Author: WAJ Team

Egyptian archaeologists have made a major breakthrough at the Saqqara Necropolis, unearthing a 4,300-year-old tomb believed to belong to Prince Userefre, a little-known son of King Userkaf, founder of Egypt’s Fifth Dynasty. The find is shedding new light on a largely undocumented royal figure and revealing the first-ever pink granite false door discovered in the region. The announcement was made by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities following extensive excavations at Saqqara, located around 40 kilometres southwest of Cairo. Known for its ancient monuments — including the famous Step Pyramid of King Djoser — Saqqara continues to be a focal…

Algeria is hosting Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan for two days of strategic dialogue aimed at reinforcing long-standing bilateral ties and expanding regional cooperation across key sectors. Fidan arrived in Algiers on Saturday for high-level meetings with Algerian officials, including his counterpart, Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf. The two are co-chairing the third session of the Algeria-Türkiye Joint Planning Group (JPG), a mechanism that monitors progress under the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLCC). Fidan is also scheduled to meet with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and inaugurate Türkiye’s new Consulate General in Oran—marking an expansion of Ankara’s diplomatic footprint in North Africa. Focus…

A tragic road accident in Egypt’s southern Minya province claimed the lives of at least eight people and left 25 others injured, authorities confirmed on Saturday. The collision occurred along a desert route near Tuna El-Gebel village when a lorry struck a pickup truck carrying a group of workers and children. According to the provincial media office, the pickup was being used as an informal transport vehicle—despite not being designed to carry passengers. Officials warned against the continued use of such vehicles for commuting, stating that the practice endangers lives and contravenes safety regulations. “Pickup trucks are built to transport…

A high-security prison in central Chad descended into violence late Friday, leading to the escape of more than 130 inmates during a deadly riot that left three people dead and several others, including a provincial governor, wounded. The incident occurred at a correctional facility located about five kilometres from Mongo, the capital of Guera province. According to local authorities, the chaos erupted when inmates overpowered staff, stormed an office, and seized firearms, triggering a shootout with prison guards. The violence unfolded just as the regional governor was visiting the prison. He was reportedly caught in the exchange of fire and…

Zimbabwe celebrates 45 years of independence today, reflecting on the sacrifices of its liberation heroes and the journey towards a brighter future. With the theme “Zim@45: Devolve and Develop Together Towards Vision 2030,” the nation embraces decentralization, inclusivity, and sustainable growth. This year’s festivities include military parades, cultural performances, and the launch of the Realisation of the African Disability Protocol (RAD-P), an initiative focused on accessibility and equality for all citizens. Though challenges remain, such as currency instability and unemployment, Zimbabwe’s growth in sectors like lithium mining and agriculture signals a path toward economic recovery.

Several African nations now face the prospect of a diminished U.S. diplomatic presence—an unsettling development that echoes across the continent. A leaked U.S. State Department document reveals that under a sweeping proposal by the Trump administration, nearly 30 American embassies and consulates worldwide may be shut down. Among those targeted are key African missions in the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, Lesotho, and South Sudan, with reports also indicating the potential closure of a U.S. consulate in South Africa. For many African nations, these missions have served far beyond their traditional diplomatic roles. They’ve acted as lifelines for…

Uganda’s government is preparing to introduce legislation that would allow civilians to be tried before military courts, a move that directly challenges a recent Supreme Court ruling outlawing the practice. The proposed law, which is awaiting Cabinet approval before heading to Parliament, seeks to establish a legal framework under which civilians could face military prosecution in what officials describe as “exceptional circumstances.” Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Nobert Mao announced the draft law during a parliamentary session late Thursday, stating it would define the specific conditions where military jurisdiction could apply to civilians. The initiative has reignited concerns among human…

Zimbabwe marked its 45th Independence Day today with nationwide celebrations under the theme “Zim@45: Devolve and Develop Together Towards Vision 2030,” as President Emmerson Mnangagwa committed to accelerating decentralization reforms while honoring the sacrifices of the nation’s liberation struggle. Historical Significance: From Colonial Rule to Sovereignty Zimbabwe’s independence journey was long and arduous. Formerly known as Southern Rhodesia, the country endured nearly 90 years of British colonial subjugation. The nationalist movements—the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU), led by Robert Mugabe, and the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU), led by Joshua Nkomo—mobilized resistance during the Second Chimurenga, a liberation war that…

Health ministers from the Lake Chad Basin have launched a coordinated vaccination drive targeting over 83 million children under the age of five, as countries in the region step up efforts to halt the spread of variant poliovirus type 2. The week-long campaign, set to run from April 24 to 28, brings together Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria in a synchronized response focused on high-risk and mobile populations in border areas where disease surveillance remains weak. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that variant poliovirus type 2 continues to circulate in the region, with 210 detections over the past…

At least 29 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi were laid to rest on Thursday in Rwanda’s Nyaruguru District, following their recent discovery in mass graves. The burial took place in Munini sector during ceremonies marking the 31st commemoration of one of Africa’s most devastating episodes. Local residents, survivors, and national leaders gathered to honour the victims, whose remains had been hidden for decades. The event served as a reminder of the country’s continuing efforts to reckon with its past and ensure that all genocide victims are identified and given a dignified burial. Senator Pelagie Uwera, who attended…

Rwanda has secured the renewal of its partnership with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the prestigious French football club, through 2028, continuing to spotlight the country’s tourism initiative, “Visit Rwanda.” The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) confirmed the extension of this agreement on Wednesday, emphasizing its significance in raising Rwanda’s profile globally. The renewed deal aims to further enhance Rwanda’s international presence, reinforcing its standing as a growing hub for youth development, innovation, and economic opportunities. The RDB highlighted the importance of the partnership in advancing Rwanda as a key destination for tourism and investment, while also promoting the country’s role in global…

In a dramatic escalation of political tensions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), security forces have raided properties linked to former president Joseph Kabila, with authorities alleging his involvement in destabilizing the government. The raids, which took place this week, coincide with Kabila’s announcement of plans to return to the country, raising fears of further unrest in the already volatile eastern regions. Adam Shemisi, a spokesperson for Kabila’s wife, Marie-Olive Lembe Kabila, confirmed that the raids targeted several Kabila family properties, including the Kingakati estate, located about 80 kilometers east of the capital, Kinshasa. Shemisi stated that security forces…

Shaka Zulu rose from humble beginnings in 1787 to forge one of Southern Africa’s most formidable kingdoms. Facing exile and hardship in his youth, he honed his skills under Chief Dingiswayo and quickly distinguished himself as a courageous and strategic warrior. Revolutionizing Zulu warfare, Shaka introduced the short stabbing spear (iklwa) and the barefoot charge, increasing speed and agility on the battlefield. His signature “buffalo horn” formation enabled his troops to encircle and overwhelm larger forces, securing vital victories that expanded his influence across the region. By uniting fragmented clans through both diplomacy and decisive conquest, Shaka built a cohesive…

Nigeria has reported 127 deaths and 674 confirmed cases of Lassa fever since January 2025. The outbreak has spread to 18 states, with Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi hardest hit. Most cases are among young adults aged 21–30, with men more affected than women. The case fatality rate stands at 18.8/percent. Lassa fever spreads through contact with rodent waste or infected bodily fluids. The NCDC has launched a nationwide response to contain the outbreak, but challenges like limited healthcare access and low public awareness persist.

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa will travel to Belarus in May following a formal invitation from Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, delivered by Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov during a diplomatic mission to Harare this week. The visit comes as the two countries continue to strengthen political and economic cooperation, with both governments reaffirming their commitment to strategic collaboration. High-level talks in Harare focused on the ongoing implementation of Zimbabwe’s agricultural mechanization programme, now entering its third phase with technical support from Belarus. The initiative has become a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s agricultural revival efforts and reflects the broader ambition to boost food production…

As the global community observes International Bat Appreciation Day, environmental advocates are urging urgent action to preserve Nigeria’s diverse but increasingly endangered bat species, which represent a third of all bat species found across the African continent. Nigeria is home to approximately 100 bat species, with several of them facing the looming threat of extinction. According to the 2025 IUCN Red List, key species such as the short-tailed roundleaf bat are now critically endangered. These species are under increasing pressure from human activities, including deforestation, unregulated mining, agricultural expansion, light pollution, and illegal hunting for bushmeat. “Bats are vital to…