Author: WAJ Editor

Nestled deep within the southeastern Congo rainforest, the Bayaka tribe—also known as the Aka, Biaka, or Babenzele—is a remarkable community with traditions that have stood the test of time. Spread across countries like Congo, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and Gabon, this nomadic tribe is considered one of the earliest Bantu inhabitants of the Congo Basin. Their migration to this tropical forest region dates back over 30,000 years, during which they established symbiotic trade relationships with forest foragers. The Bayaka’s Unique Approach to Parenthood Among the Bayaka, family bonds are celebrated in ways that set them apart from many societies…

Sierra Leone has recalled its ambassador to Guinea after Guinean authorities discovered seven suitcases of suspected narcotic in an embassy vehicle, the country’s foreign minister, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, announced Thursday. The vehicle, impounded on Monday, was carrying two individuals who were detained on suspicion of drug possession. The ambassador, Alimamy Bangura, was not in the vehicle and is not currently under arrest. However, he has been summoned to Freetown to provide a full account of the incident. Authorities also recovered $2,000 in cash along with the suspected cocaine. A comprehensive investigation is underway to identify those responsible, with Sierra…

Renewed clashes between government forces and M23 rebels in DR Congo’s North Kivu province have severely disrupted the delivery of humanitarian aid, displacing over 100,000 people since the start of 2025, according to the UN. The province already houses more than 2.8 million displaced individuals—over one-third of its population. The Congolese army (FARDC) has reported recapturing several key towns previously held by M23 rebels. However, humanitarian agencies warn that ongoing violence has left many without essential supplies such as food and medicine. Tensions between DR Congo and neighboring Rwanda have deepened amid allegations that Rwanda supports M23 rebels. Rwandan President…

The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has announced a roadmap for its primary elections, emphasizing transparency and inclusivity through the adoption of a secret ballot system. The primaries will take place in two phases: mid-February for constituencies without sitting Members of Parliament and mid-April for those with incumbents. The move comes as Malawi prepares for the general elections in September, where voters will choose councilors, Members of Parliament, and the President. By adopting the secret ballot, MCP aims to ensure free and fair candidate selection, empowering voters to make choices without coercion or bias. Jessie Kabwira, MCP’s publicity secretary, reaffirmed the…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported at least eight deaths in a suspected Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania’s Kagera region. The Ministry of Health has deployed experts to collect samples and conduct laboratory tests, assuring the public that surveillance systems have been strengthened. Nine individuals have exhibited symptoms, including high fever, vomiting blood, and severe bleeding, with some victims being healthcare workers. The virus, which spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids, has raised concerns due to its high mortality rate and rapid spread. WHO warns of potential regional spread, given Kagera’s borders with Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi. Preventive…

Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have called for the swift implementation of a ceasefire agreement aimed at halting the ongoing violence in Gaza. The call comes a day after Qatar brokered a deal to end over 15 months of Israeli attacks on the Palestinian enclave. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, in talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on January 15, 2025, stressed the urgent need for the ceasefire to begin without delay. The deal, announced by Qatar on January 14, 2025, seeks to bring an end to the bloodshed in Gaza, which…

Nigeria’s oil and gas reserves saw modest increases in 2024, with crude oil production rising by 26% from April 2023 to late 2024, according to the country’s oil regulator. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) reported a 1.45% rise in oil reserves and a 0.21% increase in natural gas reserves compared to the previous year. The country, Africa’s largest oil producer, holds approximately 37 billion barrels of proven oil reserves and 209 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves. Oil theft, which has plagued the industry in recent years, has significantly reduced with improved security measures, leading to a notable…

Kenyan President William Ruto has significantly elevated Kenya’s role in the African Union (AU) election, actively campaigning for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to become the next chair of the African Union Commission (AUC). Ruto’s diplomatic efforts have involved high-level engagements with leaders across Africa, aiming to position Kenya as a central player in shaping the continent’s future. Ruto’s shuttle diplomacy began after Odinga’s candidacy launch in August 2024, and has gained momentum with support from regional leaders such as Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and South Sudan’s Salva Kiir Mayardit. This push is part of…

Nine Nigerian soldiers were killed, and five others remain missing following a gunfight with Boko Haram militants in the country’s northeast, military sources reported on Thursday. The clash occurred on January 14, 2025, as soldiers were returning to the fishing town of Baga after attending a mass burial for farmers who had been killed by the rival insurgent group ISWAP two days earlier. “Seven soldiers died on the spot, while two of the three injured succumbed to their wounds in the hospital,” one officer revealed, adding that another soldier was wounded in the firefight. The soldiers had earlier assisted residents…

Zimbabwe has officially abolished the death penalty following President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s approval of a new law. The decision comes after the country’s parliament voted in December 2024 to eliminate capital punishment. While Zimbabwe has not conducted an execution since 2005, courts continued to issue death sentences for severe crimes such as murder. At the end of 2023, around 60 individuals remained on death row, according to Amnesty International. This move marks a significant shift in Zimbabwe’s justice system and aligns with global efforts to end the death penalty.

Malaria deaths in Kenya have plummeted by 93% over the past eight years, according to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO). Fatalities dropped from 15,061 in 2015 to just 1,060 in 2023, far exceeding the WHO’s target of a 63% reduction and highlighting the success of targeted health interventions. The dramatic decline is attributed to widespread initiatives, including the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets and the rollout of the groundbreaking RTS,S malaria vaccine—the world’s first malaria vaccine. The report underscores the effectiveness of Kenya’s public health strategies in combating malaria and sets a strong example for malaria…

Africa installed an additional 2.5 GW of solar capacity in 2024, bringing the continent’s total capacity to 19.2 GW, according to the African Solar Industry Association (AFSIA). Utility-scale projects accounted for the majority of these installations, while energy storage capacity saw a remarkable tenfold increase, reaching 1.64 GWh, compared to 157 MWh in 2023. AFSIA’s Africa Solar Outlook 2025 report highlights that the new additions represented just 0.5% of global solar capacity growth, a proportion last seen in 2013. “This low share does not reflect Africa’s vast solar potential or its urgent energy needs,” the report stated, emphasizing the importance…

Tanzania’s Health Minister, Jenista Mhagama, has dismissed reports of a Marburg Virus Disease outbreak in the country’s Kagera region, stating that all tests conducted as of January 15, 2025, have returned negative results. This clarification follows an alert issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) placing Kenya and five neighboring countries on high alert due to claims of eight deaths attributed to the virus in Tanzania. “The Ministry of Health received reports about a potential Marburg outbreak and immediately dispatched experts to investigate, collect samples, and conduct laboratory tests,” Mhagama said in a statement on Wednesday. “As of today, January…

The United Nations has raised concerns over the growing trend of African nations allocating more of their budgets to servicing debts than to funding education, leaving millions of children without access to essential learning opportunities. A report by UNICEF, titled “Prospects for Children in 2025: Building Resilient Systems for Children’s Futures,” revealed that among 34 African Union countries with available data, 15 are spending more on debt repayment than on education. This shift in priorities is occurring as children face mounting challenges from climate change, conflict, and economic instability. The report highlights that nearly 400 million children reside in countries…

Madagascar, with its unique biodiversity and stunning landscapes, is a dream destination for many. However, safety concerns require travelers to plan carefully and remain vigilant during their stay. Here’s a complete guide to navigating the risks and enjoying a safe holiday on this island nation. Crime and Safety Awareness:Madagascar has widespread crime, including muggings, petty theft, armed robberies, and kidnappings, particularly in tourist areas like Antananarivo. Tourists are advised to: Avoid No-Go Areas:Stay away from Batterie Beach near Toliara and specific parts of Antananarivo, including steps leading to the Rova, Avenue de l’Indépendance, and Analakely Market. Safety for Women Travelers:Solo…

African leaders have emphasized the need for international cooperation and technological innovation to combat climate change and promote sustainable development across the continent. Speaking at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week on Wednesday, leaders stressed the importance of synergy between nations to tackle environmental challenges while driving economic growth in Africa. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu highlighted the necessity of global collaboration, stating, “No nation can walk the road to sustainability alone. The fight against climate change is not merely an environmental necessity but a global economic opportunity to reshape the trajectory of our continent and the global energy landscape.”…