Author: WAJ Team

Set for November 9-10, the inaugural Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum will bring together leaders from across Africa and Russia to strengthen ties in trade, security, education, and regional collaboration. The event builds on the 2023 Russia-Africa Summit, with high expectations for actionable outcomes to deepen the partnership. Organized by the Roscongress Foundation, the event will focus on implementing decisions made at the summit while enhancing collaboration between Russia and African nations across various sectors, including politics, security, economics, science, technology, culture, and humanitarian affairs. Anton Kobyakov, Adviser to the Russian President, emphasized the significance of this initiative,…

In a significant operation, South African police announced on Sunday the arrest of 225 illegal miners who emerged from an abandoned mine shaft after facing severe shortages of food and water. The miners, locally known as “zama zamas,” which translates to “those who try” in Zulu, were forced to resurface from the site situated in Orkney, a town renowned for its gold mining activities. The police spokesperson reported that the miners had no choice but to exit the shaft due to conditions of starvation and dehydration. Authorities had implemented measures to block the routes previously used by accomplices to deliver…

Turkey reiterated its commitment to enhancing relationships with Africa during the recent African summit held in Djibouti on Sunday. The summit featured discussions on the importance of African support for diplomatic initiatives aimed at aiding Palestinians. In recent years, Turkey has made substantial investments across the African continent, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan undertaking 50 visits to 31 nations during his 20-year presidency. The latest ministerial meeting in Djibouti welcomed representatives from 14 African countries, including Angola, Chad, Comoros, Republic of Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Libya, Mauritania, Nigeria, South Sudan, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who…

Twenty-nine minors in Nigeria are facing the possibility of the death penalty after being charged in connection with a protest against the country’s escalating cost-of-living crisis. During their arraignment on Friday, four of the children reportedly collapsed from exhaustion before entering their pleas. According to official documents, a total of 76 individuals were arrested and charged with 10 serious offenses, including treason, property damage, public disturbance, and mutiny. The children charged are between 14 and 17 years old. Recent months have seen a wave of demonstrations in Nigeria fueled by economic hardship. In August, a protest demanding improved job opportunities…

Rwanda, often celebrated as the “land of a thousand hills,” is captivating both tourists and business entrepreneurs alike, thanks to its breathtaking landscapes and strategic developments. The nation, renowned for its gorilla trekking experiences that draw thousands of visitors each year, is also making significant strides in infrastructure and maintaining a peaceful environment characterized by security and community unity. With a shift from its tragic past, Rwanda has established itself as a leading business destination in Central Africa, attracting foreign investment and reshaping its narrative away from the legacy of the genocide that claimed countless lives three decades ago. A…

Duma Boko, the presidential candidate from the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), was officially inaugurated as Botswana’s sixth president on Friday. In a formal ceremony held in the capital, Gaborone, Boko took his oath of office before Chief Justice Terence Rannowane, just hours after being declared the winner of Wednesday’s closely contested election. In his inaugural address, Boko expressed heartfelt gratitude to the citizens of Botswana for their overwhelming support and emphasized his commitment to working diligently in his new role. Chief Justice Rannowane announced Boko’s victory on national television, underscoring the public’s trust in his leadership abilities and the…

Nigeria’s hunger crisis is projected to worsen significantly, with over 30 million citizens likely to experience food insecurity next year—a sharp increase from this year—according to a joint report by the Nigerian government and the United Nations released Friday. As economic hardships mount, Africa’s most populous nation faces severe challenges, with escalating living costs prompting deadly protests in August. Economic strain has intensified since President Bola Tinubu introduced austerity measures, including the devaluation of the naira and the end of a long-standing fuel subsidy, which have driven inflation to record levels. The report, based on a biannual analysis across 26…

Access Bank, the largest bank in Nigeria, has officially inaugurated a new branch in Hong Kong, marking a significant milestone in its international expansion. Jamie Simmonds, founder of Access Bank UK, discussed the development in a recent interview, emphasizing Hong Kong’s strategic significance as a pivotal hub for trade between Africa, China, and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Simmonds underscored that the bank’s international division is essential for supporting the growing footprint of its parent company across Africa, allowing for enhanced connectivity and business opportunities. This expansion arrives amid increasing geopolitical tensions between the US and China, as well as a…

As African contemporary art continues to attract increasing global interest, a dynamic season of events is set to unfold across Europe and Africa. Artists and curators from the continent and its diaspora are reflecting on the significance of cultural exchanges that connect major cities, including London, Paris, Luanda, and Dakar. This October and November will see a series of vibrant celebrations honoring African art, showcasing its rich diversity both locally and internationally. Spotlight on Africa will explore various perspectives from different African cultures, emphasizing the unique insights of the diaspora that enrich discussions around African artistic narratives. Among the key…

South Africa’s economic stability faces significant challenges, not only from downturns and policy missteps but also from sophisticated organized crime syndicates that evade legal scrutiny. These networks, engaged in illicit gold and tobacco trades, are attracting global attention and threatening the nation’s financial integrity, yet decisive action from law enforcement agencies, including the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), remains lacking. For over two years, more than 100 individuals and entities linked to a major smuggling operation uncovered by the SA Revenue Service (SARS), the SA Reserve Bank, and the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) have awaited justice. Central to…

Prince Iwefa Aganaba has been appointed as the African Special Envoy on Youth by the United Nations World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD), marking a significant milestone in his career. The formal presentation of Aganaba’s role took place on October 30, 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria, highlighting the importance of youth development in Africa and setting the stage for his future initiatives aimed at enhancing opportunities for young people across the continent. The announcement of his appointment was made earlier on October 16, 2024, by Ambassador Tunji John Asaolu, Global Vice President of the UN-WCD, during the Commonwealth Year of Youth Golden…

Mpox cases are rapidly increasing across the African continent, showing over a 500% rise compared to the previous year, as reported by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) on Thursday. In mid-August, the World Health Organization declared mpox a global health emergency after a new strain began spreading from the Democratic Republic of Congo to surrounding countries. Ngashi Ngongo from Africa CDC stated in a briefing, “The situation is not yet under control; we are still generally experiencing an upward trend.” According to the public health agency, 19 African nations have reported more than 48,000 suspected…

At least 15 individuals were killed in a brutal attack by armed bandits in Benue State, Nigeria, local media reported on Thursday. The assailants invaded the town of Anyiin in the Logo Local Government Area, where several others sustained injuries during the violent encounter. This latest incident highlights the ongoing violence that Nigeria has been grappling with, as armed gangs continue to pose significant threats to communities across the country. In addition to the bandit attacks, the region faces persistent insurgent activity from Boko Haram, which has further exacerbated the security crisis. Despite the enforcement of the death penalty for…

On Thursday, the Egyptian armed forces firmly denied allegations of involvement in Israeli military operations following reports of a shipment of explosives arriving at an Egyptian port intended for an Israeli defense contractor. They released a statement categorically rejecting rumors circulating on social media and other questionable accounts regarding any support for Israel’s military actions. This controversy arose when human rights lawyers filed a court appeal in Berlin on Wednesday, seeking to block a 150-metric-ton shipment of military-grade explosives aboard the German cargo ship MV Kathrin. The lawyers asserted that the shipment was destined for Elbit Systems, the largest defense…

In a significant move, Mauritius’s communications regulator announced on Friday that all internet service providers must block access to social media platforms until November 11, a day after the highly anticipated general election. This decision is prompted by growing concerns surrounding a wiretapping scandal that has captured national attention and stirred public debate. Since mid-October, media watchdog Reporters Without Borders has reported that approximately twenty recordings involving a diverse array of figures—politicians, police officers, lawyers, journalists, and members of civil society—have been leaked on social media. These leaks have raised alarms about privacy and ethical governance, contributing to a climate…

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has demanded an apology and reparations from Britain for the colonial injustices experienced by Zimbabweans and the enduring legacy of colonialism in the country. Speaking at the National Elders Forum in Harare, Mnangagwa’s call echoed the sentiments of African leaders who recently gathered at the Commonwealth summit in Samoa, where they urged Britain to confront its colonial history. He emphasized that it is time for the former colonial power to acknowledge its past actions. “We have seen former colonial powers apologize to groups like the Mau Mau in Kenya and to Namibia. So, we ask, when will…

Botswana’s ruling party has suffered a shocking defeat in the recent elections, marking the end of nearly 60 years of governance. Preliminary results indicate that President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) lost its grip on power, with opposition parties winning at least 35 of the 61 parliamentary seats, as reported by the electoral commission. The BDP, which has dominated the diamond-rich Southern African nation since gaining independence in 1966, secured only one seat as of early Friday morning, reflecting a dramatic shift in the political landscape of Botswana. The Umbrella for Democratic Change, led by Harvard-trained human rights lawyer…

A significant archaeological discovery has been made in southern Africa, revealing the oldest known mine, estimated to be around 40,000 years old. Researchers achieved this breakthrough by bombarding ancient materials with neutrons in a reactor core, highlighting the critical role that ochre played in prehistoric human society. Ochre, a natural clay pigment abundant in iron compounds, is one of the most historically significant materials used by humans. It can produce a spectrum of colors, from deep yellows and bright oranges to rich reds and rusty browns. Throughout history, ochre has served numerous purposes, including cave paintings, body decoration, personal adornments,…

Prince William will head to South Africa next week for a four-day trip centered around the annual Earthshot Prize awards ceremony, his landmark environmental initiative. Arriving in Cape Town on Monday, the British royal will promote the Earthshot Prize, attend the United for Wildlife Global Summit, and hold discussions with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Kensington Palace released a statement saying, “Prince William looks forward to connecting with people from South Africa and across the continent, and celebrating impactful climate solutions.” This marks his first visit to South Africa since 2010, and he will be making the trip alone, as…

Cocoa farmers in Ghana have formally submitted a complaint to the state regulator Cocobod, raising urgent concerns about environmental and social issues affecting their livelihoods. The complaint, signed by 30 farmers, demands a “living income” for producers while highlighting ongoing deforestation, child labor, and the detrimental use of pesticides within the cocoa industry, which positions Ghana as the second-largest cocoa producer globally. This complaint serves as a significant test of a grievance mechanism established by Cocobod, which was a prerequisite for a $600 million syndicated loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB) in 2019. Cocobod holds extensive regulatory power over…

On October 31, 1984, Indira Gandhi’s assassination shocked the world and profoundly impacted African political movements. This article explores the international responses to her death and its significance across the continent. The Immediate Aftermath Indira Gandhi was killed by her Sikh bodyguards in retaliation for Operation Blue Star, a military action against Sikh militants. Her assassination ignited unrest in India, leading to anti-Sikh riots and thousands of deaths. International leaders expressed their condolences. U.S. President Ronald Reagan called her a “great leader,” while British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher praised her as a “remarkable woman.” Soviet General Secretary Konstantin Chernenko also…

The European Union (EU) has announced a significant financial support package of €75 million (approximately $81.5 million) to Zimbabwe, aimed at helping the southern African nation combat climate change impacts and promote socioeconomic development. During a signing ceremony held in Harare on Wednesday, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Mthuli Ncube, and EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Jobst von Kirchmann, formalized four financing agreements. According to a joint statement, the funding is designed to accelerate Zimbabwe’s green transition by supporting agricultural value chains, investing in renewable energy within the agricultural sector, conserving biodiversity, and enhancing community resilience. Additionally,…

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized the importance of the Sahel and Sahara regions to Egypt’s national security during a joint press conference with Niger’s Foreign Minister, Bakary Yaou Sangare, in Cairo on Wednesday. Abdelatty stated that Egypt is dedicated to enhancing cooperation with Sahel nations, including Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Gabon, and Chad, asserting that the security of Egypt is closely tied to the stability of the Sahel region. During the press conference, Abdelatty acknowledged the ongoing instability in the Sahel and Sahara, particularly due to the presence of active terrorist groups. He reiterated Egypt’s commitment to supporting national…

The Defence Headquarters has firmly denied allegations suggesting that a military training camp in Niger State has been seized by militants, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining security in the region. Concerns were voiced on Tuesday during a session of the Niger State House of Assembly, where representatives raised alarms that militants had taken control of the military camp located in the Kontagora Local Government Area, as well as parts of the Mariga Local Government Area. Abdullahi Isah, the representative for Kontagora II State Constituency, emphasized that the alleged occupation has led to the forced relocation of over 23 farming communities…

Esther Lungu, the former First Lady of Zambia, was arrested on Wednesday by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) on charges of possessing property suspected to be linked to criminal activities, as well as money laundering. According to DEC spokesperson Allan Tamba, the charges are part of an ongoing investigation into Lungu’s ownership of several properties. Tamba confirmed that she has since been released on police bond while awaiting further court proceedings. Lungu’s attorney, Charles Changano, provided additional details, stating that the property-related charge pertains to a specific property located in a Lusaka suburb. The money laundering charge is connected to…

A delegation from Liberia recently held crucial meetings with representatives from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the U.S. Department of State, and the Treasury Department. The discussions focused on Liberia’s progress in securing eligibility for a second MCC Compact valued at $500 million. Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan highlighted the advancements made by the Boakai Administration, including the establishment of an intra-governmental team dedicated to monitoring the MCC Scorecard. This initiative aims to ensure that Liberia meets all necessary requirements to qualify for the funding. During the meetings, Minister Ngafuan emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and…

Senegal has successfully raised $300 million by reopening a bond initially issued in June, aimed at addressing financing needs for the 2024 budget. This development follows the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) decision to postpone disbursements due to concerning findings from an audit, as reported by the finance ministry on Wednesday. The bond, privately placed and maturing in 2031, features a hedge against foreign exchange fluctuations, allowing the government to secure an interest rate of 6.33%. JP Morgan fully underwrote the transaction. The Senegalese government opted against requesting the IMF disbursement after the audit revealed that the country’s debt and budget…

French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron concluded a significant three-day state visit to Morocco on October 30, 2024, after a series of high-level discussions and agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two nations. At the invitation of King Mohammed VI, Macron’s visit focused on expanding collaboration in various sectors, including sustainable agriculture and water management, with an emphasis on promoting regional stability and economic development. One of the key highlights occurred at the Royal Palace in Rabat on October 28, where Macron and King Mohammed VI signed 22 agreements valued at €10 billion. These agreements cover…

Tensions in Mozambique have intensified following the recent call for a week-long nationwide strike by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who has gone missing. The strike, set to begin on October 31, is a protest against the controversial results of the October 9 presidential election. The ruling Frelimo Party, which has been in power for 49 years, secured a significant victory in the election, with its candidate, Daniel Chapo, reportedly receiving 71% of the vote. In contrast, Mondlane, representing the Podemos party, garnered just 20%. This outcome has drawn criticism from opposition parties and international observers, who have highlighted numerous alleged…

In response to a significant rise in mpox cases spreading across Africa, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is urgently appealing for $27.8 million to assist migrants, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and mobile communities, along with the local populations they engage with. Since August 2024, the number of confirmed mpox cases has surged from over 2,800 across 12 countries to more than 9,300 across 34 countries as of October 20, 2024. This latest appeal follows IOM’s initial request for $18.5 million in August aimed at supporting affected regions in East, Horn, and Southern Africa. To address this growing crisis, IOM…

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff. This decision was communicated on Wednesday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, who stated that Oluyede will assume the role until the return of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, currently receiving medical treatment abroad. In the official statement, Onanuga declared, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has named Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS). Oluyede will serve in this position pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun…

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni met with his Congolese counterpart, President Felix Tshisekedi, on Wednesday at State House Uganda to discuss pressing regional security concerns and infrastructure projects, including the development of major roads. In a statement following the meeting, Museveni emphasized the shared priorities between the two nations. “Both Uganda and Congo have aligned interests. We have thoroughly discussed all matters of importance, and I appreciate President Tshisekedi’s positive response to this invitation,” he said. The discussions also touched on ongoing military cooperation between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to the statement, Ugandan defense forces are…

Eight miners have died following the collapse of an open-pit copper mine in Chingola, located in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province. According to Peacewell Mweemba, the provincial police commissioner, one miner remains missing, while two others were found alive. State media reports indicate that six of the victims belonged to the same family. The miners were not employed by the mining company but were part of a group that had entered the site illegally to search for copper, a widespread practice in Zambia. The incident adds to a growing list of tragedies involving informal miners in the country. Earlier this month, ten…

In a significant step towards addressing pressing climate and health challenges, President Mnangagwa applauded development partners for their essential contributions to various capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening institutions across Africa. In his opening address at the inaugural Climate and Health Africa Conference held in Harare on Wednesday, the President highlighted the importance of these programs in creating a strong foundation for resilient and sustainable institutions capable of addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change. “Our continent is grappling with the severe impacts of global warming, which significantly affect our economies and are estimated to cost between 3 and 5…

Nigeria’s central bank is prepared to utilize any necessary strategies to combat rising inflation, according to its governor, Olayemi Cardoso. Speaking at the FT Africa Summit in London on Tuesday, Cardoso highlighted the urgency of addressing the country’s inflation, which reached 32.70% in September, marking the first increase in three months due to escalating food and energy prices. The recent rise in inflation has been exacerbated by the government’s removal of petrol and electricity subsidies, along with two devaluations of the naira since President Bola Tinubu took office last year. Cardoso indicated that while he expects overall inflation to moderate…

The 19th Meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) commenced on October 29, 2024, at the Presidential Pavilion B3 in Bujumbura. This significant meeting focuses on critical discussions surrounding peace and security in the region. Key agenda items include a report from the Committee on Peace and Security, the candidacy for the African Development Bank, and the launch of the COMESA Mediation Strategy. The meeting is part of a series of activities leading up to the 23rd Summit of COMESA Heads of State and Government, which will take place on October 31,…

Saudi Arabia is reportedly in advanced negotiations to acquire a significant stake in a copper mine in Zambia, with expectations of finalizing a deal by the end of this year. Robert Wilt, CEO of Ma’aden, the kingdom’s leading mining firm, made the announcement during the Future Investment Forum held in Riyadh. “We are looking into opportunities in Zambia and are in substantial talks with a mining company there,” Wilt stated. Sources suggest that Manara Minerals, a joint venture between Ma’aden and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, is close to completing an agreement to purchase a minority interest in the Zambian…

Mozambique will officially become a full member of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in January next year, unlocking a range of business opportunities for the nation. This membership will focus on enhancing internationalization and production specialization, as announced this week by Silvino Moreno, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, in Maputo. Moreno emphasized that joining the AfCFTA will not only foster investment but also improve the trade balance, in line with the goals outlined in the Government’s Five-Year Programme. He highlighted that the AfCFTA complements other initiatives designed to bolster trade and investment across the continent. The agreement…

During the recent state visit of the Algerian President to Oman, the two governments signed eight Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing collaboration across multiple sectors. The agreements cover a wide range of areas, including higher education, scientific research, financial services, employment and training, media, environmental sustainability, event organization, and investment promotion. On behalf of Oman, the MoUs were signed by Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, Finance Minister Sultan bin Salim Al Habsi, Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion Minister Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, and Energy and Minerals Minister Engineer Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi. Algeria was represented by…

Angola’s Cabinda oil refinery is expected to begin production by April, having successfully completed its first phase ahead of schedule, although it has exceeded its budget, according to Atanas Bostandjiev, CEO of Gemcorp Holdings Limited, the project’s primary investor. The refinery is scheduled for commissioning in January-February, with initial fuel supplies projected to reach the local market by March-April. Gemcorp owns a 90% stake in the facility. As Angola’s second oil refinery, the new facility aims to reduce the country’s reliance on costly fuel imports while addressing ongoing efforts to eliminate fuel subsidies. Bostandjiev revealed that investment for the first…

South Africa has unveiled an innovative initiative aimed at enhancing tourism, particularly from India and China, with the introduction of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS). This program invites tour operators from these two nations to collaborate with local counterparts to attract more visitors to the country. The announcement was made two months after Minister of Home Affairs Dr. Leon Schreiber conceptualized the scheme. The TTOS is designed to facilitate job creation linked to increased tourism, addressing critical challenges related to visa processing and bureaucratic inefficiencies that have hindered South Africa’s ability to attract tourists from these emerging markets. Following…

Rwanda has been selected as one of three Sub-Saharan African countries to receive a share of $22 million aimed at improving flood resilience in urban areas. The funding will support initiatives in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia; Kigali, Rwanda; and Johannesburg, South Africa, with a specific focus on helping vulnerable communities adapt to climate change. In Rwanda, the project will prioritize the restoration of the lower Nyabarongo River watershed, which is critical for reducing the risks associated with flooding, landslides, and soil erosion. The targeted restoration efforts will take place in the Kicukiro, Nyarugenge, and Gasabo districts, as confirmed by officials from…

The African Development Bank Group’s Board of Directors has sanctioned an $8 million concessional loan to back the construction of a 25 MW solar photovoltaic power plant in Zambia. The funding, designated for the Ilute Plant, will be drawn from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), a multi-donor initiative managed by the Bank. This project aims to boost Zambia’s renewable energy capacity and foster sustainable development. The development of the Ilute Plant, led by Serengeti Energy Ltd and Western Solar Power Ltd, has faced rising costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic challenges. Located in Zambia’s Sesheke…

Akua Donkor, the presidential candidate for the Ghana Freedom Party in the upcoming 2024 elections, has passed away. Her running mate, Kwabena Agyekum Kubi, popularly known as “Roman Fada,” confirmed her death during a radio broadcast on Tuesday, October 29. The 72-year-old politician, who was also the founder of the Ghana Freedom Party, died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Accra on Monday. Kubi shared details of her illness, stating, “She had been unwell for several days, so we admitted her to Nsawam Government Hospital on Saturday. Unfortunately, her condition did not improve, and she was later transferred to…

Botswana is holding elections today, October 30, 2024, to determine whether President Mokgweetsi Masisi will secure a second term, with economic issues related to declining diamond demand at the forefront of the campaign. The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which has governed the nation since 1966, remains the likely frontrunner despite a noted decrease in its popularity. Voters are electing members of the National Assembly, and the party that secures the most seats will choose the next president. Masisi faces competition from the Umbrella for Democratic Change, a coalition led by lawyer Duma Boko, as well as two other parties that…

On Tuesday, South Africa announced that it is hosting Russia’s Aerospace Forces for a five-day visit to reinforce the military partnership between the two nations. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) released a statement indicating that the South African Air Force is receiving Russia’s Aerospace Forces from October 29 to November 2, 2024, as part of a goodwill visit. The statement detailed that the Russian air fleet, which includes aircraft like the IL-62, AN-124, and Tupolev Tu-160 ‘Blackjack’ bombers, will be landing at Air Force Base Waterkloof during this period. This marks the first time these specific aircraft have…

The African Penguin, the only penguin species native to Africa, has officially been classified as “critically endangered” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), marking a significant escalation in conservation concerns. Once abundant in the early 1900s with millions in the wild, the current breeding population has dwindled to approximately 8,000 pairs, prompting urgent calls for conservation action. The IUCN’s recent announcement underscores the rapid decline of this iconic bird, primarily attributed to intense competition with commercial fisheries and climate-related shifts in prey availability. The organization emphasized that the African Penguin is the first of the 18…

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Burkina Faso to urgently prioritize the protection of civilians amid its ongoing struggle with armed groups. In a report released on Tuesday, the organization highlighted that the government placed civilians at “unnecessary risk” during a recent attack by an armed group, which resulted in at least 133 fatalities in August. The incident, one of the deadliest of the year, occurred in the central region of the country, where Burkina Faso has seen an increase in violence from armed groups. Villagers in the Barsalogho commune, located 80 km (50 miles) from the capital, Ouagadougou,…

A senior member of Malawi’s opposition, Patricia Kaliati, has been charged with conspiring to assassinate President Lazarus Chakwera. Kaliati, the Secretary-General of the UTM party, was arrested last week under allegations of “colluding with others to commit a serious crime.” During her court appearance in Lilongwe, the 57-year-old did not address the court, but her lawyer maintained her innocence, citing local media reports. Details regarding the alleged assassination plot remain limited, leading several opposition figures to assert that the charges are politically motivated. Supporters of the UTM gathered outside the courthouse, chanting anti-government songs in a show of solidarity before…

Ghana is exploring the option of importing petroleum products from Nigeria’s Dangote Oil Refinery as the facility approaches full operational capacity. This potential partnership aims to reduce the country’s costly reliance on European fuel imports, with estimates suggesting savings of around $400 million per month in import costs. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, Chairman of the National Petroleum Authority of Ghana, announced the initiative at the OTL Africa Downstream Oil Conference in Lagos. He explained that once the Dangote Refinery reaches its production capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, importing fuel from Nigeria could lead to lower shipping costs and more affordable prices…

Zimbabwe’s ruling party has officially passed a resolution to designate the bullion-backed ZiG as the country’s exclusive legal tender, marking a significant shift away from the use of US dollars. At the annual conference of the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front, party officials instructed the government to “accelerate efforts to dedollarize the economy and promote the ZiG as the only currency.” However, no specific timeline was provided for this transition. The ZiG, short for Zimbabwe Gold, represents the nation’s sixth attempt in 15 years to replace the dollar as the primary currency. Current laws stipulate that the US dollar will…

Nigeria has been recognized as one of the top 10 African nations with the lowest fuel prices, according to recent data from GlobalPetrolPrices. Currently, Nigeria’s petrol price ranks 17th in the world and 5th in Africa. The report highlights that the global average fuel price is $1.26 per litre, a slight decrease from $1.29 last month and $1.27 earlier in October. In Nigeria, fuel prices at filling stations range from N1,030 to N1,300, following the federal government’s decision to fully remove subsidy payments. This change has left fuel prices exposed to international market fluctuations. A closer look at the 10…

A tragic incident occurred off the coast of Libya when a boat carrying 13 Egyptian migrants to Europe capsized, resulting in the deaths of 12 individuals. Only one person survived, according to local authorities and the humanitarian organization Al-Abreen. The boat capsized on Monday evening, approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) east of Tobruk. Al-Abreen, which provides aid to migrants in the region, reported on Facebook that the bodies were recovered and brought to shore. The Directorate for Combating Illegal Migration in Tobruk confirmed the event. In recent years, Libya has emerged as a primary transit point for migrants fleeing conflict…

In a significant rescue operation, nineteen young individuals, including seventeen women aged 18 to 29 and two young men, have been returned to Nigeria after being trafficked to Ghana. The operation also led to the arrest of five suspected traffickers. Abdur-Rahman Balogun, spokesperson for the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), confirmed that the repatriated women come from various states, including Anambra, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Imo, Edo, and Ebonyi. This latest operation raises the total number of women repatriated from Ghana to 130 since July. The victims were reportedly lured to Ghana with false promises of employment, only to find…

The South African rand edged higher in early trading on Tuesday, rising to 17.6675 against the U.S. dollar, approximately 0.17% stronger than the previous day’s close. Investors remained cautious, refraining from making significant moves ahead of this week’s mid-term budget announcement. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is scheduled to present the budget policy statement to parliament on Wednesday. This announcement is anticipated to provide crucial insights into the fiscal outlook for South Africa, the continent’s most industrialized nation. Analysts forecast that the budget may reveal a lower deficit estimate for 2024/25 compared to earlier projections, although ongoing fiscal challenges could impede…

The Environmental Eyes and Consultancy Firm (EECAF) has officially called for the creation of a dedicated environmental court in Liberia. Following an extensive investigation, EECAF identified a significant gap in the legal framework of the Liberia Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), emphasizing the urgent need for a specialized court to effectively handle environmental disputes. In a statement, EECAF underscored that the establishment of an environmental court is essential for addressing the country’s pressing environmental challenges. The organization pointed out that such a court would align with both international treaties and domestic legal requirements. They referenced the Rio Declaration on Environment and…

The Chadian government has declared three days of national mourning following the killing of at least 40 soldiers in a deadly attack in Lac province. The mourning period will begin at midnight on Tuesday and continue through Friday, during which flags will be flown at half-mast and all public celebrations will be suspended, according to an official government decree. Only religious music and prayers will be broadcast on media outlets and allowed in places of worship. The attack, which occurred on Sunday, targeted a Defense and Security Forces base in Barkaram, an island in Chad’s Lake Chad region. The assailants,…

Guinea’s transitional authorities dissolved 53 political parties late Monday and placed two major opposition parties under a three-month observation period, amid ongoing uncertainty over the country’s next elections. The military-led government, which seized power in a 2021 coup, has yet to set an election date despite pressure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for a return to civilian rule, with elections expected by 2025. The Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization announced the dissolution following an evaluation that began in June to “clean up” Guinea’s political landscape. An additional 54 parties, including the Rally of the Guinean…

A building collapsed in the Sabon-Lugbe area of Abuja, Nigeria, over the weekend, resulting in the deaths of at least seven individuals, according to police reports on Monday. The structure, which had already been partially demolished, was further weakened by scavengers searching for scrap metal, as stated by local police. Five people were rescued from the rubble on Sunday, according to police spokesperson Josephine Adeh. Building collapses have become increasingly frequent in Nigeria, with over a dozen incidents reported in the past two years. Authorities often attribute these tragedies to inadequate enforcement of building safety regulations and poor maintenance practices.…

An attack on a military garrison in western Chad, near the Nigerian border, has left around 40 people dead, according to government and local sources on Monday. The incident occurred late Sunday near Ngouboua, where over 200 soldiers were stationed. The Chadian presidency reported that the attack took place at around 10:00 pm local time. President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno visited the scene early on Monday and announced a military operation to pursue those responsible for the attack. Local reports indicate that the attackers briefly took control of the garrison, seizing weapons and setting vehicles equipped with heavy arms on…

A delegation of 19 specialists from Burkina Faso and Togo recently returned from a significant mission to Sweden and Italy, which took place from October 16 to 23, 2024. The initiative aimed to enhance flood forecasting and early warning systems, thereby bolstering the capacity of hydrological and meteorological services as well as disaster management institutions in both nations. During their visit to Sweden, the delegation spent time at the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) in Norrköping from October 16 to 19. There, they gained valuable insights into producing and disseminating accurate meteorological and flood forecasts. Local leaders in Malmö…