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Comoros President ‘Slightly Injured’ in Knife Attack at Funeral

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Comoros President ‘Slightly Injured’ in Knife Attack at Funeral

President Azali Assoumani of Comoros was “slightly injured” in a knife attack on Friday while attending a religious leader’s funeral, his office announced. The incident occurred in the town of Salimani, on the outskirts of the capital Moroni, raising concerns about security and political stability in the Indian Ocean island nation.

A statement from the president’s office confirmed that Assoumani’s injuries were not serious and that he had returned home following the attack. The assailant was promptly arrested by security forces and is currently in custody, though details about their identity and motive remain undisclosed.

Government Minister Aboubacar Said Anli reported on Saturday that a civilian was also injured while attempting to protect the president during the attack. The extent of the civilian’s injuries has not been specified.

This incident comes in the wake of Assoumani’s controversial re-election in January, which opposition parties denounced as fraudulent. The election results sparked unrest, resulting in at least one reported death.

Assoumani, 65, a former military officer, first came to power in Comoros through a coup in 1999. His political career has been marked by multiple terms as president:

– Served his first term from 2002 to 2006

– Elected again in 2016

– Recently secured a fourth term after constitutional changes removed term limits

The president’s recent actions, including abolishing a system that rotated the presidency among Comoros’ three main islands, have drawn criticism. Accusations of cracking down on dissent and banning peaceful protests have further strained the political climate.

This attack highlights the ongoing political tensions in Comoros, a nation that has experienced more than a dozen coups or attempted coups since gaining independence from France in 1975. The country’s history of political instability adds context to the current situation, raising questions about the long-term implications of this incident for Comoros’ governance and security.

International observers and regional partners are closely monitoring the situation, given Comoros’ strategic location in the Indian Ocean and its role in regional politics. The attack on President Assoumani may prompt renewed discussions about security measures for political leaders and the broader challenges of maintaining stability in small island nations.

As investigations into the attack continue, political analysts are considering how this event might impact Assoumani’s leadership and the overall political landscape in Comoros. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of politics in the region and the ongoing challenges faced by nations striving for democratic stability.

Mourners Honor Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei, Victim of Deadly Attack

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Mourners Honor Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei, Victim of Deadly Attack

Dozens of mourners gathered Saturday in eastern Uganda to pay their final respects to Rebecca Cheptegei, the 33-year-old Olympic athlete who died last week in Kenya after a horrific attack by her partner.

The somber ceremony, held at the local administration hall in Kapchorwa district near the Kenya border, preceded Cheptegei’s burial in her ancestral village. Local leaders and community members awaited the arrival of her body, which was returned to Uganda on Friday following a poignant procession in Kenya.

Cheptegei succumbed to her injuries on September 3 after suffering 80% burns in an attack by Dickson Ndiema, who doused her in gasoline at her home in Trans-Nzoia County, western Kenya. Ndiema, who sustained 30% burns, later died from his injuries. According to local authorities, the attack stemmed from a dispute over a piece of land Cheptegei had purchased in Kenya.

The athlete’s death has sent shockwaves through the East African athletic community and beyond, intensifying calls for better protection of female runners facing exploitation and abuse. Cheptegei is the fourth female athlete to have been killed by her partner in Kenya in recent years, underscoring a disturbing pattern of gender-based violence.

Don Rukare, chairman of the National Council of Sports of Uganda, condemned the attack on X (formerly Twitter), calling it “a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete.”

Uganda’s First Lady Janet Museveni, who also serves as the country’s education and sports minister, described the incident as “deeply disturbing” and called for justice.

The return of Cheptegei’s body to Uganda on Friday was marked by a street march in the western Kenyan town of Eldoret, where dozens of activists demanded an end to physical violence against female athletes. The procession highlighted the growing concern over the safety of women in sports across the region.

Cheptegei competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics just a month before her death, finishing 44th. She had represented Uganda in various international competitions throughout her career.

The tragedy has brought attention to the broader issue of violence against women in East Africa. According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, four in ten women, or an estimated 41% of dating or married Kenyan women, have experienced physical or sexual violence from their current or most recent partner.

As mourners bid farewell to Cheptegei, her death serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by female athletes and women in general. It has sparked calls for increased measures to protect women in sports and society at large, with many hoping that her tragic story will lead to meaningful change in addressing gender-based violence in the region.

The incident also highlights the close ties between Ugandan and Kenyan athletics, as many Ugandan athletes train in Kenya due to its superior facilities and its status as an athletics powerhouse. As the athletic community mourns the loss of a promising talent, questions arise about the safety and well-being of athletes training across borders.

AP

University Students Trapped in Building Collapse in Benin, Nigeria

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University Students Trapped in Building Collapse in Benin, Nigeria

A storey building collapsed in Ekosodin, a student-populated area near the University of Benin in Edo State, Nigeria, early Saturday morning, trapping an unknown number of university students inside. The incident occurred on Ekhator Street during heavy rainfall, sparking panic among the local student community.

Ekosodin, which borders the University of Benin, is a popular residential area for students unable to secure on-campus accommodation. The collapse has highlighted concerns about building safety in areas with high student populations.

According to an eyewitness who spoke on condition of anonymity, a university rescue team has successfully evacuated some of the trapped occupants. However, several students were severely injured and rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical treatment.

“The rescue team is still searching for one of the victims who remains trapped inside the rubble,” the student reported. “She called from inside, and the rescue team has continued its search to locate and rescue her and others who are still trapped.”

The Dean of Student Affairs is reportedly on site, coordinating rescue efforts alongside the university team. As of the time of this report, the university management has not released an official statement regarding the cause of the collapse or the total number of individuals affected.

Sylvester, an official from the State Fire Service control room, confirmed to PUNCH Online that three fire trucks have been dispatched to assist in the rescue mission. “Our men are on ground to help in the rescue mission,” he stated.

The incident has raised questions about building standards and safety measures in areas heavily populated by students. Local authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the collapse, which could potentially lead to stricter regulations for student housing in the region.

As rescue efforts continue, families of students living in the area are anxiously awaiting news about their loved ones. The University of Benin community has rallied to support the rescue efforts, with many students volunteering to assist where possible.

Punchng.com

European, Muslim Nations Meet in Spain to Discuss Palestinian Statehood Timeline

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European, Muslim Nations Meet in Spain to Discuss Palestinian Statehood Timeline

Spain hosted a high-level meeting on Friday, bringing together several Muslim and European countries to discuss ways to end the Gaza war and implement a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The gathering focused on establishing a clear schedule for Palestinian statehood.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We meet to make another push for the end of the war in Gaza, for a way out of the unending spiral of violence between the Palestinians, the Israelis… That way is clear. The implementation of the two-state solution is the only way.”

Key attendees included foreign ministers from Norway and Slovenia, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, and members of the Arab-Islamic Contact Group for Gaza, representing Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Turkey.

Notably absent from the meeting was Israel, which Albares explained was not invited as it is not part of the contact group. However, he added, “We will be delighted to see Israel at any table where peace and the two-state solution are discussed.”

The meeting comes in the wake of Spain, Norway, and Ireland formally recognizing a unified Palestinian state on May 28, comprising the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital. This brings the total number of UN member states recognizing Palestinian statehood to 146 out of 193.

Participants expressed a “clear willingness” to move from words to actions, aiming to establish a definitive schedule for implementing the two-state solution. The first step proposed is Palestine joining the United Nations as a full member.

The renewed push for a two-state solution comes amid the backdrop of the 11-month-long war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, which has been the bloodiest episode in the overall conflict. Additionally, escalating violence in the occupied West Bank has added urgency to finding a peaceful resolution.

The two-state solution, originally outlined in the 1991 Madrid Conference and the 1993-95 Oslo Accords, has long been seen as the path to peace in the region. However, the peace process has been stagnant for years, complicated by expanding Jewish settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, territories captured by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide highlighted additional topics discussed at the meeting, including the demobilization of Hamas and the potential normalization of ties between Israel and other states, particularly Saudi Arabia.

India Accuses Smartphone Giants, Samsung, Xiaomi, of Colluding with E-commerce Firms, Amazon, Flipkart, in Antitrust Probe

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India Accuses Smartphone Giants, Samsung, Xiaomi, of Colluding with E-commerce Firms, Amazon, Flipkart, in Antitrust Probe

India’s competition watchdog has accused major smartphone manufacturers, including Samsung and Xiaomi, of colluding with e-commerce giants Amazon and Walmart-owned Flipkart to exclusively launch products on their platforms, violating the country’s antitrust laws, according to regulatory reports seen by Reuters.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) conducted extensive investigations into the business practices of Amazon and Flipkart, producing reports that run over 1,000 pages each. These reports allege that the e-commerce platforms violated local competition laws by giving preference to select sellers, prioritizing certain listings, and offering steep discounts that hurt other companies.

In a significant development, the CCI’s 1,027-page report on Amazon states that the Indian units of five smartphone companies – Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola, Realme, and OnePlus – were “involved in the practice of exclusive” phone launches in “collusion” with Amazon and its affiliates. Similarly, the 1,696-page report on Flipkart implicates the Indian units of Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola, Vivo, Lenovo, and Realme in comparable practices.

G.V. Siva Prasad, CCI’s additional director general, wrote in both reports, “Exclusivity in business is anathema. Not only is it against free and fair competition but also against the interest of consumers.”

The inclusion of major smartphone manufacturers in these allegations could significantly increase their legal and compliance challenges in India, one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing smartphone markets. Counterpoint Research data shows that Samsung and Xiaomi together hold nearly 36% of India’s smartphone market share, with Vivo capturing an additional 19%.

The CCI reports claim that both Amazon and Flipkart “deliberately downplayed” allegations of exclusive launches during the investigations. However, officials found the practice to be “rampant.”

This investigation, triggered in 2020 by a complaint from an affiliate of the Confederation of All India Traders, could have far-reaching implications for India’s booming e-retail market, which Bain consultancy estimates will exceed $160 billion by 2028.

The CCI has ordered some of the implicated smartphone companies, including Xiaomi, Samsung, OnePlus, Realme, and Motorola, to submit their audited financial statements for three fiscal years to 2024.

Indian retailers have long accused these e-commerce platforms and smartphone companies of exclusive online launches, arguing that such practices severely affect both ordinary online sellers and brick-and-mortar retailers.

The shift towards online smartphone sales in India has been dramatic, with Datum Intelligence estimating that 50% of phone sales occurred online last year, up from just 14.5% in 2013. Flipkart reportedly held a 55% share in online phone sales in 2023, with Amazon at 35%.

As the CCI prepares to review objections to its findings from the involved companies and potentially impose fines or mandate changes in business practices, this case highlights the growing tensions between traditional retail, e-commerce giants, and global smartphone manufacturers in India’s rapidly evolving digital marketplace.

The accused companies have not yet publicly responded to these allegations. The CCI’s final decisions in this matter could significantly reshape the landscape of smartphone sales and e-commerce practices in India.

REUTERS

Pakistan Says It Has Met All IMF Conditions for $7 Billion Loan

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Pakistan Says It Has Met All IMF Conditions for $7 Billion Loan

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Thursday that his country has fulfilled all conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure a new $7 billion loan aimed at stabilizing the nation’s struggling economy.

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif (Reuters)

Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Sharif commended his finance team and advisers for their efforts in meeting the IMF’s requirements. The global lender is expected to formally approve the loan on September 25, when its board of executive directors is scheduled to meet.

“We have overcome significant challenges to meet the IMF’s criteria,” Sharif stated. “This loan will play a crucial role in addressing our economic difficulties.”

The Prime Minister specifically thanked China for its support in helping Pakistan secure the bailout, though he did not provide specific details about China’s role.

To qualify for the loan, Pakistan implemented several reforms demanded by the IMF, including:

1. Broadening the country’s tax base

2. Eliminating energy subsidies

3. Implementing structural economic reforms

These measures, particularly the elimination of energy subsidies, have raised concerns among many Pakistanis who are already struggling with high living costs.

Pakistan’s Finance Ministry released a statement confirming that all matters with the IMF have been “amicably” finalized. This announcement comes two months after the IMF initially reached a staff-level agreement with Pakistan for the new loan deal.

The country is currently facing one of its worst economic crises in recent history, with dwindling foreign exchange reserves, high inflation, and a depreciating currency. Sharif expressed hope that the new loan would help Pakistan reduce its reliance on foreign borrowing in the coming years.

“This loan is a stepping stone towards economic stability and self-reliance,” Sharif added. “We are committed to implementing further reforms to strengthen our economy.”

If approved by the IMF’s board, the new loan deal would last for 37 months, providing Pakistan with much-needed financial support as it navigates its economic challenges.

The IMF’s decision to potentially grant this loan comes at a critical time for Pakistan, as the country grapples with political instability and the aftermath of recent devastating floods that caused billions of dollars in damage.

Economic experts remain cautiously optimistic about the loan’s potential impact, emphasizing the need for continued fiscal discipline and structural reforms to ensure long-term economic stability.

As Pakistan awaits the IMF’s formal approval, the government faces the challenge of balancing the implementation of tough economic measures with the need to provide relief to its citizens struggling with rising costs of living.

apnews.com

Turkish-American Activist Killed in West Bank Laid to Rest as Gaza Conflict Continues

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Turkish-American Activist Killed in West Bank Laid to Rest as Gaza Conflict Continues

The body of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old Turkish-American activist killed by Israeli fire in the West Bank, was returned to her hometown of Didim, Turkey, on Friday night for burial. The somber homecoming occurred against the backdrop of ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.

Eygi’s coffin, draped in a Turkish flag, arrived in Didim accompanied by a police honor guard. Six officers in ceremonial uniform carried the casket from a hearse to a local hospital, as reported by Turkey’s official Anadolu Agency. The funeral is scheduled for Saturday in the coastal town in western Turkey.

The young activist from Seattle, who held dual U.S. and Turkish citizenship, was fatally shot on September 6 following a demonstration against Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. An Israeli protester who witnessed the incident provided this account.

On Tuesday, the Israeli military stated that Eygi was likely shot “indirectly and unintentionally” by Israeli forces. Turkey has announced its intention to conduct an independent investigation into her death.

As Eygi’s family watched the coffin being unloaded, her mother required medical assistance, according to Anadolu Agency. The activist’s death drew condemnation from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken amid ongoing efforts by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to broker a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas.

The return of Eygi’s body for burial coincides with continued violence in the region. Overnight airstrikes by Israel on central and southern Gaza reportedly killed at least 14 people, including women and children.

As Eygi’s community prepares to bid her farewell, her tragic death underscores the human cost of the ongoing conflict and the risks faced by activists in the region. The funeral is expected to draw attention to calls for peace and justice in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Two Dead, Three Injured in Virginia Mass Shooting; Suspect at Large

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Two Dead, Three Injured in Virginia Mass Shooting; Suspect at Large

A mass shooting in Suffolk, Virginia, late Thursday night left two people dead and three others injured, local authorities reported. Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect, who fled the scene after the attack.

Suffolk Police responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 11:25 p.m. on Thursday. Upon arrival, officers found multiple victims with gunshot wounds.

One man was pronounced dead at the scene, while a second victim succumbed to his injuries after being transported to a local hospital. The three other victims were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Their current conditions have not been disclosed.

The shooting occurred in Suffolk, a city of about 90,000 residents located in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area of southeastern Virginia.

As of Friday morning, police had not released the identities of the victims or any description of the suspect. Investigators worked through the night gathering evidence at the crime scene as they intensify efforts to locate the shooter.

Suffolk Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Tips can be submitted to the Suffolk Police Department or anonymously through the Suffolk Crime Line at 888-LOCK-U-UP.

This incident comes amid ongoing concerns about gun violence in the United States. Earlier this week, a 21-year-old football player at West Virginia State University was shot dead in what police are investigating as a home invasion in Charleston, West Virginia.

Last week, a school shooting in Georgia resulted in four deaths and nine injuries when a 14-year-old student opened fire.

As the investigation in Suffolk continues, authorities are expected to provide updates on the case and the condition of the surviving victims.

Porsha Williams Wins Key Ruling in Divorce Case Against Simon Guobadia

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Porsha Williams Wins Key Ruling in Divorce Case Against Simon Guobadia

Reality TV star Porsha Williams has secured a significant legal victory in her ongoing divorce case against businessman Simon Guobadia, as a court granted several of her motions and upheld the validity of their prenuptial agreement.

The court ruled in Williams’ favor, granting her request to “quash” Guobadia’s subpoena and request for a videotaped deposition of her employer, True Entertainment. Additionally, the judge denied Guobadia’s emergency motions regarding discovery and ordered him to pay Williams’ attorney’s fees and litigation expenses.

A key point of contention was Guobadia’s claim that Williams had agreed to be a stay-at-home wife and mother during their marriage, forgoing her own career. The court found no merit in this argument, stating that Williams “has been a reality TV celebrity for years, which was well known to Husband at the time of negotiating the Prenuptial Agreement.”

The ruling emphasized that the prenuptial agreement was negotiated by both parties with competent lawyers over a year-long period and included the exchange of financial disclosures. The court found that issues of fraud, mistake, misrepresentation, and duress were clearly addressed in the agreement.

Williams, known for her appearances on Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” filed for divorce in February after 15 months of marriage, citing the union as “irretrievably broken.” She is set to return to the show for its upcoming 16th season.

The court’s decision brings Williams closer to finalizing her divorce. Once the prenuptial agreement is officially upheld, she will be awarded her legal expenses and can proceed with ending the marriage.

This legal victory for Williams comes after a series of back-and-forth filings between the couple, which included disagreements over the validity of their prenup, the occupancy of their marital home, and Williams’ financial standing given her recent scripted development deal with NBC Universal.

Throughout the proceedings, Williams has maintained that Guobadia made “false statements and allegations” that were “intentionally misrepresenting the reality of the situation.”

The case highlights the complexities of high-profile divorces and the importance of prenuptial agreements in protecting individual interests. As the legal process continues, both parties and their representatives have been contacted for further comment.

Messi Set for Inter Miami Return After Two-Month Injury Layoff

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Messi Set for Inter Miami Return After Two-Month Injury Layoff

Lionel Messi is set to return to action for Inter Miami on Saturday after a two-month absence due to an ankle injury, head coach Gerardo Martino confirmed on Friday.

“Yes, he is fine,” Martino said before training. “He trained (Thursday), he is in the plans for the game. After training we will figure out the strategy for him, but he is available.”

The 37-year-old Argentine star has been sidelined since injuring his right ankle during the Copa America final on July 14, when he helped Argentina to victory over Colombia. Messi has missed eight MLS games for his club and this month’s World Cup qualifiers for his country.

Inter Miami, who lead the Eastern Conference and top the overall MLS standings, are set to host the Philadelphia Union on Saturday. Messi’s return comes as a significant boost for the team as they push for playoff success in their debut MLS season.

“To get back the best player in the world to our team, which was already on a good run, we are all very happy with this situation,” Martino added, expressing the team’s excitement about welcoming back the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Since joining Inter Miami in July, Messi has made an immediate impact, though the exact number of his appearances and goals was not specified in the original report.

Saturday’s match against Philadelphia Union is scheduled at Inter Miami’s home stadium. While Martino did not confirm whether Messi would start or come off the bench, his availability adds significant interest to the fixture.

As Inter Miami prepare for the final stretch of the regular season, Messi’s fitness and form will be crucial to their ambitions of securing a high playoff seeding and potentially making a run at the MLS Cup in their inaugural campaign.

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