Author: WAJ Team

The U.S. government condemned the recent killings of two opposition figures in Mozambique, who were shot by gunmen ahead of planned protests against a disputed election result. In a statement released on Monday, Washington urged “a swift and thorough investigation into the murders.” The United States is Mozambique’s largest bilateral donor, providing over $560 million in annual assistance, according to the U.S. State Department. This financial support highlights the importance of political stability in the southern African nation. The U.S. condemnation follows similar statements from the European Union and Portugal, Mozambique’s former colonial ruler. The deceased, opposition lawyer Elvino Dias…

Nigeria has halted Shell’s efforts to sell its entire onshore and shallow-water oil operations, while simultaneously granting approval for a similar transaction involving Exxon Mobil. The announcement was made by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) on Monday. Shell’s proposed asset sale, valued at up to $2.4 billion and involving the Renaissance consortium, was first disclosed in January. Meanwhile, Exxon’s agreement with Seplat Energy has been awaiting regulatory approval for over two years since the announcement of a $1.28 billion fee in February 2022. During a recent address in Abuja, Gbenga Komolafe, CEO of NUPRC, stated that Shell’s deal…

South Africa’s mid-term budget review, set for October 30, is expected to show improved public finances, though economists are urging continued fiscal discipline. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will deliver his first medium-term budget policy statement, outlining the country’s spending priorities for the next three years under the newly formed unity government. Experts predict a better fiscal outlook, with government expenditure set to decrease and interest payments on debt likely to ease, thanks to a stronger currency. The country’s early political stabilization efforts and the resolution of prolonged power cuts have also boosted confidence. The National Treasury reports a budget deficit…

The M23 rebel group has taken control of the town of Kalembe in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, further extending their presence in the region. This development was confirmed by local officials and a former lawmaker on Monday, as the group has been active in the area since 2022. The Congolese government and the United Nations have accused neighboring Rwanda of providing support to the M23 group, including military resources. Rwanda has denied these allegations, stating that it has taken defensive measures in response to the ongoing conflict. Reports indicate that the rebels had been stationed approximately 10 kilometers from…

Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, has issued a strong condemnation following the tragic deaths of Mr. Elvino Dias and Mr. Paulo Gambe, expressing his deepest condolences to their families and loved ones. He urged the Mozambican authorities to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to ensure that those responsible for these heinous acts are brought to justice. The Chairperson’s statement comes as Mozambique grapples with the aftermath of the General Elections held on 9 October 2024. Mahamat expressed deep concern over the reported cases of post-election violence, particularly the recent killings, which have heightened tensions…

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged BRICS nations to enhance their investments in Africa, emphasizing the continent’s significant potential for economic growth. His remarks were made at the BRICS Business Forum in Kazan, Russia, as leaders prepare for the upcoming summit scheduled for October 22-24. During his address, Ramaphosa highlighted the opportunities arising from Africa’s free trade agreement and called for substantial investments in infrastructure and youth development. “The development of these sectors is vital for Africa’s economic transformation and ability to compete in international trade,” he stated. He urged fellow BRICS countries to collaborate in constructing essential infrastructure,…

Mozambican police clashed with opposition protesters in the capital, Maputo, on Monday, using tear gas to disperse crowds gathered near the site where two opposition figures were shot dead on Saturday. The deadly incident occurred amid growing tensions over the disputed October 9 national election, with full results expected later this week. Early returns suggest a victory for the ruling Frelimo party, but opposition candidates allege widespread election manipulation. Frelimo, which has ruled Mozambique since 1975, continues to face accusations of electoral fraud, which the party denies. “The police are turning this into a violent protest by firing at us.…

Egypt has revised its renewable energy target for 2040, lowering it from 58% to 40%, according to Petroleum Minister Karim Badawi. The decision underscores the country’s continued reliance on natural gas, which will remain a central part of Egypt’s energy strategy for years to come. Prior to the COP27 climate summit in 2022, Egypt had committed to increasing renewable energy to 42% of its energy mix by 2035, with plans to bring this target forward to 2030. In June 2024, former Electricity Minister Mohamed Shaker announced an ambitious goal to reach 58% renewable energy by 2040, a plan that has…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on Rwanda to intensify its efforts in combating the Marburg virus outbreak, which has claimed 15 lives since it was first reported in late September. As of Sunday, 62 confirmed cases have been recorded, with no new cases reported in the last six days. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, visited Rwanda to observe the country’s response and praised the measures in place to control the spread. “We are encouraged by the absence of new cases over the past six days, but we must remain vigilant,” Tedros stated during a press conference in…

The Turkish government has significantly enhanced Namibia’s drought relief initiatives by donating food aid valued at approximately N$350,000. This essential assistance was delivered at a critical moment as nearly half of Namibia’s population is grappling with hunger due to the devastating impacts of an ongoing drought. During a ceremony held in Windhoek, Namibia’s Deputy Prime Minister, John Mutorwa, expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the government for Türkiye’s timely support. He emphasized that the 2024/25 Comprehensive Drought Response Relief Programme (CDRRP) is currently under immense strain, with the drought leading to poor harvests, diminished grazing lands, and widespread water shortages.…

Nigeria’s offshore oil and gas production market is projected to surge from $34.18 billion in 2023 to $47.03 billion by 2031, according to a new report by Research and Markets. The report, which forecasts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1%, highlights Nigeria’s key position as a major energy producer. The Dublin-based firm, known for providing global market insights, revealed that Nigeria produced 552.84 million barrels of crude oil and condensate in 2023, underlining the country’s critical role in the global energy landscape. The report emphasized the dominance of crude oil, driven by strong demand from international markets, while…

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has warned that Egypt may be forced to re-evaluate its $8 billion agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) if international financial institutions do not consider the serious regional challenges currently facing the country. Speaking at a conference on Sunday, President Sisi emphasized that Egypt has been implementing the IMF-backed reforms under extremely difficult regional and global conditions. These reforms, which were signed in March, include reducing subsidies on key goods such as fuel, electricity, and food staples, as well as allowing the Egyptian pound to float freely. These measures have led to growing public dissatisfaction.…

Mali will begin repaying 200 billion CFA francs ($332 million) of its domestic debt next week, with plans to complete the payments by the end of the year, the country’s economy minister announced on state television. This move is aimed at alleviating the financial strain caused by years of political instability and ongoing conflict. The West African nation has faced significant economic challenges following two coups in 2020 and 2021, coupled with regional sanctions and persistent armed clashes with Islamist militants. Despite these hurdles, Economy Minister Alousseni Sanou acknowledged the country’s “increasing challenges” but did not disclose the full size…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared Egypt malaria-free, a landmark achievement following nearly a century of efforts to eliminate the disease. The WHO hailed the certification as “truly historic,” marking a pivotal victory in the global fight against malaria. In a statement on Sunday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized Egypt’s long battle with the disease, saying, “Malaria has existed as long as Egyptian civilization itself, but the disease that once plagued the pharaohs now belongs to history, not the future.” He credited the Egyptian government and its people for their unwavering commitment to eradicating the disease. With…

On October 19, 1986, a Tupolev Tu-134 aircraft crashed near Mbuzini, South Africa, claiming the life of Samora Moisés Machel, the first president of Mozambique, along with 33 others, including several high-ranking officials. Machel, a prominent Marxist-Leninist leader, had been at the helm of Mozambique since its independence in 1975. The aircraft was en route from Mbala, Zambia, to Maputo, Mozambique, following a summit with the presidents of Zambia and Angola. The Flight Details The flight, operated by a Soviet crew, left Mbala at 18:38 and was scheduled to land in Maputo at 21:25. After refueling in Lusaka, Zambia, the…

The Nigerian army announced the successful elimination of 101 militants over the past week in a series of operations targeting Boko Haram, ISWAP, and various criminal gangs. Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed these developments in a statement released on Friday. The military’s operations spanned multiple regions of the country, with significant achievements, including the neutralization of a Boko Haram commander. In addition to the combat successes, the army rescued 157 individuals previously held captive and apprehended 182 suspected militants. Furthermore, the military seized a total of 71 weapons, two vehicles, and a large cache…

Elvino Dias, the attorney representing opposition politician Venâncio Mondlane in Mozambique, was shot and killed early Saturday in the capital, Maputo. According to local news outlet Carta de Moçambique, unidentified gunmen ambushed the vehicle carrying Dias and another individual shortly after midnight, firing multiple shots and resulting in both fatalities. The publication did not disclose the source of its information. A police officer confirmed the incident via an emergency hotline but withheld his name and further details, indicating that additional information might be provided in a forthcoming press conference. This violent act escalates the already intense tensions in the gas-rich…

A Tunisian court has sentenced Noureddine Bhiri, a prominent member of the Ennahda opposition party, to 10 years in prison on charges of undermining state security and inciting division among Tunisians. The verdict was delivered on Friday, as reported by Bhiri’s lawyer, Monia Bouali. Bouali criticized the trial, stating it was marred by numerous legal violations, particularly concerning a Facebook post that was allegedly linked to Bhiri but was proven non-existent through technical tests. Bhiri has been in detention for the past 18 months, along with several other critics of President Kais Saied. The President has been consolidating power and…

A new report from the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has revealed that despite substantial investments in African ports, the improvements have not translated into better inland logistics and supply chains. The report, titled “State of Africa’s Infrastructure 2024,” highlights that while ports across the continent have grown significantly in capacity, road and rail networks remain inadequate. Since 2005, African ports have received around $15 billion in investments, enabling them to accommodate larger ships and handle more cargo. According to the African Development Bank, container traffic through African ports increased by nearly 50% between 2011 and 2021, from 24.5 million to…

Protests and looting of shops owned by foreign nationals have escalated in Vanderbijlpark, following unrest that began in Sharpeville. This surge in violence is believed to have been triggered by the alleged murder of a South African businessman by a foreign national last night, though police have not yet confirmed these reports. Local residents are expressing increasing discontent, calling for foreign nationals to cease their business operations in the area. “We feel bad. We are here to conduct business, not to fight people. I heard that one local South African was shot, and now they’ve started looting shops. We invested…

In a significant development reflecting its commitment to the Palestinian cause, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the nation is actively contemplating cutting diplomatic relations with Israel. Ramaphosa emphasized that South Africa’s support for Palestine remains “irrevocable.” “This matter is being actively examined, and we will provide the executive’s response to the National Assembly’s resolution at an appropriate time,” he informed lawmakers on Thursday. The president’s comments were prompted by a non-binding resolution passed by Parliament last November, urging the government to terminate its ties with Israel in light of ongoing military operations in Gaza. During the parliamentary session,…

In a significant development for the agricultural sector, the governments of Zambia and the United States have officially signed a $491.75 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Farm-to-Market Compact aimed at enhancing agriculture and agro-processing across Zambia. The ceremony took place in Lusaka, where President Hakainde Hichilema emphasized the vital role of this grant in promoting the country’s economic recovery and transformation. This debt-free initiative comprises $458 million from the MCC and an additional $33.75 million from the Zambian government. It is designed to improve food security, reduce transportation costs for goods, and enhance access to farming equipment and financing for…

The Nigerian government has officially begun its fight against malaria with the arrival of 846,200 doses of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine from GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance. This first shipment comes after the vaccine was endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) alongside the RTS,S vaccine in October 2023. During a ceremony in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, hailed the milestone as a significant advancement in the nation’s battle against malaria. He announced that an additional 153,800 doses are expected to arrive on October 26, bringing the total to nearly one million doses. Minister Pate…

Congo’s health officials have emphasized the urgent need to bolster public awareness regarding mpox and the availability of vaccines, cautioning that the ongoing vaccination campaign is likely to extend beyond the initially planned timeframe. The mpox vaccination effort, which commenced this month in the eastern region severely affected by the outbreak, is facing significant challenges. Many locals in North Kivu province appear either uninformed or suspicious of the vaccine. Cris Kacita, head of Congo’s mpox response team, stated that more must be done to encourage vaccine uptake, noting that the campaign’s duration would likely surpass the original ten days. “While…

The South African government has reportedly demanded that Taiwan relocate its representative office from the capital, Pretoria, by the end of October, a move attributed to pressure from China, as confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Thursday. MOFA indicated that it is actively engaging with South African authorities to reverse the request, arguing that the relocation could negatively impact the positive relations between the two nations in areas such as trade, education, and technology. In recent months, the relationship between South Africa and China has deepened significantly, leading to increased pressure from Beijing for South Africa to…

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has affirmed the government’s dedication to completing the first phase of the Egyptian-Saudi electricity interconnection project by May 2025, which is set to provide a capacity of 1,500 megawatts. Upon the successful completion of this initial phase, work will commence on a subsequent phase that will also feature a capacity of 1,500 megawatts. Madbouly highlighted the project’s timeline during a recent visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Cairo, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the project’s progress. Stressing the importance of meeting deadlines, Madbouly indicated that the implementing companies will be…

Nigeria is intensifying its crackdown on crude oil theft, achieving notable progress in key oil-producing regions that have long been plagued by this illicit activity. Officials have highlighted the success of Operation Delta Safe, a comprehensive initiative aimed at safeguarding the country’s oil resources. The operation has led to the shutdown of illegal refineries, the recovery of millions of liters of stolen oil, and numerous arrests of individuals involved in these criminal enterprises. As a result, Nigeria has experienced a remarkable 16.7% increase in crude oil production over the past year, a significant recovery for an industry heavily impacted by…

Botswana’s electoral commission has issued a stern warning to opposition parties regarding what it describes as “reckless” allegations of electoral fraud as the nation prepares for its general election on October 30. This announcement comes amidst claims from some opposition leaders that electoral manipulation is occurring. Osupile Maroba, the chief public relations officer of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), rejected allegations that the names of deceased individuals have been added to the voter registration list, characterizing these claims as false, disrespectful, and absurd. In response, Moeti Mohwasa, a spokesperson for the Umbrella for Democratic Change coalition, asserted that his party…

In a significant development for the real estate market, Moroccans have emerged as the top foreign homebuyers in Spain during the first six months of 2024, surpassing various nationalities in property acquisitions across most autonomous communities. This trend highlights the increasing influence of Moroccan buyers in Spain’s housing sector, as reported by the Spanish news outlet The Objective, which cited data from the Notaries’ Statistical Information Center. However, despite their overall success, Moroccans did not maintain the lead in all regions. In Galicia and Madrid, Portuguese and Chinese buyers respectively dominated the property market, indicating a competitive landscape among foreign…

Zimbabwe announced plans to compensate local and foreign white farmers who lost land and property during the controversial farm seizures that began over two decades ago, aimed at addressing historical injustices related to colonialism. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube revealed during a recent meeting with diplomats that the government has approved compensation for 441 applications from local white farmers, totaling $351.6 million. Additionally, 94 applications from foreign farmers amounting to $196.6 million have also been approved. However, local farmers will receive only 1% of their compensation, or approximately $3.5 million, in cash, with the remainder disbursed through treasury bonds. Foreign claimants…

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced the appointment of Major General Hassan Mahmoud Rashad as the new head of the General Intelligence Agency on Wednesday. This decision comes as Rashad takes over from Abbas Kamel, who will now serve in an advisory capacity to the presidency. The General Intelligence Agency has played a crucial role under Sisi’s administration, addressing vital foreign policy concerns, including conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, and Libya. Additionally, the agency has been heavily involved in managing domestic security matters, particularly in relation to the government’s prolonged crackdown on political dissent. Rashad, who previously held the position of…

A recent study by an international team of researchers from South Africa and the United Kingdom has revealed that artificial nests can significantly improve the breeding success of endangered African penguins. This vital research highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect the species, which is currently classified as critically endangered. Endemic to Southern Africa, the African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) has experienced a dramatic decline in population, plummeting from nearly 93,000 breeding pairs in 1956 to approximately 9,900 in 2023. Following a brief recovery in the 1990s and early 2000s, the species has faced a staggering 90% decline over…

Beninese pan-Africanist Kemi Seba has been released without charges after being held in police custody at the General Directorate of Internal Security (DGSI) on suspicions of foreign interference. The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that Seba’s release occurred on October 16, but investigations into the allegations are still ongoing. According to his lawyer, Juan Branco, Seba was questioned regarding alleged “intelligence with a foreign power… aimed at provoking hostilities or acts of aggression against France,” an offense that could carry a sentence of up to 30 years in prison. Branco criticized the nature of Seba’s arrest, describing it as violent and…

The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has reported the successful realization of US$6 million from agreements made during last year’s trade mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), out of a total of US$13.80 million secured. In response to this success, the agency has announced the launch of a new trade mission to the DRC, which will feature a delegation of 40 Zambian companies. According to Kwali Mfuni, ZDA’s head of communications and public relations, the upcoming trade mission will take place in Lubumbashi, Haut-Katanga Province, from October 16 to October 18. The primary goal of this mission is to…

Niger has made a significant advancement in its efforts to combat terrorism and enhance national security by finalizing an agreement to acquire five Karayel-SU Turkish unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for approximately 80 million euros (around $87.56 million). This acquisition underscores Niger’s unwavering commitment to modernizing its military capabilities and effectively addressing the evolving security challenges faced by the nation. The Karayel-SU drone is designed specifically for tactical reconnaissance and surveillance, adhering to NATO’s rigorous STANAG-4671 standards for safe operation within civilian airspace. Equipped with an advanced triple-redundant avionics system, the drone minimizes the risk of failures, reflecting a high level…

Mali’s military leader, Colonel Assimi Goïta, has promoted himself to the rank of army general, now officially holding the distinguished title of Colonel Assimi Goïta of the land army. This prestigious rank represents the highest military distinction in Mali and is a significant achievement, as it has only been awarded to two former heads of state in the country’s history. This promotion comes in the wake of the military government’s adoption of a new constitution over a year ago, which has substantially expanded the powers of both the president and the armed forces, allowing for greater military influence in national…

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi arrived in Cairo late Wednesday for discussions with Egyptian officials, marking the first such visit in several years. This trip is part of a Middle Eastern tour amid rising worries about a potential escalation of conflict with Israel. Tensions are heightened due to expectations of an Israeli strike on Iran in retaliation for a missile attack on October 1, following a rapidly escalating confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran. Araqchi’s visit aims to facilitate “important discussions with senior Egyptian officials” scheduled for Thursday, according to Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s foreign…

In a significant development regarding migration policy, the Netherlands is considering relocating rejected asylum seekers to Uganda, according to Dutch media reports on Wednesday. This initiative is part of the far-right government’s broader strategy to limit immigration. During a recent visit to Uganda, Dutch Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Minister Reinette Klever engaged in discussions with Ugandan officials concerning migration issues. Klever, a member of the far-right Freedom Party (PVV) led by Geert Wilders, emphasized the government’s goal of reducing overall migration. “Our priority is ensuring that rejected asylum seekers return to their countries of origin, which can sometimes be…

In a somber ceremony on Wednesday, local government officials and hundreds of mourners gathered in northern Nigeria for the mass burial of more than 140 individuals who tragically lost their lives in a horrific tanker explosion. The devastating incident took place in the town of Majiya, Jigawa state, when a gasoline tanker overturned and ignited a massive explosion as residents attempted to collect the fuel that was leaking from the truck. The resulting blast caused significant destruction, leaving many of the victims’ bodies unrecognizable, as confirmed by emergency services. The scale of the tragedy has shocked the local community, prompting…

In a significant diplomatic effort, the foreign ministers of Egypt and Spain convened in Cairo on Wednesday to reiterate their calls for immediate cease-fires in Gaza and Lebanon amidst ongoing violence in the region. During the meeting, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stated that “the arrogance of power cannot guarantee security and peace for any nation.” He emphasized the importance of addressing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, asserting that “there will be no security or stability in this region without the establishment of a Palestinian state.” Abdelatty’s remarks drew upon historical lessons, underscoring the need for a lasting…

Mozambique’s ruling party, Frelimo, was leading provisional election results across all 11 provinces on Wednesday, sparking accusations of electoral fraud from opposition parties, one of which has called for a nationwide strike. Daniel Chapo, the presidential candidate for Frelimo, is widely expected to win the October 9 election. Frelimo has governed the country since 1975 and has long faced allegations of manipulating elections, claims the party continues to deny. The final election results are expected to be announced on October 24. Venancio Mondlane, an independent candidate seen as Chapo’s main rival, claimed he was in the lead based on his…

In a world where the fight for justice often encounters resistance, some individuals rise above, embodying the spirit of peaceful resistance and unwavering determination. Archbishop Desmond Tutu, with his profound dedication to human rights and equality, stands as a testament to the power of nonviolent advocacy. His remarkable journey and the recognition of his efforts with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, serve as an enduring inspiration. A Life of Service and Leadership Bishop Desmond Tutu, born in 1931 in Klerksdorp, Transvaal, South Africa, is a prominent figure in the global struggle for justice and equality. His father was a…

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has voiced strong objections to the United States’ recent classification of child labor in its mining industry. The Congolese government contends that the US assessment fails to acknowledge the significant reforms implemented to enhance governance in the sector. The controversy erupted following a report from the US Department of Labor, which included cobalt ore from the DRC on its 2024 list of goods produced using child or forced labor. According to an information note sent to the DRC government on September 24, the US identifies cobalt as a high-risk mineral, primarily sourced from artisanal…

In a bold move to redefine its national identity, Niger’s government has officially renamed Avenue Charles de Gaulle and several other historic sites in the capital, Niamey. This initiative aims to sever ties with the colonial past associated with France and reflects the country’s broader cultural shift following the military takeover in July 2023. Since seizing power, the military administration has actively sought to strengthen alliances with fellow military-led governments in Burkina Faso and Mali, as well as to develop closer ties with Russia. The recent renaming ceremony, marked by the sound of marching bands, saw military officials unveil the…

Uganda’s Ministry of Health has announced plans to integrate a malaria vaccine into the country’s routine immunization program, aiming to combat the deadly disease and reduce child mortality rates. The vaccine is expected to be rolled out in April 2025, targeting children aged six months to five years. In a statement released on Tuesday, the ministry emphasized the urgent need for this initiative, noting that three out of every ten sick individuals in Uganda are diagnosed with malaria. Alarmingly, among hospitalized children under five, six out of ten are affected by the disease, significantly increasing their risk of death. Furthermore,…

Nigeria’s oil regulator has blocked Shell’s proposed $1.3 billion sale of its onshore oilfields to the Renaissance group, citing the buyer’s lack of qualification to manage the assets. The decision comes amid Shell’s efforts to exit its onshore operations in Nigeria and focus on more profitable deepwater ventures. Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), the subsidiary that manages the assets, confirmed it is cooperating with the regulator by providing all necessary information, but did not directly address the regulator’s rejection. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) raised concerns over Renaissance group’s ability to effectively manage the oilfields, stating that the…

President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe has announced a cabinet reshuffle, demoting Foreign Affairs Minister Frederick Shava and assigning him to the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education. Amon Murwira will take over as the new head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry. This change marks the third reshuffle during Mnangagwa’s second presidential term. In a statement on Tuesday, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya confirmed that the reassignments take effect immediately, in accordance with Section 104 Subsection (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. Rushwaya outlined the changes, stating: “Hon. A. Murwira, M.P. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International…

A petrol tanker explosion in Majiya, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa state, Nigeria, has resulted in the deaths of no fewer than 90 people, with around 50 others hospitalized due to various injuries from the blast. The incident occurred on Tuesday night around 11:30 p.m. when the tanker driver lost control near Khadija University, leading to the explosion. The tanker was traveling from Kano to Nguru in Yobe state at the time of the accident. Police spokesman Shi’isu Adam confirmed the death toll during an interview on Wednesday. He stated, “About 94 individuals perished, many of whom were burnt…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reported a significant increase in inflows through International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs), which rose by 47% to $2.33 billion in the first half of 2024, compared to $1.58 billion during the same period last year. This boost in remittance flows aligns with the CBN’s recent policy initiatives that allow eligible IMTOs access to Naira liquidity at the official foreign exchange window. The move is part of the bank’s broader strategy to enhance the efficiency of the forex market and promote formal channels for remittances. In a circular issued by Dr. W.J. Kanya, the…

JPMorgan Chase, the largest bank in the United States, is set to launch operations in Kenya and Ivory Coast this year as part of its growth strategy in Africa. CEO Jamie Dimon announced the plans, highlighting the bank’s focus on expanding its international presence, which is critical for its overall growth. With more than $4.2 trillion in assets and operations in over 100 countries, JPMorgan aims to add one or two African nations to its portfolio every few years. This approach contrasts with Citigroup, which has a broader global reach, operating in nearly 180 countries. During an upcoming trip to…

In a high-level meeting on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi pledged to enhance trade and investment ties between their nations. The talks, held in Cairo, also focused on regional tensions, with both leaders calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon. Egypt’s presidency confirmed that the two countries signed an agreement to protect and promote mutual investments and established a supreme coordination council to oversee deeper economic cooperation. This meeting comes amid speculation of increased Saudi investment in Egypt, following a significant $35 billion deal earlier this year between Egypt and…

The Al Nour Wal Amal Orchestra, a transformative movement led by visually impaired women, is poised to deliver a landmark performance on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at the prestigious Royal Opera House Muscat. This concert represents a significant milestone for the orchestra, showcasing the remarkable talents of its members and underscoring their commitment to breaking barriers in the music industry. Renowned for its role in promoting cultural exchange, the Royal Opera House will host this powerful performance featuring celebrated Lebanese-Canadian soprano Joyce El Khouri, alongside an array of iconic pieces from diverse cultures. The event aims to redefine perceptions of…

On Monday evening, Ukraine officially denied media reports claiming its involvement in supplying drones to armed groups in northern Mali. The French newspaper reported that Tuareg fighters in the region are utilizing Ukrainian drones, receiving assistance from Kyiv in their operations against the Malian army and the Russian Wagner Group, which supports the Malian government. In a statement, Ukraine’s foreign ministry strongly rejected the allegations made by international media concerning the supply of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to these groups in Mali. Mali has been facing a prolonged insurgency following military coups in 2020 and 2021, resulting in ongoing conflicts…

The Nyamulagira volcano, located in eastern DR Congo, has been actively erupting since Saturday, October 12, as confirmed by the Goma Volcanological Observatory (OVG) late Monday. This recent eruption is characterized by a significant overflow of lava from its crater, with flows cascading down the northern, western, and southwestern flanks of the volcano. Charles Balagizi, the scientific director of the OVG, noted the impressive nature of the lava flows. Nyamulagira, also known as Nyamuragira, is an active shield volcano situated in the Virunga Mountains, approximately 25 kilometers north of Lake Kivu. The latest satellite imagery has revealed the formation of…

The South African rand saw a decline on Tuesday morning, trading at 17.6350 against the dollar, approximately 0.2% lower than its previous close. This drop comes as investors anticipate the release of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (SACCI) September Business Confidence Index and the South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) bi-annual Monetary Policy Review. As of 0644 GMT, the dollar was about 0.08% stronger against a basket of global currencies, reflecting broader market movements. Analysts at ETM Analytics noted that today’s focus is likely to shift towards the SARB’s monetary policy review, given that the SACCI Business Confidence…

At the Brazil Africa Forum 2024, held on October 14 in São Paulo, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira asserted that the 21st century will belong to Africa. His remarks came during the opening of the forum, organized by the Brazil Africa Institute, which marks its 12th edition with the theme “Investment in Infrastructure for Sustainable Development in Brazil and Africa.” Vieira announced the anticipated signing of a multilateral agreement among development banks, emphasizing Brazil’s commitment to prioritizing partnerships with African nations as it currently leads the G20. He pointed out that Brazil’s historical ties to Africa create opportunities for investment…

Authorities have arrested six members of the Côte d’Ivoire Student and School Federation (Fesci) in connection with a murder investigation linked to the deaths of two individuals, including a prominent rival of the federation’s leader. The police and prosecutors acted against Fesci, one of the country’s leading student organizations, suspending all its activities in a move that has sparked hope among many that this could signal an end to the long-standing impunity the federation has enjoyed on university campuses in Abidjan, the nation’s largest city. The crackdown follows the death of student Zigui Mars Aubin Deagoue, whose body was discovered…

The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned ambassadors from several European nations to clarify their reactions to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling on agricultural and fisheries agreements with Morocco. This diplomatic move underscores Algeria’s concern over the ruling’s impact on its relations with both the EU and Morocco, which have been historically strained. Although the specific countries involved in these discussions have not been disclosed, most of the summoned ambassadors reportedly clarified that their comments were not intended to reject the Court’s decisions or disregard them in the future. This reflects the careful stance European nations are…

On Monday, the president of South Africa called for global leaders to pressure Israel into stopping its attacks in Gaza and Lebanon. In a speech delivered in Johannesburg to mark his first 100 days in office, Cyril Ramaphosa urged for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the provision of humanitarian aid to those in need. The African National Congress (ANC), which has governed South Africa since the end of apartheid in 1994, did not secure a majority in the May elections, leading to the formation of a coalition government. Ramaphosa announced that his government plans to submit a…

Senegal’s government launched a comprehensive 25-year development plan on Monday, aimed at fostering economic sovereignty through enhanced competitiveness, sustainable resource management, and effective governance. This initiative follows President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s landslide victory seven months ago, where he promised to improve living standards across the West African nation. At the launch event, held just a month before a snap legislative election, President Faye emphasized the goal of building “a diversified and resilient economy.” He criticized the existing economic model, which has largely depended on raw material extraction without adequate local processing, resulting in a weakened domestic private sector and a…

A tragic bus accident in northeastern Egypt has claimed the lives of 12 university students and left 33 others injured, according to a statement from the health ministry on Monday night. The students, from Galala University near Suez, were traveling back to their dormitory at Porto Sokhna resort via the Ain Sokhna highway when the bus overturned. Local reports suggest that the students were returning from their classes, and the bus driver has been detained for further investigation. While the exact cause of the crash has not yet been determined, 28 ambulances were dispatched to the scene, transferring the injured…