Author: WAJ Team

On January 7, 2025, Jean-Claude Gakosso, the Foreign Minister of the Republic of the Congo, met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Brazzaville to discuss further strengthening their longstanding diplomatic relations. The talks centered on implementing the key outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which took place in late 2024, with an emphasis on advancing cooperation between the two nations. Gakosso welcomed the visit, noting the deep historical and diplomatic ties that have existed between the Republic of the Congo and China for more than six decades. Despite geographical and cultural differences, the…

In a dramatic turn of events, Nelson Mandela’s grandson has been arrested in connection with a hijacking near the family’s historic Houghton residence. The arrest, which has shocked the nation, raises significant concerns about the future of the Mandela family’s legacy, already under scrutiny due to internal family disputes. According to police reports, the vehicle involved in the hijacking was stolen from Benoni late the previous evening. Authorities apprehended the four suspects, including Mandela’s grandson, after they were found in possession of the vehicle near the Mandela property. While the driver’s fate remains unclear, he is reportedly under police protection…

Tensions have escalated in Guinea’s capital, Conakry, as widespread protests continue over the military government’s failure to meet its promised deadline for transitioning to democracy. The protests, led by civil society groups and opposition parties, have led to a lockdown in several parts of the city, as demonstrators demand the fulfillment of the military’s pledge to return the country to civilian rule. The United States has urged the military authorities to provide a clear and actionable timeline for holding the long-delayed elections, which have become a critical issue for many Guineans. The protestors’ frustrations stem from the failure of the…

The Namibian government has instructed that the long-awaited joint declaration between Namibia and Germany on reparations for the Nama and Ovaherero genocide be finalized and signed by March 2025. Sources familiar with the negotiations indicate that the document must be concluded before this deadline, with crucial steps planned for the coming weeks. The agreement, which will be signed by Namibia’s Minister of International Relations, Peya Mushelenga, and Germany’s Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, is set to be presented to the German parliament by the end of January. Both countries’ legislative bodies are expected to ratify the deal soon after, enabling Germany…

In a bid to deepen bilateral relations, Dr. Badr Abdel Aati, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, held a phone conversation on Tuesday with Sylvestre Radegonde, the Foreign Minister of Seychelles. The two ministers discussed strategies to enhance cooperation and partnerships between the two nations, with an emphasis on bolstering African unity and promoting regional development. During the call, Dr. Abdel Aati reiterated Egypt’s commitment to expanding its cooperation with Seychelles, underscoring the importance of furthering economic, trade, and development initiatives that benefit both countries. He stressed the critical role of African collaboration in addressing the continent’s shared challenges,…

At least 46 people, including women and children, were abducted during a violent attack on Gana town in Zamfara state, northwest Nigeria. The assault, which took place late on Sunday night, has highlighted the region’s growing insecurity. According to local residents and a traditional leader, a group of gunmen on motorbikes stormed the town around 10:00 PM GMT, indiscriminately firing into the community. The attackers also set fire to several homes and businesses, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. This incident follows a similar mass kidnapping in the state last month, with criminal gangs increasingly targeting vulnerable communities…

Mauritius has issued an arrest warrant for its former finance minister, Renganaden Padayachy, as part of an investigation into allegations of embezzlement. According to a police notice published in local media on Tuesday, Padayachy is accused of being involved in a financial scandal concerning the misappropriation of 45 million rupees from the Mauritius Investment Corporation (MIC), a state-run entity established to help businesses cope with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds were allegedly diverted to benefit Menlo Park Ltd., a private company, raising serious concerns about potential corruption and misuse of public funds. The warrant for Padayachy’s…

São Tomé and Príncipe’s President, Carlos Vila Nova, has dismissed Prime Minister Patrice Emery Trovoada and his entire cabinet, citing a series of concerns about the government’s performance and the Prime Minister’s extended absences from the country. In a statement released by the presidency on Monday, Vila Nova explained that the Prime Minister’s prolonged absences had significantly hindered the government’s ability to address key national issues. The presidency also emphasized that the government had failed to provide effective solutions to the country’s economic and financial challenges, along with their broader social implications. The decision has raised questions about the political…

Six Nigerian soldiers were killed in a militant assault on a military base in the northeastern state of Borno, military officials confirmed on Monday. The attack, which took place early Sunday morning, saw insurgents armed with firearms, traveling in trucks and on motorcycles, target the Sabon Gari base in the Damboa district. According to anonymous sources within the military, the militants set fire to both the base and several vehicles, launching an intense firefight with the stationed troops. “We lost six soldiers during the militant attack after a prolonged gun battle,” one of the officials said. The troops were eventually…

John Dramani Mahama and Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang are set to be inaugurated today as Ghana’s President and Vice President, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s political history following their victory in the December 2024 elections. The swearing-in ceremony will take place at Accra’s Black Star Square, an iconic venue that has witnessed numerous landmark events in Ghana’s democratic journey. Thousands of Ghanaians are expected to gather for the occasion, alongside a host of international dignitaries and regional leaders, underscoring the significance of the event not only for Ghana but for the broader African continent. The ceremony signals the dawn…

Chad’s foreign affairs minister, Abderaman Koulamallah, has sharply criticized French President Emmanuel Macron, accusing him of displaying a “contemptuous” attitude towards Africa after comments he made about African leaders’ failure to thank France for its role in fighting militant insurgencies across the Sahel region. In a statement broadcast on state television, Koulamallah expressed Chad’s deep concern, urging that French leaders must learn to show greater respect towards Africa. While emphasizing that Chad has no issue with France itself, the minister reminded France of Africa’s critical contributions to the liberation of France during the World Wars, particularly Chad’s role, which he…

Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the head of Uganda’s military and the son of President Yoweri Museveni, has made headlines once again with a controversial statement about opposition leader Bobi Wine. In a social media post, Kainerugaba threatened to behead Bobi Wine, drawing strong reactions from across the political spectrum. Kainerugaba, who is seen by many as the likely successor to his father, Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, has gained notoriety for his outspoken and often provocative posts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). His previous statements have sparked public outcry, including a 2022 threat to invade neighboring Kenya, which he…

Kemi Seba, founder of the Pan-African NGO Urgences Panafricanistes, has formally announced his intention to run in the 2026 presidential election in Benin. In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) this past Sunday, Seba revealed that after considerable reflection, he has decided to respond to requests from his supporters urging him to enter the race. “After months, even years, of reflection, I have made the decision to answer your persistent calls to run for the presidency of Benin,” Seba said in the video. His announcement comes amid ongoing political discussions in the country, with many citizens seeking leadership change.…

In a phone call on Sunday, Badr Abdelatty, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, reiterated Egypt’s steadfast support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and security. The conversation followed up on the outcomes of Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Faki’s visit to Cairo on December 23. Minister Abdelatty highlighted Egypt’s ongoing commitment to Somalia’s territorial integrity, emphasizing that Egypt’s support aligns with international legal principles. He stressed the importance of continuing to bolster Somalia’s state institutions, which are essential to the country’s stability and long-term prosperity. Additionally, Minister Abdelatty assured his Somali counterpart that Egypt would remain a reliable partner in…

On January 5, 2025, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) met with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar, at the Amiri Diwan in Doha. The meeting underscored the commitment of both nations to enhance their diplomatic and economic ties. During the discussions, the leaders focused on advancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, and cultural exchanges. Both parties expressed a shared vision to expand collaboration and achieve mutual growth across various sectors. In addition to bilateral issues, President Tshisekedi and the Amir exchanged views on significant regional and international…

Nine civilians, including women and children, were killed in an attack on a vehicle in Mali’s Segou region last Thursday, a civil society group and a rebel coalition reported late on Saturday. The groups have accused the Malian military and Russian mercenaries of being behind the assault. The attack took place while the vehicle was traveling from the town of Niono towards a refugee camp in Mauritania. Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, spokesperson for the Tuareg rebel coalition, stated that the vehicle was struck by gunfire as it made its way through the region. The civil society group Kal Akal, which also…