Author: WAJ Editor

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…

Mozambique’s parliament has approved a landmark law aimed at restoring peace and stability following months of violent protests triggered by the disputed October 9 presidential election, which left at least 360 people dead. The Political Commitment for an Inclusive National Dialogue law, passed unanimously by the 250-seat legislature on Wednesday, seeks to revise the country’s constitution, redefine presidential powers, and grant pardons to individuals convicted of unrest linked to the election. A Path to Reconciliation The law stems from a March 5 agreement signed by President Daniel Chapo and all political parties, marking a significant step toward national reconciliation. It…

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu departed for France on Wednesday for a two-week visit, as top diplomats from three West African nations—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—prepare for high-level talks in Moscow to strengthen relations with Russia. The foreign ministers of the three Sahel countries, which are now military-led, are scheduled to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday. Their visit comes amid a deepening rift with the West African regional bloc ECOWAS, which Tinubu currently leads. Tinubu’s Visit to France While it remains unclear whether Tinubu’s trip is linked to the Moscow visit by Sahelian officials, the Nigerian presidency has…

Liberia is a West African country that is limited to Sierra Leone, Guinea and Ivory Coast and the Atlantic Ocean is in the south. Founded in 1847 by free African Americans, the first republic of Africa. Monrovia is the capital and largest city. The country has a different population and more than 20 domestic languages, but English is the official language. Liberia has a history marked by the Civil Wars (1989-2003), but since then, he has made progress in rebuilding his economy and governance. Its economy is based on agriculture, mining and natural resources, including rubber and iron ore. Liberia…

Ghana has unveiled West Africa’s largest floating solar power project, marking a major milestone in the country’s renewable energy ambitions. The initiative is part of Ghana’s plan to increase its renewable energy contribution from the current 1% to 10% by 2030. The 5-megawatt floating solar installation, developed by Ghanaian engineers from the Bui Power Authority (BPA), is located on the Black Volta River. The innovative technology optimizes land use while improving solar panel efficiency and reducing water evaporation. According to Peter Acheampong, Deputy Director of Renewable Energy at BPA, the plant is already operational, with plans to expand capacity to…

Zimbabwe is grappling with growing political uncertainty as pressure mounts on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down amid allegations of corruption and economic mismanagement. On Monday, major cities, including the capital Harare, were largely deserted as security forces were deployed in large numbers to prevent protests called by a faction within the ruling Zanu-PF party. Authorities reported the arrest of at least 95 people on charges of inciting public violence, raising concerns about further unrest. Despite the turmoil, Mnangagwa’s supporters have dismissed claims that his leadership is under threat. “The president is not facing ouster. What happened was merely social…

The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has commuted the death sentences of three American citizens involved in last year’s failed coup attempt, reducing their punishment to life imprisonment, an official confirmed on Wednesday. A presidential order granted sentence reductions to Marcel Malanga Malu, Taylor Christa Thomson, and Zalman Polun Benjamin, according to DR Congo’s Presidential spokesperson Tina Salama, who made the announcement on social media platform X. The three were among 37 individuals convicted and sentenced to death in September 2024 by a military court in Kinshasa for their roles in the May 2024 coup attempt.…