Author: WAJ Editor

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has kept its monetary policy rate steady at 27% for the second consecutive meeting, aiming to address persistent inflation risks while supporting the nation’s economic recovery efforts. This decision follows Ghana’s failure to meet its 2024 end-year inflation target of 15%, as inflation surged to 23.8% in December—its highest level in eight months. Speaking at the first Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) briefing of 2025 at the Central Bank’s new headquarters, Governor Dr. Ernest Addison explained that inflation remains elevated, largely due to rising food prices driven by adverse climate conditions and supply chain disruptions. “The…

At least 18 people have died and 10 others sustained injuries following a gasoline tanker explosion in Enugu State, southern Nigeria, officials confirmed on Saturday. The tragic incident occurred on the Enugu-Onitsha expressway when the tanker, heavily loaded with gasoline, lost control, collided with 17 vehicles, and erupted in flames, according to Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). Olusegun Ogungbemide, the FRSC spokesperson, revealed that the victims were “burnt beyond recognition.” Rescue teams managed to save three uninjured individuals while treating the 10 injured at the scene. Fatal accidents involving fuel tankers are frequent in Nigeria due to the country’s…

Thousands of citizens in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) took to the streets in Bukavu on January 27, 2025, to protest against the M23 rebel offensive and the perceived silence of the international community. Civil society organizations, grassroots movements, and other groups joined forces to demand action amid the escalating crisis in the country’s east. A protester in Bukavu called for national unity, stating, “All Congolese should unite as one to block this Rwandan aggression and reject any attempts at Rwandan annexation.” The demonstrations were triggered by the alarming advance of M23 rebels, who recently captured the border town…

Congo Terminal of Republic of Congo, has unveiled plans to build a new container terminal in Pointe-Noire with a total investment exceeding €400 million ($420 million). The terminal, named Congo Terminal ‘Môle Est,’ is expected to be operational by 2027 as part of the company’s efforts to expand its capacity. The new terminal will feature 750 meters of quays with a draft of 17 meters, covering 26 hectares of quayside. It will also be equipped with 16 fully electric gantries, including 4 Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes and 12 Rubber-Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes. Extensive dredging work will be carried out to widen…

Libya is aiming to diversify its energy portfolio by investing in renewable energy and has turned to Türkiye for technological expertise and investment. With electricity demand surpassing the capacity of its oil- and gas-powered plants, Libya plans to generate 4 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2035, representing 20% of its energy mix. Abdusselam Elansari, head of the Renewable Energy Authority of Libya, highlighted Türkiye’s historical ties and expertise in renewable energy as key factors in the collaboration. He revealed ongoing partnerships with Turkish companies to transfer knowledge and build local capacity in renewable energy and electricity management. Libya has also…

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) by 2030, with Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako, calling for stronger partnerships to achieve universal health coverage. Speaking at the 2025 World NTD Day commemoration in Abuja, Dr. Salako highlighted Nigeria’s substantial NTD burden, accounting for 25% of cases in Africa. Over 200 million Nigerians remain at risk of these diseases, with 165 million requiring preventive treatment. He attributed the prevalence of NTDs to poverty, poor sanitation, and unsafe water, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, especially women and children. Despite these challenges,…

Sudanese military leaders have declared a significant turning point in the country’s nearly two-year civil war, following a week of territorial gains that included breaking the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) siege of the army’s main headquarters in Khartoum. The army’s recapture of the al-Jaili refinery in northern Bahri and parts of the city across the Nile set the stage for the breakthrough on Friday, ending the RSF’s siege of the General Command base, which had persisted since April 2023. Civilians cheered in the streets of Bahri and other areas, while soldiers celebrated the momentum shift from within the battered Khartoum…

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has raised alarm over Mozambique’s escalating humanitarian crisis, which has forced the suspension of critical aid operations due to increasing violence. Ulrika Blom, NRC’s country director in Mozambique, highlighted the dire situation, citing a combination of conflict, acute hunger, and recurring climate shocks affecting millions nationwide. In northern Mozambique alone, over one million people are impacted by ongoing violence, while 700,000 are facing acute hunger across the country. Climate-related disasters continue to exacerbate the plight of hundreds of thousands. “The violent escalation has made field operations too dangerous, compelling us to suspend much of our…

The ongoing fight against insurgency in Nigeria has claimed the lives of at least 35 soldiers in the past three weeks, highlighting the escalating challenges faced by the Nigerian military. On Friday, rebel militants killed 20 soldiers during an operation in Borno State’s Abadam Local Government Area, according to military and local sources. Among the casualties was Lt. Col. T.E. Alari, the commanding officer of the 149 Battalion, based in Malam-Fatori, a known hotspot for terrorist activity. The Nigerian Army has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident, but presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga expressed condolences to the bereaved…

Dozens of soldiers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) fled to Rwanda on Monday, January 27, following the capture of Goma, a key border city, by M23 rebels. The soldiers entered Rwanda through the Grande Barriere border post in Rubavu District, where they were promptly disarmed by Rwandan defense and security forces. M23 Rebels Tighten Control Over Goma The M23 rebel group, engaged in conflict with the Congolese army since late 2021, seized control of Goma after issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to the Congolese government. The rebels had previously surrounded the city, home to nearly two million people, and…

The Egyptian government is set to face the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on January 28 during its Universal Periodic Review, as allegations of human rights violations and political repression mount against President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s administration. Amid a severe economic crisis, ongoing EU financial aid negotiations, and heightened international attention, Cairo aims to highlight its initiatives, such as the Presidential Pardon Committee, legislative reforms, and the release of 1,700 political prisoners over the past two years. However, human rights organizations accuse the government of systemic abuses, including enforced disappearances, prolonged pre-trial detentions, and restrictions on press freedom. Over…

Interpol announced on Monday, January 27, that 37 terror suspects, were apprehended during joint operations conducted across East Africa in November and December. The arrests were carried out in collaboration with Afripol, the pan-African police organization. The suspects were detained in several countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, DR Congo, and Somalia. Among those arrested were 17 individuals in Kenya, and a terror suspect from Mozambique apprehended in Tanzania. Interpol’s director of counter-terrorism, Cyril Gout, highlighted the challenges in the region, noting, “East Africa’s complex landscape, marked by political instability, porous borders, and socioeconomic challenges, continues to provide an environment conducive to…

The United Nations’ peacekeeping chief, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, has urged the M23 rebel group to cease its operations and withdraw from territories in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), emphasizing the need to uphold international law and respect the nation’s sovereignty. Addressing an emergency UN Security Council meeting virtually, Lacroix called the situation a “grave violation” of international law. He highlighted recent attacks that claimed the lives of three UN peacekeepers—two from South Africa and one from Uruguay—and injured 11 others, who are now being treated in a UN hospital in Goma. “These attacks on peacekeepers may constitute war crimes. MONUSCO…

Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawy, delivered an official invitation from President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to South Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, inviting him to attend the Egypt Energy Show (EGYPES) scheduled for February. The invitation was presented during a meeting on Saturday in Nicosia, where Badawy is currently visiting. The meeting followed the recent 10th summit of the Egypt – South Cyprus – Greece cooperation mechanism, held in Cairo earlier this month, which underscored the importance of enhancing natural gas collaboration. According to a statement by Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum, EGYPES 2025 will be a platform for…

Comoros President Azali Assoumani has dismissed claims that he intends to pass leadership to his son, Nour El Fath, once his term ends in 2029. Assoumani, who first seized power in a 1999 coup and has won four elections since 2002, clarified his comments following backlash. During a speech on the island of Moheli, Assoumani remarked, “I will place my son to replace me as head of the state and the party.” However, a statement from the presidency, issued Friday night, emphasized that the president’s remarks did not specifically refer to Nour El Fath. “The government wishes to clarify that…

A tourist lost their life in a tragic encounter with an elephant at Kruger National Park, South Africa’s largest game reserve, the South African National Parks (SANParks) agency confirmed. The incident occurred near the Crocodile River at Malelane Gate, where the tourist was charged and trampled by the animal. “This unfortunate incident resulted in a tragic loss of life,” SANParks stated in an announcement on Saturday evening. The agency has urged the public to refrain from sharing images of the incident on social media. “Further details will be shared in due course,” SANParks added. Kruger National Park spans approximately 20,000…