Author: WAJ Editor

Tensions in South Sudan have escalated following the arrest of opposition leader Riek Machar, a move his party said effectively nullified a 2018 peace deal that ended five years of brutal conflict. The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Opposition Army (SPLM-IO) said on Thursday that his arrest showed a lack of commitment to peace. Its vice president, Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, warned that the deal had been “defunct” and that the country risked sliding back into war. Machar, who served as First Vice President under a fragile power-sharing agreement with President Salva Kiir, was reportedly arrested at his Juba residence on Wednesday. According…

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation, led by Edward Gemayel, visited Senegal from March 18 to 26 to evaluate the findings of an audit report released on February 12. The assessment revealed significant discrepancies in the country’s budget records, prompting the IMF to call for immediate reforms to enhance financial transparency and oversight. According to the IMF, Senegal’s average budget deficit was understated by 5.6 percentage points of GDP, while central government debt surged from 74.4% to 99.7% of GDP by 2023. The audit also uncovered hidden liabilities, including unreported borrowings equivalent to 25.3 percentage points of GDP. The report…

The Egyptian government has approved a budget allocating 4.6 trillion Egyptian pounds ($91.05 billion) for the 2025/26 fiscal year, according to a government statement released on Wednesday. The budget reflects an 18% increase in government spending as the country seeks to recover from its ongoing economic difficulties. A significant portion of the budget is allocated to social support, with a 15.2% increase in grants, subsidies and welfare programs. This includes a 20% increase in bread subsidies aimed at helping low-income households. The decision follows a series of financial relief measures introduced during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. Despite concerns from international…

South Africa’s cannabis industry is at a pivotal moment as shifting regulations and economic potential redefine its future. Despite the country’s progressive stance on cannabis legalization, recent policy reversals have sparked debate over the sector’s stability and growth prospects. Cannabis has been used globally for centuries, with its origins traced back to ancient Taiwan in 8000 BCE. Historically, hemp has been utilized in industries such as textiles, paper production, and fishing. Over time, different nations have taken varied approaches to its legalization, with the Netherlands pioneering de facto legalization in 1976. Among BRICS+ nations, Brazil decriminalized cannabis for personal and…

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have denied reports of losing their battle against the Sudanese army, asserting that their recent movements are part of a strategic repositioning. In a statement released Thursday, the paramilitary group claimed, “Our forces have never been defeated. We are strategically expanding across battlefronts to achieve our military objectives and ultimately resolve this conflict in favor of the Sudanese people.” The declaration follows an announcement by Sudan’s Sovereign Council Chairman, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who stated that Khartoum is now “free” from RSF control after government forces expelled the group from the capital. Despite this, the RSF…

Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa. With a diverse cultural heritage, Burkina Faso is home to more than 60 ethnic groups, including the Mossi, Fulani, and Bobo. Its capital, Ouagadougou, serves as the political, economic, and cultural hub. Formerly known as Upper Volta, Burkina Faso gained independence from France in 1960. The country’s name, meaning “Land of Incorruptible People,” was adopted in 1984 under the leadership of Thomas Sankara. Despite challenges such as political instability and security concerns, Burkina Faso remains known for its rich traditions, vibrant music, and renowned festivals like FESPACO, Africa’s largest film festival.…

For the first time since the outbreak of conflict nearly two years ago, Sudan has seen a reduction in the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs), according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The UN agency reported on Thursday that the number of displaced individuals has dropped by 2.4% over the past three months, with 396,738 people returning to their homes in Aj Jazirah, Sennar, and Khartoum states. However, despite this trend, IOM cautioned that conditions remain dire for returnees due to the lack of essential services. “Many people are eager to return home, but the necessary conditions for…

The Republic of Congo has announced plans to increase its electricity generation capacity to 1,500 megawatts by 2030, prioritizing renewable energy to improve access to energy and spur industrial development. Energy and Water Minister Emile Ouosso announced the initiative at the Congo Energy and Investment Forum in Brazzaville, emphasizing the government’s commitment to electrify the country of six million. A key aspect of the strategy includes partnerships with global organizations such as the World Bank and the Rockefeller Foundation. Through the “Mission 300” Initiative, launched in April 2024, the country aims to contribute to the broader goal of providing electricity…

At least six foreign tourists lost their lives, and nine others were injured after a tourist submarine sank off the coast of Hurghada in Egypt’s Red Sea on Thursday, according to reports. The nationalities of the victims have not yet been confirmed. The submarine was carrying 45 tourists of various nationalities when the incident occurred. Emergency responders successfully rescued 29 passengers, according to a statement from the Red Sea governorate. However, authorities have not yet determined the cause of the sinking. This tragedy follows a similar incident four months ago when a tourist yacht capsized in the Red Sea amid…

A court in Algeria has sentenced 80-year-old French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal to five years in prison, accusing him of undermining the country’s territorial integrity following controversial remarks about Morocco and Algeria’s borders. Sansal was arrested in November after arriving in Algiers from Paris. His detention followed an interview with a far-right French media outlet in which he claimed that, during the colonial era, France had allocated too much land to Algeria and not enough to Morocco. He also suggested that the disputed territory of Western Sahara was historically Moroccan. The author’s imprisonment has drawn widespread condemnation from intellectuals and political…

Niger is undergoing a major political change with the Re-establishment Pact issued by the President of the National Homeland Council, General Abdourahamane Tchiani. The document, read by the Secretary-General of the Government, Maman Roufai Louali, profoundly redefines the country’s institutional structure. Following national assessments held between February 15 and 20, the Re-establishment Pact clearly stipulates the appointment of General Abdourahamane Tchiani as President. This decision was taken 20 months after Tchiani’s coup against Mohamed Bazoum. The Pact provides for a 60-month transition period, but this period is flexible depending on the security situation and the agenda of the Union of…

Liberian authorities have arrested Operating Room Technician Sam Wolobah for allegedly performing the surgery that led to the death of 30-year-old Samuel P. Kollie. The Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) confirmed Wolobah’s arrest and announced that the Lofa Medic Services Clinic in Neezoe, Jacob Town, where the incident occurred, will be closed immediately. The decision comes after allegations of medical malpractice in connection with Kollie’s death. An investigation by the LMDC revealed that Wolobah, who ran the clinic, falsely claimed to be a licensed physician despite not having a formal medical degree. He allegedly performed the surgical procedure that…

The proposed Naira-for-crude oil transaction framework poses significant risks to country’s foreign exchange stability and could discourage Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has cautioned. Olufemi Adewole, the association’s Executive Secretary, raised concerns over the volatility of the Naira, emphasizing that crude oil transactions are traditionally conducted in U.S. dollars due to its stability and global acceptance. He warned that deviating from this international standard could isolate Nigeria from global markets, reducing trade opportunities and deterring investors. “The global oil market operates in U.S. dollars for its predictability. Persisting with the Naira-for-crude…

Suspected militants launched coordinated attacks on a Nigerian army base and a military outpost in Borno State, resulting in at least 15 deaths, security sources reported. Militants linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP carried out the assaults late Monday night. The first attack targeted an army base in Wajiroko, where insurgents set military equipment ablaze. A soldier from the brigade confirmed that at least four troops, including the brigade commander, were killed, while others sustained injuries. A second attack occurred between midnight and early Tuesday in Wulgo, a village near Cameroon’s border. The assailants reportedly killed at least 11 Cameroonians…

Kenya has officially recognized the Republic of Kosovo as an independent state, marking a significant milestone in diplomatic relations between the two countries. The declaration acknowledges the country’s right to self-determination and notes that more than half of United Nations member states have already agreed to recognize it. The document also cites a 2010 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, which confirmed that Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of independence did not violate international law. Kosovar politician Behgjet Pacolli celebrated the recognition, noting that he had personally lobbied Kenyan officials since 2009 to make this moment possible. “This recognition is…

Efforts to expand solar energy in Mali are gaining momentum, offering some hope in a country grappling with persistent power outages, economic instability, and ongoing security threats. However, significant challenges remain as demand for electricity continues to outpace supply. In Bamako’s bustling Grand Marché, phone repairman Bourama Doumbia has seen his business suffer due to the unreliable electricity supply. “Power cuts used to last up to 38 hours last year. Although outages are less frequent now, I’ve lost a lot of customers because of the disruptions,” Doumbia said. Energy Crisis is Linked with Political Instability Mali’s worsening energy crisis has…