Author: WAJ Team

Chad’s Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) has claimed a decisive victory in the country’s recent legislative elections, securing 124 out of 188 parliamentary seats, according to final results announced by the Constitutional Council on Tuesday. The outcome strengthens the position of the ruling party and signals a significant shift in Chad’s political landscape. In a statement following the results, President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno described the victory as an important milestone in the nation’s political transition. He emphasized that the country is now moving from a transitional phase to a focus on long-term development. “We are entering a new era where…

Mali’s lithium mining sector is witnessing significant growth with the Chinese company Ganfeng Lithium controlling a 65% stake in the project, while the Malian government holds 30%, and local investors claim the remaining 5%. This collaboration operates under the framework of Mali’s 2023 mining code, designed to ensure substantial domestic involvement and ownership in the country’s mineral extraction industries. As per the terms of the deal, Malian firms are expected to secure at least 51% of subcontracting contracts, while part of the mine’s revenue, estimated at $160 million annually, will be directed towards enhancing key local infrastructure, particularly in energy,…

In a grim repetition of recent events, another fuel tanker has overturned in Bida Local Government Area, just 48 hours after a devastating explosion at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area. The explosion at Dikko tragically claimed the lives of 98 individuals and left 68 others injured. The tanker in Bida, which was transporting groundnut oil, spilled its contents, attracting local residents who were seen collecting the oil despite clear warnings from authorities. Witnesses have raised concerns, pointing out that this risky behavior mirrors the actions that led to the deadly explosion in Dikko. The Niger State Emergency Management…

South Africa’s leadership of the G20 will center on promoting unity, equality, and sustainable development, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized in his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday. Ramaphosa outlined a vision for the G20 aimed at fostering greater global solidarity. He stated that South Africa’s priority is ensuring that no nation or individual is excluded from the benefits of progress, urging the G20 to focus on collective action that promotes shared prosperity. In a world facing rising geopolitical tensions, economic protectionism, nationalism, and growing debt, Ramaphosa underscored the urgency for collaborative international efforts to address…

Angola is facing a severe cholera outbreak, with 32 deaths reported and 671 confirmed cases since the Ministry of Health declared the outbreak two weeks ago. The capital city, Luanda, has been the epicenter, accounting for more than 70% of the total cases. However, the disease has spread to multiple provinces, raising concerns about the growing scale of the health crisis. Children are disproportionately affected by the outbreak. The highest number of cases has been reported among those aged 2-9 years, with 168 cases and 10 fatalities. The 10-19 age group has also been significantly impacted, with 168 cases and…

The United Hearts Movement (MCU), the party supporting Central African President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, has formalized a new cooperation agreement with United Russia, the political party of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The agreement, signed remotely on Monday, marks a significant step in the growing partnership between Bangui and Moscow. This development follows a three-day official visit to Russia by President Touadéra, signaling a deepening political and strategic alignment between the two nations. Representing Russia during the signing in Moscow was Andrei Klimov, a senior member of United Russia and a senator facing Western sanctions due to his support of Russia’s actions…

M23 rebels have seized control of Minova, a significant town that serves as a crucial supply route to Goma, the provincial capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This was confirmed by a spokesperson for the M23 group and the provincial governor on Tuesday. The Tutsi-led M23 group, which has been engaged in an insurgency in eastern DRC since 2022, has intensified its efforts in the region, with both the Congolese government and the United Nations accusing neighboring Rwanda of providing military support to the rebels. However, Rwanda has denied the allegations. “Minova is now under our control,” said…

Libya has identified Türkiye as its leading strategic trade partner, emphasizing collaboration in vital sectors such as infrastructure, energy, oil, health, and economic development. This was confirmed by Libya’s Minister of Economy and Trade, Mohammed al Huwayj, who highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between the two nations. Addressing Libya’s economic priorities, Al Huwayj stressed the importance of diversifying the economy to reduce reliance on oil. “Energy remains a cornerstone of our development as it supports industries such as transportation, agriculture, services, and manufacturing,” he explained. The minister also commended Türkiye’s economic model, describing it as highly successful in delivering…

In a phone conversation on Monday, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and Austrian Interim Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg addressed critical regional developments, with a focus on the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the broader Middle East. President Sisi emphasized Egypt’s pivotal role in facilitating the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which includes provisions for hostages’ release and the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza’s beleaguered population. Sisi also underscored the necessity of immediate reconstruction efforts in Gaza, describing them as essential for restoring the region’s habitability and addressing the needs of its people after months of devastating conflict. Chancellor Schallenberg…

The cholera outbreak sweeping through Zimbabwe has now reached eight districts, leaving health officials scrambling to contain the spread. Bikita, Bindura, Chiredzi, Chipinge, Kariba, Goromonzi, Mazowe, and Shamva have all been affected, with Glendale in the Mazowe district emerging as one of the most impacted areas. Residents in Glendale, located 70 kilometers north of Harare, are battling severe conditions as raw sewage spills into streets and contaminates local water supplies. The outbreak is believed to have been exacerbated by a combination of neglected infrastructure and heavy rainfall that has worsened the contamination of freshwater sources. Local residents are urging the…

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), arrived in Algiers, Algeria, on Monday to initiate high-level military discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between Uganda and Algeria. Gen. Kainerugaba is set to meet with his Algerian counterpart, General Saïd Chanegriha, Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Defense and Chief of Staff of the People’s National Army of Algeria. The meetings are focused on exploring avenues to enhance military collaboration and security coordination between the two countries. Accompanying Gen. Kainerugaba are several senior UPDF officers, including Maj. Gen. James Birungi, Chief of…

Nigeria has recorded 54 new cases of Lassa fever and 10 fatalities within the first week of 2025, according to the latest report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). The confirmed cases, which span from December 30, 2024, to January 5, 2025, highlight a slight decrease from the 70 confirmed cases reported in the previous week (week 52 of 2024). While new cases have declined, the number of suspected Lassa fever cases has risen compared to the same period last year. The current case fatality rate (CFR) stands at 18.5%, a notable increase from the 11.3%…

In a move reflecting his commitment to humanitarian values, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has granted clemency to 4,466 prisoners. The decree, issued on Monday, was made in consideration of the prisoners’ health and other humanitarian factors, marking the occasion of the January 25 national celebrations. This pardon follows a similar gesture last October, when President Sisi pardoned a select group of detainees to commemorate Egypt’s victory in the October War. The move reflects the government’s ongoing practice of extending mercy during key national events. The presidential decree was published in the official state gazette, ensuring it becomes an official…

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his congratulations to Donald Trump following his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States, marking a new chapter in the bilateral relationship between the two nations and setting the stage for stronger US-South Africa ties that could have significant implications for the African continent. In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Ramaphosa expressed his anticipation for continuing the close and mutually beneficial cooperation between South Africa and the U.S. “Congratulations to President @realDonaldTrump on your inauguration as the 47th President of the United States. I look forward to deepening the…

At least 15 people have been reported dead in two separate violent clashes that erupted in Ghana’s Ashanti and Oti regions over the past week, underscoring rising tensions in the country. In Obuasi, more than 10 individuals lost their lives on Saturday following a violent confrontation between illegal miners and military personnel stationed to protect the Anglogold Ashanti (AGA) mining facility. According to reports, the miners attempted to forcefully enter the site through the Cote D’or gate, leading to an exchange of gunfire with the military. Eight miners were killed on the spot, and two others succumbed to their injuries…

Rwanda is advancing efforts to combat malnutrition and stunting through the development of bio-fortified Irish potato varieties, a key component of the country’s crop intensification strategy. These enhanced potatoes, fortified with vital nutrients like iron and zinc, are expected to play a significant role in addressing nutritional deficiencies across the country. Currently, 12 bio-fortified potato clones are undergoing multi-location trials at research stations in Kinigi (Musanze), Rwerere (Burera), and Gakuta (Rutsiro and Karongi). Early results indicate promising yields of up to 20 tonnes per hectare, with the best-performing varieties slated for national trials. Official release of these varieties is anticipated…