Author: WAJ Team

Heavy rains that began on February 14 have claimed 22 lives in Madagascar, according to the latest report from the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC). The severe weather has also left three people injured, as the country battles widespread flooding and destruction. Most of the deaths occurred due to drowning and collapsing houses, affecting six regions. Around 20,000 people, including over 5,200 households, have been impacted. The hardest-hit areas are Analamanga, Menabe, and Vatovavy. More than 13,000 people have been forced to leave their homes and are now staying in 32 temporary shelters. The BNGRC reported that…

Since January, around 7,000 people have died in ongoing fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka shared this at a high-level Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva on Monday. Violence involving the M23 rebel group has left about 450,000 people homeless. This follows the destruction of 90 displacement camps. The prime minister highlighted the humanitarian crisis, noting the widespread displacement and growing insecurity for civilians. “The screams and cries of millions affected by this conflict are indescribable,” Suminwa Tuluka said. She called on the international community to act and impose “dissuasive sanctions” to stop…

A wildfire broke out early Sunday in Cape Town’s Table Mountain National Park (TMNP). The blaze swept through the Newlands and Kirstenbosch areas, burning about 60 hectares of land. The fire started around 3:40 a.m., sending smoke across the city. Photos and videos showed flames moving down the mountain towards Newlands and Kirstenbosch. The dramatic scenes spread quickly on social media. South African National Parks (SANParks) closed hiking trails and warned people to avoid the Newlands, Kirstenbosch, and Rhodes Memorial areas. They also said some trails would stay closed until it was safe to reopen them. More than 80 firefighters…

Egypt and Sudan met in Cairo on Sunday for political consultations. They discussed ways to enhance cooperation and address regional challenges, according to a joint statement. The foreign ministers of both countries led the talks. They focused on strengthening ties by reviewing agreements, memorandums of understanding, and executive programs. The delegations emphasized the need for precision in these documents and agreed on setting a timeline for convening specialized joint committees to streamline collaboration. They highlighted economic cooperation, praising the first Egyptian-Sudanese business forum held in November. They stressed the importance of thorough preparation for the upcoming forum, highlighting Egypt’s potential…

Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority Chairman Osama Rabei announced on Sunday that 47 ships have changed their routes to transit the Suez Canal instead of circumnavigating the Cape of Good Hope since the beginning of February. This marks a significant shift as global shipping lines reconsider the strategic waterway following months of disruption in the Red Sea region. Rabei made the announcement during the 14th Annual International Maritime Transport and Logistics Conference in Alexandria, where industry leaders gathered to address challenges and opportunities in global trade. According to a statement from the Suez Canal Authority, the decision by shipping companies to…

Mozambique connected over 560,000 households to electricity in 2024, raising national energy access to 60 percent, up from 53.4 percent in 2023. The Ministry of Finance announced the achievement as part of ongoing efforts to expand energy coverage and improve living conditions. According to the budget execution report, 563,800 new connections were made last year. Of these, 395,600 were linked through the national electricity grid, while 170,100 were powered by renewable sources like solar and wind. This approach supports the government’s plan to use diverse and sustainable energy sources. The report also highlighted the completion of the first 40 kilometers…

South Africa on Friday concluded the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, marking the first time the event was held on African soil under South Africa’s presidency. The two-day gathering saw high-level discussions on global geopolitical challenges and key priorities impacting the international community. South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, described the meeting as “historic” and “very productive” during a press briefing. He emphasized the significance of hosting the first G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the African continent, highlighting strategic discussions on global geopolitical dynamics and their implications. The meeting demonstrated strong support for South Africa’s…

From Mali’s iconic mud-brick masterpiece to contemporary eco-friendly buildings, traditional African architecture offers lessons for a sustainable future. In the heart of Mali, nestled within the ancient city of Djenné, stands a structure that has captivated the world for centuries—the Great Mosque of Djenné. As the largest mud-brick building on the planet, it is not only a religious and cultural landmark but also a testament to the ingenuity of African architecture. This iconic mosque, with its towering minarets and intricate design, continues to inspire modern architects seeking sustainable solutions rooted in tradition. A Legacy of Mud and Mastery The Great…

The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has successfully reclaimed several key towns in its eastern region that had been under the control of armed rebel groups for months, according to the DRC military. The recaptured areas include Ngungu, a critical town near Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, as well as several other towns in South Kivu province. These areas had been occupied by rebels for months, and their recovery is considered a significant achievement for the Congolese army. Military spokesperson, Guillaume Ndjike Kaiko, confirmed the victories, listing towns such as Lumbishi, Ruzirantaka, Kamatale, Bitagata,…

Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the President of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council, has concluded his first official visit to Mali, marking an important step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. The visit, which began on January 11, 2025, lasted for 48 hours and focused on improving cooperation in key areas such as security, economic development, and cultural exchange. Al-Burhan’s visit, which was described by both parties as a significant moment in their relationship, provided an opportunity to address shared concerns and explore potential areas for future collaboration. Upon his arrival in Bamako, al-Burhan met with Assimi Goita, leader of Mali’s…

Mozambique’s opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, has vowed to continue his fight for what he believes was a stolen victory in the October elections, urging his supporters to take to the streets in protest. The call for a “national strike” comes as the newly-elected parliament is set to convene on Monday, with Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo expected to be inaugurated as the country’s next president on Wednesday. Chapo, a 48-year-old former governor with no prior experience in national government, is poised to succeed outgoing President Filipe Nyusi, as Frelimo consolidates its power with another term. In a Facebook post late Saturday, Mondlane,…

In a significant gesture marking Morocco’s Independence Manifesto Day, King Mohammed VI has granted a royal pardon to 1,304 prisoners sentenced by Moroccan courts. The amnesty, announced by the Justice Ministry, is part of the national celebrations for the annual holiday. The pardon, issued in honor of the day, is a customary practice in Morocco, where similar gestures are made to coincide with national and religious holidays. This year’s pardon comes as Morocco reflects on the historic significance of January 11, when the country’s nationalist leaders, in coordination with King Mohammed V, presented the 1944 Manifesto of Independence to French…

At least 2,500 people are expected to attend the inauguration of Mozambique’s newly elected president, Daniel Chapo, on January 15. However, the participation of invited foreign dignitaries remains uncertain, as confirmations are still pending. Eldevina Materula, Mozambique’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, stated that invitations have been extended to international organizations, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union, and various European leaders, including Portugal. The ceremony will take place at Maputo’s historic Independence Square, a central location in the country’s capital. Chapo, a candidate from the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo), won the presidency with 65.17% of…

The Nigerian military has reported significant successes in its security operations across the country over the past week, neutralizing 109 militants, arresting 81 suspects, and rescuing 43 hostages. These actions are part of an ongoing campaign to combat militancy and criminal activity in several regions. In a statement released on Friday, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, also highlighted the military’s efforts against illegal oil theft. Six individuals were apprehended in connection with the theft of crude oil, preventing an estimated N618.7 million in stolen goods. The forces seized 21 firearms, including AK-47 rifles, homemade rifles, and pistols,…

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to depart for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday, January 11, to participate in the highly anticipated Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2025. The event, scheduled from January 12 to 18, will bring together global leaders to discuss sustainable development, climate change, and the future of the global economy. President Tinubu was invited by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, to attend the summit. The weeklong event will focus on accelerating progress towards a sustainable, low-carbon economy and advancing socioeconomic development on a global scale.…

Togo and Vietnam are set to enhance their bilateral relations as they approach the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, established on February 8, 1975. The milestone has sparked renewed efforts to strengthen collaboration across key sectors, with both nations expressing a shared commitment to fostering mutual growth. During his visit to Vietnam, Togolese Minister of Foreign Affairs Robert Dussey delivered New Year greetings and an invitation from President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé for Vietnamese President Vo Van Cuong to visit Togo. Minister Dussey emphasized Togo’s admiration for Vietnam, describing the Southeast Asian nation as a top priority partner in Asia. He…