Author: WAJ Editor

American multinational ExxonMobil has invested over $100 million in social projects in Angola over the past 30 years, according to Katrina Fisher, ExxonMobil’s Country Manager for Angola. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Energy Capital & Power during the fifth edition of the Angola Oil & Gas conference last week, Fisher said these investments have targeted projects in the healthcare sector and Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-related initiatives. “Just this past year, we kicked off two major programs, including the Jr. NBA project connecting basketball players with STEM. The second is the STEM education contest where students from Angola,…

Authorities in Ivory Coast have confiscated 33 trucks loaded with approximately 1,100 tonnes of cocoa beans, which were being smuggled across the border into Guinea. This operation was led by the Coffee and Cocoa Council (CCC), the country’s regulatory body, according to sources within the council. The rise in cocoa smuggling comes as both Ghana and Ivory Coast, the world’s top cocoa producers, face poor harvests. A military source, along with multiple buyers and exporters, confirmed the details of the seizure but requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak on the matter. The region’s cocoa production has plummeted,…

In a joint effort to enhance strategic approaches to peace and security, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in collaboration with the ECOWAS Centre for Gender Development (CCDG), hosted a capacity-building workshop on the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda. The three-day workshop, held from October 2 to 4, 2024, focused on equipping CCDG staff and partners with tools to incorporate gender perspectives into conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and the fight against violent extremism. Around 30 participants attended the workshop, including staff from CCDG, representatives from the ECOWAS National Office in Senegal (BNC), members of the Peace and Security…

Egyptians commemorated on Sunday the 51st anniversary of its victory in the October War, also known as the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, while expressing hopes for an end to the deadly conflicts taking place in the region. President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi said that Egypt’s victory in the war will remain a turning point in the country’s contemporary history, and a symbol of its pride and dignity. “On this day, the Egyptian military men and leaders demonstrated the most wonderful epics of sacrifice to restore the pure land of Sinai,” said Sisi in a post on his Facebook page. On Thursday, Sisi said…

South Africa leadership intends to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources, according to Kgosientsho David Ramokgopa, the country’s Minister of Electricity and Energy. Speaking at a seminar on green energy in Midrand, Ramokgopa stressed that accelerating the renewable energy program is strategically important for South Africa. He emphasized the need to expedite the process of building capacity and swiftly address administrative challenges related to permits and licenses. “We really want the industry to thrive so that we can run the most ambitious and successful of all renewable programmes from a public procurement point of view,” Ramokgopa said. He also…

Burundi’s Foreign Minister Albert Shingiro criticized increasing unilateralism and the lack of global solidarity, attributing many conflicts to misinformation and geopolitical power struggles. He condemned attaching political conditions to development aid and stressed the need for international cooperation to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Shingiro highlighted Burundi’s plan to become a developed country by 2060, focusing on economic independence through mining and agriculture. “Through structural changes and a raft of other development plans, Burundi will be a country of peace with a competitive economy through mining and agriculture, in respect not only of its natural environment but also gender…

Malawi’s healthcare system is set to benefit from the m-mama emergency transport system, a $11.5 million initiative funded by the Vodafone Foundation, USAID, and other donors. The program, aimed at improving maternal healthcare in rural areas, will offer lifesaving emergency transport for pregnant women and newborns. With Malawi’s high maternal mortality rates, m-mama provides a critical solution by connecting community drivers and ambulances to transport patients when needed. Already successful in Tanzania and Lesotho, where it helped reduce maternal deaths by over 25%, m-mama is expected to make a significant impact in Malawi. The government is expected to cover annual…

In a statement to Al-Qahera News from Beirut, Egyptian Ambassador to Lebanon, Alaa Moussa, revealed that an Egyptian aid plane delivered 22 tons of medical and relief supplies. He mentioned that additional planes with more aid are expected to arrive in the coming days. Moussa emphasized that Egypt’s efforts aim to ease the burden on those displaced by Israeli aggression. He also noted that Egypt had repeatedly warned of the risk of the conflict spreading to other areas, which has now occurred. Additionally, on Friday, the Egyptian Embassy in Lebanon announced that it had arranged a special flight for Egyptians…

Ahmed Attaf, Algeria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, voiced serious concern over growing international polarization and the diminishing role of the UN Security Council on the global stage. He condemned the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the spread of the conflict into the broader region, attributing it to the international community’s failure to take a strong stance against Israeli settlement occupation. He emphasized that granting full UN membership to the State of Palestine is crucial for preserving the two-state solution. Attaf also highlighted Algeria’s commitment to ending colonization in Western Sahara and expressed support for the UN…

Uganda is nearing a historic milestone, approaching three years without a Central Bank governor, a feat unprecedented in peacetime. Since the death of former Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile in January 2022, President Yoweri Museveni has delayed appointing a successor, despite pressure from politicians, economists, and the media. Uganda’s economy has remained stable, with low inflation and a steady exchange rate, leading some to credit Deputy Governor Michael Atingi-Ego’s leadership. Critics argue that Museveni’s reluctance stems from political insecurity, fearing to upset factions vying for the role. Others believe it’s part of his long-standing hands-off approach to the economy, influenced by his…

The Zimbabwean government announced plans to pay an initial $20 million this month to both foreign white and local Black farmers who lost their land during farm invasions that occurred under former President Robert Mugabe at the beginning of the century, according to the finance minister’s statement on Friday. This allocation was included in the 2024 budget as part of various measures aimed at revitalizing the nation’s once-thriving agricultural sector and initiating a long-promised economic recovery. Agriculture in Zimbabwe deteriorated following Mugabe’s implementation of land seizures in 2000, targeting highly productive farms primarily owned by white commercial farmers, a legacy…

Russia and Ukraine are engaged in a dispute over alleged interference in Nigeria’s domestic affairs. On Friday, the Russian government issued a warning to the United States, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, accusing them of financing protests in Nigeria. Nationwide protests demanding an end to poor governance took place in Nigeria from August 1 to 10 and resumed on October 1, coinciding with the country’s 64th independence day. “The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nigeria has noted media reports regarding potential protests at the beginning of October this year. We are concerned that certain Western and Ukrainian media are…

A two-day conference aimed at enhancing Libya’s investment environment commenced today in Benghazi. Organized by the Benghazi Chamber of Commerce and supported by the Privatisation and Investment Board (PIB), the Faculty of Economics at the University of Benghazi, and the Libyan Accounting Group, the conference gathered several key officials. Attendees included the Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energies from the eastern region, the Chairman of Emaar Libya Holding Company, the head of the Tax Authority, a representative from the Ministry of Economy and Trade, the Undersecretary of the Benghazi Municipality Office, the PIB Chairman, and numerous university leaders, faculty members,…

Athletes from Kenya triumphed at the 7th Giurgiu-Ruse Free Spirit Run held on Saturday. The cross-border road race started in Giurgiu, Romania, crossed the Danube Bridge, and concluded in Ruse, Bulgaria. In the men’s category, Albert Tonui secured first place, completing the 15-km race in 47:37 minutes. He was followed by fellow Kenyan Hilary Kimaiyo and Bulgaria’s Ismail Senandzhi. In the women’s race, Glorius Jepkirui took first place with a time of 54:07 minutes, followed by another Kenyan, Valentine Jebet, and Bulgaria’s Marinela Nineva. Nineva told BTA that the run was challenging due to the warm weather and her recent…

Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe stated on Saturday that his Congolese counterpart declined to sign a previously agreed deal aimed at resolving the M23 rebel conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which has displaced over 1.7 million people. The Tutsi-led M23 has been conducting an insurgency in the violence-ridden eastern region of the Central African nation since 2022. Congo, the United Nations, and other entities have accused Rwanda of providing military support to the group. Rwanda denies these accusations and claims it is only taking defensive measures, while accusing Congo of collaborating with the Hutu rebel group, the Democratic…

On Friday, Türkiye expressed its condolences to the victims of this week’s boat accident in Nigeria. The Turkish Foreign Ministry released a statement saying, “We are profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of numerous lives due to the sinking of a boat with nearly 300 passengers in Nigeria.” The ministry offered its sympathies to the “brotherly and friendly” nation of Nigeria. At least 42 individuals lost their lives when a boat carrying nearly 300 people capsized while returning from a religious festival in Nigeria’s northern Niger state on Tuesday. Many bodies were recovered on Friday, and rescue efforts are still ongoing.

On Saturday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a meeting with Patrice Emery Trovoada, the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, a Central African country. The private meeting was held at the Dolmabahce Office in Istanbul and included Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, and Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. No additional information about the meeting was provided yet.

As Tunisia prepares for its presidential election on Sunday, many citizens in impoverished areas like Fernana express little hope for change. Chedliya Mzrighi, a 47-year-old farmer, earns only 10 dinars ($3) a day and struggles to support her three children amid inadequate living conditions, including no running water or electricity. Under President Kais Saied’s leadership, economic growth has stagnated, with a mere 0.4% increase in GDP last year, contributing to widespread hardship. Mzrighi’s home, built by her husband who has sought work elsewhere, lacks basic amenities, forcing her children to study without electricity or proper resources. Sihem Ghouibi, a 55-year-old…

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that it is preparing to evacuate Nigerians from Lebanon due to the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja. He noted that the government is taking steps to ensure the safety and protection of Nigerian citizens in Lebanon. The Nigerian Embassy in Lebanon has been issuing regular advisories to the community, providing safety instructions and recommending voluntary evacuation since August, while commercial flight options remain available. Additionally, Nigerian nationals in southern Lebanon have been moved to Beirut…

Jean-Claude Gakosso, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Congo, highlighted the need for global unity in addressing multiple crises, including climate change, debt burdens, and the threat of nuclear war. He stressed that these challenges stem from a desire for dominance and must be eradicated to achieve peace, which he called an urgent necessity. Gakosso praised Congo’s mediation efforts in Libya, aiming to culminate in a reconciliation charter and democratic elections. He also called for a reformed United Nations Security Council that includes permanent African representation with veto power, arguing that Africa deserves a rightful place in…

Solar power companies are rapidly expanding across Central and West Africa, bringing electricity to some of the region’s poorest households, where governments have long struggled with inadequate infrastructure and the growing impacts of climate change. These often locally-owned companies operate in areas where the majority of people are disconnected from the electricity grid. They offer a range of products, from affordable solar-powered lamps that enable children to study at night to advanced home systems that can run kitchen appliances and entertainment setups. Prices vary from under $20 for basic solar lamps to thousands of dollars for full home solar systems.…

Ethiopian Airlines has announced the suspension of all flights to Beirut indefinitely and to Tel Aviv until October 7th, citing the current security situation in the region. In a statement released on Friday, the airline explained that the decision was made to prioritize passenger safety and adhere to guidelines from relevant authorities. “Passengers are encouraged to regularly check flight statuses, as last-minute changes may occur. Ethiopian Airlines is offering passengers the option to cancel their bookings and receive a full refund. For those who booked through travel agents, the airline recommends contacting the agents directly. Passengers who booked through Ethiopian…

Kenya has introduced a digital nomad visa as part of its strategy to boost tourism. If you’re dreaming of sunny weather and long sandy beaches, Kenya’s new Digital Nomad Work Permit offers remote workers the chance to temporarily live and work in the East African country, with the potential for long-term residency. The visa aims to promote tourism, stimulate the local economy, and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. At the Magical Kenya Travel Expo in Nairobi on October 2, President William Ruto also emphasized the country’s new visa-free policy introduced this year, along with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for transit…

Zambia has attracted approximately 58 million U.S. dollars in investments for digital infrastructure since the 2021 removal of taxes on imported equipment for digital infrastructure, a senior government official revealed on Wednesday. Speaking at the 2024 Digital Government Africa Summit in Lusaka, Zambian Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, said the investment has enabled Zambia to establish fiber optic connections with all eight of its neighboring countries. Mutati noted that private sector investment in digital infrastructure has surged following the tax exemption on digital equipment imports. He emphasized the government’s efforts to promote incentives, innovation, and investment to further…

Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. G. Balasubramanian, has shown interest in collaborating with Nigeria’s performing arts industry, particularly in theatre. Speaking at a film screening event hosted by the Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF) in cooperation with the Indian High Commission in Abuja, he expressed this willingness. The event showcased two films: the Indian short film “Rogan Josh” and “Kaka,” which was awarded KADIFF’s 2024 Best Indigenous Language Feature Film. Balasubramanian stressed the importance of boosting film collaborations between India and Nigeria, mentioning that both countries’ cultural ministries have launched a cultural exchange program that spans various creative sectors.…

A memorial ceremony took place in Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, honoring the children who lost their lives in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Sudan. Organized by the Free Palestine Initiative, the event at King Tomislav Square featured the laying of flowers and the lighting of candles for the children killed in these regions. Ratka Visnjic, representing the Free Palestine Initiative, spoke at the event, expressing sorrow for each life lost. “We gathered here to remember the children whose dreams were cruelly taken away in these genocides,” she said. Visnjic highlighted that over 16,000 children were tragically killed in Gaza and expressed deep…

At least 80 members of Tunisia’s largest opposition party, Ennahdha, have been arrested, according to party officials, as thousands protested against President Kais Saied ahead of the upcoming presidential election. As the election campaign officially begins in September, opposition parties, politicians, and human rights groups are accusing Saied’s administration of using “arbitrary restrictions” and intimidation to secure his re-election in the October 6 vote. Ennahdha, which was the largest party in parliament before Saied dissolved it in July 2021, reported at least 80 arrests and was verifying a total of at least 116, including six women, according to the party’s…

The West African countries of Burkina Faso and Niger have banned a French TV show for “stigmatizing” African women as well as being “contrary to the values and customs” of the two nations. This move is in line with recent moves by the countries – both of them former French colonial holdings – banning several French media outlets. A statement by the Superior Council of Communication of Niger’s military administration said French broadcaster Canal+ has been ordered to “no longer broadcast or rebroadcast” season three of the series The Bachelor. The show is “stigmatizing nature for African women, non-protective of…

A group of Ethiopia’s international bondholders rejected on Thursday the outlines of a government restructuring proposal for its $1 billion bond that was presented in an investors call earlier this week. Ethiopia became Africa’s third default in as many years in December 2023. Progress on debt restructuring has been sluggish amid slow movement on reforms and drawn-out negotiations of a $3.4 billion programme with the International Monetary Fund. During a call with global investors on Tuesday, the government sketched out “illustrative” terms of a bond restructuring, saying an 18% haircut – or writedown – on the nominal value of its…

Tanzania’s communications regulator has suspended the online platforms of Mwananchi Communications Ltd, accusing the media outlet of breaching national regulations. On Wednesday, the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) announced a 30-day suspension of the company’s online content licenses, pointing to material published on October 1 that allegedly damaged the country’s image. The TCRA cited the Online Content Regulations of 2020, claiming that Mwananchi’s social media posts disrupted “unity, peace, and national harmony.” Although the specific content was not detailed, it is believed to involve an animated video posted by The Citizen, a Mwananchi publication, which depicted concerns over missing or…

Neighbors Gabon and Equatorial Guinea are facing off in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over three long-disputed uninhabited islands in potentially oil-and-gas-rich waters in the region this week. Gabon asserts its sovereignty over Mbanie, Cocotier, and Conga, citing a 1974 treaty. But Equatorial Guinea disputes the claim, arguing that the treaty is unofficial and incomplete, and accusing Gabon of occupying the islands illegally. The dispute over the islands dates back to colonial agreements between France and Spain in 1900. In 2016, after years of disagreement and mediation, the two countries agreed to let the ICJ – the top judicial…

Libyan Prime Minister Dibeybe inaugurated the first stage of the highway connecting the capital Tripoli and the city of Tarhuna, built by a Turkish construction company. The opening ceremony, held at the point where the first stage of the road built by a Turkish construction company in Tarhuna, Libya, was attended by Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dibeybe, as well as Minister of Transport Muhammed Shuhubi, Minister of Communications Velid al-Lafi, Counselor of the Turkish Embassy in Tripoli Doğukan Arda Ülgen, and Chief Trade Counselor of the Turkish Embassy in Tripoli Yusuf Yıldız. Prime Minister Dibeybe and his delegation examined the…

Tanzania’s central bank held its key interest rate unchanged at 6%, it said on Thursday. In the two quarters to September, the central bank held the benchmark rate at 6%, from 5.5% that was announced in January when the bank introduced the rate. The bank targets inflation of 5%, but consumer inflation has stayed comfortably below that figure, despite growing pressure on the shilling. Inflation increased to 3.1% year-on-year in August from 3.0% the previous month, data from the statistics office showed.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will officially hand over the site for the construction of the Cavalla River Bridge, which will link Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia, on October 2, 2024. This significant infrastructure project marks another major step in ECOWAS’s commitment to improving transport connections, cross-border trade, economic cooperation, and regional integration throughout West Africa. The Cavalla River Bridge, a key part of ECOWAS’s Vision 2050, aims to facilitate the movement of goods and people between Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, and the broader ECOWAS region. It also serves as a crucial link in the Praia-Dakar-Abidjan Corridor, part of…

The culture ministers of France and Madagascar have initiated steps toward the repatriation of human remains taken from Madagascar during French colonial rule. On Thursday, a joint scientific committee will review Madagascar’s request for the return of the skull of King Toera, who was beheaded by French troops during the early period of colonization. This review marks the first of its kind since France passed legislation in December 2023 to ease the process of returning human remains from its public collections. French Culture Minister Rachida Dati, alongside Madagascar’s Culture Minister Volamiranty Donna Mara, expressed France’s willingness to meet this expectation.…

The European Court of Justice has ruled that melons and tomatoes from Western Sahara cannot be labeled as “made in Morocco.” Based in Luxembourg, the European Court of Justice, the EU’s highest legal body, delivered its verdict on a case concerning Morocco’s labeling of products originating from Western Sahara. The ruling declared that melons and tomatoes grown in Western Sahara must be labeled as originating from that region, not Morocco. The court stated that labeling such products outside of Western Sahara would mislead consumers. The Western Sahara Conflict Tensions persist between the pro-independence Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, and Morocco,…

Karamoko Jean Marie Traore, Burkina Faso’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, criticized the current state of global affairs, stating that multilateralism has been weakened by the predatory actions of certain countries. He called for inclusive global governance and reforms in political, economic, and financial systems to ensure shared prosperity. Highlighting Burkina Faso’s commitment to affirming its sovereignty, he emphasized the nation’s significant progress in combating terrorism. Through enhanced military reforms and reorganized forces, the country has regained control of nearly 70% of its territory, up from 40% in 2022. This has led to the resettlement of displaced populations and the reopening…

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi welcomed UAE President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Cairo International Airport on Thursday as he arrived for an official visit to Egypt. According to the Egyptian presidency, Sheikh Bin Zayed is leading a high-level Emirati delegation to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. President El-Sisi emphasized the importance of this visit in deepening collaboration and exploring new opportunities for mutual benefit, as reported by the Emirates News Agency (WAM). The Emirati delegation includes the Secretary-General of the UAE Supreme National Security Council, the Presidential Advisor for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology, as well as…

Bakary Yaou Sangaré, Niger’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, called for decisive steps toward the establishment of a free, independent Palestinian state within its 1967 borders, while lamenting the ongoing crisis in Lebanon. He criticized the global inaction on addressing the challenges of poor countries, accusing rich nations of exploiting their resources and supporting corrupt regimes. He highlighted Niger’s use of domestic funds to tackle its own humanitarian crises, such as recent floods, rejecting foreign interference or lessons on democracy. Sangaré praised the newly established Alliance of Sahel States, formed by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, emphasizing its strategic integration in…

Emirates, the Dubai-based airline, has resumed its daily passenger flights to Lagos after a two-year hiatus. Operations were suspended in 2022 but recommenced on October 1, with the first flight landing at Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA). Flights depart from Dubai daily at 9:45 am and arrive in Lagos at 3:20 pm, covering the journey in about seven hours. The return flight leaves Lagos at 5:30 pm and lands in Dubai at 5:10 am the next day. The daily service is designed to optimize connections between Nigeria and key destinations in Europe, the US, the Far East, and the Middle…

Ghanaian actress Habiba Sinare has married Akeju, a Nigerian media and music executive based in the U.S., in a small, elegant ceremony. The event marked the union of two prominent figures in the entertainment industry, merging the realms of film and music in a unique way. Known for her privacy, Habiba surprised her fans by sharing moments from her wedding on Instagram. In a touching post, she expressed her gratitude and joy, writing, “My Answered Prayer, Alhamdulillah. Mr and Mrs Akeju,” showing the deep connection she shares with her husband and describing their marriage as a dream fulfilled. Their wedding…

The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), a tertiary multispecialty hospital established by Afreximbank in collaboration with King’s College Hospital, London, will feature a cyclotron, enhancing African diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. The announcement was made during a tour of the AMCE Abuja medical centre, updating the public on the advancements in the healthcare infrastructure. A cyclotron is an advanced medical imaging technology used to diagnose and treat complex diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders, which are areas of AMCE’s specialty. AMCE plans to deploy the equipment to produce radiopharmaceuticals, essential for PET-CT scans and other nuclear medicine procedures.…

During Social Development Month, Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe is urging all South Africans to refrain from selling or consuming alcohol around children throughout October. This appeal was made during a commemorative event for World No Alcohol Day on October 2, attended by Tolashe and KwaZulu-Natal’s MEC for Social Development, Cynthia Mbali Shinga, in Sweetwaters, uMgungundlovu District. The leaders highlighted the serious negative impacts of alcohol on individuals, families, and communities. The department noted that alcohol is the most commonly abused legal substance in South Africa, where consumption rates have risen significantly over the past decade. The government reports that…

Osman Saleh Mohammed, Eritrea’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, criticized the global political order, tracing its roots to post-World War conflicts and the Cold War. He argued that the current “unipolar order” revives colonialism, slavery, and resource theft, citing conflicts like Ukraine and tensions with China as examples of these policies under the guise of maintaining global peace. He highlighted how these same policies fuel conflicts in Africa and stifle the Palestinian cause, warning of a potential wider regional war. Saleh also pointed to growing protests in Europe and the U.S. as signs of the dysfunctionality of this order. He stressed…

Zimbabwe has softened its requirements for lithium miners to process the mineral locally, a government official said on Thursday, as the industry battles to survive a price slump over the past year. Africa’s top lithium producer, Zimbabwe had last year given producers up to March 2024 to submit plans of how they would produce battery-grade lithium in the impoverished southern African country. Prices of lithium, which is mainly used in battery technologies, have fallen more than 80% in the past year largely due to overproduction from China and a drop in demand for electric vehicles. The price collapse has forced…

Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Benin, in UN General Assembly, has emphasized the need for Africa to reconcile with its history in order to achieve progress. Speaking on the importance of embracing Africa’s beliefs, traditions, and civilization, he highlighted Benin’s role as the birthplace of Vodun culture and its efforts to correct negative perceptions of the continent. Bakari stressed that respect for Africa must go beyond acknowledging its past and should include a forward-looking, action-oriented Pan-Africanism aimed at reducing poverty and fostering prosperity. He pointed out the disparity in travel freedom, noting that it is currently…

Ernest Rwamucyo, Rwanda’s representative at the UN General Assembly, emphasized the importance of unity in tackling global challenges. He stressed that many pressing issues, such as economic shocks, transcend national borders and require collective action. Rwamucyo pointed out that African nations and other marginalized regions have long suffered from global economic shocks without sufficient international support. Reflecting on Rwanda’s experience after the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, Rwamucyo noted that the country chose unity over division and has since become a key contributor to peacekeeping missions across Africa. However, he warned of rising threats, including radicalized insurgencies in southern Africa,…

Casual workers from the Temporary Employment for Community Youth (TECY) staged a protest outside the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning in Monrovia, Liberia, demanding unpaid salaries amounting to $250,000. The workers, hired to clean the streets of Monrovia ahead of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr.’s inauguration in January 2024, claim they have not been paid for 13 months. Although their contracts ended, the workers were instructed to continue working while their salaries were processed. They say they were included in the 2024 national budget after appealing to lawmakers and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Despite the government allegedly…

The Beauty Istanbul International Exhibiton, held in Istanbul on October 2-4, 2024, offers international business opportunities by exhibiting the rich beauty products of African countries. This year, the exhibition, which hosts 1,160 participants from 66 countries, aims to be an important trade platform in the Middle East and North Africa market. The exhibition brings together innovative brands in various fields such as cosmetics, beauty, hair and home care products. African countries are represented at the fair with striking stands, giving them the opportunity to promote the rich beauty heritage of the continent. South Africa stands out as one of the…

Mulambo Hamakuni Haimbe, Zambia’s Foreign Minister, emphasized that multilateralism is essential for addressing global challenges in UN General Assembly. He acknowledged the United Nations’ role in fostering hope but noted that Zambia, like many developing countries, suffers from the impacts of global conflicts, including rising prices and economic challenges. As the chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, he pointed out ongoing security issues in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mozambique, urging support for peacebuilding efforts. Haimbe highlighted Zambia’s recent drought, which severely affected agriculture and energy, leaving…

On Wednesday, Somalia held a national consultation conference in Mogadishu, with regional leaders, including South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, attending under the leadership of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. However, Puntland President Said Abdullahi Dani was absent due to unresolved tensions between the semiautonomous region and the federal government. According to a statement from the Somali presidency, the conference’s primary focus is on national security, particularly strengthening efforts against the Khawarij, a term used by the Somali government to refer to armed group al-Shabaab. Since 2007, al-Shabaab has been fighting the Somali government and the African Union…

Lamu town of Kenya celebrated Mawlid with great enthusiasm. Lamu is home to the historic Maulidi celebrations, an integral part of East Africa’s Islamic traditions for over a century. Maulidi, also known as Milad-un-Nabi, is an Islamic festival observed during the third month of the Muslim calendar (Rabi ul Awwal) to celebrate the birth of the Prophet Mohammed. Although the Maulidi celebration lasts for an entire month, the most significant period occurs from sunset on the 11th of Rabi al-Awwal to dawn on the 12th, which marks the birth of the Prophet Mohammed according to Sunni traditions. In Lamu, the…

The second edition of the Egyptian Super Cup, now featuring four teams, will commence on 20 October in the UAE, according to a statement from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. Egypt Cup winners Pyramids FC will face invited side Zamalek at Al-Nahyan Stadium on Sunday at 16:05 (CLT). Later that day, league champions Ahly will take on League Cup winners Ceramica Cleopatra at 20:00 (CLT) at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium. The winners of these matches will progress to the final on Thursday, 24 October, at 20:00 (CLT), with the third-place match, featuring the losing teams, set for the same day…

“Emerging opportunities could help reverse the decline and foster growth in South Africa’s mining sector. However, achieving this requires a better understanding of how to support exploration and enhance funding.” This was highlighted by mining leaders at the Joburg Indaba conference on Wednesday in Johannesburg, South Africa. Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council SA, noted that while the government’s recently launched R400 million exploration fund is a positive step, significantly more investment is needed. The Junior Mining Exploration Fund, a collaboration among the Industrial Development Corporation, Council for Geoscience, and the Department of Mineral Resources, aims to provide junior…

Assistant Foreign Minister for US Affairs, Sameh Aboul-Enein, met with Canada’s newly appointed Ambassador to Egypt, Ulrich Shannon, on Tuesday to discuss strengthening economic ties, attracting Canadian investment, and expanding trade between the two countries. During the Cairo meeting, both parties emphasized the significance of supporting the Canada-Egypt Business Council and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Egypt, aligning their efforts with Egypt’s broader economic development objectives, as stated by the Egyptian foreign ministry. Aboul-Enein underscored Egypt’s interest in learning from Canada’s leading experience in economic growth to bolster its own national development initiatives. In a symbolic gesture, Ambassador Shannon…

Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelatty, Egypt’s Foreign Minister, expressed concern over the growing inequality and double standards threatening the international system. He emphasized the importance of restoring trust in multilateralism, particularly in addressing conflicts and crises, highlighting the Israeli aggression against Palestinians as a failure of the international community. He called for an immediate halt to the violence and reaffirmed support for a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders. Abdelatty also advocated for reforms in the UN Security Council, especially to include African and Arab countries, and stressed the need to address the debt crisis of developing nations. He underscored…

The African Development Bank Group’s Board of Directors has approved a €70 million trade finance facility for Bank of Africa Morocco (BOA). Ahmed Attout, Director of the Bank’s Financial Sector Development Department, highlighted the collaboration to improve trade finance access, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in transitional states. The facility includes a €50 million Risk Participation Agreement (RPA) and a €20 million Trade Finance Line of Credit (TFLOC). Achraf Hassan Tarsim, head of the African Development Bank’s Morocco office, emphasized that this partnership aims to enhance financial inclusion for SMEs involved in foreign trade across Africa. The RPA…

Two individuals close to Benin’s president, arrested last week on charges of plotting a coup in the West African nation, have been remanded in custody pending their trial, according to one of their lawyers on Tuesday. Olivier Boko, a businessman and long-time associate of President Patrice Talon, along with former sports minister Oswald Homeky, face charges of “conspiracy against state security, embezzlement, and money laundering,” as stated by their lawyer, Ayodele Ahounou. The arrests followed accusations that the two men attempted to bribe the president’s security chief to carry out a coup. On Tuesday, Homeky was allegedly caught handing six…

Abdoulaye Maïga, Mali’s Deputy Prime Minister, in UN General Assembly, highlighted that Mali has been in crisis since 2012 due to terrorist and armed groups, losing control of over half its territory and suffering many deaths. The crisis worsened when armed groups to gain strenght in 2006 and NATO’s intervention in Libya in 2011. These events fueled insecurity, trafficking, and community conflicts. In response, after Colonel Assimi Goïta became President in 2021, Mali reorganized its Defense and Security Forces, working toward reclaiming sovereignty. Maïga pointed to progress, such as the adoption of a new Constitution in July 2023 and the…

Amadou Oury Bah, Prime Minister of Guinea, in UN General Assembly, emphasized the need for decisive action and unity in addressing global challenges like conflicts, inequality, and climate crises. He expressed Guinea’s determination to move past instability and build a resilient nation focused on dignity, freedom, and prosperity. He outlined President Mamadi Doumbouya’s vision, anchored in values of justice, integrity, reconciliation, recovery, and repositioning, which will guide the country’s transformation. Bah highlighted the Simandou 2040 Project, a mining initiative that aims to avoid the “natural resource curse” by integrating social and environmental programs and creating a multi-use railway. He mentioned…

Over 150 people are missing after a boat carrying 300 passengers capsized in the Mokwa local government area of Niger State of Nigeria. This incident occurred about a week after the Nigerian National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) distributed 33 fiberglass boats to nine states to help prevent boat accidents. The boat capsized around 8:30 pm on October 1 on the River Niger near Jebba Dam, in the Gbajibo community. According to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the boat was transporting mostly women and children to Gbajibo for a celebration. NSEMA Director General, Abdullahi Baba Arah,…