Author: WAJ Team

In northeastern Nigeria’s Yobe State, a suspected Boko Haram attack has claimed the lives of at least 81 people, with several others still missing. The assault, which took place in Mafa ward on Sunday, was carried out by around 150 militants armed with rifles and rocket-propelled grenades, according to police spokesperson Abdulkarim Dungus. The militants, arriving on more than 50 motorcycles around 4:00 PM, unleashed chaos, killing many and setting fire to numerous shops and homes. Authorities are still working to confirm the total number of fatalities. Local officials believe the attack was a retaliatory strike, following the killing of…

Bobi Wine, a prominent Ugandan opposition leader and former pop star known formally as Robert Kyagulanyi, was reportedly shot in the leg amid escalating tensions with the government. As the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Wine has become a significant figure in Ugandan politics, known for his vocal criticism of President Yoweri Museveni’s long-standing administration. The NUP claims that security forces deliberately targeted Wine in what they describe as a serious attempt on his life. According to the party, the shooting happened during a confrontation with security operatives. The police, however, offer a different account, suggesting their officers…

Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti, the trailblazing Nigerian musician known for inventing Afrobeat—a genre that blends West African rhythms with jazz and funk—was not just a musical innovator but also a passionate political activist. His 1976 album Zombie, featuring the title track of the same name, sharply criticized the Nigerian military’s unquestioning obedience to orders following the 1966 coup. The album’s critical and commercial success had dire consequences. In 1977, the Nigerian military launched a violent assault on Kuti’s Kalakuta Republic commune, which he had established as a sanctuary for artistic and political freedom. The raid resulted in Kuti being brutally beaten,…

Nigeria has resumed petrol production for the first time in 28 years with the Dangote refinery in Lagos starting its commercial operations. This facility, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is expected to ease the severe fuel shortages affecting cities and towns across the country. Owned by Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest individual, the refinery has successfully met all certification requirements, marking a major advancement for Nigeria’s energy sector. The country has spent billions maintaining its existing refineries over the last two decades, yet has struggled to achieve operational success. Nigeria, which consumes approximately 66 million litres of petrol…

Liberia has confirmed its first Mpox case since the global outbreak was declared, as reported by Dr. Dougbeh Nyan, Director General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL). Dr. Nyan revealed that out of eight suspected cases tested in Sinoe County, one sample tested positive for Mpox. “One of the eight samples returned positive,” Dr. Nyan stated. “The individuals with suspected cases are now in isolation.” The confirmed case involves a 7-year-old girl from Sinoe who has not recently traveled. She is receiving treatment and being closely monitored. Dr. Nyan emphasized the importance of public vigilance to curb…

In a recent meeting, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for enhanced solidarity and cooperation between China and South Africa, aligning with the mutual goals of both nations. Xi’s remarks came as he hosted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Beijing for the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit and a state visit. Xi highlighted that he has visited South Africa more than any other African country and that Ramaphosa is the first African leader to receive a state visit from China ahead of the FOCAC summit. This underscores the strong and growing relationship between the two countries. This year…

In a recent update on the prison break at Makala prison in Kinshasa, DRC, Interior Minister Shabani Lukoo reported that at least 129 people have died in the incident. The deaths occurred during an escape attempt on Monday, which coincided with a fire that damaged key parts of the prison, including its administrative and infirmary sections. Lukoo’s statement, released early Tuesday on X, detailed that 24 of the fatalities were caused by gunfire after warnings were issued. Approximately 59 individuals were also injured in the unrest. The fire caused significant damage to the facility. The minister indicated that he has…

A significant conference titled “Illegal French Occupation of Mayotte Island of Comoros Union” has officially begun in Baku, bringing together a diverse array of voices to discuss the ongoing French presence on Mayotte Island, which remains a contentious issue within the Comoros Union. The event, organized by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), has drawn a wide range of participants, including public officials, political figures, scholars, human rights advocates, and leaders of non-governmental organizations from across the Union of the Comoros. Notably, representatives from Mayotte Island itself are in attendance, highlighting the local and regional importance of this issue. The attendees…

In a targeted operation early this morning, on Monday, September 2, police in Durban confronted and killed six men suspected of being part of an extortionist gang. The incident occurred just before midnight at an apartment complex in South Beach. The suspects, linked to a series of violent crimes across KwaZulu-Natal, were tracked to this location after an earlier attack on Siyaphambili Road in Tshelimnyama, Mariannhill, where they allegedly executed four people. Police had initially believed the suspects were hiding in Newlands East, but further investigation pinpointed their actual location in South Beach. The ensuing shootout resulted in the deaths…

In a remarkable achievement at the latest international athletics event, Tunisia’s Maroua Ibrahmi has set a new world record in the women’s club throw F32 category. On her final attempt, Ibrahmi launched the club to a distance of 29.00 meters, surpassing the previous world record by 0.23 meters. This extraordinary performance not only earned her the gold medal but also demonstrated her exceptional skill and determination in the sport. Ibrahmi’s victory is particularly significant as it marks her second gold medal in the women’s club throw since the 2016 Rio Paralympics, where she first established herself as a formidable competitor.…

The United Nations has intervened in Libya’s central bank crisis by bringing together the country’s rival factions for crucial talks aimed at stabilizing the situation and protecting key oil revenues. Libya’s central bank headquarters in Tripoli has become the epicenter of a struggle between opposing factions. The UN organized separate meetings with each administration, which were described as having “open and candid dialogue.” The crisis has intensified following accusations from the eastern administration that the Tripoli-based government is attempting to take control of the central bank. Tensions surged in early August when armed groups besieged the bank, demanding the removal…

Mali has secured $11 million in new funding to tackle urgent humanitarian needs in the northern and central regions, which are grappling with a severe food and nutrition crisis affecting 1.3 million people and a surge of refugees from the central Sahel. The influx of funds will allow aid organizations to better prioritize their responses in these hard-hit areas. The allocation draws attention to the pressing shortage of resources required to meet the growing challenges faced by communities impacted by ongoing conflict and climate change in Mali and the Sahel region. The Acting Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, M. Maleye Diop,…

A new survey reveals that 60% of young Africans are contemplating emigration due to rampant corruption threatening their future prospects. The study, conducted in January and February of this year, gathered responses from over 5,600 individuals aged 18 to 24 across 16 countries. It highlights corruption as the most significant barrier to achieving personal and professional goals. Nearly 60% of respondents plan to leave Africa within the next five years, citing dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of corruption as a major reason. The survey covered countries from South Africa to Ethiopia, with North America emerging as the top emigration choice,…

In 2018, Jakarta secured investment agreements totaling $600 million with several African nations. Now, Indonesia aims to deepen its collaboration with a focus on health, energy, and strategic minerals. On September 2, 2024, Indonesia revealed plans to finalize investment deals worth $3.5 billion with African countries during the second Indonesia-Africa Forum, taking place from September 1 to 3 in Bali. In his opening address, Indonesia’s President stated, “We are set to sign agreements totaling $3.5 billion with African nations.” He noted that the ongoing partnership has already led to significant achievements, including a substantial rise in trade and the signing…

Tunisian authorities apprehended presidential candidate Ayachi Zammel early Monday morning, according to a campaign representative. The electoral commission is expected to release the final list of candidates for the October 6 presidential election today. Mahdi Abdel Jawad reported that Zammel was taken into custody at around 3:00 a.m. on allegations of falsifying endorsement signatures. Recently, the Administrative Court, which handles electoral disputes, reinstated three notable candidates—Mondher Znaidi, AbdelLatif Mekki, and Imed Daimi—after their initial disqualification by the electoral commission. These candidates will now compete alongside Zammel, Zouhair Maghzaoui, and current President Kais Saied. Farouk Bouasker, head of the electoral commission,…

In the early hours of Monday, a thwarted escape attempt took place at Kinshasa’s central Makala prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Authorities confirmed that security personnel swiftly reestablished control over the situation. Reports indicate that gunshots were heard around 2:00 am, with accounts from inmates describing a scene of confusion as prisoners tried to escape, prompting security forces to fire at them. Additionally, the prison’s medical facility and administrative offices were set on fire, risking the loss of crucial documents. No inmates succeeded in breaking out, as those who attempted to escape were killed. An investigation into the…