Author: WAJ Team

Ituri province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is experiencing a surge in violence. Armed groups have intensified attacks, displacing thousands and overwhelming medical facilities. A report by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Risking Their Lives to Survive, highlights the urgent need for humanitarian aid and the severe lack of healthcare access. Thousands Displaced, Civilians Targeted The ongoing conflict in Ituri has left civilians trapped in a cycle of violence. Ethnic tensions and armed group activities continue to fuel the crisis. Since early 2025, around 100,000 people have been displaced, according to UN estimates. In January and February alone, over…

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez spoke on Tuesday about the escalating crisis in Gaza. According to Egyptian presidential spokesperson Mohamed El-Shennawy, the leaders focused on ending the violence and restoring stability in the region. President Sisi highlighted Egypt’s efforts to broker a ceasefire. He firmly opposed any attempts to displace Palestinians, stressing that their rights must be protected. Both leaders condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza. They called for an immediate ceasefire, an end to ground operations, and the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid. Prime Minister Sánchez expressed Spain’s support for the Arab-led…

Zambia will host the 4th Land-Linked Conference from April 10-11 to boost trade and improve transport corridors across Africa. Announcing the event, Zambia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, emphasized the importance of strong land connectivity for Africa’s economic growth. Driving Integration Through AfCFTA Minister Tayali stressed that improving transport corridors is essential as Africa deepens its integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He highlighted that efficient transport systems will increase intra-African trade, reduce costs, and enhance supply chains. Tayali added that better connectivity will make it easier for businesses to operate across borders, promoting investment…

Namibia will soon introduce a visa requirement for U.S. citizens traveling for tourism, bringing an end to the long-standing visa-free arrangement that allowed American visitors to stay in the country for up to 90 days. This change, which takes effect on April 1, 2025, is part of a broader diplomatic move aimed at establishing reciprocal travel agreements. Moving forward, U.S. travelers will need to secure a visa before entering Namibia, signaling a shift in the country’s approach to managing international travel and ensuring fairness in visa policies. The new regulation comes at a time when Namibia is strengthening its border…

Rwanda has dismissed allegations by Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye that Kigali is planning an attack on Burundi. Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe called the remarks “unfortunate” and reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to peace. Nduhungirehe stated on X that military and intelligence officials from both countries had been in discussions. He added that they had agreed on the need to reduce tensions. Last week, he met with his Burundian counterpart during a joint ministerial meeting between the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Harare, Zimbabwe. He said both sides shared the same views on maintaining regional…

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has retired Lieutenant General Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe from his role as commander of the Zimbabwe National Army. Sanyatwe has now been appointed Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture. The announcement, made on Tuesday by Chief Secretary to the President Martin Rushwaya, stated that the decision takes effect immediately. Unclear Reasons, Political Timing The government did not provide a clear explanation for the move. However, the timing is significant. With Zimbabwe’s 2028 general elections still years away, political tensions are already rising. Analysts suggest this decision could be part of Mnangagwa’s strategy to tighten control over key…

Thirteen people lost their lives, and six others survived after a boat capsized on the Luena River in Zambia’s Luapula province. The tragedy occurred on Monday morning in Kawambwa District as sugar company workers traveled to their workplace. According to Kawambwa District Commissioner Godfrey Chilambwe, the accident happened when the boat’s paddle broke. Unable to steer, the passengers tried using their hands to navigate. However, the river’s strong current proved too powerful, causing the boat to overturn. Search and rescue teams have since recovered nine bodies. Efforts are still underway to locate the remaining victims. Divers have been deployed to…

Ivory Coast, the world’s largest cocoa producer, plans to reduce the volume of cocoa it sells internationally for the next season. The decision comes as the country grapples with its second consecutive year of declining yields, driven by climate change, aging plantations, and the spread of plant diseases. Regulator to Limit Export Contracts The Coffee and Cocoa Council (CCC), which oversees the country’s cocoa sector, will limit export contract sales to 1.3 million metric tons for the 2025/26 season. This is a significant reduction from the usual 1.7 million tons. Officials say the decision reflects a broader concern that the…

Ghana and Morocco are making progress toward eliminating visa requirements for travelers between the two nations. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties. If ratified, the agreement will facilitate easier movement for business, tourism, and educational exchanges, benefiting citizens of both countries. Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced that the agreement will be presented to both Ghana’s and Morocco’s parliaments for approval in the coming weeks. This decision follows high-level discussions between Ablakwa and Morocco’s Ambassador to Ghana, Imane Ouaadil. During these talks, both sides emphasized their commitment to deepening…

Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has made history as the first woman to chair the Ghana Armed Forces Council. Her appointment, confirmed by the presidency, marks a major step toward gender inclusivity in Ghana’s security leadership. President John Dramani Mahama inaugurated the council on Monday at the Ministry of Defence in Accra. The Ghana Armed Forces Council, created under the 1992 Constitution, advises the president on key military and defence matters. It plays a crucial role in shaping national security policy, overseeing military administration, and ensuring proper resource allocation. The council is also responsible for reviewing military budgets…

Burundi is struggling to manage a massive influx of refugees fleeing conflict in eastern Congo. Tens of thousands have crossed the border, escaping clashes between Congolese government forces and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) warns that food aid may soon run out, putting many at risk. Since January, the number of refugees needing assistance has more than doubled, surpassing 120,000. Most of them are women and children. Their arrival has placed immense pressure on Burundi, which is already dealing with economic and humanitarian challenges. The crisis worsened after M23 rebels captured Goma in January and…

Regional leaders have taken new steps to resolve the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. Southern and Eastern African blocs have expanded their mediation team, aiming to revive stalled peace talks between the Congolese government and M23 rebels. Last week, hopes for diplomacy faded when M23 withdrew from planned negotiations in Angola. Soon after, the rebel group captured Walikale, a strategic town. The conflict, fueled by political tensions and competition for resources, has already claimed thousands of lives and displaced many more. New Team to Lead Peace Talks Following a high-level summit on Monday, regional blocs appointed five former leaders to…

Egypt has introduced a new proposal to restore the ceasefire in Gaza, as Palestinian health authorities reported that Israeli airstrikes killed at least 65 people in the past 24 hours. The truce proposal, presented last week, follows a surge in violence after Israel resumed its air and ground operations against Hamas on March 18, bringing an end to a two-month period of relative calm. Egyptian officials are working closely with U.S. and Qatari mediators to bridge gaps between the conflicting sides and push forward a peace process. According to Gaza health officials, nearly 700 Palestinians, including at least 400 women…

Twelve inmates escaped from a correctional facility in central Nigeria early Monday, triggering fresh concerns about security lapses in the country’s prison system. Authorities have confirmed the breakout and launched a detailed investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident. Officials are working to identify those responsible and implement measures to prevent future escapes. The incident highlights the persistent vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s correctional facilities, which have experienced a series of similar breaches in recent years. Possible Internal Compromise Femi Fanwo, Kogi State’s Commissioner for Information, suggested that the escape might have been facilitated by “internal compromise and collaboration.” He noted…

Africa recorded the highest global decline in tuberculosis (TB) deaths between 2015 and 2023, with a 42/percent reduction, according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2024 Global TB Report. During the same period, TB cases on the continent dropped by 24/percent, reflecting the impact of improved healthcare efforts. Key Factors Behind the Progress The decline in TB deaths is largely due to better case detection and increased treatment coverage. In 2023, 1.9 million cases were identified compared to 1.4 million in 2020, ensuring more people received timely treatment. Treatment coverage also improved significantly, rising from 55/percent to 74/percent, which contributed…

Angola has announced its withdrawal as a mediator in the escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Angolan presidency confirmed on Monday that another African nation will soon take over mediation efforts to restart peace talks. M23 Gains and Rising Tensions The M23, an ethnic Tutsi-led rebel group, has intensified its offensive this year. Since January, the group has captured two of eastern Congo’s largest cities and advanced into mineral-rich areas. These regions hold valuable resources such as gold and tantalum. The crisis has further strained relations between Congo and Rwanda. Kinshasa accuses Kigali of backing the…