Author: WAJ Desk

Ethiopia is set to demand the return of sacred artefacts looted by British forces during the 1868 Battle of Magdala. The campaign, led by the Ethiopian Heritage Authority and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, aims to reclaim religious and cultural treasures held in British institutions and the Royal Collection. The artefacts, including illuminated manuscripts and holy Tabots, were seized after British troops defeated Emperor Tewodros II. Items such as The Life of Mary and The Miracles of the Virgin Mary manuscripts, alongside Tewodros II’s gold filigree slippers, remain in the Royal Collection. Sacred Tabots, deeply revered in Ethiopian Orthodoxy, are held…

Somalia is set to house a nearly finished rocket launch facility built by Türkiye, according to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The project is expected to create significant employment opportunities and revenue for the East African nation. The facility’s location remains undisclosed, but Somalia’s equatorial position and access to the Indian Ocean make it an ideal site for space launches, reducing energy needs and ensuring debris falls into unpopulated areas. The development, which began in December 2024, is part of Türkiye’s 10-year space program launched in 2021 to strengthen its global space ambitions through satellite technology and spaceport infrastructure. Türkiye…

Kenya’s parliament has officially disbanded the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), effectively pausing the country’s nuclear energy plans. Along with dissolving the agency, legislators revoked its one-billion Kenyan shilling budget, marking a significant victory for anti-nuclear activists. Phyllis Omido, a Right Livelihood Laureate, has led a three-year campaign advocating for renewable energy and opposing nuclear projects. Her efforts focused on protecting the constitutional right to a clean environment, particularly in Uyombo, Kilifi County. Omido criticized NuPEA for insufficient environmental assessments and mobilized the local community to reject nuclear energy development near the Arabuko Sokoke Forest, East Africa’s last coastal…

At least 11 people, including children and a local priest, were reportedly killed during an attack in Sheba Kebele, Quarit District, West Gojam Zone, Amhara Region. The incident occurred on Monday, January 20, 2025, as government security forces allegedly targeted civilians. Eyewitnesses stated that the victims were engaged in farming activities, such as threshing teff and collecting fodder, when they were attacked. The military had reportedly been stationed in the area for weeks and was moving toward Adet and Washera towns on the day of the attack. Residents emphasized there was no conflict with armed groups at the time. The…

Nearly 140 dolphins were discovered along the coastline between Bosaso and Mareero in Somalia’s Puntland region. Many were found dead, while others were in critical condition. The Puntland Ministry of Environment and Climate Change announced an urgent investigation into the incident, in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries. Authorities have urged residents to refrain from consuming the dead dolphins. Preliminary assessments suggest several possible causes, including changes in seawater conditions affecting food availability, disturbances from water pollution or marine noise, or fishing-related harm such as net entanglement. Additionally, migration patterns of prey fish or diseases affecting marine life were identified…

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi affirmed Egypt’s unwavering support for Somalia during a meeting with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Cairo. He emphasized that Somalia’s stability and security are vital to Egypt’s national security and pledged continued collaboration to foster progress. During their discussions, both leaders agreed on the need to bolster peace and security in the Horn of Africa, a region critical to global stability. They proposed a follow-up tripartite summit with Eritrea to build on the outcomes of the 2024 Asmara summit, which marked a turning point in regional relations. The meeting also focused on strengthening…

Amid the harsh realities of displacement in Somalia, 20-year-old teacher Umulkheir Moallim is transforming lives by providing education to children affected by conflict and climate change. Her journey from loss to leadership reflects the resilience and determination of her community. Forced to flee her rural home in Bay region two years ago due to severe drought, Umulkheir and her family settled in Dinsor. Experiencing the hardships of displacement firsthand, she chose to make a difference by teaching. Today, she nurtures young minds in a makeshift school built in a displacement camp. The Yaqshid School, established by humanitarian organizations, offers hope…

The Tigray Interim Administration has condemned a recent call from senior Tigray forces for the dissolution and restructuring of the interim government, labeling it a “clear coup.” The administration warned that this action threatens the Pretoria Agreement and regional stability. In a statement issued on Thursday, the administration, led by Getachew Reda, described the call as an overstep of military authority and a deviation from its original mission. The statement emphasized that any support for dismantling the interim government is unacceptable, warning that it would lead to lawlessness and instability. The Tigray forces, in a statement released on January 23,…

Senior figures within Tigray Forces have declared their intent to dismantle and reorganize the region’s interim administration, citing inefficiency and failure to fulfill its responsibilities. Following meetings in Mekelle on January 23, 2025, the leaders criticized the Tigray Interim Administration, formed under the Pretoria Agreement, for alleged external influence and betrayal of public interests. They accused some officials of exceeding their mandate and compromising the region’s goals. The interim administration, headed by Getachew Reda, has yet to respond to the allegations or the demands for leadership reform. The announcement highlights an ongoing divide within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF),…

Yohannes Alemayehu, a prominent leader and spokesperson for Gojjam Fano, was confirmed dead following a clash near Washera. He had been a key figure in Fano insurgents Yohannes Alemayehu, a leader and spokesperson of Gojjam Fano, was killed in action during a battle near Washera on the night of January 20-21. The Gojjam Fano group confirmed his death through a social media update, marking a significant loss for the group. Alemayehu served as the chairperson of the Amhara Fano Second Teferra Division and was known for his speeches to Media. He had been involved in several battles in Gojjam, including…

Eritrea Caught in Global Powers’ Geopolitical Tug-of-WarEritrea has become a focal point of geopolitical competition, drawing criticism for its ties with Iran, Russia, and China, while also facing pressure from the United States and Israel. This complex interplay has left the small Horn of Africa nation entangled in global rivalries that prioritize foreign agendas over the well-being of its people and region. The detention of Azerbaijani ships on November 7, 2024, highlights the extent to which Eritrea is being exploited as a pawn in larger power games. Iran’s influence in Eritrea, reflected in its use of Eritrean waters for military…

Tiryaki Agro Food Industry and Trade Inc., one of Türkiye’s leading agricultural exporters, has signed a significant agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to enhance its operations in Africa. This partnership focuses on supporting Tiryaki Agro’s expansion efforts, including the development of a port storage facility in Djibouti, which will play a crucial role in improving food trade in the region. The port storage facility will streamline logistics for vital food products, such as wheat and grains, and is expected to reduce waiting times for ships, thus increasing food trade between Djibouti and neighboring countries. This project also aims…

Kenya’s central bank governor, Kamau Thugge, has indicated that U.S. President Donald Trump’s focus on boosting domestic oil and gas production could positively influence Kenya’s inflation. The potential increase in global energy supply might reduce fuel costs, indirectly benefiting Kenya’s economy. Trump’s commitment to expanding the United States’ energy output, encapsulated in his pledge to “drill, baby, drill,” is expected to lower global oil prices. With Brent crude already dropping below $80 a barrel, this trend could ease price pressures in Kenya, which relies entirely on imports to meet its annual petroleum consumption of 5.5 million cubic meters. Governor Thugge…

A recent safety review has highlighted the top African nations, with Tanzania securing a spot as one of the safest destinations for travelers in 2025. The ranking, compiled by Altezza Travel, showcases the continent’s growing appeal as a secure and inviting place for tourism. The review, conducted in January 2025, aimed to dispel misleading perceptions of Africa as a risky region. According to Dickson Muganda, Assistant Director of Altezza Travel, the analysis revealed that many African countries offer better safety than several European nations. 8. TanzaniaTanzania ranks eighth, known for its political stability and unique attractions like Mount Kilimanjaro and…

Petra Diamonds has finalized an agreement to sell its entire 75% stake in Tanzania’s Williamson Diamonds Limited (WDL) to Pink Diamonds Investments, a company affiliated with Taifa, for up to $16 million. The remaining 25% of WDL is owned by the Tanzanian government. This deal includes the transfer of shareholder loans owed to Petra, with the $16 million consideration being paid from WDL’s distributable cash. Petra will receive 20% of WDL’s annual distributable cash until the full amount is paid. However, the company noted that the full payment is not guaranteed. Richard Duffy, Petra Diamonds’ CEO, emphasized the strategic decision…

The World Bank has withdrawn its $150 million funding for a project aimed at increasing tourism in Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park following allegations of human rights violations by park authorities. The project’s suspension highlights concerns about the potential displacement of thousands of residents in areas affected by plans to expand the park. The initiative, known as the Resilient Natural Resource Management for Tourism and Growth (REGROW), was intended to boost tourism revenue in southern Tanzania’s parks, which receive fewer visitors compared to northern parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro. However, plans to enlarge Ruaha National Park, first announced in 2008 and…