Author: WAJ Editor

Senegal’s President Bassirou Dioumaye Faye announced on Tuesday that all foreign military forces would leave the country by 2025, marking the first time a specific timeline has been set for the closure of foreign military bases. In a New Year’s address, Faye revealed that he had instructed the armed forces minister to draft a new defense and security cooperation strategy, emphasizing Senegal’s sovereignty. This announcement follows his November statement requiring France to close its military bases in Senegal, a former French colony. “From 2025, all foreign military presences in Senegal will end,” said Faye, who was elected in March and…

Nigeria has reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining peace and stability in West Africa, addressing rising tensions with Niger following comments from Abdourahman Tchiani, President of Niger’s National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland. In a statement, Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the country’s commitment to dialogue as the key to resolving issues and assured that Nigeria would not take actions that could undermine Niger’s sovereignty or security. Tuggar highlighted the historical and cultural ties between Nigeria and Niger, stressing their shared economic interests and mutual dependence. He warned against allegations that could exacerbate tensions and hinder…

On December 31, 2024, Zimbabwe passed the Death Penalty Abolition Act, officially abolishing capital punishment. This marks Zimbabwe as the 127th country worldwide to end the death penalty. The move follows years of public and political debate, initiated by an opposition bill led by Edwin Mushoriwa, with amendments made by the government. Zimbabwe had not executed anyone since 2005, and public support for the death penalty had been a significant obstacle to change. However, research by the Death Penalty Project revealed that most Zimbabweans were either indifferent to capital punishment or open to its abolition. A 2017 survey found that…

South Africa’s Eskom has successfully reconnected the second unit of its Koeberg Nuclear Power Station to the national grid after a major refit, providing a significant boost to the country’s electricity supply amid ongoing power challenges. Koeberg, located north of Cape Town, is the only commercial nuclear power plant in Africa and contributes about 1,860 megawatts, or 5% of the nation’s power. This marks a positive shift for Eskom, which has faced years of controlled power outages. The utility has managed to provide uninterrupted electricity for the past nine months, helping to restore business confidence in South Africa’s industrial economy.…

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) called for an immediate halt to the ongoing violence in Mozambique, where 278 people have died since protests erupted over alleged electoral fraud in October. The protests began after the electoral authority declared Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party the winner of the presidential elections. This victory reignited anger over corruption, economic stagnation, and political dominance. Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the current chairperson of SADC, expressed deep concern over the loss of life, injuries, and destruction of property, which has led to economic disruptions and hindered cross-border trade. In her statement, Hassan…

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli reaffirmed Egypt’s dedication to preserving its cultural heritage through the modernization of historical Cairo, a key aspect of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s development vision. Speaking at the handover ceremony of the “Arabesque” project in the Sour Magra El Oyoun district, Madbouli detailed efforts to transform the once-polluted and neglected area into a sustainable urban center. The redevelopment is part of a broader plan, with over EGP 22 billion invested in central Cairo projects, including the restoration of Fustat Gardens, Ain El-Sira Lake, and Azbakeya Park. Madbouli highlighted Fustat Gardens, a 500-acre project set to…

Harare, the capital province of Zimbabwe, has experienced significant infrastructure developments in 2024, transforming its landscape with new roads, housing projects, and industrial expansions. Under the Second Republic’s development philosophy, Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo (A nation is built by its citizens), Harare has been a key beneficiary of nationwide progress. Housing targets were achieved through public-private partnerships, while extensive road refurbishment and construction, ahead of the 44th SADC Summit, marked major successes. Signature projects included the completion of the Robert Mugabe International Airport VVIP Pavilion, a pharmaceutical warehouse, the Varun Beverages expansion, and the Champion Foods Milling…

In a remarkable year of operations, the Nigerian Armed Forces neutralized 10,937 terrorists, including over 1,000 key leaders, and rescued 7,063 kidnap victims across the country in 2024. Additionally, 12,538 criminals were apprehended, while 16,171 terrorists and their families surrendered, according to Maj-Gen Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations. The military also confiscated a significant arsenal, including 8,815 weapons and 228,004 rounds of ammunition. Among the weapons recovered were 4,332 AK47 rifles, 1,244 locally fabricated guns, 838 dane guns, 259 pump-action shotguns, and 2,131 assorted firearms. The seized ammunition included 128,496 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 45,445 rounds of…

The South Sudan National Police Service announced on Monday the arrival of 10 South Sudanese deported from Egypt. Police spokesperson Col. John Kassara Koang Nhial confirmed the deportees landed at Juba International Airport on December 23, 2024, and were reunited with their families as no criminal charges were filed against them. In a security update, Nhial reported that the overall situation from December 26 to 30, 2024, was relatively calm across the country, with no road ambushes or highway attacks reported during the Christmas period. However, isolated incidents of violence and criminal activity were noted in some states. In Kuach…

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised former US President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 100, for his unwavering opposition to apartheid and his advocacy for Palestine. In his eulogy, Ramaphosa described Carter as a compassionate and principled leader, dedicated to human rights and global peace. He acknowledged Carter’s vocal criticism of the apartheid regime in South Africa at a time when the government was attempting to secure global support for its unjust policies. Ramaphosa also noted that Carter holds a “special place” in South Africa’s history, particularly for his role as a founding…

Algerian Foreign Minister, Ahmed Attaf, stated that any solution to the Western Sahara issue that deviates from the decolonization framework is nothing more than a “myth.” During a press conference in Algiers, Attaf reaffirmed Algeria’s position on the matter, emphasizing that proposals such as the autonomy plan for Western Sahara contradict the principles of decolonization. He reiterated that the Sahrawi people have an inalienable right to self-determination, and that the Moroccan occupation of the territory is illegitimate. Attaf highlighted that Algeria’s stance on Western Sahara is grounded in historical constants, making it a strong and valid position. He also pointed…

On 30th December, Türkiye expressed their condolances to victims of the road accident in Ethiopia. In a statement shared by Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they said: “Regarding the Road Accident in EthiopiaWe are deeply saddened by the loss of many lives in a road accident that occurred in Sidama state in Ethiopia.We extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to the people of Ethiopia.”

Malawi’s economic outlook for 2024 is promising, with the country’s leading companies showcasing significant growth despite global and regional economic challenges. The performance of key sectors, including finance, telecoms, tourism, and agriculture, highlights a steady recovery and increased resilience in the economy. The financial sector has been a cornerstone of Malawi’s economic revival, with major players like NICO Holdings, FDH Bank, National Bank of Malawi, and NBS Bank posting record profits. NICO Holdings saw profits soar by over 120%, reaching MK131 billion, while FDH Bank’s profits grew by 131% to MK41 billion. This strong financial performance reflects a growing confidence…

Madagascar remains in crisis as communities affected by Cyclone Gamane brace for new storms in the coming months. The March 2024 cyclone devastated northern and northeastern regions, displacing 22,000 people, destroying 20,000 homes, and leaving 220,000 in need of humanitarian aid. Farmers like Emerencienne Razafindratombo in Sava region face ongoing food insecurity as flooded fields delay rice harvests and threaten vanilla crops. Cyclone damage caused rice prices to triple, forcing families to rely on emergency food aid. The World Food Programme (WFP), in partnership with the government, has distributed food and cash assistance to 72,000 people. Specialized nutrition programs target…

Henkel, a global leader in consumer and industrial products, has announced plans to bolster its operations in Egypt, positioning the country as a key export hub for products, solutions, and services across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Roland Haefs, Henkel’s Executive Vice President of Global Business Solutions (GBS+), highlighted Egypt’s strategic location and skilled workforce as critical to the company’s regional growth strategy. Haefs underscored the role of digital transformation in enhancing operational efficiency, leveraging advanced technologies like artificial intelligence to stay competitive. The company also emphasized its commitment to diversity, with women making up 70% of the workforce…

Police in Nairobi fired teargas on Monday to disperse demonstrators protesting against a wave of alleged abductions of government critics. Some protesters were detained during the demonstrations, which human rights groups blame on extrajudicial actions by police and intelligence services. Dozens of abductions have been reported in recent months, prompting protests in downtown Nairobi, where demonstrators chanted anti-government slogans and held placards condemning illegal detentions. Riot police patrolled on horseback as sit-ins and marches unfolded across the city. Among those protesting was opposition Senator Okiya Omtatah, who joined a sit-in where demonstrators chained themselves together. Kenyan media reported that Omtatah…