Author: WAJ Editor

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has claimed that some business people are contributing significantly to the ongoing conflict in the country, saying that around 60% of the instability in the country is driven by wealthy individuals who support armed groups. Speaking at a national meeting with business representatives, Ahmed said that the support some business people are giving to armed groups contradicts their public endorsement of peace. “60% of the instability that is shaking the peace of Ethiopia is fueled by business people, Ethiopians who support armed groups,” he said. He did not name specific individuals or companies. He called…

The Sudanese army accused troops loyal to eastern Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar of launching an attack on its border positions on Tuesday, the first time Sudanese army officials has publicly acknowledged direct military action by its northwestern neighbor in the ongoing conflict. The attack took place north of al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur, in the border triangle shared by Libya, Egypt and Sudan, according to a statement from the army. The army also accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of involvement. Sudan has previously accused Haftar of aiding the RSF through arms supplies early in the war.…

Rwanda has announced the successful relocation of 70 southern white rhinos from South Africa. It was the largest operation of its kind. The animals were relocated more than 3,000 kilometers during a two-day journey from Munywana Conservation Area to Akagera National Park. The initiative, coordinated by African Parks with support from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, is part of the broader Rhino Rewild Initiative. The aim is to increase population numbers and establish a safe breeding ground in Rwanda. According to the Rwanda Development Board, the rhinos were transported in two batches of 35 by Boeing 747 and then by…

South African authorities have issued orange level weather warnings in two provinces as the country continues to grapple with freezing temperatures, heavy rain and devastating snow. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) announced on Tuesday that parts of the Eastern Cape are currently under an Orange Level 6 warning due to dangerous snowfall and strong winds. KwaZulu-Natal has also been placed under Orange Level 5, which warns of dangerous rainfall and possible flooding. The warnings indicate significant weather threats that could pose risks to public safety and infrastructure. Johannesburg is currently experiencing what has been described as its coldest day…

Catholic bishops in Nigeria have strongly condemned the continued killing of Christians in the country, describing it as a “national tragedy” and a “scandal against our common humanity.” In a statement issued on June 6, the bishops declared that “there is no justification for continued bloodshed.” The statement follows a wave of deadly attacks in several Nigerian states, including Benue, Plateau, Taraba and the Middle Belt regions, where armed groups (including, allegedly, jihadist Fulani herdsmen) have predominantly targeted Christian communities. In one incident on June 1 alone, at least 43 people were killed in Gwer West and Apa counties of…

A group of United Nations experts has expressed serious concerns about a recent agreement signed between the United Kingdom and Mauritius, arguing that it fails to protect the rights of displaced Chagossian people. The agreement, signed on 22 May 2025, formalises the transfer of sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including the strategic island of Diego Garcia, from the UK to Mauritius. While the agreement has been described as a significant step in completing the end of colonial rule in Mauritius, UN experts say the agreement lacks essential guarantees for the right of return, compensation and cultural protection for the Chagossians.…

The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), represented by its Permanent Ambassador to the African Union, Lamine Baali, is participating in the 50th Regular Session of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to the African Union. The session began on Monday at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This meeting kicks off the cycle of high-level meetings leading to the 47th Regular Session of the AU Executive Board and the 7th Biennial Coordination Meeting between the AU, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and regional mechanisms. The meeting is scheduled to be held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, from 10 to 13 July 2025.…

Zambian police said more than 100 people were arrested on Monday after violent clashes involving illegal gold miners protesting the closure of a mine site. The unrest occurred about 470 kilometers (292 miles) from the capital Lusaka and saw demonstrators clash with law enforcement. Police spokeswoman Rae Hamoonga confirmed on Tuesday that several officers were injured and police vehicles were damaged during the clashes. “Despite attempts to restore order, the rioters escalated the violence, throwing stones at police personnel and vehicles,” Hamoonga said. Protesters also looted a cement truck, damaged local government offices and stole furniture and equipment. Zambian authorities…

Uganda is renewing its national identity cards. President Yoweri Museveni and his wife Janet have registered for the new biometric national identity card (ID). Museveni has called on everyone to renew their IDs. “Today, Maama Janet (First Lady) and I registered to renew our national identity cards in Nakasero. I call on every eligible Ugandan to do the same for better service delivery,” he said in a post on social media platform X on Tuesday. By law, the country renews its national identity cards every 10 years. The existing ones were issued between 2014 and 2015 but their validity has…

Ghana and the US have taken steps to strengthen their economic and trade partnership following a series of high-level talks held in Washington, DC. Ghana’s Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, led a delegation in talks with senior officials of the US Department of Commerce aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation. The talks come at a time when the US’s “America First” trade policy has led to the imposition of a 10% general tariff on imports from many countries, including Ghana. The meeting provided an opportunity to address these developments and explore ways to promote mutual growth. Minister Ofosu-Adjare…

Tunisian activists said hundreds of people launched a ground convoy to Gaza on Monday, June 9, with the aim of “breaking the blockade” of the Palestinian territories. Organizers said the nine-bus convoy was not bringing aid to Gaza but was intended to carry out a “symbolic action” by breaking the blockade on the area described by the United Nations as “the hungriest place in the world.” Activist Javahir Channa said that the “Soumoud” convoy, which means “steadiness” in Arabic, includes doctors and aims to reach Rafah in southern Gaza by the end of the week. It is scheduled to pass…

Ivory Coast’s Former Trade Minister Jean-Louis Billon has announced his intention to represent the country’s main opposition Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI) in the upcoming presidential election, scheduled for October. His statement comes after former Credit Suisse chairman Tidjane Thiam was disqualified from the final list of candidates. In an interview, the 60-year-old politician criticized the PDCI’s handling of Thiam’s candidacy, attributing the exclusion to inadequate preparation by party officials. Billon did not rule out the possibility of running under a different banner, but stressed that it was “too early” to make that decision. “I want the support of…

South Africa is stepping up efforts to repatriate the remains of its citizens who were taken abroad during the colonial era and those who died in exile during the anti-apartheid struggle, the government announced on Monday. Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie told a press briefing that the state was actively engaging with foreign agencies to ensure the return of indigenous remains, including those of the KhoiSan people, who are considered to be some of the country’s oldest inhabitants. “These are acts of justice, remembrance and healing,” McKenzie said. “They reaffirm our government’s commitment to restoring dignity, promoting…

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan held a phone conversation on Sunday to discuss the latest political developments in Libya, according to a statement from Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The foreign ministers, exchanged views on the situation in Libya, as part of what the ministry described as ongoing coordination aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and addressing regional issues. The call comes at a time of heightened tensions in Tripoli, where recent developments have raised concerns over Libya’s stability. During the discussion, Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s firm support for Libya’s unity and sovereignty. He also stressed…

In celebration of Eid al-Adha, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has granted a royal pardon to 1,526 individuals, the country’s Justice Ministry announced on Friday. The clemency, issued on the eve of the Islamic festival, includes 1,305 individuals currently serving prison sentences, as well as 206 others who had received verdicts but are not incarcerated. The list also features 15 individuals convicted in terrorism-related cases.

Zimbabwe had submitted a formal proposal that aims to reduce tariffs and establish a more balanced trade coordination between the two countries. The United States is now reviewing the proposal. The proposal, submitted in April, calls for an easing of the 18% tariff on Zimbabwean exports to the United States. Professor Mthuli Ncube, Zimbabwean Finance Minister, held the discussions during his visit to Washington for the 2025 IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings. During his visit, he held high-level meetings with US Treasury officials and congressional leaders, pressing for more favorable trade terms to enhance Zimbabwe’s export capacity. Following the…