Author: WAJ Editor

Tanzania’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, in collaboration with Finland’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, is nearing the launch of a transformative project designed to revitalize Tanzania’s forestry sector. This announcement was made during a meeting in Finland between Tanzania’s Permanent Secretary for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Hassan Abbasi, and Finland’s Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry, Pekka Pesonen. The initiative aims to significantly enhance the value of Tanzania’s forestry sector, making it a more commercially viable industry. Dr. Abbasi emphasized that Tanzania can gain valuable insights from Finland, which has a thriving forestry sector that serves as…

Four residents of Shurugwi, Zimbabwe, who were physically tortured by Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) officers during the Covid-19 lockdown, are set to receive a total of $40,000 in compensation after winning a legal case against the army commander and the Defence Minister. The residents, Grant Zinyuke, Moreblessing Ncube, Batler Jabangwe, and Mavhuto Kachepa, sued Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri and ZNA commander Lieutenant-General Anselem Sanyatwe for damages resulting from the torture they suffered in 2021. During the government-enforced lockdown, soldiers went on a violent spree and assaulted the residents. Sanyatwe and Muchinguri were held accountable in a trial at Shurugwi Magistrates…

Algerian national oil company (NOC) Sonatrach signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Niger’s NOC SONIDEP to explore opportunities for cooperation in hydrocarbon exploration and production. Signed during a working visit to Algiers by Nigerien Minister of Petroleum Sahabi Oumarou, the agreement paves the way for the companies to form partnerships in hydrocarbon exploration, production, refining, petrochemicals and petroleum product distribution. According to Sonatrach, the agreement aligns with its goal to strengthen partnerships with Nigerien firms through joint exchange programs, particularly in specialized training. Prior to the signing, Sonatrach CEO Rachid Hachichi met with Minister Oumarou to discuss enhancing oil…

Ghana and the IMF reached a staff level agreement for a loan worth $3 billion, an inroad in the West African country’s efforts to improve its public finances. Ghana is on a debt-restructuring program after it defaulted on most of its $30 billion international debt in 2022. “Performance under the IMF-supported program has been generally satisfactory. All end-June 2024 quantitative targets were met, and progress on key structural reforms has continued notwithstanding delays in a few areas,” the IMF said in a statement. In June, the International Monetary Fund gave the greenlight for the disbursement of 360 million dollars to…

To combat Nigeria’s malnutrition crisis, the federal government, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the World Bank have teamed up to launch a nationwide initiative aimed at helping 11 million children suffering from malnutrition. This effort will primarily target pregnant women, adolescent girls, and children under five across 11 high-risk states. The partnership was unveiled during the Faith Actors Workshop/Public Sensitization Lecture on Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRIN) held in Abuja. The event brought together key stakeholders, including faith leaders, healthcare professionals, and government officials, to discuss strategies for improving nutrition. Archbishop (Dr.) Daniel Okoh, President of CAN,…

Türkiye’s Diyanet Foundation Saturday inaugurated the TDV Chanika Education Center in Dar es Salaam, the business capital of Tanzania. The center will accommodate over 60 orphans and underprivileged children, offering comprehensive education in Quranic studies, social sciences, and character development. The facility in the East African country also features recreational amenities such as a basketball court and children’s games.Fatih Kurt, board member of the TDV, a group connected to the Turkish Religious Affairs Directorate, stressed that the center aims to nurture brotherhood and community welfare, rooted in Islamic principles of love and mutual support. The initiative, serving children and young…

The regional government of Andalusia, Spain has sounded the alarm that the decision by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) to annul trade agreements between the EU and Morocco in the areas of fisheries and agriculture will “severely harm” the Andalusian fishing fleet. The ruling specifically impacts 45 Andalusian vessels that operate using purse seine nets and small-scale fishing methods, most of which are based in the Gulf of Cádiz. According to Spanish media reports, Ramón Fernández Pacheco, the Andalusian Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, explained that the main fishing grounds used by this…

Kenya’s Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, who is facing possible impeachment, has announced that he will defend himself before the National Assembly on Tuesday. Speaking from his official residence in Nairobi on Monday, Gachagua confirmed he will present his defense for two hours before the 349-member assembly, which will later vote on whether to impeach him. For the impeachment motion to pass to the Senate, at least two-thirds of the National Assembly — 233 members — must vote in favor. If the Senate, consisting of 67 members, proceeds with the case, a two-thirds majority vote — or 45 members — would…

Sierra Leone is preparing to host the UN Women in Tourism Africa Regional Congress in Freetown from October 29-31, 2024. Under the theme “Beyond Empowerment to Education, Innovation, and Finance Access,” the event is being organised in collaboration with UN Tourism and supported by UN Women and the African Union. The three-day congress will gather prominent leaders, policymakers, and women entrepreneurs from across Africa to discuss practical strategies for advancing women’s roles in the tourism sector. Tourism plays a crucial role in Africa’s economic growth, and women make up nearly 67% of the continent’s tourism workforce. Despite this, they are…

Rescue operations are ongoing in Zambia’s Mumbwa District after a mine pit collapse left 10 people dead and five injured, police reported on Monday. The police stated that a group of miners had gone to work at the pit earlier that day when the ground suddenly caved in, trapping several of them beneath the rubble. Efforts are currently focused on rescuing any miners who may still be trapped under the debris. Local politician Collins Nzovu assured that all necessary assistance would be provided, and a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the accident.

Cameroon Floods Displace 70,000, Thousands Flee to Chad for Safety Officials in Cameroon report that fresh floods have displaced at least 70,000 people from temporary camps set up for flood victims along the country’s northern border with Chad and Nigeria. Some of these victims have crossed into neighboring Chad, where ongoing floods have already left at least two million people homeless, according to Chad’s government. Kamsouloum Abba Kabir, a lawmaker representing the town of Kousseri on Cameroon’s northern border, urged residents to seek safety in local schools, mosques, and churches as waters from the overflowing Lake Chad basin continue to…

The representative of Djibouti, Mohamed Siad Doualeh, has called on international financial institutions to provide developing nations with increased subsidies and access to financing on more favorable terms. Speaking on global economic challenges, he emphasized the pivotal role of the United Nations in economic coordination, urging the Economic and Social Council to continue leading efforts in addressing emerging issues, fostering innovation, and promoting the integration of economic, social, and environmental goals in sustainable development. Djibouti has implemented several ambitious, multidimensional initiatives to combat climate change and enhance national resilience. However, the representative expressed concern that climate and development financing remains…

The Ministry of Local Governing held discussions on waste management in Libya with the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The meeting saw a discussion on a number of joint initiatives to support and develop the capacities of municipalities in the fields of environmental management and urban planning. The attendees agreed to implement steps to enhance the technical and administrative skills of local cadres. In addition, 75 trainees who participated in a training program on waste management using the “Wact” application, which specialises in calculating waste components, were honored in appreciation…

Manuel José Gonçalves, Mozambique’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, has emphasized the urgent need for enhanced international cooperation to address global challenges and secure a brighter future. Speaking on the slow progress of the 2030 Agenda, Gonçalves urged the mobilization of resources to finance its goals, and called for stronger partnerships to tackle terrorism, poverty, conflict, and climate change. Addressing the ongoing calls for reform of the United Nations Security Council, Gonçalves joined advocates for Africa to be granted a permanent seat, citing it as a necessary step to correct historical injustices. He also praised the adoption of…

Kenyan athlete Kipyegon Bett, who won a bronze medal in the 800m at the 2017 World Championships in London, has passed away at the age of 26 due to renal and hepatic failure. Bett first gained recognition as a champion at the U20 World Championships in 2016 in Bydgoszcz, Poland, and was viewed as one of Kenya’s brightest middle-distance talents. However, his career took a downturn in 2018 when he was suspended for doping after testing positive for erythropoietin (EPO), a substance known to enhance athletic performance. Bett consistently denied using the drug. After completing his suspension in August 2022,…

The MAScIR Foundation under the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) of Rabat, Morocco, announced, Monday, in Benguerir, that the new diagnostic kit “UM6P-MAScIR MPOX qPCR” was ready to be marketed in Morocco and Africa. Developed by a research team from the Center for Kits, Diagnostics and Medical Devices at the Foundation, this test had been clinically validated by the National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB), in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and registered with the Directorate of Medicines and Pharmacy (DMP) under the Ministry of Health and Social Protection. This is an in vitro amplification test based on real-time…

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has called for urgent reforms in the judiciary to address the issues of frivolous appeals, the intimidation of judges, and the reliance on technicalities in delivering judgments. Speaking at the 6th Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)/National Judicial Institute (NJI) Capacity Building Workshop in Abuja on Monday, the President stressed the judiciary’s vital role in combating corruption. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu highlighted the need for these challenges to be curbed to ensure the swift adjudication of corruption cases. He acknowledged the progress made in prosecuting corruption cases due to recent justice sector…

American multinational ExxonMobil has invested over $100 million in social projects in Angola over the past 30 years, according to Katrina Fisher, ExxonMobil’s Country Manager for Angola. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Energy Capital & Power during the fifth edition of the Angola Oil & Gas conference last week, Fisher said these investments have targeted projects in the healthcare sector and Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-related initiatives. “Just this past year, we kicked off two major programs, including the Jr. NBA project connecting basketball players with STEM. The second is the STEM education contest where students from Angola,…

Authorities in Ivory Coast have confiscated 33 trucks loaded with approximately 1,100 tonnes of cocoa beans, which were being smuggled across the border into Guinea. This operation was led by the Coffee and Cocoa Council (CCC), the country’s regulatory body, according to sources within the council. The rise in cocoa smuggling comes as both Ghana and Ivory Coast, the world’s top cocoa producers, face poor harvests. A military source, along with multiple buyers and exporters, confirmed the details of the seizure but requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak on the matter. The region’s cocoa production has plummeted,…

In a joint effort to enhance strategic approaches to peace and security, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in collaboration with the ECOWAS Centre for Gender Development (CCDG), hosted a capacity-building workshop on the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda. The three-day workshop, held from October 2 to 4, 2024, focused on equipping CCDG staff and partners with tools to incorporate gender perspectives into conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and the fight against violent extremism. Around 30 participants attended the workshop, including staff from CCDG, representatives from the ECOWAS National Office in Senegal (BNC), members of the Peace and Security…

Egyptians commemorated on Sunday the 51st anniversary of its victory in the October War, also known as the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, while expressing hopes for an end to the deadly conflicts taking place in the region. President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi said that Egypt’s victory in the war will remain a turning point in the country’s contemporary history, and a symbol of its pride and dignity. “On this day, the Egyptian military men and leaders demonstrated the most wonderful epics of sacrifice to restore the pure land of Sinai,” said Sisi in a post on his Facebook page. On Thursday, Sisi said…

South Africa leadership intends to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources, according to Kgosientsho David Ramokgopa, the country’s Minister of Electricity and Energy. Speaking at a seminar on green energy in Midrand, Ramokgopa stressed that accelerating the renewable energy program is strategically important for South Africa. He emphasized the need to expedite the process of building capacity and swiftly address administrative challenges related to permits and licenses. “We really want the industry to thrive so that we can run the most ambitious and successful of all renewable programmes from a public procurement point of view,” Ramokgopa said. He also…

Burundi’s Foreign Minister Albert Shingiro criticized increasing unilateralism and the lack of global solidarity, attributing many conflicts to misinformation and geopolitical power struggles. He condemned attaching political conditions to development aid and stressed the need for international cooperation to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Shingiro highlighted Burundi’s plan to become a developed country by 2060, focusing on economic independence through mining and agriculture. “Through structural changes and a raft of other development plans, Burundi will be a country of peace with a competitive economy through mining and agriculture, in respect not only of its natural environment but also gender…

Malawi’s healthcare system is set to benefit from the m-mama emergency transport system, a $11.5 million initiative funded by the Vodafone Foundation, USAID, and other donors. The program, aimed at improving maternal healthcare in rural areas, will offer lifesaving emergency transport for pregnant women and newborns. With Malawi’s high maternal mortality rates, m-mama provides a critical solution by connecting community drivers and ambulances to transport patients when needed. Already successful in Tanzania and Lesotho, where it helped reduce maternal deaths by over 25%, m-mama is expected to make a significant impact in Malawi. The government is expected to cover annual…

In a statement to Al-Qahera News from Beirut, Egyptian Ambassador to Lebanon, Alaa Moussa, revealed that an Egyptian aid plane delivered 22 tons of medical and relief supplies. He mentioned that additional planes with more aid are expected to arrive in the coming days. Moussa emphasized that Egypt’s efforts aim to ease the burden on those displaced by Israeli aggression. He also noted that Egypt had repeatedly warned of the risk of the conflict spreading to other areas, which has now occurred. Additionally, on Friday, the Egyptian Embassy in Lebanon announced that it had arranged a special flight for Egyptians…

Ahmed Attaf, Algeria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, voiced serious concern over growing international polarization and the diminishing role of the UN Security Council on the global stage. He condemned the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the spread of the conflict into the broader region, attributing it to the international community’s failure to take a strong stance against Israeli settlement occupation. He emphasized that granting full UN membership to the State of Palestine is crucial for preserving the two-state solution. Attaf also highlighted Algeria’s commitment to ending colonization in Western Sahara and expressed support for the UN…

Uganda is nearing a historic milestone, approaching three years without a Central Bank governor, a feat unprecedented in peacetime. Since the death of former Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile in January 2022, President Yoweri Museveni has delayed appointing a successor, despite pressure from politicians, economists, and the media. Uganda’s economy has remained stable, with low inflation and a steady exchange rate, leading some to credit Deputy Governor Michael Atingi-Ego’s leadership. Critics argue that Museveni’s reluctance stems from political insecurity, fearing to upset factions vying for the role. Others believe it’s part of his long-standing hands-off approach to the economy, influenced by his…

The Zimbabwean government announced plans to pay an initial $20 million this month to both foreign white and local Black farmers who lost their land during farm invasions that occurred under former President Robert Mugabe at the beginning of the century, according to the finance minister’s statement on Friday. This allocation was included in the 2024 budget as part of various measures aimed at revitalizing the nation’s once-thriving agricultural sector and initiating a long-promised economic recovery. Agriculture in Zimbabwe deteriorated following Mugabe’s implementation of land seizures in 2000, targeting highly productive farms primarily owned by white commercial farmers, a legacy…

Russia and Ukraine are engaged in a dispute over alleged interference in Nigeria’s domestic affairs. On Friday, the Russian government issued a warning to the United States, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, accusing them of financing protests in Nigeria. Nationwide protests demanding an end to poor governance took place in Nigeria from August 1 to 10 and resumed on October 1, coinciding with the country’s 64th independence day. “The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nigeria has noted media reports regarding potential protests at the beginning of October this year. We are concerned that certain Western and Ukrainian media are…

A two-day conference aimed at enhancing Libya’s investment environment commenced today in Benghazi. Organized by the Benghazi Chamber of Commerce and supported by the Privatisation and Investment Board (PIB), the Faculty of Economics at the University of Benghazi, and the Libyan Accounting Group, the conference gathered several key officials. Attendees included the Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energies from the eastern region, the Chairman of Emaar Libya Holding Company, the head of the Tax Authority, a representative from the Ministry of Economy and Trade, the Undersecretary of the Benghazi Municipality Office, the PIB Chairman, and numerous university leaders, faculty members,…

Athletes from Kenya triumphed at the 7th Giurgiu-Ruse Free Spirit Run held on Saturday. The cross-border road race started in Giurgiu, Romania, crossed the Danube Bridge, and concluded in Ruse, Bulgaria. In the men’s category, Albert Tonui secured first place, completing the 15-km race in 47:37 minutes. He was followed by fellow Kenyan Hilary Kimaiyo and Bulgaria’s Ismail Senandzhi. In the women’s race, Glorius Jepkirui took first place with a time of 54:07 minutes, followed by another Kenyan, Valentine Jebet, and Bulgaria’s Marinela Nineva. Nineva told BTA that the run was challenging due to the warm weather and her recent…

Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe stated on Saturday that his Congolese counterpart declined to sign a previously agreed deal aimed at resolving the M23 rebel conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which has displaced over 1.7 million people. The Tutsi-led M23 has been conducting an insurgency in the violence-ridden eastern region of the Central African nation since 2022. Congo, the United Nations, and other entities have accused Rwanda of providing military support to the group. Rwanda denies these accusations and claims it is only taking defensive measures, while accusing Congo of collaborating with the Hutu rebel group, the Democratic…

On Friday, Türkiye expressed its condolences to the victims of this week’s boat accident in Nigeria. The Turkish Foreign Ministry released a statement saying, “We are profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of numerous lives due to the sinking of a boat with nearly 300 passengers in Nigeria.” The ministry offered its sympathies to the “brotherly and friendly” nation of Nigeria. At least 42 individuals lost their lives when a boat carrying nearly 300 people capsized while returning from a religious festival in Nigeria’s northern Niger state on Tuesday. Many bodies were recovered on Friday, and rescue efforts are still ongoing.

On Saturday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a meeting with Patrice Emery Trovoada, the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, a Central African country. The private meeting was held at the Dolmabahce Office in Istanbul and included Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, and Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. No additional information about the meeting was provided yet.

As Tunisia prepares for its presidential election on Sunday, many citizens in impoverished areas like Fernana express little hope for change. Chedliya Mzrighi, a 47-year-old farmer, earns only 10 dinars ($3) a day and struggles to support her three children amid inadequate living conditions, including no running water or electricity. Under President Kais Saied’s leadership, economic growth has stagnated, with a mere 0.4% increase in GDP last year, contributing to widespread hardship. Mzrighi’s home, built by her husband who has sought work elsewhere, lacks basic amenities, forcing her children to study without electricity or proper resources. Sihem Ghouibi, a 55-year-old…

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that it is preparing to evacuate Nigerians from Lebanon due to the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja. He noted that the government is taking steps to ensure the safety and protection of Nigerian citizens in Lebanon. The Nigerian Embassy in Lebanon has been issuing regular advisories to the community, providing safety instructions and recommending voluntary evacuation since August, while commercial flight options remain available. Additionally, Nigerian nationals in southern Lebanon have been moved to Beirut…

Jean-Claude Gakosso, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Congo, highlighted the need for global unity in addressing multiple crises, including climate change, debt burdens, and the threat of nuclear war. He stressed that these challenges stem from a desire for dominance and must be eradicated to achieve peace, which he called an urgent necessity. Gakosso praised Congo’s mediation efforts in Libya, aiming to culminate in a reconciliation charter and democratic elections. He also called for a reformed United Nations Security Council that includes permanent African representation with veto power, arguing that Africa deserves a rightful place in…

Solar power companies are rapidly expanding across Central and West Africa, bringing electricity to some of the region’s poorest households, where governments have long struggled with inadequate infrastructure and the growing impacts of climate change. These often locally-owned companies operate in areas where the majority of people are disconnected from the electricity grid. They offer a range of products, from affordable solar-powered lamps that enable children to study at night to advanced home systems that can run kitchen appliances and entertainment setups. Prices vary from under $20 for basic solar lamps to thousands of dollars for full home solar systems.…

Ethiopian Airlines has announced the suspension of all flights to Beirut indefinitely and to Tel Aviv until October 7th, citing the current security situation in the region. In a statement released on Friday, the airline explained that the decision was made to prioritize passenger safety and adhere to guidelines from relevant authorities. “Passengers are encouraged to regularly check flight statuses, as last-minute changes may occur. Ethiopian Airlines is offering passengers the option to cancel their bookings and receive a full refund. For those who booked through travel agents, the airline recommends contacting the agents directly. Passengers who booked through Ethiopian…

Kenya has introduced a digital nomad visa as part of its strategy to boost tourism. If you’re dreaming of sunny weather and long sandy beaches, Kenya’s new Digital Nomad Work Permit offers remote workers the chance to temporarily live and work in the East African country, with the potential for long-term residency. The visa aims to promote tourism, stimulate the local economy, and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. At the Magical Kenya Travel Expo in Nairobi on October 2, President William Ruto also emphasized the country’s new visa-free policy introduced this year, along with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for transit…

Zambia has attracted approximately 58 million U.S. dollars in investments for digital infrastructure since the 2021 removal of taxes on imported equipment for digital infrastructure, a senior government official revealed on Wednesday. Speaking at the 2024 Digital Government Africa Summit in Lusaka, Zambian Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, said the investment has enabled Zambia to establish fiber optic connections with all eight of its neighboring countries. Mutati noted that private sector investment in digital infrastructure has surged following the tax exemption on digital equipment imports. He emphasized the government’s efforts to promote incentives, innovation, and investment to further…

Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. G. Balasubramanian, has shown interest in collaborating with Nigeria’s performing arts industry, particularly in theatre. Speaking at a film screening event hosted by the Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF) in cooperation with the Indian High Commission in Abuja, he expressed this willingness. The event showcased two films: the Indian short film “Rogan Josh” and “Kaka,” which was awarded KADIFF’s 2024 Best Indigenous Language Feature Film. Balasubramanian stressed the importance of boosting film collaborations between India and Nigeria, mentioning that both countries’ cultural ministries have launched a cultural exchange program that spans various creative sectors.…

A memorial ceremony took place in Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, honoring the children who lost their lives in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Sudan. Organized by the Free Palestine Initiative, the event at King Tomislav Square featured the laying of flowers and the lighting of candles for the children killed in these regions. Ratka Visnjic, representing the Free Palestine Initiative, spoke at the event, expressing sorrow for each life lost. “We gathered here to remember the children whose dreams were cruelly taken away in these genocides,” she said. Visnjic highlighted that over 16,000 children were tragically killed in Gaza and expressed deep…

At least 80 members of Tunisia’s largest opposition party, Ennahdha, have been arrested, according to party officials, as thousands protested against President Kais Saied ahead of the upcoming presidential election. As the election campaign officially begins in September, opposition parties, politicians, and human rights groups are accusing Saied’s administration of using “arbitrary restrictions” and intimidation to secure his re-election in the October 6 vote. Ennahdha, which was the largest party in parliament before Saied dissolved it in July 2021, reported at least 80 arrests and was verifying a total of at least 116, including six women, according to the party’s…

The West African countries of Burkina Faso and Niger have banned a French TV show for “stigmatizing” African women as well as being “contrary to the values and customs” of the two nations. This move is in line with recent moves by the countries – both of them former French colonial holdings – banning several French media outlets. A statement by the Superior Council of Communication of Niger’s military administration said French broadcaster Canal+ has been ordered to “no longer broadcast or rebroadcast” season three of the series The Bachelor. The show is “stigmatizing nature for African women, non-protective of…

A group of Ethiopia’s international bondholders rejected on Thursday the outlines of a government restructuring proposal for its $1 billion bond that was presented in an investors call earlier this week. Ethiopia became Africa’s third default in as many years in December 2023. Progress on debt restructuring has been sluggish amid slow movement on reforms and drawn-out negotiations of a $3.4 billion programme with the International Monetary Fund. During a call with global investors on Tuesday, the government sketched out “illustrative” terms of a bond restructuring, saying an 18% haircut – or writedown – on the nominal value of its…

Tanzania’s communications regulator has suspended the online platforms of Mwananchi Communications Ltd, accusing the media outlet of breaching national regulations. On Wednesday, the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) announced a 30-day suspension of the company’s online content licenses, pointing to material published on October 1 that allegedly damaged the country’s image. The TCRA cited the Online Content Regulations of 2020, claiming that Mwananchi’s social media posts disrupted “unity, peace, and national harmony.” Although the specific content was not detailed, it is believed to involve an animated video posted by The Citizen, a Mwananchi publication, which depicted concerns over missing or…

Neighbors Gabon and Equatorial Guinea are facing off in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over three long-disputed uninhabited islands in potentially oil-and-gas-rich waters in the region this week. Gabon asserts its sovereignty over Mbanie, Cocotier, and Conga, citing a 1974 treaty. But Equatorial Guinea disputes the claim, arguing that the treaty is unofficial and incomplete, and accusing Gabon of occupying the islands illegally. The dispute over the islands dates back to colonial agreements between France and Spain in 1900. In 2016, after years of disagreement and mediation, the two countries agreed to let the ICJ – the top judicial…

Libyan Prime Minister Dibeybe inaugurated the first stage of the highway connecting the capital Tripoli and the city of Tarhuna, built by a Turkish construction company. The opening ceremony, held at the point where the first stage of the road built by a Turkish construction company in Tarhuna, Libya, was attended by Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dibeybe, as well as Minister of Transport Muhammed Shuhubi, Minister of Communications Velid al-Lafi, Counselor of the Turkish Embassy in Tripoli Doğukan Arda Ülgen, and Chief Trade Counselor of the Turkish Embassy in Tripoli Yusuf Yıldız. Prime Minister Dibeybe and his delegation examined the…

Tanzania’s central bank held its key interest rate unchanged at 6%, it said on Thursday. In the two quarters to September, the central bank held the benchmark rate at 6%, from 5.5% that was announced in January when the bank introduced the rate. The bank targets inflation of 5%, but consumer inflation has stayed comfortably below that figure, despite growing pressure on the shilling. Inflation increased to 3.1% year-on-year in August from 3.0% the previous month, data from the statistics office showed.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will officially hand over the site for the construction of the Cavalla River Bridge, which will link Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia, on October 2, 2024. This significant infrastructure project marks another major step in ECOWAS’s commitment to improving transport connections, cross-border trade, economic cooperation, and regional integration throughout West Africa. The Cavalla River Bridge, a key part of ECOWAS’s Vision 2050, aims to facilitate the movement of goods and people between Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, and the broader ECOWAS region. It also serves as a crucial link in the Praia-Dakar-Abidjan Corridor, part of…

The culture ministers of France and Madagascar have initiated steps toward the repatriation of human remains taken from Madagascar during French colonial rule. On Thursday, a joint scientific committee will review Madagascar’s request for the return of the skull of King Toera, who was beheaded by French troops during the early period of colonization. This review marks the first of its kind since France passed legislation in December 2023 to ease the process of returning human remains from its public collections. French Culture Minister Rachida Dati, alongside Madagascar’s Culture Minister Volamiranty Donna Mara, expressed France’s willingness to meet this expectation.…

The European Court of Justice has ruled that melons and tomatoes from Western Sahara cannot be labeled as “made in Morocco.” Based in Luxembourg, the European Court of Justice, the EU’s highest legal body, delivered its verdict on a case concerning Morocco’s labeling of products originating from Western Sahara. The ruling declared that melons and tomatoes grown in Western Sahara must be labeled as originating from that region, not Morocco. The court stated that labeling such products outside of Western Sahara would mislead consumers. The Western Sahara Conflict Tensions persist between the pro-independence Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, and Morocco,…

Karamoko Jean Marie Traore, Burkina Faso’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, criticized the current state of global affairs, stating that multilateralism has been weakened by the predatory actions of certain countries. He called for inclusive global governance and reforms in political, economic, and financial systems to ensure shared prosperity. Highlighting Burkina Faso’s commitment to affirming its sovereignty, he emphasized the nation’s significant progress in combating terrorism. Through enhanced military reforms and reorganized forces, the country has regained control of nearly 70% of its territory, up from 40% in 2022. This has led to the resettlement of displaced populations and the reopening…

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi welcomed UAE President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Cairo International Airport on Thursday as he arrived for an official visit to Egypt. According to the Egyptian presidency, Sheikh Bin Zayed is leading a high-level Emirati delegation to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. President El-Sisi emphasized the importance of this visit in deepening collaboration and exploring new opportunities for mutual benefit, as reported by the Emirates News Agency (WAM). The Emirati delegation includes the Secretary-General of the UAE Supreme National Security Council, the Presidential Advisor for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology, as well as…

Bakary Yaou Sangaré, Niger’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, called for decisive steps toward the establishment of a free, independent Palestinian state within its 1967 borders, while lamenting the ongoing crisis in Lebanon. He criticized the global inaction on addressing the challenges of poor countries, accusing rich nations of exploiting their resources and supporting corrupt regimes. He highlighted Niger’s use of domestic funds to tackle its own humanitarian crises, such as recent floods, rejecting foreign interference or lessons on democracy. Sangaré praised the newly established Alliance of Sahel States, formed by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, emphasizing its strategic integration in…

Emirates, the Dubai-based airline, has resumed its daily passenger flights to Lagos after a two-year hiatus. Operations were suspended in 2022 but recommenced on October 1, with the first flight landing at Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA). Flights depart from Dubai daily at 9:45 am and arrive in Lagos at 3:20 pm, covering the journey in about seven hours. The return flight leaves Lagos at 5:30 pm and lands in Dubai at 5:10 am the next day. The daily service is designed to optimize connections between Nigeria and key destinations in Europe, the US, the Far East, and the Middle…

Ghanaian actress Habiba Sinare has married Akeju, a Nigerian media and music executive based in the U.S., in a small, elegant ceremony. The event marked the union of two prominent figures in the entertainment industry, merging the realms of film and music in a unique way. Known for her privacy, Habiba surprised her fans by sharing moments from her wedding on Instagram. In a touching post, she expressed her gratitude and joy, writing, “My Answered Prayer, Alhamdulillah. Mr and Mrs Akeju,” showing the deep connection she shares with her husband and describing their marriage as a dream fulfilled. Their wedding…

The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), a tertiary multispecialty hospital established by Afreximbank in collaboration with King’s College Hospital, London, will feature a cyclotron, enhancing African diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. The announcement was made during a tour of the AMCE Abuja medical centre, updating the public on the advancements in the healthcare infrastructure. A cyclotron is an advanced medical imaging technology used to diagnose and treat complex diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders, which are areas of AMCE’s specialty. AMCE plans to deploy the equipment to produce radiopharmaceuticals, essential for PET-CT scans and other nuclear medicine procedures.…

During Social Development Month, Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe is urging all South Africans to refrain from selling or consuming alcohol around children throughout October. This appeal was made during a commemorative event for World No Alcohol Day on October 2, attended by Tolashe and KwaZulu-Natal’s MEC for Social Development, Cynthia Mbali Shinga, in Sweetwaters, uMgungundlovu District. The leaders highlighted the serious negative impacts of alcohol on individuals, families, and communities. The department noted that alcohol is the most commonly abused legal substance in South Africa, where consumption rates have risen significantly over the past decade. The government reports that…

Osman Saleh Mohammed, Eritrea’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, criticized the global political order, tracing its roots to post-World War conflicts and the Cold War. He argued that the current “unipolar order” revives colonialism, slavery, and resource theft, citing conflicts like Ukraine and tensions with China as examples of these policies under the guise of maintaining global peace. He highlighted how these same policies fuel conflicts in Africa and stifle the Palestinian cause, warning of a potential wider regional war. Saleh also pointed to growing protests in Europe and the U.S. as signs of the dysfunctionality of this order. He stressed…