Author: WAJ Team

On Thursday, the Moroccan government unveiled a significant initiative to allocate 2.5 billion dirhams (approximately $260 million) aimed at providing comprehensive flood relief. This plan seeks to address the urgent needs stemming from recent natural disasters by focusing on reconstruction support, infrastructure improvements, and assistance for farmers adversely affected by the floods. Last month, severe flooding devastated several villages in the southeast region of Morocco, leading to the tragic loss of at least 28 lives and causing extensive damage to roads and local infrastructure. In response to this crisis, the government has committed to offering financial assistance of 80,000 dirhams…

Rwanda is gearing up to start clinical trials for vaccines and treatments aimed at combating Marburg disease in the coming weeks. This announcement follows the country’s first outbreak of the viral illness, which has led to 11 confirmed deaths. Health authorities detected the disease in late September, with 36 cases reported so far. During a press briefing, Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana stated that these trials are part of the government’s commitment to provide effective solutions for those affected. “Our goal is to ensure rapid recovery by utilizing vaccines and treatments specifically designed for this outbreak, which is now in the…

As the number of women and children leaving Karamoja for urban areas continues to rise, the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) is calling for increased protections for their rights. During a training session on October 2, 2024, in Moroto, UHRC officials emphasized the need for stakeholders to adopt a human rights-based approach to address the challenges these vulnerable migrants face. Many of these individuals are fleeing poverty, food insecurity, cattle raids, and escalating gun violence in their region. Paul Piramoe, the Regional Human Rights Officer for Karamoja, warned that human traffickers are taking advantage of the situation, preying on women…

France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has directed authorities in the French overseas department of Mayotte to initiate deportation flights for migrants from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of a broader strategy to combat illegal immigration to the island, located off the east coast of Africa. Beginning in October, the police chief of Mayotte will oversee the organization of group flights to return illegal immigrants to the DRC. Retailleau, who has emphasized the need to “restore order,” shared these plans during a recent address to the French parliament. A spokesperson for Retailleau’s team indicated that four deportation flights…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has submitted recommendations to the National Assembly, urging constitutional amendments that would establish a single six-year term for the president and governors. He also suggested that the presidency rotate between Nigeria’s northern and southern regions. In his submission to the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review, Atiku reaffirmed his support for the six-year term, a concept he promoted during his time as vice president under President Olusegun Obasanjo. After the 2023 elections, he reiterated this proposal, advocating that “the presidency should rotate among the six geopolitical zones, with each zone serving a single six-year term.” Atiku…

President Yoweri Museveni has urged African Chief Justices to recognize the significant role that economic prosperity plays in the effective administration of justice. While speaking at the Southern and Eastern Chief Justices’ Forum (SEACJF) at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala, Museveni stressed the importance of economic growth in enabling justice systems to function more efficiently. “If the country’s economy is growing and creating prosperity, it becomes easier to address issues of justice,” he remarked, pointing out that justice, while possible under economic strain, is notably more manageable when a nation is financially stable. He further explained that a prosperous state not…

The launch of the much-anticipated mpox vaccination campaign in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been postponed due to logistical challenges, as confirmed by health officials on Wednesday. Chris Kasita, director of the Department of Infection Prevention (PEV), emphasized the need for specialized transportation equipment required to distribute the vaccine across various regions of the country. “We are facing issues with logistics, but authorities are working diligently to ensure that the vaccine is delivered on time. We will announce a new start date as soon as possible,” Kasita stated. The delay comes amid a concerning surge in mpox cases in…

Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday pledged to introduce measures aimed at stabilizing the country’s gold-backed currency, ZiG, after it significantly declined on the black market just five months after its introduction. The currency was devalued by 43% last Friday, following a 47% loss on the parallel market. Addressing parliament, Mnangagwa expressed concern over the resurgence of speculative trading in the parallel market, which has contributed to the currency’s instability. Since its devaluation, the ZiG fell further from 24.3902 on Friday to 25.2824 by Wednesday, with the black market rate hitting 32 per U.S. dollar. Mnangagwa emphasized that the devaluation…

The Tuareg rebellion in Niger, which began in the early 1990s, marks a significant chapter in the region’s history. This uprising was driven by the Tuareg people’s demand for greater political autonomy and development for their traditionally marginalized regions. Historical Context The Tuareg people, a nomadic Berber ethnic group, have long inhabited the Saharan regions of Niger, Mali, and Algeria. Historically, they have faced political and economic marginalization, exacerbated by severe droughts in the 1970s and 1980s. These droughts devastated their pastoral lifestyle, leading to widespread displacement and economic hardship. The Tuareg’s grievances were rooted in the colonial and post-colonial…

Willie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), emphasized the vital role of Morocco’s aviation sector in driving economic growth during his remarks at the Worldwide Aviation Safety Conference (WSOC) on Tuesday. The conference, which runs until October 3, is being held in Marrakech. Walsh highlighted the ambitious development plans of Royal Air Maroc (RAM) and the National Airports Office (ONDA), stating that these initiatives are crucial for establishing Morocco as a central hub connecting Africa with Europe and North America. “The country’s forward-looking strategies are setting the stage for a prosperous future in aviation,” Walsh noted,…

Uganda has officially launched a state-owned mining company designed to manage the government’s equity stakes in various mining operations across the country. This significant development was announced by Ruth Nankabirwa, the Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, who highlighted the government’s commitment to playing a more active role in the mining sector. Historically, mining activities in Uganda have been predominantly carried out by private firms that have obtained necessary exploration and mining licenses from the government. However, a transformative mining law passed in 2022 now empowers the government to compulsorily acquire a 15% free carry stake in all mining ventures.…

The Maldives has officially intervened in the ongoing genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), citing alleged atrocities committed in the Gaza Strip. President Mohamed Muizzu announced this development on X, stating that the intervention aligns with South Africa’s application under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, as detailed in Article 63 of the ICJ Statute. “Israel must be held accountable for its unlawful acts in Gaza. The rule of law must be upheld, and Israel must cease its genocidal actions against the Palestinian people,” President Muizzu emphasized. He reiterated…

Makerere University is celebrating a momentous occasion today October 2, as it officially reopens its iconic main administration building, affectionately known as the ‘Ivory Tower,’ nearly four years after a devastating fire inflicted significant damage on this historical structure. The ‘Ivory Tower,’ an enduring symbol of Makerere University and a prominent feature of its Kampala campus, has long been recognized as a beacon of educational excellence and national pride. The building suffered severe damage in a fire that broke out in 2020, sparking immediate concerns about the loss of such an integral part of the university’s identity. In response, the…

The ruling party in Ivory Coast has expressed its support for President Alassane Ouattara to run for a fourth term in the upcoming 2025 elections, increasing the likelihood that the 82-year-old will seek re-election. While Ouattara, who was re-elected for a contested third term in 2020, has mentioned a desire to step down, he has also indicated that he would need former opponents to agree to withdraw from politics as well. Recently, senior officials from Ouattara’s party, the Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), passed a resolution affirming their commitment to ensuring that the RHDP, under Ouattara’s leadership,…

In a bold move to revitalize its economy, South Africa aims for a 3.3% GDP growth by the close of 2025, with the objective of generating millions of new jobs by 2029. Achieving this goal will depend on the effective implementation of comprehensive reforms, operational enhancements at crucial state-owned entities, and the rapid mobilization of private sector investments. This optimistic vision was articulated by President Cyril Ramaphosa, various ministers, and some of the country’s leading CEOs during the launch of Phase 2 of the Government Business Partnership at the Industrial Development Corporation on October 1. Economic Context and Growth Projections…

Nigerians took to the streets on Tuesday, marking the country’s 64th independence anniversary with widespread protests over worsening economic conditions. Demonstrators rallied against soaring inflation, rising fuel costs, and government reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, which have placed additional strain on the population. Many Nigerians are frustrated by the economic situation, which has seen living costs escalate sharply in recent months. This protest follows a similar demonstration in August, where at least 20 protesters were killed by security forces. Although turnout on Tuesday was smaller, the frustration remained evident as demonstrators in the capital city of Abuja faced tear…