Author: WAJ Team

Two boats carrying migrants sank off the coast of Djibouti in the Red Sea, resulting in the deaths of 45 people, the U.N. migration agency confirmed on Tuesday. The vessels had departed from Yemen, carrying a total of 310 migrants, before capsizing near the Khor Angar region, approximately 150 meters from the shoreline, according to Djibouti’s coast guard. Rescue efforts, which began early Monday, are ongoing. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) stated that 32 survivors have been pulled from the water, while Djibouti’s coast guard reported 115 individuals were rescued. The IOM, involved in the search and rescue mission,…

In his nationwide address marking Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day, President Bola Tinubu unveiled a significant initiative aimed at combating unemployment and underemployment across the country. The Renewed Hope Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), set to launch in October, will focus on generating 2.5 million jobs annually. This comprehensive programme, overseen by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, seeks to create jobs both directly and indirectly while prioritizing the welfare and safety of Nigerian workers. In addition to the LEEP initiative, President Tinubu highlighted several other youth-focused programmes. These include a student loan scheme designed to offer affordable financial…

In a concerted effort to combat transnational crime, officials from Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are meeting for the fourth time in less than two years to devise more effective strategies for addressing a range of criminal activities that threaten the Lake Victoria area. This collaborative initiative aims to tackle serious issues, including illegal fishing, deforestation, charcoal production, and drug trafficking, all of which are exacerbated by the region’s porous borders that criminals exploit for illicit trade. During a press conference held in the coastal city of Mombasa, Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary in Kenya’s Interior Ministry, outlined the objectives of the…

Zambia is set to host the highly anticipated Digital Government Africa Summit later this week, with President Hakainde Hichilema scheduled to officially inaugurate the event. This marks the second consecutive year that Zambia has organized this prestigious gathering, which will attract over 500 delegates from 33 African nations. The summit aims to explore the crucial role of digital transformation in advancing governance, enhancing public services, and fostering economic growth across the continent. Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu emphasized the summit’s significance, stating that it provides a vital platform for African governments to connect and collaborate. He noted…

October 1, 2024, marks a momentous occasion for Nigeria as the nation celebrates its 64th Independence Day. This significant day not only commemorates Nigeria’s liberation from British colonial rule in 1960 but also symbolizes the enduring spirit of a nation striving for self-governance and national development. As Nigerians come together to observe this historic day, it serves as a time for reflection on the past, celebration of achievements, and a renewed commitment to the future of the nation. Historical Context: The Path to Independence The journey to independence for Nigeria is steeped in historical significance, marked by a series of critical events and…

President Bola Tinubu announced on Tuesday that the long-anticipated approval of Exxon Mobil Corp’s $1.28 billion sale of its onshore assets to Seplat Energy is expected within days, following regulatory clearance. This deal, which was first unveiled in 2022, has garnered substantial attention from industry observers, who view it as a potential catalyst for similar transactions, such as Shell’s recent asset sale to Renaissance. In his televised address to commemorate Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day, Tinubu emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment while upholding the country’s regulatory standards. “The ExxonMobil-Seplat divestment will receive ministerial approval in a matter…

Tunisian politician Ayachi Zammel has been sentenced to 12 years in prison ahead of the presidential election scheduled for October 6, according to his lawyer. This ruling comes just five days before the election and marks the third prison sentence imposed on Zammel in a span of two weeks, raising significant questions about the judicial process in Tunisia during this critical period. Lawyer Abdessater Messoudi revealed that the court in Tunis found Zammel guilty in four separate cases related to fraudulent voter endorsements and document falsification. Despite this significant sentence, Messoudi confirmed that Zammel intends to continue his candidacy in…

Samuel Eto’o, the legendary Cameroonian soccer star, has received a six-month ban from FIFA, prohibiting him from attending any matches involving the national teams. This suspension, announced on Monday, arises from two charges linked to an incident that occurred during the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia on September 11. FIFA has not disclosed specific details regarding the incident that took place during the round of 16 match, where Brazil triumphed over Cameroon 3-1 in extra time. However, the governing body has cited Eto’o for engaging in “offensive behavior and breaches of the principles of fair play,” along with misconduct…

Rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are reportedly profiting by up to $300,000 a month through taxation in the Rubaya coltan-mining region, according to a report presented by the United Nations to the Security Council on Monday. The M23 rebel group, a Tutsi-led movement that is believed to receive support from Rwanda, captured this key mining area in April after a series of intense battles. The Rubaya region is particularly significant due to its production of minerals essential for manufacturing electronics such as smartphones and computers. During the briefing, Bintou Keita, head of the U.N. mission in Congo,…

Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister, Karamoko Jean Marie Traore, addressed the UN General Assembly’s High-Level Debate in New York on Monday, delivering a powerful message regarding the country’s ongoing fight against terrorism. In his speech, Traore reported that Burkina Faso’s government forces now control approximately 70% of the nation’s territory, a significant improvement from the 40% control reported in 2022. This increase highlights the government’s commitment to restoring security in a region plagued by extremist threats, particularly in the northeast. Traore also condemned what he described as misleading narratives and propaganda aimed at the Burkinabe Defence Forces. He expressed strong support…

Botswana’s High Court has officially confirmed four candidates for the upcoming presidential election in October, with President Mokgweetsi Masisi seeking a second term in office. The court’s decision follows a mandatory review process where candidates must prove they have the necessary number of supporters. In addition to Masisi, the confirmed candidates include Duma Boko of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), Dumelang Saleshando representing the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), and Mephato Reatile from the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF). Chief Justice Terrence Rannowane confirmed that Biggie Butale of the Botswana Republican Party failed to meet the necessary requirements. Following the nomination…

Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi has urged the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR) to enhance its strategies in response to the ongoing violent insurgency in Cabo Delgado, a province in the northern part of the country. At the inauguration of the UIR’s new headquarters in Cabo Delgado, Nyusi highlighted the importance of the unit maintaining high standards of professionalism, integrity, and discipline. He stressed that these qualities are crucial for fostering trust and confidence among the local community and ensuring effective collaboration with fellow law enforcement officers. The new headquarters spans 160 hectares and includes three barracks, residences for officers and generals,…

In a significant development for Libya’s economic landscape, the eastern-based parliament has officially appointed Naji Mohamed Issa Belqasem as the new governor of the central bank. During a televised session, Mari Muftah Rahil Barrasi was also confirmed as the deputy governor. The decision follows a recent U.N.-mediated meeting aimed at resolving the country’s ongoing crisis, which has severely affected its oil production and broader economic stability. Belqasem’s appointment is seen as a pivotal step, given his extensive experience within the central bank, where he previously held the position of director of banking and monetary control. His in-depth knowledge of the…

The Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), a key intergovernmental organization dedicated to fostering international cooperation in the mining sector, has officially joined the Council for Critical Minerals Development in the Global South. This Council, spearheaded by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), the Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Davis, and Swaniti Global, is focused on empowering African and other mineral-rich nations to secure funding and enhance technical capacities necessary for improving their mining value chains, creating job opportunities, and driving industrial growth. Damilola Ogunbiyi, the CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for SEforALL, highlighted the significance of this…

Equatorial Guinea on Monday urged judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to reject Gabon’s claim over several islands in the Gulf of Guinea, a region believed to be rich in oil reserves. The two African nations, both significant oil producers, have sought the court’s intervention to resolve their dispute over the tiny island of Mbanié, situated less than a kilometer off Gabon’s coast. Equatorial Guinea’s representative, Domingo Mba Esono, stated that Gabon’s claim was “factually and legally untenable.” The dispute dates back to 1972 when Gabon’s military forces removed Equatorial Guinea’s troops from the island. Gabon has since…

Abu Dhabi’s International Resources Holding (IRH) has signed a landmark agreement with South Africa’s Public Investment Corporation (PIC) to invest in crucial rail infrastructure and green energy projects, aiming to drive economic growth and sustainable development in the region. The collaboration, announced on Monday, will not only enhance South Africa’s logistics capabilities but also support the country’s transition from coal-powered energy to cleaner, renewable sources. IRH, a subsidiary of the United Arab Emirates’ wealthiest company, International Holding Company (IHC.AD), brings its expertise to Africa’s largest asset manager, PIC, which oversees assets worth 2.89 trillion rand ($169 billion) in key sectors…