Author: WAJ Team

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…

In a significant political development, Senegal’s two former ruling parties, led by ex-presidents Macky Sall and Abdoulaye Wade, have formed a coalition ahead of the snap legislative election scheduled for November 17. This unexpected partnership is set to challenge the authority of newly elected President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who has been seeking to consolidate power for his Pastef party. The Alliance for the Republic (APR), headed by Sall, and the Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS), led by Wade, announced their alliance on Sunday. Together, the two parties held a commanding 106 seats out of 165 in the previous national assembly, signaling…

In a bid to address persistent economic disparities, South Africa’s leader of the Black economic empowerment initiative has announced plans for significant reforms aimed at increasing corporate engagement and curtailing abuses of the system. This move comes as the African National Congress (ANC), which recently lost its parliamentary majority, faces mounting pressure to improve the living conditions of Black South Africans who have been disadvantaged for decades. Since its inception in 2003, the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) program has sought to encourage businesses to hire and promote Black individuals through a scorecard system that offers tax incentives and access to…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that nearly 30,000 suspected cases of mpox have been reported across Africa this year, with the majority occurring in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where testing resources have been exhausted. During the same period, more than 800 suspected mpox-related deaths have been recorded throughout the continent. Neighboring Burundi is also facing a growing outbreak, further straining the region’s healthcare systems. Mpox is spread primarily through close contact and is usually mild, but in rare instances, it can be fatal. Symptoms typically include flu-like effects along with pus-filled skin lesions. While the WHO did…

Tunis is set to welcome delegates from across the continent and beyond for the 8th international conference on “Financing Investment and Trade in Africa” (FITA2025), scheduled for May 6 and 7, 2025. This notable event, organized by the Tunisia-Africa Business Council (TABC), will coincide with the council’s 10th anniversary, marking a decade of promoting business collaboration and economic growth in Africa. FITA2025 is expected to attract prominent figures from international and pan-African spheres, fostering high-level discussions among industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators. The conference will revolve around the theme “Driving Africa’s Transformation,” highlighting crucial areas such as industrial advancement, digital…

Cape Town is gearing up to host the highly anticipated WXV tournament, where the Springbok Women will compete against five international teams. The event is set to begin on Friday, September 27, with the Springbok Women facing Japan at the DHL Stadium at 4 PM. Both DHL Stadium and Athlone Stadium will serve as venues, creating an electric atmosphere for rugby fans. The WXV 2 tournament is part of World Rugby’s annual women’s rugby series, aimed at promoting the sport and providing a competitive platform for teams. In addition to South Africa, participating teams include Japan, Australia, Wales, Scotland, and…

Adamawa State is grappling with a severe cholera outbreak that has resulted in 15 confirmed deaths. Health authorities warn that the situation may be worse than reported, with approximately 300 additional individuals currently hospitalized due to the illness. The outbreak has predominantly affected four local government areas: Yola South, Yola North, Fufore, and Girei. Health Commissioner Felix Tangwami confirmed the outbreak during a recent press briefing in Yola, stating that seven of the fatalities occurred within government healthcare facilities, while the remaining eight were reported in local communities. The rapid spread of cholera has raised alarm among health officials, prompting…

Florence Otedola, known as DJ Cuppy, reached a significant milestone this weekend by becoming the first British-Nigerian to host an opening session at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). As the daughter of Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola, she led the session titled “The Summit of the Future – Youth Actions Day,” which underscored the vital role of young people in fostering global change. In her keynote address, DJ Cuppy engaged the audience with her lively energy and dynamic presence. “I’m Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola, but you can call me Cuppy, representing Nigeria. Today is all about you, the youth,” she proclaimed,…

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a powerful call for reforms to the United Nations Security Council, emphasizing that the current structure is no longer capable of addressing the complex and evolving global challenges. Speaking on Sunday, Ramaphosa described the Security Council’s framework as “unjust and unsustainable,” criticizing the disproportionate influence of a few powerful nations over global security matters. He pointed out that while a small group controls decisions, the vast majority of countries bear the brunt of conflicts, crises, and security threats. Ramaphosa highlighted ongoing global issues such as wars, political conflicts, and the escalating climate crisis, arguing…

In a significant move to address the pressing issue of malnutrition, the Nigerian government has unveiled new regulations aimed at fortifying bouillon cubes with essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, folic acid, and vitamin B12. This initiative seeks to combat what health experts’ term “hidden hunger,” a widespread condition resulting from deficiencies in vital micronutrients that can severely impact public health. Bouillon cubes are a ubiquitous ingredient in Nigerian households, commonly used to enhance the flavor of soups, stews, and other traditional dishes. The government’s new guidelines not only promote the nutritional enhancement of these cubes but also provide manufacturers…

Egypt has issued a critical advisory calling on its citizens to leave Somaliland, a self-declared autonomous region of Somalia, as soon as possible due to deteriorating security conditions. In a statement released by the Egyptian Embassy in Somalia, Egyptians were strongly advised to avoid traveling to Somaliland, and those already in the region were urged to evacuate using Hargeisa airport. The embassy cited the growing instability as a serious impediment to providing consular services to Egyptians in the region. The advisory comes on the heels of escalating tensions between Somaliland’s government and external actors, notably after Somaliland ordered the closure…

Recent reports reveal a modest increase in the global rhino population, but this positive trend is overshadowed by a disturbing rise in poaching, particularly in South Africa. Driven by an insatiable demand for rhino horns, poaching remains a significant threat to these majestic creatures, as conservationists call for urgent action. According to a new report, the population of white rhinos has risen from 15,942 in 2022 to 17,464 in 2023. This increase represents a hopeful sign for conservation efforts. However, the numbers for black and greater one-horned rhinos have remained stable, indicating that more work is needed to protect these…

Hundreds of Tunisians gathered on Sunday to protest against President Kais Saied, voicing accusations of increasing authoritarianism and hindering political competition in the lead-up to the presidential election scheduled for October 6. The protesters marched along the main avenue in Tunis, a historically significant location tied to the 2011 “Arab Spring” uprising, marking their second consecutive week of demonstrations. The crowds chanted slogans demanding regime change and calling for Saied’s removal from power, reflecting widespread discontent with his leadership. The protests were ignited by the recent proposal of a bill aimed at limiting the administrative court’s authority to adjudicate electoral…

On the night of September 22-23, 1997, the small village of Bentalha, located 15 kilometers south of Algiers, became the site of one of the deadliest massacres in Algeria’s civil war. Armed militants attacked the village, slaughtering civilians in a brutal overnight rampage. Reports from Amnesty International placed the death toll at over 200, though estimates varied, with some sources suggesting the number could be as high as 400. The Context of Conflict Algeria’s civil war, known as the “Black Decade,” erupted following the government’s decision to cancel the 1992 elections, which the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) was poised to…