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CAF Awards Nigeria Victory, Fines Libya $50,000 Over Aborted AFCON Qualifier

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CAF Awards Nigeria Victory, Fines Libya $50,000 Over Aborted AFCON Qualifier

The Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) Disciplinary Committee has handed the Super Eagles of Nigeria a 3-0 victory and three points in their aborted African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier match against Libya.

In a series of tweets, @CAF_Online announced the following decisions regarding the match, which was scheduled to be played on October 15, 2024, in Benghazi:

1. The Libya Football Federation was found to have breached Article 31 of the African Cup of Nations Regulations and Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

2. The match (No. 87) between Libya and Nigeria is declared lost by forfeit by Libya, with a score of 3-0 in favor of Nigeria.

3. The Libya Football Federation has been ordered to pay a fine of $50,000.

4. The fine must be paid within 60 days of notification of the decision.

5. All other motions or prayers for relief have been dismissed.

The decision comes as a boost for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, who are seeking to qualify for the 2025 African Cup of Nations. The three points awarded by CAF will strengthen their position in the qualifying group.

Libya, on the other hand, will face the consequences of breaching CAF regulations, which led to the match being aborted. The $50,000 fine serves as a stern warning to all participating nations to adhere to the rules and regulations set by the governing body.

The incident highlights the importance of fair play and compliance with the established guidelines to ensure the smooth running of the prestigious African Cup of Nations tournament.

As the qualifiers continue, teams will be looking to secure their spots in the 2025 edition of the tournament, with the hope of lifting the coveted trophy and being crowned champions of African football.

Somali Government Faces Backlash for Sending Male Delegates to UN Women’s Conference

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Somali Government Faces Backlash for Sending Male Delegates to UN Women’s Conference

Somalia’s government has come under fire on social media after Family Minister Gen Bashir Mohamed Jama shared photos on X (formerly Twitter) of himself and another male delegate representing the country at a UN meeting on women’s issues.

The group photo from the Women, Peace and Security Focal Points Network event, held earlier this week in New York, has sparked further ridicule from Somalis online, with many accusing the government of not taking women’s rights seriously.

“It is tone-deaf for the Somali government to have men on the frontline, representing women at the conference,” Fathiya Absie, a well-known Somali author and human rights activist, told the BBC.

A senior civil servant at Somalia’s Ministry of Family and Human Development, Mohamed Bashir, told the BBC that two women, Iman Elman and Sadia Mohammed Nur, were also part of the country’s four-member delegation but were not included in the photo. Out of 197 delegates from 57 countries, only 21 were men.

The online backlash has reignited criticism of the government’s decision in July to rename the Ministry of Women and Human Rights Development to the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development, coinciding with the appointment of Gen Jama, a senior military officer, to lead the ministry.

“Removing the word ‘women’ from the ministry’s title is an erasure of the struggles and specific needs of women. It generalises their issues under the broader term ‘family,'” Ms Absie said.

Women’s rights in Somalia, a country that has endured a long civil war and a more recent Islamist insurgency, have long been a topic of concern. Despite women playing a vital role in peacebuilding and often stepping into leadership roles, there are few women in positions of political influence.

Some defenders of the government said they saw nothing wrong with having an experienced man leading the family ministry. However, the voices calling for stronger female representation are growing louder, and Mr Bashir said the ministry would strive to give women a more significant role in the future.

The incident has highlighted the ongoing struggle for gender equality in Somalia and the need for greater representation of women in decision-making processes, especially those directly impacting their lives and rights.

Nigerian Armed Forces Neutralize 140 Suspected Terrorists and Kidnappers in Nationwide Operations

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Nigerian Armed Forces Neutralize 140 Suspected Terrorists and Kidnappers in Nationwide Operations

In a series of operations targeting Boko Haram, the Daesh-linked Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and various criminal gangs, the Nigerian military confirmed the killing of 140 suspected terrorists and armed kidnappers last week. The operations spanned multiple regions across Nigeria, as stated by Nigerian Defence Headquarters spokesperson Edward Buba during the military’s weekly briefing on Thursday.

In addition to the neutralization of the suspects, the military operations resulted in the arrest of 135 individuals and the successful rescue of 76 people who had been kidnapped for ransom.

Nigeria has long been grappling with the scourge of attacks perpetrated by armed groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, as well as rampant kidnappings carried out by numerous criminal gangs. In an effort to curb the abductions, some Nigerian states have resorted to introducing the death penalty for kidnapping. However, the practice remains prevalent, with armed groups frequently targeting villages, schools, and travelers in the northern regions, often demanding ransoms in exchange for the release of their captives.

The recent military operations demonstrate the Nigerian government’s ongoing efforts to combat the threat posed by these armed groups and restore security in the affected areas. The successful rescue of kidnapped individuals and the arrest of suspects are seen as positive steps towards weakening the operational capabilities of these groups and bringing those responsible to justice.

Tensions High in Mozambique as Opposition Rejects Election Results, Ruling Party Calls for Dialogue

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Tensions High in Mozambique as Opposition Rejects Election Results, Ruling Party Calls for Dialogue

Tensions remain high in Mozambique following a disputed presidential election, with supporters of opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane staging demonstrations to denounce the results that declared ruling party candidate Daniel Chapo as the winner.

The protests began immediately after the National Election Commission announced Chapo’s victory, with Mondlane securing slightly over 20% of the vote. Demonstrators blocked roads and burned tires, prompting police to respond with tear gas.

Mondlane, backed by the Podemos party, claims he won the election and has accused the election authorities and the ruling FRELIMO party of fraud and manipulation. The political climate in the southern African country was already tense prior to the election commission’s announcement, following the killing of two opposition figures close to Mondlane.

The clashes between protesters and police have resulted in dozens of injuries and the detention of hundreds of demonstrators. The ruling party has called for dialogue to address the political unrest, but the opposition remains steadfast in its rejection of the election results.

International observers have expressed concern over the situation, urging all parties to exercise restraint and engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve the dispute. The African Union and the Southern African Development Community have offered to mediate talks between the government and the opposition to find a way forward.

The political deadlock threatens to derail Mozambique’s progress in maintaining stability and fostering economic growth following years of civil war and political strife.

As the situation continues to unfold, efforts to promote dialogue and find a peaceful resolution will be crucial in preventing further escalation of violence and preserving Mozambique’s democratic processes.

20-Year-Old Charged with Murder After 74-Year-Old British Man Dies During Sexual Encounter in Ghana

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20-Year-Old Charged with Murder After 74-Year-Old British Man Dies During Sexual Encounter in Ghana

An Accra High Court has charged Pearl Agbomadzi, a 20-year-old interior decorator, with murder in connection with the death of John Scott Hughes, a 74-year-old British national living in Ghana.

According to the prosecution, Hughes had invited Agbomadzi, described as his girlfriend, to meet him at American House before taking her to Philipo’s Movie House, a popular location in East Legon, where he booked a room for them.

The couple allegedly watched pornography together and engaged in consensual sexual activity. During the encounter, Hughes reportedly became unconscious and collapsed on the floor, causing Agbomadzi to panic and seek assistance from the reception staff.

Police were called, and Hughes was transported to Legon Hospital, Ghana, where he was pronounced dead. The complainant in the matter is the wife of the deceased.

On October 24, counsel for the accused, John Baptist Ayedze, prayed for bail for his client, who has been in police custody since the incident. The prosecution, led by Assistant State Attorney Frederick Adu Gyamfi, did not oppose the bail application.

Presiding Judge Lydia Osei Marfo granted bail of GHS100,000 with a surety. In her closing remarks, she urged older men to be cautious of their sexual lives and not pursue younger women, suggesting that the age difference can be hazardous.

The case has sparked discussions about age-disparate relationships and the potential risks involved. As the legal proceedings continue, the court will examine the evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding Hughes’ death and Agbomadzi’s alleged involvement.

myjoyonline.com

Two Iranian Soldiers Killed in Israeli Strike, Iran Claims Right to Self-Defense

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Two Iranian Soldiers Killed in Israeli Strike, Iran Claims Right to Self-Defense

The Tasnim news agency, citing an Iranian army statement, reported that two Iranian soldiers were killed in Israel’s overnight strike on the country. The soldiers died “while countering projectiles” launched by Israel, according to the statement, which added that more details would be released soon.

Israel’s military said its strikes on Iran were in response to “months of continuous attacks from the regime in Iran against the State of Israel,” while Iran had earlier claimed the strikes caused “limited damage.”

In a separate statement, Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the Israeli attacks on “several military centres” as a “clear violation” of international law. The ministry asserted that Tehran “considers itself entitled and obligated to defend itself against foreign acts of aggression.”

The statement emphasized Iran’s commitment to using “all the material and spiritual capabilities of the Iranian nation to defend its security and vital interests,” as well as its duties towards maintaining regional peace and security. It called on all countries in the region to take collective responsibility for protecting peace.

The foreign ministry identified Israel’s operations in Gaza and Lebanon as “the main cause of tension and insecurity” in the Middle East. It urged UN members to take “urgent and collective action” against what it deemed “gross violations of international law and the UN charter.”

The escalating tensions between Iran and Israel have raised concerns about the stability of the region, with the international community closely monitoring the situation. The reported deaths of the Iranian soldiers and Iran’s assertion of its right to self-defense may further complicate efforts to de-escalate the conflict.

As the situation continues to develop, diplomatic efforts will be crucial in preventing a full-scale confrontation between the two nations and ensuring the safety and security of civilians in the affected areas.

Musk Asserts $1 Million Giveaway Legality Amid Justice Department Scrutiny

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Musk Asserts $1 Million Giveaway Legality Amid Justice Department Scrutiny

During a virtual townhall event on his social media app X, tech billionaire Elon Musk defended the legality of his super PAC’s $1 million daily giveaway to registered voters in swing states. His comments come days after the Justice Department sent a letter warning that the lottery-style contest might be unlawful.

Musk emphasized that the purpose of the contest was not to induce people to register to vote, a distinction that legal experts say is crucial, as it is illegal under federal law to pay people to register to vote. “To be clear, this is not a petition to vote for or register for anyone. It’s really a petition in support of the Constitution of the United States, and in particular, freedom of speech and the right to bear arms,” Musk said.

Since Saturday, Musk’s America PAC has been giving away $1 million a day to a registered voter in one of seven battleground states who has signed an online petition pledging support to the First and Second Amendments. The PAC is also offering $100 to Pennsylvania registered voters who sign the petition.

Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX and the world’s richest person according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, has been using his wealth and notoriety to back former President Donald Trump’s bid to return to the White House. He has given nearly $75 million to the super PAC while campaigning in-person in Pennsylvania for Trump and using his platform on X to do the same.

During the townhall, Musk took questions on various subjects, calling for cutting government programs, reducing immigration, and asserting without evidence that “there’s hardly a downtown in America that’s actually safe to walk in,” despite crime falling across the nation and being near historic lows.

Legal experts have told NBC News that Musk’s contest falls in a gray area of election law, and on Wednesday, NBC News confirmed that the Justice Department had sent a letter to Musk’s super PAC warning that the $1 million giveaway may run afoul of federal law. Musk did not mention the DOJ letter during the event, only addressing the giveaway’s legitimacy when asked by a participant.

Musk took a harsher tone toward the Justice Department on two other subjects, attacking the criminal prosecutions of Trump as being for “political reasons” and criticizing the DOJ for intervening in a lawsuit in Virginia related to immigration and that state’s voter rolls. “The DOJ priorities seem — they seem wrong,” he said.

NBCNEWS.COM

Messi’s Assist Propels Inter Miami to Victory in MLS Playoff Debut

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Messi’s Assist Propels Inter Miami to Victory in MLS Playoff Debut

Inter Miami kicked off their MLS playoff campaign with a 2-1 victory over Atlanta United on Friday, marking Lionel Messi’s postseason debut in the league.

Former Barcelona teammates Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba provided the goals for Miami, with Suárez opening the scoring in the second minute and Alba sealing the win with a stunning 25-yard strike on the hour mark. Messi himself played a crucial role, assisting Alba’s decisive goal.

Saba Lobzhanidze had briefly leveled the score for Atlanta in the 39th minute, but Alba’s long-range effort ensured Miami took a one-game lead in the best-of-three first round series. Game 2 is set to take place on November 2 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Miami head coach Gerardo Martino praised Alba’s impact on the team, comparing him to legendary fullbacks like Dani Alves, Cafu, Marcelo, and Roberto Carlos. “Technically, he has a quality that is very rare in a wide defender, and is better when he understands where Luis and Leo are and can find them,” Martino said.

Although Messi didn’t find the back of the net, the Argentine star was heavily involved throughout the match, drawing numerous saves from Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan and even striking the post in the first half. His assist for Alba’s goal was his 17th of the season.

The victory was a strong start to the postseason for Miami, who entered the playoffs as the No. 1 overall seed after a successful regular season in which they lost just four times and amassed a league-leading 74 points.

Martino expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, highlighting their control of the game and the numerous chances they created. “We were patient. I believe that if it weren’t for Brad (Guzan)’s performance, the match should have ended with a clear difference,” he said.

Atlanta had reached this stage of the MLS playoffs after defeating Montreal on penalties in the wild card round. The pressure is now on the Georgia-based team to turn the series around in front of their home fans in the upcoming second leg.

Iranian Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Narges Mohammadi Faces Additional Prison Time

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Iranian Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Narges Mohammadi Faces Additional Prison Time

Iranian authorities have sentenced Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi to an additional six months in prison, according to a statement released by the Free Narges Coalition, a group campaigning for the activist.

Mohammadi, 52, was sentenced on Oct. 19 on the charge of “disobeying and resisting orders” after staging a protest against the execution of another political prisoner in the women’s ward of Evin Prison on Aug. 6.

The latest sentence comes on top of the 30-month term Mohammadi was already serving, which was extended by an additional 15 months in January. Iran’s government has not acknowledged the new sentencing.

Mohammadi, the 19th woman and second Iranian woman after Shirin Ebadi in 2003 to win the Nobel Peace Prize, has continued her activism despite numerous arrests and years of imprisonment by Iranian authorities. She is currently being held at the notorious Evin Prison, which houses political prisoners and those with Western ties.

The additional prison time is seen as a reflection of the Iranian theocracy’s anger over Mohammadi being awarded the Nobel prize in October 2023 for her years of activism, despite the government’s long-standing campaign against her.

Mohammadi has been a prominent figure in the nationwide, women-led protests that erupted following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody last year. Amini had been detained for allegedly not wearing her headscarf in accordance with the authorities’ standards.

The Free Narges Coalition has demanded Mohammadi’s unconditional release, citing her deteriorating health situation, including heart disease, which has worsened during her lengthy incarceration.

Two Teenagers Among Casualties as Russian Strikes Hit Kyiv and Central Ukraine

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Two Teenagers Among Casualties as Russian Strikes Hit Kyiv and Central Ukraine

A 15-year-old girl was killed in a Russian drone strike on a 25-story apartment block in Kyiv during a prolonged nighttime barrage on the Ukrainian capital, officials reported. Five others were injured in the attack, which damaged several apartments on the building’s upper floors and led to the evacuation of 100 people.

Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko confirmed the teenager’s death, while Serhii Popko, head of Kyiv’s local military administration, stated that Russian forces bombarded the city for 7 1/2 hours overnight. Ukrainian air defense reportedly shot down up to a dozen Russian drones during the assault, as air raid sirens wailed throughout the night.

In a separate incident, a Russian missile struck a residential area in the central city of Dnipro late Friday, killing a 14-year-old and three others, according to regional Governor Serhii Lysak. At least 20 people were injured, including an 8-year-old and several teenagers. The attack damaged over a dozen apartment buildings, private houses, and a medical facility. Among the dead were the wife and teenage daughter of a local policeman, pulled from the rubble.

In the southern Kherson region, a man and woman died after a Russian drone dropped explosives on a village, local prosecutors reported. Meanwhile, a 61-year-old woman was killed by shelling in the northeast.

The Kyiv province, which surrounds but does not include the capital, also suffered casualties. Flying debris from a drone attack killed a woman, while a 13-year-old boy was wounded elsewhere in the region, according to Ukraine’s Emergency Service.

The Ukrainian government has vowed to continue defending its territory and protecting its citizens, while also appealing for increased support from its allies to bolster its air defense capabilities and provide humanitarian aid to those affected by the war.

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