Author: WAJ Team

South Africa is facing renewed pressure to contain a growing outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), as veterinary authorities confirm the virus is spreading beyond initial containment zones in KwaZulu-Natal and into new provinces. The Department of Agriculture, in a statement released on Wednesday, linked the outbreak to a livestock auction held in February in Utrecht, a town in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Since then, confirmed cases have emerged in Newcastle and Bergville, prompting a nationwide alert to halt animal movements and intensify disease surveillance. “We have initiated a full trace-forward investigation from the auction, tracking all animals that were present,” the department…

The Beninese government has confirmed that 54 soldiers were killed in deadly attacks staged by armed groups in the country’s northern border zone, raising fresh concerns over the deepening insecurity in the region. Speaking to the press on Wednesday, government spokesperson Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji offered condolences to the families of the victims and called for calm following the circulation of unverified figures online. “The number is not in the hundreds, as suggested by social media. Fifty-four of our Defense and Security Forces have died,” he said. The attacks occurred on April 17 and targeted military positions at two critical locations:…

Senegal is poised to top sub-Saharan Africa’s economic growth rankings in 2025, with a projected GDP increase of 8.4/percent, according to the latest International Monetary Fund (IMF) data. The West African nation is set to outpace regional growth leaders such as Rwanda and Guinea (both forecast at 7.1/percent) and Ethiopia (6.6/percent). This growth surge is primarily driven by significant investments in the energy and infrastructure sectors, particularly the launch of oil and gas production from Senegal’s Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) and Sangomar fields. These developments are expected to enhance export revenues and reduce the country’s reliance on imports, giving the…

Botswana has launched a sweeping five-year strategy aimed at clamping down on wildlife crime while safeguarding biodiversity and supporting sustainable land use. The plan marks a renewed push by the Southern African nation to embed conservation into its national development priorities. Announced Wednesday in Gaborone by Minister of Environment and Tourism Wynter Mmolotsi, the National Anti-Poaching Strategy sets out to confront the growing threat of illegal wildlife trafficking—now considered a transnational, organized crime driven by high demand for products like ivory, rhino horn, and pangolin scales. “Poaching is no longer a local issue,” Mmolotsi said. “It’s a global enterprise, and…

The Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel movement have issued a rare joint commitment to halt hostilities, following over a week of indirect negotiations in Doha, Qatar. The agreement, released Wednesday in matching statements by both parties, offers a tentative opening toward resolving one of the region’s most entrenched conflicts. The statements, which emerged after both delegations concluded their discussions and left Qatar earlier this week, reaffirmed a shared pledge to end fighting immediately, reject hate speech and intimidation, and urge local communities to support peace efforts. Although the language marked a shift in tone, negotiators expressed frustration…

Since January 2025, Angola has been battling a widespread cholera outbreak that has affected 17 out of the country’s 21 provinces. With over 14,000 confirmed cases and 505 deaths, half of those impacted are under the age of 20. Cholera, caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria, spreads primarily through contaminated water or food and can lead to severe dehydration, vomiting, and death if untreated. In response, the government of Angola, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other humanitarian partners, has launched a series of urgent measures. These include the deployment of rapid response teams, establishment of treatment…

Morocco’s economy is forecast to experience steady growth in the coming years, with a projected expansion of 3.9/percent in 2025, followed by a slight slowdown to 3.7/percent in 2026, according to the latest International Monetary Fund (IMF) outlook. Released during the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, the report reflects a cautiously optimistic perspective on Morocco’s economic trajectory. Key economic indicators, including inflation and unemployment, are expected to show modest improvements, offering a positive outlook despite ongoing global uncertainties. The country’s unemployment rate, which peaked at 13.3/percent in 2024, is expected to edge down slightly, reaching 13.2/percent in…

Egypt has reaffirmed its commitment to securing a renewed ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, with Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty declaring ongoing and coordinated efforts to bring an end to the hostilities. Speaking after talks with Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji in Cairo on Tuesday, Abdelatty said the focus remains on restoring the truce first agreed upon on January 19. “We continue our efforts—serious, uninterrupted and in full coordination with Qatar and the United States—to revive the ceasefire and stop the bloodshed in Gaza,” Abdelatty said. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that more than 51,000 Palestinians have been killed since the…

A groundbreaking cultural agreement between Morocco and France’s Île-de-France Region is set to reshape how African contemporary art is curated, exhibited, and appreciated globally. The deal, signed at the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rabat, underscores a growing momentum to center African artistic narratives in international spaces. The declaration of intent was inked on Monday by Mehdi Qotbi, President of Morocco’s National Foundation of Museums (FNM), and Valérie Pécresse, President of Île-de-France. The agreement lays the foundation for sustained cultural cooperation, stretching well beyond symbolic exchange and focused squarely on joint action. At the core of…

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is leading a ministerial delegation to Lesotho on Wednesday, in a move aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation and addressing shared regional priorities. The visit, which includes 15 ministers, marks a significant diplomatic engagement between the two neighbouring states. Ramaphosa is set to co-chair the second session of the South Africa–Lesotho Bi-National Commission (BNC) with Prime Minister Sam Matekane in Maseru. The commission, established to formalize strategic dialogue, last met in September 2023. A key focus of the talks will be the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, a flagship infrastructure initiative of continental importance. South Africa is…

Armed herdsmen launched a deadly assault on the Afia community in Benue State on Tuesday, killing at least 11 people and injuring several others in the latest flashpoint of Nigeria’s deepening farmer-herder crisis. The attackers stormed Afia, a rural settlement in Ukum Local Government Area, around midday, opening fire on residents and forcing others to flee into surrounding bushes. Local authorities described the violence as deliberate and systematic. “This wasn’t just another attack. It was strategic, unprovoked, and meant to push us off our land,” said Iyorkyaa Kaave, a local community leader. “They fired without warning. Eleven died on the…

In Senegal, former ministers from the administration of President Macky Sall are under investigation for their involvement in the alleged embezzlement of public funds linked to the Covid-19 relief fund. The prosecutor general at the Dakar Court of Appeal announced last Thursday that the files of five individuals, including former Ministers Moustapha Diop and Mansour Faye, have been sent to the National Assembly for further review. This move marks the beginning of what could be an impeachment process, with Diop and Faye reportedly set to be the first ministers to face potential prosecution. The allegations against the two former ministers…

Madagascar is preparing to welcome French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday, April 23, for a two-day state visit aimed at bolstering the relationship between the two countries. The visit is a significant step in enhancing diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties, reflecting Madagascar’s interest in strengthening its partnership with France. This visit also comes at a crucial time, as Madagascar plays a central role in regional initiatives in the Indian Ocean. Macron’s visit follows his participation in the Indian Ocean Commission (COI) Summit on April 24, which will take place on the island of Nosy Be, located in the northern part…

Namibia’s Zambezi Region is facing a significant locust outbreak, with experts raising alarms over the potential for a second wave of infestations. The country’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform confirmed the outbreak, which was first detected in early February following heavy rainfall that has since created ideal breeding conditions for the insects. Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, the executive director of the ministry, said the locusts have been observed in their hopper and fledgling stages across multiple locations, including the floodplains of Ibbu near the Chobe River and 11 constituencies in the Zambezi Region. The influx of rainfall has helped…

Ivory Coast’s presidential race took a dramatic turn Tuesday after a court ruled that opposition figure Tidjane Thiam was ineligible to appear on the electoral roll, citing his dual nationality at the time of registration. The decision, which is final and cannot be appealed, could effectively sideline one of the country’s most prominent challengers ahead of the October vote. Thiam, the former chief executive of Credit Suisse and current leader of the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI), had been widely seen as a serious contender against the ruling party. But the court determined that his French citizenship, held at…

The South African rand appreciated modestly on Tuesday morning, trading at 18.70 against the US dollar, marking a 0.3/percent increase from the previous day’s close. This uptick comes as markets await the release of South Africa’s composite leading business cycle indicator, which is expected at 0700 GMT. This important economic report, compiled by the central bank, includes critical data such as vehicle sales, business confidence, and money supply, all of which offer a glimpse into the future direction of Africa’s largest economy. The release of this data is closely watched by investors, who look for insights into the economic trends…