Author: WAJ Team

Zambia will waive visa requirements for nationals from 53 additional countries starting January 1, 2025, building on its successful 2022 initiative that relaxed visa restrictions for major tourism markets. This move increases the total number of visa-exempt countries to 167, as Zambia continues to lead in progressive tourism policies within southern Africa. The announcement, formalized through Statutory Instrument No. 78 of 2024, follows a broader effort by the Zambian government to enhance the country’s appeal as a destination for international tourists. Stronger Borders and Streamlined Immigration President Hakainde Hichilema’s government revealed that, alongside the visa liberalization, heightened border security measures…

At least 67 people, including many children, tragically lost their lives in stampedes during Christmas charity events across Nigeria in the past week. These heartbreaking incidents expose the deepening economic crisis in the country and the extreme measures people are taking to survive. The stampedes occurred in multiple regions, with 35 children killed in Oyo State, 22 people in Anambra State, and 10 in Abuja, the capital. In Abuja, over 1,000 people gathered at a church, hoping to receive food and clothing. Chaos erupted as the crowd surged, leading to panic and deadly outcomes before the event could even begin.…

The United Nations General Assembly has officially re-elected Egypt to serve as a member of the Peacebuilding Commission for the 2025-2026 term, further solidifying the country’s influential position in global peace and security initiatives. Ambassador Osama Abdel Khalek, Egypt’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, confirmed the re-election on Saturday, highlighting it as a testament to the international community’s recognition of Egypt’s significant contributions to peacebuilding, both within the African continent and on the global stage. The re-election comes ahead of the UN’s comprehensive review of its peacebuilding framework scheduled for 2025, positioning Egypt at the forefront of shaping future…

Mozambique’s Constitutional Council (CC) is preparing to announce the final results of the country’s October 9 general elections on Monday, December 23, at 3 p.m. local time (1 p.m. in Lisbon). The announcement, to be made by CC President Lúcia Ribeiro, will take place at the Joaquim Chissano International Conference Centre in Maputo, and it follows weeks of political unrest and contested results. The elections, which included the presidential, legislative, and provincial contests, saw the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) declare victory on October 24, with its candidate, Daniel Chapo, securing 70.67% of the presidential vote. However, the election results…

In a significant victory for Benin’s cultural heritage, the government has successfully intervened to stop the sale of valuable artifacts tied to King Behanzin of Dahomey, which had been set to go under the hammer at a Paris auction. The relics, which had been taken to France over 130 years ago, are seen as symbols of the powerful Kingdom of Dahomey, located in what is now Benin and Togo. Among the items to be auctioned was a wooden scepter belonging to King Behanzin, which features a hand clutching the liver of a defeated enemy. This and other royal regalia were…

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov held a phone conversation on Sunday to address critical developments in Syria and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, according to the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two top diplomats emphasized the importance of international cooperation to support Syria during its current transitional period, with a focus on respecting the country’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. In their discussion, both ministers highlighted the need for coordinated efforts among global and regional stakeholders to assist Syria in overcoming the challenges of this delicate phase. Abdelatty and Lavrov agreed that…

A ferry tragedy in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has left at least 38 people dead and more than 100 others missing after the vessel capsized late on Friday in the Busira River. The ferry, which was part of a convoy of boats, was carrying mostly merchants traveling home for the Christmas holidays, said local authorities. The incident occurred in the Ingende region, where Joseph Kangolingoli, the mayor of Ingende, confirmed the sinking. The ferry was traveling along the river’s path toward Boende, making stops at Ingende and Loolo, and is believed to have carried more than 400…

A devastating road accident in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province left 12 people dead and several others severely injured on Saturday evening, marking one of the deadliest days on the province’s roads in recent memory. The fatal crash occurred at approximately 8 p.m. along the N2 highway near Dutywa, a town in Mbhashe Local Municipality. According to authorities, the accident involved a minibus taxi carrying 10 passengers and a bakkie—a South African term for a pickup truck—with four occupants. Unathi Binqose, spokesperson for the Provincial Transport Department, described the scene as “heartbreaking,” providing details of the casualties. “Three men in…

Ubuntu, an African philosophy centered on interconnectedness, collective well-being, and shared responsibility, continues to shape cultural, social, and political landscapes worldwide. Originating from Bantu-speaking communities, it remains a powerful reminder of humanity’s shared bond. Rooted in the traditions of the Bantu people, Ubuntu is often expressed through the Zulu saying “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu,” meaning “I am because we are.” This philosophy defines identity through relationships and community, with variations found in African languages such as botho in Botswana, unhu in Zimbabwe, and utu in Swahili. Ubuntu’s Core Principles and Role in African Nations At its heart, Ubuntu affirms that one’s…

At least 20 people were killed in a series of attacks on villages in central Mali on Friday, sources confirmed on Saturday. The targeted areas are known to be frequently affected by violence linked to armed groups operating in the region. According to local officials, six villages in the Bandiagara region were attacked, with several homes and grain silos set ablaze. The violence forced many residents to flee their homes, seeking safety in nearby areas. “Around 20 people were killed during the attacks,” a local official, who requested to remain anonymous, said. A security source in Mali later confirmed that…

At least 10 people, including several children, lost their lives in a stampede during a relief item distribution at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in the Maitama district of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, on Saturday, local authorities confirmed. The tragic incident unfolded during an event organized by the church to distribute food and clothing to vulnerable families ahead of the Christmas holiday. The event, which was expected to benefit low-income residents from nearby villages and neighborhoods, quickly descended into chaos as over 3,000 people crowded into the church grounds. According to church officials, the large turnout overwhelmed the organizers, and as…

Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa has unveiled a new land policy aimed at empowering Black farmers by allowing them to sell land seized from white farmers during the country’s controversial land reforms, as well as use it as collateral for bank loans. This policy marks a major shift in Zimbabwe’s land reform approach, enabling the resettled farmers to gain more control over their land and access crucial financial resources. Under the new policy, land transfers will be permitted only among “Indigenous Zimbabweans,” a term referring to Black Zimbabweans, and will require government approval. This change is a significant departure from the…

Pharma 5 Laboratories in Morocco has introduced the country’s first-ever generic cannabis-based drug designed to treat epilepsy. This new medication, which adheres to international health standards, aims to provide a more affordable alternative to costly imported treatments, offering relief to thousands of patients in Morocco. With approximately 400,000 people affected by epilepsy in Morocco, the high cost of imported medications has been a significant barrier to treatment. Pharma 5 recognized this market need and invested MAD 250 million ($25 million) to develop the first locally produced cannabidiol (CBD) drug. This groundbreaking move is expected to significantly reduce the cost of…

Africa made significant strides in 2024, as the continent celebrated artistic triumphs, reclaimed cultural heritage, and witnessed landmark achievements in architecture and literature. From global recognition of African talent in music and cinema to the return of looted cultural treasures, this year underscored Africa’s dynamic cultural and historical significance. At the same time, the continent said goodbye to icons whose contributions shaped global music, literature, and social justice. A Year of Global Recognition for African Talent South African artist Tyla dominated the global stage in 2024, cementing her status as one of the continent’s brightest stars. Her achievements began with…

Casablanca, Morocco’s bustling economic and cultural center, has officially joined the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, becoming the first city in North Africa to do so. This landmark decision positions the city at the forefront of global efforts to combat climate change and underscores Morocco’s growing commitment to sustainable development. Casablanca’s membership in the prestigious network is a significant milestone for both the city and the wider region, which has faced mounting environmental challenges in recent years. The announcement of Casablanca’s inclusion in C40 came in a statement from the Casablanca Municipality, which highlighted that the city’s formal membership would…

In a sweeping overhaul of the country’s military leadership, President Felix Tshisekedi has dismissed several high-ranking officials, including the chief of staff of the armed forces, Christian Tshiwewe Songesha. The reshuffle, which was announced on Thursday through state television, marks one of the most significant changes to Congo’s military leadership in recent years. Lieutenant-General Jules Banza Mwilambwe has been appointed to replace Songesha, a move that is expected to have substantial implications for the direction of Congo’s military strategy. Along with Songesha’s removal, the shake-up has extended to other senior military positions, including the head of military intelligence and key…