Author: WAJ Editor

On December 18, 2024, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill, amounting to N47.96 trillion, to a joint session of the National Assembly. The President arrived at the National Assembly chambers at 12:12 p.m., accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima. Prior to Tinubu’s arrival, key government officials, including APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, and several ministers, had gathered for the session. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his welcome address, emphasized the need for reforms and announced the extension of the 2024 budget to June 2025. He noted…

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andriy Sibiha, has officially invited Libya’s interim Foreign Minister, Taher Al-Baour, to visit Kyiv, signaling efforts to deepen diplomatic ties between the two countries. The invitation was delivered during a meeting in Tripoli on Tuesday, where Al-Baour hosted Ukraine’s Special Envoy for Middle East and African Affairs, Maxim Sobh, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. According to a statement from the Libyan ministry, Sobh presented a written message from Minister Sibiha, inviting Al-Baour to visit Ukraine “at a time that suits him.” Discussions during the meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations, reviving the Libyan-Ukrainian…

Efforts to finalize a sovereignty agreement over the Chagos Islands between the UK and Mauritius have hit a setback, as Mauritius’ new Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam, has rejected the draft deal brokered by his predecessor. Ramgoolam argued that the proposed agreement “would not produce the benefits the nation could expect” and confirmed that talks have resumed with new counter-proposals. The deal, initially struck under the previous Mauritian administration, included a plan for the UK to cede sovereignty over the Chagos Islands—also known as the British Indian Ocean Territory—while retaining a lease for the strategically vital UK-US military base on Diego…

The African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS) has released a harrowing report exposing the systematic use of sexual violence as a weapon in Sudan’s ongoing conflict. The report, published yesterday, documents extensive abuses committed by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), including rape, gang rape, forced prostitution, and sexual abductions. The ACJPS report highlights the appalling scope of the violence, stating, “Girls as young as nine and women up to the age of 75 have been subjected to widespread sexual violence by the warring factions.” In the Darfur region, the RSF and…

ITA Airways, Italy’s national carrier, will introduce flights between Rome and Libya’s Mitiga International Airport starting January 12, the Libyan Embassy in Rome has announced. Initially, the service will operate twice a week, as confirmed during a meeting between Libyan Ambassador Muhannad Saeed and ITA Airways’ Head of International Affairs, Giorgio Garbiglio. The airline has also expressed plans to expand operations to additional Libyan airports in the future. Ambassador Saeed assured the airline of support to overcome potential operational challenges, emphasizing that the new route would bolster bilateral ties. The embassy highlighted that the initiative is aimed at strengthening economic…

Nigerian authorities are investigating nearly 800 individuals apprehended during a large-scale raid targeting internet fraud in Lagos on December 10, 2024. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) described the operation as the largest in its history, following months of intelligence gathering and surveillance. EFCC spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren revealed that 792 suspects, including 193 foreigners—primarily Chinese nationals—were arrested in a seven-story building described as a “hustle kingdom,” allegedly used to train individuals in cybercrimes such as romance and investment scams aimed at victims in North America and Europe. Uwujaren emphasized the operation’s significance, highlighting the growing involvement of foreign nationals…

The sixth edition of the Lagos Canine Carnival, attracted dozens of pet owners and their furry companions, turning the venue into a vibrant celebration of dogs from across Nigeria. Dogs of all breeds and sizes paraded down the red carpet in colorful costumes, wings, and accessories, fitting this year’s theme, “Angels on Paws.” The carnival provided a platform for owners and their pets to showcase their unique bond while fostering a sense of community among dog lovers. One of the highlights was a blessing ceremony led by Catholic priest Reverend Father Michael Chike-Osamor, who sprinkled holy water on the dogs.…

The Kenyan Cabinet, under the leadership of President William Ruto, has approved defense cooperation agreements with Ghana, France, and Türkiye to strengthen Kenya’s global alliances and safeguard national sovereignty. In a statement from State House, the Cabinet highlighted that the agreements would usher in a new era of defense collaboration, focusing on joint training, personnel exchanges for professional development, and mutual protection of interests. The meeting also addressed several other national priorities. A review and enhancement of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system was approved to accommodate growing tourist numbers and address concerns from stakeholders. Additionally, a comprehensive transformation strategy…

Ethiopian lawmakers have passed legislation permitting foreign banks to operate subsidiaries in the country, marking a significant shift in the nation’s financial landscape. The new law, approved by a parliamentary majority, is part of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s push to open Ethiopia’s historically state-controlled economy to foreign competition and investment. However, progress on these reforms has been hindered by internal conflicts, including the Tigray civil war from 2020 to 2022, and international sanctions. Under the law, foreign firms can own up to 49% of shares in Ethiopian banking entities, according to the Addis Standard. Analysts see this move as a…

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has launched an investigation into the deaths of wildlife and aquatic animals at Lake Chivero, following contamination of the water. The pollution, which has severely impacted Harare’s main water source, has resulted in the deaths of four white rhinoceroses, three zebras, and various birds and livestock. Cyanobacteria in the water has also caused over 1,000 fish to wash ashore, raising concerns among local fishermen and residents who depend on the lake. Lake Chivero, a Ramsar-protected site recognized for its international ecological significance, is a crucial wetland and water source for Zimbabwe. Known…

Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba began a five-day state visit to Cuba on December 14, 2024, aimed at enhancing bilateral relations between the two nations. The visit comes as both nations aim to further their longstanding relationship, which traces back to Namibia’s independence struggle, when Cuba played a crucial role by supporting Namibia’s SWAPO liberation movement. Invited by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, the visit focuses on deepening economic cooperation, expanding South-South partnerships, and fostering stronger business and economic links. During the trip, President Mbumba is scheduled to meet with Díaz-Canel to discuss ways to scale up bilateral cooperation across various…

On December 16, 2024, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) approved the intergovernmental agreement for the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline, now officially named the “Africa Atlantic Gas Pipeline” (AAGP). The approval marks a significant milestone for the region’s energy future, with the pipeline set to enhance energy security and drive industrial growth across West Africa and beyond. The project will connect 13 Atlantic coast countries, including Benin, Togo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal, along with three non-coastal nations like Mali and Burkina Faso, forming a vital energy corridor spanning over 5,600 km. The pipeline will transport Nigerian gas to…

Tanzania has rejected claims by the European Union that its national airline, Air Tanzania, has been banned from flying in EU airspace. The EU’s decision to add Air Tanzania to its Air Safety List, citing safety concerns identified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), was met with a strong response from the Tanzanian government. Genson Msigwa, Tanzania’s chief government spokesperson, clarified that Air Tanzania was not operating in EU airspace to begin with, and thus there is no issue of a “ban.” He explained that the airline is currently working with European authorities to obtain the necessary permissions…

Mali has taken a major step in its economic development with the commissioning of the Goulamina lithium mine, located in the Bougouni region. The mine, inaugurated on December 15, 2024, by General Assimi Goita, president of Mali’s transitional government, positions the country as a significant global player in lithium production—a critical resource for electric vehicle batteries and green technologies. The Goulamina mine, one of the world’s largest lithium deposits, is projected to produce 500,000 tons of spodumene concentrate annually over its 23-year lifespan. This output places Mali at the forefront of lithium production in West Africa, catering to the rapidly…

Botswana’s recent decision to lift its ban on vegetable imports from South Africa is expected to alleviate food inflation and provide households with access to affordable produce. Under the leadership of President Duma Boko, the policy change aims to address the high cost of vegetables in Botswana, where inflation rates for these goods have reached double digits, compared to a 2.6% deflation in South Africa’s vegetable prices in November. The lifting of the ban will occur in two phases. Effective immediately, restrictions on importing vegetables like pumpkins, sweet potatoes, green peas, eggplants, and mushrooms have been removed. Phase two, scheduled…

A Ugandan court has directed the government to compensate victims of former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander Thomas Kwoyelo, awarding up to $2,500 to each victim. The ruling comes after Kwoyelo was convicted in August for his involvement in numerous crimes against humanity, including murder, rape, torture, and kidnapping, committed during his time with the LRA. Kwoyelo, sentenced to 40 years in prison in October, was found unable to provide compensation to his victims, prompting the court in Gulu, northern Uganda, to hold the government accountable. The judges stated that the atrocities committed were a result of the government’s failure,…