proposed reforms are part of Tinubu’s broader strategy to revamp Nigeria’s tax system and increase government revenue in Africa’s largest economy. One of the most contentious aspects of the reforms is a proposal detailing the allocation of Value Added Tax (VAT) between the federal government and the 36 states. While the president argues that the reforms are essential to modernize the economy, critics, especially from northern…

On Sunday, December 29, Chadians will head to the polls for long-awaited legislative and local elections, despite growing concerns over the legitimacy of the process. The government of President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, who has been in power since 2021, has presented the elections as a vital step toward Chad’s democratic transition. However, opposition parties have strongly criticized the elections, dismissing them as a “masquerade” designed to entrench the current regime. These elections come amid a volatile security environment, with persistent attacks by Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region, a break in military cooperation with former colonial power France,…

South Africa has announced the suspension of truck traffic at the Lebombo border crossing with Mozambique, starting Tuesday, due to rising security concerns in the region. The suspension comes as Mozambique grapples with widespread protests and political unrest following a disputed presidential election. The announcement underscores the ongoing instability in the neighboring country, which has raised alarm for neighboring nations reliant on cross-border trade. The unrest began in late October, when Mozambique’s electoral authority declared Daniel Chapo, the ruling Frelimo party’s candidate, the winner of the presidential election. His victory, however, has been clouded by serious allegations of electoral fraud…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised serious concerns about the continuing Mpox outbreak across Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burundi, and Uganda, as case numbers remain high and a more dangerous variant spread. As of December 15, 13,769 confirmed cases of Mpox have been recorded across 20 African countries, with 60 reported deaths. The DRC continues to be the epicenter of the outbreak, accounting for the majority of cases, with 9,513 confirmed infections. While the country has seen some stabilization in recent weeks, with a plateauing of case numbers, the WHO has cautioned against…

Nigeria has launched an emergency response centre following the deaths of 190 people from Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic illness, according to the country’s disease control agency. The outbreak has affected 1,154 individuals across six Nigerian states, prompting authorities to act swiftly. The Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) has classified the situation as a high-risk outbreak, leading to the activation of the Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate efforts to contain the spread of the disease. Lassa fever, which is primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by rodent urine or feces, poses a significant public health…

Botswana has issued 400 hunting permits for elephants, reigniting controversy over the country’s trophy hunting practices. The move, which allows international hunters to pay as much as $50,000 to hunt an elephant, has drawn sharp criticism from conservationists who argue that it undermines efforts to protect one of the world’s largest elephant populations. In a recent statement, the Wildlife and National Parks department of Botswana confirmed that elephants are among several species included in the 2024 hunting quota. The hunting season, which runs from April to November, attracts hunters from around the world who come to Botswana for the opportunity…

Egypt has announced its participation in a new African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties as tensions with Ethiopia continue to shape regional dynamics in the Horn of Africa. The decision was revealed by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty during a joint press conference in Cairo with Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi. “This decision follows a direct request from the Somali government and approval from the African Union Peace and Security Council,” Abdelatty said. The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) is set to conclude at the end of December, paving…

Mozambique’s Constitutional Council has endorsed the ruling Frelimo party’s victory in October’s fiercely contested general elections, igniting widespread unrest and accusations of electoral fraud from opposition groups. The court’s decision, announced on Monday, solidifies Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo’s decisive presidential win and grants the party a stronger majority in parliament. Opposition leaders and international observers have criticized the elections, citing widespread irregularities and voter suppression. Western observers labeled the process neither free nor fair, while Frelimo has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. The endorsement has triggered significant backlash, with protests erupting across the nation. Violent confrontations between demonstrators and security forces…