Author: WAJ Editor

The US is considering a new regulation restricting travel to 43 countries. The draft proposal proposes categorizing countries into three lists for US travel restrictions. The “red” list includes 11 countries whose citizens will be completely denied entry. The “orange” list includes 10 countries with restricted travel, allowing only wealthy business travelers but banning immigrants and tourists. The “yellow” list includes 22 countries that have been given 60 days to fix deficiencies or risk being moved to a stricter category. The list includes several African countries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa held a phone conversation on Monday, focusing on the ongoing war in Ukraine and deepening cooperation between their countries, according to a statement from the Kremlin. During the call, both leaders explored opportunities to strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in trade, economic collaboration, and investment. The Kremlin noted that President Putin reiterated Russia’s stance on the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the need to address what Moscow sees as the root causes of the war and to safeguard Russia’s national security interests. The discussion also touched on South Africa’s interest in supporting peaceful…

Former South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor has called for urgent reforms to the United Nations and the creation of an international military force to enforce rulings from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), particularly in light of the ongoing crisis in Gaza. In an exclusive interview in Istanbul, Pandor criticized the global community’s failure to prevent what she described as “genocidal attacks” on Palestinians, accusing powerful countries of enabling impunity for Israel. “We cannot allow the world to stand by, helpless, while people are being slaughtered,” Pandor said. “There must be a global enforcement mechanism—military if necessary—to protect innocent…

A Sudanese court in Port Sudan has launched a high-profile trial in absentia against Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti, over the killing of West Darfur governor Khamis Abkar in June 2023. Hemedti’s brother and RSF deputy, Abdel Rahim Dagalo, along with 14 other RSF members, are also facing charges in connection with Abkar’s abduction and subsequent murder. Sudan’s Attorney General, al-Fateh Tayfour, accused the RSF of kidnapping Abkar and executing him along with his bodyguards at an RSF base. Graphic video footage of Abkar’s mutilated body circulated online shortly after his death, sparking…

A Tunisian court has handed down lengthy prison terms to 40 opposition members in a highly contested case widely known as the “Conspiracy Case.” Sentences range from 13 to 66 years, with charges including “conspiracy against state security” and involvement in a terrorist group, under Tunisia’s counterterrorism and criminal laws. The Attorney General told state news agency Tunis Afrique Presse that while some of the convicted individuals are in custody, others remain fugitives. The case stems from a wave of arrests launched in February 2023, targeting a wide swath of opposition figures and activists. Among those detained were political figure…

Malawi’s justice sector is set for a major transformation following the signing of an $80 million agreement with China to build a cutting-edge Judicial Complex in the capital, Lilongwe. The landmark deal represents one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the country’s legal system in recent memory. The China-Aid Malawi Judicial Complex Project will house the Judiciary Headquarters, the Supreme Court of Appeal, and the High Court. The facility is expected to enhance efficiency in legal proceedings and provide a modern, professional setting for both judicial staff and the public. At the official signing ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Malawi,…

Uganda’s Ministry of Health has reported a total of 5,431 confirmed mpox cases and 40 deaths since the outbreak began nine months ago. The latest figures, released on Monday, include 44 new infections recorded in the past 24 hours. Health officials noted a rise in the severity of cases among hospitalized patients, with the highest infection rates reported in urban centers and fishing communities. Mbarara City, Kampala, and the fishing districts of Buvuma, Kalangala, and Nakasongola were identified as major hotspots. The ministry’s report highlighted that individuals aged 25 to 29 are the most affected age group in the country.…

A unique horse therapy initiative just outside Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, is transforming the lives of children with autism, ADHD, and other developmental challenges. Led by Susan de Meyer, the program, Enabling Through the Horse, uses the calming presence and intuitive nature of horses to support children with special needs in developing communication, coordination, and confidence. Each morning, eight to ten children from local special education schools arrive at de Meyer’s paddock to interact with her horses. Activities include grooming, riding, and bonding with the animals—experiences that are often accompanied by breakthroughs in communication and behavior. “Horses don’t judge,” said de…

Ivory Coast’s palm oil producer Palmci (BRVM: PALC) has reported a 32% jump in revenue for the first quarter of 2025, driven by higher crude palm oil prices and increased sales volumes. The company posted earnings of 67.52 billion CFA francs ($117.3 million), up from 51 billion CFA francs ($88.6 million) during the same period in 2024. Palmci’s net profit also surged by 65%, reaching 11.56 billion CFA francs ($20.1 million), compared to 6.99 billion CFA francs ($12.1 million) a year earlier. The rise in profitability was largely attributed to a 20% increase in crude palm oil prices and a…

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank, is preparing to ramp up its equity investments across Africa over the next five years in a bid to spur business growth on a continent still grappling with high levels of debt. IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop told that the initiative is part of a broader global strategy to expand the organization’s equity portfolio and promote transformative development, particularly in emerging markets. Diop, a former finance minister of Senegal and the first African to lead the IFC, emphasized the urgent need for equity in African economies where…

Seven civilians have been killed and three others injured following artillery shelling by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, the Sudanese army reported on Sunday. The military said the RSF continues to target civilian areas, including the Zamzam refugee camp, while also accusing the paramilitary group of subjecting displaced people across Darfur to harsh and discriminatory treatment, such as road blockades and looting. The RSF has not yet responded to the allegations. El-Fasher has been under sustained RSF artillery fire for several days, adding to a growing civilian death toll, according to Sudanese authorities.…

Amid escalating violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), China has taken the rare step of publicly calling on Rwanda to withdraw its troops and cease support for the M23 rebel group. The move signals a notable, albeit cautious, shift from Beijing’s traditional policy of non-interference in African conflicts. In recent months, China’s UN envoy Fu Cong has twice appealed to Kigali to halt its involvement with the M23, whose actions have destabilized the mineral-rich region. Analysts suggest this unusual diplomatic move is driven by China’s growing economic interests in the DRC’s mining sector, rather than a fundamental…

In a major move to strengthen control over its gold sector, Ghana has barred all foreign nationals from participating in its local gold trading market, according to a report. The directive, issued by the newly established Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), is part of a broader legislative overhaul designed to boost government revenue, combat illegal mining, and enhance oversight of the country’s artisanal and small-scale gold mining industry. The Ghana Gold Board Bill, which led to the creation of GoldBod, was passed by Parliament on March 29 and signed into law by President John Mahama on April 2. Under the new…

Policy House, a prominent economic research and advisory organization, has called on African delegates attending the 2025 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank to push for a concrete and actionable economic roadmap, as global trade tensions intensify. The meetings, scheduled to take place from April 21 to 26 in Washington, D.C., are expected to bring together over 10,000 participants, including policymakers, development finance professionals, and civil society representatives. The call comes amid growing economic uncertainty following U.S. President Donald Trump’s April 2 announcement of sweeping tariffs—starting at 10 percent—on all imports to the United States.…

As Afrobeats and Amapiano dominate global charts, three legendary African musicians have returned with powerful new releases, reminding the world of their foundational role in shaping the global appreciation of African music—long before it was mainstream. Youssou N’Dour: A Return to Roots Senegalese icon Youssou N’Dour released a new album on April 4, 2025—coinciding with Senegal’s Independence Day. Originally scheduled for February, the release was delayed following the passing of his longtime guitarist, Jimi Mbaye. N’Dour, who gained international acclaim in 1984, is celebrated for pioneering Mbalax—a unique fusion of traditional Wolof rhythms with jazz, soul, reggae, and Cuban influences.…

The United Nations has issued a renewed warning about the ongoing danger posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war in Libya, highlighting the urgent need for continued clearance efforts across the country. The warning came during an event held last Wednesday at Tripoli’s Sports City to mark the International Day for Mine Awareness. The event was organized by the Libyan Mine Action Centre (LMAC) in collaboration with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), along with national and international demining organizations. UNSMIL announced on Friday that high-level representatives from Libyan institutions, including the Ministries of Defense and Health…