Author: WAJ Team

Armed M23 rebels announced on Monday that they have taken control of Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, escalating one of Africa’s longest-running conflicts. The Congolese government labeled the move a “declaration of war” as the United Nations reported widespread panic among the city’s two million residents. The takeover occurred hours before the expiration of a 48-hour ultimatum issued by the rebels, demanding the disarmament of Congolese forces. In a statement, the M23 urged calm among Goma’s residents and instructed military personnel to gather at the city’s central stadium for disarmament. A Region on Edge Goma’s capture is a…

Tanzania’s Lake Rukwa was struck by powerful gusts of wind on Friday, leaving at least 10 fishermen missing and prompting the rescue of 550 others, according to officials. By Saturday morning, local authorities had not yet located the 10 missing fishermen, who were caught in the storm while carrying out their regular fishing activities. Chacha Mchaka, head of the Tanzania Fire and Rescue Force in the Rukwa region, confirmed the ongoing search efforts. Nyakia Chirukile, the district commissioner for Sumbawanga in the Rukwa region, explained that rescue teams were working tirelessly to locate the fishermen, who had been on the…

A petrol tanker explosion on Saturday has resulted in numerous fatalities in Enugu State, Nigeria, officials have confirmed. The incident occurred on a busy expressway in the state, where the fuel-laden tanker overturned while navigating a hilly section of the road. The explosion triggered panic, affecting six other vehicles in the area. Eyewitnesses, who shared video footage of the aftermath, reported that at least 15 people, including three children, were confirmed dead. Franklin Agbakoba Onyekwere, Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Enugu State, arrived at the scene but has not yet disclosed an official death toll. This tragedy…

The South African film The Last Ranger has earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Live Action Short Film, marking a significant milestone for the country’s film industry. Directed by Cindy Lee, the film has been nominated for the prestigious honor at the 97th Academy Awards, scheduled to take place in March 2025. The Last Ranger is an isiXhosa film that draws inspiration from real events in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. The film tells the remarkable story of Thandi, a rhino that survived a brutal poaching attempt at the Kariega Game Reserve, and the courageous woman who fought to protect…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has condemned the ongoing attacks on healthcare facilities in Sudan, following a devastating drone strike on a hospital in North Darfur that claimed the lives of at least 70 people and injured dozens more. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General, called for an immediate halt to the violence, urging all parties to respect international humanitarian law and cease attacks on healthcare workers and institutions. The targeted hospital, the Saudi Teaching Maternal Hospital in El Fasher, was the only functional medical facility in the area, providing vital services such as obstetrics, surgery, pediatrics, and a nutrition stabilization…

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially severed all diplomatic relations with Rwanda following the deaths of nine South African peacekeepers amid escalating violence in the country’s eastern region, which has been ravaged by the M23 insurgency. The rebels, backed by Rwanda, have made significant territorial gains, sparking fears of the conflict spreading across the broader Great Lakes region. The M23 rebellion, which has been ongoing for three years, intensified in January as the rebels captured additional strategic areas, including territory near the provincial capital, Goma. The United Nations has raised alarms, warning of a potential regional war, with…

Twenty-four people have died, and six others have been injured in rainfall-related incidents across Zimbabwe since the rainy season began in October, according to the Department of Civil Protection (DCP). While the season started with below-average rainfall from October to December 2024, heavy rains have pounded the country since January, causing widespread damage and triggering incidents such as flash floods and drownings. In a report issued by the DCP, the relentless downpours have affected 983 households, damaged 129 schools, and impacted 13 health facilities. Public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, dams, irrigation schemes, and electricity poles, has also been significantly disrupted.…

African literature has served as a powerful tool in reshaping the global understanding of the continent. For decades, African writers have challenged misrepresentations, celebrated the richness of their cultures, and highlighted the resilience of their people. As an African proverb aptly states, “Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” This sentiment underscores the essential role of African writers in reclaiming Africa’s narrative and projecting its complexities to the world. Breaking Down Stereotypes A critical contribution of African writers has been their ability to dismantle stereotypes perpetuated about the continent. For…

The Amathole District in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province has been declared a disaster zone after intense thunderstorms wreaked havoc across the region from December to January, leaving extensive damage in their wake. The storms, which affected over 59 villages, caused significant destruction to homes, roads, and critical infrastructure. A multi-disciplinary team, including officials from Human Settlements, the National, Provincial, and District Disaster Management Centres, assessed the damage, which has been estimated at R57,263,582.11 (roughly $3.12 million). Sisa Msiwa, spokesperson for the District Municipality, confirmed that government relief agencies, alongside the Red Cross, are actively working to provide aid to…

In a statement, Comoros President Azali Assoumani has publicly confirmed his plans to transfer power to his son, Nour El Fath, when his term ends in 2029. This marks the first time Assoumani has openly acknowledged the succession, fueling long-held suspicions that he has been positioning his son to take over the presidency. The move has sparked significant controversy, with critics accusing the president of attempting to establish a dynastic regime in the Indian Ocean archipelago. Assoumani, who was re-elected in 2024 amid allegations of electoral fraud, had previously appointed El Fath to oversee government operations, granting him considerable power…

Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Asake has once again earned a prestigious nomination in the Brit Awards’ International Artist category, marking a significant achievement in his burgeoning career. This marks the second consecutive year that the artist has been recognized at the coveted event, further solidifying his place in the global music landscape. The competition in the International Artist category is fierce, with Asake going head-to-head against renowned global stars such as pop icons Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, both of whom have a rich history of Brit Awards success. Also nominated are Billie Eilish, a rising global phenomenon known for her distinctive…

At least 20 fishermen have been killed in a brutal attack by Boko Haram insurgents in the northeastern Nigerian state of Borno, according to local reports. The insurgents targeted the fishing community of Gadan Gari on Wednesday, opening fire on those working in the area around 11:00 GMT. The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents as Nigeria grapples with a 16-year-long Islamist insurgency, led primarily by Boko Haram and its splinter group. This conflict has caused massive displacement, widespread human suffering, and severe economic losses, with civilians often caught in the crossfire. Modu Ari, a member…

Egypt has launched an initiative to distribute one million books to citizens of all ages, aligning with the opening of the 56th Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF), which began Thursday. The event, running until February 5, welcomes Oman as this year’s guest of honor. The CIBF, established in 1969, has become the largest and oldest book fair in the Middle East, ranking as the second-largest globally after the Frankfurt Book Fair. This year’s fair provides a platform for cultural exchange and intellectual dialogue, attracting book lovers and industry professionals from around the world. Culture Minister Ahmed Fouad Hano highlighted that…

Thousands of residents were forced to flee eastern Goma on Thursday amid escalating violence between the Congolese military and M23 rebels. The intensifying conflict, particularly in the western Goma area of Sake, has sparked widespread panic, according to eyewitnesses and videos shared on social media. As the fighting between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the M23 rebel group grows fiercer, civilians have been seeking refuge in safer parts of the city. In response, local authorities have closed schools and emptied several refugee camps to accommodate the sudden influx of displaced people. The mass exodus…

On Thursday, Tunisian President Kais Saied met with Mauritanian Minister of Economy and Finance, Sid Ahmed Ould Aboh, who is currently visiting Tunisia. The two leaders engaged in detailed discussions aimed at deepening the longstanding relationship between the two nations. In a statement from the Tunisian presidency, President Saied expressed his country’s appreciation for the enduring partnership with Mauritania. He reaffirmed Tunisia’s commitment to furthering these ties, which he described as a symbol of the strong brotherhood and mutual respect between the two nations. The meeting also addressed the wider challenges facing Africa in the context of global uncertainties. President…

A measles outbreak in Uganda’s semi-arid northeastern districts of Nabilatuk and Amudat has claimed the lives of five children, according to the Ministry of Health. In a situation update released on Thursday, the ministry reported that four children had died in Nabilatuk, while one death was recorded in Amudat. The ministry also noted that 11 patients were currently hospitalized, with five others receiving outpatient treatment. The outbreak in Amudat, which shares a border with Kenya, was officially confirmed on January 6. Nabilatuk has recorded 147 cumulative cases, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 2.7 percent, while Amudat has reported…