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Senegal, Japan draw in exciting game at Yekaterinburg

Eric Oteng — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 17:35:24 +0000

Senegal were held to a 2-2 draw by Japan in their second 2018 FIFA World Cup Group H match at the Yekaterinburg Stadium in Russia on Sunday. The result means, the Teranga Lions stay top in H, while the Blue Samurai remain second of the table. The Teranga lions were the better side in the early exchanges and deservedly took the lead 11 minutes into the game. Sadio Mane scored from close range to make it 1-0 to Senegal after Youssouf Sabaly’s shot was parried into his path by Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima. FIFA World Cup: Senegal, Japan play out thrilling 2-2 draw https://t.co/kvQM9ipY5B pic.twitter.com/usWgNDvCwP— Daily News Telecast (@news_telecast) June 24, 2018 Match 31 #FootballWorldCup2018#JPNSEN#JPN 2 #SEN 2#Japan drew the match in 78th minute courtesy #KHonda goal. #Senegal currently stand at 2 in their group H behind #JPN.#WorldCup#FifaWorldCup2018 #WorldCupRussia2018— Jieyaa ??????????????? (@swayinthewoods) June 24, 2018 The Samurai Blue tried to respond with a goal, but Makoto Hasebe’s goal-bound long-range shot was blocked inside the Senegal box in the 16th minute. The Senegal defence which was led by Salif Sane looked solid and organized with Idrissa Gueye working tirelessly just in front of the backline. Sane, who is set to join German side Schalke 04 next month, made two good clearances from Gaku Shibasaki’s free-kick and Yuto Nagamoto’s cross. However, the Senegal defence was exposed in the 34th minute following some good work Nagamoto down the left-hand side. Nagamoto controlled the ball well, before setting up Takashi Inui, who curled the ball into the bottom corner to make it 1-1 for Japan. The Teranga Lions then tried to restore their lead with the half-time break fast approaching. M’Baye Niang, who netted for Senegal against Poland on Tuesday, had a chance to score after being sent through on goal by Pape N’Diaye. Group H #WorldCup 1st Place – Japan ?? & Senegal ?? (Same points, Same aggregate) 2nd Place – Poland ?? & Colombia ?? (Same points, Same aggregate) Next match: #POL versus #COL – loser gets eliminated – every team in this group could end up with 4 points each. CRAZY!— ❂ Yübbîę Umoh ❂ (@Yubbie007) June 24, 2018 FIFA World Cup, Japan 2 : 2 Senegal— Aragon484848 (@Aragon4848) June 24, 2018 However, the lanky forward was brilliantly denied by on-rushing Kawashima to ensure that the first-half ended with Japan and Senegal locked at 1-1. The Blue Samurai looked lively after the restart and they nearly scored through their main striker Yuya Osako three minutes into the second-half. The marksman rose highest inside the Senegal box and he forced keeper N’Diaye into a good diving save. N’Diaye was beaten in the 65th minute by Inui, but the crossbar came to the Teranga Lions rescue and the Africans survived a scare. Senegal however took the lead again against the run of play after some good work by Sabaly down the left-hand side. Sabaly’s cross found an unmarked Moussa Wague, who fired past Kawashima to make it to make it 2-1 to Senegal in the 71st minute. It was end-to-end stuff as Keisuke Honda proved to be a super-sub after replacing Shinji Kagawa. The CF Pachuca midfielder fired home with a powerful shot to make it 2-2 for Japan in the 78th minute after the Senegal defence was exposed. The two teams launched late attacks in search of a winning goal, but it did not come and ultimately, Japan, and Senegal settled for a 2-2 stalemate. Japan 2-2 Senegal: Sadio Mane scores but Blue Samurai fight back to earn draw https://t.co/rBnXsstBjc— MA Consultancy Digital Marketing Agency Wales (@MAConsultancy1) June 24, 2018 Japan and Senegal are evenly good teams. Impressed by them both so far in the tournament.— Special One (@SirAlexesque) June 24, 2018 Japan and Senegal draw in https://t.co/5C3lcyHpSa https://t.co/5C3lcyHpSa— Soccer24 (@Soccer24Zim) June 24, 2018 AGENCIES

Mo Salah considering quitting Egyptian national team

Eric Oteng — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 16:33:09 +0000

Liverpool star Mo Salah is considering ending his international career when the World Cup reaches its conclusion. Salah, who scored 44 goals for the Reds last season, is set for an early exit from the finals in Russia after the Pharoahs lost their opening tow matches. The forward scored a penalty in the second game against the hosts, but Hector Cuper’s men were beaten both by Russia and Uruguay. They take on Saudi Arabia on Monday, amid suggestions that the 25-year-old could be about to pull out of the national side. Can someone confirm the MoSalah story plz?? RamyCol is Mo quitting #Egypt team? pic.twitter.com/F9eBIGHoxl— shaimaa khalil BBC (@Shaimaakhalil) June 24, 2018 Mohamed Salah is considering quitting the Egypt national team after being drawn into a political row in Chechnya. ESPN FC sources: https://t.co/vsAwSycjMl pic.twitter.com/kZjrhZNADd— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 24, 2018 Salah so angry at Egyptian FA's use of him he is considering quittinghttps://t.co/BGgyO3UTbC— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) June 24, 2018 Salah had expressed shock last week that he was thinking about leaving before the final group match. But now Salah and his representatives are increasingly unhappy at what they perceive as the Liverpool star being used as a political pawn by the Egyptian FA. Salah is claimed to be assessing his future, following what has turned into something of a debacle at Egypt’s training base in Grozny, the capital of the Chechen Republic. Huge news. Mo Salah considering quitting the Egypt national team. Big news via JohnSinnott. https://t.co/QQDZ7dl673

— James Masters (Masters_JamesD) June 24, 2018 Mo Salah considers quitting Egypt duty after the #WorldCup https://t.co/uxxhInBzvy pic.twitter.com/OzWFS9kAW8— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) June 24, 2018 Sources have confirmed to IndyFootball that Mo Salah is considering his Egypt future. Relationship with their FA is a major factor https://t.co/VnSM9cdfgC

— Ed Malyon (eaamalyon) June 24, 2018 As Salah looked to regain fitness and shrug off the shoulder injury suffered against Real Madrid in the Champions League final ahead of the tournament, he was pictured walking beside Chechnya leader Ramzan Kadyrov. Kadyrov, leader of Chechnya since 2004, has been accused of numerous human rights violations, including discriminating against women and persecuting sexual minorities. On Friday he made Salah an honorary citizen of the Chechen Republic, during a banquet held to say goodbye to the Egypt sqyad. Kadyrov posed with Salah and Hany Abo Ride, chairman of Egypt’s football federation for pictures. “Mohamed Salah is an honorary citizen of the Chechen Republic! That’s right!” the Chechen leader wrote in a social media post. “I gave Mohamed Salah a copy of the order and a pin at a celebratory dinner that I gave in honour of the Egyptian team.” Mohamed Salah could quit Egypt over political controversy with Chechnya leader: https://t.co/17BfrCoDK1 pic.twitter.com/kL3ksZB8Q2— Indy Football (@IndyFootball) June 24, 2018 Fresh report that Mohamed Salah is considering quitting the Egypt teamhttps://t.co/LayFxXs7uh pic.twitter.com/GHFLrnI6yf— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) June 24, 2018 A video of the encounter released by the Russian state-funded news agency RT showed Salah smiling as Kadyrov gave a short speech and pinned a badge bearing the Chechen flag to the Liverpool forward’s shirt. Salah was also given a silver plate and a signed jersey from FC Akhmat Grozny, the football club Kadyrov has renamed in honour of his father. It has been claimed that Kadyrov is looking to use sport as a means to bolster his image, and that he is using Salah to enhance his reach towards potential allies in North Africa and the Middle East. Kadyrov is looking to further diplomatic relations between the semi-autonomous state over which he rules and foreign governments, while also increasing foreign investment in the republic. Kadyrov has hit back at such suggestions, telling the BBC: “Everyone has played here, even Maradona at our stadium, but we don’t use this kind of thing for politics. Our enemies are paid to write things like that. I didn’t invite Mo Salah or the Egyptian team. They chose us themselves.” Mo Salah could quit Egyptian national team, “feels exposed” by the events and doesn't want to be used for Chechnya’s political gain, per CNN https://t.co/reBt9IeSKw pic.twitter.com/UeSG22RtlG

— Bleacher Report (BleacherReport) June 24, 2018 Mo Salah could reportedly quit the Egypt national team after controversy surrounding his involvement with Chechnya during the World Cuphttps://t.co/dncDWcxVdd pic.twitter.com/QcRet1v1mr— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 24, 2018 AGENCIES

Ighalo labels Nigeria,Agentina decider 'war'

Eric Oteng — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 15:54:31 +0000

Nigeria striker Odion Ighalo says Tuesday’s decisive World Cup Group D clash against Argentina in St Petersburg will be “a war”. Argentina must win to reach the second round while the Super Eagles can qualify with either victory or a draw. “It’s going to be war (and) a final of finals because they need to win,” Ighalo told BBC Sport. “They are going to come all out and (use) every tactic that they know to win a game.” Fifth world cup meeting The clash between Argentina and Nigeria will be the fifth World Cup meeting between the sides – with the Super Eagles yet to avoid defeat. With maximum points in Russia following wins over Nigeria and Argentina, group leaders Croatia have already claimed one of the group’s berths in the Round of 16. That has left Nigeria, Iceland and Argentina – runners-up at the 2014 World Cup – scrapping for just one place. The Super Eagles’ 2-0 defeat of Iceland on Friday moved them second with three points, while both Iceland and Argentina have mustered just a solitary point apiece following their 1-1 draw on 16 June. Should Croatia beat Iceland on Tuesday in Rostov-on-Don, the African side could go through with a point. Argentina, by contrast, will qualify with a win if Iceland fail to win on Tuesday or, should the island nation emerge victorious, by outscoring them and so improving their inferior goal difference. Tough game on Tuesday “I am expecting it to be a very tough game but I think we are capable of qualifying,” said Ighalo. Nigeria’s defeat of Iceland came courtesy of a double from Ahmed Musa, who partnered Kelechi Iheanacho in attack, with Ighalo appearing as a second-half substitute. Despite being dropped, 29-year-old Ighalo was delighted by the change of tactics from Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr who switched to a back three and started with two strikers. “It makes it easier because I was isolated (against Croatia) – alone with four different guys – which was very difficult but we played with two strikers (against Iceland), which is much easier for the strikers to move, to come, and you can see that we got goals,” he explained. Determination in camp The China-based star said there had been a real determination in the camp to atone for the lacklustre display in the 2-0 loss to Croatia, which had upset both the squad and its supporters. “After the last game, Nigerians were disappointed. They were not happy and saying a lot of things about the team but now they are having the confidence back,” he said. “We (also) were not happy. We were a little bit angry because we knew we had to step our game and to do better. The mood is so high now in the dressing room because when you win games, everybody is happy. So we want to keep that until our next game.” Musa:Nigeria’s top world cup scorer Ahmed Musa’s strikes, which came on top of a brace against Argentina at the 2014 finals, made him Nigeria’s top scorer in World Cup history with four goals. Only Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan, with six, and Cameroon’s 1990 World Cup star Roger Milla, with five, have ever scored more at the finals for Africa. With three of the continent’s sides – Egypt and Morocco and Tunisia having exited after just two games, Ighalo says Nigeria are very conscious of the need to salvage African pride in Russia. “That is why we have to do better and step up our game, because two Africans are already out and a loss (against Iceland) would have pushed us out of the tournament,” said the China-based forward. “We know Africans are back there supporting us and Senegal.” AGENCIES

Ghana's president bans appointees from foreign travels

Eric Oteng — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 15:01:29 +0000

Ghana’s president, Nana Akufo-Addo has banned all ministers, deputy ministers, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and heads of government agencies from foreign travels. It is unclear what may have prompted the new directive but a memo from the presidency said the ban was temporary. The memo, which was signed by the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Opare said the minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor-Botchwey is exempted from the directive. I’m reading Appointees Banned From Travelling (1) on Scribd #ReadMore https://t.co/Wk4vwsRgrD— Great Tutankhamun (OtengJesse) June 24, 2018 President Bans Foreign Travels for All Ministers and State Officials In Ghana https://t.co/tCZUXV8lyF pic.twitter.com/UWwpYKa0qr— maame broni (@IamMaameBroni) June 24, 2018 “The President of the Republic has directed that, all foreign travels by Hon. Ministers, Deputy Ministers, MMDCEs and Heads of Government Agencies be temporarily suspended with immediate effect. Guidelines in respect of future foreign travels aimed at minimizing disruption to Government’s domestic work will be communicated to you shortly. The memo however exempted the minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration from the temporary foreign travels ban. Precious time and resources are frequently wasted on trips while core government activities to drive development are left unattended to. This is a good move, President Akufo-Addo of Ghana. https://t.co/hAUZZ0HI0f https://t.co/MeQRnxEFM1— Stephen Yeboah (@stephen_yeboah) June 24, 2018 Ghana Bans Ministers, Other Appointees from Unproductive Foreign Travels https://t.co/Ty8qgQ6SG0 pic.twitter.com/KETzKFq0Gw— African Eye Report (@A_EyeReport) June 24, 2018 The last time a similar travel restriction fro government officials was imposed was in December 2015 under the John Mahama government where he banned public officials from first-class air travel as part of efforts to cut wasteful spending. Some officials in government have had the cause to complain about incessant travels of some appointees who in most cases are unable to justify why they travelled outside the country. A former Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourist Development Company, Akua Djanie recently resigned from her position alleging among other things that her boss, was fond of travelling outside the country, neglecting the core duties at the company. “I wanted to work, not travel and chop per diem…I don’t see what GTDC is doing. The CEO travels every month for two weeks straight. In April, he was gone for three weeks,” she stated in an interview with a local radio station Citi FM. Most of such travels are on the account of the Ghanaian taxpayer and the presidency believes, they also lead to a serious disruption in local government business. Akufo-Addo bans ministers, other appointees from foreign travels https://t.co/KEGsP5GMn0 pic.twitter.com/r4X1l3WqDp— MiMGhana.com (@MiMGhana) June 24, 2018 AGENCIES

Congo joins OPEC

Eric Oteng — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 14:12:43 +0000

The Ministry of Hydrocarbons for the Republic of the Congo has announced that the country has become the fifteenth member of the Organization for Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The country’s membership was concluded during the 174th Ordinary Meeting of OPEC. The Republic of the #Congo Joins Global Producers as Newest #OPEC Member #OOTT https://t.co/n4VKvQoj1X OPECSecretariat OPECnews— Africa Oil & Power (@AfricaOilPower) June 22, 2018 Congo Joins OPEC, Economic Impacts In Sudan After U.S Lifting Sanctions https://t.co/BVzjwqsm2R pic.twitter.com/nph7BwKeYf— Icon Adeyemi Matthew (@IconAdeyemi) January 19, 2018 Membership in OPEC now gives the Republic of the Congo a voice in a powerful organization committed to balancing the global economy and maintaining a secure and dependable supply of petroleum to consumers. OPEC is responsible for about 40 percent of the world’s oil production and more than 80 percent of established oil reserves. “The Republic of the Congo is thrilled and honored to be joining OPEC and to do our part to preserve an equilibrium in global oil markets and ensuring a sufficient flow of investments into hydrocarbons,” said H.E. Jean-Marc Thystère-Tchicaya, the Minister of Hydrocarbons. “Severe oil market downturns like the one the world experienced recently remind us of the essential role that institutions like OPEC in ensuring stability. We are proud to cooperate with the world’s oil leaders.” Congo joins the ranks of OPEC member countries. Africa is on the move https://t.co/UTjShodgKo— Carl Mbeng (@carlmbeng) June 22, 2018 In 2017, the Republic of the Congo was amongst 11 non-member countries that joined OPEC in historic production cuts of 1.8 million barrels of oil per day. The so-called Declaration of Cooperation was widely regarded as successful in restoring the vitality of global oil markets and Brent oil prices reaching their highest level this year since 2014. The Ministry of Hydrocarbons wishes to thank H.E. Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo, the Secretary of General of OPEC, and all the members of OPEC for accepting the country’s membership. AGENCIES

UN report finds millions of Ghanaians not benefiting from booming economy

Eric Oteng — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 13:44:23 +0000

A United Nations report finds millions of people in Ghana are not benefiting from the country’s booming economy, but remain mired in poverty. The U.N. Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights has submitted the results of his 10-day fact-finding mission to Ghana in April to the U.N. Human Rights Council. U.N. Investigator Philip Alston says Ghana is the fastest growing economy in Africa and one of the three fastest growing economies in the whole world. He says this success is making the rich richer, while a high proportion of the population continues to live in poverty. He says the poor are losing out amidst the country’s growing wealth because Ghana spends 50 percent less than its peer countries in Africa on social protection. Professor Philip Alston’s report on the state of the economy of Ghana today is healthiest reward to the country. https://t.co/Hm2rxdgKU4 https://t.co/V8zIbWQYvH— Gregory Ofei Obuobi (@sibpub) April 20, 2018 Ghana’s main economic initiatives will do little to reduce poverty, warns UN expert GENEVA (20 June 2018) – Ghana’s flagship policies might well stimulate the country’s economy but they won’t do much to get rid of… https://t.co/XSLa2LXqOS— Franklin CUDJOE (@lordcudjoe) June 21, 2018 According to him says most of the country’s resources are being plowed into private investment projects designed to make the wealthy better off. He says this policy comes at the expense of providing better employment opportunities and welfare benefits for the poor. “So, the risk is that Ghana continues to be the great economic success story in the continent, but that very little of the wealth will trickle down to a fairly extensive number of Ghanaians, who continue to live in poverty,” said Alston. Statistics show one in five Ghanaians live in poverty and one in eight live in extreme poverty. Alston says he finds it particularly troubling that 28 percent of children live in poverty. “ #Ghana beyond #aid needs to be a WISE economy – #wealthy, #inclusive, #sustainable, #Empowered.” Going #digital will help with this. Panel discussion at #ATF2018 AcetforAfrica #dialogue4action pic.twitter.com/cm3kf98Yme— Karishma Banga (karishma_banga) June 21, 2018 Millions of Poor Not Benefiting from Ghana’s Booming Economy https://t.co/z56awkVnSU pic.twitter.com/xs8M2e3F0E— The Voice of America (@VOANews) June 24, 2018 He said Ghana has a very big problem of corruption and the failure of the government to collect taxes strips the country of important revenue. “That means that they do not have revenue for additional spending.So, they need to crack down seriously on corruption and on tax evasion and some of the resulting money, even a small part of it needs to be actually spent on these social protection programs,” said Alston. Ghana is the second fastest growing economy in Africa of 2018.— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) April 23, 2018 In response, Ghana notes inequality often affects rapidly expanding economies such as its own. But, it says the government is committed to reducing poverty and to achieving the U.N. Sustainable Development Goal of eradicating poverty by 2030. AGENCIES

South Africa officially appeals IAAF Hyperandrogenism rule

Eric Oteng — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 13:07:29 +0000

Athletics SA (ASA) has joined the fray against the new International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) female eligibility rules and formally lodged its statement of appeal with the Court of Arbitration in Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland. This comes after Caster Semenya announced on Monday she would take the rules on review. “As a loyal member federation of the IAAF and to that extent, ASA has a duty to protect all its athletes, including female athletes who may fall foul of these regulations,” the ASA said on Saturday. Athletics South Africa has lodged its statement of appeal to the Court of Arbitration in Sport which will challenge the IAAF’s new regulations concerning athletes with hyperandrogenism. The ruling is seen to target SA’s World and Olympic champion Caster Semenya. pic.twitter.com/nHiWo9MW2R— ZiFM News (@ZiFMNews) June 24, 2018 Athletics South Africa confirm that it has formally lodged an appeal with CAS in relation to the IAAF’s Eligibility Regs on the basis that they discriminate against certain female athletes which is an infringement on their human right to dignity #Semenya https://t.co/3VzEM4txEg— Laura Sports Law (@laurasportslaw) June 23, 2018 The ASA has engaged the IAAF directly since May 10, declaring its intention to oppose the implementation of the regulations. “Subsequently, the IAAF’s legal representatives have been corresponding with lawyers appointed by ASA to represent its interests.” IAAF Hyperandrogenism rule The IAAF introduced a new policy in April attempting to regulate women who naturally produce testosterone levels above five nanomoles per litre of blood. For now, the regulations are limited to athletes who compete in events ranging from 400m to the mile. The ASA said it had requested a meeting with the IAAF executive, with the SA federation’s president Aleck Skhosana set to meet the parent body’s head, Lord Sebastian Coe, in the coming week. It has also applied for the implementation of the regulations to be suspended pending the outcome of the CAS arbitration. The IAAF during the week said it would “stand ready” to defend its new female eligibility rules after the CAS confirmed an arbitration procedure had been opened. “The Court of Arbitration for Sport has informed the IAAF this morning (Tuesday) that it has received a request for arbitration filed by Caster Semenya vs/ IAAF,” the IAAF said in a statement. “We await further information and stand ready to defend the new regulations.” Semenya’s lawyers released a statement on Monday saying their client would challenge the IAAF’s rules “to ensure, safeguard and protect the rights of all women”. The ASA’s challenge is led by a legal and medical team supported by the Department of Sport and Recreation and the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee. Athletics South Africa appeals over female classification rules #IAAF #ASA #CasterSemenya https://t.co/baVl1rotEo pic.twitter.com/PdnLDP6vJb— Africa News 24-7 (@AfricaNews24_7) June 24, 2018 Athletics South Africa has formally lodged its statement of appeal to challenge the IAAF’s rule change on testosterone levels at the Court of Arbitration in Sport #SSAthletics— SuperSport Blitz (@SuperSportBlitz) June 23, 2018 The SA athletics body said in its statement of appeal it contends the regulations “discriminate impermissibly against certain female athletes on the basis of natural physical characteristics, and/or sex”. “The regulations, and their implementation, constitute an infringement of the right of the affected female athletes to a private life, which includes the right to the protection of a person’s physical, moral and psychological integrity, as well as the right to choose or to exercise personal autonomy. These are inviolable human rights. “There is insufficient scientific evidence to assert that testosterone is the predominant factor which causes male athletes to perform substantially better than female athletes and, accordingly, if testosterone does not determine male performance, it can logically not define the difference between male and female performance. “There is insufficient scientific evidence that: (a) endogenous testosterone significantly improves athletic performance in female athletes; and (b) 5nmol/L is the scientifically correct threshold at which female athletes are in the “normal range” of endogenous testosterone for females. “The regulations are disproportionate in the context of: (a) the fact that they discriminate on the basis of a natural physical characteristic and/or sex; (b) violate fundamental human rights of affected athletes.” Caster Semenya to challenge #IAAF testosterone rule in court “I am very upset that I have been pushed into the public spot light again. I don’t like talking about this new rule. “I just want to run naturally, the way I was born” #Athletics #SouthAfrica https://t.co/IMExI6A1cB— Ade Adedoyin (@ade_adedoyin) June 18, 2018 Where is Athletics South Africa??? https://t.co/8lHhBR7qGf— Motheo (@Motheo_wrote) June 18, 2018 AGENCIES

Zimbabwe police says 49 people injured in Bulawayo blast

Eric Oteng — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 12:05:04 +0000

Zimbabwe police said on Sunday 49 people were injured in the explosion at President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s a political rally on Saturday, with the number expected to change. “We expect the number to rise as some victims might come forward during the course of the day,” national police spokeswoman Charity Charamba told journalists. Bulawayo blast. ZRP update pic.twitter.com/bKKTHpUvtX— Nyakasikana Chitse (@NyakaChitse) June 24, 2018 She said “comprehensive investigations” were underway at Bulawayo’s White City stadium where the incident occurred and offered a “substantial reward” for any information that would help police investigations. She did not give details. #Zimbabwe South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the bomb blast at a stadium in Bulawayo, Republic of Zimbabwe, where the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa, was addressing an election rally.— KhayelihleKhumalo (@KhayaJames) June 24, 2018 Mnangagwa has called the blast a cowardly act which would not derail the July general election, Zimbabwe’s first since the downfall of Robert Mugabe after November’s de facto army coup. The Bulawayo incident was front page news in local newspapers, with the state-owned Sunday Mail leading with “Attempt on ED’s Life”, referring to Mnangagwa’s names Emmerson Dambudzo. The Standard, a weekly newspaper critical of the president and the ruling party led with “Mnangagwa, VPs escape death.” REUTERS

Zimbabwe rules out state of emergency after Bulawayo blast

Eric Oteng — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 12:18:01 +0000

Zimbabwe’s presidential spokesman is ruling out a state of emergency after an explosion at the president’s campaign rally that state media has called an assassination attempt. George Charamba told the state-run Sunday Mail newspaper that the historic July 30 election will go ahead as planned despite the blast that occurred shortly after President Emmerson Mnangagwa addressed a stadium crowd in Bulawayo, an opposition stronghold, on Saturday. RT timelivenews: Zimbabwe’s leader escapes bomb blast in Bulawayo – https://t.co/Xwden4oirr #GoogleAlerts— Twim Bo (twimboz) June 24, 2018 At least 49 people, including both of Zimbabwe’s vice presidents, were injured in the explosion that Mnangagwa said occurred just “inches” from him. Dramatic footage showed him walking off the stage and into a crowded tent where the blast occurred seconds later, sending up smoke as people screamed and ran for cover. Mnangagwa was unscathed and later pointed out he’d had numerous attempts on his life in the past, saying he was used to them by now. No reported arrests The president “will not be driven by vengefulness or a spirit of retribution,” Charamba told The Sunday Mail. “Until the investigators pronounce themselves and present the evidence for arrest and prosecution, no one should ascribe motive or blame.” Mnangagwa shortly after the attack told the state broadcaster, without elaborating, that those responsible must have come from “outside Bulawayo.” He added, “I can assure you these are my normal enemies.” Zimbabwe’s main opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa, condemned the attack. The president has vowed to hold a free and fair election, the first since longtime leader Robert Mugabe stepped down in November under military pressure. Allegations of violence and fraud marked past votes. “We’ll not be driven by vengefulness or retribution.” Zimbabwe rules out state of emergency measures after yesterday’s bomb blast edmnangagwa⁩‘s political rally in #Bulawayo. 41 people including the country’s two Vice Presidents were injured. https://t.co/I2rpoQgTEL— stanley kwenda (stanleykwenda) June 24, 2018 Mnangagwa, a longtime ally whose firing as Mugabe’s deputy after a ruling party feud led to the transfer of power, is under pressure to deliver a credible election that western countries see as key to lifting international sanctions. He has invited election observers from the United States, the European Union and elsewhere for the first time in 16 years. Mugabe rejected Western observers, accusing them of bias. Reports have emerged that Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa narrowly survived a bomb blast at a ZANU-PF rally he was addressing in Bulawayo on Saturday afternoon https://t.co/F00zHiSP2i— Nazareno Claudiani (@nickhavannah) June 24, 2018 41 people wounded by blast in White City Stadium in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. pic.twitter.com/5Q3YAKyOaG— Katlego Maseng (@KatlegoMaseng1) June 24, 2018 AFP

Cyril Ramaphosa condemns Zimbabwe bomb blast

Eric Oteng — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 12:35:46 +0000

South African president Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the bomb blast at a stadium in Bulawayo‚ Zimbabwe‚ during a ZANU-PF rally on Saturday. Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa was addressing an election rally at White City Stadium when the incident happened‚ but he managed to escape unharmed. The Australian Embassy condemns the attack at the political rally in Bulawayo. Political violence of any sort is unacceptable and in no way helps Zimbabwe’s democratic reform. We extend our sympathy to those affected by the explosion.— Bronte Moules (@AusEmbZim) June 24, 2018 Media Statement 24 June 2018 President Ramaphosa condemns bomb blast in Zimbabwe The President of the Republic of South Africa and Chair of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), His Excellency… https://t.co/Pfk6bacRH4— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) June 24, 2018 #ANCLimpopoConference Ramaphosa condemns the blast in Zim which target that country’ president Emerson Mnanangwa says they stand behind him— Simon Nare (@simonphomo) June 24, 2018 Vice President Constantino Chiwenga was also reported to be safe. It was reported that several people had been injured but the extent of the injuries had not yet been established. Zimbabwe is getting ready for elections next month. Speaking also as the Chair of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC)‚ Ramaphosa said acts of violence and criminalities had no place in the democratic process of any sovereign state within the SADC region. Ramaphosa and SADC condemn Zim blast|https://t.co/8d8qkZn99z pic.twitter.com/GTCcxNgQTZ— Afro Worldview (@afroworldview) June 24, 2018 Ramaphosa: SADC ‘to evaluate Zim rally blast and take appropriate steps’ https://t.co/K7gtEd9c7r (via )— Ntungamili Nkomo (@ntungab) June 24, 2018 Ramaphosa said it was vital that the political and security situation in Zimbabwe remained stable in the run-up to the general elections to be held on July 30. The president concluded by saying that the SADC would evaluate the incident and take appropriate steps. South Africa’s Ramaphosa: SADC ‘to evaluate Zim rally blast and take appropriate steps’ https://t.co/iaibQgFEMC pic.twitter.com/WAe1cOcNhm— TODAY (@todayng) June 24, 2018 #Zimbabwe Ramaphosa said acts of violence and criminalities had no place in the democratic process of any sovereign state within the SADC region. https://t.co/xKxTSvdAVQ— Times LIVE (@TimesLIVE) June 24, 2018 AGENCIES

Second person dies from Addis Ababa grenade attack

Eric Oteng — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 11:48:16 +0000

A second person has died after a deadly grenade attack in Ethiopia’s capital on Saturday which injured more than 150 people at rally attended by new prime minister Abiy Ahmed. On Sunday, police were at the scene of the attack gathering evidence, officials told Reuters. ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) – A second person has died after a deadly grenade attack in Ethiopia's capital on Saturday which injured more than 150 people at rally attended by new prime minister Abiy Ahmed. from Reuters: World News https://t.co/8lezegI7Ji Sec… https://t.co/XK5LGFvNMK— Nayasol (@nayasol123) June 24, 2018 Nine police officials, including the deputy head of the capital Addis Ababa’s police commission, have been arrested for what authorities said were security lapses. Six other suspects are being held over links to the attack that occurred in a square where tens of thousands of supporters had gathered, although security officials have not said publicly who might be responsible. Health Minister Amir Aman said on Twitter that as of 11 am on Sunday, two people had been killed and 156 wounded, with five of them in critical condition. “I’m so sorry to learn that we have lost another Ethiopian victim of yesterday’s attack who was in ICU at Black Lion Hospital,” he said. The attack took place moments after Abiy had finished his speech in Meskel Square in the centre of Addis Ababa. REUTERS

World Cup: Senegal back in action, England on brink of qualification

Daniel Mumbere — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 20:08:20 +0000

Senegal, who were the first African team to get a win at this year’s World Cup play on Sunday against Japan who upset Colombia in their opening fixture, winning 2-1 against the team that beat them 4-1 at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. In the other Group H fixture, Poland who lost 2-1 to Senegal, will take on Colombia who will be also be looking to bounce back from defeat. England will play against Panama in a Group G fixture that could see the Three Lions qualify for the next round with a win. England vs Panama England, who won their opening game against Tunisa 2-1, thanks to a Harry Kane double are expected to win comfortably aginst World Cup debutants Panama. Panama lost the opening game, 3-0 to Belgium, who top Group G with six points having beaten Tunisia 5-2 on Saturday. A win for England would confirm qualification for Gareth Southgate’s team, as well as Belgium while Tunisia and Panama would be eliminated. Japan vs Senegal Senegal, who made an impressive debut to the World Cup in 2002, when they made a successful run to the quarter final, beating defending champions France in the process, are hoping to surpass that record. Coached by the captian of that historic side, Aliou Cisse, the Lions of Teranga have a potent weapon in Liverpool’s Sadio Mane, who togther with Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Brazil’s Roberto Firino, had a record breaking season last season. Japan’s coach Akira Nishino believes that Mane might still pose a danger, even if he is marked with three players in Sunday’s clash. “It’s possible to stop him, but he has an influence on the other players and that’s what we are concerned about,” Nishino said. Nishino, appointed only in April, said he would probably stick to a similar starting lineup to the one used against Colombia. “We are not fearful of Senegal at all,” he said. “We’re much looking forward to the match, how we are going to beat them, and I’d like to show you how tomorrow.” An African team will win the World Cup: Senegal coach Poland vs Colombia Poland are still “angry” about their shock defeat in the World Cup opener against Senegal and their rancour will propel them to victory against Colombia, coach Adam Nawalka said on Saturday. The eighth-ranked Poles are desperate for a result in the Group H clash in Kazan on Sunday, having given up two goals from terrible defensive errors to lose 2-1 to the African side. But Colombia could equally be angry, having lost their opening fixture. Ten-man Colombia lost 2-1 to Japan in another first round shock but the South Americans could be bolstered by the return of danger man James Rodriguez to the starting side after the playmaker started on the bench against the Blue Samurai while recovering from a muscle injury.

Nigeria's 'Lionel Musa' warns Argentina: 'I always score against Messi's teams'

Sat, 23 Jun 2018 20:15:48 +0000

Nigeria’s Ahmed Musa became ‘Lionel Musa’ on social media in Argentina on Friday after his two goals against Iceland which not only put the Africans back on course for a last 16 place, but also restored the World Cup hopes of the South Americans. However, the Nigerian has warned his new-found hero status in Argentina is likely to end abruptly on Tuesday when the two countries meet in a decisive Group D game in St. Petersburg. “Whenever I play against Argentina, or whenever (Lionel) Messi is playing against me, I score.’‘ “Four years ago, in Brazil when Messi was playing against me, I scored two goals,” said Musa, referring to the 3-2 win for Argentina over Nigeria in a group game in Porto Alegre where Messi also netted twice. .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } “When I transferred to Leicester City and we played against Barcelona and Messi was in the pitch too, I scored another two goals, so I think in the next game anything can happen. Possibly, I’m going to score another two goals.” Musa’s brace for Leicester came in a pre-season friendly in Stockholm shortly after he had signed for the then English champions from CSKA Moscow in 2016. Nigeria’s record breaking goal scorer The 25-year-old is now the first Nigerian to score at different World Cups and with four goals the country’s all-time record scorer in the finals. “I’m very good at breaking records and I’m happy now to be the top scorer at the World Cup for Nigeria. It’s not easy but I have to thank my coach for his support because if he didn’t believe in me he wouldn’t put me in the pitch.” Musa was restored to the line-up after Nigeria’s opening Group D loss to Croatia and repaid the faith with two fine individual strikes. The opening goal just after halftime saw him pluck the ball out of the air with his first touch before blasting it home. The second came in the 75th minute, when after a break down the wing, Musa cut inside and waltzed around the goalkeeper before patiently firing the ball into the net. Nigeria, Argentina in winner-take-all situation Nigeria’s success also ensured a renewed window of opportunity for Argentina, who were hammered 3-0 by Croatia in Nizhny Novgorod on Thursday, but now have a realistic chance to qualify if they beat the Africans on Tuesday. “We know the importance of the last game, it’s do-or-die,” added Musa. “We have to win, we can’t afford to lose. By the 95th minute we will know who carries the day and, by the grace of God, we are going to work very hard.” Nigeria Vs Argentina: Will the Super Eagles finally overcome a familiar foe? Nigeria have three points, are second in Group D, behind Croatia who have already qualified after successive victories, but ahead of Argentina and Iceland, both on one.

[Photos] Ethiopia's explosive 'In Abiy We Trust' rally

Daniel Mumbere — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 20:12:34 +0000

Ethiopia’s prime minister has visited victims of a grenade attack that was launched by yet to be identified persons on Saturday, during a rally at the Meskel Square in Addis Ababa. State-owned Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation said Abiy and his deputy Demeke Mekonnen visited Black Lion hospital, where 86 of the victims were being treated. Ethiopia’s health minsiter said as at 9pm local time (6pm GMT), the attack that happened just after Abiy’s speech at the rallly had inflicted injuries on up to 156 people, with one death case recorded so far. Police has apprehended six suspects who are being investigated in connection with the attack. Abiy is given people’s vote of confidence The rally which was attended by thousands of people had been organised to express support for ongoing political and economic reforms by the new prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, who took over office in April this year. Abiy’s chief of staff, Fitsum said on Twitter that Abiy told the victims that ‘they represent the true spirit of love, forgiveness and togetherness’. HE PM Dr Abiy visited today’s attack victims, in a hospital now. He offered his heartfelt encouragement. He told them they represent the true spirit of love, forgiveness & togetherness. They all are our inspiration, our courage & a true reminder of what is good in us. #Ethiopia— Fitsum Arega (@fitsumaregaa) June 23, 2018 ALSO READ: Ethiopia PM appeals for unity, pledges democracy and improved relations with Eritrea After the explosion

Mnangagwa visits explosion victims, asks Zimbabweans to 'remain united'

Sat, 23 Jun 2018 16:00:25 +0000

Zimbabwe’s president has visited victims of the explosion that rocked a rally he had just addressed in Bulawayo, the second largest city of the country. The president, who survived what is thought to have been an assassination attempt on his life has urged the country to ‘remain calm and address our differences peacefully’. ‘‘While we await further information, my thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this senseless act of violence,’‘ the president said in a tweet after confirming that he had visited some of the victims in the hospital. While we await further information, my thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this senseless act of violence. The campaign has been conducted in a free and peaceful environment, and we will not allow this cowardly act to get in our way as we move towards elections.— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) June 23, 2018 Footage from Zimbabwe state television showed the explosion took place near Mnangagwa as he waved to supporters. He was later seen in pictures circulating on social media visiting Chiwenga’s wife in hospital. President Mnangagwa has visited the injured in hospital who include VP Mohadi pic.twitter.com/PZADGvdUL8— Nick mangwana (@nickmangwana) 23 juin 2018 The President is taking time with all those that were injured. We have to defend our freedom. The zimbabwe which we all want is free for all to pursue their interests, be it business, political, academic or arts. Bombs and killings are not part of it. pic.twitter.com/uvddVuJgcc— Nick mangwana (@nickmangwana) 23 juin 2018 Mnangagwa was speaking at his first rally in Bulawayo, an opposition stronghold where the ruling ZANU-PF has not won in national elections since 2000. Mnangagwa said last August, when he was still vice president, that he had been poisoned at a rally outside Bulawayo and spent weeks receiving medical treatment in neighbouring South Africa. In an interview conducted after Saturday’s explosion, Mnangagwa however insisted that he does not believe the people of Bulawayo are behind the attack, ‘they love him as much as he loves them’. #MnangagwaBomb Zim’s President Mnangagwa on the identity of the people who tried to assassinate him (They are not from Bulawayo) – 23 June 2018 #Mnangagwa #Bulawayo #ZimElections2018 #EmmersonMnangagwa pic.twitter.com/3H7LXQ2rsp— Povo News (@povonewsafrica) June 23, 2018 The first post-Mugabe election Zimbabwe holds its presidential election on July 30, with 75-year-old Mnangagwa and 40-year-old Nelson Chamisa, the leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, the main contenders. The vote next month is the first since Robert Mugabe’s downfall after a de facto military coup last November. Unlike previous elections which were marred by violence, mostly against opposition members by ZANU-PF supporters, the run up to this year’s vote has been relatively peaceful. Let us continue to be united and address our differences peacefully. The strongest response to violence is peace. The strongest response to hate is love. God Bless Zimbabwe— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) June 23, 2018 Mnangagwa has promised a free and fair vote and if it is endorsed by international observers who are in the country for the first time since 2000, it could help Zimbabwe secure funding from international institutions for the first time in two decades. Zimbabwe last had blasts at rallies in the 1980s, which had targeted Mugabe. Mnangagwa, Chamisa register for first post-Mugabe election

Ethiopia explosion: Six suspects in custody, as allies express support for Abiy's reforms

Daniel Mumbere — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 14:56:34 +0000

Several allies of Ethiopia have condoled with Ethiopians following a grenade attack that injured over 100 people at a rally organised in Addis Ababa on Saturday to express support for reforms by the new prime minister, Abiy Ahmed. “Building an independent nation is not the same as building a free society. What good is a free country, if we don’t enjoy freedom? If we are not free from fear? If we don’t have freedom of speech & expression? If we build dividing walls rather than bridges?” HE PM Abiy pic.twitter.com/ErdCjfA0Ol— Fitsum Arega (@fitsumaregaa) June 23, 2018 The Ethiopian health minister, Amir Aman confirmed that one person had succumbed to their injuries, while at least 156 people were receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the grenade attack that happened this morning, just after Abiy finished his speech to the hundreds of thousands gathered. Update at 5pm Summery Casualties seen = 156 Currently admitted = 51 Critical = 10 Death = 1— Amir Aman, MD (@amirabiy) June 23, 2018 Media portal Addis Standard reported that six suspects have under custody and are being investigated, according to the Commissioner General of the Ethiopian Federal Police Commission, Zeynu Jemal. Ethiopia’s allies express support Messages of support have started pouring in from Ethiopia’s allies including the president of Djibouti, who described the attack as one done by people ‘who want to oppose the bold reforms to develop and strengthen national unity’ initiated by Abiy. ‘‘We reaffirm our commitment to Ethiopia’s stability as a strategic partner for the region’s economic development,’‘ president Ismail Omar Guelleh tweeted. We reaffirm our commitment to Ethiopia's stability as a strategic partner for the region's economic development.#Ethiopia— Ismail Omar Guelleh (@IsmailOguelleh) June 23, 2018 Dear friend & colleague Ambassador Tekeda Ethiopia_UN, I'm very shocked to hear about the grenade attack at the rally of H.E Prime Minister of #Ethiopia causing several victims. We strongly condemn such attacks & stand in full solidarity with you, the Govt & people of Ethiopia

— Amb. Albert SHINGIRO (AShingiro) June 23, 2018 We extend our deepest condolences to the victims of the explosion in Meskel Square and their families and wish the injured a quick recovery. Violence has no place as Ethiopia pursues meaningful political and economic reforms.— U.S. Embassy Addis (@USEmbassyAddis) June 23, 2018 Heartfelt condolences from the European Union Delegation to Ethiopia to the Ethiopian people and the Ethiopian Government for the victims of today’s cowardly attack in Addis Ababa. #UnitedAgainstTerrorism— EU in Ethiopia (@EUinEthiopia) June 23, 2018 Abiy says ‘reforms will not be stopped’ Addressing the nation on television shortly afterwards, Abiy said the attack was an “attempt by forces who do not want to see Ethiopia united.” Abiy had promised in his rally speech to bring more transparency to government and reconciliation to a nation torn by years of protests. When speaking on television, he was still wearing a green T-shirt handed to him by rally organisers. Eritrea, which has long been at loggerheads with Ethiopia over a border row that Abiy has sought to resolve, also condemned the incident. Ethiopia PM ready to welcome Eritrean delegation for peace talks Abiy took office after his predecessor, Hailemariam Desalegn, resigned following protests that erupted in 2015 in the nation of 100 million people. Emergency law was temporarily imposed to quell the unrest and was lifted this month. Despite boasting one of Africa’s fastest growing economies, opponents say the benefits have not been shared fairly between ethnic groups and regions in the country, which has been run by the same ruling coalition for more than quarter of a century.

Zimbabwe explosion: President Mnangagwa evacuated safe (spokesperson)

Sat, 23 Jun 2018 14:28:53 +0000

Our journalists are working on this story and will update it as soon as more information becomes available.

Zimbabwe's president Mnangagwa survives assassination attempt at rally in Bulawayo

Sat, 23 Jun 2018 13:46:28 +0000

A rally attended by the Zimbabwe’s president Emmerson Mnangagwa in Bulawayo, was rocked by an explosion as the president walked off the podium. His spokesman said the head of state was successfully evacuated. “The president has been successfully evacuated. He is at the provincial headquarters in Bulawayo,” spokesman George Charamba told AFP by telephone. “We think it was an explosion, which certainly happened very close to the podium where the personalities were,” Charamba continued, without further clarification. A ZANU PF official tweeted a video clip that he says captured the explosion. This clip captures the incident pic.twitter.com/DszQj3TJdN— Nick mangwana (@nickmangwana) June 23, 2018 Nick Mangwana, the chairman of ZANU-PF in the United Kingdom says some of the injured include Dr. Engelbert Rugeje, Mrs Mabel Chinomona and Mrs Marry Chiwenga among other dignitaries. Dr O Mpofu the Minister of Home Affairs who is also the Zanu PF Sec4Admin is out the country but confirms there has been explosion President is safe. Among those injured are Dr Rugeje, Mai Chinomona, Mrs Chiwenga (leg) and other VIPs.— Nick mangwana (@nickmangwana) June 23, 2018 According to several witnesses, the explosion was felt when the head of state, candidate of the ruling party, Zanu-PF, in the presidential election scheduled for 30 July, had just finished his speech in front of several hundred of his supporters. The meeting was held in a stadium in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second largest city, considered an opposition stronghold. The presidential and legislative elections on 30 July are the first to be held since the November resignation of President Robert Mugabe, who has led Zimbabwe with an iron fist since independence in 1980. Released by the army and the Zanu-PF, Mr. Mugabe was replaced by Mnangagwa, his former vice president. Mnangagwa is largely expected to win the presidential election against a divided opposition.

Africa convergence summit ends in Dakar

Jean David MIHAMLE — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 14:06:14 +0000

The third Africa Convergence Summit ended in Dakar Friday with a focus on accelerating development on the continent. The summit with brought together captains of industries, researchers and entrepreneurs was themed “Challenges of Strategic Execution in Africa”. It sought to tackle a set of obstacles bedevelling strategic plans by governments to achieve an emergence in 2025. Abdelmalek Alaoui is chief excutive of the Tribune d’Afrique and initiator of Africa convergence . “The first idea that presided over the organization of Africa Convergence is to organize a discussion between the spending continent and the other. These are two continents which do not necessarily speak to one another, but which need each other, to be able to open an inclusive global development approach”, Alaoui said. The Africa convergence summit offers a platform where the affairs of the continent are deliberated. Stakeholders examined obstacles facing implementation of the various strategic plans and proposed exit strategies. Discussions centered around proposals for integrating technological revolution, digital transformation ,financing among others.

Rwanda campaigns to head Francophonie group

Sat, 23 Jun 2018 12:03:13 +0000

Rwanda has launched a campaign for the presidency of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), and will try to to rally support on the continent at the next summit of the African Union in Kigali. Rwanda’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs told a press conference in Kigali Friday that foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo has begun campaigning. “But for now we are campaigning for this post, and we will start by seeking the support of the African Union”, Olivier Nduhungirehe said. He added, Ms Mushikiwabo, 57, has already traveled to Cameroon to discuss her candidacy with Prime Minister Philemon Yang, and is expected to visit other African member countries of the OIF in the coming days. She will also travel to Nouakchott, Mauritania, for the African Union summit in early July. Rwandan president Paul Kagame, who also chairs the African Union, has written to the heads of state concerned to call on them to support his minister’s candidacy. “Louise Mushikiwabo’s candidacy highlights development of the French-speaking community, and regarding differences with France, especially their role in the genocide against the Tutsi, we will discuss it during the bilateral relations”, Nduhungirehe added. Rwanda replaced French with English as the official language in 2008. The next Secretary General of the OIF will be designated at the Francophonie Summit in October in Armenia. The last summit, in Dakar in 2014, saw the election of Canadian Michaëlle Jean, who is a candidate for her own succession. The Haitian- born former journalist has however been singled out in recent months for her lifestyle deemed glitzy. AFP

[Live] Day 10 of 2018 WC: Germany (2) vs Sweden (1), Mexico (2) vs South Korea (1), Belgium (5) vs Tunisia (2)

Daniel Mumbere — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 11:49:31 +0000

It’s all over here. Germany are back into the World Cup and they did it in dramatic fashion, coming from one goal down and winning after going down to ten men. Toni Kroos scores the winner for Germany in the 5th minute of stoppage time. It’s Germany (2), Sweden (1) Jerome Boateng earns a second yellow card, and receives a red card. Germany will play the last 10 minutes with 10 men. Germany equalises in the 48th minute, through Marco Reus. Sweden takes the lead through Ola Toivonen in the 32nd minute. The match kicks off at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi. Up next is the crunch tie between holders Germany and Sweden. Germany desperately need to win this match to resurrect their chances of defending the title. And so, to our final match of the day… Here are the teams for #GERSWE! #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/ehJXyVfTcU— FIFA World Cup ? (@FIFAWorldCup) June 23, 2018 h3>Germany vs Sweden This is a crunch tie because Germany’s stellar record is at stake. If Germany lose to Sweden and Mexico earn at least one point against South Korea then the reigning world champions will have been eliminated in the group stage for the first time since 1938. The Germans won the title in 2014 and proceeded to win all 10 2018 World Cup qualifiers, but have only managed just one victory, a 2-1 over Saudi Arabia in their last seven matches. After the Mexico defeat, Germany captain Manuel Neuer said, every match henceforth will be treated as if it were a final. “The coach knows the situation that we are in now (is dire). (Every match is like a) final (from now on),” goalkeeper Neuer told a news conference, delayed by almost an hour due to ongoing team discussions. “We are frustrated and disappointed. Now it is up to us to react.’‘ Mexico overcome Korea Son Heungmin scores a late consolation goal for South Korea in stoppage time. Javier Hernandez doubles Mexico’s lead with a goal after a lethal counter-attack in the 66th minute. Carlos Vela converts a penalty for Mexico in the 26th minute to give them the lead. Another #WorldCup match, another converted penalty… Advantage Mexico! #KORMEX 0-1 pic.twitter.com/X9woSV3HDg— FIFA World Cup ? (@FIFAWorldCup) 23 juin 2018 The match kicks off here at the Rostov Arena. Up next is action from Group F, where Mexico take on Korea Republic, after having stunned reigning champions Germany in the opening fixture. Meanwhile, in Rostov-on-Don… We have the teams for #KORMEX!#WorldCup pic.twitter.com/fS5ufeqSot— FIFA World Cup ? (@FIFAWorldCup) 23 juin 2018 Korea Republic vs Mexico South Korea coach Shin Tae-yong has described his side’s forward Son Heung-min as the best Asian player around and hopes he will finally be unleashed in Saturday’s crucial World Cup game against Mexico after being stifled in the 1-0 defeat to Sweden. Tottenham Hotspur forward Son, who hit 18 goals last season for his club, has found it hard to replicate that form for his country. But he must turn it on against Mexico if his side are to have a realistic chance of advancing from Group F. Mexico who beat Germany in their opening game, have said they will not be over-confident when they play South Korea. “I hope that we’re not going to rest on our laurels and take our foot off the gas. We know all too well that in football, things can change overnight,” Coach Juan Carlos Osorio said. Record breaking Belgium score 5 against Tunisia Wahbi Khazri scores a late consolation goal for Tunisia to make it 5-2. Michy Batshuiayi scores Belgium’s fifth goal. Hazard gets a double, and Belgium have a 4-1 lead. A class finish from hazardeden10! #BEL now lead 4-1 in Moscow!

Hazard: ⚽️⚽️
Lukaku: ⚽️⚽️#BELTUN pic.twitter.com/Fg0HRtmDd2

— FIFA World Cup ? (FIFAWorldCup) 23 juin 2018 Lukaku scores his fourth goal at this year’s tournament. It’s Belgium (3), Tunisia (1). Dylan Bronn scores for Tunisia in the 18th minute. It’s Belgium (3), Tunisia (1) #TUN respond immediately! A glancing header from Dylan Bronn brings Tunisia right back into the game!#BELTUN 2-1 pic.twitter.com/cchrczqkEW— FIFA World Cup ? (@FIFAWorldCup) 23 juin 2018 Lukaku doubles Belgium’s lead in the 16th minute. Hazard scores from the penalty spot, giving Belgium an early lead. It’s Belgium (2), Tunisia (0). The Belgium-Tunisia clash kicks off here at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow. Will Tunisia do enough to avoid premature elimination? Germany, Tunisia playing the games of their lives Defending world champions Germany will be playing the game of their lives when they take on Sweden in the Group F. Germany must win the game, having been defeated 1-0 by Mexico in their opening game, while Sweden will be looking to seal their qualification to the next stage after their opening win against Korea Republic. African side Tunisia, will also be in action in a Group G clash against Belgium. Tunisia will be hoping they can avoid defeat and premature elimination from the tournament. #BEL vs #TUN#KOR vs #MEX #GER vs #SWE Matchday 10, are you ready? pic.twitter.com/JLdIaGIBVl— FIFA World Cup ? (@FIFAWorldCup) 23 juin 2018 Belgium vs Tunisia Belgium won their opening game 3-0 against World Cup debutants Panama, with their star striker, Manchester United’s Romelu Lukaku scoring a brace. Tunisia, who lost their opening game to England, after Harry Kane scored a late winner in stoppage time to complete his double. “We have to win. We have no choice,” Tunisia coach Nabil Maaloul told reporters on Friday ahead of the game at Moscow’s Spartak Stadium on Saturday. “Belgium are very strong but we are ready. We want to avoid the mistakes we made in the first match. If Tunisia lose on Saturday, and England beat Panama on Sunday, they will be eliminated while a draw would leave the Tunisians needing to beat Panama and hoping Belgium lose to England in the final group games.

WC 2018: Nigerians celebrate after 2-0 win against Iceland

Sat, 23 Jun 2018 11:05:44 +0000

Nigerians celebrated on Friday (June 22) after their team beat Iceland 2-0 and revived their hopes of advancing in the World Cup in Russia. Striker Ahmed Musa celebrated his return to the team with two fine goals and sent fans in Moscow fan one and in Volgograd stadium on an overdrive. ‘‘Fantastic, fantastic, it was a good match, we are very grateful to have won it, it is very good for Nigeria, we are all happy! said a Nigerian fan. Another female fan said “I am so happy, so, so happy… It’s good to be a winner… We are stars! The defeat for Iceland, appearing in their first World Cup tournament, does not kill off their dreams just yet, while struggling Argentina could also pull off a miraculous escape and make it to the knockout rounds. But it was a big disappointment for some Iceland fans. ‘‘Disappointed. We were hoping to get a point. (What happens now?) I hope they send Argentina home. I think Nigeria will beat Argentina, and Croatia and Nigeria will move on to the second stage”, an Iceland fan said. But Friday’s win, in the heat of southern Russia, leaves Nigeria in control of their destiny when they meet Argentina in their final game of Group D on Tuesday June 26. A draw might be enough for the Super Eagles, who now hold the group’s second qualifying spot, even if Iceland beat already-qualified Croatia, depending on goal difference. Argentina, meanwhile, have to beat Nigeria and also hope Iceland do not win against Croatia, as that could send the South Americans home early, again depending on goal difference. Nigeria will be looking to avoid all these calculations by beating Lionel Messi and his compatriots outright, however. In only the second win for an African side in the Russia World Cup so far, Nigeria broke a stale deadlock in the 49th minute when wing-back Victor Moses lofted a pass towards Musa who deftly controlled the ball and smashed in the half volley. Musa was on the bench for Nigeria’s limp defeat to Croatia in their opening World Cup game, and the announcement of the Leicester City striker’s name in the starting team on Friday drew thunderous cheers from Super Eagles fans. Iceland must now turn their sights on Croatia who ended the island’s 2014 World Cup dream in a playoff, and the relationship between the sides on the field has often been tempestuous. Reuters

Ethiopia unblocks 264 websites and TV channels

Eric Oteng — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 02:07:00 +0000

A senior Ethiopian official says the country has opened access to 264 blocked websites and TV broadcasters. Fitsum Arega, who is the prime minister’s chief of staff, tweeted that “freedom of expression is a foundational right” and “essential for engaged and responsible” citizens. He added that “only a free market of ideas will lead to the truth”. Freedom of expression is a foundational right that other rights depend on. #Ethiopia has opened access to 264 blocked websites/bloggers/ ESAT and OMN. A free flow of information is essential for engaged & responsible citizenry. Only a free market of ideas will lead to the truth.— Fitsum Arega (@fitsumaregaa) June 22, 2018 Among the broadcasters allowed back on air are the US-based Ethiopian Satellite Television (ESAT) and Oromo Media Network (OMN). Both TV stations were charged in absentia for inciting violence and promoting terror, but the charges were dropped a few weeks ago. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took office in April with a pledge to open up the airwaves, even calling on foreign-based opposition TV broadcasters to open offices in Ethiopia. One broadcaster – the US-based OMN station – has sent a team to establish an office in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa. Ethiopia has been accused of blocking foreign-based TV and radio broadcasts, websites and blogposts from being accessed in the country for many years by different human rights and press freedom groups. AGENCIES

Ugandan police arrest Venezuelan for drugs trafficking

Eric Oteng — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 04:32:35 +0000

Ugandan police at Entebbe Airport have arrested a 24-year-old Venezuelan for allegedly possessing and Trafficking narcotic drugs. Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesman, Luke Owoyesigire told journalists in Entebbe, Wakiso District that police arrested Rodrigues Fagundez on June 18 as she was traveling aboard Ethiopian Airlines after suspecting her of being in possession of the drugs. “She travelled from São Paulo in Brazil aboard Ethiopian Airline flight No. ET 507 to Addis Ababa. She was expected to arrive at Entebbe International Airport on June 18 aboard Ethiopian Airline flight No.ET 338. On arrival at Entebbe, she was identified by Aviation Police personnel and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) customs officials,” he said. 24-year-old #Venezuelan ‘drops’ 114 pellets of #cocaine; arrested by Entebbe Airport police https://t.co/o2zfujbojW via Newz Post pic.twitter.com/yO8OkT8Bg7— The Newz Post (Newzug) June 23, 2018 Aviation Police has arrested a 24-year-old Venezuelan national for alleged possession of narcotic drugs at Entebbe International Airport. More details of the story on https://t.co/CW72l4TXWP pic.twitter.com/4I4qfxVMU7— Kampala Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceug) June 22, 2018 Owoyesigire said when police searched her luggage, no drugs were found until they decided to do a thorough check on her body. Police discovered she had swallowed 114 pellets of narcotics. “She was able to excrete them after being induced with cooking oil,” he said. Charges Owoyesigire said the suspect will be charged with two counts; unlawful possession of narcotic drugs and trafficking in narcotic drugs under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act of 2016. In March 2018, two foreign nationals were arrested with narcotic drugs as they tried to use Entebbe Airport as their transit route. An Italian, Laudato Nassimo, 37, was arrested on March 4 while Antonio Manuel, 64, a Portuguese was arrested on March 9. Their arrest came a week after police had busted a drugs racket and arrested one Idrissa Traore, 52, who had allegedly been using unsuspecting victims as couriers to convey narcotics from one country to another. 24-year-old Venezuelan drug trafficker arrested at Entebbe Airport https://t.co/RlQA5RXIvp pic.twitter.com/AoqVnOU9g7— Pulse Live Uganda (@pulseliveuganda) June 22, 2018 AGENCIES

Ethiopia, Italy sign €30 million loan agreement

Eric Oteng — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 01:23:22 +0000

Ethiopia and Italy have signed a €30 million loan agreement aimed at supporting the implementation of Inclusive and Sustainable Development of Agricultural Value Chain project in Oromia and Southern Nation, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR). The agreement is part of the 2017-2019 Ethio-Italy Framework signed in September 15, 2017 that contributes to agro-industrial development and the creation of enabling environment to establish integrated agro industrial parks in the two regions. It also used to develop inclusive and sustainable agricultural value chains of wheat and industrial tomato in Oromia, and avocado and pineapple in SNNPR. The agreement was signed by State Minister of Finance and Economic Cooperation (MoFEC), Admasu Nebebe and Italian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Arturo Luzzi. During the signing ceremony, Admasu Nebebe said since 1999 the two countries have signed three framework agreements and Italy allocated around €400 million in the form of framework agreements. According to the State Minister, the loan is interest free and highly concessional with the grant element of 80 percent. The scientific and technical cooperation signed on 5 April 1973 laid the basis for the recent development cooperation which is becoming critical part of their partnership, Admasu said. Italian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Arturo Luzzi on his part said that Ethiopia has always been Italy’s priority and strategic partner in Africa. In addition to the €30 million loan agreement, Italy will provide €22 million loan next year for industrial parks development. Since 2013, Italian Development Cooperation supported initiatives amounting to €225 million, excluding humanitarian assistance and civil society projects.

Several people killed in blast at rally supporting new Ethiopian leader

Eric Oteng — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 08:49:55 +0000

Several people were killed and injured in an explosion at a rally attended by thousands in Addis Ababa on Saturday, Ethiopia’s new Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said. The rally was being held in Ethiopia’s capital in support of the 41-year-old ex-soldier who has outlined a series of radical reforms since taking office in April. BREAKING: Several killed in #AddisAbaba rally explosion, PM Abiy Ahmed says the attack was “well-orchestrated” #Ethiopia pic.twitter.com/qWm3jcjdQW— Ahmed Kosar (@AhmedKosar1) June 23, 2018 Ethiopia: PM Abiy Ahmed says ‘a few’ killed in Addis Ababa blast Explosion kills だそうです、たいへんですね。 https://t.co/RSsEGT6PSx— مقطوع آن (@Arabian_com) June 23, 2018 “A few Ethiopians were injured. There are a few people who lost their lives,” Abiy said in a televised addressed after the explosion, which occurred minutes after he finished his speech at the capital’s Meskel Square. Abiy described the incident as “an unsuccessful attempt by forces who do not want to see Ethiopia united.” “It was a grenade. Someone tried to hurl it to the stage where the prime minister was in,” Seyoum Teshome, a member of the organizing committee, said. “I saw some five people injured following the blast,” Seyoum told Reuters. BREAKING: Several killed in explosion at #AddisAbaba during a rally in support as Ethiopia’s new reformist prime minister speaks.— Abdiqani Egeh (@AbdiqaniEgeh) June 23, 2018 Abiy stunned Ethiopians this month by saying he was prepared to fully implement a peace deal with Eritrea signed in 2000 and meant to end a two-year war between the country and its neighbor that devolved into a stalemate resulting in huge military build up by both countries. It is one of many policy shifts announced since Abiy took office, moves that could reshape Ethiopia’s relations with its neighbors and have equally dramatic impacts inside the country of 100 million people. REUTERS

OPEC agrees to increase oil production by 1- mln barrels per day from July 1

Sat, 23 Jun 2018 08:45:25 +0000

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) member states Friday agreed at a meeting in Vienna to increase the oil production by one million barrels per day from July 1. As some of them are not able to increase their production while others are not allowed to make up in their sated, the actual output could be less than the one million barrel target, experts said. “The group is considering on the overall rather than individually, and I think this is quite an achievement. You don’t see this usually in an organization that everyone is looking at his own interests. I think the fact that collectively this group have reached this conclusion is a testimony that OPEC is caring about the market stability,” said Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, President of OPEC Conference, Energy and Industry Minister of United Arab Emirates. OPEC member states and other world oil pumpers have jointly cut their production by 1.2 million barrels per day since 2016 to balance the oil market for 18 months. However, due to the limited productivity of some countries, like Libya and Venezuela, the actual production reduction has overpassed the agreed amount, lifting the oil prices to the maximum of 80 U.S. dollars per barrel from 27 at the end of 2016. Reuters

Explosion rocks rally in support of new Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed

Eric Oteng — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 08:28:14 +0000

An explosion disrupted a huge rally for Ethiopia’s new, reformist prime minister on Saturday shortly after he spoke and was waving to the crowd that had turned out in numbers unseen in recent years in the East African nation. The state broadcaster reported that a few people had been injured, and police said they were investigating. Footage showed Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed being rushed from the scene by security guards. The grenade attack at #Ethiopia’s new PM Abiy Ahmed in capital Addis Ababa rally is a sign that the elite who enjoyed power for decades aren't happy with his unity program.— K H A D A R 254 (@khedira254) June 23, 2018 “It was a grenade. Someone tried to hurl it to the stage where the prime minister was in,” Seyoum Teshome, a member of the organizing committee, said. A massive rally to support #Ethiopia PM Abiy Ahmed’s reform agenda in Addis Ababa,pic.twitter.com/BnW6SC3jyf : awolallo

— qlstnfp (qlstnfp) June 23, 2018 Millions have gathered at Hulluuqo kormaa (Meskel square), in Finfinnee (Addis Ababa) to take part in a peaceful solidarity rally in support of PM Abiy Ahmed's reform agenda. #March4Abiy #AbiyAhmed #Ethiopia #OromoProtests pic.twitter.com/DRXSKrgTbm— Oromticha Oromo (@OromtichOromo) June 23, 2018 #Ethiopia PM Abiy Ahmed addresses a massive rally in Addis Ababa, demo to show support for his reform agenda. He showed up at the march wearing a t-shirt with a map of Africa and Mandela's famous “power” salute. pic.twitter.com/5GFS058NjE— Mus'ab (@Muscab_cadee) June 23, 2018 In a cowboy hat and T-shirt, Abiy had addressed the crowd in Addis Ababa’s Meskel Square as supporters wore clothes displaying his image and carried signs saying “One Love, One Ethiopia.” Abiy told the crowd of tens of thousands that change was coming and there was no turning back. “For the past 100 years hate has done a great deal of damage to us,” he said, stressing the need for even more reforms. BREAKING: At the rally in Addis Ababa, right after PM Abiy's speech there was a bomb explosion according to the state owned ETV. Sources say the PM is fine.— ECADF Ethiopian News (@ECADF) June 23, 2018 Explosion at rally attended by Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa – 23 June 2018 #Ethiopia #AbiyAhmed pic.twitter.com/TJfBKJgPLN— Povo News (@povonewsafrica) June 23, 2018 #Ethiopia: Livestream of the political rally in Addis Ababa just ended abruptly after what sounded like an explosion. A loud bang can be heard at 1:44:30 here: https://t.co/qHcr8Ezoq7 pic.twitter.com/HiE98CxHCe— Will Swanson (@willswanson) June 23, 2018 The 41-year-old Abiy took office in April and quickly surprised Africa’s second most populous country by announcing the release of tens of thousands of prisoners, the opening of state-owned companies to private investment and the unconditional embrace of a peace deal with rival Eritrea. The United States is among those expressing support for the changes in a key security ally. “I’ve never thought this day will come in Ethiopia. I’m very emotional right now,” said Mulugeta Sema, a supporter of Abiy who wore a T-shirt with the new leader’s image. “We should never get back to dictatorship. This is time for change.” #BREAKING: An explosion has shaken a rally for #Ethiopia's new PM #Abiy Ahmed which was being attended by thousands of people in #Addis Ababa.— ibrahim Haji (@IbraObrahim) June 23, 2018 AGENCIES

Seychelles parliament blocks planned Indian naval base on remote island

Eric Oteng — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 19:42:37 +0000

Seychelles parliament will not ratify a pact allowing India to build naval facilities on one of the archipelago’s islands, a top foreign affairs ministry official said on Friday. The two countries signed an agreement in January to build military facilities on the remote island of Assumption, but the project quickly attracted criticism from opposition members of the tiny Indian Ocean nation’s parliament and lead to public protests. Surrendering sovereignty Opposition lawmakers had argued that allowing India access to Assumption, which is near a busy shipping route, would be surrendering territory to another country and joint management of the facility with India undermined the 115-island nation’s sovereignty. “The government will not present the agreement to the National Assembly (parliament) for approval because opposition members (who are the majority) have already said they will not ratify it,” Seychelles Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Barry Faure told Reuters by phone. “Hence the question of whether the agreement has been cancelled or not does arise — we will simply not take it to the assembly,” he said, noting that the Indian side had already ratified the pact. He was speaking days before Seychelles President Danny Faure meets Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi during a state visit due to start on Sunday. President Faure had earlier told the local media the issue of a military base on Assumption island will not be discussed with Modi and that “the project will not move forward”. “In next year’s budget, we will put funds for us to build a coastguard facility on Assumption ourselves. It is important for us to ensure that we have a military post in this area,” he said. The scrapped 20-year pact entailed building an airstrip and a jetty as India steps up a contest with China for influence in the Indian Ocean. Last year China inaugurated its first overseas military base in Djibouti, near one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, heightening Indian insecurities and pushing it to gain a foothold in the region. REUTERS

Restructuring Eskom top of South Africa agenda - Nhlanhla Nene

Eric Oteng — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 20:32:03 +0000

Restructuring state-run power firm Eskom is “on top of the agenda” for South Africa, the country’s finance minister Nhlanhla Nene said on Friday, though he said recent outages likely had very little impact on the economy. Africa’s most industrialised economy suffered power outages earlier in June because of what Eskom said was an “illegal protest action” by South Africa’s National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and two other unions. The last time there were controlled power outages in 2015, economic output suffered. “It should be very minimal this time round, because… it also was related to the impasse in the industrial space,” Nene told reporters on the sidelines of an Africa conference hosted by Standard Bank. “Beyond the discussions and the negotiations on the salaries, what is important is actually beginning to restructure Eskom,” he added. “It is on top of our agenda to get Eskom on a sustainable platform.” Wage discussions ongoing Discussions on the issue of wages with unions were continuing, Nene said, but asked if the government had the funds satisfy unions’ wage demands, he replied that the money “does not exist”. “What exists is the goodwill and political will also to have an honest, open, frank discussion how to best take this forward in the interest of South Africa.” Nene also said South Africa was continuously trying to remind major central banks around the world of the effects their monetary policy had on other economies. Emerging markets have been roiled by a sell-off in recent weeks, which accelerated after a U.S. Federal Reserve meeting that raised the prospect of the central bank increasing interest rates faster than previously expected. Due to its high external financing needs, South Africa is more vulnerable than other emerging economies to a global rise in borrowing costs. “We are just trying to appeal to the developed economies, to the U.S. in particular, to be much more cautious,” he said. “We should all be alive to the spillovers… be it monetary or fiscal, to other parties,” he said. “But the recent (rise in the) level of protectionism has led to a complete undermining of multilateralism.” Nene added that South Africa needed to build up its fiscal buffers to be able to withstand any external shocks and that he expected the economy to expand at 1.5 percent in 2018 despite the surprise contraction in the first quarter. REUTERS

East African Court of Justice rules Tanzania newspaper ban illegal

Eric Oteng — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 03:42:28 +0000

The East African Court of Justice has ruled that Tanzania must annul the publication ban placed on a local weekly newspaper two years ago. Mseto was suspended for three years in August 2016 after publishing allegations that President John Magufuli’s successful election campaign the previous year had been partly financed through corrupt means. Tanzania’s Information Ministry banned Mseto for “publishing incitements and false news”. However, the court said the suspension must be lifted as the newspaper had not “violated the public interest, or the interest of peace and good order” and that the ban is “in violation of the right of freedom of expression”. There was no immediate response from Tanzanian authorities. Since his election, Magufuli has closed several critical newspapers while rights groups have protested against the imposition of new restrictive laws on freedom of expression. Pressure group Reporters Without Borders ranked Tanzania 93rd out of 180 countries worldwide in its 2018 World Press Freedom Index, down 10 places on the previous year. AGENCIES

Comoros: 3 opposition leaders arrested during anti-referendum protest

Sat, 23 Jun 2018 07:22:52 +0000

Leaders of three opposition parties were arrested by police on Friday in Moroni, Comoros during a protest denouncing the constitutional referendum scheduled for next month. The three leaders, Moustoipha Said Cheihk, Mohamed Wadaane and Ibrahim Abdourazak dit Razida, were detained by the army outside the Grand Mosque of the Comorian capital. For several weeks, Friday prayers has been the scene of weekly clashes between the police and opposition supporters who denounce the “authoritarian rule” of the head of state . This week, the army was forced to fire tear gas canisters to disperse protesters. The leader of a party hostile to the regime has already been sentenced this month to serve six months in prison and suspended for participating in a previous demonstration in front of the same mosque. Similar clashes also took place on Friday in Mutsamudu, capital of the island of Anjouan. A protester was wounded in the leg by a tear gas grenade, witnesses told AFP on the phone. President Azali has scheduled a referendum on July 29 that would allow him to run for a second consecutive term as head of Comoros. This decision has been criticised many of his opponents, including those of Vice President Ahmed Said Jaffar, who deem it “dangerous” and “contrary” to the Constitution. In recent weeks, the head of state has suspended the Constitutional Court, the highest court in the country. He has placed his predecessor and rival Ahmed Abdallah Sambi under house arrest and banned demonstrations. President Azali was elected in 2016 for a non-renewable five-year term, according to the constitution. An African Union (AU) mission is expected in Moroni on Saturday to try to ease political tensions. AFP

Tunisia arrests people smuggler after 87 migrants drowned

Eric Oteng — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 19:15:07 +0000

Tunisia on Friday arrested the main organiser of a migrant smuggling operation after at least 87 people drowned when their boat sank off the southern coast this month, the government said. The boat sank off Kerkenna island from where it had set out. Dozens of people were rescued by the coastguard. The Defence Ministry said the man was arrested on Friday along with another man described as his business partner, a military man, who was trying to take them out of Kerkenna in his car. Prime Minister Youssef Chahed this month sacked Interior Minister Lotfi Brahem and 10 security officials for failing to stop the boat. Security forces have since cracked down on migrant smugglers in several parts of Tunisia. “The security forces arrested the main organiser of the illegal immigration operation in Kerkenna,” the Interior Ministry said. His partner was a military man, according to the Defence Ministry. The men were not identified. Human traffickers increasingly use Tunisia as a launch pad for migrants heading to Europe as Libya’s coastguard, aided by armed groups, has tightened control. Tunisia stopped about 6,000 migrants leaving its coast for Europe in the first five months of the year, a sharp increase from the few hundred prevented in the same period last year, an Interior Ministry official told Reuters. The North African country is suffering a deep economic crisis since the toppling of autocrat Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali in 2011 threw Tunisia into turmoil with unemployment and inflation shooting up. REUTERS

Gambian president pays tribute to 3 civilians killed by police at anti-pollution protest

Sat, 23 Jun 2018 06:45:50 +0000

Gambian President Adama Barrow has paid tribute to the three protesters who were killed Monday by police during a protest at Faraba Banta, 50 kilometers south of the capital, Banjul. Adama Barrow also called on residents to testify before the inquiry committee charged with shedding light on the incident. “I was very sad the day the incident happened, I’ve never been so sad since I became president I was so sad that I could not go to pray at the mosque of the presidency “, Barrow said. Brother of one of the victims, Ebrima Bah is seeking for justice. “I expect only one thing from the authorities, justice, I want justice to be done in this case, I want the guilty, those who caused the death of my brother be judged, and that the law applies to them’‘, Bah said. Faraba Banta Development Committee Advisor, Pa Baboucarr Jobe was emotional about the incident. ‘‘So when I came back, what I found was disheartening.” This is a very unprofessional. What I saw was so bad, it was like a war zone I’ve never witnessed such kind of … such kind of incident before “, Jobe added. AFP reports that the Gambia’s police chief Landing Kinteh resigned Thursday over deaths of the three young men after police fired on marchers at an anti-pollution protest. Locals have been protesting at Faraba Banta, over mining of sand which they say is badly polluting rice farms.

Egyptian referee Ghead Grisha to officiate England’s Group G clash against Panama.

Eric Oteng — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 18:57:27 +0000

Egyptian referee Ghead Grisha will take charge of England’s Group G clash against Panama. FIFA announced that the 42-year-old will referee his first World Cup finals match on Sunday in Nizhny Novgorod. Referee designations FWC 2018 Match 30:#ENG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠?#PAN⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠(24 June): Referee: Ghead GRISHA (EGY) ASR 1: Redouane ACHIK (MAR) ASR 2: Waleed AHMED (SDN) 4th Off. Norbert HAUATA (TAH) Res.Ass Bertrand BRIAL (NCL)FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/RjzRbC7Z9a

— FIFA Media (fifamedia) June 22, 2018 Egyptian referee Ghead Grisha will take charge of his first match of the tournament when #ENG face #PAN at the #WorldCup in Nizhny Novgorod on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/jgxmMOE7Lp— Adam Higgins (@HigginsAdam95) June 22, 2018 Grisha will be assisted by Moroccan Redouane Achik and Sudanese Walid Ahmed as assistant referees. Tahitian referee Norbert Hauata will be fourth official. England will be hoping for better officiating after Monday’s narrow 2-1 win against Tunisia. Aggrieved by the penalty awarded by referee Wilmar Roldan against Kyle Walker, the lack of intervention by the video assistant referee when Harry Kane was manhandled at corners also went unpunished. Egyptian referee Ghead Grisha is in charge of England's next game vs Panama. #ThreeLions https://t.co/dSccCXW1Lg— Sports Today Live (@SportsLIVEToday) June 22, 2018 AGENCIES

U.S. welcomes Ethiopia-Eritrea peace efforts

Eric Oteng — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 19:58:54 +0000

The United States is encouraged by recent progress Ethiopia and Eritrea have made toward resolving their longstanding differences, the White House has said. The two African countries waged a border war from 1998-2000 that killed tens of thousands of people. Disputes over the still-militarized frontier, in particular the town of Badme, have kept the two sides at loggerheads. On Wednesday, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki raised hopes of a breakthrough in the conflict by describing recent peace overtures from Ethiopia as “positive signals.” He was responding to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s pledge earlier this month to honor all the terms of a 2000 peace deal, which would include ceding Badme to Eritrea. Isaias said he was sending a delegation to Addis Ababa to understand Abiy’s position and “chart out a plan.” Isaias and Abiy “have demonstrated courageous leadership by taking these steps toward peace,” the White House said in a statement. “The United States looks forward to a full normalization of relations and the realization of our shared aspirations for both countries to enjoy enduring peace and development,” it said. REUTERS

Ethiopia: Rebel group, Patriot Ginbot 7 suspends armed operations

Fri, 22 Jun 2018 20:59:07 +0000

Armed opposition group, Patriotic Ginbot7 (PG7) announced that it has unilaterally suspended all operations using firearms to show its support for the ongoing political changes undertaken by a reformist group within the ruling party, spearheaded by the new Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. For the past many years, the Ethiopian people have engaged in a painstaking struggle to extricate themselves from brutal repression and to transition to a democratic order. In a recent Press Release, the rebel group, unequivocally stated its strong support for this bold move and pledged to stand with the Ethiopian people and the reformist group leading the change. “As of June 22, 2018, Patriotic Ginbot 7 has suspended all self-defense operations using firearms in all regions of Ethiopia. Our forces have received strict orders to refrain from any form of armed resistance,” the groups said in a statement. The group has based itself in neighboring Eritrea in the last few years and insisted its armed operations inside Ethiopia were to defended the people from violence perpetrated by the TPLF regime. “It has to be noted that the only reason armed resistance became necessary in our country is to defend our people and country from the repression of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) regime that terrorizes its citizens,” the statement said. Earlier this week, the group, declared that it wants to return to Ethiopia to pursue a peaceful struggle. In a statement confirmed by PG7 leader, Dr. Bernahu Nega, the party said they have been encouraged by reforms undertaken by the new prime minister, Abiy Ahmed. Exiled Ginbot 7 seeks to return and pursue ‘a peaceful struggle’ in Ethiopia “This decision to suspend self-defense activities using arms is a self-initiated positive step that takes into full consideration our preparedness and determination to foil any attempt to derail the current change process by anti-change elements within EPRDF. The unilateral step also considers our role in helping, guiding and encouraging the peaceful struggle underway in Ethiopia,” the statement further said. The group says the steps being taken by the Prime Minister gives “a ray of hope that peaceful transition to democracy is a real possibility” in Ethiopia. In an address to his supporters in North America, the chairman of PG7, Prof. Berhanu Nega said recently that the new position of reformists within the ruling party, spearheaded by the Prime Minister, was a welcome development. The Secretary General of the group, Andargachew Tsege was released last month after four years in jail. Tsege gave credited to the Prime Minister for securing his release. PG7 is one of the political parties that have been banned in Ethiopia by the country’s Parliament. But Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has recently made calls to opposition groups abroad to give up their arms and come back home to peacefully take part in the country’s politics. In a speech at the Parliament, Abiy Ahmed said the country can only benefit from peace but not war; and called on Patriotic Ginbot 7 (PG7), the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) to give up arms.

Ivory Coast aims to grind 1 million tonnes of cocoa beans by 2022

Fri, 22 Jun 2018 20:02:12 +0000

Top cocoa producer Ivory Coast could grind 50 percent of its current output locally by 2022, boosted by fiscal measures and incentives given to companies in the sector, the deputy head of the Coffee Cocoa Council (CCC) marketing board said on Friday. Ivory Coast has an installed grinding capacity of 712,000 tonnes. Increasing that capacity and new grinding units will enable it to reach the target within the next four years, CCC deputy head Yao N’goran said. The government agreed a convention with multinational companies in the sector including Cargill, Olam and Barry Callebaut in 2017, in which the companies agreed to increase their bean grinding by 7.5 percent each, so as to benefit from the government incentives. A new target Mariam Kone, executive secretary of the GEPEX, a lobby representing multinational cocoa exporters and grinders, said nearly all companies had signed the convention. Kone added that for the target to be reached, it was necessary for the government to give additional incentives. “The Cocoa Coffee Council had promised to pay back our excess electricity costs after power prices were increased inconsiderately a few years ago, so far, we are still waiting for it,” Kone said. According Ivorian cocoa grinders, energy costs, the cost of importing machinery, and getting qualified plant maintenance specialists, are factors that make local grinding less attractive compared with options outside Ivory Coast. “I think it can be done by 2022, but we will need more tax and other incentives,” Loic Biardeau, Barry Callebaut managing director in Ivory Coast, told Reuters. “The cost of energy remains a negative factor compared with western countries, so there are efforts to be made on that side,” he said. Ivory Coast sets cocoa farmers’ pay at 700 CFA francs per kilo

Musa's super eagles soars Nigeria and gave Argentina a gift

Fri, 22 Jun 2018 18:14:01 +0000

Nigeria revived its World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over Iceland in Volgograd and gave a boost to Argentina. Ahmed Musa gave Nigeria its first win at this year’s World Cup as he had both goals. This means Nigeria, Iceland and Argentina are all still in contention to advance from Group D. Croatia has a spot in the round of 16 therefore taking the lead after two wins. The Super Eagles would have gone out with defeat. Musa showed superb technique to fire Nigeria ahead on the half-volley before the Leicester player rounded keeper Hannes Thor Halldorsson to make it 2-0. Nigeria looked sluggish in its opening loss to Croatia, and started slowly in this game too. Nigeria was the first team in Russia not to have a shot in the first 45 minutes. Nigeria eludes defeat A defeat today would have meant the country joining African teams: Egypt and Morocco in exiting the tournament early. He showed exceptional quality to open the scoring, controlling a cross by Victor Moses before lashing home from 10-yards. Nigeria will fight for its life in the World Cup’s Group of Death Tougher days are ahead as Nigeria have to win Argentina to ensure their stay in Russia but this performance, particularly in the second half, will give them a huge lift for Tuesday’s group finale. Road to Russia: Nigeria’s unbeaten qualification run to the World Cup

Brazil beat Costa Rica 2-0 as Neymar weeps after frustrating game

Fri, 22 Jun 2018 17:56:11 +0000

Brazil got two goals in stoppage time to give them a deserved 2-0 win over Costa Rica in a tense World Cup Group E encounter on Friday. Philippe Coutinho stabbed home from six metres out in the 91st minute and then Neymar volleyed a second six minutes later to get the five-times world champions up and running in their pursuit of a sixth title. “We deserved the win,” Coutinho said. “The ball came free and Gabriel shielded it well and I managed to score. The most important thing was winning.” Brazil were poor in the first half but pressed for goals in more urgent second period. However, they lacked poise in front of goal and Costa Rica keeper Keylor Navas was in fine form. How the game unfolded The clock had ticked past 90 minutes, and the five-times champions looked to be edging to a second disappointing draw, when Marcelo floated the ball in from the left and substitute Roberto Firmino headed across to Gabriel Jesus. Jesus’s first touch took the ball away from the defender and into the path of Coutinho who raced in to poke past goalkeeper Keylor Navas from six metres out for his second goal of the tournament. Neymar added the second with practically the last kick of the match, volleying home following a quick counter-attack as Costa Rica pushed for an equaliser. A frustrating night for Neymar With the game still scoreless 13 minutes from time, Neymar collapsed under a soft challenge in the box and thought he had won a penalty for his misfiring side. Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers pointed to the spot before heeding the protests of the Costa Rican players and consulting the video assistant referee (VAR). Replays showed there was minimal contact and Kuipers reversed his decision as Brazil’s frustration reached fever pitch. Time and again they hurled themselves at the Costa Rican goal only to be repelled until their opponent’s resistance finally broke. Neymar, overcome by emotion on the whistle, covered his face with his hands as tears streamed down his cheeks. That was an apt reflection of how tense the match had been, with Costa Rica’s flat-back five keeping Neymar on the periphery, as Johan Venegas and Cristian Gamboa man-marked him out of the game. “We had a plan, strategy, idea to control the opponent with and without ball,” Costa Rica coach Oscar Ramirez said. What next? The result leaves Brazil with four points from two games after they drew 1-1 with Switzerland in their opening match, and they provisionally rise above Serbia to top Group E. Costa Rica are out of the tournament with defeats in both games so far. REUTERS

South Africa govt eyes staff cuts, hiring caps after wage deal

Fri, 22 Jun 2018 15:43:02 +0000

South Africa’s government is considering layoffs and early retirement packages for staff in the public sector to avoid breaking its pledge to cut spending after unions clinched above-inflation wage increases, the Treasury said on Friday. The wage agreement Under a deal reached in May, the government will raise salaries of public sector employees, including teachers, police, and nurses, by up to 7 percent this year and by 1 percent above inflation in the two years after that. While the increase is less than the 12 percent unions wanted, it was above the 4 percent the Treasury planned for in its February budget when it outlined plans to reduce the country’s large debt pile to stave off ratings downgrades. The Treasury said that the “government has indicated on several occasions that a wage agreement that departs significantly from inflation would need to be accommodated within announced expenditure limits, failing which such an outcome could have adverse consequences.” Economic setbacks Specific details on the measures would be given at a later stage, the Treasury said. South Africa’s budget deficit and public debt ballooned while economic growth slowed to a near standstill in nine years under former president Jacob Zuma. New President Cyril Ramaphosa promised to implement wide ranging reforms after being elected in February to try to kickstart economic recovery. The country narrowly escaped ratings downgrade to full-blown junk status with S&P Global Ratings Moody’s and Fitch Ratings, which kept the credit scores unchanged in reviews released in March and June this year. S&P Global rating affirms South Africa’s economic outlook

The art of self-expression: Dance, fashion & literature

Fri, 22 Jun 2018 15:30:26 +0000

What do words on a page, expressive movement, and fashion all have in common? In the Middle East, they’re being used to connect people in society in differing ways. THE UNCONVENTIONAL TRADITIONALIST: Few Saudi Arabian designers of robes, known as thobes and kanduras, can claim to have dressed American rapper Snoop Dogg and shoe maestro Christian Louboutin when they’ve come to the region. Hatem Alakeel, however, can do just that. Since he launched his label Toby eight years ago, Hatem’s unconventional silhouettes and striking colour palettes have drawn a discerning client list of celebrities and Saudi nationals. Perfect people aren’t real , real people aren’t perfect so you can either like me for my flaws or hate me for being real . #keepitreal #eidreflections #eidmubarak #whattowearwiththethobe Uma publicação compartilhada por Hatem Alakeel (@hatemalakeel) em 16 de Jun, 2018 às 6:58 PDT Quick to gain traction too has been his womenswear line, which he rolled out in 2013. Instead of designing conservative black abayas, Hatem created kimono-inspired long jackets with geometric collars and intricate embroidery. The line’s success lay in the fact that the pieces fitted comfortably within the region’s unspoken style parameters of modern-yet-modest. Conservative fashion, and even famous ambassadors for the genre are very much on trend, according to the designer. “VALENTINES CHIC❤️” #happyvalentinesday #tobyfemme Uma publicação compartilhada por Toby HatemAlakeel © توبي (@tobyhatemalakeel) em 13 de Fev, 2018 às 11:02 PST “I do think it’s fantastic when you have models like Halima [Aden] on international platforms – Milan, New York Fashion Week…” says Hatem of the Somali-American model, best known for being the first woman to wear a hijab in a Miss Minnesota USA pageant. Given the rapid social and economic changes witnessed in Saudi in recent times, Hatem is hopeful that opportunities for entrepreneurs, like him, will become more abundant. “I think certain doors that were closed then, are open now – in different industries,” he says, “[That’s] because of the lack of corruption and no tolerance for corruption as well.” BUDGET BOOKS FOR CAIRO’S BARGAIN-HUNTERS: Al-Attaba Square is one of Cairo’s busiest and most famous markets, known for low-grade products and affordable goods. Behind the façade, however, there lies a cultural gem – a book market that young Egyptians come to from all over the country. As the North African country faced economic hardship, in particular during the past seven years, young book lovers have resorted to buying second-hand volumes at the market to satisfy their passion for literature. “You can just send me to a place where I can read stories and I’ll ask for nothing more,” says Cairo-based student Ali Ahmed. “We don’t have much money, [but] here we can buy five or six books for the price of two elsewhere.” At fancy bookstores like Diwan, in the upscale neighbourhood of Zamalek, international best-sellers, like J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, are selling for more than USD$15. Yet in the Azbakeya book market, they go for less than a single dollar. Heba is the only female second-hand book-seller in this market. She’s followed her father into the business and recalls with fondness that he once told her that ‘books were more important than life’. “That sentence lives with me ‘til this day,” says Heba, “It made me respect books immensely and I don’t like anyone to belittle books.” Azbakeya’s book recycling business model has proven successful and its popularity is spreading. The potential biggest threat the market faces in the years to come, however, may be the increase of free, downloadable books online. That said, if traditionalists like Ahmed continue to encourage others to take a leaf out of their book, the second-hand market might just survive and even thrive. TOE-TAPPING TALES FROM THE STREETS OF AMMAN: Architect-turned-dancer Shireen Talhouni is used to raising eyebrows. Her penchant for rolling around on the streets and stairwells of Jordan’s capital may have much to do with it. As a contemporary artist in Amman – specializing in something called ‘site-specific dance’, where movement is not restricted to enclosed spaces – Shireen’s stage is the outdoor world. “On stage, I feel like the sets are only decorative,” she says, “With site-specific work you’re trying to highlight something about the environment through the work itself.” It was at the age of thirty that Shireen found the courage and creative conviction to shun the world of building design and explore an alternative type of artistic expression. That’s not to say, however, that she doesn’t still hold her former profession in high regard. [Part 2/2] #HOMEMADE solo performance trailer. Full trailer in bio ⬆️⬆️⬆️ “Homemade” investigates the human condition. It consists of 4 short solos built around 4 frameworks that explore the meaning of ‘presence’. In these works the audience was invited to observe the body as it experienced various states of being while encountering notional borders, edges and boundaries. It was really inspiring to collaborate with various local artists on this dancework who made the work come alive. Sponsored by bankaletihadjo Featured in the trailer Gorgeous vocals rosana.elkhatib ?? fadi_zumot ? oras_gn #dance #performance #contemporarydance #amman #jordan #solodance #solo #solodanceperformance #performanceart #performance #design #choreography #creativeindustries #creativeindustriesmena #danceresearch #theatre #postmoderndance #theater #dancer #moderndance #beamman #danceperformance #physicaltheatre #tanz #dans #dansa #danca #tanztheater A post shared by Shireen Talhouni (@shireentalhouni) on Jun 20, 2018 at 6:51am PDT “I used to love that process you know, researching and looking at how people live,” says Shireen, “And discovering a place from observing.” Yet the streets were calling Shireen’s name and she made it her business to establish a dance community, where like-minded individuals could come together at her weekly classes. “It’s a space in Amman where you have space to be yourself,” she says, “Really be yourself. In a way, I think that the city doesn’t have those – or offer those – kinds of places.” Shireen says that her group dance sessions are a safe place for women to express their sensuality and that men find the experience liberating too. This is especially true for twenty-year-old Mustafa Al Shalabi, who finds that the classes provide respite from the stresses of everyday life. “In this hour, I have no shame – no judgement – literally nothing on my mind,” he says, “A complete hour of happiness. Dancing is for everyone, but in this society, it’s not for everyone.” SOCIAL EYES: SPOTTING REGIONAL FASHION, DANCE AND BOOK LOVERS ONLINE Popular lifestyle blogger Njoud from Saudi took this sunny snap in her shades and embellished abaya. اهلاً جميليني ، كانت زياره جداً جميله لي بفندق كمبنسكي العثمان ? kempinskialkhobar Uma publicação compartilhada por نجود بنت مشعل (njoudsh1) em 29 de Mar, 2018 às 9:35 PDT Dina from Jordan uploaded this clip of her dance class rehearsing in Amman. Bruised forearms, sore thighs and wrong turns…. but this choreo is worth the pain ??? – ? This Used To Be a Shelter by Alfur Arnalds . Uma publicação compartilhada por Copywriter & Storyteller ??‍? (@dina.bokai) em 19 de Set, 2017 às 12:10 PDT And Egyptian book blogger and reviewer Jasmine shared this image of her shopping at an eclectic store at Cairo’s International Book Fair. Books & Art. Uma publicação compartilhada por Jojo || XXIl (@thereadingbee) em 31 de Jan, 2018 às 8:19 PST

WC 2018: Nigeria bring in fresh strikers for Iceland clash

Fri, 22 Jun 2018 14:50:59 +0000

Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr made three changes to his team for Friday’s Group D World Cup match against Iceland on Friday, bringing in Kelechi Iheanacho and Ahmed Musa up front and Kenneth Omeruo in defence. Nigeria, under pressure to beat Iceland after losing their World Cup opener 2-0 to Croatia, dropped strikers Odion Ighalo and Alex Iwobi to the bench along with defender Shehu Abdullahi. Iceland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson named midfielder Rurik Gislason to replace experienced winger Johann Berg Gudmundsson who picked up an injury in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Argentina. Key playmaker Gylfi Sigurdsson remained in the starting XI, having recovered from injury just in time for the World Cup, while striker Jon Dadi Bodvarsson replaced Emil Hallfredsson. Iceland will feel the heat in Volvograd: Nigeria coach Rohr

Gabon: rapid urbanization threatens protected areas

Fri, 22 Jun 2018 13:28:27 +0000

The foundations of a house on the bed of a river and a flooded road. Nature does not hesitate to take back its rights in Libreville, Gabon where rapid urbanization is threatening the fragile natural environments that surrounds this city. But despite these, several new projects are springing up in this suburb located north of Libreville. Developers do not seem to respect the regulations of semi-protected natural areas. “Logically, we should not be in a situation where people are building in places that are simply not suitable for buildings’‘ said, Magloir Désiré Mouganga, a scientist with the National Agency of National Parks in Gabon. Huge structures stand on several muddy stretches in Libreville, where mangroves once grew. The destruction of the latter also leads to an increase in natural disasters including floods. Médard Obiang Ebanega, is a Geographer at the Graphic and Cartography Laboratory of Omar Bongo University in Libreville. “Today, people are building on riverbeds, people are destroying wetlands such as mangroves, the risk is to suffer more and more natural disasters, and end up with land conflicts”, Obiang noted. Gabon, a small central African country of about 270,000 km2, is home to 50% of the mangroves of the Gulf of Guinea. Most mangroves are located on the outskirts of Libreville, which continues to grow while surrounded by three protected areas. Environmental activists are worried about this deforestation. The mangrove is an essential ecosystem against rising waters and for the preservation of marine life. To avoid natural disasters in Libreville, experts are proposing development of inland housing and review mapping of protected areas to limit buffer zone installations. AFP

World Cup: Egypt to file complaint against referee after Russia defeat

Fri, 22 Jun 2018 13:11:09 +0000

Egypt will formally protest to FIFA about the performance of Paraguay referee Enrique Caceres whose decisions they feel prejudiced the outcome of their World Cup game against hosts Russia in St Petersburg on Tuesday. “We want an investigation into the performance of the whole refereeing team,” Egyptian Football Association president Hany Abo Rida told Reuters on Friday. Egypt lost the game 3-1 to suffer a second defeat at the tournament and an early elimination in their first World Cup appearance since 1990. Egypt’s complaints Abo Rida, who is also a FIFA Council member, said Egypt felt fullback Ahmed Fathi was pushed in the process of attempting to clear the ball two minutes into the second half and resultantly steered it into his own net to give Russia the lead. He also felt there was a legitimate penalty appeal in the 78th minute for striker Marwan Mohsen, bundled over by Russia defender Ilya Kutepov. By that stage, Egypt were 3-1 down. “The referee should have used VAR (the Video Assistant Referee system) to check and award the penalty. They should have also seen that Fathi had been pushed.’‘ [Explainer] VAR makes major wins at 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia “It is our right to complain and ask for an investigation,” he said. Egypt play their final Group A game against Saudi Arabia in a contest between two eliminated teams in Volgograd on Monday. “I know people in Egypt are not happy with our results but it is our first tournament in 28 years. We lacked experience,” Abo Rida added. REUTERS

Trump reverses family separation policy after global outcry [International Edition]

Fri, 22 Jun 2018 12:53:50 +0000

US President Donald Trump reversed his own policy over the separation of undocumented parents and children. He signed an executive order promising to keep families together in migrant detentions. While the Hungarian parliament proposes a law to tax pro-migrant aid groups. And Israeli Prime Minister’s wife, Sara Netanyahu, charged with fraud. These and more on this week’s International Edition.

OPEC edges closer to raising oil output

Fri, 22 Jun 2018 12:47:39 +0000

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) edged closer towards raising oil output on Thursday, with Iran softening its opposition to an increase and Saudi Arabia warning of supply shortages and price rallies if production remained stable. OPEC will meet on Friday to decide output policy amid calls from top consumers such as the United States, China and India to cool down oil prices and support the world economy by producing more crude. Iran, OPEC’s third-largest producer, says its output is likely to fall in the second half of this year due to new U.S. sanctions. That would effectively mean a boost from other oil producing nations such as Saudi Arabia, that has voluntarily cut more deeply than planned. Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said the world could face a supply deficit of up to 1.8 million barrells a day in the second half of 2018. Since last year, OPEC and its allies have been participating in a deal to cut output by 1.8 million bpd. The measure has helped re-balance the market in the past 18 months and lifted oil prices to around $73 per barrel from as low as $27 in 2016. Reuters

Uganda police arrest 15 refugees following deadly fight during Brazil World Cup game

Fri, 22 Jun 2018 11:54:14 +0000

A fight erupted in a refugee camp in Uganda during a World Cup soccer match and four people were killed, police said, adding they have arrested 15 refugees from South Sudan in connection with the bloodshed. Uganda is host to an estimated 1.4 million refugees, including more than a million from South Sudan where a five-year-old civil has killed tens of thousands and uprooted an estimated quarter of the population of 12 million. South Sudan: Kiir, Machar to meet in Khartoum next week after failed Addis talks Fighting in South Sudan has increasingly followed ethnic lines. Passion for Brazil or petty entitlement The violence took place in a camp in West Nile region on Sunday during a match between Brazil and Switzerland, said Deputy Police Spokesman Patrick Onyango, with refugees from the Nuer ethnic group battling rival ethnic Dinka. The trouble began at half time when a Dinka man, identified as Thon Majok, left the video hall, only to find when he came back that a Nuer man had occupied his seat. “Majok ordered the Nuer man to vacate the seat. The Nuer man declined. The two started fighting then each was joined by his tribesmen,” Onyango said by phone late on Thursday. Police quell ethnic tensions in refugee camp A 13-year old boy was among the dead. Police had arrested 15 suspects in connection the killing of the four and the injuring of several people, he said. “The security situation in the South Sudanese-dominated refugee camps has stabilised,” he said. Authorities had decided to separate refugees from the two ethnic groups and keep them in different camps, he said. REUTERS

The impact of African coaches on football [Sports]

Serge KOFFI — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 12:08:48 +0000

On the Sports segment of the Morning Call, our Serge Koffi weighs on the impact of African coaches on the development of football following what some see as a not too good performance by the only African teams at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He takes us down memory lane to celebrate the achievements of African coaches and why there is the need for more African coaches to manage their national teams. Also, we visit a village in the Leningrad region in Russia where amateur footballers have avoided conventional fields and prefer to play in the mud. Players explain the philosophy behind this outstanding sport. @kkoffiserge

Bemba expected back in DR Congo in July ahead of presidential elections

Fri, 22 Jun 2018 11:28:11 +0000

Congolese opposition leader Jean-Pierre Bemba, whose war crimes convictions were quashed last month, is expected to return to Congo next month for a party congress to select a candidate for December’s presidential vote, a party spokesman said on Friday. Bemba, a former rebel leader and vice president, left Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 2007 and spent the last 10 years in prison in The Hague. He is currently free in Belgium pending a hearing on a separate conviction for witness tampering. Kabila’s gov’t on Bemba return Last week, the Congolese Foreign Affairs Minister Leonard She Okitundu said the former Vice President ‘may return’ to the country if he wishes. Okitundu who did not specify whether Bemba will be prosecuted by the Congolese justice system, said Bemba ‘left on his own will, and that he can return if he wants to’. Bemba’s return would introduce yet another factor to consider in DRC’s complex political crisis that has seen Kabila stay on as president despite the fact that his second an final term of office ended in 2016. While elections have been scheduled for Decemeber this year, the opposition have repeatedly protested Kabila’s refusal to outrightly rule himself out of the contest. Fearless Katumbi announces July return date to contest DR Congo presidency ICC acquits Bemba of war crimes Bemba has since Friday been on bail in Belgium pending a final decision on his punishment, according to the International Criminal Court( ICC). The ICC acquitted Bemba of crimes against humanity and war crimes but not in the case of bribery of witnesses. The court issued “specific conditions” for his provisional release after ten years of detention, including “not changing address without notice”.