Author: WAJ Team

In a significant initiative, several African nations are in discussions to establish a joint “debt-for-nature” swap that could potentially raise over $2 billion for the conservation of coral ecosystems in the Indian Ocean. This collaborative effort seeks to provide a sustainable financing solution for environmental protection, a pressing need for many developing nations. Debt-for-nature swaps allow countries to convert existing debt into more manageable terms, directing the financial savings towards conservation projects. While previous swaps have been implemented in countries like Ecuador, Barbados, and Seychelles, this would mark the first instance of multiple countries participating in a single swap aimed…

Senegal’s sovereign dollar bonds took a hit on Friday after a government audit unveiled significantly larger debt and deficit figures than previously reported by the former administration, sparking investor concern. Tradeweb data showed the bonds maturing in 2033 fell by 2.3 cents, landing at a bid price of 84.54 cents on the dollar by 0720 GMT, while the 2048 bonds saw a sharper drop of 2.42 cents. The decline reflects market apprehension following the release of the audit’s findings. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) responded to the news, confirming that the Senegalese government had shared initial results from the audit.…

The Central African subregion, prominently featuring the expansive Congo Basin, is recognized for housing one of the world’s largest and most vital tropical rainforest ecosystems. This region is not only a sanctuary for a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna but also plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and providing essential ecosystem services that benefit both local and global communities. Importance of Central African Forests The forests of Central Africa are integral to the planet’s health, serving as significant carbon sinks. The 2021 State of the Forests (SOF) report released by the Central Africa Forest Observatory (OFAC) highlights…

Civil society organizations in Egypt and around the world are actively advocating for the release of Alaa Abd el-Fattah, a well-known activist, after his lawyer disclosed that he would remain in detention until 2027. Abd el-Fattah, who holds both Egyptian and British citizenship, is a software developer and blogger who has been imprisoned since 2019, with this coming Sunday marking five years since his most recent arrest. In 2021, he was sentenced to five years in prison for allegedly spreading false information through a social media post. His lawyer has indicated that the authorities do not plan to count the…

In a noteworthy diplomatic meeting on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Equatorial Guinean President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo at the Kremlin to explore avenues for enhancing bilateral relations between their countries. During their discussions, Putin conveyed a positive outlook regarding the reopening of diplomatic missions, suggesting it would serve as a catalyst for deepening cooperation between Russia and Equatorial Guinea. “We possess substantial potential for advancing our economic partnership,” he remarked. “Our collaboration also extends to humanitarian efforts, particularly in training personnel from your country, and we are committed to continuing this work. Additionally, we see promising opportunities in…

Morocco clinched a narrow 4-3 victory over Iran in a dramatic Round of 16 match at the 2024 Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan. Both teams delivered a fierce and high-energy contest, with Morocco ultimately advancing to the next stage. The action began early, with Iran taking the lead just four minutes into the game through a goal from Mohammad Hossein Derakhshani. Morocco quickly retaliated, equalizing in the 7th minute courtesy of Khalid Bouzid, followed by an Iranian own goal in the 11th minute, giving Morocco a 2-1 advantage. Despite Bouzid being sidelined by injury mid-game, Morocco maintained momentum. Soufiane El…

In a significant diplomatic engagement on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Foreign Ministers of Ethiopia, Uganda, and Rwanda convened to discuss strategies for the fair and equitable utilization of the Nile River’s water resources and the effective implementation of the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA). This gathering highlight the countries’ commitment to addressing shared challenges related to water management in a region heavily reliant on the Nile. Ethiopian Foreign Minister Taye Atske Selassie initiated separate discussions with Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe and Uganda’s Foreign Minister Jeje Odongo. During his meeting with Minister…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has officially approved a 40-month arrangement for Liberia under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), totaling approximately SDR155 million, equivalent to around $210 million. This decision, announced mid-week, includes an initial disbursement of about SDR4.3 million (roughly $5.8 million) aimed at addressing Liberia’s immediate balance of payments needs, which have been exacerbated by substantial development gaps. The IMF stated that this financial assistance is designed to support the Liberian government’s efforts to implement critical reforms that tackle macroeconomic imbalances and promote growth driven by the private sector beyond the natural resources sector. The ECF arrangement encompasses…

The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a transformative era for West Africa as European powers intensified their imperial pursuits across the continent. At the heart of this struggle was the Ashanti Kingdom, a formidable empire located in present-day Ghana, renowned for its wealth, military strength, and vibrant cultural heritage. The Ashanti engaged in a series of conflicts with the British, who aimed to dominate the region and exploit its abundant gold resources. This article examines the historical backdrop of the Ashanti Kingdom, the Anglo-Ashanti Wars that led to British control, and the profound impacts of colonial rule on…

Rwanda and Singapore have unveiled a groundbreaking AI Playbook designed specifically for small states during the United Nations Summit of the Future in New York City. This innovative initiative aims to guide nations in navigating the complexities of artificial intelligence governance and implementation, positioning them as leaders in the global conversation on AI policy. The announcement was made by Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information, Josephine Teo, who emphasized the importance of collective knowledge in leveraging AI effectively. The Playbook consolidates best practices from the Digital Forum of Small States (Digital FOSS2), showcasing how member nations have crafted and…

Prosecutors in the military-led governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have initiated investigations against French journalist and researcher Wassim Nasr. He faces accusations of being an “apologist for terrorism” due to his analytical work on violent attacks in the Sahel region. The military authorities have charged Nasr with criminal association and complicity in acts of terrorism, claiming that his detailed examination of a recent attack in Bamako on September 17, which resulted in over 70 fatalities, constitutes “blatant acts of publicity and support” for violent activities. The investigations also reference another attack on November 26, 2023, in Djibo, northern…

South Africa has officially repatriated the remains of 42 freedom fighters who lost their lives in exile during the apartheid era, particularly in neighboring Zimbabwe and Zambia. The ceremonial welcome took place at Waterkloof Air Force Base, drawing attendance from government officials, family members, and members of the public, marking a significant milestone in the country’s journey of honoring its liberation heroes. These freedom fighters, who had been buried in foreign lands decades ago, will now be reinterred in their native soil, symbolizing a long-awaited homecoming. Many of these individuals fled South Africa during the oppressive apartheid regime, seeking refuge…

A recent study has raised serious alarms regarding the future of hooded vultures in Ghana and South Africa, highlighting significant inbreeding rates that could threaten their survival. The research indicates that both countries, despite their differing population sizes, share similar risks stemming from low genetic diversity, emphasizing an urgent need for conservation efforts to combat hunting and habitat loss. Researchers collected molted feathers from hooded vulture nests in Ghana, where the species is classified as critically endangered due to steep population declines, although it remains relatively common in some regions. In South Africa, however, the situation is dire, with estimates…

As the Democratic Republic of Congo gears up for critical elections, tensions between the government and opposition parties have reached a boiling point. Protesters are increasingly voicing their demands for the release of political prisoners, highlighting widespread concerns over political repression and diminishing freedoms in the country. Growing Tensions Ahead of Critical Elections Hundreds of protesters assembled outside the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Supreme Court mid-week, demanding the release of political prisoners, including three prominent opposition figures who have become symbols of the government’s crackdown on dissent. The demonstration underscored increasing tensions between opposition parties and President Felix Tshisekedi’s administration,…

Benin’s government announced on Wednesday evening that it had successfully thwarted a coup attempt, resulting in the arrests of several high-profile individuals, including Republican Guard Commander Djimon Dieudonne Trvoedjre, former Sports Minister Oswald Homeky, and businessman Olivier Boko. All three are accused of conspiring to overthrow the democratic government, raising significant concerns about political stability in the West African nation. During a press conference held in the capital, Porto-Novo, Elonm Mario Metonou, prosecutor for the Court for the Repression of Economic Offences and Terrorism (CRIET), provided crucial details regarding the attempted coup. He revealed that the first major action related…

A Tunisian court has sentenced presidential candidate Ayachi Zammel to six months in prison on charges of falsifying documents, just days before the country’s presidential election. This latest sentence follows another ruling from the previous week, in which Zammel was sentenced to 20 months in prison for allegedly falsifying public endorsements. The back-to-back rulings have escalated tensions in Tunisia, with many in the opposition and civil society fearing that the election process may be rigged to favor the current president, Kais Saied. These groups have expressed concerns that the judicial actions against Zammel are politically motivated, aimed at weakening his…