Author: WAJ Editor

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated on Thursday that Türkiye is prepared to offer any assistance required to help resolve the dispute between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, provided both nations are open to such support. “Türkiye stands ready to extend any necessary support to address this issue, which would promote stability and peace in the Great Lakes Region, should both parties seek it,” Erdogan said during a joint press conference with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Ankara. Tensions in the region have persisted due to the M23 rebellion in eastern Congo, which began in 2022. While Kigali…

Sierra Leone’s new national airline, Air Sierra Leone, has officially expanded its operations across Africa by introducing flights between Sierra Leone and Lagos, Nigeria. The airline inaugurated its Lagos route on Wednesday and announced plans to operate three weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. During a ceremony at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Air Sierra Leone’s General Manager, Edgard Lacle, revealed that the airline would be using the E145 aircraft, which has a capacity of approximately 50 passengers. Lacle noted that 36 passengers were on board the inaugural flight and expressed optimism about achieving high passenger demand on the…

A fire erupted at the Khartoum refinery in Al-Jaili on Thursday, with the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) trading accusations over the attack. In a statement on X, the Sudanese army accused the RSF, led by Commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, of intentionally setting fire to the refinery as part of a “desperate attempt to destroy the country’s infrastructure” after failing to seize control of resources and land. The RSF, however, countered the claim, alleging that the army was responsible for the destruction, stating, “The ongoing aerial bombardment of the refinery, the latest of which occurred this…

Botswana President Duma Boko emphasized the importance of Western involvement in Africa during an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, highlighting the growing influence of other global powers on the continent. “The West has every reason to play its part in Africa because if it doesn’t, others will step in,” President Boko stated. “China, for instance, is already positioning itself to exert significant influence across Africa.” His remarks come amid increasing global competition for influence in Africa, with nations like China heavily investing in infrastructure, trade, and development projects. President Boko’s comments underscore the need for…

Niger’s security apparatus was dominated by foreign forces until the military coup of July 26, 2023, Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Salifou Mody revealed in a televised statement on Tuesday. “Our defense and security forces existed but lacked synergy, resulting in a disorganized structure,” Mody said, highlighting that this situation primarily benefited foreign forces, particularly the French military. He described it as a “state of insecurity,” where external experts overstepped their roles and interfered in matters beyond their authority. He claimed the pre-coup system created an illusion, both domestically and internationally, that Niger enjoyed stability. However, Mody argued the country’s security…

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in Cairo on Thursday to discuss strengthening trade ties and addressing irregular migration. The meeting precedes the second Egyptian-British Participation Council, an initiative aimed at enhancing economic cooperation between the two nations. Discussions also touched on regional stability, including Egypt’s role in brokering a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which Lammy was expected to commend. In addition to trade and migration, Lammy was anticipated to raise concerns about the detention of British-Egyptian writer and pro-democracy activist Alaa Abd El Fattah. Despite serving a five-year sentence for dissent, Fattah…

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has delivered substantial humanitarian aid to Chad, benefiting over 150,000 individuals, particularly in rural and remote areas. The initiative, carried out between December 25, 2024, and January 15, 2025, follows the directives of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and reflects the nation’s ongoing commitment to addressing global humanitarian needs. The aid package included 1,000 tonnes of relief supplies, consisting of 30,000 food packages, more than 20,000 blankets, and other essential items, aimed at supporting families affected by recent floods and improving food security in the most vulnerable regions of Chad. UAE Ambassador…

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to discuss potential collaboration on treating wounded Ukrainian citizens. Zelenskyy announced the discussions on his X account, emphasizing the importance of global unity to uphold the UN Charter and achieve peace. He also invited South Africa to join an international coalition addressing the return of Ukrainian children reportedly deported by Russia. The talks follow past efforts by Ramaphosa, who led an African delegation to Russia and Ukraine two years ago in a bid to mediate an end to the…

A tragic bus accident in northern Ethiopia’s Dawunt district, located in the Amhara region, claimed the lives of at least 25 people on Thursday, according to local police. The crash also left 14 others seriously injured, who are now receiving treatment at hospitals in Delanta and Dessie. Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous country, has experienced a string of devastating road accidents in recent months. In December 2024, over 70 people lost their lives when a truck carrying a wedding party plunged into a river. Similarly, in September, another bus accident in southern Ethiopia resulted in at least 28 fatalities. Road…

The release of Libyan warlord Osama Njeem, also known as al-Masri, by Italian authorities has drawn widespread condemnation from the International Criminal Court (ICC), human rights organizations, and victims of his alleged crimes. Njeem, wanted by the ICC for crimes against humanity and war crimes including murder, torture, rape, and sexual violence, was arrested in Turin on Sunday but released by a Rome appeals court on Tuesday due to a procedural error. He was subsequently flown back to Libya aboard an Italian secret service plane. David Yambio, a 27-year-old South Sudanese refugee and survivor of Njeem’s abuses, described the release…

Representatives from Algeria, Tunisia, and three European countries—Austria, Italy, and Germany—have signed a landmark agreement to develop a hydrogen pipeline connecting North Africa to southern Europe. The pipeline, spanning over 3,500 kilometers across the Mediterranean, is expected to transport more than 163 terawatt hours (TWh) of hydrogen annually, with 55 TWh destined for Germany. The agreement, signed during a meeting in Rome, also involved Switzerland and the European Commission. The project aims to repurpose up to two-thirds of Europe’s natural gas pipelines to transport hydrogen, creating a critical energy corridor from Sicily to Bavaria. The initiative builds on existing hydrogen…

Around 600 detainees escaped from a military detention facility in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, following violent protests sparked by the killing of South Sudanese nationals in neighboring Sudan, police reported Wednesday. According to police spokesperson Col. John Kassara Koang Nhial, the detainees had been arrested for participating in protests and looting businesses. Military police fired warning shots while pursuing the escapees, managing to recapture 410 of them. Authorities are continuing efforts to locate and apprehend the remaining escapees, as reported by local media. The unrest erupted last week after graphic videos circulated on social media, showing South Sudanese nationals killed…

The ongoing Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria has claimed 22 lives since the beginning of the year, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). In a statement released Wednesday, the NCDC reported that the outbreak has now spread to seven states, with 484 suspected cases identified, of which 143 have been confirmed positive. Last year, Lassa fever resulted in 190 fatalities across the country, underscoring the severity of the disease. In response, health authorities have approved three drugs to aid in treatment efforts and reduce the outbreak’s impact. First detected in Nigeria’s Borno State in 1969, Lassa fever…

Tunisian authorities facilitated the voluntary return of 7,250 irregular migrants to their home countries in 2024, according to a statement from the country’s parliament. Mohamed Ben Ayed, Tunisia’s secretary of state to the foreign minister, revealed during a parliamentary session that the repatriation effort was achieved through cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and neighboring countries Algeria and Libya. Ben Ayed highlighted the “positive development” in coordination with neighboring nations, which has contributed to reducing the influx of irregular migrants entering Tunisia on their way to Europe. Tunisia, grappling with significant economic and political challenges, has become a…

In a significant crackdown on terrorism, the Nigerian army has killed a top commander and 31 fighters linked to the notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji during a military operation in the violence-stricken northwest region. The Defense Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed on Wednesday that Aminu Kanawa, Turji’s second-in-command, was neutralized alongside dozens of fighters during “Operation Fansan Yamma.” The operation also left several close associates of Turji injured, including his younger brother. This follows an earlier announcement by the DHQ on Monday, stating that Turji’s fighters and his son were killed in efforts to dismantle the terrorist stronghold. Reports suggest Turji fled…

Algeria and the United States have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance military cooperation, marking a new milestone in their defense and security partnership. The agreement was signed during a meeting between General Said Chanegriha, Chief of Staff of Algeria’s People’s National Army (PNA), and General Michael Langley, Commander of US Africa Command (AFRICOM). Both sides acknowledged the positive momentum in their bilateral relationship, particularly in defense and security collaboration. General Langley expressed his commitment to deepening military cooperation and commended the strong coordination between the two nations across multiple areas. The meeting also provided an opportunity for…