Khartoum, Sudan – Consultations between Sudan and the United States have ended without reaching an agreement on whether a delegation representing the Sudanese army or the government will participate in the upcoming peace talks in Geneva on August 14, a Sudanese official announced on Sunday.
A delegation from the Sudanese government had traveled to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Friday to engage in discussions with U.S. representatives.
The talks were centered around the U.S. invitation to participate in peace negotiations aimed at ending the 15-month conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group.
The failure to reach an agreement has left the future of Sudan’s participation in the Geneva talks uncertain, further complicating efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict.
Kampala, Uganda – The death toll from a devastating landslide at a massive garbage dump in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, has risen to 13, police confirmed on Sunday, as rescue teams continued their search for survivors.
Heavy rainfall in recent weeks triggered the landslide, causing a significant chunk of waste from the city’s only landfill site to collapse on Friday. The landslide swept through the area, crushing homes on the edge of the site as residents slept.
On Saturday, the Kampala Capital City Authority initially reported the death toll at eight. “The latest we have is 13 dead, but rescue services are continuing,” said police spokesperson Patrick Onyango. He added that at least 14 people had been rescued so far, but the actual number of those still trapped remains uncertain.
Temporary shelters have been set up for those displaced by the landslide, according to the Uganda Red Cross.
The landfill site, known as Kitezi, has long been the sole garbage disposal area for Kampala, accumulating waste over decades and eventually turning into a large hill. Residents have repeatedly raised concerns about the site, citing its detrimental impact on the environment and the health risks it poses. Prolonged efforts by city authorities to establish a new landfill have been hampered by delays.
SENSITIVE MATERIAL. THIS IMAGE MAY OFFEND OR DISTURB Volunteers carry the body of a man killed by a landslide due to heavy rainfall in a landfill known as Kiteezi that serves as garbage dumping site, in the Lusanja village, outside Kampala, Uganda August 10, 2024. REUTERS/Abubaker Lubowa
Tragedies of this nature are not uncommon in Africa, where poorly managed municipal waste sites pose significant risks. In 2017, at least 115 people were killed in Ethiopia when a landslide struck a garbage dump in Addis Ababa. Similarly, in Mozambique, at least 17 people died in a landslide at a dump in Maputo in 2018.
The situation in Kampala underscores the urgent need for better waste management and infrastructure improvements to prevent such disasters in the future.
Mbale, Uganda – The rhythmic beats of drums filled the air as dancers swayed their hips, leading the procession in anticipation of the mass circumcision ceremony known as Imbalu, a deeply rooted cultural tradition among the Bamasaba people of Uganda’s mountainous eastern region.
The streets buzzed with energy, yet beneath the surface, a heated debate was simmering about the very nature of this sacred ritual.
Imbalu, held every other year, involves the ritualized circumcision of thousands of boys as they transition into manhood. However, this year, controversy has arisen regarding the public presentation of the ceremony by the king, known as the Umukuuka.
Some locals have questioned whether the event, which has historically been a private family affair, is being transformed into a spectacle for outsiders—turning a sacred tradition into a carnival-like event for the gaze of foreigners.
The Umukuuka, however, had clear intentions for the August 3 ceremonial inauguration in Mbale, where the event was to be held in a park.
He advocated for a traditional festival that also had the potential to attract tourists, positioning Imbalu as a key cultural event that could draw international attention.
The organizers of Imbalu secured over $120,000 in financial support from both the Ugandan government and a corporate sponsor, underscoring the push to elevate the ceremony on a national stage.
In an interview with the Associated Press (AP), the Umukuuka defended his decision to modernize the ritual, aligning it with Uganda’s national development plan.
He acknowledged the challenges of organizing such a large-scale event in contemporary times but emphasized the need for cultural traditions to evolve with the population.
“Everything is changing as the population expands. People may not manage to follow the cultural processes,” he said, pointing to the economic hardships and modernization that he argued were diluting the communal aspect of Imbalu. “But we are keeping the ritual strong through the clan system that [Imbalu] remains intact.”
Despite these reassurances, the government’s involvement has sparked concerns among many Bamasaba people, who fear that the most important ceremony in their culture is being diluted and trivialized.
Some community members, particularly the elders, expressed discomfort with what they perceive as the commercialization of their sacred tradition.
They argued that the event, traditionally a moment of solemnity and personal significance, is being turned into a public spectacle that diminishes its cultural purity.
Swaka Waiswa, a respected elder in the community, voiced his concerns, saying, “We have had this ritual for generations, and it was always about the boy, his family, and the clan.
Now, it feels like it’s about the tourists and the cameras.” Waiswa, along with others, is worried that by turning Imbalu into a tourist attraction, the ceremony loses its essence and becomes disconnected from its spiritual and communal roots.
However, the Umukuuka remains steadfast in his belief that Imbalu can be both a sacred rite of passage and a cultural festival that brings economic benefits to the region.
“We are not abandoning our traditions,” he insisted. “We are simply adapting to the times, ensuring that Imbalu is celebrated in a way that honors our past while also looking to the future.”
As the August 3 ceremony approaches, the tension between maintaining the purity of tradition and embracing modernity continues to build, with the Bamasaba people caught in the middle of a debate that goes to the very heart of their cultural identity.
Paris, France – The closing ceremony for the Paris Olympics is set to feature an impressive lineup of musical talent, with performances scheduled by Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The event, which will take place on Sunday, marks the ceremonial handover of the Olympic Games to Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Each of the featured artists hails from California, adding a special touch to the transition from Paris to LA. Among the highlights of the evening, H.E.R., another California native, is expected to deliver a stirring rendition of the U.S. national anthem at the Stade de France.
“This is the biggest moment in LA28 history to date, as the Olympic flag passes from Paris to LA,” said LA28 chairperson Casey Wasserman in a statement. “We are thrilled to feature the very best of LA with local artists and are grateful to Billie, H.E.R., the Chili Peppers, and Snoop for their collaboration on what will be an incredible show to a global audience that will give fans a taste of what’s to come in 2028.”
The opening ceremony also promised to be a star-studded event, featuring Lady Gaga and the highly anticipated return of Celine Dion to the performing stage after her battle with stiff person syndrome.
Paris, France – American gymnast Jordan Chiles has been ordered to return the bronze medal she won in the Paris Olympics floor exercise event after a ruling by sport’s highest court nullified an on-floor appeal by Chiles’ coach that had elevated her to third place. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed the decision early Sunday.
American gymnast Jordan Chiles
The IOC announced that it would be reallocating the bronze medal from last Monday’s women’s floor final to Romania’s Ana Barbosu after the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) stated on Saturday night that it would respect the court’s decision, which elevates Barbosu to third place.
This decision came less than 24 hours after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) voided a scoring appeal made by Team USA coach Cecile Landi during the competition that initially placed Chiles on the podium.
CAS ruled on Saturday that Landi’s appeal to have 0.1 added to Chiles’ score came outside the 1-minute window allowed by the FIG. The court determined that Landi’s inquiry was made 1 minute and 4 seconds after Chiles’ initial score was posted, exceeding the time limit.
The FIG further stated that the final finishing order should be restored, with Barbosu third, Romanian gymnast Sabrina Maneca-Voinea in fourth, and Chiles fifth. While the organization added that the FIG should determine the final ranking “in accordance with the above decision,” it deferred to the federation to decide the recipients of the gold and silver medals, which had been awarded to Rebeca Andrade of Brazil and Simone Biles, respectively.
Wembley Stadium, London – Manchester City claimed victory in a thrilling Community Shield match against Manchester United, triumphing 7-6 on penalties after the game ended level.
This win allowed Pep Guardiola’s side to avenge their FA Cup final defeat to United, securing their first Community Shield victory since 2019 in front of a crowd of 78,416.
Bernardo Silva was the hero in regular time, leveling the score for City in the final minute. However, City’s fortunes looked grim when Andre Onana saved their first penalty kick, giving United the advantage.
But the tide turned as City’s goalkeeper Ederson denied Jadon Sancho’s effort, and veteran defender Jonny Evans missed, setting the stage for Manuel Akanji to seal the victory.
Earlier, it seemed United might have the edge when Alejandro Garnacho, collecting possession from a Bruno Fernandes pass, fired a low shot into the bottom corner with nine minutes left. Garnacho thought he had secured the win for United, but his goal was ruled out due to a foul on a City player earlier in the play.
Silva, who had been booked earlier for a foul on Garnacho, redeemed himself by making a crucial contribution in the closing stages. As young Norwegian Oscar Bobb spun and sent a cross to the far post, Silva rose above United’s Facundo Pellistri and headed the ball into the net to equalize.
The game then moved to penalties, a tense climax that saw both teams push their limits. United’s chances were hindered by missed opportunities, with Evans hitting the post, while City’s players showed resilience under pressure.
Soccer Football – Community Shield – Manchester United v Manchester City – Wembley Stadium, London, Britain – August 10, 2024 Manchester City’s Ruben Dias celebrates after winning the Community Shield REUTERS/Toby Melville
United had earlier opportunities to take control of the match, with James McAtee striking the post in the first half and Marcus Rashford doing the same in the second. Despite these chances, United couldn’t find the back of the net during regular play, with City’s defense, marshaled by Ederson, standing firm.
City’s win sparked scenes of jubilation among their fans and players, a stark contrast to the disappointment felt by United supporters, many of whom left Wembley before the trophy presentation.
For City, this victory also marked a continuation of their success from the previous season, where they completed a historic treble. Guardiola’s side, despite missing some key players, showed why they remain at the pinnacle of English football.
Liverpool is set to host Sevilla at Anfield on Sunday, August 11, at 12:30 BST in their final pre-season friendly before the 2024-25 Premier League campaign begins.
The match follows Liverpool’s successful tour of the United States, where they won all three games, including victories over Arsenal and Manchester United.
New manager Arne Slot has overseen a promising pre-season as the Reds prepare for their Premier League opener against newly promoted Ipswich Town on August 17.
This friendly against Sevilla offers a different challenge, with the Spanish side also under new management in Garcia Pimienta.
Team News:
Liverpool’s key players, including Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, and Alisson, who missed the US tour, are expected to feature. Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai are carrying minor injuries but are likely to play.
Mohamed Salah and Fabio Carvalho are expected to start in the attacking line.
Sevilla may debut new signings Kelechi Iheanacho and Lucien Agoume, while Albert Sambi Lokonga is sidelined with a hamstring issue. Loic Bade is absent due to Olympic commitments with France.
Predicted Lineups:
Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Jones, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Jota, Carvalho.
Last meeting: Sevilla 3-3 Liverpool (21 November 2017 – Champions League)
This friendly presents an opportunity for both teams to fine-tune their strategies before their respective league campaigns begin. For Liverpool, it’s a chance to build on their positive pre-season form, while Sevilla look to improve following a disappointing 14th-place finish in La Liga last season.
The match will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as it provides insights into Arne Slot’s tactical approach and the integration of Liverpool’s returning players. For Sevilla, it’s an early test for Garcia Pimienta’s new-look side against Premier League opposition.
Paris, France – Lin Yu-ting of Chinese Taipei captured featherweight gold on Saturday, defeating Poland’s Julia Szeremeta and dispelling more than a week of speculation and controversy surrounding her participation in the women’s division.
The match, held at Roland-Garros stadium, ended with a unanimous decision in favor of Lin, with all five judges scoring the bout 10-9 in all three rounds.
The 5-foot-9 Lin faced off against the 5-foot-5 Szeremeta, with the physical disparity evident in the ring. Lin consistently landed powerful punches, rarely facing any significant threat from her opponent.
Lin, along with Algerian welterweight gold medalist Imane Khelif, has been at the center of a heated debate, with both athletes facing scrutiny from competitors who have questioned their gender since their participation in Olympic-level competition began.
Both Khelif and Lin have competed in women’s events for years, including at the Tokyo Olympics, and there has been no indication that either identifies as transgender or intersex.
The latter term refers to individuals born with sex characteristics that do not fit the typical definitions of male or female.
The controversy surrounding their gender was amplified by a decision from the Russian-led International Boxing Association (IBA), which attempted to disqualify Lin and Khelif from last year’s Women’s World Boxing Championships in New Delhi.
The IBA based their decision on gender eligibility tests that they claimed raised doubts about the athletes’ compliance with traditional gender categories. The two athletes were subsequently removed from competition at the time.
The IBA has stated that these tests, conducted in 2022 and 2023, suggested that the boxers’ gender might not align with their chromosomal makeup.
However, the specifics of the testing have not been made public. At a news conference on Sunday, IOC spokesperson Mark Adams dismissed the IBA’s gender eligibility tests as “flawed” and “not legitimate.”
Despite the surrounding controversy, Lin’s victory solidifies her status as a top contender in women’s boxing, though the debate over gender eligibility in sports continues to intensify.
Paris, France – Canadian b-boy Phil Wizard (real name Philip Kim) etched his name in history by winning the gold medal in the first-ever Olympic men’s breaking competition on Saturday. The 27-year-old, visibly emotional, struggled to hold back tears as he reflected on his remarkable journey to the top of the podium.
“I never thought I’d be here in my life,” Kim said, wiping away tears. The path to Olympic glory had been anything but easy for him. He admitted to enduring several sleepless nights, “tossing and turning,” as the weight of the competition and the desire to succeed took its toll. “I cried yesterday because I was so scared to do this, and I’m just happy. I’m just happy,” he added, his voice trembling with a mix of relief and joy.
In a fierce and electrifying competition, hometown favorite French b-boy Dany Dann (Danis Civil) claimed the silver medal, much to the delight of the Parisian crowd.
The atmosphere inside the venue was electric as Dany Dann took the stage for each round, greeted by thunderous applause and chants of “Dany! Dany!” with every move he landed.
Dany’s quick and quirky style, infused with powerful moves, captivated both the audience and the judges, securing his place as one of the top breakers in the world.
American b-boy Victor (Victor Montalvo) rounded out the podium, earning the bronze medal after an intense battle against Japan’s b-boy Shigekix (Shigeyuki Nakarai).
The competition was fierce, with each dancer bringing their unique flavor and skills to the floor, making the judges’ decisions incredibly tough. These Olympic medals might be the last for breaking, at least for some time, as the dance form is not currently included in the lineup of sports for the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Dany Dann, often referred to as a “local hero,” brought the house down with his vibrant personality and showmanship.
As the emcees hyped up the crowd before each of his performances, Dany Dann did not disappoint, executing moves that had the audience on their feet. His energy and connection with the crowd were palpable, making him a fan favorite throughout the competition.
Phil Wizard’s victory was not just about the moves—it was also about the spontaneity and creativity that defined his performance. “It’s my spontaneity,” Kim said when asked what set him apart from the competition. “I just go up there and whatever the music dictates me to do, I do. And I think because of that, I can create some magic moments.”
The final rounds of the competition were intense, as the best b-boys in the world faced off in battles that tested not only their skills but their endurance and creativity.
Each round saw the dancers pushing their limits, exchanging hugs and pats on the back after each battle, highlighting the camaraderie that exists within the breaking community.
The energy in the venue was unlike any other Olympic event, with the competition feeling more like a global celebration of hip-hop culture than a traditional sports event.
As the competition drew to a close, the sense of unity among the dancers was clear. “We’re all in this together,” said Montalvo, reflecting on the shared experience of competing on such a grand stage. “This is the Olympics and everyone’s watching. You know, different people that have never seen breaking, and it’s just dope seeing everyone up, like, ‘yeah, let’s go!’ Each and everyone who is here, we all bring our flavor and the crowd to see that… A win—it’s just a blessing.”
The historic significance of this event, being the first time breaking was included in the Olympics, added to the emotion and intensity felt by both the competitors and the audience.
As the medalists stood on the podium, it was clear that they had not only made history but had also showcased the global appeal and artistic depth of breaking.
Paris, France – Jordan Chiles is facing the heartbreaking prospect of losing the Olympic bronze medal she won in the women’s floor final after a shocking ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Saturday.
USA’s Jordan Chiles
The 23-year-old U.S. gymnast originally placed third in the event, behind gold medalist Rebeca Andrade of Brazil and silver medalist and fellow teammate Simone Biles.
Chiles had initially finished fifth with a score of 13.666, but her position was elevated to third after her coach successfully appealed, resulting in a 0.1 point increase to her score.
This change pushed Romania’s Ana Barbosu and her teammate Sabrina Maneca-Voinea down to fourth and fifth places, despite both having matching scores of 13.700.
However, in a stunning twist, CAS ruled that the appeal which led to Chiles’ score increase had been submitted outside the one-minute window allowed by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) regulations.
The ruling stated that the original scores and placements should be restored, which would see the 18-year-old Barbosu reclaim the bronze, followed by Maneca-Voinea in fourth and Chiles in fifth.
Romania’s Ana Barbosu
USA Gymnastics expressed their devastation over the decision, while Chiles took to social media to announce that she was stepping back from social platforms to focus on her mental health.
Barbosu and Maneca-Voinea had finished with identical scores in Monday’s floor final but were initially left outside the medal standings after the appeal. Barbosu, who believed she had secured bronze after winning a tiebreaker due to a higher execution score, began celebrating with a Romanian flag before the news of the appeal changed the results.
Chiles had been the last to compete and originally received a score of 13.666, which placed her fifth. However, her coach Cecile Landi called for an inquiry into a jump that had been given a lower difficulty grade.
The appeal led to a score adjustment that temporarily placed Chiles in third, bumping Barbosu and Maneca-Voinea down the rankings.
Following the CAS ruling, Barbosu was reportedly seen dropping her Romanian flag in shock before bringing her hands to her face and breaking down in tears.
The International Gymnastics Federation later confirmed that on August 7, it had received requests from the Romanian Federation to investigate the appeal, with the FIG acknowledging that the appeal submission’s timing was a significant factor in the decision to overturn the result.
