Author: WAJ Editor

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…

Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Badr Abdelatty, expressed full support for any measures that would ensure Lebanon’s security and stability during a meeting with Gebran Bassil, the head of Lebanon’s Free Patriotic Movement. Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s commitment to backing Lebanon, particularly following the election of a new president and government, as well as the implementation of the cessation of hostilities agreement that came into effect on November 27. He emphasized that these steps could open a new chapter for Lebanon’s political landscape. The Egyptian minister also voiced hopes that these changes would empower Lebanon’s national institutions, particularly the Lebanese army,…

France is set to introduce a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council aimed at increasing pressure on Rwanda to withdraw its troops from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, French Ambassador to the UN Nicolas de Riviere announced on Friday. De Riviere emphasized the need for a clear and strong message from the Security Council, calling for an end to foreign military involvement and a resumption of diplomatic talks. However, he noted that the proposed resolution does not include sanctions at this stage. Once the draft is circulated among the 15-member council, negotiations will take place to finalize the…

Amid a surge in gender-based violence in Kenya, women across the country are preparing to fight back. In Nairobi’s Korogocho settlement, a group of elderly women known as Cucu Jikinge—Swahili for “Grandma, Protect Yourself”—is training in basic karate skills to defend themselves against attackers. According to police data, at least 97 women were killed in femicides—gender-motivated killings—between August and October 2024. While official figures for previous years are incomplete, data from Africa Data Hub suggests a disturbing trend: 75 femicides were recorded in 2023, up from 46 in 2022. Activists warn that economic hardship, entrenched patriarchy, and weak legal protections…

Nigeria’s proposed tax reform will help ease inflation by reducing costs for most households, according to presidential adviser Taiwo Oyedele. Speaking on Friday, Oyedele dismissed concerns that the plan could worsen economic conditions, arguing that it would ultimately benefit the majority of Nigerians. Since taking office, President Bola Tinubu has implemented major economic reforms, including ending fuel subsidies and devaluing the currency twice. Now, in his second year, he is turning his focus to tax system reforms with the goal of bringing down inflation from 34.8% in December to 15% by the end of the year. Key Tax Proposals The…

Congolese forces, supported by Burundi’s military, have managed to slow the southern advance of M23 rebels, who recently seized Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The rebel group, reportedly backed by Rwanda, had begun pushing toward Bukavu in neighboring South Kivu province, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. After initial gains, the Congolese army, alongside Burundian soldiers and local militias, has succeeded in preventing further M23 advances, according to South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki and other sources. Around 1,500 troops have been deployed to defend Nyabibwe, a key town located 50 km from…

At least 5,000 former Boko Haram fighters in Nigeria have abandoned the terrorist group and reintegrated into their communities, an official has confirmed. Mairo Musa Abbas, head of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE), stated that the ex-combatants underwent rehabilitation under the government’s Operation Safe Corridor program before being reunited with their families. According to local reports, community leaders and the National Orientation Agency are monitoring their reintegration across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas. Abbas highlighted the success of the “Borno Model”, a strategy designed to reintegrate former militants, and called on regional stakeholders, including governors around Lake Chad, to…

Cervical cancer remains a major health crisis for women in Africa, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting that 19 of the 20 countries with the highest incidence rates are on the continent. In 2022 alone, over 100,000 new cases were recorded in Africa, leading to more than 76,000 deaths—equivalent to nearly nine lives lost every hour. Despite these alarming statistics, medical advancements and increased HPV vaccine coverage offer hope for eliminating the disease within a generation. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasizes that, unlike most cancers, cervical cancer is both preventable and curable if detected early. HPV Vaccination…

The commander of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, has admitted recent setbacks as the Sudanese army continues to make advances, particularly in the capital, Khartoum. In a video message on Friday, Hemedti urged his fighters to remain focused on upcoming objectives rather than dwell on territory lost to the army. “To all forces on all fronts, do not focus on the areas the army has taken—whether it is the General Command in central Khartoum, the Signal Corps in Bahri, Jili town, or Wad Madani,” he stated. Army Gains and Intensified Conflict Despite acknowledging…