Author: WAJ Team

Senegal’s $1.8 billion aid program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), secured in 2023, is currently on hold, necessitating a renegotiation of the agreement. Finance Minister Cheikh Diba announced that the government aims to establish a new agreement by the first quarter of 2025. During the annual IMF meetings in Washington, Diba emphasized that an audit revealing a larger debt and budget deficit than previously reported has prompted the need for a revision of Senegal’s program with the IMF. “We are in discussions with the Fund,” he stated, underscoring the urgency of updating the existing terms. The scheduled payment of…

The government of national unity (GNU) is grappling with internal tensions following controversial statements made by Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber regarding a visa agreement with Ukraine. On Sunday, Schreiber claimed he had signed a landmark agreement that would permit Ukrainian holders of diplomatic, official, and service passports to enter South Africa visa-free, and vice versa. However, he acknowledged in his post on X that President Cyril Ramaphosa had not yet endorsed the agreement, drawing criticism for his premature announcement. In his post, Schreiber stated, “I am honored to announce that, as the Minister of Home Affairs representing South Africa,…

A significant conservation victory for Africa has been achieved with the birth of an eastern mountain bongo antelope at Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire, underscoring the urgent need to protect this critically endangered species that is native to the forests of East Africa. Once nearly extinct due to excessive hunting and habitat destruction, the eastern mountain bongo is emblematic of Africa’s rich biodiversity and the challenges it faces. The species has been severely impacted by poaching and the loss of its natural habitat, with fewer than 100 individuals remaining in the wild, primarily in the mountainous forests of Kenya and…

This weekend, Johannesburg transformed into a radiant hub of festivity, marking the Festival of Lights with unparalleled zeal. The event drew in a massive crowd, eager to experience the multitude of attractions that the festival had to offer. A tantalizing array of food stalls lined the streets, each offering a unique culinary journey with flavors from around the world. Festivalgoers indulged in mouth-watering delicacies, from traditional South African dishes to international favorites. The air buzzed with excitement as a series of live performances took center stage. Talented dancers, DJs spinning their best tracks, and musicians playing soulful tunes captivated the…

The inaugural Climate and Health Africa Conference (CHAC 2024) is scheduled to kick off tomorrow in Harare, uniting policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders from across the continent. Organized by the Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife and the Ministry of Health and Childcare, this landmark event aims to address the critical health impacts of climate change in Africa. With approximately 40 policymakers from over 30 African countries, primarily from health and environment ministries, expected to attend, the conference is positioned as a significant platform for dialogue and action.…

South Africa is set to submit a comprehensive memorial to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Monday, bolstering its allegations that Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people. The submission includes 750 pages of text, evidence, exhibits, and over 4,000 pages of annexes. Diplomatic sources confirmed the development to various news outlets on Sunday. An unnamed South African diplomatic source stated that the memorial is set to be filed as scheduled. Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola emphasized to the Daily Maverick that the memorial will present substantial evidence in “forensic detail,” asserting that the situation is not merely a…

Mozambique has witnessed violent protests following the October 9 presidential election, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 individuals. The unrest erupted after Daniel Chapo, the candidate from the ruling FRELIMO party, was declared the winner with nearly 71% of the votes. According to the Public Integrity Center (CIP), an independent organization, the protests, primarily led by youth, have spread across various regions of the country, with the capital, Maputo, experiencing the most severe clashes. In response to the demonstrations, protesters set fire to three FRELIMO party offices, looted several shops, and damaged vehicles. Independent candidate Venancio Mondlane, supported…

Tunisia’s coastguard has reported the recovery of 16 migrant bodies off the coast near the towns of Maloulech, Salakta, and Chebba. This grim discovery, made over the weekend and confirmed on Monday, highlights the ongoing migrant crisis in the Mediterranean, a region that has seen numerous tragedies as desperate individuals seek a better life in Europe. Houssem Eddine Jebabli, a senior official with the national guard, stated, “The bodies were located over the weekend and on Monday… Unfortunately, the victims remain unidentified due to severe decomposition.” The condition of the bodies underscores the perilous nature of these maritime journeys, where…

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a ceasefire initiative proposed by Egypt aimed at halting the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The proposal, announced by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi during a joint press conference with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in Cairo, called for a two-day truce to facilitate an exchange of four Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, followed by a ten-day negotiation period to secure a more lasting ceasefire. Despite broad support from several Israeli ministers and Israel’s security establishment, Netanyahu firmly opposed the plan. According to Israel’s Channel 12, Netanyahu insisted that “negotiations will only occur…

In a significant development, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced on Sunday evening that Algeria and Egypt have agreed to strengthen their coordination and consultation on pressing Arab issues and regional matters. During a press briefing in Cairo, President Tebboune emphasized the mutual understanding between the two nations and expressed a shared commitment to collaborate on new investments, particularly in the fields of energy, housing, and construction. He extended a warm welcome to Egyptian companies interested in investing in Algeria, confirming that he has authorized the Minister of Housing to engage with these firms on architectural projects and the establishment of…

In a strategic push to enhance bilateral relations, Uganda and Serbia held the first session of their Joint Commission for Trade Cooperation in the city of Nis, Serbia. The meeting saw both nations agree to revive a trade agreement initially signed in 1963 between Uganda and the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, marking a significant step towards deepening economic collaboration. Tomislav Momirović, Serbia’s Minister of Trade, and Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, Uganda’s State Minister for Trade, inked the agreement on behalf of their respective governments. The two leaders expressed their satisfaction with the renewed partnership and voiced optimism about…

The Rwandan government has officially confirmed that the country’s inaugural outbreak of the Marburg virus originated from a cave inhabited by fruit bats. Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana indicated that investigations into the outbreak began on October 20, 2024, when a zoonotic source was suggested. In a recent update, Dr. Nsanzimana stated that the virus had transitioned from animals to humans, with the first identified case, a 27-year-old individual, linked to mining activities in a cave. “We have successfully traced this outbreak to a zoonotic origin, and we pinpointed the cave where these fruit bats reside, coinciding with mining operations.…

Botswana, a landlocked nation in Southern Africa, gained independence from British colonial rule on Sept. 30, 1966. This historic milestone set the stage for Botswana to establish its identity and place on the international stage. One of the key steps in this journey was joining the United Nations (UN) the same year. Early Challenges and Opportunities At independence, Botswana faced significant challenges. The predominantly agrarian economy relied heavily on subsistence farming and cattle rearing. Infrastructure was sparse, with just 12 kilometers of paved roads, and access to healthcare and education was limited. Recurrent droughts and crop failures further strained the…

Angola’s finance minister has warned that the potential for declining oil prices is exerting significant pressure on the nation’s economy. In a recent interview at the IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Washington, Vera Daves de Sousa projected that oil prices are expected to average between $70 and $72 per barrel, a decrease from the previously anticipated $75 for 2024. Daves de Sousa confirmed that the Angolan government will continue its strategy to gradually eliminate fuel subsidies, which currently represent around 4% of the country’s GDP this year. Earlier this year, Angola exited the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting…

The African Union Commission chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, alongside the Southern African Development Community (SADC), has issued a strong call for the unconditional removal of all sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe. This appeal was made on Friday, coinciding with the commemoration of SADC’s Anti-Sanctions Day, which is observed annually on October 25 to highlight the negative impact of these sanctions on the country. In a detailed statement, Mahamat expressed deep concern regarding the ongoing sanctions and their detrimental impact on Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development and recovery efforts. “The Chairperson remains troubled by how these sanctions hinder the country’s progress,” his office noted,…

A Ugandan court on Friday sentenced former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander Thomas Kwoyelo to 40 years in prison following his conviction on 44 charges, including murder, looting, inhumane acts, and rape. The verdict was delivered by the International Crimes Division in August, and Kwoyelo’s legal team has announced plans to appeal the decision. Kwoyelo, who played a key role in the rebel group’s brutal campaigns, faced criticism from survivors and advocates who said the sentence falls short of addressing the needs of the victims. Francis Okello Oloya, a psychologist and leader of a project supporting LRA war survivors in…

Zimbabwe’s consumer inflation experienced a dramatic rise, reaching 37.2% month-on-month in October, as revealed by data released on Friday. This surge comes on the heels of a significant devaluation of the local currency, underscoring the economic difficulties facing the southern African nation. In late September, the central bank allowed the gold-backed currency to plummet by over 40%, setting the exchange rate at 24.3902 to the U.S. dollar. Since then, the currency has continued to decline, dropping further to 27.6880 per dollar as of Friday, according to the central bank’s website. In September, prior to the devaluation, consumer inflation was considerably…

NEXTSOURCE Materials, a Toronto-listed company, announced on Thursday that it has successfully delivered its first commercial shipment of graphite concentrate from its Molo mine located in southern Madagascar to clients in Germany and the United States. “This marks a significant milestone in NextSource’s growth as a supplier of essential materials to global markets and as a contributor to Madagascar’s economic development,” stated Craig Scherba, President and CEO of NextSource Materials. The company confirmed that full container loads of high-quality, coarse flake graphite concentrate were exported from Madagascar’s Port of Tulear under existing offtake agreements. These initial shipments of SuperFlake® graphite…

South Africa’s Thungela Resources (TGAJ.J) is gearing up to capitalize on the decline of new coal investments globally, as CEO July Ndlovu expressed optimism about the company’s future, driven by strong demand in Asia that could sustain high coal prices. Since its spin-off from Anglo American in 2021, Thungela has firmly aligned its strategy with coal, despite some investors viewing the fossil fuel as increasingly burdensome in the global push toward decarbonization. In a virtual interview from Australia, Ndlovu pointed out that the lack of new coal mines is primarily due to a scarcity of capital and mining licenses. He…

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda has called upon East Africans and the broader African community to leverage their shared cultural heritage to promote Kiswahili as a significant tool for economic integration and unity across the continent. Speaking at an event at Kyambogo University, Museveni emphasized the advantage of having many similar tribes and clans within the region. He proposed that these similarities could bolster Kiswahili’s status as a major language, suggesting that incorporating vocabulary from various local languages would enhance its development into a powerful international language. He referenced his own contributions, such as the term “Emyooga,” which denotes…

Rwanda has secured a new mineral exploration agreement with the international mining company Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration (RTX) Ltd, following the identification of significant mineral resources in the country. Over the past year, a collaborative effort has been underway involving RTX, the Rwandan government, local entity Kinunga Mining Ltd, and Aterian PLC, a British firm that has been conducting mineral exploration in Rwanda for four years, particularly focusing on lithium. Rio Tinto Group, a British-Australian multinational corporation, ranks as the second-largest mining and metals company globally. Aterian PLC, listed on the London Stock Exchange, is involved in exploration, trading,…

In 1972, the political landscape of Zaire, now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo, shifted dramatically when Mobutu Sese Seko was declared its president for life. This proclamation was emblematic of Mobutu’s consolidation of power and the authoritarian nature of his regime, which would persist for over three decades. The Rise of Mobutu Sese Seko Mobutu, originally Joseph-Désiré Mobutu, came to power in 1965 after orchestrating a coup that ousted President Joseph Kasa-Vubu. His rise was marked by political manipulation and the exploitation of national crises, allowing him to establish a regime characterized by repression and terror. Following the…

Liberia has made significant strides in enhancing its aviation sector by signing several agreements aimed at improving safety, increasing trade, and promoting tourism. These initiatives were formalized at the International Civil Aviation Air Service Negotiations (ICAN 2024) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 24, 2024, reflecting the country’s commitment to modernizing its aviation infrastructure and boosting global connectivity. Among the key agreements, Liberia established a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malaysia to deepen bilateral cooperation in aviation. This MoU focuses on enhancing civil aviation safety, strengthening security protocols, and developing capacity-building initiatives in aviation training, marking a critical step…

Namibia and Cuba have entered a new era of collaboration with the signing of a Protocol on Cooperation between their respective parliaments. This significant agreement was formalized during an official visit by Namibia’s Speaker of Parliament, Professor Peter Katjavivi, who met with Juan Esteban Lazo Hernández, President of the Cuban National Assembly. The newly signed protocol aims to enhance cooperation in key areas, including parliamentary practices, legislative processes, and capacity-building initiatives. Both nations have committed to facilitating regular exchanges of information, holding joint meetings between standing committees, and organizing reciprocal visits by parliamentary friendship groups. Under the agreement, Namibia and…

In a significant advancement for public health, Zimbabwe has inaugurated a dedicated laboratory aimed at analyzing polio samples collected through environmental surveillance (ES). This move eliminates the need to send samples to South Africa for testing, which previously resulted in a lengthy turnaround time of approximately 21 days. The newly renovated laboratory, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), is outfitted with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by highly trained personnel. To bolster local capabilities, WHO has also trained ten laboratory scientists to conduct testing on environmental samples within the country. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce the time needed…

As the world commemorates World Polio Day, Africa has reported 134 new polio cases across at least seven countries, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO’s regional director for Africa, announced that the circulating variant of polio type 2 has been identified in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria. In 2023, UNICEF reported that 541 children globally were impacted by polio, with 85 percent of cases occurring in 31 fragile and conflict-affected countries. Over the last five years, polio cases in these regions have more than doubled, and routine childhood…

Lesetja Kganyago, the governor of the South African Reserve Bank, stated that the rand could strengthen further if the government in Pretoria continues to implement reforms and uphold responsible economic policies. The currency has appreciated approximately 2.5% against the U.S. dollar since the beginning of the year, distinguishing itself as one of the top performers among emerging market currencies while many of its peers have faced declines. Kganyago emphasized that the positive momentum for the rand will not solely rely on market dynamics; it depends heavily on the government’s commitment to maintaining prudent policies and advancing structural reforms. This momentum…

Orano has announced the suspension of operations at its Arlit uranium mine in northern Niger, effective October 31. This decision comes as the company cites deteriorating financial conditions at its subsidiary, Somaïr, which operates the mine and is 63.4% owned by Orano, with the remainder held by the Nigerien state-owned Sopamin. The closure of the main export corridor between Niger and Benin has left approximately 1,050 tonnes of uranium concentrate from the 2023 and 2024 stockpiles stranded, representing an estimated value of €300 million—nearly half of the mine’s average annual production capacity. Orano has explored various avenues to resume exports,…

An Egyptian security delegation engaged in discussions with Hamas leaders in Cairo, aiming to revive negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza, as reported by Al Qahera News, a state-affiliated television station, citing an unnamed official source. For several months, Egypt and Qatar have played crucial roles as mediators in the dialogue between Israel and Hamas, which collapsed in August without reaching a consensus. This impasse followed the escalation of hostilities that erupted when Hamas launched attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. Later reports from Al Aqsa TV highlighted that a…

At least three people have died in a helicopter crash in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, with five others reported missing, as stated by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development. The incident occurred on Thursday around 11:22 a.m. local time (10:22 GMT) in Rivers State, near the Atlantic coast. The Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, operated by East Wind Aviation, was en route from the Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the Nuimantan oil rig when it crashed near Finima. Ministry spokesperson Odutayo Oluseyi confirmed that there were eight individuals on board, including the three confirmed fatalities. Search and rescue efforts are currently…

The inaugural Brands Licensing Africa (BLA) event was held on October 23-24 at the Abidjan Exhibition Center in Côte d’Ivoire, marking a significant milestone for the brand licensing sector on the continent. This first-of-its-kind trade show aimed to assist established brands in expanding their reach and protecting their intellectual property while providing emerging brands with essential tools to navigate the licensing landscape. Hosted by La Maison de l’Afrique in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Côte d’Ivoire, the event received endorsement from Licensing International. Government representatives, including Dr. Souleymane Diarrassouba, Minister of Trade and Industry, and Blé…

At the BRICS summit in Kazan, President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo expressed profound gratitude to President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation for convening the gathering. He emphasized the crucial role of collaboration among BRICS nations in addressing the interests of the Global South. “The expansion of the ‘BRICS Plus’ group shows that more and more countries of the Global South are embracing the idea of creating a new, fairer, and more prosperous world order,” President Sassou Nguesso stated during the summit’s outreach format meeting. He underscored that the countries of the South advocate for the…

Ethiopian State Foreign Minister Mesganu Arega addressed the plenary session of the BRICS 2024 Summit, urging greater collaboration among countries of the Global South to confront global crises and advance sustainable development. Speaking at the outreach session hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Arega emphasized the importance of accelerating the development of the Global South to promote growth and reform global governance. Arega thanked President Putin for convening the gathering, which brought together BRICS members and nations from the Global South, including emerging economies. He highlighted the historical responsibility of these countries to pool their resources, align their positions, and…

Uganda has reported its first death linked to mpox, bringing the total number of confirmed infections in the country to 164. Henry Kyobe Bosa, the incident commander at the Ministry of Health, announced that the death occurred in the mid-western district of Masindi, although the patient was a resident of Hoima. He emphasized the necessity for the public to follow health precautions, stating, “We had warned about the potential for deaths.” The latest figures reveal that Kampala, the national capital, recorded 11 new cases in the past 24 hours as of Monday, while at least 84 patients have successfully recovered…

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) Board has approved a substantial grant of $28 million (approximately Frw37 billion) to support Rwanda’s Green City Kigali initiative. This decision was announced by the Ministry of Environment on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, following the GCF’s 40th Board Meeting held in South Korea. The ministry highlighted that the Green City project, overseen by the Rwanda Green Fund, aims to establish a model for sustainable urban development, focusing on the creation of low-emission, climate-resilient infrastructure. Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, emphasized that the project is designed to address the challenges posed by rapid urbanization,…

South Africa’s consumer price inflation eased more than anticipated in September, falling to 3.8 percent year-on-year, the lowest rate recorded in three and a half years. This decline, attributed primarily to lower transportation costs, was revealed in data from Statistics South Africa released on Wednesday. In August, inflation stood at 4.4 percent, with economists predicting a decrease to 3.9 percent. The latest figures represent the most significant drop since March 2021, when inflation was measured at 3.2 percent. Furthermore, the inflation rate continues to remain below the Reserve Bank’s target midpoint of 4.5 percent. Core inflation, which excludes prices for…

In a significant show of support, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa declared that South Africa and Palestine “will always stand together” during a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, on Wednesday. As a founding member of the BRICS economic bloc, South Africa hosted Abbas, who attended the 16th summit as an invitee. The two leaders engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing political and economic cooperation, focusing on aligning their efforts with South Africa’s national interests and foreign policy objectives, according to a statement from Ramaphosa’s office. Abbas expressed his sentiments,…

On the third day of the BRICS summit, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa underscored the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza while also emphasizing the importance of socio-economic and cultural development among member nations. He stated, “South Africa welcomes Russian initiatives that are aimed at strengthening BRICS nations’ development to increase our interconnectedness,” emphasizing the need for collaboration. Ramaphosa welcomed these initiatives, particularly through enhanced transport networks and connectivity, which he asserted would promote integration and deepen interconnectedness within the bloc. He highlighted the role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a vital mechanism…

In a suspected case of ritualistic poaching, three lions were shot and beheaded in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, an event that may mark the first occurrence of such practices in this area, according to the Zimbabwe National Parks (ZimParks). This brutal act raises serious concerns about the increasing threats to wildlife and the disturbing trend of poaching for ritualistic purposes. Tinashe Farawo, a spokesman for ZimParks, elaborated on the incident, stating, “The poachers used a heavy-caliber rifle, and the brutal method suggests the poaching was linked to rituals.” This highlights the alarming nature of the crime, indicating a shift in…

Mozambique’s President Filipe Nyusi warned on Wednesday that calls for violent protests could be deemed criminal acts as tensions escalated ahead of the imminent release of election results. Leading opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane has called for a campaign of “terror” lasting 25 days following the murder of his lawyer, anticipating that results from the October 9 elections, expected to be published on Thursday, will show the ruling Frelimo party winning. “Encouraging the public to revolt, spreading misinformation, and inciting chaos for political purposes can be considered criminal behavior,” President Nyusi stated during a press conference. He acknowledged the citizens’ right…

A Cameroonian official has stated that BRICS offers a viable alternative for global geopolitical realignment, a perspective increasingly embraced by many African nations. Serge Espoir Matomba, the first secretary of the United People for Social Renovation party, shared these insights. He emphasized that “BRICS signifies a distinct world, representing a shift toward a multipolar global order,” highlighting the bloc’s role in reshaping international relations. Matomba further underscored the critical importance of the BRICS coalition for the African continent, asserting that it fosters a framework for inclusive dialogue. He remarked that BRICS encourages all nations to engage and exchange freely and…

At the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi delivered a powerful address emphasizing the importance of multilateral cooperation and sustainable development. In his speech, he highlighted Egypt’s firm belief in enhancing a multipolar international order, including the central role of the United Nations, as the main anchor for maintaining peace, stability, and development gains. He underscored the necessity of a robust global framework that supports international peace and security. “The international developments show that the deficiency that the current international order suffers from is not only limited to political and security issues, rather it extends to…

In a remarkable initiative to uplift the vulnerable, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, the wife of Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, has empowered more than 400 widows, elderly residents, and orphans through her Widows, Aged, and Orphans Hope (WAOH) Support Foundation. During a recent event, Mrs. Oyebanji announced that her foundation has awarded scholarships to 50 students, covering their education from primary school to university. Additionally, she provided N100,000 in educational support to 50 undergraduate students and distributed essential working tools to over 300 widows and orphans to help them achieve self-sufficiency. The equipment included freezers, sewing machines, hair dryers, and grinding…

Election observers have begun arriving in Botswana ahead of the country’s general elections set for October 30. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) officially launched its electoral observation mission on Tuesday, calling for peaceful elections. The mission, led by Tanzania’s former Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda, joins other international observer groups from the Commonwealth and the African Union (AU). Pinda emphasized that the SADC mission aims to ensure democratic practices across the region. “When observing elections, our first task is to assess the country’s preparedness, and we believe Botswana is ready. The next focus is ensuring that peace prevails throughout the…

At the ongoing BRICS Summit in Kazan, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a compelling speech emphasizing the unity and potential of BRICS nations. He highlighted the diverse histories and cultures of member countries, framing their collective narrative as one of solidarity, mutual respect, and benefit. President Ramaphosa called for the BRICS partnership to fully realize its economic potential, advocating for sustainable development that serves all member states equitably. He stressed the importance of maintaining smooth operations in supply chains, trade, tourism, and financial flows, free from external influence in a multipolar world. The President pointed to the critical role…

In a significant address at the recent BRICS summit, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized the necessity of equitable collaboration between developed and developing nations to address pressing global crises. He articulated that the challenges faced by developing economies are exacerbated by unfair global financial systems, contributing to rising inequality, inflation, and unemployment. Prime Minister Abiy highlighted the urgent need for collective efforts, particularly in climate action and climate finance, which remain neglected despite the deepening crises. He pointed out that BRICS represents a substantial portion of the global population and GDP, positioning the coalition as a transformative force for…

Experts have issued a stark warning that the ongoing climate crisis in Africa may result in an additional 150 million people falling into poverty by 2050. Speaking at a leadership forum in Dakar focused on climate change solutions, Magda Robalo Silva, a representative from the Institute for Global Health and Development and former health minister of Guinea Bissau, highlighted the severe impact of increasing floods and persistent droughts. These environmental challenges are displacing large populations from their agricultural lands, thereby severely restricting their access to nutritious food and threatening their livelihoods. “This situation is resulting in increased rates of malnutrition…

A devastating auto accident on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of five Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel and 15 civilians in the Riyom Local Government Area. The incident, confirmed by NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, occurred along the Jos-Akwanga Express Road while the NAF members were en route to a sporting event in Abuja. The collision happened when their vehicle crashed into an oncoming truck. In light of this tragedy, the NAF has activated standard administrative protocols to provide support and assistance to the bereaved families. Peter Longsan, a representative of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Plateau…

Rwanda is set to secure $184.9 million (approximately Frw 250 billion) from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as part of new funding aimed at supporting the country’s economic recovery and resilience programs. The funding package includes $95.9 million from the Resilience Sustainability Facility (RSF) and $89 million from the Standby Credit Facility (SCF). The disbursement of these funds will be contingent on the successful completion of an economic review by the IMF Executive Board, scheduled for mid-December. An IMF delegation, led by Reuben Atoyan, concluded a two-week mission to Rwanda on October 22, 2024, assessing the nation’s economic performance. The…

Recent reports from international scientists reveal that the heavy rains causing devastating floods in Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, and Sudan have been worsened by human-induced climate change. The World Weather Attribution (WWA) stated that this year’s seasonal downpours were 5-20% more intense due to global warming, with warnings that such extreme rainfall could become a regular occurrence if warming trends persist. Izidine Pinto, a researcher at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, emphasized that heavy summer rainfall has become increasingly common in these regions, contributing to a crisis. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), this…

Zimbabwe should be allowed to engage in the global arena on equal footing, free from the illegal sanctions imposed by the United States and other Western nations, stated Politburo member Cde Ziyambi Ziyambi after endorsing an anti-sanctions petition. The signing ceremony took place at the Zanu PF headquarters in Harare, prior to a Politburo meeting that marked the opening of the 21st Annual National People’s Conference. Cde Ziyambi emphasized that the unconditional removal of these sanctions aligns with recommendations made by Professor Alena Douhan, a United Nations Special Rapporteur who examined the impact of sanctions during her 2021 visit to…

In 1975, Nigeria was engulfed in political unrest due to widespread dissatisfaction with General Yakubu Gowon’s administration, which was riddled with corruption and inefficiency. Gowon’s inability to manage his subordinates and his broken promise to transfer power to civilians by 1976 left many citizens disillusioned. This widespread discontent led to a bloodless coup in July 1975, orchestrated by General Murtala Muhammed. The newly established regime, describing itself as corrective, aimed to restore the military’s reputation, combat corruption, and set the stage for democratization. One of their first actions was to remove corrupt and ineffective officials from the judiciary, parastatals, and…

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing efforts against human trafficking in the region. This commitment was made during the 16th Annual Review Meeting of the ECOWAS Regional Network of National Focal Institutions Against Trafficking in Persons Plus (RNNI-TIP+), held in Monrovia. At the meeting, participants pledged to improve collaboration and partnerships to effectively combat human trafficking and related crimes. The group called on the ECOWAS Commission to bolster the institutional capacities of Member States concerning the connections between trafficking in persons (TIP) and other criminal offenses, advocating for increased development efforts across…

President Cyril Ramaphosa told Russian President Vladimir Putin that he would use the XVI BRICS Summit to update him and other global leaders on South Africa’s establishment of a government of national unity (GNU). In his opening remarks at a bilateral meeting with Putin at the Kremlin Residence upon arriving in Kazan, Russia, Ramaphosa expressed gratitude for Putin’s continued support for Pretoria. He remarked, “We are glad to be here to share our journey as South Africa. After our elections in May this year, we have formed a government of national unity (GNU). We will discuss this in detail, as…

A devastating explosion of a fuel truck near a highway in Uganda on Tuesday has resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals, according to local police reports. The incident unfolded when the truck overturned in a town situated just outside Kampala, the capital city. Police spokesman Patrick Onyango stated that a large cloud of dark smoke could be seen rising from the site of the explosion, indicating the severity of the situation. Eyewitness footage shared online depicted a chaotic scene, showing individuals attempting to scoop up fuel from the overturned truck moments before the explosion occurred. This dangerous…

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a strong call for urgent and decisive measures to tackle the ongoing challenges of climate change, conflict, and persistent poverty in Africa during his address at the reopening of the renovated Africa Hall in Addis Ababa on Monday. Guterres highlighted the immense potential of Africa, describing it as a continent full of hope. However, he pointed out that it continues to be plagued by deeply rooted issues, including historical inequalities that have been further intensified by the effects of climate change, ongoing conflicts, and entrenched poverty. African women, in particular, he noted, continue to bear…

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has been urged to focus on pressing human rights issues in Burkina Faso during its review scheduled for October 23, 2024. Human Rights Watch emphasizes the need for the Burkinabè government to take immediate measures to protect civilians impacted by armed conflict, ensure a secure environment for activists, journalists, and political opposition, and hold accountable those responsible for serious human rights violations. As part of the African Union’s State Reporting mechanism, member states are required to submit regular updates detailing their efforts to uphold the rights outlined in the African Charter on…

A military tribunal in Uganda has convicted 16 members of the opposition National Unity Platform for “illegal possession of explosive devices and treachery.” The ruling, announced on Monday, has raised concerns regarding the fairness of the trial, according to a defense attorney. The prosecution claimed that the accused were found in possession of explosives during the election period from November 2020 to May 2021, along with other individuals who remain at large. Defense attorney Shamim Malende criticized the circumstances surrounding the defendants’ guilty pleas, noting that they had previously denied the charges. Prominent opposition leader Bobi Wine, known as Robert…

Arrow Minerals has officially signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Baosteel Resources to explore potential iron ore sales from its Simandou North Iron Project in Guinea, West Africa. The MoU outlines a framework for collaboration that is subject to further project development and definitive agreements. Arrow Minerals stated that this agreement is a significant milestone in leveraging the advantages of the Simandou multi-user railway. While the MoU is non-binding, it includes provisions for confidentiality, disclosure, and associated costs. It also establishes requirements for meetings aimed at progressing toward a binding mine gate sale agreement. Key elements of this future…

Taiwan has once again declined South Africa’s demand to transfer its representative office from Pretoria to Johannesburg. During a press conference on Tuesday, Taiwan Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jeff Liu stated that the request to move or shut down the office entirely contradicts a 1997 agreement that established the locations of their respective representative offices after formal diplomatic relations were severed. “We cannot agree to such an unreasonable demand,” Liu declared. Despite the ongoing disagreement, South Africa continues to operate a liaison office in Taipei, with both countries enjoying strong commercial relations. In response to the situation, Liu reiterated Foreign Minister…

The U.S. Government has honored Dintie Tayiru Sule, Executive Director of Sustainable Aid through Voluntary Establishment (SAVE)-Ghana, with one of the prestigious 2024 Secretary of State’s Awards for Global Anti-Racism Champions (GARC). Sule stands out as the sole African recipient among six awardees from around the world, recognized for his exceptional courage, leadership, and commitment to advancing racial equity, justice, and human rights. Prior to the award ceremony in Washington, D.C., Ambassador Palmer met with Sule to discuss the significant contributions made by SAVE-Ghana, particularly in supporting the Fulbe community, primarily comprised of cattle herders in the Upper West Region.…