Author: WAJ Team

The arrival of vaccines to combat the rising Mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and surrounding areas may be delayed for months. The World Health Organization (WHO) is considering declaring the outbreak an emergency, following the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s (Africa CDC) declaration on August 13. The following day, experts convened to assess the global impact of the outbreak. While there were hopes that these actions would enhance international efforts, obstacles such as limited vaccine supply, inadequate funding, and other ongoing health crises remain significant hurdles. The head of Congo’s Institute National pour la…

Africa’s carbon market is emerging as a crucial strategy for addressing climate change and boosting community development. The success stories from various projects across the continent highlight the significant environmental and economic benefits of carbon credits. As regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, African governments are positioned to tackle existing challenges and fulfill national goals by designing policies that address local needs and provide enduring benefits. Embracing local expertise and ensuring equitable benefits can help Africa fully realize the potential of its carbon market, benefiting both people and the environment. Carbon trading refers to the exchange of credits that authorize entities…

This year’s Olympics were marked by significant achievements for African athletes, with Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo making history as the first African to win gold in the men’s 200m, breaking the longstanding dominance of American and Jamaican sprinters. In total, 12 African nations earned medals, including South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Botswana, Algeria, Tunisia, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Zambia, Morocco, and Egypt. However, the games were less successful for Nigeria and Ghana, who did not secure any medals. Here’s a summary of African nations’ performances at the Olympics: Kenya Tops African Medal Count Kenya has distinguished itself as the top African…

On Tuesday, Egypt’s government celebrated the reopening of its newly constructed embassy headquarters in Mogadishu. This event follows the recent launch of direct flights connecting Cairo, Djibouti City, and Mogadishu, which has further solidified the relationship between Egypt and Somalia. The newly reopened embassy is anticipated to foster greater cooperation in various sectors and enhance trade and economic ties between the nations. In a related development, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, who recently attended the inauguration of Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Kigali, held a meeting with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. President Mohamud is expected in Cairo today for…

Nigeria has announced its first National Elephant Action Plan, aimed at protecting the country’s endangered elephant population, which has been rapidly declining due to human activities such as poaching. The plan focuses on reducing illegal killings and trade, preserving elephant habitats, increasing public awareness, and promoting community-led conservation efforts. The initiative seeks to ensure the survival of the remaining elephants in the country. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Environment, stated that this plan represents a comprehensive strategy to safeguard wildlife and address the challenges facing Nigeria’s elephant population.Salako emphasized Nigeria’s increased dedication to conserving its natural resources,…

Just two months into the 2024 rainy season, West and Central Africa have faced severe weather, with torrential rains and flooding impacting 716,473 people across the Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Mali, and Togo. The intense conditions have claimed at least 72 lives due to drowning and left 699 others injured. The Head of the UN Humanitarian Coordination Office for West and Central Africa remarked on the pressing issue, saying, “We consistently raise awareness about the real-life effects of climate change—how it disrupts homes, agriculture, education, and healthcare. It is imperative…

A Ugandan court has convicted Thomas Kwoyelo, the only commander from the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) to be tried in Uganda, of multiple crimes against humanity. On Tuesday, at the International Crimes Division of the High Court in Gulu, Judge Michael Elubu confirmed that Kwoyelo was found guilty of 44 offenses. Judge Elubu further revealed that Kwoyelo was cleared of three murder charges, and 31 additional charges were dismissed. The convicted crimes included murder, rape, torture, pillaging, abduction, and the destruction of internally displaced persons’ settlements. The date for Kwoyelo’s sentencing has not yet been set. This trial was the…

In Tunisia, sub-Saharan migrants and refugees are experiencing severe hardships due to ongoing police raids. These individuals face significant challenges in accessing basic necessities, including clean water for drinking and hygiene, which puts them at risk for diseases and dehydration. According to reports, migrants residing between Sfax and Al Amra along the coast are living in extremely harsh conditions. They are forced to stay in makeshift shelters under olive trees, with no protection from the extreme weather conditions, including the intense summer heat and cold winter temperatures. A recent video highlights their precarious situation and visible distress as they confront…

The African Union’s health agency has issued a public health emergency declaration in response to the escalating mpox outbreak across the continent, describing it as a “clarion call for action.” Jean Kaseya, the head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), announced during an online media briefing on Tuesday, “With a heavy heart but steadfast dedication to our people, we are declaring mpox a public health emergency of continental security.” The outbreak of mpox has now spread across borders, impacting thousands throughout the continent. Families have been severely affected, and the widespread pain and suffering have…

As Australia becomes more hesitant to permit Chinese companies to mine its rich deposits of essential minerals for green energy, China has turned its attention to Africa. The continent is becoming a crucial source for the metals needed in battery production, particularly lithium, as China seeks to secure alternative supplies for its green-energy goals. Chinese companies have heavily invested in developing lithium mining and processing operations across Africa, with Zimbabwe leading the charge by producing over two-thirds of the continent’s lithium. New projects are also being launched in Nigeria, Mali, and Namibia. Africa’s share of the global lithium supply is…

Rwanda has allocated a 10-hectare parcel of land to Egypt, situated near the border with Tanzania, for the establishment of a logistics zone. This was confirmed by a source on Tuesday, August 13. The land allocation is part of a broader transport agreement signed by Rwanda and Egypt on Monday, August 12, aimed at enhancing trade and connectivity between the two countries. In 2017, both nations committed to strengthening economic ties for the benefit of their citizens. The signing ceremony was presided over by Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, and his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, following bilateral discussions in…

Ghana is facing significant climate change challenges that threaten to derail its development progress if not urgently addressed. Environmental issues such as illegal mining, poor waste management, and industrial emissions are constant threats to the country’s natural resources. Despite several policies aimed at mitigating these problems, the government’s response has been insufficient, signaling a need for more robust climate action. Political parties in Ghana, as potential future leaders, must play a pivotal role in addressing these climate challenges. As they campaign for the December 7, 2024, elections, it is crucial that their manifestos clearly outline strategies for both climate adaptation…

A local official reported on Monday that militants affiliated with the Islamic State group have killed at least 12 people across multiple villages in North Kivu province, eastern Congo. Fighters from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) launched an attack on the village of Mukonia in eastern Congo on Saturday, according to the municipality’s mayor, Nicole Kikuku. The assault resulted in the deaths of at least 12 people, with the toll potentially increasing as several villagers remain unaccounted for. The frequency of ADF attacks has surged recently, with a significant incident in June where the group killed at least 40 people…

The landscape of broadcast journalism in Uganda is undergoing a dramatic shift, driven by advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). This significant transformation, as reported by Nile Post, is set to enhance news production and redefine industry practices in the country. AI is making substantial changes in news production by automating a range of tasks that traditionally required human input. Advanced AI algorithms are now capable of analyzing massive amounts of data at unprecedented speeds to identify emerging trends and breaking news. This technology enables media organizations to deliver timely and accurate updates, offering them a competitive edge in the rapidly…

President Mokgweetsi Masisi announced a half-day holiday for Tuesday afternoon as Botswana prepared to welcome sprinter Letsile Tebogo and his historic 200m gold medal. This marks the first Olympic gold for the southern African nation. The Botswana Olympic team was scheduled to return on Tuesday, bringing home Tebogo’s gold medal and a silver in the men’s 4x400m relay, increasing the country’s Olympic medal count to four. At 21, Tebogo made history as the first African to win the men’s 200m with a record-breaking time of 19.46 seconds, surpassing American competitors Kenny Bednarek and Noah Lyles in Paris on August 8.…

A boat accident in the Dundaye community, Wamakko Local Government Area, Sokoto State, resulted in the deaths of four individuals. The mishap, which took place on Sunday evening, was confirmed by the Head of the Sokoto Field Operation Office of the National Emergency Management Agency. On Monday, a rescue operation involving NEMA, the Nigerian Red Cross, Fire Services, the State Emergency Management Agency, and local divers managed to recover the deceased. Following an investigation, it has been revealed that 24 individuals were involved in the boat accident, with 19 having been rescued. On Sunday, one body was recovered, and three…