• The latest edition of magazine highlights birth rate issue of Egypt, recent US elections, empowering Ghana’s Street Kids through Sports, ensuring Food Security from Farm to Table and many other topics

Abuja

In his editorial, Nigerian journalist Michael Adeboboye, Editor-in-Chief, Congress of African Journalists CAJ International Magazine (November 2024) wrote “As the year 2024 is running to a close, we sincerely appreciate our partners, collaborators, members of the International Media Cooperation Protocol (IMCP), for standing with us in this bid of creating a pedestal of connection for journalists and media platforms around the globe. We shall keep intact the seal of global contents exchange on which our understanding is building a stronger foundation. And importantly, our teeming readers and friends all over the world. We shall keep the bond stronger as we are moving into a new great and fulfilling year 2025…. Our work is not one without challenges, but with unrelenting faith and undaunted spirit, we are getting there with vitality. The world is at the moment shifting serious focus on its population and consequences on its economy.”

Michael Adeboboy added: “This edition is giving our readers, not ‘everyday news stuff’ written by Ashraf Aboul-Yazid. Ashraf unveils in the story, many comparisons, backgrounds and insights bearing his beam in particular, on the North African Egypt, taking our readers on a voyage of pretty piece: the Egyptian case in respect to Family Planning and Birth Control. This is our cover story for this edition.

“Since 1980 until now, family planning programs have spent about three billion Egyptian pounds, and more than 6,000 family planning units have been established in Egypt’s governorates. But the result was the opposite, with a population of 104 million in 2017. In the eighties, women began using contraceptives and methods such as the IUD and birth control pills became widespread and fertility rates among women in Egypt began to decline. Between 1980 and 1995, there were huge media campaigns, under the auspices of the wife of the former President, Suzanne Mubarak, to promote family planning programs, and women obtained their information about family planning by 40% from television and by 27% from doctors. According to a study entitled “Health in Egypt” published in 2002. Birth control plans continued, but it didn’t succeed, until present. We wonder, what is the reason for the high birth rates in Egypt?…..Contrary to what was expected, many migrants flocked to Egypt, benefitting from the societal security and safe borders, in order to leave the conflict areas in Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Sudan, Yemen, and Eritrea, which constituted an increase of about 15 million people according to official statistics…”reports, Ashraf.

Robert Nestrooy Kayongo highlights the recent USA elections: “Donald Trump secured another term as the President of the United States and many African presidents congratulated him for achieving his goal of taking back the US’s top office but many Africans are justified in questioning his dedication to the well-being of their continent. His initial tenure was marred by unfulfilled promises, deceptive assertions, and policies that detrimentally impacted African interests.”

Empowering Ghana’s Street Kids through Sports is the topic showcased by Dela Ahiawor: Street children’s right to sports has long been recognized as a human right. Sport absolutely has the potential to provide real grounds for optimism and growth opportunities for vulnerable groups in society, including street kids. As well, sport is key in shaping the attitude of kids positively. Clued in on this, Polish-Ghanaian philanthropist, Omenaa Mensah is on a mission to uplift and empower underprivileged children in Accra, Ghana’s capital city by leveraging the power of sports. With unwavering support from ambassadors, including NBA veteran, Pops Mensah-Bonsu- the Omenaa Foundation recently cut sod on the Kids Haven Sport & Art Complex in Accra- aiming to provide sports, arts, and holistic care for Ghana’s street urchins.”

Ensuring Food Security from Farm to Table is a call for Sustainable Practices to Prevent Biodiversity discussed by Mutayoba Arbogast: “In a world where food safety and security are critical to human survival, Tanzania is grappling with significant challenges that threaten its strides toward sustainable development. Each year, over 600,000 people suffer from foodborne illnesses due to unsafe food consumption, with a tragic 420,000 lives lost as a result.”

We are still in Africa, as Donald Tlaka takes us far south to observe “100 Days of GNU and What it Means To Common SA Citizens”. He wrote: “For the first time in 30 years, the African National Congress (ANC) lost elections on May 29, 2024. After 30 years of democracy, South Africans under ANC are still without jobs, high levels of inequality, corruption and crime are still the realities to many. The May 29 was definitely going to be a defining moment for South African democracy. Ten Political Parties came together to form the government of national unity led by the ANC, Democratic Alliance and other parties. Although the 10 parties may give you a different reason for the formation of the government of national unity, the truth is the GNU is a forced marriage that will either blossom into a beautiful union which will be the envy of the fractured “.

Spreading CAJ Magazine’s wings abroad, the First World Forum of Children’s Literature was documented by Russian creative pen Andrey Igorevich Yavny

“Children are our future”… But who would be inspired by such a phrase? As it turns out, quite a few, especially when we step away from clichés and return to the phrase’s original essence. This truth, dulled by countless repetitions, has the potential to ignite thought and inspire hundreds of people. And not just inspire thought, but spur action—to transform an overused phrase into the motto of a new and essential discourse. From October 25 to November 3, the first World Forum of Children’s Literature, entitled “Children Are Our Future: The Role of Children’s Literature in Shaping Character and Preserving Spiritual and Moral Values,” was held in Antalya, Turkey. Now, let us turn to the Chairman of the Russian branch of the World Organization of Writers (WOW).”

One of the new voices in cinema criticism is the Syrian writer Nuha Swaid. She is a graduate of Arabic Literature from Damascus University. She has written dozens of articles and published interviews in cultural, social and legal journalism since 2011. She studied at the NAZAR School of Education, Department of Film Criticism in Cairo. She is a film critic who writes in Arabic on several websites, including Ain Ala Al Cinema (An Eue on Cinema). She is interested in public affairs, especially women’s rights, and loves cinema that champions the issues of peoples. She writes her new articles in French. In this interview with CAJ Nuha Swaid said: “In a world facing crises, cinema serves as a beacon of inspiration and change, honestly reflecting the struggles of humanity. It voices the pain of marginalized groups, illuminating their stories and helping to build collective awareness. Rather than merely being a means of escape, cinema opens the door to discussions about the real issues that affect societies. It enhances understanding between cultures and reinforces the values of solidarity and hope amidst despair. I believe that cinema is not only a mirror of society but also a driving force for change. “

On another side, the Soviet Union remains a special milestone in the history of mankind. This is the reason to see many museums – not only in Russia – are celebration this iconic piece of history. MOSCOW INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL in Antalya opened a special Museum of Social Life in the Soviet Union, while “The artist paints with colors, and we paint with objects”. A school museum is not only a place where exhibits are kept and stories are told, but also a whole space for learning and development. A school museum is a platform for the formation of a comprehensive education, where school children learn new information and can apply it in practice.

A poetry page was written by Elmaya Jabbarova, Azerbaijan, who sang:

“Me and my country/To the tribute you give, honorable island, I was infected without even knowing it. O great Creator, with my poems, My country and I travel the world!

Congress of African Journalists CAJ Chairman Michael Adeboboye publishes its monthly International Magazine in Nigeria, it has an aspiring plan to print the magazine in other African cities and abroad, as suggested by CAJ Secretary General Ashraf Aboul-Yazid.

Read: Congress of African journalists (CAJ) – a Story to be told

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Read: Congress of African Journalists launches CAJ TV

The post Family Planning and Egyptian Birth Control first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Abuja, Nigeria   

Ashraf Aboul-Yazid, an Egyptian journalist has been appointed to the position of Congress of African Journalists (CAJ) Secretary General.

Ashraf who is one of the founding members of CAJ until his new position represented the organization as Vice President North Africa Region.

CAJ is a registered organization with headquarters in Nigeria and networks in over 30 different African countries and diaspora.

According to the Chairman of the CAJ Board of Trustees and acting international president, Michael Adeboboye, “Ashraf occupying the position of the organization’s Secretary General is a round peg in a round hole considering his international personality and exposures. He’s the President of Asia Journalist Association (AJA) and has transverse about 40 different countries of the world attending conferences, seminars and event that have bearing on the development of journalists and journalism across the globe.

“His experience and expertise will further boost and add more value to CAJ’s administration and objectives of improving the practice of journalism and protecting the practitioners. I have no doubt in Ashraf’s efficacious ability and capability to deliver on our vision. He is a man I have enormous confidence in and respect so much” Adeboboye said.

Reacting to his new mandate Ashraf Aboul-Yazid wrote “I express my gratitude to Mr. Chairman for his decision to share my experiences in the role of CAJ Secretary General. Serving the Congress of African Journalists has been the good force to be together, and move forward, for the sake of the journalism profession and the African people. “

He added: “A journalist is charged with exposing our many grievous faults and failures, with dredging up to the light our dark and dangerous dreams for the purpose of improvement. So, we will continue to assist each other to promote the freedom of journalists and the rights of citizens to know the right news, from the original resources at home, and abroad in diaspora.”

Ashraf Aboul-Yazid, poet, novelist, translator and journalist from Egypt. Author and translator of more than 40 books of poetry, novels, biographies, criticism, children’s literature and translations. As a journalist, he worked in Egypt, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Korea. He works as the editor-in-chief of the Silk Road Literature Series in Egypt, the President of Asia Journalist Association and as the editor-in-chief of the Arabic-language portal the AsiaN (Korea). He is a member of the Egyptian Writers Union, one of World Organization of Writers (WOW) founders, and he served for CAJ since its establishment, as Vice – President.

“Our CAJ registration is in Nigeria, but it is connected with every African country, and all Africans settled abroad. We are also connected with world media organizations and we shall strengthen this connectivity together” Ashraf said.

Read: Congress of African Journalists launches CAJ TV

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By Dela Ahiawor (CAJ member)

The Congress of African journalists (CAJ) has expressed great relief in triumph of the release of French journalist, Antoine Galindo by Ethiopian authorities.

According to the publisher of African Intelligence, Quentin Botbol the journalist was released on Thursday after he was unfairly detained on February 22 in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital.

Speaking on the French journalist’s release the International President of the Congress of African Journalists (CAJ), Mr. Michael Adeboboye said: “Journalists across the world have proven that they are each other’s keeper. CAJ is proud to have joined forces with journalists across the world to call for the release of Antoine Galindo. CAJ is ready to continue fighting for press freedom, because journalism is not a crime.” Now we can all heave a sigh of relief in triumph of our colleague regaining his freedom,” said Michael Adeboboye.

According to Galimdo’s lawyer, he was detained at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel while interviewing Bate Urgessa, a political officer with the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), a party legally recognized in Ethiopia.

Related news: CAJ urges Ethiopian Authorities to release French journalist

As claimed by the US based, Committee To Protect Journalists (CPJ) :” Ethiopia is the second-worst jailer of journalists in sub-Saharan Africa, with at least eight journalists behind bars on December 1, 2023. The eight are still jailed, with four of them detained as a result of a state of emergency declared on August 4 in response to the conflict in Amhara state and have never been charged or brought to court.”

The Congress of African Journalists (CAJ), is a unique network of African journalists with a presence in the diaspora and across the globe.

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Abuja

The Congress of African Journalists (CAJ) has called out the Government of Ethiopia to release French journalist Antoine Galindo with immediate effect.

The journalist was unfairly arrested and detained on Thursday, 22 February according to reports.

Antoine Galindo works for African Intelligence, a news portal based in Paris. Security officials in plain clothes accosted and detained the journalist in the Ethiopian Capital, Addis Ababa.

Giving voice to the journalist’s arrest the International President of the Congress of African Journalists (CAJ), Mr. Michael Adeboboye said: “the arrest is condemnable and urged for the immediate release of the journalist. Arresting a journalist for carrying out his duties as a journalist must be resisted”

According to Galimdo’s lawyer, he was detained at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel while interviewing Bate Urgessa, a political officer with the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), a party legally recognized in Ethiopia.

According to the Committee for the Protection of Journalists (CPJ) :” Ethiopia is the second-worst jailer of journalists in sub-Saharan Africa, with at least eight journalists behind bars on December 1, 2023. The eight are still jailed, with four of them detained as a result of a state of emergency declared on August 4 in response to the conflict in Amhara state and have never been charged or brought to court.”

The Congress of African Journalists (CAJ), is a unique network of African journalists with a presence in the diaspora and across the globe. (PR)

Also read: Congress of African Journalists launches CAJ TV

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Abuja Correspondent

The Congress of African Journalists (CAJ) International Magazine has just released its February 2024 edition. It was a hard time for Michael Adeboboye, Chairman, Board of Trustees / President Congress of African Journalists, CAJ, who lost his mother last week, but his dedication to journalism got him to complete the publishing, while his mourning tears are not yet dried.

The Cover story notes that editors-in-chief of nine international media platforms, in three continents, both online and print –have agreed to launch a cooperation protocol for the simultaneous publication of articles in Arabic and English.  Alia Mundi Magazine’, dedicated to promotion of the idea of cultural diversity, “Online Literary Magazine Enheduana”; have recently joined (Middle East Business), (Life), UAE, (Sindh Courier), Pakistan, and (The AsiaN) in Arabic, South Korea, (Nos Khabar), UAE, the international (Congress of African Journalists) Magazine (CAJ) , Nigeria, The Voice from Cameroon, Firstnews.com from Ghana, and the World Organization of Writers (WOW) from Russia.

Ashraf Aboul-Yazid, the AsiaN, stated that the protocol will not only expand the scope of reception but will also represent a new Silk Road of media, with its rich stations through opinion columns and various fields of journalistic writing. The writers of the nine platforms hail from more than fifty countries. The protocol will be a living table for dialogue and a vision of new ideas, discussing common concerns and proposing new solutions.

In “Pen Icons” corner, CAJ International Magazine portrays “Hani Nadeem”; A Journalist and Poet for all Seasons. Hani Nadeem is the editor-in-chief of Nos Khabar media network, published in Arabic from Dubai, UAE. Recently he collected his journalism ideas in a multi-volume anthology, published in Arabic.

Oseni Yusuf Salami, Nigeria, writes on the Evolving Landscape of Political Participation in Africa: From The Ballot Box To The Streets

The Syrian poet and writer Hani Nadeem, who has been working in print journalism and documentary films since the early 1990s, has published 20 books between poetry, journalism, and theater. Regarding one of his most recent books, the poet Hani Nadeem wrote, “Finally, my book, “The Tent of the Lord,” was published, which is a poetry book that brings together the texts that were said in lamentation for fathers from the Arab world and the world, both ancient and modern. The book is a summary of many years’ work. I hope I succeeded in collecting the most beautiful and strangest… It is a book about the love of poor, good fathers.”

Oseni Yusuf Salami, Nigeria, writes on the Evolving Landscape of Political Participation in Africa: From The Ballot Box To The Streets, mentioning that the political landscape of Africa is in flux. The old ways of doing things are no longer tenable. A new generation is demanding its voice to be heard, and they are using a diverse toolkit of tactics to make themselves heard. The future of Africa will depend on how governments and institutions respond to this challenge. Will they embrace this new wave of participation, or will they try to stifle it? Only time will tell. This is just a starting point, of course. There is much more to be said about the evolving landscape of political participation in Africa. I encourage us all to continue exploring and to engage in community’s advocacy to help shape the future of democracy on the continent.

Alice Chisanga writes that an agreement was reached through a project implemented by TRALARD with support from World Bank to help transform landscapes and the source of Villagers in Chipoya Village Raise Bar High in Fish Farming livelihood, in Zambia.

From South Africa, ANC January 8 Statement: Make or Break Moment for The Ruling Party, as Donald Tlaka writes. President Ramaphosa spoke at length and harshly against those who seek to break and divide the liberation movement. He’s saying these while the former president Jacob Zuma and his new party Umkhondo WeSizwe are crisscrossing the country to garner support to unseat the ANC. This was the most important January 8 statement of the Anc because it could be the last statement with ANC in power. They will be launching their manifesto in the coming weeks which will be guiding the volunteers as they will be going into different communities to convince the citizens to give the ANC yet another chance.

On April 4-6, 2024, the first Congress of the World Writers Organization will be held in Abuja, the capital of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, under the slogan: “We are people of one planet.” During the three working days of the Congress, the VII World Literary Festival “WOW-LIFFT”, the World Cultural and Educational Forum “Modern Problems of Humanitarian Modernization”, the celebration of the XXV UNESCO World Poetry Day and the innovative business forum “Eurasia + Africa” will be held on its margins.

The host party is the Pan-African Writers Association “PAWA”, headed by the Gold Laureate of the VI Open Eurasian Literary Festival of LiffT Festivals, Dr. Wale Okediran. CAJ shal be attending the events to be held in the Writers’ Village in Abuja.

A spotlight was given on Dr. Kay Morris, a Grammy considered G o s p e l R e c o r d i n g A r t i s t e, s i n g e r / s o n g w r i t e r / m u s i c Darranger/producer and a Gospel Hall and Wall of Fame inductee. She is also a fashion designer, youth mentor, women empowerment speaker, Professional Christian Life Coach/Teacher, and Global Humanitarian. She is also the President/Founder of Kay Morris Foundation and the CEO of Beauty For Ashes Global Coaching Services/ Destined To Reign Academy. She is Jamaican by birth and started singing at the tender age of 4; her music ministry spans approximately 60 years. She holds a Bachelor of Divinity Degree, Doctor of Divinity Degree, and a Doctor of Humanities Degree.

From Ghana, Nutifafa Dela Ahiawor gives a portrait of sister Gifty Dela Ahiawor (nee Gifty Gasper), has been installed as the 23rd Noble Lady for Court 63 of the Noble Order of the Ladies of Marshall on in 23 December, 2023.Ahiawor who is an educationist joined the Noble Order of the Ladies of Marshall on October 17, 2009 at court 63, Dansoman, Accra, Ghana. In her maiden speech, Noble Lady Sis. Gifty Dela Ahiawor said: “I believe with the commitment and dedication of all sisters, we shall progressively make Court 63 of the Ladies of Marshall vibrant and the best.”

Also read: Congress of African Journalists launches CAJ TV

Brenda Kaaria, highlights Kenya’s Tech Boom as M-PESA and Digital Natives Are Reshaping the Nation: “the story of Kenya’s tech boom is one of immense potential. The government, recognizing the windfall, has invested in digital infrastructure and launched initiatives like Ajira Digital, training youth in digital skills. Tech hubs and co-working spaces are popping up across the country, fostering innovation and collaboration. Inside Gambia’s Groundnut Trading Season: Farmers Complaint of Lack of Funds at Buying Centers, a report written by Kebba Ansu Manneh. Sabiiti Daniel takes us to Rwanda’s Akagera National Park Recovery from Years of Poaching.

Poetry section takes us to Asia, with two poets from Azerbaijan; Elmaya Cabbarova and Oruj Dadashi Elman, along with Nasir Aijaz, a poet from Sindh, Pakistan, who wrote “Dreams of Revolution and Freedom”:

What is the significance of dreams seen after sleep?

Dreams should be those that do not let you sleep.

I also keep seeing such dreams, like an old saying,

Dreams of Economic, Social Revolution and National

Unity that have not allowed me to sleep all my life.

But despite not realizing it in seven decades,

I have not stopped seeing such dreams.

Some of them are lying under the bed in my place, on

Which I sleep with my head every day,

Some of them are kept in the small cupboard next to it,

And some of them are lying between the pages of books.

Every night by opening the closet, laying my head on

The bed or opening a book,

I go back to the world of these dreams.

CAJ International Magazine Welcomes World Writers.

Published under the International Cooperation Protocol with The AsiaN (Arabic) Seoul, South Korea

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Abuja

After the success of CAJ International Magazine; the publication of the Congress of African Journalists (CAJ), CAJ TV begins with messages of its editors.

The Congress of African Journalists (CAJ) is a unique organization for journalists of African descent around the world that aims to protect practitioners of the journalism profession, improve journalistic practice, and create a large network on the African continent and beyond in diaspora. It is headed by Nigerian journalist Michael Adeboboye, an international, independent journalist whose work has been published in international media in the USA, Asia and Africa.

The organization represents a great network for Africa and the rest of the world to share ideas and content for readers without restrictions or language barrier.

Read: Congress of African journalists (CAJ) – a Story to be told

It has extensive coverage of Africa with contributors in over 30 different African countries including the diaspora. Its magazine publishes stories on diverse topics from Africa and beyond. While its channel begins with letters from its editors, it is expected to grow with content that will be a mirror of the culture and civilization of an ancient continent.

Published under the International Cooperation Protocol with Middle East Business

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Lagos, Correspondent

CAJ (Congress of African Journalists) International Magazine welcomes the New Year in a hot edition that covers Africa and the world. The cover story on Uganda, a host of over 1.5 million refugees, explains its plan to roll out some transition strategies for refugees. Among the trending refugee some transition strategies for refugees. Among the trending refugee themes is the localization. UNHCR, the government and partners are strategizing to make refugees their own community front-runners in local change making. This truly is a path to refugee resilience. In the non-profit world, international organizations and donors pick refugee-led organizations to work with in designing and implementing tailored programs. This transfers resources needed to refugees through refugee organizations to champion local response against their Community challenges. One of the key concerns facing refugees and hosts is the effect of climate change. These include drought and energy shortage affecting livelihoods.

The cover story on Uganda, a host of over 1.5 million refugees, explains its plan to roll out some transition strategies for refugees

Alison Lemeri of CAJ International Magazine in this edition reports “It is this and more other causes that many refugee and host organizations are locally designing solutions to fight. But nothing bigger and scalable is possible without giving them resources. After years of serving their communities, most of them have built expertise base in project development, implementation and reporting. Many international organizations helped make this possible when they engaged them in capacity strengthening trainings and partnerships. They now need the trust of donors to funds, equipment and materials…” This story is our cover for this edition.

For Ashraf Aboul-Yazid, 2023 was a significant year – He celebrated new books translated by him, and other books translated for him as well. The four poetry publications of the Eurasian Literary Festival, Cairo, were (4 Poets on the Silk Road), (My Horizons in Sequence) by the poet Alexandra Ochirova, the Silk Road Anthology series (Nano-Poems for Africa), and (A Street in Cairo) in the Russian language, translated by the Russian-Azerbaijani poet Eldar Akhadov. This spring, the Iranian poet, Professor Nasrin Shakibi Mumtaz, sent him two new collections published in Tehran in Persian, in which she translated two of his Arabic volumes: (On the Path of Death) and (The Memory of Silence). In Kaohsiung World Poetry Festival in Taiwan, November 2023, he had two more books translated from English ; (4 Hakka Poets from Taiwan), namely Ching-Fa Wu, Tseng Kuei-Hai, Du Pan Fang-ge, and Fang-Tzu Chang, and the Taiwanese poet, storyteller, and painter Miao-yi Tu’s book (They Are the Daughters of Siraya). Indeed, 2023 was a year of poetry for Ashraf.

On Fafang Town’s Agricultural Subsidies: A Beacon of Inspiration for Sierra Leone Farmers, which Luke Kakpa Pessima visited as during his visit in Liangzhou, D District, Gansu Province, China, as a masters student in International Development Policies and Governance at China Agricultural University (CAU), he investigated amid the attractive landscapes of Shiyanghe Basin. Fafang Town has risen as a symbol of hope and transformation for the country’s farmers in the west desert.

In a region where agriculture serves as the lifeblood of the economy, Fafang Town’s visionary agricultural subsidy program has become a shining example of success. Initiated in 2005 through a collaboration between local leaders, progressive farmers and National Development Agricultural Experts (NDAE), the program aimed to address the long-standing challenges faced by farmers in the area. Access to agricultural inputs such as high-quality seeds and fertilizers, irrigation infrastructure, and machinery, coupled with extensive training and education on farming techniques, laid the foundation for a paradigm shift in agricultural productivity.

Oseni Yusuf Salam writes “Beyond Aid: Africa’s Rising Tide of Ingenuity Reshapes the World”, mentioning that beyond the tired narrative of African dependence, shine a light on the burgeoning wave of native ingenuity washing over the continent, shaping solutions not just for Africa, but for the entire world. “Dive into the heart of a bustling innovation hub in Nairobi, Lagos, or Kigali. Paint a vivid picture of young Africans collaborating, hacking away at challenges, and birthing game-changing ideas showcases a captivating array of homegrown revolutionary solutions”.

The Africa Union estimates that $140 billion is lost through corruption annually. This is equivalent to the GDP of all but five countries in Africa

On “Islamic Justice and the Fight Against Corruption in Africa, we read the column of Robert Nestrooy Kayongo “HARD TALK” and the challenge across the continent of Africa, infiltrating various sectors and institutions with far-reaching consequences. It spans from the northern reaches to the southern tip, manifesting in various forms. Among its diverse effects are: eroding trust in governance structures, impeding socio-economic development, and hindering the equitable distribution of resources. Its prevalence poses a substantial threat to the realization of Africa’s potential, undermining efforts towards stability, progress, and sustainable growth”

“The Africa Union estimates that $140 billion is lost through corruption annually. This is equivalent to the GDP of all but five countries in Africa. To put this in another perspective, this amount can ensure uninterrupted power 24 hours a day to every citizen in Africa for 3 years!”

Gambia Braces Up to Celebrate Bicentenary Commemoration of Returned Slaves in the country’s Island settlement of Janjanbureh in 1823. According to Hamat N.K Bah, Minister of Tourism and Culture, the purpose of the commemoration is to reflect and celebrate the return of slaves to the settlement of Janjanbureh in 1823 exactly two hundred years ago, noting that to this effect, a National Organizing Committee has been set-up to oversee the organization of the commemoration that is slated for 4-7th January, 2024. Details in Kebba Ansu Manneh’s report.

Former Times of Eswatini newspaper Deputy Editor and journalist, has turned against his former profession and called for government to control the media. The former journalist is now Mbabane East Member of Parliament, after winning elections in September 2023.

The pretentious Dlamini, is the President of the Swaziland National of Journalists (SNAJ). According to the Eswatini Observer Newspaper dated 29 November, 2023, Dlamini was speaking in November, 2023 during the parliamentarians’ five-day induction conference at the Happy Valley Hotel. Chairman of the Editor’s Forum and Eswatini Observer’s Managing Editor, Mbongeni Mbingo, presented on the relationship between the media and Parliament. Dube Eugene covers the story of “A journalist biting his Profession in the leg”.

Dela Ahiawor, writes on concerns flaring over press freedom in Ghana, “Thus the need arises to fight off the recurring problem of media muzzling in the bid to safeguard press freedom. In fact, muzzling the media is a national headache. For the fact that, Ghana’s rank in the 2023

World Press Freedom Index is 62 out of 180 countries -the worst press freedom ranking in 17 years. Point by point, Ghana slipped two places from 60 in 2022 to 62 in 2023.However on the African continent Ghana inched up to 9th position in 2023 from 10th position in 2022 Giving voice to the attack on Onua TV/ Onua FM, the International President of the Congress of African Journalists (CAJ), Mr. Michael Adeboboye in an interview with CAJ International Magazine recently said: “the attempt by the National Media Commission in Ghana to take Onua TV/Onua FM off the air is condemnable and must be resisted.” With Africa showing low levels of press freedom since 2003, Mr. Adeboboye urged African leaders to ensure freedom of the press in 2024 to foster the needed development on the continent.”

In this edition, there are other interesting stories from other African countries and diaspora including an interview with Korean journalist, traveler and writer; Cherry (Lee Yeon-Sil) whose name seeming unsung but has contacts in over 200 different countries of the world.

Published under the International Cooperation with The AsiaN, Seoul, South Korea

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Abuja

The Congress of African Journalists (CAJ) has published the latest issue of its international magazine (August-September 2023) that covers a wide range of content including interview, political and economic analysis, literary reviews, art and culture, poetry and many more interesting stories to read from inside Africa and beyond.

The CAJ is a Nigeria-based registered organization, having contacts in 31 African countries and Diaspora. Mr. Michael Adeboboye is the Editor-in-Chief and Mr. Ashraf Aboul Yazid of Egypt is the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the magazine.

The cover story is an exclusive interview of Mr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa, a Liberian politician. He is an international lawyer whose scorecard in the parliament of Liberia receives commendations far and wide. JFK is the Deputy Speaker of Liberia’s House of Representatives and towards the October 10, Liberia’s election has strongly declared his support for the incumbent President George Weah who is seeking another six years reelection. CAJ magazine senior journalists in this edition interviewed Koffa. It is an exclusive interview showcasing JFK much more than the space in this editorial. The interview is the cover for this edition.

Also in this edition:

Ama Ata Aidoo: A Sparrow from Africa a presentation by Ashraf Aboul-Yazid, Egypt, discusses the relationship between East and West, and the conflict between Eastern values and Western values, have been- and will remain – a subject of questioning, research, and a theme that stories, plays, novels, and travel literature deal with. He wrote the Ghanaian legendary writer Ama Ata Aidoo was keen to exhibit the feminine opinion. It is important to mention that Ama Ata Aidoo succeeded to embody the women, not only in Africa or Ghana, but in her own Akan society, with their traditions and entity. For her, she didn’t have to travel first to examine her ideas, as men writers did, as she wrote her play while she was in college. She finally believes that there are common questions to be asked observing (A Sparrow from the East), (Season of Migration to the North), (An Oriental Lady in Paris) and (The Dilemma of a Ghost): What do writers of the East want from West?

In his article: My Life Journey as a Journalist, Nasir Aijaz, Pakistan, shared his affiliation to electronic channel as compere and having done over 600 TV programs for over a decade, scores of radio programs as an analyst. Nasir is the author of over one thousand articles published in Pakistan and abroad. He is also one of the founding members of Korea-based Asia Journalists Association and representative of its media arms The AsiaN and Magazine N for over a decade, contributing articles on various issues, many of which were translated and published in Arabic language.

Experiencing quarter century’s journey in journalism, Mohamed Monier, who is a journalist and author with 30 years of experience in the media field, has been working as a writer and journalist in Al Ahram Newspaper, Egypt, since 1998. His affiliations with various Arab and International Organizations are noteworthy: he is a member of the UN’s International Journalists Association, the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate, and the Dubai Press Club. He is also a founding member of the advisory board for the Egyptian Geographic, Scientific and Cognitive Journal, and the Supreme Committee for the Abu Dhabi International Film Festival.

Mohamed Monier is also an author. He has contributed through his book, “The Prisoner”, which provides an understanding of the human psyche. He has also penned a book titled “The Artist of the People”, a biographical account of the dean of the Arab theater, the late artist Youssef Wehbe.

The magazine begins with a poem ‘Welcome, New World’ by Elmaya cabbarova, a poetess from Azerbaijan.

Other articles include ‘Handling health communication in a volatile society using AI and gramification’; Top 10 media policies in Africa based on country, a research by YMCF; How critics, government raffle cards in the Tanzania-Dubai pact; Kenya’s technological renaissance: unleashing innovation and driving African progress; Immigrants forced to leave Tunisian borders based on skin color; Prices of basic food rise in Angola; Swazi Regime: Hospitals now Death Zones, No Drugs; The power of words: unveiling the triumphs and challenges of journalism in Africa; Climate anxiety sours as zoomers embrace Tik Tok; Burundi strives to promote tourism sector; Ubumuntu Arts Festival Expanding Beyond Rwanda …Showcases Power of Faith over Fear.

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Abuja Correspondent

In the previous edition of Congress of African Journalists magazine, Editor-in-Chief, Michael Adeboboye had an exclusive interview with the Vice President, Republic of Liberia, Chief Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor. The interview attracted Liberian journalists who republished it. Subsequently, the interview was translated and published in Arabic and Swahili online publications. Jewel of Africa, as fondly called is an icon of development especially in the area of women and girls empowerment across Africa and beyond. This edition, the magazine beamed its searchlight on the many achievements of the Liberia’s number two citizen.

Madam Taylor is the founder and Chief Patron of Jewel Starfish Foundation (JSF), a leading Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) established in the year 2000 in Liberia championing education and mentoring of disadvantage girls. So far the foundation has empowered women and girls well over 7000 in Africa and beyond. With Jewel Howard Taylor as the captain of JSF, the foundation is no doubt a hope living with women who are less privileged.

Jewel Starfish Foundation of Liberia sponsors education of over 1500 females

Apparently, JSF is the first of its kind in Liberia. At the beginning of the 2018/2019 academic year, the foundation committed more than $10 million Liberian Dollars during that year to fund tuition scholarships and mentoring program for more than 1500 females commencing from grade 7 to university.

Till date, the Foundation had committed over 500000 USD in the recent 5 years to fund scholarships for more than 7000 females among whom more than 2000 have graduated from high school and are pursuing higher education while others have earned their first degree. Just in a year, the Foundation disbursed over 10 million Liberian Dollar and more than 50000 USD to all of its partner schools both nationally and internationally. JSF management, conceptualism and financial management is surely an endearing fascination to donors all over the world. CAJ magazine published the annual report of the organization and its achievements.

Rafael Nanum Homeless Clinic of Korea provided primary care to approximately 6000 homeless people

Also in this edition, Ashraf Aboul-Yazid (Ashraf Dali) writes about the Raphael Clinic in Korea. In 2022, the Rafael Nanum Homeless Clinic provided primary care to approximately 6000 homeless people. As time passed, many volunteers and supporters with warm hearts came to visit us; a better level of knowledge with these people. Raphael International has worked to improve the capabilities of medical personnel in various Asian and African countries, including Myanmar, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Burkina Faso, as well as Mongolia.

Dela Ahiawor, in the USA gives us the report on U.S immigration policy.  Oseni Yusuf Salam writes on media policies and their role in upholding the rule of law. The media can defend human rights by reporting on cases of abuse and discrimination, and by advocating for the rights of marginalized groups. The media is a powerful tool that can be used to promote democracy and good governance. By upholding the rule of law, the media can help to create a more just and equitable society for all Africans.

In this edition a focus on Salome Kitomari who is an award winning and senior Tanzanian Journalist. She has been in the professional practice for over 18 years. Kitomari is the chairperson of the Media Institute of Southern Africa, Tanzania chapter (MISA-TAN). In this interview with Congress of African Journalists (CAJ) correspondent in Tanzania, Mutayoba Arbogast, she speaks about MISA Tanzania and other interesting issues. “There are hopes for better journalism climate in Tanzania”, Kitomari says.

Guns will not solve Africa’s political Wrangles

Robert Nestrooy Kayongo writes: “Guns will not solve Africa’s political Wrangles – A lesson from Eastern DRC”. Recently, 16-members of Southern African Development Community (SADC), meeting in the Namibian capital Windhoek, announced it would send troops to eastern DRC “to restore peace and security” in that long conflict- plagued region of the East

African Community’s newest, and most populous member. The seven-member EAC already has a response force in eastern DRC, which has been trying to do the same thing since early in the year. The gold medal for peacekeeping in DRC, though, goes to the United Nations and its Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

These and other interesting stories are published in this edition, by Elmaya Jabbarova, Addy Kudita, Eugene Dube, and Alice Chisanga. A full interview with photos presents the Indian photographer Amol Hendre, as well.

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Special Report

A finest bird has appeared in the nest of professional journalists’ organization in Africa. Congress of African journalists (CAJ), was birthed by gurus in the pen pushers firmament with the vision of protecting journalists and improving professionalism.

Since its incorporation in Nigeria in November 2020, CAJ has attracted the largest networks of men and women in the noble pen profession for its glaring and stupendous uniqueness. The organization is the only indigenous organization of journalists of African origin with extensions in the diaspora. Hence, CAJ covers all the continent of Africa and diaspora as an umbrella body for journalists who are of African dissent and those who perhaps might have not been born in the continent but can also trace their ancestry to Africa all over the world. This is to also say that CAJ is a global organization for journalists who are Africans.

The formation of CAJ was conceptualized by Michael Adeboboye, a Nigerian International Journalist and editor, Ashraf Aboul-Yazid Dali, a renowned international and award winning Egyptian journalist and poet, Emannuela Maikem (Cameroon), Ambe Macmillian (Cameroon), Ajong M. Laurean, Managing Editor, Pan African Visions Magazine, USA, Addy Makenzie, multimedia journalist, Zimbabwe, Habibbah Bolaji, Nigerian award winning veteran journalist, Amina W. Mussa, former BBC Somali senior Journalist, United Kingdom.

As at today CAJ has its networks in over 30 different African countries and diaspora: Egypt, Zimbabwe, Tunisia, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, Eswatini, South Africa, Kenya, Mauritius, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Republic of Congo, Guinea Bissau, Rwanda, Senegal, Zambia, Algeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia, Burundi, Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Malawi, United States of America and Europe.

Objectives of CAJ are seeking to establish a Pan African journalists’ organization with the aim to bring together, under one umbrella, journalists of Africa origin, both conventional and non-conventional, establish greater unity, cooperation and solidarity, to raise awareness among journalists and media professionals in Africa through education of the importance of ethics, human rights and good governance in the exercise of journalism and the administration of news media and  promote and encourage interaction between journalists in all its forms on the value of informed, ethical journalism in Africa

CAJ also advances the education, skills and competence of people engaged in all forms of journalistic work at all levels of media and across all platforms (New Media/Social Media and the conventional media) of media throughout Africa and the rest of the world. It also seeks to promote the dignity and honor for the status of journalism by enhancing levels of skill and knowledge of ethical principles within media, particularly through training and education of journalists, media managers and owners, and appraise critically, current ethical challenges and governance issues affecting journalists and their work, seek to resolve these issues through information sharing; country missions; targeted research; and distribution of reports and materials on matters of contemporary concern to journalists and media professionals which will be freely available to all.

The organization seeks to promote unbiased investigative and interpretative journalism, elimination of hate speech, fake news and to eliminate any form of government or external influence on journalists and journalism, by monitoring members in order to promote best practices or advocate for improvement with respect to coverage of the African community and Africans in the Diaspora.

Its core activity is to promote and encourage good leadership and governance in Africa countries through awards and recognitions and also honors journalism excellence and outstanding achievement, seeking to serve as platform for credible news and information dissemination in Africa continent and to issue globally, acceptable and recognized press card for journalists.

Composition of Membership and Membership Eligibility

Membership of CAJ is by registration with specified amount payable by applicant into the accredited bank account(s) or recommended officers of the organization.

CAJ membership is composed of journalists, journalism educators, media owners, students pursuing a career in journalism, mass communication, media related courses and people or entities that support the organization’s vision and goals. To be eligible for office in the organization, a candidate must be a member who has been dully registered and fulfilled payments of CAJ dues with evidence of payments as at when due and must have proven to abide by the constitution of CAJ.

Categories of CAJ membership

(1). Lifetime Members. CAJ founders, Members of the Board of Trustees’ and past CAJ presidents NOT REMOVED FROM OFFICE are automatic Lifetime members.

(2). Professional Members: Professional membership is open to any person whose principal livelihood comes from creating, producing or supervising the creation of journalism and related media activities.

(3).  Affiliate Members: Affiliate membership is opened to unions and associations of journalists in Africa, journalists of Africa origin organization in Diaspora, including organizations that trades in any form of media related activities.

(4). Academic Members. Academic membership is open to college and university faculty and other academic professionals, including administrators and trainers, with research and or teaching interests in journalism.

(5). Veteran Members: Veteran membership is open to anyone who has been in the practice of journalism and media professionals for not less than 25 years.

(6). Student Members. Student membership is open to students of institute of journalism, college or university students including undergraduate, graduate and associate degree students, who have demonstrated interest in journalism and media related courses and trainings.

(7). Honorary membership: The board of trustees of CAJ have the authority to nominate and accept into its membership, individuals of any endeavor, within and outside Africa, whose actions and activities supports its mandates as honorary members though without voting right.

(8). Fellowship Membership: Fellows of Congress of African Journalists shall be an honor bestowed on the best in the profession by election at the Board of Trustees in a meeting. The membership is in recognition of distinguished contributions to the journalism profession.

CAJ publishes its international magazine, contributed by members in Africa and diaspora. It also hosts voices from other continents, especially in culture, with a belief that its mission is to unite voices together to serve its global role.

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