Author: WAJ Team

In a remarkable archaeological breakthrough in 2023, researchers uncovered ancient wooden logs in Zambia that date back approximately 500,000 years. This extraordinary discovery is reshaping our understanding of early human societies, suggesting that our ancestors engaged in complex construction practices much earlier than previously believed. Archaeological Find Alters Perceptions of Prehistoric Societies The ancient logs, alongside a range of wooden tools, point to sophisticated building techniques among early humans. Researchers propose that these logs were likely part of a larger structural framework, potentially serving as platforms for shelters or fishing activities. This finding indicates that early human societies possessed advanced…

In a landmark development for Algeria’s independence movement, Ferhat Abbas, a prominent nationalist leader, officially established the Provisional Government of the Algerian Republic (GPRA) in exile. This significant moment occurred amidst the intensifying Algerian War of Independence, which had begun in 1954. A Key Figure in the Nationalist Movement Born on August 24, 1899, near Constantine, Algeria, Ferhat Abbas was the son of a Muslim official in the civil service. He received a French education and initially worked as a pharmacist. Early in his political career, he advocated for the assimilation of Algerians into French society, pushing for their rights…

A U.N. health official on Friday has indicated that the mpox outbreak in Burundi could potentially be contained within weeks, emphasizing that success will rely heavily on securing adequate resources and tackling the stigma surrounding the disease. The outbreak, which has recently drawn significant attention, was declared an emergency in August following the identification of a new variant of the virus. As of now, Burundi has reported nearly 600 cases, positioning it as the second most affected country after the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, the outbreaks appear to be localized, with no deaths reported thus far, which offers a…

Morocco recently announced the arrest of 152 individuals who are set to face trial on charges of inciting mass illegal migration into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta via social media platforms. This development comes in the wake of a significant surge in attempts by primarily young Moroccan men to cross the border into Ceuta from the northern city of Fnideq. In recent days, thousands of individuals gathered in Fnideq, hoping to make the crossing into Ceuta, driven by the allure of better opportunities in Europe. However, their efforts were met with an unprecedented security deployment, described by local human rights…

Zambia is taking significant steps to enhance its strategy against cybercrime by clearly delineating responsibilities between two key entities: the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security and the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA). This restructuring is encapsulated in the upcoming Cyber Crimes Bill and Cyber Security Bill, which aim to provide a more effective framework for combating cyber-related offenses. Under the proposed legislation, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security will take the lead on cyber crime investigations, ensuring that law enforcement can actively pursue and prosecute offenders. In contrast, ZICTA will concentrate exclusively on cyber…

In a transformative moment for Algeria, Ahmed Ben Bella was elected as the nation’s first Prime Minister in 1960, following a protracted struggle for independence from French colonial rule. This pivotal election marked a significant milestone for a country that had endured the brutal Algerian War of Independence, which spanned from 1954 to 1962 and resulted in an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 Algerian casualties. Born around December 25, 1916, in Maghnia, Algeria, Ben Bella was the son of a farmer and small businessman. His early education at French schools exposed him to the harsh realities of racial discrimination, igniting his…

In the next two months, global attention will turn to two major international conferences that will gather every United Nations member to address critical climate-related challenges, with a particular emphasis on Africa’s unique position. The first of these is the UN Biodiversity Conference, scheduled to begin next month in Cali, Colombia. At the heart of this event is the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, a pivotal plan that charts the course toward achieving a global vision where humanity lives in harmony with nature by 2050. One of the central discussions will focus on the implementation of the framework’s commitments, specifically the…

The Super Eagles of Nigeria maintained their 39th position in the most recent FIFA rankings announced on Thursday by the international football governing body. Despite their steady ranking globally, they experienced a slight setback in the African standings, dropping one place to sixth. This places them behind some of Africa’s most formidable teams, including Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, and Tunisia, highlighting the competitive nature of African football. In the African Top 10, Nigeria is positioned ahead of other strong contenders such as Algeria, Cameroon, Mali, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This reflects Nigeria’s ongoing reputation as a powerhouse…

A coalition of 67 civil society organizations has expressed strong disapproval of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, highlighting its ongoing repression of dissent and the decline of Nigeria’s civic space. This criticism emerges amid rising public discontent linked to widespread corruption and policies perceived as detrimental to the livelihoods of ordinary citizens. In a detailed statement, the coalition raised serious concerns regarding government actions that have intensified socio-economic challenges in the country. They described a troubling atmosphere of fear, where legitimate grievances are increasingly met with violence rather than constructive dialogue. This approach has fostered a climate where citizens feel unsafe…

South Africa has expressed a commitment to fostering “ongoing honest discussions” with the United States on crucial geopolitical issues, highlighting the necessity of “mutual respect” in their relationship. This assertion was made by Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola as he concluded his inaugural visit to the US. The timing of Lamola’s visit was significant, coinciding with reports indicating that Israeli diplomats have been lobbying US lawmakers to pressure South Africa into withdrawing its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This legal action stems from the devastating impact of Israeli military operations in Gaza, which have led…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has articulated Nigeria’s strategic vision to become a significant player in the global halal economy, which is projected to reach a staggering $7.7 trillion by 2025. This ambitious goal reflects the country’s intent to capitalize on the growing demand for halal products and services worldwide. At the recent Halal Economy Stakeholders Engagement Programme held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima outlined Nigeria’s strong economic foundation and demographic advantages as critical factors that could support the development of a vibrant halal investment sector. He underscored the importance of not only leveraging these strengths but also identifying…

A significant development is underway in Lilongwe, where a new cannabis processing plant is being constructed, with projections suggesting it could generate around 300 million U.S. dollars (over 520 billion Kwacha) annually for Malawi. This initiative represents a strategic move toward diversifying the nation’s economy and enhancing its industrial capabilities. The facility is being designed to meet stringent international standards, allowing for the production, extraction, and export of a wide range of cannabis products, including active pharmaceutical ingredients. This endeavor is a collaboration among MMC Laboratories Limited, the Export Development Fund, Mbabzi Estate, and the Malawi Agriculture and Industrial Investment…

In a significant development at the United Nations, Malawi, along with 13 other countries, cast a decisive vote against a UN General Assembly resolution urging Israel to adhere to an International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling and withdraw from the Palestinian territories it occupies. On Wednesday, this vote came amid rising tensions in the region and reflects Malawi’s commitment to its longstanding diplomatic relationships. The resolution was passed with 124 nations in favor, 43 abstaining, and 14 voting against, which included Israel, the United States, and Malawi. Malawi’s stance is influenced by its close ties with Israel, including the export…

Rwanda has officially launched a vaccination campaign against mpox, employing 1,000 doses obtained from Nigeria under a collaborative agreement between the two nations, according to a statement from the African health agency on Thursday. This initiative began on Tuesday and is strategically targeting seven districts identified as having high-risk populations adjacent to Congo, as noted by Dr. Nicaise Ndembi from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The doses were part of a larger shipment of 10,000 that Nigeria received from the United States, reflecting international cooperation in addressing health crises. Congo has been at the forefront…

On Thursday, security sources confirmed that more than 70 people were killed and around 200 injured in Tuesday’s coordinated attacks on a military police training camp and the airport in Bamako, Mali’s capital. This assault, one of the most lethal the country has witnessed in recent years, has raised serious concerns about the ruling junta’s approach to handling security threats. The attacks were claimed by the al-Qaida-linked Group to Support Islam and Muslims (JNIM). Fighters from the group targeted both the military police center and a section of the airport used for military operations, causing significant damage and destruction, including…

In a landmark decision, the UN General Assembly has adopted a Palestinian-drafted, non-binding resolution demanding that Israel end “its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory” within 12 months. The resolution, crafted by Palestine and inspired by a recent advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), passed with 124 votes in favor, 14 against, and 43 abstentions. Resolution Overview The resolution calls for Israel to immediately withdraw its military forces from the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. It also demands an end to all settlement activities, the evacuation of existing settlers, the dismantling of the…