Author: WAJ Editor

At least six foreign tourists lost their lives, and nine others were injured after a tourist submarine sank off the coast of Hurghada in Egypt’s Red Sea on Thursday, according to reports. The nationalities of the victims have not yet been confirmed. The submarine was carrying 45 tourists of various nationalities when the incident occurred. Emergency responders successfully rescued 29 passengers, according to a statement from the Red Sea governorate. However, authorities have not yet determined the cause of the sinking. This tragedy follows a similar incident four months ago when a tourist yacht capsized in the Red Sea amid…

A court in Algeria has sentenced 80-year-old French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal to five years in prison, accusing him of undermining the country’s territorial integrity following controversial remarks about Morocco and Algeria’s borders. Sansal was arrested in November after arriving in Algiers from Paris. His detention followed an interview with a far-right French media outlet in which he claimed that, during the colonial era, France had allocated too much land to Algeria and not enough to Morocco. He also suggested that the disputed territory of Western Sahara was historically Moroccan. The author’s imprisonment has drawn widespread condemnation from intellectuals and political…

Niger is undergoing a major political change with the Re-establishment Pact issued by the President of the National Homeland Council, General Abdourahamane Tchiani. The document, read by the Secretary-General of the Government, Maman Roufai Louali, profoundly redefines the country’s institutional structure. Following national assessments held between February 15 and 20, the Re-establishment Pact clearly stipulates the appointment of General Abdourahamane Tchiani as President. This decision was taken 20 months after Tchiani’s coup against Mohamed Bazoum. The Pact provides for a 60-month transition period, but this period is flexible depending on the security situation and the agenda of the Union of…

Liberian authorities have arrested Operating Room Technician Sam Wolobah for allegedly performing the surgery that led to the death of 30-year-old Samuel P. Kollie. The Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) confirmed Wolobah’s arrest and announced that the Lofa Medic Services Clinic in Neezoe, Jacob Town, where the incident occurred, will be closed immediately. The decision comes after allegations of medical malpractice in connection with Kollie’s death. An investigation by the LMDC revealed that Wolobah, who ran the clinic, falsely claimed to be a licensed physician despite not having a formal medical degree. He allegedly performed the surgical procedure that…

The proposed Naira-for-crude oil transaction framework poses significant risks to country’s foreign exchange stability and could discourage Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has cautioned. Olufemi Adewole, the association’s Executive Secretary, raised concerns over the volatility of the Naira, emphasizing that crude oil transactions are traditionally conducted in U.S. dollars due to its stability and global acceptance. He warned that deviating from this international standard could isolate Nigeria from global markets, reducing trade opportunities and deterring investors. “The global oil market operates in U.S. dollars for its predictability. Persisting with the Naira-for-crude…

Suspected militants launched coordinated attacks on a Nigerian army base and a military outpost in Borno State, resulting in at least 15 deaths, security sources reported. Militants linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP carried out the assaults late Monday night. The first attack targeted an army base in Wajiroko, where insurgents set military equipment ablaze. A soldier from the brigade confirmed that at least four troops, including the brigade commander, were killed, while others sustained injuries. A second attack occurred between midnight and early Tuesday in Wulgo, a village near Cameroon’s border. The assailants reportedly killed at least 11 Cameroonians…

Kenya has officially recognized the Republic of Kosovo as an independent state, marking a significant milestone in diplomatic relations between the two countries. The declaration acknowledges the country’s right to self-determination and notes that more than half of United Nations member states have already agreed to recognize it. The document also cites a 2010 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, which confirmed that Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of independence did not violate international law. Kosovar politician Behgjet Pacolli celebrated the recognition, noting that he had personally lobbied Kenyan officials since 2009 to make this moment possible. “This recognition is…

Efforts to expand solar energy in Mali are gaining momentum, offering some hope in a country grappling with persistent power outages, economic instability, and ongoing security threats. However, significant challenges remain as demand for electricity continues to outpace supply. In Bamako’s bustling Grand Marché, phone repairman Bourama Doumbia has seen his business suffer due to the unreliable electricity supply. “Power cuts used to last up to 38 hours last year. Although outages are less frequent now, I’ve lost a lot of customers because of the disruptions,” Doumbia said. Energy Crisis is Linked with Political Instability Mali’s worsening energy crisis has…

Tanzania has marked a significant milestone in its healthcare sector with the introduction of robotic-assisted neurosurgery at the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI), a development expected to revolutionize the treatment of brain, spine, and nerve disorders in the country. MOI Executive Director, Ambassador Dr. Mpoki Ulisubisya, stated that the institute will start performing these advanced procedures this week using cutting-edge brain neuronavigation technology. The new system, known as the Brain Lab Neuro-navigation system, offers real-time guidance during surgeries, greatly enhancing accuracy and patient outcomes. Speaking at the 11th International Conference of Neurosurgeons and Specialist Nurses held in Dar es Salaam on…

Libya’s Acting Foreign Minister, Taher Al-Baour, met with French Ambassador Mostafa Mihraje in Tripoli to explore ways to enhance bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. During the meeting at the Foreign Ministry, both officials emphasized the significance of the partnership of two countries in advancing shared interests. Discussions focused on strategies for joint coordination to promote stability and deepen political and economic ties. The talks also addressed the ongoing situation in Gaza, with both sides exchanging perspectives on regional developments. Additionally, preparations for the upcoming Libya-France Economic Forum, scheduled for April in Tripoli, were reviewed. The forum is expected to play…

At least 20 Cameroonian soldiers were killed early Tuesday in a surprise attack by Boko Haram insurgents disguised as herders and traders near the Nigerian border town of Wulgo, according to local security sources and residents. The militants reportedly infiltrated Wulgo — located near the volatile Lake Chad region — and launched a coordinated assault on Cameroonian military positions around 1 a.m., leading to heavy clashes that lasted two hours. “The insurgents overpowered the troops, burned down the military bases, and seized heavy weapons, including Soviet-made Shilka anti-aircraft guns,” one intelligence source said. The bodies of the fallen soldiers were…

The South Sudan Doctors’ Union (SSDU) has called on the government to urgently step up its response to a rapidly worsening cholera outbreak that has spread across several states, leaving thousands at risk. According to health officials, the outbreak — declared in October — has so far claimed 700 lives and resulted in over 40,800 confirmed cases nationwide. Many patients are still receiving treatment, while others have recovered. SSDU Secretary-General Luka Dut emphasized that safeguarding public health is a fundamental responsibility of the government. He stressed the urgent need for the Health Ministry to secure funding for essential medical supplies…

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed that the appointment of South Africa’s next ambassador to the United States falls solely under his authority, dismissing calls for broader consultation within the Government of National Unity (GNU). His statement comes in response to the Democratic Alliance (DA), which has urged that all GNU partners be involved in the selection of ambassadors. The country currently lacks an envoy in Washington following the recent expulsion of Ebrahim Rasool. Speaking on the sidelines of the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa’s (DENOSA) ninth congress in Boksburg on Tuesday, Ramaphosa made it clear that diplomatic…

The European Union (EU) has pledged an additional €150,000 in humanitarian aid to support Zambia’s response to the ongoing cholera outbreak, which threatens more than 1.9 million people. The funding will be directed toward the Zambia Red Cross Society’s efforts to provide clean water, healthcare, sanitation, and hygiene services. Community engagement initiatives will also be strengthened to help curb the spread of the disease. The outbreak, first reported in Nakonde District in December 2024, has escalated to 269 confirmed cases and nine fatalities as of February 20, 2025. Several districts have been affected, with Chililabombwe in Copperbelt Province among the…

A Tunisian student has been arrested after storming the pitch and waving a Palestinian flag during a 2026 World Cup qualifier in Tunis, the country’s student union announced on Tuesday. According to a statement from the General Tunisian Union of Students (UGTE), the student was detained after tearing down banners supporting Israel at Rades Stadium during Monday’s match between Tunisia and Malawi. The union described the act as a demonstration of solidarity with the Palestinian cause. UGTE condemned the arrest, calling it a violation of freedom of expression and the right to take a clear stance on national and humanitarian…

China’s Ambassador to Tunisia Wan Li announced that a Chinese company specializing in the cement sector will acquire a cement factory in Tunisia for over $100 million. This represents a significant investment in the North African country. Speaking to TAP television on March 23, Ambassador Wan Li described the deal as the first major Chinese direct investment in Tunisia in several years. He stressed that the acquisition will introduce modern technology and upgrade the plant’s equipment, improving both environmental sustainability and industrial performance. The plant, located near Tunis, is expected to benefit from technological advances and operational improvements. Wan Li…