Author: WAJ Team

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has declared that the country is facing a serious economic crisis. Speaking during his State of the Nation Address to Parliament, Mahama described the situation as severe. President John Dramani Mahama: “Our economy is in dire straits, which is putting it mildly.” To address the crisis, Mahama announced a National Economic Dialogue. This forum, scheduled for March 4 and 10, will bring together economic experts, political leaders, and civil society representatives. They will discuss solutions to stabilize the economy and promote growth. “Our approach will be inclusive and solutions-driven,” he said, emphasizing the need for…

The Gabonese Ministry of the Interior started accepting applications for the upcoming presidential election on Thursday, February 27. The application period will stay open until March 8, giving potential candidates a short window to submit their bids. To qualify, candidates must meet strict requirements. They must be between 35 and 70 years old, hold Gabonese nationality, and have given up any other citizenship at least three years before the election. They must also have lived in Gabon for at least three consecutive years before the election and speak at least one national language. In addition, candidates need to pay an…

A mysterious flu-like illness has affected nearly a thousand people, while a newly identified strain of mpox is spreading in the Democratic Republic of Congo, health officials have confirmed. The outbreaks, which have claimed 52 lives in less than three weeks, are unfolding in the western province of Equateur, adding to the country’s mounting health challenges. According to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and Congo’s Health Minister Roger Kamba, efforts to identify the cause of the febrile illness and contain the rising mpox cases are being hampered by ongoing conflict and the freezing of U.S.…

Mauritius has temporarily closed Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (SSRIA) as Tropical Storm Garance intensifies. The Mauritius Meteorological Services issued a Category 3 cyclone warning, prompting swift action from authorities. Airports of Mauritius (AML), the airport’s operator, announced that SSRIA would close from 7:10 p.m. (local time) on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, until further notice. The closure aims to ensure the safety of passengers and the public as the island braces for severe weather. “Following the issuance of a Cyclone Warning Class 3 by the Mauritius Meteorological Services, Airports of Mauritius Co. Ltd. (AML) informs intending passengers and the general…

Botswana and Zambia are planning to build a high-voltage power line to strengthen energy cooperation and boost electricity trade in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. This was announced by the Zambia High Commission in Botswana on Wednesday. The project aims to link the two countries with a high-voltage transmission line. It is expected to improve energy security, reduce power shortages, and support economic growth in the region. It also aligns with SADC’s efforts to promote sustainable energy and regional integration. The announcement came after a meeting between Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Kenewendo, and Zambia’s Minister…

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has officially unveiled its new flag in a ceremony held in Bamako, Mali, one of its three member-states alongside Burkina Faso and Niger. The flag, prominently featuring the AES logo on a green background, symbolizes growth, hope, and a vision of renewal for the Sahel region. The green backdrop represents the region’s aspirations for prosperity and rebirth, underpinned by its abundant natural resources. At its center, the AES logo—first revealed on 30 December 2024—depicts a radiant sun shining upon a majestic Baobab tree, a powerful emblem of life, strength, and cultural diversity in the…

A mysterious illness has claimed at least 53 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Equateur province, with health authorities struggling to identify the cause of two fast-spreading outbreaks in remote villages, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Tuesday. According to a WHO bulletin, 431 cases have been reported as of February 16. The outbreaks occurred in Bomate village in the Basankusu health zone and Boloko village in the Bolomba health zone. Both areas are in the northwest of the vast Central African nation. “The outbreaks, which have seen cases surge rapidly within days, pose a significant public health…

The Group of 20 (G20) Finance Track meetings started on Monday in Cape Town, South Africa. The discussions aim to address economic challenges and growth issues faced by developing nations. Leaders hope to find solutions to global problems and promote sustainable development before the upcoming G20 Summit. South Africa became the first African country to lead the G20 on December 1, 2024. Its presidency is guided by the theme “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.” The goal is to push for inclusive global economic growth, focusing on the world’s most vulnerable countries. The meetings are taking place at the Cape Town International…

Heavy rains that began on February 14 have claimed 22 lives in Madagascar, according to the latest report from the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC). The severe weather has also left three people injured, as the country battles widespread flooding and destruction. Most of the deaths occurred due to drowning and collapsing houses, affecting six regions. Around 20,000 people, including over 5,200 households, have been impacted. The hardest-hit areas are Analamanga, Menabe, and Vatovavy. More than 13,000 people have been forced to leave their homes and are now staying in 32 temporary shelters. The BNGRC reported that…

Since January, around 7,000 people have died in ongoing fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka shared this at a high-level Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva on Monday. Violence involving the M23 rebel group has left about 450,000 people homeless. This follows the destruction of 90 displacement camps. The prime minister highlighted the humanitarian crisis, noting the widespread displacement and growing insecurity for civilians. “The screams and cries of millions affected by this conflict are indescribable,” Suminwa Tuluka said. She called on the international community to act and impose “dissuasive sanctions” to stop…

A wildfire broke out early Sunday in Cape Town’s Table Mountain National Park (TMNP). The blaze swept through the Newlands and Kirstenbosch areas, burning about 60 hectares of land. The fire started around 3:40 a.m., sending smoke across the city. Photos and videos showed flames moving down the mountain towards Newlands and Kirstenbosch. The dramatic scenes spread quickly on social media. South African National Parks (SANParks) closed hiking trails and warned people to avoid the Newlands, Kirstenbosch, and Rhodes Memorial areas. They also said some trails would stay closed until it was safe to reopen them. More than 80 firefighters…

Egypt and Sudan met in Cairo on Sunday for political consultations. They discussed ways to enhance cooperation and address regional challenges, according to a joint statement. The foreign ministers of both countries led the talks. They focused on strengthening ties by reviewing agreements, memorandums of understanding, and executive programs. The delegations emphasized the need for precision in these documents and agreed on setting a timeline for convening specialized joint committees to streamline collaboration. They highlighted economic cooperation, praising the first Egyptian-Sudanese business forum held in November. They stressed the importance of thorough preparation for the upcoming forum, highlighting Egypt’s potential…

Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority Chairman Osama Rabei announced on Sunday that 47 ships have changed their routes to transit the Suez Canal instead of circumnavigating the Cape of Good Hope since the beginning of February. This marks a significant shift as global shipping lines reconsider the strategic waterway following months of disruption in the Red Sea region. Rabei made the announcement during the 14th Annual International Maritime Transport and Logistics Conference in Alexandria, where industry leaders gathered to address challenges and opportunities in global trade. According to a statement from the Suez Canal Authority, the decision by shipping companies to…

Mozambique connected over 560,000 households to electricity in 2024, raising national energy access to 60 percent, up from 53.4 percent in 2023. The Ministry of Finance announced the achievement as part of ongoing efforts to expand energy coverage and improve living conditions. According to the budget execution report, 563,800 new connections were made last year. Of these, 395,600 were linked through the national electricity grid, while 170,100 were powered by renewable sources like solar and wind. This approach supports the government’s plan to use diverse and sustainable energy sources. The report also highlighted the completion of the first 40 kilometers…

South Africa on Friday concluded the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, marking the first time the event was held on African soil under South Africa’s presidency. The two-day gathering saw high-level discussions on global geopolitical challenges and key priorities impacting the international community. South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, described the meeting as “historic” and “very productive” during a press briefing. He emphasized the significance of hosting the first G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the African continent, highlighting strategic discussions on global geopolitical dynamics and their implications. The meeting demonstrated strong support for South Africa’s…

From Mali’s iconic mud-brick masterpiece to contemporary eco-friendly buildings, traditional African architecture offers lessons for a sustainable future. In the heart of Mali, nestled within the ancient city of Djenné, stands a structure that has captivated the world for centuries—the Great Mosque of Djenné. As the largest mud-brick building on the planet, it is not only a religious and cultural landmark but also a testament to the ingenuity of African architecture. This iconic mosque, with its towering minarets and intricate design, continues to inspire modern architects seeking sustainable solutions rooted in tradition. A Legacy of Mud and Mastery The Great…