Author: WAJ Team

African literature has served as a powerful tool in reshaping the global understanding of the continent. For decades, African writers have challenged misrepresentations, celebrated the richness of their cultures, and highlighted the resilience of their people. As an African proverb aptly states, “Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” This sentiment underscores the essential role of African writers in reclaiming Africa’s narrative and projecting its complexities to the world. Breaking Down Stereotypes A critical contribution of African writers has been their ability to dismantle stereotypes perpetuated about the continent. For…

The Amathole District in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province has been declared a disaster zone after intense thunderstorms wreaked havoc across the region from December to January, leaving extensive damage in their wake. The storms, which affected over 59 villages, caused significant destruction to homes, roads, and critical infrastructure. A multi-disciplinary team, including officials from Human Settlements, the National, Provincial, and District Disaster Management Centres, assessed the damage, which has been estimated at R57,263,582.11 (roughly $3.12 million). Sisa Msiwa, spokesperson for the District Municipality, confirmed that government relief agencies, alongside the Red Cross, are actively working to provide aid to…

In a statement, Comoros President Azali Assoumani has publicly confirmed his plans to transfer power to his son, Nour El Fath, when his term ends in 2029. This marks the first time Assoumani has openly acknowledged the succession, fueling long-held suspicions that he has been positioning his son to take over the presidency. The move has sparked significant controversy, with critics accusing the president of attempting to establish a dynastic regime in the Indian Ocean archipelago. Assoumani, who was re-elected in 2024 amid allegations of electoral fraud, had previously appointed El Fath to oversee government operations, granting him considerable power…

Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Asake has once again earned a prestigious nomination in the Brit Awards’ International Artist category, marking a significant achievement in his burgeoning career. This marks the second consecutive year that the artist has been recognized at the coveted event, further solidifying his place in the global music landscape. The competition in the International Artist category is fierce, with Asake going head-to-head against renowned global stars such as pop icons Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, both of whom have a rich history of Brit Awards success. Also nominated are Billie Eilish, a rising global phenomenon known for her distinctive…

At least 20 fishermen have been killed in a brutal attack by Boko Haram insurgents in the northeastern Nigerian state of Borno, according to local reports. The insurgents targeted the fishing community of Gadan Gari on Wednesday, opening fire on those working in the area around 11:00 GMT. The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents as Nigeria grapples with a 16-year-long Islamist insurgency, led primarily by Boko Haram and its splinter group. This conflict has caused massive displacement, widespread human suffering, and severe economic losses, with civilians often caught in the crossfire. Modu Ari, a member…

Egypt has launched an initiative to distribute one million books to citizens of all ages, aligning with the opening of the 56th Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF), which began Thursday. The event, running until February 5, welcomes Oman as this year’s guest of honor. The CIBF, established in 1969, has become the largest and oldest book fair in the Middle East, ranking as the second-largest globally after the Frankfurt Book Fair. This year’s fair provides a platform for cultural exchange and intellectual dialogue, attracting book lovers and industry professionals from around the world. Culture Minister Ahmed Fouad Hano highlighted that…

Thousands of residents were forced to flee eastern Goma on Thursday amid escalating violence between the Congolese military and M23 rebels. The intensifying conflict, particularly in the western Goma area of Sake, has sparked widespread panic, according to eyewitnesses and videos shared on social media. As the fighting between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the M23 rebel group grows fiercer, civilians have been seeking refuge in safer parts of the city. In response, local authorities have closed schools and emptied several refugee camps to accommodate the sudden influx of displaced people. The mass exodus…

On Thursday, Tunisian President Kais Saied met with Mauritanian Minister of Economy and Finance, Sid Ahmed Ould Aboh, who is currently visiting Tunisia. The two leaders engaged in detailed discussions aimed at deepening the longstanding relationship between the two nations. In a statement from the Tunisian presidency, President Saied expressed his country’s appreciation for the enduring partnership with Mauritania. He reaffirmed Tunisia’s commitment to furthering these ties, which he described as a symbol of the strong brotherhood and mutual respect between the two nations. The meeting also addressed the wider challenges facing Africa in the context of global uncertainties. President…

A measles outbreak in Uganda’s semi-arid northeastern districts of Nabilatuk and Amudat has claimed the lives of five children, according to the Ministry of Health. In a situation update released on Thursday, the ministry reported that four children had died in Nabilatuk, while one death was recorded in Amudat. The ministry also noted that 11 patients were currently hospitalized, with five others receiving outpatient treatment. The outbreak in Amudat, which shares a border with Kenya, was officially confirmed on January 6. Nabilatuk has recorded 147 cumulative cases, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 2.7 percent, while Amudat has reported…

Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have unveiled plans to deploy a unified military force of 5,000 personnel in a coordinated effort to tackle increasing security threats across their borders. The announcement was made by Niger’s Defense Minister, General Salifou Mody, who highlighted the urgency of this move in a region facing mounting instability. The force, which will be operational in the coming weeks, will include a range of aerial, ground, and intelligence capabilities, alongside a specialized coordination system designed to enhance operational efficiency. General Mody confirmed that the joint force, which is nearing readiness, will be a key part of…

In a historic milestone for the global fashion industry, Zimbabwe is set to become the first African nation to host the esteemed World Fashion Week® 2026. The event, themed “Give Your Light to the World – Africa is Now,” will focus on sustainable fashion and the empowerment of women and children across the continent. Scheduled to take place from April 1st to 5th, 2025, at the stunning Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site, World Fashion Week® Zimbabwe 2025/26 aims to promote sustainable global fashion practices. The event will feature a series of fashion shows highlighting sustainability and cultural preservation,…

A new memorial has been unveiled in Cape Town to honor the South African laborers who served during World War I. The Cape Town Labour Corps Memorial, located in the historic Company’s Garden, aims to correct a long-standing historical oversight by providing a much-needed tribute to these overlooked servicemen. The memorial, set against the backdrop of prominent cultural landmarks, serves as a poignant reminder of the significant role played by South African laborers who contributed to the war effort but were often excluded from official recognition. “We are proud to inaugurate this memorial to honor the more than 1,700 South…

Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas, Khalifa Abdulsadek, has outlined an ambitious roadmap to expand the country’s oil refining capacity and strengthen its position in the global energy market. The announcement was made during the Libya Energy and Economic Summit, where Abdulsadek emphasized the government’s commitment to energy security and sustainability. The minister revealed plans to increase the country’s oil refining capacity from the current 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 400,000 bpd. This move is part of a long-term strategy to reduce reliance on imports and enhance local energy production. “Our ultimate goal is to achieve full self-sufficiency in…

Algeria has entered into a significant two-year agreement with US energy giant Chevron to explore potential offshore oil resources in the Mediterranean. Announced on Wednesday by the Ministry of Energy, the collaboration represents a pivotal step in the country’s efforts to expand its hydrocarbon sector and attract international investment. The agreement, signed between Algeria’s national hydrocarbon agency, Alnaft, and Chevron North Africa, focuses on conducting an in-depth study to evaluate offshore oil reserves. According to the ministry, the findings could open doors to large-scale exploration and development projects aimed at boosting Algeria’s energy production. Mourad Beldjehem, president of Alnaft, emphasized…

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has launched a landmark initiative aimed at creating the world’s largest tropical forest reserve in the Congo Basin. This ambitious project, which will stretch over 2,400 kilometers, will serve as a green corridor connecting the eastern Kivu region to the capital city of Kinshasa. The Congo Basin, which spans six Central African nations—Cameroon, Central African Republic, DRC, Congo Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon—houses some of the world’s most critical ecosystems. Approximately 60% of the Basin’s forest is located within DRC, making the country central to any conservation efforts in the region. President Felix Tshisekedi,…

Egypt has unveiled ambitious plans to expand the capacity of Cairo International Airport, increasing its annual passenger handling from 28 million to 40 million. The announcement was made by Civil Aviation Minister Sameh El-Hefny during a recent Senate session, as part of the country’s broader agenda to modernize its aviation infrastructure and enhance its position as a global aviation hub. El-Hefny outlined a multi-faceted approach to achieving this milestone, focusing on upgrading radar systems and airport facilities to align with international standards. These improvements aim to enhance efficiency, attract higher air traffic volumes, and elevate passenger experiences. “We are committed…