Author: WAJ Team

The Democratic Republic of Congo received its long-anticipated first batch of mpox vaccines on Thursday, a significant step forward as health officials work to combat a persistent outbreak that has led the U.N. to classify it as a global public health emergency. With this delivery, authorities are hopeful that vaccination efforts can begin to make an impact in curbing the spread of the virus. As the epicenter of the mpox outbreak, Congo has been grappling with the spread of the disease, which has extended beyond its borders to neighboring countries and other parts of the world. The lack of vaccines…

Global warming is severely impacting Africa’s economy, costing the continent up to 5% of its GDP annually. Simon Stiell, the executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), highlighted this growing economic strain during a meeting of African environment ministers in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Stiell stressed the urgent need for more investments to help Africa cope with the devastating effects of climate change, which the region has disproportionately experienced despite contributing minimally to global emissions. Africa, comprising 54 nations, has seen severe consequences from climate change, including prolonged droughts, catastrophic flooding, and extreme weather events that…

The African Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have recently raised alarms over a significant increase in mpox cases, primarily driven by a newly identified strain. Elri Voigt provides a detailed look into the current outbreak and its potential implications for South Africa. Mpox, a viral disease first recognized in Africa in 1970, gained international attention in 2022 when it spread globally for the first time. Since then, the outbreak has continued to evolve, with various strains of the virus emerging in different regions. The latest surge in cases is largely attributed to a new…

Nigerian football star Victor Osimhen has made a significant move, joining Turkish club Galatasaray on a one-year loan from Italian side Napoli. The transfer, finalized on Wednesday, sees the 25-year-old forward head to Istanbul for the 2024-25 season, with the deal set to conclude in June 2025. Galatasaray has announced that they will pay €6 million (approximately $6.6 million) in salary for Osimhen during this period. This strategic loan deal reflects Galatasaray’s commitment to bolstering their squad with one of Africa’s premier talents. Napoli has also confirmed the loan move and revealed that they have agreed with Osimhen on an…

Daniel Mtimkulu, a former high-ranking official at South Africa’s Passenger Rail Agency (PRASA), was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Tuesday for falsifying his engineering qualifications and committing multiple frauds. Mtimkulu, who was 49, resigned from his role as PRASA’s head of engineering just before his arrest in 2015. In 2022, Mtimkulu was convicted on three counts of fraud and forgery. He had falsely claimed to hold a master’s degree from a South African university and a doctorate in engineering management from a German institution. Additionally, he forged a job offer from a German company, which led PRASA to…

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed serious concerns about the potential for significant social unrest in African countries due to inadequate debt relief and limited resources. He has called for urgent reforms to the international financial system to tackle these issues effectively. The continent is facing an increasingly severe debt crisis, which has already triggered widespread protests. For instance, recent unrest in Kenya, sparked by clashes over proposed tax hikes, has inspired similar demonstrations in Nigeria and Uganda, where the focus has been on the rising cost of living. African nations have been attempting to resolve their debt issues through…

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has terminated its ambitious $1.2 billion biometric national ID project due to serious allegations of financial misconduct. This decision follows an in-depth investigation which revealed that funds earmarked for the national ID system were misappropriated, benefiting a small group of elite individuals rather than the intended public. The investigation uncovered that, since 2020, nearly 60 companies had submitted proposals to the government for implementing the biometric ID system. The National Office for Population Identification (ONIP) had initially estimated the cost of the project at approximately $360 million. However, when the project was awarded to…

On Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a historic financial aid package exceeding $50 billion for Africa over the next three years. This major commitment, revealed at a summit in Beijing attended by numerous African leaders, is intended to drive economic growth and job creation across the continent. Xi detailed that the aid package includes 360 billion yuan ($50.7 billion), comprising 210 billion yuan in credit facilities and 80 billion yuan in various forms of assistance. Additionally, he encouraged Chinese businesses to invest at least 70 billion yuan in Africa, reinforcing China’s commitment to fostering economic development through private sector…

Malawians are expressing surprise after the government clarified it is not involved in recruiting youths for the Israeli labor export program. The government stated that the recruitment is managed solely by the Israeli authorities. This clarification comes after about 1,500 job seekers, led by Dingiswayo Kumwenda, sought intervention from Ombudsman Grace Malera. On July 23, 2024, the group filed a complaint accusing the government of only selecting 20% of the original applicants for interviews, favoring a new batch instead. Ombudsman Malera responded by inviting Ministry of Labour Principal Secretary Chikondano Mussa to an inquiry session on August 13, 2024. Malera’s…

On September 4, President Paul Kagame participated in significant bilateral discussions with President Wavel Ramkalawan of Seychelles and President William Ruto of Kenya during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit, taking place in Beijing. These meetings, held on the margins of the summit, were designed to explore ways to deepen and enhance the already productive relationships between Rwanda, Seychelles, and Kenya. President Kagame arrived in Beijing on September 3 in anticipation of the FOCAC summit, which runs from September 4 to 6. This year’s summit is themed “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with…

A tragic maritime incident occurred off the Libyan coast on Tuesday when a boat carrying migrants en-route to Europe capsized, resulting in one fatality and 22 individuals reported missing, according to Libyan authorities. The accident took place near the eastern port town of Tobruk. The coast guard confirmed that of the 32 migrants aboard, nine were rescued and are now being transported to safety at Tobruk’s port. This incident underscores the increasing frequency of deadly maritime disasters in the region. Libya has become a major transit point for migrants fleeing conflict and economic hardship across Africa and the Middle East.…

Nigerian students are gearing up for a nationwide protest on September 15, 2024, in a direct response to the latest surge in fuel prices that has sparked widespread discontent across the country. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), which represents millions of students nationwide, is organizing the protest, aiming to stage a massive shutdown of major cities. This move comes as a reaction to what the students describe as an unbearable rise in the cost of living, fueled by the consistent increase in fuel prices. Leading the charge, NANS has issued a strong demand for the immediate reversal of…

Leaders of Mali have signed a defense agreement with a Chinese firm for military equipment, training, and technology transfer. The contract was finalized on Monday in Beijing by Mali’s Defence Minister Sadio Camara and the head of the Chinese company Norinco. Interim President Colonel Assimi Goita, who also serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, attended the signing and toured facilities featuring drones and armored vehicles. Camara noted that, despite sanctions from the West African bloc ECOWAS, Mali received military supplies from China, with Norinco delivering equipment before payment. He expressed appreciation for this support following the end of the…

The Democratic Republic of Congo is set to receive its first shipment of mpox vaccine doses on September 5, with a follow-up delivery expected on September 7. This announcement was made by the country’s head of mpox outbreak response on Wednesday. The DR Congo is currently at the epicenter of a severe mpox outbreak, which the World Health Organization recently categorized as a global public health emergency. The outbreak has significantly strained the country’s healthcare system, largely due to a critical shortage of vaccines that has impeded efforts to manage and control the spread of the disease. Cris Kacita, the…

A significant scientific discovery has emerged from Nqweba in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, where local scientists have identified a rare meteorite fragment roughly the size of a motorcycle. This discovery follows an extraordinary celestial event observed on August 25, when residents across the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and Free State reported witnessing a spectacular blue-white and orange streak in the sky. The event was marked by a loud explosion and noticeable ground vibrations, adding to the dramatic nature of the incident. The meteorite, now referred to as the Nqweba Meteorite, features a distinctive black, glossy exterior and a light grey,…

Botswana is set to hold its general election on October 30, as announced by President Mokgweetsi Masisi. Seeking a second and final term, Masisi’s candidacy has been backed by his ruling party, the Botswana Democratic Party, which has led since the country’s independence in 1966. In his announcement, Masisi reaffirmed Botswana’s dedication to its democratic practice of regular elections. He highlighted that the country’s constitution requires general elections every five years, underscoring the importance of this principle to Botswana’s democratic tradition. Masisi expressed confidence in the nation’s commitment to upholding this democratic value. The president also urged voters to participate…

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is set to visit Turkey on Wednesday for a high-level meeting with President Tayyip Erdogan, marking the first presidential visit between the two nations in 12 years. This meeting represents a significant warming of relations that have been strained for over a decade and highlights a mutual commitment to improving diplomatic and economic ties. Earlier this year, President Erdogan visited Cairo in February, marking his first trip to Egypt since 2012, which underscored efforts to restore ties between the two regional powers. According to the Turkish presidency, the discussions during Sisi’s visit will cover the…

In northeastern Nigeria’s Yobe State, a suspected Boko Haram attack has claimed the lives of at least 81 people, with several others still missing. The assault, which took place in Mafa ward on Sunday, was carried out by around 150 militants armed with rifles and rocket-propelled grenades, according to police spokesperson Abdulkarim Dungus. The militants, arriving on more than 50 motorcycles around 4:00 PM, unleashed chaos, killing many and setting fire to numerous shops and homes. Authorities are still working to confirm the total number of fatalities. Local officials believe the attack was a retaliatory strike, following the killing of…

Bobi Wine, a prominent Ugandan opposition leader and former pop star known formally as Robert Kyagulanyi, was reportedly shot in the leg amid escalating tensions with the government. As the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Wine has become a significant figure in Ugandan politics, known for his vocal criticism of President Yoweri Museveni’s long-standing administration. The NUP claims that security forces deliberately targeted Wine in what they describe as a serious attempt on his life. According to the party, the shooting happened during a confrontation with security operatives. The police, however, offer a different account, suggesting their officers…

Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti, the trailblazing Nigerian musician known for inventing Afrobeat—a genre that blends West African rhythms with jazz and funk—was not just a musical innovator but also a passionate political activist. His 1976 album Zombie, featuring the title track of the same name, sharply criticized the Nigerian military’s unquestioning obedience to orders following the 1966 coup. The album’s critical and commercial success had dire consequences. In 1977, the Nigerian military launched a violent assault on Kuti’s Kalakuta Republic commune, which he had established as a sanctuary for artistic and political freedom. The raid resulted in Kuti being brutally beaten,…

Nigeria has resumed petrol production for the first time in 28 years with the Dangote refinery in Lagos starting its commercial operations. This facility, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is expected to ease the severe fuel shortages affecting cities and towns across the country. Owned by Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest individual, the refinery has successfully met all certification requirements, marking a major advancement for Nigeria’s energy sector. The country has spent billions maintaining its existing refineries over the last two decades, yet has struggled to achieve operational success. Nigeria, which consumes approximately 66 million litres of petrol…

Liberia has confirmed its first Mpox case since the global outbreak was declared, as reported by Dr. Dougbeh Nyan, Director General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL). Dr. Nyan revealed that out of eight suspected cases tested in Sinoe County, one sample tested positive for Mpox. “One of the eight samples returned positive,” Dr. Nyan stated. “The individuals with suspected cases are now in isolation.” The confirmed case involves a 7-year-old girl from Sinoe who has not recently traveled. She is receiving treatment and being closely monitored. Dr. Nyan emphasized the importance of public vigilance to curb…

In a recent meeting, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for enhanced solidarity and cooperation between China and South Africa, aligning with the mutual goals of both nations. Xi’s remarks came as he hosted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Beijing for the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit and a state visit. Xi highlighted that he has visited South Africa more than any other African country and that Ramaphosa is the first African leader to receive a state visit from China ahead of the FOCAC summit. This underscores the strong and growing relationship between the two countries. This year…

In a recent update on the prison break at Makala prison in Kinshasa, DRC, Interior Minister Shabani Lukoo reported that at least 129 people have died in the incident. The deaths occurred during an escape attempt on Monday, which coincided with a fire that damaged key parts of the prison, including its administrative and infirmary sections. Lukoo’s statement, released early Tuesday on X, detailed that 24 of the fatalities were caused by gunfire after warnings were issued. Approximately 59 individuals were also injured in the unrest. The fire caused significant damage to the facility. The minister indicated that he has…

A significant conference titled “Illegal French Occupation of Mayotte Island of Comoros Union” has officially begun in Baku, bringing together a diverse array of voices to discuss the ongoing French presence on Mayotte Island, which remains a contentious issue within the Comoros Union. The event, organized by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), has drawn a wide range of participants, including public officials, political figures, scholars, human rights advocates, and leaders of non-governmental organizations from across the Union of the Comoros. Notably, representatives from Mayotte Island itself are in attendance, highlighting the local and regional importance of this issue. The attendees…

In a targeted operation early this morning, on Monday, September 2, police in Durban confronted and killed six men suspected of being part of an extortionist gang. The incident occurred just before midnight at an apartment complex in South Beach. The suspects, linked to a series of violent crimes across KwaZulu-Natal, were tracked to this location after an earlier attack on Siyaphambili Road in Tshelimnyama, Mariannhill, where they allegedly executed four people. Police had initially believed the suspects were hiding in Newlands East, but further investigation pinpointed their actual location in South Beach. The ensuing shootout resulted in the deaths…

In a remarkable achievement at the latest international athletics event, Tunisia’s Maroua Ibrahmi has set a new world record in the women’s club throw F32 category. On her final attempt, Ibrahmi launched the club to a distance of 29.00 meters, surpassing the previous world record by 0.23 meters. This extraordinary performance not only earned her the gold medal but also demonstrated her exceptional skill and determination in the sport. Ibrahmi’s victory is particularly significant as it marks her second gold medal in the women’s club throw since the 2016 Rio Paralympics, where she first established herself as a formidable competitor.…

The United Nations has intervened in Libya’s central bank crisis by bringing together the country’s rival factions for crucial talks aimed at stabilizing the situation and protecting key oil revenues. Libya’s central bank headquarters in Tripoli has become the epicenter of a struggle between opposing factions. The UN organized separate meetings with each administration, which were described as having “open and candid dialogue.” The crisis has intensified following accusations from the eastern administration that the Tripoli-based government is attempting to take control of the central bank. Tensions surged in early August when armed groups besieged the bank, demanding the removal…

Mali has secured $11 million in new funding to tackle urgent humanitarian needs in the northern and central regions, which are grappling with a severe food and nutrition crisis affecting 1.3 million people and a surge of refugees from the central Sahel. The influx of funds will allow aid organizations to better prioritize their responses in these hard-hit areas. The allocation draws attention to the pressing shortage of resources required to meet the growing challenges faced by communities impacted by ongoing conflict and climate change in Mali and the Sahel region. The Acting Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, M. Maleye Diop,…

A new survey reveals that 60% of young Africans are contemplating emigration due to rampant corruption threatening their future prospects. The study, conducted in January and February of this year, gathered responses from over 5,600 individuals aged 18 to 24 across 16 countries. It highlights corruption as the most significant barrier to achieving personal and professional goals. Nearly 60% of respondents plan to leave Africa within the next five years, citing dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of corruption as a major reason. The survey covered countries from South Africa to Ethiopia, with North America emerging as the top emigration choice,…

In 2018, Jakarta secured investment agreements totaling $600 million with several African nations. Now, Indonesia aims to deepen its collaboration with a focus on health, energy, and strategic minerals. On September 2, 2024, Indonesia revealed plans to finalize investment deals worth $3.5 billion with African countries during the second Indonesia-Africa Forum, taking place from September 1 to 3 in Bali. In his opening address, Indonesia’s President stated, “We are set to sign agreements totaling $3.5 billion with African nations.” He noted that the ongoing partnership has already led to significant achievements, including a substantial rise in trade and the signing…

Tunisian authorities apprehended presidential candidate Ayachi Zammel early Monday morning, according to a campaign representative. The electoral commission is expected to release the final list of candidates for the October 6 presidential election today. Mahdi Abdel Jawad reported that Zammel was taken into custody at around 3:00 a.m. on allegations of falsifying endorsement signatures. Recently, the Administrative Court, which handles electoral disputes, reinstated three notable candidates—Mondher Znaidi, AbdelLatif Mekki, and Imed Daimi—after their initial disqualification by the electoral commission. These candidates will now compete alongside Zammel, Zouhair Maghzaoui, and current President Kais Saied. Farouk Bouasker, head of the electoral commission,…

In the early hours of Monday, a thwarted escape attempt took place at Kinshasa’s central Makala prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Authorities confirmed that security personnel swiftly reestablished control over the situation. Reports indicate that gunshots were heard around 2:00 am, with accounts from inmates describing a scene of confusion as prisoners tried to escape, prompting security forces to fire at them. Additionally, the prison’s medical facility and administrative offices were set on fire, risking the loss of crucial documents. No inmates succeeded in breaking out, as those who attempted to escape were killed. An investigation into the…

Mariam Eniola Bolaji of Nigeria has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first African athlete to win a badminton medal at the Paralympics or Olympics. At the Paris Paralympics on Monday, Bolaji clinched the bronze medal in the women’s singles SL3 category, marking a significant achievement for both her and the continent. The 18-year-old athlete delivered an impressive performance, defeating Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna with convincing scores of 21-9 and 21-9. Bolaji’s victory is especially poignant given the circumstances surrounding her journey. It comes three years after the tragic death of her coach, Bello Oyebanji, who died in a road…

South Africa’s state-owned logistics firm reported a significant increase in its losses for the fiscal year ending in March 2024, reaching 7.3 billion rand ($408.72 million), up from 5.1 billion rand the previous year. Facing substantial debt, the company has struggled to maintain effective freight rail and port services, which has hampered economic progress in the country. Despite an 11% rise in revenue driven by tariff increases and greater rail and port volumes, net operating expenses surged by over 19%, primarily due to costs associated with ongoing legal challenges.

The $10 billion project involves drilling for oil in the Lake Albert region of northwestern Uganda and constructing a 1,443-kilometre (900-mile) heated pipeline to transport the crude oil to Tanzania’s Tanga port on the Indian Ocean. A recent report from a non-profit organization, which included interviews with numerous local residents, outlines a series of abuses associated with the Kingfisher project. The report details various forms of mistreatment experienced by the local population. The organization’s Executive Director, Brad Adams, condemned the project, stating that it is deeply concerning that a venture promoted as a path to prosperity for Uganda is instead…

Between April and June, South Africa saw nearly 6,200 murders, according to recent police statistics. This represents a slight 0.5 percent decrease from the previous year. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu emphasized the pressing nature of the crime issue facing the new coalition government during a recent press briefing in Cape Town. In the same period, incidents of rape increased by 0.6 percent, with a total of 9,309 reported cases. Additionally, authorities uncovered 44,735 drug-related offenses, attributed to significant police operations targeting drug syndicates that led to major drug seizures. Beyond the Numbers Recently, elite police forces uncovered a multi-million-dollar crystal…

On Friday, the German military completed its withdrawal from an airbase in Niger, ending its operations in the country. The final troops returned home, concluding their mission in the volatile Sahel region. An interim agreement reached in late May had permitted German forces to use the Niamey airbase until the end of August. However, failed negotiations to extend this agreement were largely due to the withdrawal of legal immunity for the personnel stationed there. Joint statements from senior military officials of both nations confirmed the withdrawal but emphasized that military cooperation between the two countries will continue. Five cargo planes,…

Congo is at the center of a significant mpox outbreak, which the World Health Organization recently designated as a global public health emergency. Vaccines are expected to arrive soon to address the new virus strain, and the government has approved an initial $10 million to tackle the crisis. At the Kavumu hospital, which has admitted 900 patients with symptoms over the past three months, healthcare workers are struggling with severe shortages of medication. The head doctor reported daily shortages and a steep decline in international aid. Currently, 135 patients, including both children and adults, are being treated in three large…

Severe rainfall in Niger has claimed at least 15 more lives, regional officials reported on Sunday, adding to the growing toll of the ongoing downpours affecting the country. Since June, intense rains have been battering Africa’s Sahel region, and the recent deaths in Niger contribute to a total of over 217 fatalities nationwide during this period. More than 350,000 individuals have been impacted by the floods. Last week, rising waters nearly cut off the capital, Niamey, from the rest of the nation before the situation improved. The most recent casualties occurred on Friday in Maradi, Niger’s economic hub, which has…

Algeria has recently gained membership in the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB), a move announced by the country’s finance ministry. The approval was finalized on Saturday and disclosed by the bank’s head, Dilma Rousseff, during a meeting in Cape Town, South Africa. This membership marks a crucial step for Algeria in its efforts to integrate more deeply into the global financial system, as emphasized by the finance ministry. The BRICS New Development Bank, originally established by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, was designed as an alternative to established global financial entities like the World Bank and IMF. Algeria’s…

On September 1, 1969, Libya underwent a dramatic change with the onset of the Libyan Revolution, also referred to as the 1 September Revolution. This significant event saw Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and his Free Officers Movement overthrow King Idris I and the Senussi monarchy. The coup, executed with impressive precision and minimal bloodshed, led to the creation of the Libyan Arab Republic and marked the beginning of Gaddafi’s leadership. By the late 1960s, the Libyan monarchy was faltering despite substantial oil revenue, which had the potential to elevate Libya’s economic status. However, the wealth was unevenly distributed, leading to widespread…

TotalEnergies has disclosed the sale of two of its oil fields in Nigeria, which is Africa’s foremost oil exporter. The fields in question, Olo and Olo West, have been purchased by Aradel Holdings, a Nigerian company, for $19.5 million, as reported. This divestment is part of TotalEnergies’ broader strategy to reduce its investments across Africa. The company is streamlining its oil and gas portfolio and implementing cost-cutting measures, including reductions in management. Notably, in July, TotalEnergies sold a 10% stake in Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited and exited from 18 oil and gas projects situated in the Niger…

The Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) is pursuing a $300 million credit facility from local banks to enhance its diamond purchases, as revealed by Finance Minister Peggy Serame. The move comes as ODC aims to strengthen its position in the diamond market amidst a challenging economic landscape. Established in 2012 to operate independently of De Beers, ODC currently sources 25% of its diamonds from Debswana, a joint venture between the government of Botswana and Anglo American’s De Beers. Under a new 10-year agreement, ODC’s share of Debswana’s diamond output is set to increase from 30% initially to 50%, marking a significant…

Zambia has implemented stricter measures to enforce cybersecurity laws, targeting online hate speech, propaganda, defamation, and child abuse. Critics argue that these actions may infringe on freedom of speech. The government has activated section 54 of the 2021 Cybersecurity and Cybercrimes Act, which penalizes individuals who, with the intent to endanger others, publish harmful information in any form through computer systems. Convictions can result in up to five years in prison. Officials have urged the public to follow the law and avoid social media content that could lead to legal issues. Additionally, administrators of platforms like WhatsApp have been warned…

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) wrapped up a two-day meeting in Cameroon on Friday, pledging to support member states in tackling armed conflicts, violent extremism, economic struggles, and climate challenges. The OIC recognized that these issues have driven many civilians in its 57 member countries into poverty. The meeting, attended by about 500 delegates including foreign ministers, diplomats, and senior officials, concentrated on the pressing issues faced by member nations. Boukary Sawadogo, Burkina Faso’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia and the OIC’s representative, expressed satisfaction with the strong commitments made by member states to provide direct aid to countries addressing…

The World Health Organization’s Director-General has indicated that mpox outbreaks in Africa could potentially be controlled within the next six months. He mentioned that the initial batch of vaccines is expected to reach Congo soon. Currently, Africa has only received a fraction of the necessary vaccines to mitigate the virus’s spread, with Congo reporting the highest number of cases—over 18,000 suspected infections and 629 fatalities. The Director-General stressed that with strong leadership from governments and close collaboration among stakeholders, the outbreaks could be managed within six months. Although mpox cases have been increasing recently, the death toll remains relatively low.…

The United Nations has announced a $100 million allocation to support ten critical humanitarian crises in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East. The largest portions of this funding will address urgent needs in Yemen ($20 million) and Ethiopia ($15 million), where severe hunger, displacement, disease outbreaks, and climate-related challenges are prevalent. Additional funds will be directed to Myanmar ($12 million), Mali ($11 million), Burkina Faso ($10 million), Haiti ($9 million), Cameroon ($7 million), Mozambique ($7 million), and El Niño-impacted Burundi ($5 million) and Malawi ($4 million). An official from the UN’s humanitarian division highlighted the pressing need for…

Intra-African agricultural trade has reached an unprecedented $17 billion, surpassing its previous high from 2013, according to the latest Africa Agriculture Trade Monitor. Released during a hybrid event in Kigali on August 29, the report evaluates trade performance amid challenges like climate change, water use, and carbon emissions. It also examines how trade interacts with climate change, focusing on the carbon footprint of agricultural production and transportation, water content in traded goods, and the impact of climate stress on agricultural yields. The data shows that trade values surged from $5.4 billion in 2003 to $16.1 billion by 2013. Despite a…

Senegal has decided to halt mining along the Falémé River, which marks part of its southeastern border with Mali, to protect both the environment and public health. However, enforcing this ban will be difficult. The Kédougou region, through which the Falémé River flows, has experienced a boom in artisanal gold mining. Over the past two decades, miners from 19 African countries have flocked to the area in pursuit of gold. The gold extraction methods, which use mercury, lead, and cyanide, have polluted the river. This contamination threatens thousands who depend on the river for farming and livestock. Studies have found…

The President has highlighted that Africa is a pivotal focus of South Africa’s foreign policy. He emphasized the nation’s commitment to enhancing the African Union (AU) as a key force for peace, stability, integration, and development across the continent. He outlined South Africa’s significant roles, including chairing the Presidential Infrastructure Champion Initiative and serving as the AU Champion on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response. These statements were made during a session in the National Assembly in Cape Town on Thursday. A Member of Parliament from uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) questioned the President about the alignment of the Republic’s foreign policy, suggesting…

South Africa’s decision to phase out the breeding of captive big game and prohibit the commercial use of lions has left many big-cat breeders anxious about their business futures. A task force, appointed by the previous Environment Minister, recommended shutting down the breeding sector in December 2022 but did not offer financial support for those affected by the ban. Although the government adopted these recommendations in April, no deadline has been set for ending the breeding activities. There have been no updates to this policy since the national elections in May, which resulted in a new unity government and a…

Ghana, Africa’s top gold producer, is poised to inaugurate its first large-scale greenfield mine in more than ten years this November. The new Cardinal Namdini mine, operated by Cardinal Resources—a unit of Shandong Gold—received its license in 2020 and is expected to produce over 350,000 ounces of gold annually. Despite being the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, Ghana has seen a decline in gold exploration over the past decade, leading to fewer new projects and reduced output from major miners. However, the Minerals Commission’s CEO, Martin Ayisi, revealed plans for three additional mines, including a lithium project, set to launch by…

A pioneering initiative, BEAT-Tuberculosis, has emerged as the first global program targeting drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) across all demographics, significantly impacting the World Health Organization’s international treatment policies. Dr. Francesca Conradie, who spearheaded the study, highlighted that the research successfully demonstrated the safety and efficacy of a new, shorter oral regimen for key populations, marking a major step toward more equitable TB healthcare. Conradie remarked, “The BEAT-Tuberculosis study introduces a groundbreaking approach by including pregnant women and children in clinical trials, broadening our understanding of TB treatment across various demographics.” The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a novel six-month…

Health officials in Uganda have advised against relying on information from border health workers regarding the mpox outbreak. A recent case involved a child initially suspected to have chickenpox, but the diagnosis revealed mpox, a virus spreading rapidly from eastern DRC into Uganda and other regions. This new strain, which differs from the 2022 variant that spread mainly through sexual contact, now transmits quickly through close daily interactions, affecting both adults and an increasing number of children. Despite conflicting reports from various sources, it is clear that children are disproportionately affected. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund, 84% of…

The 2024 Paralympic Games officially commenced in Paris on August 28, with Team Nigeria sending a formidable group of 35 athletes, eager to surpass the country’s previous successes. The competition will unfold over 11 days, running from August 28 to September 8, featuring 549 events across 22 Para sports. Nigeria’s athletes will compete in four disciplines: Para-athletics, Para-badminton, Para-powerlifting, and Para-table tennis. The team includes five in athletics, two in badminton, nine in powerlifting, and eight in table tennis. Nigeria’s Paralympic journey began with its debut at the 1992 Summer Paralympics in Barcelona and has since earned a total of…

On Thursday, Libya’s oil output was significantly reduced, with over half of the production, around 700,000 barrels per day, being shut down, and exports were suspended at several key ports. This situation arose from a political deadlock between competing factions over the control of the central bank and oil revenue, threatening to disrupt a four-year period of relative stability. The conflict over the Central Bank of Libya could lead to renewed instability in the country, which remains divided between eastern and western groups. Ports in the oil-rich Oil Crescent region, including Es Sidra, Brega, Zueitina, and Ras Lanuf, ceased export…

Senegal’s Foreign Minister Yassine Fall engaged in high-level discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Thursday, aiming to deepen ties between the two nations. During a joint press briefing, Fall emphasized the commitment of Senegal and Russia to enhance collaboration across multiple sectors, including mineral exploration, energy, agriculture, scientific research, hydrocarbon workforce development, and fisheries. She extended an invitation to Russian entrepreneurs to explore investment opportunities in Senegal, underlining the potential for fruitful partnerships between the two countries. “We are keen to see greater cooperation in vital areas that can significantly benefit both our nations,” Fall stated,…

Water scarcity is a major issue in South Africa, where the dry climate and limited freshwater resources exacerbate the problem. Water storage tanks have become an essential tool in the country’s efforts to manage and conserve water. These tanks are vital for collecting and storing rainwater and other water sources, helping to lessen the impact of drought and providing a consistent water supply for various applications. Tackling Water Shortages Extended droughts, population growth, and urban development have intensified South Africa’s water crisis. Water storage tanks offer a viable solution by capturing and storing rainwater for use during dry spells. This…

Nigeria and Niger have decided to strengthen their security cooperation, the Nigerian military reported on Thursday, despite ongoing tensions following last year’s coup in Niger. On Wednesday, the defense chiefs of both nations signed a memorandum of understanding in Niamey, Niger’s capital, reaffirming their dedication to revitalizing their partnership to promote regional stability and security. The relationship between Nigeria and Niger became strained after the July 2023 coup that removed Mohamed Bazoum from power, leading to divisions within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and raising concerns about the fight against Islamist insurgency in the region. In response…

Ghana is preparing to invite investors holding its Eurobonds to participate in a debt exchange program, according to Finance Minister Mohammed Amin Adam’s announcement on Thursday. This initiative involves offering new bonds to replace existing ones, with the goal of resetting the country’s relationship with the international bond market. The exchange program will span 21 days, during which the government hopes for comprehensive participation from all bondholders. This step is part of Ghana’s broader strategy to stabilize its financial standing and enhance investor confidence. In a related move, the Ghanaian government will also seek funds through a syndicated loan and…