Author: WAJ Editor

Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah has warned that Libya risks becoming a “battlefield” amid allegations of Russian military equipment being moved from Syria to eastern Libya following Bashar al-Assad’s fall. During a press conference on Thursday, Dbeibah voiced concerns about Libya becoming a stage for international conflicts, stressing that foreign intervention without national consent is unacceptable. Libya remains divided between the UN-recognized government in Tripoli and a rival administration in the east, led by Khalifa Haftar, who has received long-standing support from Russia. Reports suggest Russia has transferred resources from its Syrian bases in Tartus and Hmeimim to Libya. Italian…

The number of fatalities from Cyclone Chido in Mozambique has increased to 73, according to the National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management. This marks a significant rise from the 45 deaths reported just a day earlier, as authorities continue to assess the devastation caused by the storm, which struck the country on Sunday. Cyclone Chido has left widespread destruction in its wake, prompting ongoing relief and recovery efforts.

Kenyan President William Ruto announced significant changes to his Cabinet on Thursday, December 19, appointing three new members, including close allies of former President Uhuru Kenyatta. The reshuffle saw Mutahi Kagwe, Lee Kinyanjui, and William Kabogo join Ruto’s administration in key positions. As part of the changes, Ruto dismissed two Cabinet Secretaries who had been in office for less than five months. Andrew Karanja, who served as the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, was replaced by Mutahi Kagwe. Margaret Njuguna, the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication, and Digital Technology, was also relieved of her duties, with former Kiambu…

The South African government has extended the registration deadline for spaza shops to February 28, 2025, following delays and concerns about bureaucratic challenges. The extension comes in the wake of deadly food poisoning incidents that have claimed the lives of dozens of children, raising public alarm over the safety of products sold in these shops. Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa announced the extension, initially set to expire on December 17, after many shop owners reported difficulties navigating the registration process. In Gauteng Province alone, over 25,000 forms were issued, but fewer than half were returned. The Black…

Moroni has rejected claims by France that Comoros is encouraging illegal migration to the French overseas territory of Mayotte, following the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, during a visit to Mayotte, accused Comoros of engaging in a “clandestine policy” to flood the island with Comorian migrants as part of an alleged occupation strategy. Retailleau also announced plans to intensify crackdowns on migrant boats arriving from the neighboring nation. In response, an advisor to Comorian President Azali Assoumani dismissed the allegations as baseless and inappropriate, accusing France of using migration to deflect attention from its failure…

Four French nationals detained in Burkina Faso since December 2023 have been freed after a year, following mediation efforts by Morocco, French officials confirmed on Thursday. The individuals, previously described by France’s foreign intelligence agency (DGSE) as spies, were released after diplomatic negotiations involving Morocco’s King Mohammed VI and Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed gratitude to King Mohammed VI for facilitating the resolution, calling it a “humanitarian act.” Morocco’s foreign ministry echoed the sentiment, praising the collaboration between the two nations and their shared commitment to good relations. The release comes amid a backdrop of…

A significant $45 million investment has been announced to enhance vaccine production capabilities in Senegal. The funding, provided by the U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), will support VaxSen, the vaccine production and distribution unit of the Pasteur Institute in Dakar. The agreement, signed on December 13th in the presence of Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, highlights Senegal’s leadership in advancing healthcare across Africa. The investment aims to improve local vaccine manufacturing, fortify supply chains, and create a robust distribution network, aligning with the African Union’s Vision 2040 goal of…

Daystar University in Nairobi has canceled a partnership with the Israeli government to establish a “Zion Forest” on its campus following public criticism over the ongoing war in Gaza. The agreement, signed earlier this week by Israeli Ambassador to Kenya Michael Lotem and Daystar University Vice-Chancellor Professor Laban Ayiro, aimed to plant over 5,000 trees on university grounds. However, it faced backlash from Kenyans expressing solidarity with Palestinians, citing the high civilian toll in Gaza, where over 45,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023. In a statement, Vice-Chancellor Ayiro clarified that the university does not support the ongoing conflict,…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that Mauritania’s economy will grow by 4.6% in 2024, marking a slowdown compared to previous years. This trend is expected to continue into 2025 and 2026, primarily due to reduced activity in the extractive industries. Despite the deceleration, the IMF acknowledged Mauritania’s economic resilience but highlighted its vulnerability to extreme weather events and regional instability. In its latest assessment released on December 18, the IMF advised Mauritania to maintain a prudent fiscal approach, including simplifying tax regulations. This strategy could enable increased investments in infrastructure and expanded social spending, all while ensuring debt…

Despite Nigeria’s vast solar potential, efforts to boost the industry and provide reliable electricity have faced significant setbacks. Fourteen planned solar farms, once seen as a game-changer, failed to materialize due to a lack of government guarantees and Nigeria’s reputation as a risky investment destination. While small-scale solar systems have gained popularity, creating jobs and providing limited power for homes, larger projects remain stalled. Many Nigerians still rely on costly, polluting diesel generators due to frequent grid outages, with over 80% of the population lacking adequate electricity. The World Bank’s recent $750 million program aims to improve access for 17.5…

A Guinean court has sentenced Mohamed Diane, a former defense minister under ex-President Alpha Conde, to five years in prison for embezzlement, illicit enrichment, money laundering, and bribery. Diane, who served in Conde’s administration from 2015 until its overthrow in a 2021 coup, was also ordered to pay 505 billion Guinean Francs (€55 million) in damages to the state. The Court for the Repression of Economic and Financial Offenses (CRIEF) further mandated the confiscation of Diane’s real estate in Kankan and Conakry and the seizure of his bank accounts in both local and foreign currencies. Detained since May 2022, Diane…

Libya’s Minister of Social Affairs, Wafa Al-Kilani, held talks with Malta’s Ambassador to Libya to discuss strengthening collaboration in humanitarian and social initiatives. The discussions centered on improving capacity building for humanitarian efforts, supporting programs for individuals with disabilities, and increasing community awareness on social issues. Al-Kilani highlighted the ministry’s dedication to fostering partnerships in the social sector, underscoring their significant role in improving the lives of vulnerable populations.

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a €139.68 million loan to support youth employment and entrepreneurship in Côte d’Ivoire. The initiative focuses on training young people and fostering job creation in key sectors with significant growth potential. The funding includes €126.32 million from AfDB’s commercial window and €13.36 million from its concessional arm, the African Development Fund. It aims to enhance socio-professional integration by equipping young Ivorians with skills and supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. Key Project Highlights Aligning Training with Market Needs The initiative will work with trade associations, private companies, incubators, and agri-industrial clusters to…

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held bilateral talks on Wednesday with Egypt’s Bedr Abdulati and Iran’s Abbas Araghchi during the Developing Eight (D-8) Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting in Cairo. The meetings, part of ongoing diplomatic engagements, took place on the sidelines of the summit focused on fostering cooperation among member states. The Turkish Foreign Ministry shared photos of the discussions on social media platform X but did not disclose specific details about the topics addressed. The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation comprises Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Türkiye, promoting development and collaboration among its members.

The Botswana government has dismissed claims that President Duma Boko received gifts, including cattle, from Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa during his recent visit. In a statement issued Tuesday, the Office of the President labeled the allegations as “baseless” and a deliberate attempt to undermine diplomatic ties between the two nations. The presidency firmly denied that President Boko, who is not involved in agricultural activities, had received any such gifts. It described the claims as “deliberate propaganda” aimed at misleading the public, tarnishing the administration’s reputation, and damaging the strong relationship between Botswana and Zimbabwe. The statement urged the public to…

Burkina Faso and the Republic of the Congo are taking steps to enhance economic cooperation, with a recent high-level meeting focusing on trade and investment opportunities. The talks brought together business leaders from both nations and Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré. Led by Issa Compaoré, the delegation highlighted the potential for increased collaboration, emphasizing Burkina Faso’s resilient business sector despite persistent security challenges. The delegation expressed confidence in the capacity of Burkina Faso’s entrepreneurs to drive economic growth in the region. Minister Traoré welcomed the initiative, affirming the Ministry’s commitment to supporting business partnerships and…