Author: WAJ Editor

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), despite growing calls for the withdrawal of South African troops following the deaths of 14 soldiers in the ongoing conflict. The violence in the eastern DRC has intensified with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels making significant advances, including capturing the city of Goma last week. The rebels have threatened to march towards the capital, Kinshasa. This escalation has sparked alarm across Africa, leading to emergency meetings by regional groups. Ramaphosa emphasized that lasting peace in the region requires a collective international effort. “South Africa…

Madagascar has put forward its first-ever candidate for the African Union Commission chairmanship, nominating former Foreign Affairs Minister Richard Randriamandrato for the top job. His candidacy signals the island nation’s ambition to play a more active role in shaping Africa’s future. Randriamandrato, a seasoned diplomat and former Minister of Economy and Finance, is one of three contenders vying for the position. He faces competition from Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf. Despite his short tenure as Madagascar’s Foreign Affairs Minister in 2022, Randriamandrato brings extensive experience in international relations, having served as…

A newly discovered natural wonder in Ayegbaju-Ekiti, Ekiti State, is generating excitement among tourism enthusiasts. Dubbed the “Mystery of Ayegbaju’s Tree of Love”, the site features an unusual fusion of a tree and a palm tree, symbolizing resilience and unity. The Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Wale Ojo-Lanre, revealed that the discovery was made by environmental expert and former World Water Council president, Michael Ale. The mysterious site was found within an agro-tourism farm owned by a private investor. Describing the phenomenon, Mr. Ojo-Lanre explained that the tree and the palm appear to be locked in…

Rwanda’s well-structured tourism industry, which attracts high-end travelers, has become a key reference point for Uganda’s struggling sector, according to Amos Wekesa, CEO of Great Lakes Safaris. Wekesa highlighted how Rwanda’s tourism model, with luxury accommodation rates reaching up to $5,000 per night, provides lucrative opportunities for tour operators. Meanwhile, Uganda’s tourism sector faces challenges due to inconsistent government communication, which has led to damaging travel advisories and discouraged potential visitors. “Uganda remains a safe and appealing destination, but conflicting messages from government officials often result in negative advisories that take months to undo,” Wekesa said. He pointed out that…

Ethiopia is a country rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, making it a must-visit destination in Africa. While the country is generally safe for tourists, there are certain risks and precautions travelers should be aware of. Serious or violent crime against tourists is rare, but as in any country, vigilance is key. Most visitors have positive experiences, particularly when traveling with reputable tour operators. Crime tends to increase after dark, so extra caution is advised at night. Political and Environmental Risks Ethiopia has internal political tensions that generally do not affect tourists but should still be considered. Specific areas…

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held a phone conversation on Sunday with his Equatorial Guinean counterpart, Simeon Oyono Esono Angue, to discuss efforts to enhance security and stability across Africa, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan. Equatorial Guinea currently holds the presidency of the African Peace and Security Council for this month. Both ministers emphasized the need to intensify diplomatic efforts to support political solutions for conflicts and promote regional stability. During the call, Abdelatty conveyed greetings from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to Equatorial Guinean President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, highlighting the strong ties between the…

Burkina Faso has officially launched its new AES passport, with Captain Ibrahim Traoré becoming the first recipient. The move follows the recent withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), signaling a shift towards regional integration under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The introduction of the AES passport is seen as a step towards strengthening ties between the three nations and promoting a unified identity. In Ouagadougou, many residents believe the passport will help counter negative perceptions of the region and highlight the economic potential of the AES bloc. Local graphic…

Djibouti security forces launched a drone strike near the Ethiopian border, killing eight members of a rebel group and causing civilian casualties, the country’s defense ministry announced on Sunday. The attack targeted militants in Addorta, a Djiboutian locality about six kilometers from the Ethiopian border. Authorities stated that the strike was aimed at neutralizing a “terrorist group” engaged in hostile actions posing a threat to military outposts. However, they acknowledged that some civilians were also affected, without specifying the number of casualties. Presidential advisor Alexis Mohamed identified the militants as members of the Armed Front for the Restoration of Unity…

Despite a fragile calm returning to Goma, the capital of North Kivu province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), humanitarian agencies have raised alarms over worsening conditions as hospitals struggle to cope, essential supplies run low, and the risk of disease outbreaks increases due to bodies left in the streets. The recent wave of violence erupted when M23 rebels launched a major offensive against government forces, resulting in at least 700 deaths and 2,800 injuries in just five days, according to the UN. The conflict has displaced around 500,000 people in the past month alone, with thousands fleeing to…

The United Nations Security Council is set to hold a session this month to review the latest developments in Libya, focusing on security, political, and humanitarian issues, according to the Security Council Report. The meeting, led by the UN representative in Libya, will also include a separate report from the Sanctions Committee detailing its recent activities in the region. Diplomatic sources indicate that council members may consider a closed-door discussion with Libya’s rival factions to explore possible solutions to the country’s prolonged political crisis. The council remains committed to supporting a Libya-led political process aimed at facilitating elections and restoring…

Tanzania has confirmed the deaths of two of its soldiers in ongoing clashes between M23 rebels and the Congolese military in eastern Congo. The soldiers were killed in separate attacks in Sake and Goma, with four others injured. At least 20 peacekeepers, including 14 from South Africa, have died in the recent fighting, with casualties also reported among Malawian and UN forces. The UN estimates that over 700 people have been killed and 2,800 injured in the past week, as thousands flee to Rwanda. The M23 rebels, accused of seeking control over the region’s natural resources and allegedly backed by…

The Sudanese army has reclaimed control of Al-Hasaheisa and Al-Rufaa in Al-Jazira State from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to military sources. Field commander Colonel Al-Abadi Al-Tahir confirmed the development in a video statement, citing heavy losses inflicted on RSF fighters. This follows the army’s recent recapture of Wad Madani. The conflict in Sudan, ongoing since April 2023, has resulted in thousands of casualties. Meanwhile, RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo has acknowledged the loss of key territory.

A devastating road accident on the Benin-Ore-Ijebu Ode Expressway in Ondo State of Nigeria has resulted in the deaths of at least 30 people. The incident, which occurred on Saturday evening in the Onipetesi community within the Odigbo Local Government Area, involved a head-on collision between two commercial buses, both of which burst into flames upon impact. Authorities from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the tragedy on Sunday. Ondo Sector Commander, Samuel Ibitoye, revealed that preliminary investigations suggested one of the vehicles had been traveling in the wrong direction. “Thirty people lost their lives in the accident. Twenty-eight…

Rwanda has welcomed a proposal for a joint summit between the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) to address the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Tensions have escalated as the M23 armed group, which the UN and several nations claim is backed by Rwanda, has gained ground in the DRC. Meanwhile, Rwanda accuses Kinshasa of supporting the FDLR, a militia linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Rwanda’s foreign ministry emphasized its commitment to a political resolution, though it criticized the presence of SADC’s peacekeeping force in the region. President Paul Kagame…

Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Deby emphasized that achieving “autonomous security” is a crucial priority for the country following the withdrawal of French military forces. On Thursday, France vacated its last military base in Chad, marking the end of its military presence in the country, a day ahead of the deadline set by Chadian authorities. In a ceremony in the capital, N’Djamena, Deby declared, “It’s a new sunrise for a fully sovereign Chad, determined to take charge of its own destiny.” He stressed the importance of building a stronger and better-equipped national army to effectively address security threats. While Deby confirmed…

The death toll from violent clashes in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has reached at least 700, according to a UN spokesperson. Intense fighting erupted on Sunday and has continued throughout the week, leaving many injured and causing widespread devastation. The UN, along with the World Health Organization and local partners, conducted a joint assessment from Sunday to Thursday, noting that 2,800 people have been wounded. The death toll is expected to rise further. The UN expressed grave concerns over reports of executions by rebel groups, particularly the M23, who have escalated…