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Manchester United Return to Winning Ways with 3-0 Victory at Southampton

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Manchester United Return to Winning Ways with 3-0 Victory at Southampton

Manchester United returned to form with a commanding 3-0 victory over newly-promoted Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium on Saturday, securing only their second Premier League away win in eight attempts.

The result provides a much-needed boost for manager Erik ten Hag, whose team had suffered back-to-back league defeats to start the 2023/24 campaign.

Despite Southampton’s early dominance, controlling 68% of possession in the opening stages, it was United who struck first. Summer signing Matthijs De Ligt broke the deadlock with a powerful header from a corner, marking his first goal for the club.

Marcus Rashford doubled United’s lead shortly before halftime, ending a personal nine-game Premier League goal drought with a curling effort that found the net via the far post.

The match’s turning point came earlier when Southampton squandered a golden opportunity to take the lead. Eighteen-year-old Tyler Dibling, impressive on his first start, won a penalty after being fouled by Diogo Dalot. However, United goalkeeper Andre Onana saved Cameron Archer’s spot-kick and subsequent rebound.

United’s control grew in the second half, with Rashford continuing to threaten. Southampton’s hopes of a comeback were dashed when Jack Stephens received a late red card for a high challenge on Alejandro Garnacho.

The Argentine winger Garnacho sealed the victory deep into stoppage time, rifling home from Dalot’s assist to complete the 3-0 scoreline.

This win doubles United’s points tally for the season and extends their unbeaten run against Southampton to 16 matches. Conversely, the Saints suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, leaving them firmly in the relegation zone at this early stage of the season.

Ten Hag expressed relief post-match, stating, “This was the response we needed after a difficult start. The team showed character and quality today.”

Southampton manager Russell Martin lamented the missed penalty, saying, “That moment changed the game. We had our chances but weren’t clinical enough.”

The result eases pressure on Ten Hag and United, who now look to build momentum as they climb the Premier League table. For Southampton, the search for their first points since returning to the top flight continues, with concerns growing about their ability to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.

United’s next fixture sees them host Crystal Palace, while Southampton travel to face Brighton & Hove Albion, both teams seeking to build on this weekend’s performances.

China Warns Germany Over Warship Transit in Taiwan Strait

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China Warns Germany Over Warship Transit in Taiwan Strait

China issued a stern warning to Germany on Saturday after two German warships sailed through the Taiwan Strait, the sensitive waterway separating mainland China from the self-ruled island of Taiwan.

The Chinese military spokesperson, Li Xi, said in a statement that “the German side’s behavior increases security risks and sends incorrect signals.” Li added that the People’s Liberation Army had deployed sea and air forces to “monitor and warn off” the German vessels, emphasizing that Chinese forces in the region would “resolutely counter all threats and provocations.”

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed that the frigate Baden-Württemberg and the supply ship Frankfurt am Main had transited the strait. This marks the first time in over two decades that Germany has sent warships through the waterway, a move that aligns with similar operations conducted by other countries, particularly the United States.

The incident highlights the growing tensions between Beijing and Taipei, as well as the broader geopolitical complexities in the region. China claims Taiwan as a renegade province and asserts jurisdiction over the 180 km-wide (110 mile-wide) Taiwan Strait. However, Germany, along with many other nations, maintains that such naval transits are compatible with international rules on freedom of navigation.

This naval passage comes amid heightened military activities in the area. In May, China conducted large-scale military drills in the strait, describing them as a “test” of its capability to seize control of Taiwan.

The German warships’ transit through the Taiwan Strait signals Berlin’s increasing engagement in the Indo-Pacific region and its support for the principle of freedom of navigation. It also reflects the growing international concern over China’s assertive actions in the area.

As tensions continue to rise, the international community is closely watching how this incident might affect diplomatic relations between China and Germany, as well as its potential impact on broader regional stability. The situation underscores the delicate balance that countries must navigate in asserting their rights to freedom of navigation while avoiding escalation in this strategically important region.

The German government has not yet responded to China’s accusations, but the incident is likely to spark further diplomatic discussions between Berlin and Beijing in the coming days.

bbc.com

Russia, Ukraine Exchange 206 Prisoners in UAE-Brokered Deal

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Russia, Ukraine Exchange 206 Prisoners in UAE-Brokered Deal

Russia and Ukraine have completed a significant prisoner swap involving 206 detainees, with the exchange facilitated by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), officials from both countries confirmed on Saturday.

The Russian Ministry of Defence announced that 103 of its servicemen were released, many of whom had been captured during Ukraine’s recent incursion into Russia’s Kursk region. Ukraine, in turn, received 103 of its own personnel.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took to social media to celebrate the return of his country’s soldiers, posting images of some of the freed captives with the message, “Our people are home.” Zelensky detailed that the released Ukrainians included 82 privates and sergeants, as well as 21 officers from various branches of the military and law enforcement.

“These brave individuals were captured while defending key regions across our country, including Kyiv, Donetsk, Mariupol, Azovstal, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv,” Zelensky stated, highlighting the wide-ranging nature of the conflict.

The Russian Ministry of Defence reported that their freed soldiers were currently in Belarus, where they would receive “necessary psychological and medical assistance” before being allowed to contact their families and return to Russia.

This exchange follows a similar swap in August involving 230 prisoners, which also came in the wake of Ukraine’s surprise attack into the Kursk region. That incursion, which saw Ukrainian forces advance up to 30 kilometers (18 miles) into Russian territory, was partly aimed at diverting Russian troops from their operations in eastern Ukraine.

The UAE’s role as mediator in these exchanges underscores its position of relative neutrality in the conflict, having maintained diplomatic ties with both Moscow and Kyiv throughout the war.

As the prisoner swap was being conducted, fighting continued in eastern Ukraine. The Russian Ministry of Defence claimed on Saturday that its forces had captured the village of Zhelanne Pershe in the Pokrovsk district, less than 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the strategically important town of Pokrovsk.

Pokrovsk, with its key railway station and road intersections, serves as a crucial logistics hub for Ukrainian forces in the Donbas region. Its proximity to the newly captured village highlights the ongoing intensity of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces have reportedly made several advances in recent weeks.

This latest prisoner exchange and the concurrent military developments underscore the complex and fluid nature of the war, now in its third year. As both sides continue to vie for territorial control and strategic advantage, diplomatic efforts like these prisoner swaps offer rare moments of cooperation amid the broader conflict.

The international community continues to watch these developments closely, as the war’s impact extends far beyond the borders of Ukraine and Russia, affecting global geopolitics, energy markets, and humanitarian concerns.

Germany, Kenya Sign Labor Agreement to Address Skill Shortages

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Germany, Kenya Sign Labor Agreement to Address Skill Shortages

Germany and Kenya have signed a landmark labor agreement aimed at allowing skilled and semi-skilled Kenyan workers to find employment in Europe’s largest economy, officials from both countries announced on Friday.

The deal, signed in Berlin by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Kenyan President William Ruto, comes as Germany grapples with a shortage of skilled labor while Kenya struggles to provide sufficient employment opportunities for its young professionals.

Under the agreement, Germany will ease some of its immigration laws to facilitate Kenyan workers’ entry into the country. The German government has not specified the number of workers to be admitted, emphasizing a controlled and targeted approach to labor migration.

Key points of the agreement include:

– Allowing IT specialists from Kenya to work in Germany even without formal qualifications

– Extending temporary residence permits for Kenyan workers who secure approved jobs

– Issuing long-term visas for Kenyans to study or undergo vocational training in Germany

– Supporting immigration of skilled workers with recognized vocational training or university degrees

The deal also includes provisions for the readmission and return of citizens between the two nations and outlines measures to prevent labor exploitation, forced labor, and human trafficking.

In a pilot project, five Kenyan bus drivers have already arrived in Flensburg, northern Germany. Claus Ruhe Madsen, Schleswig-Holstein’s Transport Minister, welcomed the drivers, stating, “We simply have to position ourselves in Germany in such a way that it is attractive to come here.”

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) praised the agreement, saying it is expected to “significantly increase access to decent foreign jobs for Kenyan workers in Germany and address labor shortages in Germany.”

However, the deal has raised concerns about a potential brain drain in Kenya, particularly in the healthcare sector. Ekuru Aukot, a Kenyan lawyer and politician, expressed worry to the BBC’s Newsday programme, saying, “It is sad that we are going to service other countries at the expense of our own country.”

Addressing these concerns, Roseline Njogu, a senior Kenyan foreign affairs official, defended the agreement, stating that Kenya was responding to global labor market demands. “We have a youth bulge in Kenya and every year we have a million people joining the local labor market. It takes time and resources to create job opportunities at home,” she added.

The labor agreement comes at a time when immigration is a contentious issue in Germany, following the rise in popularity of the far-right, anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Germany has welcomed over one million refugees since the 2015-2016 migrant crisis and an additional 1.2 million Ukrainians since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

As both countries move forward with implementing the agreement, observers will be watching closely to see how it impacts Germany’s labor market and Kenya’s workforce development. The success of this program could potentially serve as a model for similar agreements between developed and developing nations seeking to address labor shortages and provide opportunities for skilled workers.

Four Dead in Romanian Floods as Heavy Rains Batter Central and Eastern Europe

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Four Dead in Romanian Floods as Heavy Rains Batter Central and Eastern Europe

Torrential rains and subsequent flooding have claimed four lives in Romania, as a powerful weather system continues to wreak havoc across Central and Eastern Europe, officials reported Saturday.

The Romanian emergency services confirmed to AFP that four people were found dead in the southeastern region of Galati during search and rescue operations. “Dozens of people were rescued from their homes in 19 areas of the country,” they added, highlighting the widespread impact of the flooding.

The severe weather, attributed to Cyclone Boris, has affected multiple countries since Thursday, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall to Poland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia.

In the Czech Republic, authorities have declared the highest flood alert in 38 locations. Prague, the capital, has activated its flood defenses, raising barriers and closing embankments to the public. The city’s zoo has also been shut down as a precautionary measure, evoking memories of the devastating floods in 2002 that saw elephants drowning in the inundated facility.

Poland is also grappling with rising river levels, prompting evacuations in some areas. Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak described the situation in the small towns of Morow and Glucholazy, near the Czech border, as particularly dangerous. In Glucholazy, the river has exceeded safe levels by two meters, forcing residents of nearby streets to evacuate.

“We have a difficult situation in four rivers, potentially threatening evacuations and damage in several towns,” Siemoniak stated, underscoring the widespread nature of the threat.

The Czech capital, Prague, is taking extensive precautions to prevent a repeat of the catastrophic floods of 1997 and 2002. A network of flood defenses, costing over €1 billion (£845 million), has been activated, including the closure of the Devil’s Canal in the historic Mala Strana district.

In Austria, the Geosphere Austria federal institute reported that August was the hottest on record, with current forecasts warning of 10-20cm of rainfall in many regions over a matter of days. Some mountainous areas could see over 20cm, prompting concerns about flooding and landslides.

German authorities in Bavaria are also bracing for continuous heavy rain, as the weather system moves westward.

Climate experts note that extreme precipitation events are becoming more likely in Europe due to climate change. A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall and increasing the risk of severe flooding.

As the situation continues to evolve, emergency services across the affected countries remain on high alert, with further evacuations and flood defense measures likely in the coming days. The ongoing crisis serves as a stark reminder of the increasing challenges posed by extreme weather events in the region.

Trailblazing Ballerina Michaela DePrince Dies at 29

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Trailblazing Ballerina Michaela DePrince Dies at 29

Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a pioneering ballerina who rose from an orphanage in war-torn Sierra Leone to grace international stages, has died at the age of 29, her family announced Thursday. The cause of death was not disclosed.

DePrince, known for breaking racial barriers in ballet and her appearances with Beyoncé, died suddenly, according to a statement posted on her personal Instagram account. Her family described her as an “unforgettable inspiration to everyone who knew her or heard her story.”

Born in Kenema, Sierra Leone, in 1995, DePrince’s early life was marked by tragedy. Orphaned at three during the country’s civil war, she faced discrimination at an orphanage due to vitiligo, a condition causing loss of skin pigmentation. At four, she was adopted by an American couple and moved to New Jersey, where her passion for ballet was nurtured.

DePrince’s rise in the ballet world was meteoric. She made history as the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem and later joined the prestigious Boston Ballet as a second soloist in 2021. Her performances captivated audiences worldwide, including a notable appearance in Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” visual album.

Fellow ballerina Misty Copeland paid tribute, noting DePrince’s determination in the face of adversity: “Despite being told the ‘world wasn’t ready for black ballerinas’ or that ‘black ballerinas weren’t worth investing in,’ she remained determined, focused, and began making big strides.”

Beyond her artistic achievements, DePrince was a dedicated humanitarian, advocating for children affected by conflict and violence. Her journey from war orphan to international ballet star inspired many, challenging perceptions in the traditionally white-dominated world of ballet.

DePrince’s spokesperson emphasized her lasting impact: “Her life was one defined by grace, purpose, and strength. Her unwavering commitment to her art, her humanitarian efforts, and her courage in overcoming unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us.”

The ballerina’s story gained widespread attention through her memoir, “Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina,” and a documentary. She also appeared on “Dancing with the Stars” at 17, further expanding her influence beyond the ballet world.

As news of her death spreads, the dance community and beyond mourn the loss of a trailblazer who, in her brief but impactful life, redefined possibilities for aspiring dancers of color and served as a beacon of hope for overcoming adversity.

DePrince’s legacy as both an artist and humanitarian is expected to continue inspiring future generations in dance and social advocacy. The ballet world, while grieving her untimely passing, celebrates the indelible mark she left on the art form and her role in promoting diversity and inclusion in classical dance.

Premier League Live: Haaland Brace Puts Man City Ahead, Liverpool Held by Forest

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Premier League Live: Haaland Brace Puts Man City Ahead, Liverpool Held by Forest

Erling Haaland continued his prolific scoring form with a brace for Manchester City against Brentford on Saturday, helping the defending champions overcome an early deficit to lead 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium.

Haaland’s double brings his tally to eight goals in the first four Premier League matches this season, equaling Wayne Rooney’s record set for Manchester United in the 2011-12 campaign. The Norwegian striker has now scored 98 goals in all competitions for Manchester City since joining the club last season.

City’s goalkeeper Ederson provided the assist for Haaland’s second goal with a long ball over the top, showcasing the versatility in City’s attacking play. Former England midfielder Fara Williams, commenting on the match, noted, “Haaland is just making the Premier League look so easy, and it’s not an easy league to play in.”

Meanwhile, at Anfield, Liverpool were struggling to break down a resilient Nottingham Forest side, with the match remaining goalless at halftime. Despite creating several chances, including a near-miss from a Trent Alexander-Arnold corner, Liverpool found themselves frustrated by Forest’s aggressive play and solid defending.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot was seen consulting a tablet on the sidelines, possibly reviewing tactical information as his team sought to unlock the Forest defense. Virgil van Dijk came close with a header from a corner, highlighting Liverpool’s aerial threat.

In other Premier League action, Fulham took an early 1-0 lead over West Ham United, with Raúl Jiménez continuing his impressive scoring record against the Hammers. The Mexican striker has now netted six times in 10 Premier League appearances against West Ham.

At the Amex Stadium, Brighton & Hove Albion were being held to a scoreless draw by Championship side Ipswich Town in FA Cup action. Despite creating several chances, including efforts from Danny Welbeck and Kaoru Mitoma, Brighton had yet to find a breakthrough against the resilient Ipswich defense.

As the matches progress, all eyes remain on Haaland’s pursuit of Premier League scoring records and Liverpool’s efforts to overcome Forest’s stubborn resistance. The day’s action continues to demonstrate the competitive nature of English football across all levels of competition.

Tunisian Court Orders Reinstatement of Presidential Candidates

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Tunisian Court Orders Reinstatement of Presidential Candidates

Tunisia’s highest administrative court on Saturday ordered the country’s electoral commission to reinstate two candidates for the upcoming presidential election in October, warning that failure to comply could compromise the legitimacy of the vote.

The Administrative Court’s decision comes amid escalating political tensions in the North African nation and concerns from opposition parties and civil society groups about the potential for a rigged election favoring incumbent President Kais Saied’s bid for a second term.

The court mandated the reinstatement of candidates Abdellaif Mekki and Mondher Znaidi, who had filed new complaints against the electoral commission’s earlier decision to reject their candidacies. A third candidate, Imed Daimi, who was also previously disqualified, has not yet filed a second appeal.

In its ruling, the court stated that the electoral commission is obligated to implement its decision and, if necessary, review the electoral calendar. The court warned that failing to do so “would lead to an illegal situation that conflicts with the electoral law and the transparency of the electoral process.”

This legal intervention follows the electoral commission’s earlier refusal to comply with a court decision to restore the candidacy of these individuals, citing alleged irregularities in their candidacy filings. The commission, whose members were appointed by President Saied, has faced accusations from major parties and civil society groups of becoming a tool for the president against his rivals.

Farouk Bouasker, head of the electoral commission, has denied these accusations, stating that “the commission is the only constitutional body entrusted with the integrity of the election.”

The court’s decision comes a day after thousands of Tunisians participated in the country’s largest protest march in two years, demonstrating against restrictions on freedoms and what they perceive as an undemocratic electoral climate. Protesters chanted slogans including “Out with dictator Saied.”

President Saied, who was democratically elected in 2019, has faced criticism for tightening his grip on power and ruling by decree since 2021, a move the opposition has described as a coup.

The October 6 presidential election is seen as a critical test for Tunisia’s democracy, which has been under strain since Saied’s consolidation of power. The court’s intervention and the ongoing protests highlight the challenges facing the country as it approaches this pivotal vote.

As the situation develops, the electoral commission’s response to the court order and any potential adjustments to the election timeline will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers.

REUTERS

NNPC to Distribute Dangote Refinery Gasoline Under New Nigerian Agreement

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NNPC to Distribute Dangote Refinery Gasoline Under New Nigerian Agreement

Nigeria’s state-owned oil company, NNPC Limited, will distribute gasoline from the newly operational Dangote Refinery to the local market, a presidential committee announced Friday. This agreement ends a deadlock that had stalled distribution from the $20 billion facility.

The 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery, built by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote in Lagos, began processing gasoline last week. However, disagreements over offtake rights and pricing had delayed the distribution of its products.

Zacch Adedeji, head of Nigeria’s tax authority and member of the presidential committee, stated, “I am glad to announce that all agreements have been finalized, and the first batch of Premium Motor Spirit (Gasoline) will begin loading on Sunday.”

Under the new agreement, Dangote will supply gasoline and diesel of equivalent value to the domestic market in exchange for crude oil. Transactions will be settled in the local naira currency, aligning with the Nigerian government’s previous commitment to facilitate crude sales to Dangote in naira.

NNPC will have exclusive rights to lift gasoline and sell locally, both in bulk to fuel traders and at its gas stations. Meanwhile, Dangote’s diesel, which has primarily been exported, will now be sold to local fuel traders in naira.

The agreement comes as a significant development for Nigeria’s oil industry and economy. The Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest, is expected to help reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported refined petroleum products and potentially transform the country from a net importer to an exporter of refined products.

However, challenges remain. An executive at the Dangote Refinery revealed on Thursday that only about 5% of local fuel traders are currently purchasing products from the facility, which has limited its sales to just 29 tankers of diesel per day.

The involvement of NNPC Limited in the distribution process is expected to streamline the supply chain and potentially stabilize fuel prices in the local market. This could have far-reaching effects on Nigeria’s economy, which has long struggled with fuel scarcity and price volatility.

Industry analysts are closely watching how this agreement will impact Nigeria’s broader energy sector and its implications for regional fuel markets. The success of the Dangote Refinery and its integration into Nigeria’s fuel supply chain could serve as a model for other African countries seeking to develop their refining capacities.

As the distribution begins, all eyes will be on the smooth implementation of this agreement and its potential to reshape Nigeria’s energy landscape. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this new arrangement can effectively address the country’s longstanding fuel distribution challenges and contribute to economic stability.

Tunisia Escalates Pre-Election Crackdown with Mass Arrests of Opposition Members

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Tunisia Escalates Pre-Election Crackdown with Mass Arrests of Opposition Members

Tunisian authorities have intensified their crackdown on political opposition, arresting dozens of members from the country’s largest opposition party, Ennahda, just days before the official start of the presidential election campaign, party officials and attorneys reported Friday.

Ennahda, an Islamist party that gained prominence following Tunisia’s 2011 Arab Spring revolution, stated that at least 80 of its members, including six women, had been detained in a nationwide sweep affecting 10 regions. The party’s attorney, Latifa Habbechi, said they were working to confirm up to 116 total arrests.

“This is an unprecedented campaign of raids and violations of the most basic rights guaranteed by law,” Ennahda said in a statement, characterizing the arrests as a severe blow to Tunisia’s fragile democracy.

Among those detained were high-ranking party officials, including Mohamed Guelwi, a member of Ennahda’s executive committee, and Mohamed Ali Boukhatim, a regional party leader from Ben Arous, a suburb of Tunis. Ahmed Gaaloul, a former Minister of Youth and Sports and advisor to imprisoned Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi, confirmed that arrests were continuing through Friday afternoon.

The mass detentions come amid a turbulent pre-election period in Tunisia, where President Kais Saied is widely expected to secure a second term due to political apathy and the imprisonment of prominent opposition figures. The election, scheduled for October 6, has been marred by controversy, with Saied recently dismissing the majority of his cabinet and authorities arresting more potential opponents.

Habbechi revealed that based on preliminary information, those arrested may face charges related to Tunisia’s anti-terrorism law. However, she noted that interrogations reportedly focused on the detainees’ political activities and their choice of candidate for the upcoming presidential election.

Significantly, about 90% of those arrested were individuals who had been previously incarcerated under former presidents Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and Habib Bourguiba, with 70% being over 60 years old. Many were involved in Tunisia’s transitional justice process, which addresses past human rights abuses.

The crackdown has extended beyond Ennahda, affecting other political figures and civil society members. Abdellatif Mekki, a former Health Minister and ex-Ennahda member now leading the Work and Accomplishment party, was arrested in July in connection with a 2014 murder investigation, which his attorneys claim is politically motivated.

“These arrests come as a sign of further narrowing and deviation of the electoral process, aiming at spreading fear and emptying the upcoming election of any chance for a real democratic competition,” Mekki’s party stated on Friday.

The wave of arrests has sparked protests in the capital, with hundreds of Tunisians demonstrating against what they perceive as the emergence of a police state. Human rights groups have expressed concern over the use of a controversial anti-fake news law to suppress criticism of the government.

As the official campaign season begins on Saturday, the international community is closely watching Tunisia’s political developments. The country, once hailed as the sole success story of the Arab Spring, now faces scrutiny over its commitment to democratic principles.

The upcoming election and the government’s actions in its lead-up are seen as a critical test for Tunisia’s democracy, with implications for political stability and human rights in the North African nation. As the situation unfolds, observers are questioning the fairness and transparency of the electoral process in light of the ongoing crackdown on opposition voices.

apnews.com

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