Author: WAJ Team

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…

Somalia’s Defense Minister, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Jama, has expressed appreciation for the Ethiopian Defense Forces for their “sacrifices and contributions” in maintaining peace and stability in Somalia, despite a history of diplomatic tensions between the two nations. This marks a notable shift in Somalia’s stance toward Ethiopia, with the Minister previously referring to Ethiopia as Somalia’s “number one enemy.” The tensions stemmed from a 2024 agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, in which Ethiopia recognized Somaliland’s self-declared independence in exchange for access to the Red Sea. Somalia rejected the deal, deeming it legally invalid and viewing it as a threat to…

At least five Cameroonian soldiers were killed and several others wounded in a cross-border attack by Nigerian gunmen on the village of Bakinjaw, located near the Cameroon-Nigeria border. The assault occurred early on Friday and is the latest in a series of violent clashes between armed groups seeking to gain control of the region. Aka Martin Tyoga, Member of Parliament for Akwaya district in southwestern Cameroon, confirmed that the attack involved hundreds of armed Fulani herdsmen who crossed from Taraba state in Nigeria. Tyoga suggested that the raid was a retaliatory strike, following the deaths of several herdsmen in a…

At least 176 people have been killed by police in Mozambique following violent protests triggered by supporters of self-exiled presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane. The protests erupted in response to allegations of electoral fraud in the country’s general elections held on October 9, 2024. The unrest, described by Mondlane as the “Turbo V8” phase, began on December 23, 2024, after the Constitutional Council, Mozambique’s highest legal body, upheld the results of the election, which declared the ruling Frelimo party and its candidate, Daniel Chapo, as the victors. Mondlane’s supporters, who have been protesting since October, claimed the election was rigged, and…

In a groundbreaking shift for financial access, Kenya’s mobile money service, M-Pesa, has transformed the landscape of financial inclusion, benefiting millions of Kenyans and setting a global example for mobile banking. Launched in 2007 by Safaricom, the service has made significant strides in overcoming challenges related to banking access, especially in rural areas where traditional financial institutions were previously absent. Bridging the Financial Gap Before the advent of M-Pesa, nearly half of Kenya’s adult population lacked access to formal banking services. According to a 2006 World Bank study, over 40% of adults were unbanked, primarily due to the limited reach…

E-commerce in Africa is on the rise, driving profound changes in consumer habits and creating new opportunities and challenges for businesses. As digital platforms expand across the continent, they are not only reshaping commerce but also positioning Africa as a rapidly growing market for online retail. Key Drivers Behind the Surge in E-Commerce The rapid adoption of e-commerce in Africa can be attributed to several critical factors: Leading E-Commerce Platforms on the Continent Several key players have emerged as leaders in Africa’s e-commerce space, each contributing uniquely to its expansion: Challenges Facing Africa’s E-Commerce Sector Despite the promising growth of…