Author: WAJ Editor

France has taken another step in its withdrawal from West Africa, as numerous soldiers departed from Chad today. The move is part of Chad’s, and many West African countries’ plan to send all French forces out of their country, with the withdrawal set to be completed by January 31. This marks a continuing shift in France’s military strategy in the region, where it has maintained a presence for years. The redeployment follows growing calls for a reassessment of foreign military involvement in West African nations.

Kenya, often called “Magical Kenya,” is one of Africa’s most beloved travel destinations, attracting visitors for its world-class safaris, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. However, like many countries, Kenya faces challenges related to safety, and it’s essential for tourists and expats to stay informed. Terrorism and Crime Risks: Kenya has been a target for terrorism, particularly from the Al-Shabaab group, due to its military involvement in Somalia. Recent attacks, like the bomb blast at a Nairobi hotel, have heightened security concerns. Tourists are urged to avoid areas close to the Somali border, particularly Garissa, Lamu (excluding the islands), and parts…

Ivory Coast’s army chief has suspended five officials tasked with combating cocoa smuggling after allegations of their involvement in trafficking cocoa beans to neighboring Guinea and Liberia. An investigation revealed that between 50,000 and 75,000 metric tonnes of cocoa had been illegally transported across borders since the start of the 2024/25 season. The suspended officials include the prefect, police commissioner, armed forces detachment head, gendarmerie brigade commander, and customs office head in the border town of Sipilou. Smugglers reportedly paid corrupt authorities an average of 15 million CFA ($23,500) per trailer truck to facilitate their activities, exploiting higher cocoa prices…

Nigeria’s inflation rate continued its upward trend in December, rising to 34.80% from 34.60% in November, marking the fourth consecutive monthly increase, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday. The report attributed the rise to heightened demand during the festive season, with food and non-alcoholic beverages being the main contributors to price pressures. Inflation initially surged following President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 economic reforms, which included the devaluation of the naira and the removal of subsidies to boost economic growth and stabilize public finances. Fuel Prices and Cost of Living Although inflation began to ease in…

The death toll from a cholera outbreak in South Sudan has climbed to 334, up from 274 last month, according to the Ministry of Health. The outbreak has spread across 28 counties in seven of the country’s 10 states and three administrative areas. Unity State’s Rubkona has recorded the highest number of cases, followed by the capital Juba, Aweil West in Northern Bahr El Ghazal, Mayom in Unity State, and Malakal, the capital of Upper Nile State. “The cumulative number of cases has reached 19,320, with 334 deaths reported,” said Harriet Akello Pasquale, a health ministry official. In December, the…

Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, highlighted the country’s ambitions to enhance its mining activities and projects during his participation in the fourth Future Minerals Forum (FMF) held under the theme “Towards a Global General Agreement on the Mining Sector.” During a ministerial roundtable, Badawi discussed key strategies, including advancing mineral exploration, promoting renewable energy industries, and modernizing mining operations. He also met with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef, to review Egypt’s initiatives aimed at expanding mineral exploration and operational development. Badawi emphasized the importance of integrating renewable energy into mining activities…

Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential Palace in Ankara on Wednesday as part of an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. According to the Prime Minister’s media office, the discussions focused on regional and international issues of mutual interest, enhancing economic and trade relations, and expanding cooperation in security and military sectors to bolster regional stability and shared security. The leaders also addressed Libya’s current situation and the ongoing efforts by Dbeibah’s government to achieve stability and comprehensive development. President Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to supporting these efforts, emphasizing…

South African police have announced the unexpected conclusion of a rescue operation at an abandoned gold mine where numerous illegal miners were trapped. Authorities believe all survivors have been rescued, and the bodies of those who perished have been retrieved. The announcement, made at a press conference at the mine, came as a surprise. Just a day earlier, the police minister had indicated the operation would likely continue into the following week. Since the operation commenced on Monday, authorities have recovered 78 bodies and rescued over 240 survivors from the mine. Police stated that a final sweep of the mine…

At the 15th session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly in Abu Dhabi, IRENA’s Director General for Energy Transition, Climate, and Green Industrialization, Safiatou Alouma, hailed South Africa as a leading example of successful renewable energy initiatives in Africa. Speaking at a press conference, Alouma emphasized the importance of strong political leadership in driving effective renewable energy programs. “South Africa’s renewable energy program demonstrates what can be achieved and serves as a model for other African nations,” she stated. South Africa’s Renewable Energy Program The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), launched during COP17 in 2011,…

Ahmed AbouZaid, a renowned Egyptian YouTuber and educational content creator, is facing criminal charges for allegedly engaging in illegal currency trading. The Egyptian Public Prosecution accuses AbouZaid of illicit financial dealings following his recent arrest. AbouZaid, the creator of the popular YouTube channel Droos Online, was detained at his home in the Nile Delta last week after withdrawing a significant sum of money from his bank account. He denies the charges, asserting that the funds were legally earned through his social media ventures. With over 11 million followers across platforms and nearly 8.7 million subscribers to his YouTube channel, AbouZaid…

The Ugandan government has come under fire from the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders following the arrest, alleged torture, and judicial harassment of prominent human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza. Kiiza was detained on January 7 at the General Court Martial in Makindye while representing opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye. Besigye, a retired colonel and former presidential candidate, along with his aide Haji Obeid Lutale, faces charges related to security offenses and unlawful possession of firearms. Critics argue these charges violate fair trial standards, as both men, civilians, are being tried in a military tribunal. Reports indicate that…

The African Union (AU) has initiated a comprehensive fact-finding mission to investigate human rights violations in Sudan, urging individuals, civil society groups, and human rights institutions to contribute reports of abuses since the onset of the conflict. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), in collaboration with the AU Department of Peace, Security, and Political Affairs (DPAPS), is leading the mission. The call for submissions, which runs until February 2, 2025, aims to collect detailed documentation to monitor, assess, and address rights violations effectively. In a statement, the ACHPR emphasized the importance of contributions to the mission’s work,…

Mauritius, renowned for its low crime rate, is considered one of the safest holiday destinations. With stunning beaches and vibrant culture, it attracts tourists from across the globe. However, like any destination, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas. Crime and Safety Although violent crime is rare and doesn’t significantly affect tourists, petty theft is reported in busy markets and cities. The island’s downtown areas may have a slightly higher crime rate, but overall, the island remains safe, even at night. Tourists are advised to stay vigilant, secure valuables, and avoid isolated areas after dark. Mauritius is…

Botswana has recorded disturbing figures for gender-based violence, with 93 rapes and 10 murders of women reported over a two-week period during late December and early January. These cases occurred between December 19 and January 2, as revealed by Botswana Police Service Commissioner Dinah Marathe. Of the 25 total murders during this period, 10 were linked to gender-based violence, and 93 cases of rape were reported, making up 61% of all recorded crimes. Marathe emphasized the troubling reality, stating, “What comes out clear is that we are a nation with a culture of violence.” The government had introduced new measures…

Rwanda has announced its first oil discovery in Lake Kivu, confirming the presence of 13 oil reservoirs in the region, which borders the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Francis Kamanzi, CEO of the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum, and Gas Board, shared the news during a parliamentary session, expressing optimism for further finds. “The good news is that we have oil,” Kamanzi stated, according to local media. He confirmed that 13 exploratory wells had identified oil in the lake, with expectations of discovering more due to the significant reserves already found in neighboring Uganda and DRC. Rwanda has conducted tests and exploratory…

Cabo Verde, also known as Cape Verde, is a relatively safe and peaceful destination for travelers. With its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, it’s no surprise that tourism has been on the rise. While crime rates are generally low, travelers should remain vigilant and take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Crime and Safety Theft, including pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is the most common crime, particularly in crowded areas, markets, and during festivals. Violent crime is rare but has occurred in isolated areas, usually at night. Avoid secluded beaches and walking alone after dark, especially in…