Author: WAJ Editor

Burkina Faso’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has granted clemency to more than 1,000 prisoners in a move aimed at easing prison congestion and promoting reintegration into society. Effective January 1, 2025, approximately 400 inmates will receive full pardons, while 750 others will benefit from partial pardons. Additionally, three individuals serving life sentences will have their sentences commuted to fixed jail terms. Justice Minister Rodrigue Bayala described the initiative as a “New Year gesture” intended to give prisoners a second chance and encourage them to contribute to national development. The measure also aligns with the government’s ongoing prison reform agenda. Captain…

Aliou Bah, a prominent opposition leader and head of the Liberal Democratic Movement (MoDel), has been arrested for allegedly “insulting” Guinea’s interim military president, according to his lawyer and party officials. Bah was detained on Thursday while traveling to neighboring Sierra Leone with two colleagues. His lawyer, Antoine Pepe Lamah, described the arrest as politically motivated, calling Bah a “prisoner of conscience.” Lamah asserted that Bah’s only offense was criticizing the state for the growing incidents of kidnappings and forced disappearances. Human rights groups have condemned Bah’s detention, raising concerns about increasing repression under Guinea’s military government. The arrest is…

The Chief Imam of Lagos Central Mosque, Ridhwan Jamiu, has commended Nigerian President Bola Tinubu for his leadership, describing his performance as praiseworthy despite the difficulties facing Nigerians. In a statement released by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, the cleric expressed confidence in the president’s capabilities. “We are proud of you,” Mr. Jamiu said, recalling his support for Tinubu during the election campaigns. “We thank God that you have not disappointed us.” During his Friday sermon, the cleric highlighted President Tinubu’s commitment to justice and fairness, urging him to continue his efforts. “We know you are capable, sagacious, and competent. We…

From April 12 to 16, 2025, the city of Santiago de Cuba will host the 23rd International Conference on African and Afro-American Culture, dedicated to honoring the contributions of African women and those in the diaspora to their families, communities, and societies. For women of African heritage, this conference is an opportunity to highlight our collective history, strength, and resilience. Roxana Beatriz Chacón, deputy director of the “Fernando Ortiz” African Cultural Center, emphasized the importance of this gathering for amplifying the voices and experiences of African women across the globe. Through a multidisciplinary lens, topics such as gender, identity, race,…

Morocco has unveiled a $9 billion plan to upgrade its railway infrastructure, aiming to expand the network and improve transport accessibility nationwide. The initiative will add 1,280 kilometers of high-speed railway lines by 2040, significantly extending the current 320-kilometer network. The project includes extending regional routes to better connect major cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakesh. The number of cities served by rail will more than double, increasing from 21 to 43, with 87% of the population set to benefit from modern railway services. Boosting Connectivity and Economic Growth This ambitious program is expected to create jobs, attract foreign investment,…

An Egyptian citizen fighting for Russia was captured by Ukrainian forces during a recent battle near Kurdiumivka, in the Donetsk Oblast. The incident highlights the growing reliance of Russia on foreign fighters amid manpower shortages caused by heavy losses in the war. The Egyptian, reportedly part of a Russian assault group, was taken prisoner by the 28th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Footage released on 26 December showed the aftermath of the engagement, though the exact date of the incident remains unspecified. African and Asian Fighters in Russia’s Ranks According to Ukrainian military reports, the captured mercenary, dressed…

The South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) announced that six deaths, two injuries from violence, and 47 traffic accidents were recorded during the Christmas festivities between 24 and 26 December. SSNPS Spokesperson Col. John Kassara Koang Nhial described the overall security situation across the country’s 10 states and three administrative areas as normal, despite incidents reported in Central and Eastern Equatoria states. Violent Incidents in Central Equatoria On 24 December, a 21-year-old National Security Service officer was stabbed in Juba’s Referendum residential area and later died from his injuries. A suspect has been detained, and investigations are ongoing. Later that…

On Libya’s Independence Day, Crown Prince Mohammed El Hassan El Rida El Senussi delivered a poignant speech calling for national unity and a return to constitutional monarchy. The Prince emphasized the importance of restoring Libya’s historical identity and stability in the face of ongoing internal divisions and external interference. The speech comes at a time of significant regional upheaval, particularly following the recent collapse of the Assad regime in Syria. The Prince drew parallels between the two countries, highlighting the dangers of fragmented governance and foreign interference. He warned that Libya could face a similar fate if decisive action is…

The Nigerian government has vehemently refuted claims made by Niger Republic’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, accusing Nigeria of colluding with France to destabilize the country. In a statement released by the Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, the government dismissed the allegations as unfounded and a product of imagination. Idris emphasized that Nigeria has always maintained a cordial relationship with Niger and has never engaged in any activities to undermine its stability. The Minister further highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace and security, citing the country’s active role in combating terrorism within the region. He stressed that Nigeria has never harbored…

The Eritrean government has dismissed a recent BBC report claiming that an Eritrean official expressed concerns about the Ankara Agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia. The BBC article quoted an individual named Abdulkadir Idris, purportedly an advisor to the Eritrean Foreign Ministry, as stating that Ethiopia’s interest lies in establishing a naval base rather than securing sea access. The report further suggested that Eritrea might reconsider its relations with Somalia if such a base were granted. However, Eritrea’s Information Minister, Yemane Meskel, has categorically denied the authenticity of the report. He asserts that no such official exists within the Foreign Ministry…

Kenya’s police have denied any involvement in the recent wave of abductions targeting government critics, following accusations from human rights groups. Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja stated that the police were not responsible for the disappearances, which have raised concerns about illegal detentions since the anti-government protests in June and July. Human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, have pointed to a shadowy unit within various security agencies, including military intelligence, as responsible for the abductions. The latest victims include young social media users critical of President William Ruto’s government. While the police maintain their innocence, they have not indicated…

Angolan President Joao Lourenço has pardoned around 50 prisoners, including José Filomeno dos Santos, the son of former President José Eduardo dos Santos, who was serving a five-year sentence for corruption-related crimes. The pardon, announced via a presidential decree on Wednesday, cited the prisoners’ “good behavior” and “lack of social danger” as reasons for their release. José Filomeno dos Santos, 46, was convicted in 2020 for embezzlement and influence peddling, notably involving the fraudulent transfer of $500 million from Angola’s national bank to an account in the UK. This marked the country’s first major corruption conviction since Lourenço assumed office…

France has officially handed over its first military base in Chad as part of its planned withdrawal of forces from the country, according to the Chadian army. The base, located in Faya-Largeau in the northern region, was transferred on Thursday. The Chadian military stated that it will keep the public updated on the progress of the withdrawal, including the handover of French bases in Abeche and the capital, N’Djamena. More French troops are expected to leave Chad in the coming days following the Chadian government’s request for their departure.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced on Thursday that the country has suffered a loss of approximately $7 billion in revenue due to disruptions in shipping through the Red Sea. The losses, representing a 60% decline in Suez Canal revenue compared to 2023, are attributed to regional challenges, particularly the ongoing attacks by Houthi fighters in Yemen. Since November, the Houthis have carried out nearly 100 attacks on ships in the Red Sea, reportedly in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. These attacks have caused significant disruptions in global trade, forcing shipping companies to reroute vessels around…

The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have reported the downing of six drones allegedly operated by Rwandan special forces over the conflict-ridden North Kivu province, according to Congolese news agency ACP. This development comes amid ongoing tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, exacerbated by accusations of Rwandan support for the M23 rebel group. Rwanda has consistently denied any involvement with the movement. In late July, attempts to establish a ceasefire were initiated after talks facilitated by Angolan President Joao Lourenço. Foreign ministers from both nations agreed on a ceasefire set to begin on August 4,…

Umaro Sissoco Embaló, President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, has expressed condolences to Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev following the tragic crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane on December 25, which resulted in numerous fatalities. In his message, President Embaló conveyed his deep sorrow over the incident. “It is with great sadness that I learned about the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane on December 25, resulting in the tragic loss of many lives,” he wrote. Speaking on behalf of the people of Guinea-Bissau and himself, Embaló extended heartfelt condolences to President Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan, offering sympathy…