Author: WAJ Editor

Boeing has struck a last-minute deal to avoid a civil trial set to begin Monday over the 2019 crash of an Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX jet, according to lawyers representing the victims’ families. The Chicago trial was expected to involve two cases brought by relatives of those killed, but both were settled on Sunday evening, the Clifford law firm stated. The crash, which occurred on March 10, 2019, shortly after takeoff from Addis Ababa en route to Kenya, claimed the lives of all 157 passengers and crew. Relatives of 155 victims had filed lawsuits against Boeing between April 2019 and…

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that the government will deport all foreign nationals found engaging in illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey. Addressing members of the Ghanaian community in Lagos, Nigeria over the weekend, Ablakwa reaffirmed President John Mahama’s commitment to protecting the country’s natural resources. “President Mahama has made it clear that mining activities in river bodies and forest reserves will not be tolerated,” Ablakwa stated. He revealed that a military operation aimed at cracking down on illegal miners will be launched in the coming days. “In the next few days, individuals will be…

Small businesses in Eswatini are struggling with frequent power cuts and rising energy costs, but a fresh initiative is offering renewable energy solutions that could change their future. By moving away from unreliable grid electricity and costly diesel generators, entrepreneurs can now look forward to reinvesting their savings into expanding their businesses and creating more jobs. Lungelo Kunene, who operates a vegetable farm in Eswatini, faces daily challenges due to erratic electricity supply and high fuel prices. Her crops require consistent irrigation, but the rising cost of diesel to run her water pumps has slashed her profits. “Last season, I…

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced the suspension of all tariffs on goods imported from the United States, in what is seen as a strategic response to recent tariff hikes imposed by Washington on Zimbabwean exports. In a post shared Saturday on X (formerly Twitter), Mnangagwa stated, “I will direct our government to implement a suspension of all tariffs levied on goods originating from the United States.” The move, he said, aims to boost American imports into Zimbabwe while encouraging the expansion of Zimbabwean exports to the U.S. market. The decision follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of 18 percent…

The United States has announced the immediate revocation of all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders, citing South Sudan’s failure to cooperate in the repatriation of its nationals deemed removable from the U.S. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement on Saturday saying the decision comes after repeated warnings that countries refusing to accept the return of their citizens would face penalties, including visa restrictions. “Effective immediately, the United States Department of State is revoking all visas issued to South Sudanese passport holders and suspending future issuances,” said Rubio. “We will consider lifting these measures once South…

Thousands of people flooded the streets of Bangui on Friday to protest Central African Republic (CAR) President Faustin Archange Touadera’s bid for a third term, denouncing his alliance with Russian-backed Wagner mercenaries. The demonstration, led by opposition parties, reflects growing public anger over what many see as an erosion of national sovereignty and democratic norms. Protesters voiced strong opposition to Touadera’s continued rule, which was made possible through a 2023 constitutional referendum widely seen as orchestrated with the support of Wagner forces. “The people are saying no to a third term, but also no to foreign control,” said opposition member…

In Kenya, where Christianity is deeply rooted in society, the longstanding tradition of political leaders making large church donations is once again drawing scrutiny. President William Ruto’s recent contribution of 20 million shillings (approximately R3 million) has reignited concerns over the intersection of faith, politics, and governance. Christianity, which arrived in Kenya in the 19th century alongside Western education and British colonial influence, played a central role in shaping the country’s institutions. Missionaries controlled education, healthcare, and societal structures, reinforcing religious influence in both governance and daily life. Over time, churches evolved into powerful institutions, not only as places of…

As tensions with France continue, Algeria is accelerating its shift away from the French language in education by introducing English as the primary language of instruction in medical and scientific courses at universities. On April 2, the Ministry of Higher Education directed all public universities to transition first-year medical and scientific programs entirely to English, beginning in the next academic year. This decision is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on French, a language that has historically symbolized France’s influence in Algeria even after independence. The language shift aligns with Algeria’s political stance, as distancing itself from French…

The Somali government has introduced a new ban on international travel for unaccompanied minors and individuals suspected of planning irregular migration. The move is part of a broader strategy to address the growing issue of illegal migration, particularly among young people. Authorities say the restrictions aim to prevent youths from taking dangerous routes in search of better opportunities, often falling victim to human trafficking. The Somali Immigration Authority stated that the increasing number of young migrants attempting to leave the country has reached a critical level, necessitating immediate intervention. Officials emphasized that the government is intensifying efforts to combat human…

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has introduced a $50 visa requirement for Zimbabwean citizens, officially ending the visa-free travel arrangement that previously existed between the two nations. Zimbabwe was among the few countries whose citizens could enter the DRC without a visa. However, under the new policy, travelers must now secure a visa before arrival. Congolese authorities have not provided an official explanation for the policy shift. Impact on Trade and Travel The new requirement is expected to affect business travelers, tourists, and cross-border traders who frequently move between the two countries. Zimbabwe and the DRC share strong diplomatic…

Barry Moussa Barqué, a close associate of Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé, has been unanimously elected as the head of the country’s Senate, following constitutional reforms that reshaped the institution’s role. Barqué, 82, has been a special advisor to Gnassingbé since 2009 and previously held multiple ministerial positions under the president’s late father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, who ruled for 38 years until his death in 2005. Constitutional Changes and Power Structure The recent constitutional overhaul replaced direct presidential elections with a parliamentary system, significantly reducing the presidency’s executive powers. Under the new system, the head of state will hold a largely ceremonial…

The recent arrest of at least 96 people in Harare for allegedly participating in an “unlawful protest” has once again highlighted Zimbabwe’s deepening crackdown on dissent. The detainees, who were attempting to exercise their constitutional right to protest, have become the latest victims of a government increasingly reliant on repression to maintain control. Among those targeted is journalist Blessed Mhlanga, who was arrested for interviewing political activist Blessed Geza. Geza had called for demonstrations against President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and Mhlanga’s detention underscores the growing threat to press freedom in Zimbabwe. While Section 59 of the Zimbabwean Constitution explicitly guarantees the…

Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni arrived in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, on Thursday for high-level discussions aimed at preventing further instability following the house arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar last week. Museveni, a key guarantor of the 2018 peace agreement, was received at Juba International Airport by South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit and senior government officials. His visit comes at a critical time, as Machar’s detention has heightened political tensions and raised fears of renewed conflict. “I have arrived in South Sudan at the invitation of His Excellency Salva Kiir Mayardit. I look forward to our discussions…

The first-ever Africa AI Summit has commenced in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, bringing together leaders and experts to discuss the continent’s role in the evolving artificial intelligence landscape. Rwandan President Paul Kagame welcomed key figures, including Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. In his opening address, Kagame underscored the transformative power of AI, calling it one of the most groundbreaking innovations of the modern era. However, he expressed concern that geopolitical rivalries are overshadowing its potential. He warned that Africa must not lag behind in this technological…

Burkina Faso’s President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, officially announced the launch of the People’s Progressive Revolution (RPP) on April 1st during a ceremony at the Koulouba Palace. The declaration, made at the national flag-raising event, marks a significant turning point for the country and calls on all citizens to actively contribute to its development. President Traoré described the movement as a continuation of the ideals of the 1983 People’s Democratic Revolution led by Captain Thomas Sankara. The new revolution, he stated, aims to reclaim and safeguard national territory while also strengthening sovereignty and driving economic and social progress. In his address,…

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has initiated an investigation into claims that seven military personnel assaulted three civilians in Kumasi on March 28, 2025. According to reports, the accused officers—comprising three senior officers and four soldiers—allegedly arrested and physically attacked the civilians over accusations of stealing a mobile phone belonging to another individual. In a statement issued on April 2, the Military High Command confirmed that the victims sustained injuries and assured the public of a thorough probe into the matter. Military and Police Joint Investigation The Military Police, working alongside the Ashanti Regional Police CID, has taken charge of…