Author: WAJ Editor

France has refrained from directly responding to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s accusations of maintaining a colonial attitude, instead highlighting the “shared interests” between the two nations. In a written statement, the French Foreign Ministry avoided commenting on Tebboune’s call for France to acknowledge crimes committed during Algeria’s struggle for independence. The ministry emphasized the strong human ties and mutual interests linking the countries, as well as shared concerns about regional security. France reiterated its desire to strengthen relations in various sectors and stressed the importance of dialogue. Tebboune’s remarks on December 30, 2024, accused France of perpetuating colonial practices, continuing…

A volcanic eruption occurred in Ethiopia’s central Mount Dofan area, part of the Afar region, following weeks of frequent tremors, local media reported on Friday. The Awash Fentale region, located approximately 230 kilometers (142 miles) from the capital Addis Ababa, has experienced over a dozen minor earthquakes recently, with some tremors felt as far as the capital. This has raised fears of a potential larger disaster. Authorities are working to mitigate risks by relocating residents from high-risk areas to safer locations, according to Regional Administrator Abdu Ali, who noted the intensifying power of the tremors, including one felt in Addis…

In 2024, Nigeria’s power sector experienced significant developments, including policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and increased private sector involvement, all aimed at enhancing energy reliability and sustainability. Key Milestones: Despite these advancements, the sector continues to grapple with challenges such as frequent power outages, inadequate infrastructure, and the need for substantial investment to meet the country’s growing energy demands. Efforts to address these issues include partnerships with private firms to deploy solar energy solutions across Nigeria, aiming to enhance electricity access and reduce dependence on traditional energy sources. As Nigeria moves forward, the focus remains on implementing effective policies, attracting investments,…

The Kenya Space Agency has refuted reports suggesting it had demanded compensation from India following the fall of a 500kg metallic object in Mukuku village, Makueni County, on December 30, 2024. The object, initially mysterious, was later identified as rocket debris. Reports circulating on January 3, 2025, claimed that Kenya had asked India for compensation, with some insinuating that the debris originated from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). However, the Kenya Space Agency clarified that investigations into the object’s origin are still ongoing, and no official link to ISRO or any specific space mission has been confirmed. The agency…

Somalia, along with Pakistan, Panama, Greece, and Denmark, officially joined the United Nations Security Council as non-permanent members on Thursday, marking the start of their two-year term for 2025-2026. A ceremonial event led by Algeria, the council’s president for January, welcomed the new members, who are taking over seats previously held by Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland. These countries’ terms concluded on December 31, 2024. Election and Term Details Elected in June 2024 during a UN General Assembly vote, the new members will serve on the council from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026. Somalia secured 179 votes,…

Uganda plans to initiate its third petroleum exploration licensing round in the fiscal year beginning July 2025, the government announced on Thursday. This move comes as part of efforts to expand oil and gas exploration in the country. Energy and Mineral Development Minister Ruth Nankabirwa revealed that new areas have been identified for exploration, with licensing set to occur during the 2025/2026 fiscal year. The country first discovered crude oil nearly two decades ago in the Albertine Graben basin near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, with production expected to commence this year after multiple delays. In August…

Ivory Coast is intensifying efforts to combat cocoa smuggling after an estimated 50,000 metric tonnes of cocoa, valued at approximately $573 million, were illegally transported between October and December 2024, according to exporters. Rising cocoa prices, which more than doubled last year, have fueled the illicit trade. Smugglers reportedly earn 5,000 CFA francs ($7.95) per kilogram in Guinea, far above Ivory Coast’s fixed farmer price of 1,800 CFA francs per kilogram. Once across the border, the smuggled cocoa is exported to Asian markets, including Indonesia and Malaysia. Exporters warned that smuggling could undermine supply for legal contracts. “Corruption is accelerating…

Tullow Oil announced that the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has ruled the Branch Profit Remittance Tax (BPRT) does not apply to its operations in Ghana’s Deepwater Tano and West Cape Three Points offshore fields. As a result, the West Africa-focused energy company is exempt from the $320 million BPRT assessment and will not incur future liabilities related to this tax, which applies to profits remitted by foreign businesses to their parent companies abroad. Tullow Oil stated it remains in discussions with the Ghanaian government to resolve two additional tax claims.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is utilizing mobile courts to address human rights violations and war crimes, particularly in conflict-affected eastern regions. These courts bring judicial processes directly to remote villages, ensuring accountability for crimes such as sexual violence, murder, and forced pregnancy, while fostering local reconciliation and education. Key Achievements The mobile courts enhance public confidence in justice systems by making legal processes accessible and reducing the psychological burden on victims. They also educate communities on the rule of law and deter future crimes. Despite progress, issues such as victim protection, stigma, and safety remain critical. The UN…

A court in Burkina Faso has handed down life sentences to two individuals for their roles in a deadly 2017 attack on the Aziz Istanbul restaurant in the capital, Ouagadougou, which claimed 19 lives. In August 2017, two gunmen opened fire on patrons at the Turkish-owned restaurant, located on Ouagadougou’s main avenue. The assault, which resulted in the deaths of 10 Burkinabe citizens and nine foreigners, ended when security forces killed the attackers. No group claimed responsibility for the incident, though it followed a pattern of assaults targeting areas frequented by expatriates. The counterterrorism unit overseeing the case announced that…

The United Nations has commended Zimbabwe’s recent decision to abolish the death penalty, encouraging other nations to follow suit or implement moratoriums on capital punishment. On Tuesday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed a law commuting the sentences of approximately 60 death row inmates to jail terms. Zimbabwe’s Death Penalty Abolition Act prohibits courts from issuing death sentences and mandates the conversion of existing ones to imprisonment. The country had already observed a moratorium on executions since 2005, despite continued sentencing for crimes such as murder, treason, and terrorism. UN’s Call for Broader Action UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk applauded Zimbabwe’s…

Africa’s Bitcoin mining activity has reached 3% of the global hashrate as of December 2024, a remarkable milestone for a region historically underrepresented in cryptocurrency mining. Ethiopia, leveraging 100% renewable energy, accounts for 2.5% of this share, underscoring the continent’s growing role in sustainable Bitcoin mining. Africa’s progress has been fueled by investments in renewable energy and government-backed initiatives. Ethiopia’s extensive use of hydroelectric and solar power has positioned it as a leader in sustainable crypto mining. The continent’s mining output has more than doubled since 2023, highlighting rapid growth and adaptation to the global crypto economy. Bitcoin mining projects…

Amid escalating post-election unrest in Mozambique, outgoing President Felipe Nyusi has ruled out foreign mediation and emphasized dialogue as the way forward, according to a Portuguese news outlet. During a Monday reception with leaders of parliamentary political parties and the extra-parliamentary New Democracy (ND) party, Nyusi expressed confidence in Mozambique’s ability to resolve its own challenges. “When we handle the issue ourselves, we find solutions free from schemes, arrangements, or hidden interests,” he said. Nyusi also held individual meetings with key political figures, including Albino Forquilha of Podemos—whose candidate, Venâncio Mondlane, is leading the protests—and Daniel Chapo, president-elect and secretary-general…

Refugees at the Goz al-Haj Camp (one of many refugee camps in Sudan and in near countries) in Sudan are enduring severe hardships, including food shortages, cold weather, and inadequate medical support, as they flee violence caused by clashes between the military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The camp, located in Shendi, north of Khartoum, shelters nearly 8,000 displaced people in 300 tents. Residents recount traumatic experiences with the RSF, who are accused of looting, violence, and forcing families to flee their homes. Refugees describe the journey to safety as grueling, with some losing loved ones along the way.…

Montreal-based Aya Gold & Silver Inc. has announced plans to invest an additional $50 million in its Zgounder silver mine in Morocco over the coming years. This follows the company’s successful launch of commercial production at its expanded processing plant. The newly constructed plant began ore processing on November 4, 2024, with the first silver pour on November 27. Commercial production was declared on December 29, less than two months after operations commenced. Over a 30-day period ending December 29, the plant processed 45,683 tonnes of ore, achieving a daily average processing rate of 1,523 tonnes and a silver recovery…

Starting in early 2025, Ghana will grant visa-free entry to citizens of all African countries, following approval by President Nana Akufo-Addo in December. The move fulfills a commitment made by the president during the Africa Prosperity Dialogues, aimed at fostering “stronger ties across Africa.” The policy is expected to boost tourism, trade, and travel to the West African nation, addressing long-standing concerns that visa restrictions have hindered these sectors. Previously, Ghana allowed visa-free access for citizens of 26 African countries and visas on arrival for 25 others, with only two nations requiring visas before travel. This decision places Ghana alongside…