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Kylian Mbappé Set for Real Madrid Debut in UEFA Super Cup Against Atalanta

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Real Madrid’s high-profile signing Kylian Mbappé is poised to make his debut for the club in the UEFA Super Cup against Atalanta on Wednesday, August 14, 2024. Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the French striker’s readiness during a press conference at Warsaw’s National Stadium on Tuesday.

Ancelotti stated, “Mbappé could play tomorrow,” noting that the 25-year-old arrived in good shape following Euro 2024 and has adapted well to the team after a week of practice. Mbappé’s arrival follows a prolonged transfer saga with his former club, Paris Saint-Germain.

The French international joins an already star-studded forward line at Madrid, including Vinícius Júnior, new signing Endrick, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Arda Guler. Ancelotti jokingly referred to this abundance of talent as a “huge problem” that “ruined my holidays.”

Addressing concerns about team dynamics, Ancelotti emphasized the healthy atmosphere in the locker room, stating, “There are no princes or kings here.”

Atalanta, the Europa League champions, enter the match as underdogs. However, their coach Gian Piero Gasperini welcomes the challenge, saying, “I hope the best play, because only with the strongest can you try to gain the maximum respect.”

The UEFA Super Cup, an annual match between the winners of the Champions League and Europa League, will be played at the National Stadium in Warsaw, with both teams aiming to claim the first European trophy of the season.

Cole Palmer Signs Long-Term Extension with Chelsea, Securing His Future Until 2033

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LONDON, England – England forward Cole Palmer has solidified his future at Chelsea by signing a two-year contract extension, which will keep him at the Premier League club until 2033, Chelsea announced on Tuesday.

Palmer, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City in September last year, quickly established himself as one of the standout players in the Premier League. He finished the season with an impressive 22 goals, trailing only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. Palmer’s exceptional performance also earned him a place in England’s squad for the European Championship.

The 22-year-old made a significant impact for England, scoring as a substitute in the final, though the team narrowly lost 2-1 to Spain. With this new contract, Palmer is set to remain a key player for Chelsea over the next nine years, aligning with the club’s strategy of securing young talents on long-term deals.

“I achieved a lot in my first season here,” Palmer said in a statement. “And hopefully I can continue to experience great things at this club, both on a personal level and in terms of bringing success and trophies to Chelsea.”

Palmer’s outstanding season has also earned him a place on the six-man shortlist for the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Player of the Year award. The winner of this prestigious award will be announced on August 20.

As Palmer looks forward to his future with Chelsea, both the club and its fans will be eagerly anticipating more stellar performances from the young forward, who has quickly become one of the brightest stars in English football.

Source: apnews.com

Botswana President Leads Thousands of Supporters to Celebrate Olympic Champion Letsile Tebogo with Stadium Spectacular

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GABORONE, Botswana – Tens of thousands of enthusiastic supporters filled a stadium in Gaborone, Botswana, on Tuesday to celebrate the triumphant return of sprinter Letsile Tebogo, who made history as the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medalist. The event, marked by joyous celebrations and national pride, followed Tebogo’s stunning victory in the men’s 200m at the Paris Olympics.

After his impromptu show, President Mokgweetsi Masisi took a seat next to Tebogo and the rest of the athletes

Rapturous crowds, waving Botswana’s blue-and-black national flag, greeted Tebogo and his fellow athletes as they paraded through the capital on a rooftop bus. The athletes’ arrival at the National Stadium was the climax of a day that had been declared a national holiday by the President to honor Tebogo’s achievement.

At just 21 years old, Tebogo became the first African to win the men’s 200m, blazing past American sprinters Kenny Bednarek and Noah Lyles in Paris on August 8. He set an African record with a time of 19.46 seconds, and also secured a silver medal in the men’s 4x400m relay, bringing Botswana’s total Olympic medal count to four.

Botswana’s president danced on the airport tarmac before greeting the athletes

The stadium celebration was the culmination of a day filled with excitement. Earlier, hundreds of fans had gathered at Gaborone’s airport to welcome the athletes home. Among those in attendance were traditional dancers adorned in animal skins and beads, who performed to mark the athletes’ return.

Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi added to the festive atmosphere by showcasing some of his own dance moves, much to the delight of the crowd. An aide held an umbrella to shield him from the sun as he joined in the celebrations.

Letsile Tebogo donned sunglasses as celebrations kicked off at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport

Upon their arrival at the airport, Tebogo and his teammates were transported to the National Stadium, where an even larger crowd awaited them. The atmosphere was electric as fans cheered, danced, and sang in honor of Botswana’s new sports hero.

During the celebration, Tebogo took a moment to dedicate his gold medal to his late mother, Seratwa, who passed away after a brief illness. In a poignant gesture, he held up his spikes and showed the camera the date of her death, which he had inscribed on them as a tribute. “She’s my motivation, carrying me through every stride that I take inside the field,” Tebogo said, adding that knowing she was watching over him had driven him to victory. “She’s watching up there, and she’s really, really happy,” he added.

The celebration in Gaborone not only marked a historic achievement for Tebogo but also served as a moment of immense pride for Botswana. The event highlighted the unity and joy of a nation coming together to honor one of its own, and it set the stage for a future filled with promise for Botswana’s athletics.

Credit: bbc.com

Saudi Arabia Eyes $1.1 Billion Deal for Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr., Reports Say

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MADRID, Spain – Real Madrid is reportedly weighing a substantial offer as Saudi Arabia aims to lure Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr. with a deal exceeding $1.1 billion, sources informed Reuters on Monday.

The 24-year-old star has attracted interest from officials representing Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), who are exploring the possibility of bringing him to the Saudi Pro League (SPL). The proposed deal includes a lucrative five-year contract valued at approximately 200 million euros per season, plus additional bonuses.

Moreover, the offer is said to include a potential 10-year contract for Vinicius to serve as an ambassador for Saudi Arabia. This role would involve promoting the upcoming 2034 World Cup, which is set to be hosted in the kingdom. However, these terms and conditions are still under negotiation, and no final agreement has been reached.

While no official decision has been made, Vinicius has not ruled out the move, and discussions between PIF representatives and Real Madrid are ongoing.

Vinicius Jr. has been a pivotal player for Real Madrid since joining the club in 2018, scoring 24 goals across all competitions during the 2023-24 season. He has also played a key role in the club’s recent successes, including two Champions League finals.

The offer from Saudi Arabia comes as part of a broader strategy by the kingdom to attract top football talent to its rapidly growing league, as it seeks to position itself as a major force in the global sports industry.

Houthi Rebels Seize U.N. Human Rights Office in Sanaa Amid Widening Crackdown on International Agencies

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SANAA, Yemen – Houthi rebels in Yemen have stormed the United Nations’ Human Rights Office in the capital, Sanaa, forcibly seizing documents, furniture, and vehicles. The incident, which occurred on August 3, marks the latest escalation in a broader crackdown by the Houthis on individuals and organizations affiliated with the U.N., aid agencies, and foreign embassies, according to a senior U.N. official on Tuesday.

The rebels, who are backed by Iran, have intensified their operations across the region, targeting shipping routes in the Red Sea corridor in response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. The takeover of the U.N. Human Rights Office in Sanaa is part of this broader campaign, which has seen increasing hostility towards international entities operating in Yemen.

According to a statement by U.N. Human Rights Chief Volker Türk, the rebels forcibly entered the office and demanded that U.N. Yemeni workers hand over all belongings, including sensitive documents, furniture, and vehicles. “Ansar Allah forces must leave the premises and return all assets and belongings immediately,” Türk said, using the official name of the Houthi movement.

Efforts to reach a spokesperson for the Houthis for comment were unsuccessful, as phone calls and messages went unanswered.

The U.N. Human Rights Office has since announced the suspension of its operations in Sanaa and other Houthi-controlled areas, a decision that follows a June crackdown on international organizations by the rebels. Despite this suspension, the office continues its work in regions of Yemen controlled by the internationally recognized government.

The June crackdown saw the Houthis detain more than 60 people working with the U.N. and other NGOs, according to reports from the U.N. Human Rights Office. Among those detained were six workers from the Human Rights Office, who had previously been detained by the Houthis in November 2021 and again in August 2023.

In the latest development, the Houthis have claimed to have arrested members of what they described as an “American-Israeli spy network,” issuing videotaped confessions purportedly made by 10 Yemeni U.N. workers who alleged they were recruited by the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa. The U.N. Human Rights Office has condemned these actions, stating that one of its detained staff members was coerced into a confession under duress.

The ongoing crackdown by the Houthis represents a significant threat to international operations in Yemen, further complicating efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in the region. The international community continues to watch the situation closely, with calls for immediate action to protect U.N. staff and restore order in the conflict-ridden country.

ICC Actively Monitoring Venezuela as Maduro Cracks Down on Opposition After Disputed Election

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THE HAGUE, Netherlands – Prosecutors from the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced on Monday that they are “actively monitoring” the situation in Venezuela, where security forces loyal to President Nicolás Maduro have launched a sweeping crackdown on opposition forces following the country’s disputed presidential election.

According to reports, over 2,000 people have been detained by Maduro’s forces for participating in protests against the president or for questioning his claim that he won a third term in the July 28 election by more than a two-to-one margin. Despite Maduro’s assertions, there is significant evidence suggesting that he lost the vote.

In a written statement, the office of ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan confirmed that it is closely observing the unfolding events in Venezuela. “The office is actively monitoring the present events and has received multiple reports of instances of violence and other allegations following the presidential election of 28 July in Venezuela,” the statement read.

Khan’s office has also engaged directly with the Venezuelan government to stress the importance of upholding the rule of law during this critical period.

“We have engaged with the Government of Venezuela at the highest level to underline the importance of ensuring that the rule of law is adhered to in the present moment and emphasize that all persons must be protected from violations that may constitute Rome Statute crimes,” the statement continued.

The Rome Statute, which is the founding treaty of the ICC, outlines the crimes under the court’s jurisdiction, including crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide.

Maduro has responded to the growing dissent by urging Venezuelans to denounce those who question the election results, using a government-run app originally designed to report power outages. In addition, Maduro announced plans to refurbish two large, gang-dominated prisons to accommodate an expected increase in jailed opposition members.

“There will be no mercy,” Maduro declared on state television, reinforcing his intent to suppress any challenges to his presidency.

The ICC’s investigation into Venezuela, which began in late 2021, remains ongoing, with no arrest warrants issued thus far. Khan’s investigation was initiated after a group of Latin American countries—Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Paraguay, and Peru—referred the situation in Venezuela to the ICC, citing concerns over human rights violations.

As the situation in Venezuela continues to escalate, the international community is watching closely, with the ICC poised to take further action if evidence of crimes within its jurisdiction emerges.

Russia Repels Ukrainian Advance in Kursk Region as Kyiv Denies Intent to Occupy Russian Territory

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MOSCOW, Russia – Russia announced on Tuesday that its military forces successfully thwarted an attempt by Ukrainian troops to extend a week-long incursion into the Kursk region.

This escalation comes amid ongoing cross-border operations, with a Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman reaffirming that Kyiv has no intentions of occupying Russian territory.

According to a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry, a combination of Russian army units, including fresh reserves, aircraft, drone teams, and artillery forces, intercepted and halted Ukrainian armored mobile groups that were advancing towards the Russian settlements of Obshchy Kolodez, Snagost, Kauchuk, and Alexeyevsky in the Kursk region.

The Russian military’s swift response reportedly prevented Ukrainian forces from gaining a deeper foothold in Russian territory, with the ministry emphasizing that the operation was a defensive measure aimed at protecting Russian land from further incursions.

In contrast, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi clarified Ukraine’s position, stating that the cross-border operation was not intended to seize Russian land but to safeguard Ukrainian citizens from long-range missile strikes originating from the Kursk region.

“Ukraine is not interested in taking the territory of the Kursk region, but we want to protect the lives of our people,” Tykhyi was quoted as saying by local media.

Tykhyi highlighted that Russia has launched more than 2,000 strikes from the Kursk region in recent months, utilizing anti-aircraft missiles, artillery, mortars, drones, 255 glide bombs, and over 100 missiles.

“The purpose of this operation is to preserve the lives of our children, to protect the territory of Ukraine from Russian strikes,” Tykhyi added.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian military commander Oleksandr Syrskyi provided an update on the ongoing operations, stating in a video addressed to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Telegram channel that Ukrainian forces now control 74 settlements in the Kursk region.

“Ukrainian troops have continued to advance, gaining control over 40 square kilometers (15 square miles) of territory in the past 24 hours,” Syrskyi said.

Syrskyi also noted that fierce battles are ongoing along the front line, and despite the high intensity of the fighting, the situation remains under Ukrainian control. “The situation, despite the high price we are paying, remains under control,” he added.

The escalating conflict in the Kursk region underscores the growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, as both sides continue to engage in aggressive military maneuvers.

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have expressed deep concern over the situation, calling for restraint and renewed efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The Associated Press

14-Year-Old Girl Accuses Policeman of Defilement and Abandonment in Uganda

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A 14-year-old girl in Lwengo District, Uganda, has accused former Kyazanga police officer David Okello of sexual exploitation, alleging he defiled and impregnated her in 2023. The victim, now a mother of a 2-month-old baby, claims Okello kidnapped her on her way from school and continued to harass her even while she was in police custody.

The girl reported the incident to the police but was instead charged with theft and fraud. She alleges that Okello’s superior, Pamella Kahuma, confirmed her pregnancy but instructed her to keep quiet, promising police support.

Lwengo probation officer Maria Nankuzze called the case “a clear case of police brutality and sexual exploitation,” vowing to fight for justice for the child and her baby.

Masaka Police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye confirmed the defilement but claimed the girl was already pregnant when the incident occurred. Kasirye stated that Okello had been recommended to resign, but he appealed the decision in the police court of appeal.

The case has sparked outrage in Lwengo, with district chairperson Ibrahim Kitatta calling for police reform and accountability. The victim, formerly a Primary Five student at St. Mary’s primary school in Kyazanga, is now receiving support from local authorities and civil society organizations.

The incident has raised serious concerns about police conduct and the treatment of sexual exploitation victims in Ghana. As investigations continue, the teenage mother has been placed in a children’s home in Lwengo for her safety and care.

Source: nilepost.co.ug

Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko Visits Mali in Diplomatic Effort to Reintegrate Country into ECOWAS

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Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye waves as he walks along with Mali's junta leader Assimi Goita in Bamako, Mali May 30, 2024. Senegal's Presidency/Handout via REUTERS

BAMAKO, Mali – Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko made his first official visit to Mali since his political party assumed power in the March 2024 presidential elections. Sonko’s visit is part of a broader diplomatic initiative led by Senegal to persuade Mali, now under military rule, to rejoin the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a 15-nation regional bloc established in 1975.

Mali, alongside Niger and Burkina Faso, has distanced itself from ECOWAS after military coups fractured its relations with neighboring West African nations. The withdrawal marks a significant shift in the bloc’s nearly 50-year history, as it is the first time member countries have exited in such a manner.

During his visit, Sonko met with Colonel Assimi Goita, the interim president of Mali, emphasizing the need for West African nations to reconcile their differences and work together to restore regional stability. “A Malian empire that stretched from here to Senegal, Ghana and everywhere in between,” Sonko said, highlighting the historical connections that bind the region.

The military juntas in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have criticized ECOWAS for imposing sanctions and pressuring them to return to civilian rule. In January, the juntas accused ECOWAS of imposing “illegitimate, inhumane and irresponsible” sanctions, arguing that the bloc’s actions disregarded the sovereignty of their nations and the right of their people “to take their destiny into their own hands.”

ECOWAS has been at the forefront of efforts to restore civilian governance in the coup-affected countries, applying sanctions and rejecting extended transitional timetables proposed by the military regimes. Despite these efforts, the situation remains tense, with the juntas forming an alternative union known as The Alliance of Sahel States.

Sonko’s visit to Mali represents a critical diplomatic effort to bridge the widening gap between ECOWAS and its former members. Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who visited Mali in May, has also been active in these efforts, tasked with the monumental challenge of reuniting the weakened regional bloc.

As West Africa grapples with ongoing security threats and political instability, the success of these diplomatic initiatives could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of regional cooperation and stability.

Ghana Announces Plan to Launch Rocket into Space, Seeks International Partnerships

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The Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute has unveiled plans for Ghana to launch a rocket into space. Dr. Naomi Asabre Frimpong, a Research Scientist at the institute, announced this ambitious goal during the 2024 International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly in Cape Town, South Africa.

Speaking to JoyNews’ Blessed Sogah, Dr. Frimpong stated, “Ghana does plan to go space.” However, she emphasized that this long-term ambition would require significant investment and partnerships with other IAU member states.

“We will need a lot of investment in space technology, space engineering communication, and research because our infrastructure right now does not support going to space as far as the international space station,” Dr. Frimpong explained.

The announcement comes as South Africa hosts the first IAU General Assembly on African soil in the Union’s 105-year history. The event has attracted over 2,000 experts from 82 countries, highlighting Cape Town’s emergence as a hub for scientific discourse.

Dr. Frimpong expressed confidence in Ghanaian capabilities, stating, “Ghanaians are really brilliant; we have a lot of potential and are able to achieve a lot with the limited infrastructure we have.”

South Africa has expressed willingness to partner with countries like Ghana to enhance their contributions to the global astronomy community. Thoko Modise, General Manager for Communications at Brand South Africa, welcomed the collaboration opportunity.

The assembly will feature presentations on various astronomical topics, including the James Webb Space Telescope’s impact, exoplanet discovery techniques, and initiatives to combat light pollution. Notable guests include Dr. Sian Proctor, the first African American woman to pilot a spacecraft, and Dr. Brian Schmidt, 2011 Nobel Prize winner in Physics.

As Ghana sets its sights on space, the country’s participation in this prestigious event underscores its commitment to advancing its space science capabilities and contributing to the international scientific community.

Source: myjoyonline.com

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