Author: WAJ Team

The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has successfully reclaimed several key towns in its eastern region that had been under the control of armed rebel groups for months, according to the DRC military. The recaptured areas include Ngungu, a critical town near Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, as well as several other towns in South Kivu province. These areas had been occupied by rebels for months, and their recovery is considered a significant achievement for the Congolese army. Military spokesperson, Guillaume Ndjike Kaiko, confirmed the victories, listing towns such as Lumbishi, Ruzirantaka, Kamatale, Bitagata,…

Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the President of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council, has concluded his first official visit to Mali, marking an important step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. The visit, which began on January 11, 2025, lasted for 48 hours and focused on improving cooperation in key areas such as security, economic development, and cultural exchange. Al-Burhan’s visit, which was described by both parties as a significant moment in their relationship, provided an opportunity to address shared concerns and explore potential areas for future collaboration. Upon his arrival in Bamako, al-Burhan met with Assimi Goita, leader of Mali’s…

Mozambique’s opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, has vowed to continue his fight for what he believes was a stolen victory in the October elections, urging his supporters to take to the streets in protest. The call for a “national strike” comes as the newly-elected parliament is set to convene on Monday, with Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo expected to be inaugurated as the country’s next president on Wednesday. Chapo, a 48-year-old former governor with no prior experience in national government, is poised to succeed outgoing President Filipe Nyusi, as Frelimo consolidates its power with another term. In a Facebook post late Saturday, Mondlane,…

In a significant gesture marking Morocco’s Independence Manifesto Day, King Mohammed VI has granted a royal pardon to 1,304 prisoners sentenced by Moroccan courts. The amnesty, announced by the Justice Ministry, is part of the national celebrations for the annual holiday. The pardon, issued in honor of the day, is a customary practice in Morocco, where similar gestures are made to coincide with national and religious holidays. This year’s pardon comes as Morocco reflects on the historic significance of January 11, when the country’s nationalist leaders, in coordination with King Mohammed V, presented the 1944 Manifesto of Independence to French…

At least 2,500 people are expected to attend the inauguration of Mozambique’s newly elected president, Daniel Chapo, on January 15. However, the participation of invited foreign dignitaries remains uncertain, as confirmations are still pending. Eldevina Materula, Mozambique’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, stated that invitations have been extended to international organizations, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union, and various European leaders, including Portugal. The ceremony will take place at Maputo’s historic Independence Square, a central location in the country’s capital. Chapo, a candidate from the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo), won the presidency with 65.17% of…

The Nigerian military has reported significant successes in its security operations across the country over the past week, neutralizing 109 militants, arresting 81 suspects, and rescuing 43 hostages. These actions are part of an ongoing campaign to combat militancy and criminal activity in several regions. In a statement released on Friday, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, also highlighted the military’s efforts against illegal oil theft. Six individuals were apprehended in connection with the theft of crude oil, preventing an estimated N618.7 million in stolen goods. The forces seized 21 firearms, including AK-47 rifles, homemade rifles, and pistols,…

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to depart for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday, January 11, to participate in the highly anticipated Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2025. The event, scheduled from January 12 to 18, will bring together global leaders to discuss sustainable development, climate change, and the future of the global economy. President Tinubu was invited by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, to attend the summit. The weeklong event will focus on accelerating progress towards a sustainable, low-carbon economy and advancing socioeconomic development on a global scale.…

Togo and Vietnam are set to enhance their bilateral relations as they approach the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, established on February 8, 1975. The milestone has sparked renewed efforts to strengthen collaboration across key sectors, with both nations expressing a shared commitment to fostering mutual growth. During his visit to Vietnam, Togolese Minister of Foreign Affairs Robert Dussey delivered New Year greetings and an invitation from President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé for Vietnamese President Vo Van Cuong to visit Togo. Minister Dussey emphasized Togo’s admiration for Vietnam, describing the Southeast Asian nation as a top priority partner in Asia. He…

Captain Ibrahim Traore, the transitional president of Burkina Faso, garnered widespread attention on Tuesday after receiving the loudest applause at the inauguration of Ghana’s President John Mahama. Traore’s reception at the event underscored his growing influence in West Africa, as he stood out among the visiting heads of state. During the ceremony, President Mahama noted the popularity of his counterpart, remarking, “You can see how popular Mr. President (Traore) is in Ghana. He received the loudest cheer.” This acknowledgment highlighted the level of support Traore has cultivated, not just in Burkina Faso but across the region. The moment came when…

Seychelles’ Prime Minister, Jean-François Ferrari, welcomed Raila Odinga, Kenya’s prominent political leader and candidate for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), for a high-level meeting at Maison Quéau de Quinssy. The discussion focused on Odinga’s strategic vision for the AUC during the 2025-2029 term. Odinga, who has been actively campaigning for the leadership position, presented his comprehensive agenda, which includes key initiatives aimed at addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges. These include strengthening continental unity, advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), tackling climate change, and enhancing the AUC’s capacity to drive sustainable development across Africa. Odinga’s Key…

Agricultural ministers from across Africa have gathered in Uganda this week to tackle the pressing issues surrounding food security and sustainability. The ministers are working to craft a 10-year action plan aimed at reducing Africa’s dependence on food imports, modernizing farming practices, and enhancing agricultural resilience in the face of climate change. The summit, taking place in Kampala with more than 2,000 delegates in attendance, is focused on developing sustainable agricultural practices and robust food production systems to address Africa’s growing challenges. With rising food prices, climate disruptions, and shifting consumer demands, African leaders are determined to reshape the continent’s…

Egypt has reiterated its full support for Chad’s efforts to maintain its security and stability, as stated by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry on Thursday. The statement followed a phone call between Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, and Chadian Foreign Minister, Abderaman Koulamallah. During the conversation, the two leaders discussed ways to deepen bilateral relations, focusing on strengthening economic, trade, and capacity-building cooperation. Abdelatty underscored Egypt’s commitment to supporting Chad’s development goals and fostering closer collaboration across various sectors. The call also addressed security concerns following a recent attack near the Chadian presidency. Abdelatty condemned the assault, attributed to Boko Haram…

China has reaffirmed its support for the development of a rapid response force to help tackle Africa’s increasing security challenges. This commitment was made by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a joint press conference with Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar in Abuja on Thursday. Wang emphasized that China is prepared to collaborate with African nations in advancing global security initiatives and in fostering a China-Africa community with a shared future. “We are committed to advancing a partnership for common security,” he stated, outlining China’s focus on bolstering Africa’s security infrastructure. As part of its support, China has committed 1…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria has detained 10 of its own officers from the Lagos Zonal Command amid allegations of theft involving operational items. The EFCC confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Thursday, underscoring that the action is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to ensure internal reforms and maintain integrity within its ranks. The detained officials, who were apprehended last week, are being questioned about the stolen items that they failed to account for. The arrests came following direct orders from EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, who emphasized that the investigation is…

Venancio Mondlane, leader of Mozambique’s opposition, has returned to the country after fleeing in the wake of violent protests sparked by the disputed October elections. Mondlane, who has accused the ruling Frelimo party of electoral fraud, arrived in Maputo on Thursday, where large crowds gathered at the international airport to welcome him. His return comes at a time of heightened tensions in the southern African nation. The October 9 poll, which extended Frelimo’s decades-long rule, was marred by accusations of irregularities. Mondlane has called the election rigged and has urged his supporters to take to the streets in protest. Protests,…

A deadly assault on Chad’s presidential complex on Wednesday evening claimed the lives of 18 attackers and one soldier, according to government sources. The attack, which unfolded in the heart of the capital, left six attackers and three soldiers injured, Foreign Minister and government spokesperson Abderaman Koulamallah said in a televised address. Earlier reports suggested the involvement of Boko Haram, raising fears of regional instability. However, Koulamallah later clarified that the attackers were likely an armed group from a district within N’Djamena, rather than external forces. The group’s motives remain unclear, and authorities have yet to disclose further details about…