Author: WAJ Editor

Newly leaked documents reveal that the European Union’s Border Assistance Mission in Libya (EUBAM Libya) is expanding its operations, moving into a “consolidation phase” with increased cooperation from Frontex. Meanwhile, Italy’s recent actions in allowing a wanted Libyan war criminal to return home underscore the EU’s reliance on third-state actors to enforce migration policies. EUBAM Libya, in place since 2013, is tasked with strengthening Libya’s border security, combating human trafficking, and countering terrorism. A recent internal report indicates that Libyan authorities are increasingly open to collaboration, particularly in security and migration control. However, this strategy has been widely criticized for…

Kenya has launched Africa’s first hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) battery laboratory in Nairobi, providing vital services for the country’s growing eco-friendly vehicle market. The facility, established by Japan’s Vehicle Service Centre (JVSC) in partnership with Cars Kenya Ltd, will offer battery testing, analysis, and reconditioning to support hybrid vehicle owners. Many imported hybrid cars arrive in Kenya with only a few years of battery life remaining, making local maintenance services crucial for vehicle longevity. Cars Kenya Ltd Managing Director, Sam Wanjema, emphasized the increasing popularity of hybrid vehicles, noting that nearly 50 percent of cars on Japanese roads are hybrids.…

Zimbabwe’s trade promotion body, ZimTrade, is seeking to expand the country’s agricultural exports to China, focusing on avocados and macadamia nuts. Ahead of this effort, a delegation of Chinese buyers is set to visit Zimbabwe from April 8-10, 2025, as part of the Zimbabwe-China Avocado and Macadamia Inward Buyer Mission in Chipinge. China, the world’s second-largest economy, is a key trading partner for Zimbabwe, with trade between the two nations reaching $3 billion in the first nine months of 2024—a 25.6 percent increase from the previous year. The upcoming trade mission is expected to strengthen bilateral relations and provide local…

A group of over 50 youths attacked passengers from a cruise ship that docked in Mombasa, Kenya, making off with valuables and forcing many tourists to cancel their planned visits to the city. The incident took place at Pembe za Ndovu along Moi Avenue, prompting an increased police presence in areas frequently visited by tourists. The MV Crystal Symphony, carrying 1,169 passengers and crew, had arrived from Mahe, Seychelles, and is scheduled to depart for Zanzibar today. This marks the final cruise ship arrival for the season, which ends in April, with the next season set to begin in September.…

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has pardoned 1,533 prisoners in celebration of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, the country’s Justice Ministry announced. Among those granted clemency, 31 had been convicted of extremism and terrorism-related offenses. Authorities stated that their pardons were granted after they renounced radical ideologies, revised their beliefs, and pledged allegiance to national principles. The royal pardon is a long-standing tradition in Morocco, where the king has the constitutional authority to grant clemency on national and religious occasions. Earlier this year, King Mohammed VI issued a similar decree pardoning 1,304 inmates on the anniversary of a national holiday.…

Niger has withdrawn from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), a regional military alliance formed to combat Boko Haram, opting to manage its national security independently. The decision was accompanied by a rebranding of its military operation in the Diffa region, now named “Naliwa Doli,” according to state broadcaster Télé Sahel. Established in 2015, the MNJTF comprises troops from Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria, with its headquarters in N’Djamena, Chad. Its primary mission has been to secure areas in the Lake Chad Basin affected by jihadist activities. However, Niger’s government believes that strengthening the autonomous management of its armed…

The leader of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, has pledged to continue the fight against the Sudanese army despite recent territorial losses. In a recorded message on Sunday, he vowed to return to the capital, Khartoum, “stronger than ever” after the army regained control of key areas. Hemedti acknowledged recent RSF withdrawals from Omdurman but described them as “strategic repositioning decisions.” He also dismissed any possibility of negotiations with the army, stating, “We will not engage in dialogue or agreements with them; only the gun will decide.” The Sudanese army has made…

The departure of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has effectively ended free trade across the region, deepening the divide between these Sahel nations and key democracies such as Nigeria and Ghana. The three West African countries recently withdrew from ECOWAS, accusing the bloc of failing to support their fight against armed groups and ongoing insecurity. In response, ECOWAS had imposed economic, political, and financial sanctions, aiming to pressure them into restoring constitutional rule—efforts that ultimately proved ineffective. For years, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have struggled with insurgencies, resulting in thousands…

Residents of Sudan’s Tuti Island, a once-peaceful retreat at the confluence of the Blue and White Nile, have come forward with harrowing accounts of life under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after the Sudanese army reclaimed the area. For months, the RSF, a paramilitary group locked in conflict with the military since April 2023, ruled the island with an iron grip, blocking medical access, extorting residents, and detaining individuals without cause. Elderly islander Omar al-Hassan recalled being denied medical treatment despite having the required documents. “They just wanted money,” he said. The RSF, which still controls large…

The South African government has intensified its crackdown on the so-called “construction mafia,” with law enforcement agencies investigating more than 700 cases of criminal disruptions at construction sites across the country. The initiative, led by the Department of Public Works in collaboration with the police, aims to dismantle extortion syndicates that have plagued infrastructure projects. Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson announced on Friday that the government had made significant strides in restoring order at construction sites through intelligence gathering, data tracking, and law enforcement operations. A national summit held in November marked a turning point, bringing together stakeholders to develop…

In a major counter-narcotics operation, the French Navy intercepted a fishing vessel in international waters off the Gulf of Guinea, seizing over six tons of drugs valued at approximately €371 million ($400.4 million). The March 15 operation was carried out based on intelligence provided by the European Union’s Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre (Narcotics) [MAOC (N)], along with the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The 20-meter Guyana-registered fishing vessel was boarded by French marines operating under Operation Corymbe, which ensures a near-continuous naval presence in the region. The confiscated narcotics were…

After almost two years of intense fighting, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have won a symbolic victory over the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), retaking the Republican Palace in Khartoum. The recapture of key areas has boosted the SAF’s confidence, and its leadership has vowed to continue pressing until the RSF is defeated. But the RSF’s continued drone strikes, including one that killed four Sudanese journalists and several soldiers, suggest the war is far from over. Asmaa Al-Husseini evaluates the latest situation in Sudan for ahram online. Despite losing ground in the capital, the RSF remains a formidable force, maintaining control…

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aati held talks in Cairo with Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef El-Sherif, focusing on bilateral relations and the latest developments in Sudan. According to a statement from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, Abdel Aati reaffirmed Egypt’s full solidarity with Sudan, emphasizing the deep historical and fraternal ties between the two nations. He reiterated Egypt’s commitment to supporting Sudanese national institutions in their efforts to restore peace and stability. Abdel Aati also underscored Egypt’s stance on respecting Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. He highlighted Egypt’s keen interest in staying informed about the evolving situation in Sudan,…

As Sudan enters its second year of conflict, a coalition of NGOs has condemned the international community’s failure to protect civilians and address ongoing human rights violations. In a joint letter to EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and European foreign ministers, the organizations highlighted the devastating impact of the war and urged immediate action. The conflict, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced 12.9 million people, making it the world’s largest displacement crisis. Civilians continue to face widespread atrocities, including…

The Sudanese army announced on Thursday that it has successfully cleared the last remaining positions of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum Governorate. “Our forces have decisively eliminated the last strongholds of the RSF militia in Khartoum Governorate,” the army said in a statement, refuting claims that the RSF had voluntarily withdrawn as part of a deal with the government. The RSF has yet to respond to the army’s statement. On Wednesday, Sudan’s Sovereign Council Chairman, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, declared the capital “free” after government forces pushed the RSF out of the city. The army has recently regained…

Rwandan authorities have ordered all international and national non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and agencies operating in the country to immediately cease any form of collaboration with the Belgian government and its affiliated institutions. The directive, issued on Thursday, follows Kigali’s decision to cut diplomatic ties with Belgium on March 17, accusing the former colonial power of siding with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. “Effective immediately, all collaboration, partnerships, and engagement with the government of Belgium and its affiliated institutions, non-governmental actors, agencies, and programs are prohibited,” the Rwandan government announced in a statement.…