Author: WAJ Editor

Algeria has returned an Algerian influencer deported by France back to the country, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations. The influencer, known as “Doualemn,” was deported from France for inciting hatred and violence on social media. However, upon landing in Algeria, authorities refused entry and sent him back to France, citing an exceptional 2008 law that excludes nationals deemed a threat. Doualemn, whose real name is Boualem N., is accused of making violent threats and anti-Semitic remarks on TikTok, where he has 138,000 followers. His deportation follows similar actions against other Algerian influencers for inciting attacks against opposition supporters.…

Immigration authorities in Mozambique have confiscated the diplomatic passport of opposition leader Venancio Mondlane following his return to the country, his legal adviser disclosed on Friday. Dinis Tivane, in a statement posted on social media, said the passport was seized on Thursday at Maputo International Airport, where Mondlane arrived after a period of self-imposed exile. Mondlane left Mozambique after the contentious October 9 presidential elections, which he claims were marred by fraud. Allegations of Intimidation Tivane claimed the move to seize Mondlane’s passport is an attempt to “intimidate and restrict his movements.” He also noted that Mondlane had lost his…

Libya’s Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Taher Al-Baour, reiterated the country’s rejection of any military presence on its territory without prior approval from the Government of National Unity (GNU). He emphasized that such arrangements must fall within bilateral agreements that align with Libya’s interests. Speaking to Al Jazeera on Wednesday, Al-Baour affirmed that the GNU remains the sole internationally recognized government, dismissing the authority of the parallel administration backed by the House of Representatives in Tobruk. He stressed that the Tobruk-based government is not authorized to sign international agreements. Diplomatic Developments Al-Baour announced plans to reopen the Syrian embassy in…

As Malawi approaches the 2025 General Elections, the Malawi Peace and Unity Commission (MPUC) has unveiled a five-year strategic plan and a communication strategy to guide its operations from 2024 to 2029. Speaking at the launch event held in Lilongwe on Thursday, Deputy Minister of Local Government, Joyce Chitsulo, described the two documents as critical tools in preparing the nation for the elections. “The government is committed to ensuring that Malawians remain peaceful and united, regardless of their ethnic, religious, political, or other differences,” Chitsulo emphasized. She noted that since its inception, the MPUC had been operating without a clear…

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has urged the Democratic Republic of Congo to engage in direct talks with the M23 rebel group, which has recently seized key towns in eastern Congo, further consolidating its control over the conflict-stricken region. The M23 group, one of over 100 armed factions in the mineral-rich area bordering Rwanda, captured the strategic towns of Katale and Masisi last month, displacing thousands of people. Masisi, located 80 kilometers west of Goma, serves as a critical gateway to Congo’s interior. Speaking in Kigali, Kagame emphasized the need for dialogue to resolve the ongoing conflict. “The solution lies in…

Amnesty International has called on Cameroonian authorities to cease the harassment of prominent human rights defender Alice Nkom and to reinstate the operations of suspended civil society organizations. Alice Nkom, a lawyer and President of the Central African Human Rights Defenders Network (Redhac), has been summoned multiple times by Cameroonian authorities. This follows the arbitrary suspension of Redhac and three other organizations by the Minister of Territorial Administration, citing alleged financial irregularities and activities deemed detrimental to the state. Amnesty International’s interim Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Marceau Sivieude, condemned the actions, stating, “The weaponization of the justice…

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio welcomed Algeria’s Special Envoy, Sofiane Chaib, in a meeting aimed at deepening diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two nations. Sofiane Chaib, who also serves as Algeria’s Secretary of State to the Minister of Foreign Affairs in charge of the National Community Abroad, delivered a message from Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, reaffirming Algeria’s commitment to fostering closer ties with Sierra Leone. During the meeting, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy Musa Kabba, highlighted the significance of the envoy’s visit as a continuation of President Bio’s diplomatic efforts. He referenced the…

Mozambique’s opposition leader Venancio Mondlane has returned from over two months in exile, declaring his willingness to engage in talks over contentious election results that have sparked weeks of deadly protests. Mondlane, who alleges the October 9 election was rigged to favor the ruling Frelimo party’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, arrived at Maputo International Airport to a crowd of journalists and supporters. Chapo, the declared winner, is scheduled to be sworn in on January 15. Addressing the media, Mondlane stated, “I’m here in person to say that if you want to negotiate… I’m here,” sending a clear message to authorities seeking…

Rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) illegally exported at least 150 metric tonnes of coltan to Rwanda in 2024, according to a United Nations report. The UN experts highlighted this as the largest contamination of the Great Lakes Region’s mineral supply chain in over a decade. The illegal trade began after the M23 rebel group, reportedly backed by Rwanda, seized control of the mineral-rich Rubaya area in April 2024. M23’s dominance over transport routes allowed minerals from Rubaya to mix with Rwanda’s production, complicating the supply chain for global tech manufacturers reliant on coltan for devices like smartphones…

Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty held a phone discussion with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, relaying President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s commitment to supporting Lebanon during its ongoing political and economic challenges. Abdelatty stressed the importance of a Lebanese-led resolution to the presidential vacancy, urging unity and consensus among Lebanese factions. He emphasized the need for an independent process free from external interference to elect a president capable of addressing Lebanon’s internal and regional issues. Speaker Berri expressed his gratitude to President Sisi and the Egyptian government for their steadfast political and humanitarian assistance. He acknowledged Egypt’s pivotal…

Somaliland, often hailed as the sole democratic stronghold in the Horn of Africa, has accused the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) of orchestrating a deliberate campaign to destabilize the region. The government of Somaliland alleges that Beijing has forged a covert alliance with Puntland and the Dhulbahante SSC militias, threatening its sovereignty and undermining decades of stability and progress. Somaliland’s leadership claims that China’s hostility stems from its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan, a stance that has put it at odds with Beijing’s foreign policy. Last week, Somaliland accused China of disguising truckloads of weapons as humanitarian aid to arm SSC militias…

On January 8, 2025, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during the 10th Summit of the Trilateral Cooperation Mechanism, which involves Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece. A statement from Egypt’s presidency highlighted the longstanding and strong relationship between the two nations, with both leaders emphasizing their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation. They discussed expanding partnerships, particularly in economic areas, and the importance of closer ties within the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF). Additionally, El-Sisi and Mitsotakis agreed on advancing the electricity interconnection project between Egypt and Greece and improving collaboration on migration and seasonal…

Members of Uganda’s Parliament have urged the National Planning Authority (NPA) to re-evaluate priorities in the upcoming National Development Plan (NDP) IV to address concerns over equity and regional development. During a meeting on January 7, chaired by Budget Committee Chairperson Hon. Patrick Isiagi, MPs highlighted the need to focus on underserved regions such as Karamoja, Bukedi, and Busoga. West Budama North MP Hon. Maximus Ochai called for prioritizing the most critical areas and strengthening NPA’s planning capacity. Pian County MP Hon. Remigio Achia criticized regional disparities in development planning, citing the lack of progress at Mt. Moroto University since…

Since June 2024, at least 80 people have gone missing in Kenya, sparking widespread concern among relatives and human rights groups, who suspect police involvement. The Kenyan National Commission for Human Rights recently reported 13 kidnappings over the Christmas period, including the disappearance of prominent satirical cartoonist Gideon Kibet, known as Kibet Bull. Kibet Bull, renowned for his caricatures of President William Ruto, vanished on Christmas Day but was released on January 6, along with five other social media activists. While Kibet Bull has refrained from disclosing details of his ordeal, he confirmed the reality of the abductions, urging the…

Following the U.S. sanctions on Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for alleged genocide, Sudanese observers and activists have highlighted what they see as a double standard in Washington’s approach, pointing to U.S. complicity in the Gaza crisis. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the sanctions on Tuesday, accusing the RSF and allied militias of targeting civilians, committing ethnic killings, and preventing access to humanitarian aid. The 18-month conflict between Sudan’s army and the RSF has left tens of thousands dead and millions displaced, creating a dire humanitarian crisis. However, Sudanese commentators and activists have called out the U.S. for…

Sudan has welcomed the United States’ decision to impose sanctions on Mohammad Hamdan Daglo, also known as Hemedti, the leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group, announced on Wednesday. A statement from Sudan’s Foreign Ministry accused Daglo of orchestrating “systematic atrocities” through the RSF against Sudanese citizens. The ministry urged nations globally to follow the U.S. example by sanctioning the paramilitary organization, its leadership, and its supporters. On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared that members of the RSF and their allied militias have committed acts of genocide in Sudan. “We are today sanctioning RSF leader…