Author: WAJ Team

Ghana is bracing for a nationwide lockdown on Monday, September 30, as civil servants and labor unions ramp up protests against the widespread illegal mining, locally known as Galamsey. The unchecked mining has caused severe environmental damage, prompting urgent demands for government intervention, including declaring a state of emergency in affected regions and revoking mining licenses. The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) warns of worsening water shortages, revealing that 60% of the country’s major water bodies are now polluted. GWCL also reports that water treatment plants are struggling, with turbidity levels soaring to 14,000 NTU, far beyond the 2,000 NTU…

The South African rand experienced a significant rally on Wednesday, reaching a new 20-month high against the U.S. dollar, a milestone that reflects increasing market confidence. As of 0810 GMT, the rand was trading at 17.22 per dollar, marking a 0.3% increase from the previous day’s closing value. This surge represents the strongest position for the currency since early February 2023, indicating a robust turnaround. Market analysts attribute this impressive performance of the rand to the positive sentiment generated by recent interest rate cuts from both the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and the U.S. Federal Reserve. These moves have…

In a crucial development for the mining sector, the governor of South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo has announced the approval for all mining activities to resume in the region. This decision comes with a firm commitment to continue comprehensive investigations into the industry to ensure adherence to legal and ethical standards. The mining operations in South Kivu faced a significant halt in July when Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki mandated a complete suspension of activities. This measure aimed to restore order in an area rich in minerals such as gold, copper, diamonds, tin, tantalum, and cobalt. Authorities…

Eben Etzebeth Poised to Break Springbok Cap Record in Crucial Match Against Argentina Eben Etzebeth is on the verge of making history as he is set to become the most-capped player for South Africa after being named in the Springboks’ starting lineup for their upcoming match against Argentina in Mbombela. The lock will earn his 128th cap during the final round of the Rugby Championship, surpassing Victor Matfield’s previous record. Head coach Rassie Erasmus has welcomed back key players, including Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Cheslin Kolbe, who were absent during the Springboks’ defeat to the Pumas in Santiago…

On September 24, Inspector General of Police Felix Namuhoranye hosted Commissioner of Police Ted Barbe from Seychelles at the Rwanda National Police General Headquarters in Kigali. This important meeting aimed to enhance the bilateral cooperation that has been developing between the two nations since they signed a law enforcement cooperation agreement in June of last year. In a complementary engagement, General Mubarakh Muganga, Chief of Defence Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force, also met with Brigadier Michael Rosette from the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces. Their discussions were centered on strengthening defense cooperation and enhancing operational capabilities to address emerging security…

Mali’s transitional president recently convened a crucial meeting with top military officials to reassess the country’s security strategies following a series of violent insurgent attacks in Bamako. The presidency officially announced this development on Tuesday, highlighting the urgency after the attacks resulted in over 75 deaths and more than 250 injuries. The assaults, attributed to an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group, targeted significant locations within Bamako, including parts of the main airport and a military police training facility. These incidents mark a significant escalation in violence in a city that has typically experienced less intense attacks compared to other regions of Mali. The…

Nigerian authorities have seized 19.4 kilograms (42.77 pounds) of cocaine, valued at 4.66 billion naira ($2.93 million), from a passenger arriving at Lagos airport from Ethiopia. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) made the announcement on Tuesday, marking one of the agency’s significant drug busts in recent months. The arrested individual, a 48-year-old Nigerian businessman, had previously been convicted of drug trafficking last year but managed to avoid jail by paying a fine. On September 18, the suspect was apprehended while allegedly carrying 817 wraps of cocaine, concealed in his luggage. This discovery underscores the agency’s ongoing battle against…

Migration across Africa remains a multi-dimensional crisis, driven by political instability, economic hardship, environmental degradation, and armed conflicts. Millions of Africans are internally displaced or forced to flee their countries, enduring life-threatening journeys in search of safety or opportunity. This article delves into the current migration landscape across Northern, West, East, Central, and Southern Africa, examining the underlying causes, humanitarian toll, and the urgent need for sustainable solutions. Northern Africa: Political Instability, Dangerous Sea Crossings, and Recent Tragedies Northern Africa, particularly Libya and Morocco, has become a transit hub for migrants trying to reach Europe. Libya, in the aftermath of…

The Russian government has confirmed the detention of three of its citizens in Chad, sparking diplomatic efforts to secure their release. The detained individuals, identified as Maxim Shugaley, Samer Sueifan, and E. Tsaryov, were apprehended in the capital, N’Djamena, on September 19. According to Russian officials, they are working closely with Chadian authorities to ensure the prompt return of the detainees. Initial reports suggest that Shugaley and Sueifan were detained at N’Djamena’s airport, though no official explanation has been provided for the action. It is noted that both men had previously traveled to Chad without incident. Alongside the three Russians,…

In a strategic move aimed at enhancing Africa’s capacity to combat mpox, U.S. President Joe Biden is set to announce a substantial donation of 1 million doses of the vaccine, alongside a financial commitment of at least $500 million. This initiative is designed to provide critical assistance to African nations facing the ongoing outbreak of this viral infection. The announcement is scheduled for Tuesday during the United Nations General Assembly, where Biden will be participating in discussions focused on global health and cooperation. A senior administration official shared that Biden’s announcement not only signifies the United States’ commitment to addressing…

On September 24, South Africa ignites a nationwide celebration of National Heritage Day, honoring the rich and diverse cultural landscape that defines the nation. This day is not just a public holiday; it is a heartfelt tribute to the multitude of traditions, languages, and histories that coexist within South Africa’s borders. With twelve official languages, including the recently recognized South African Sign Language, the country showcases an impressive mosaic of identities that enrich its societal fabric. Established in 1996, Heritage Day was created to promote unity, reconciliation, and a shared sense of identity among South Africans. It encourages citizens to…

Chinese identity solutions provider Emptech is reportedly positioning itself to enter Mali’s technology market, with aspirations to secure a contract for the production of government-issued documents. This strategic move coincides with a larger trend of Chinese technology companies expanding their footprint in Africa’s rapidly evolving and lucrative identity documents sector. Recent reports indicate that Emptech has been diligently working for several months to establish a presence in Mali. This development follows an announcement by Malian leader Assimi Goïta regarding plans by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) — which includes Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger — to implement a common…

Ghanaian police announced the arrest of three additional protesters on Monday, including Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a prominent leader of the Democracy Hub group. This follows the detention of 42 individuals during recent protests in Accra that focused on illegal mining practices and the country’s ongoing economic hardships. The protests, organized by Democracy Hub, began on Friday and were scheduled to last until Monday. Participants, primarily young people, took to the streets of Accra, chanting patriotic songs and carrying placards that expressed their frustrations over environmental degradation linked to illegal mining and their dissatisfaction with the government’s perceived mismanagement of the economy.…

Côte d’Ivoire, recognized as the leading cocoa producer globally, is experiencing encouraging signs for its upcoming cocoa harvest scheduled from October to March. Recent weather conditions, particularly drier spells combined with adequate moisture in key cocoa-producing regions, are fostering positive growth for the cocoa crop. Although Côte d’Ivoire is currently in its official rainy season, which spans from April to mid-November and typically features heavy rainfall, recent weeks have seen below-average precipitation across several cocoa regions. This unexpected dry weather has created optimal conditions for the cocoa beans, allowing them to dry properly while still benefiting from sufficient moisture to…

In a significant step towards strengthening diplomatic ties, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, and his Bahamian counterpart, Frederick Mitchell, have officially signed a memorandum of understanding to exempt visa requirements for citizens of both countries. This landmark agreement was formalized on September 23 during the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, signaling a new era of cooperation between the two nations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Rwanda emphasized that this agreement represents a crucial advancement in facilitating travel between Rwanda and The Bahamas. By allowing citizens to move freely without the need…

On Monday, Egypt’s foreign ministry issued a strong call for immediate intervention from “international powers and the United Nations Security Council” to address the escalating Israeli military actions in Lebanon. This appeal comes amid growing concerns over the rising violence and its potential to destabilize the entire region. Recent reports from Lebanon’s health ministry indicate that Israeli airstrikes have caused significant casualties, claiming the lives of 356 individuals, including 24 children, and displacing thousands more. This surge in violence represents the deadliest cross-border conflict since the onset of Israel’s war with Hamas in October, highlighting the urgent need for international…