Cape Verde, a small island nation of about 600,000 people, has secured its first-ever Olympic medal through boxer David De Pina’s quarterfinal victory in the men’s 51-kilogram division at the Paris 2024 Games. This historic achievement comes after seven previous Olympic appearances without a medal for Cape Verde.
De Pina defeated Zambia’s Patrick Chinyemba in a closely contested match, showcasing a combination of athleticism and tactical intelligence. The Cape Verdean boxer’s victory not only guarantees him at least a bronze medal but also marks a monumental moment for sports in his country.
“I did it for my country because we deserve it,” De Pina said after his win. “We are a small country, a small island, and we never did this before. I’m the first one to write this story, ever!”
De Pina’s journey to this Olympic success has been challenging. He nearly gave up boxing before the Paris Olympic cycle due to financial struggles while training in Portugal. However, perseverance and new training under coach Bruno de Carvalho led to his qualification for the Games.
The boxer’s distinctive hairstyle, featuring two buns on the sides of his head, has become a symbol of his desire to stand out. His Cape Verdean supporters in the arena mimicked this style, creating a vibrant atmosphere during his bouts.
De Pina’s next challenge comes in the semifinals, where he will face Rio gold medalist Hasanboy Dusmatov of Uzbekistan. Regardless of the outcome, De Pina has already made history for Cape Verde.
This achievement resonates beyond sports, highlighting Cape Verde’s potential on the global stage. As De Pina stated, “I showed the world that we are small, but we are strong and we are talented.”
The boxer’s success story serves as an inspiration not only for Cape Verde but for small nations worldwide, demonstrating that Olympic glory is attainable regardless of a country’s size or resources.
Ghanaian sprinters Benjamin Azamati and Abdul-Rasheed Saminu have successfully qualified for the semifinals of the men’s 100m at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This marks the first time both athletes have reached an Olympic semifinal.
Azamati, Ghana’s record holder in the event, finished second in Heat 1 with a time of 10.08 seconds, behind Jamaican Kishane Thompson. The heat was marked by controversy as Great Britain’s Jeremiah Azu was disqualified for a false start.
Saminu secured his semifinal spot by finishing third in Heat 7, clocking 10.06 seconds. He finished behind Nigeria’s Kayinsola Ajayi and reigning Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs.
The men’s 100m semifinals are scheduled for Sunday evening, where both Ghanaian sprinters will compete for a place in the final.
In contrast to the sprinters’ success, Ghana’s first-time Olympic high jumper, Rose Yeboah, saw her campaign come to an end in the women’s high jump competition on Friday. The 22-year-old two-time African champion successfully cleared 1.83m and 1.88m on her second and third attempts respectively but failed to clear 1.92m in three attempts.
Yeboah’s unsuccessful attempt at 1.92m, which is below her personal best of 1.97m, meant she did not progress to the final. Despite the disappointment, her Olympic debut represents a significant milestone in her career and for Ghanaian athletics.
Nigerian sprinters Kanyinsola Ajayi and Favour Ashe have secured places in the men’s 100m semi-finals at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Both athletes are making their Olympic debuts in this event.
Ajayi impressed with a victory in Heat 5, clocking 10.02 seconds and outpacing reigning Olympic champion Lamont Marcell Jacobs, who finished second with a time of 10.05 seconds. Ghana’s Abdul-Rasheed Saminu took third place in 10.06 seconds.
Ashe qualified for the semi-finals by finishing fourth in Heat 4. Despite not securing an automatic qualification spot, he advanced by claiming the last non-automatic qualifying position. Ashe finished behind Jamaica’s Oblique Seville, Japan’s Abdul Hakim Sani Brown, and Thailand’s Thurpool Bonboon in his heat.
In swimming events, 16-year-old Adaku Nwandu competed in the women’s 50m Freestyle. She finished second in Heat 6 behind Elizaveta Pecherskikh. Despite her strong performance in the heat, Nwandu did not qualify for the final.
These results represent a positive start for Nigeria’s track and field contingent at the Paris Olympics, with Ajayi and Ashe’s advancement to the semi-finals offering hope for potential medals in the highly competitive 100m event. The performances also highlight the emergence of new talent in Nigerian athletics on the global stage.
Nigeria’s Temitope Adeshina, a prominent figure in the women’s high jump and national record holder, has been eliminated from the Paris 2024 Olympics after failing to advance to the finals. The 25-year-old athlete finished 19th overall in the qualifying rounds, ending her Olympic debut.
Adeshina began her competition with a strong performance, easily clearing the 1.83-meter mark. However, her progress stalled at 1.88 meters, where she succeeded on her second attempt after a failed first attempt. At 1.92 meters, Adeshina struggled, missing all three attempts and thus failing to qualify for the final.
The high jumper, who has set both indoor and outdoor records for Nigeria, is the second Nigerian to compete in the women’s high jump at the Olympics. Doreen Amata represented Nigeria in the 2008 and 2016 Olympic Games.
Adeshina’s notable achievements include two silver medals at the African Championships (2022 and 2024) and two national titles. She also had a successful debut season in the U.S. National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), where she finished third in the women’s high jump, establishing herself as one of the top athletes in her field.
Despite her exit from the Paris 2024 Games, Adeshina’s performance continues to highlight Nigeria’s growing presence in track and field events on the global stage.
Security operatives in Abuja dispersed protesters demonstrating in front of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium on Saturday, escalating tensions in the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests. The action came despite a court order secured by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike on Wednesday, which restricted protesters to the stadium.
When demonstrators refused to enter the stadium as directed, police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd. Subsequently, security forces blocked the stadium entrance using armored and patrol vehicles to prevent protesters from reconvening. Eyewitnesses reported that police aimed at both protesters and journalists, forcing them to flee for cover.
As the protests enter their third day, demonstrators have invited leaders from the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Islamic Movement of Nigeria for a “heart-to-heart” talk at the protest venue on Monday, August 4, 2024. Sydney Usman, representing the Take It Back Movement, addressed the crowd, thanking religious leaders for their media interventions while urging them to engage directly with protesters.
The demonstrators, who describe themselves as protesting against bad governance, have criticized police attacks since the protests began. They have stated their intention to remain at the stadium until the court order restricting their movement is vacated, which they expect to happen by Monday at the latest.
In a show of organization, the protesters are currently holding a congress at the site to “show the government how it is done,” according to sources on the ground.
This latest development in Abuja underscores the ongoing tensions between protesters and authorities as the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement continues to challenge the status quo. The involvement of religious leaders and the protesters’ determination to maintain their presence despite police intervention highlight the complex dynamics at play in this unfolding situation.
Gambia’s recent parliamentary decision to uphold its ban on female genital cutting (FGM) has been hailed as a victory by rights groups, but the real battle continues in the country’s rural areas. The debate over reversing the ban, which would have been a global first, brought the issue into public discourse for the first time in the West African nation of less than 3 million people.
Women like Metta, a mother of six from rural Gambia, traveled to the capital Banjul to protest against reversing the ban. Despite the legislative victory, activists face significant challenges in changing deeply rooted cultural practices. The United Nations estimates that about 75% of women in Gambia have undergone FGM, a procedure the World Health Organization classifies as a form of torture.
Local activists are treading carefully, aware that their efforts could be jeopardized by too much attention. Women in rural areas are often reluctant to speak out against the practice, fearing backlash from their communities. Some activists have received hate messages for their stance against FGM.
The debate has revealed deep cultural divides. Supporters of FGM argue that it’s rooted in Gambian culture and Islamic teachings, while opponents see it as a violation of women’s rights. Habibou Tamba, a 37-year-old activist, received messages accusing him of serving Western interests after participating in anti-FGM protests.
Awareness meetings in rural areas reveal mixed reactions. While some women are shocked by the health complications associated with FGM, others defend it as a cultural and religious practice. The story of Rabietou, a 42-year-old mother of six, illustrates the generational impact of FGM and the potential for change. Cut as a child and married at 15, she now advocates against the practice for her youngest daughter.
Metta’s personal journey from undergoing FGM at age 8 to protecting her own daughters from the practice demonstrates the slow but significant shift in attitudes among some rural women. However, the prevalence of FGM and the sensitivity surrounding the topic indicate that the fight against this practice is far from over in Gambia.
Algeria’s upcoming presidential election is highlighting a growing disconnect between the country’s aging political elite and its youthful population because its President, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, 78, is seeking a second term, describing himself as a “candidate of youth” despite facing widespread apathy among young voters.
Kaci Taher, a 28-year-old from Kabylia, exemplifies the disenchantment felt by many young Algerians. A participant in the 2019 Hirak protests that ousted long-time President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Taher now says he won’t vote, believing the election results are predetermined.
Youth disengagement is a significant concern in Algeria, where people under 30 make up 51% of the population. Voter turnout has historically been low, particularly among this demographic. Redouane Boudjema, a professor at the Algiers Institute of Journalism, attributes this to a “big gap between the new generation and the existing political structures.”
Tebboune’s presidency, which began in 2019 amid controversy over a rushed election timeline, has been marked by ongoing economic challenges and concerns over press freedom. Despite this, he continues to reference the Hirak movement in speeches, claiming to have addressed young people’s concerns.
The government has implemented measures aimed at youth engagement, including a national youth council and interest-free loans for tech start-ups. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives remains questionable.
The election also brings into focus the age disparity between Algeria’s leaders and its population, reflecting a trend seen in many countries classified as “not free.”
Concerns are rising about increased emigration, with over 100 makeshift boats crossing the Mediterranean to Spain this year. A viral video of young Algerians leaving the country has underscored these worries.
As the election approaches, the level of youth participation will be closely watched. A low turnout could cast doubt on the legitimacy of Tebboune’s expected victory and highlight the ongoing challenges in engaging Algeria’s young population in the political process.
Opposition parties, presidential candidates, and human rights organizations in Tunisia have raised serious concerns about “arbitrary restrictions” and intimidation tactics employed by authorities ahead of the presidential election scheduled for October 6. These actions are seen as attempts to secure the re-election of incumbent President Kais Saied, who announced his bid for a second term on July 19.
Elected in 2019, Saied dissolved the parliament in 2021 and began ruling by decree, a move widely criticized by the opposition as a coup. Saied has since declared he will not transfer power to what he terms “non-patriots.” As the August 6 deadline for candidate registration approaches, 11 opposition figures hoping to challenge Saied have issued a joint statement condemning the actions of the authorities.
According to the opposition, the new requirement for candidates to provide a certificate of no criminal record has hindered their ability to register. None of the 11 candidates have yet received this document. The Election Commission of Tunisia has stated that the interior ministry will provide the necessary certification but has not specified a timeline for when this will occur. The Commission has denied accusations of bias.
In a separate statement released on Thursday, 17 non-governmental organizations, including the Human Rights League, and six opposition parties criticized government control over public media, the judiciary, and the Elections Commission. They condemned the “climate of intimidation” that has allegedly been created through judicial actions and biased election oversight, arguing that these factors undermine the prospects for free and fair elections.
Presidential candidate Nizar Chaari reported that his campaign manager and a volunteer were recently arrested, and that police had confiscated public endorsements gathered for his candidacy. The Public Prosecutor’s office has accused the two individuals of database theft and endorsement forgery, allegations which Chaari’s campaign disputes.
In another development, opposition party leader Lotfi Mraihi was sentenced earlier this month to eight months in prison for vote buying and barred from future presidential elections. Additionally, candidate Abd Ellatif Mekki has been restricted from media appearances and travel by a judge.
Hela Ben Jaballah, head of the Freedoms Committee in Parliament, has called for the removal of restrictions on presidential candidates and urged the Election Commission to fulfill its role impartially. The Commission maintains that it is already operating in a neutral manner.
Zamzam camp in Sudan’s conflict-ridden Darfur region has been severely impacted by catastrophic floods, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. According to recent satellite imagery released by the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab, the floods have overwhelmed essential water and sanitation facilities at the camp, raising severe health concerns.
The floods have inundated nine out of thirteen water points and outdoor toilets at the Zamzam camp, significantly increasing the risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases. The camp, home to approximately 500,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), is already grappling with extreme levels of malnutrition due to ongoing conflict between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has intensified since April 2023.
The Yale Humanitarian Research Lab’s satellite images depict brown floodwaters covering areas where residents collect water and use toilets. Duria Abdelrahman, a resident, described the dire situation, saying, “We need water, food, healthcare, and for God to lift this curse from Sudan. Nothing more than that.” She reported receiving no aid since arriving at the camp, where women were seen foraging leaves for sustenance.
Zamzam, the largest IDP camp in Sudan, has been a refuge for some people for over two decades. The camp’s situation has worsened so significantly that global hunger monitors recently classified Zamzam as experiencing famine. This designation marks only the third such assessment since the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) was established two decades ago.
In response to the famine classification, the RSF expressed “full solidarity” with the victims and offered to collaborate with the United Nations to facilitate aid delivery. However, aid workers report that while the RSF has been involved in looting aid supplies, the army has obstructed humanitarian access, a claim both sides deny.
Nathaniel Raymond, executive director of the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab, highlighted the gravity of the situation: “Our worst-case scenario, what we train for as the sum of all fears, is unfolding. A population already vulnerable due to food and water deprivation, now surrounded by floodwaters contaminated with human and animal feces, faces extreme peril.”
Zamzam’s proximity to al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur and a significant RSF stronghold, has left it particularly isolated. The RSF’s siege of the city has resulted in at least 65 deaths this week, and the main hospital in al-Fashir is out of service following an RSF attack.
Residents of Zamzam, and other areas where more than 300,000 people have fled, face severe shortages of food and services. The army and RSF’s restrictions have hindered aid delivery, leaving many without access to essential supplies. Local sources report that RSF soldiers have surrounded farmland, limiting food production, and residents lack the funds to purchase the limited food available in markets.
The Yale Humanitarian Research Lab’s analysis revealed that standing floodwater at the camp could cover an area equivalent to 125 soccer pitches, with numerous toilets submerged at local schools. Eyewitnesses reported newcomers from al-Fashir sheltering in roofless schools with water levels reaching up to their knees. In al-Fashir, flooding has also affected hospitals, distribution sites, and markets, with the Mawashi Market, a critical livestock trading hub, being particularly affected.
As of early July, Sudan had reported 11,000 cholera cases nationwide, with no cases yet recorded in North Darfur. However, the dire conditions in Zamzam and similar camps, where famine conditions are prevalent, pose a significant risk of an outbreak. Adam Rojal, spokesperson for the Displacement Camps Coordinating Committee, emphasized that Zamzam is representative of the broader crisis affecting over 171 camps in Darfur, all suffering from similar extreme conditions and insufficient aid.
A devastating explosion on a popular beach in Mogadishu, Somalia, late Friday evening resulted in the deaths of at least 32 civilians and left 63 others injured, according to police reports. Somali state media have attributed the attack to the militant Islamist group al Shabaab, reports Associated Press.
This attack marks the deadliest incident in Somalia since October 2022, when twin car bombs exploded near a busy market intersection, killing over 100 people and injuring 300. The recent beach explosion is the latest in a series of violent incidents attributed to the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab, though the group has not immediately claimed responsibility for this attack.
AP stated in the report that the police spokesperson Abdifatah Aden reported that the explosion occurred at a beachside restaurant. In addition to the civilian casualties, one of the attackers detonated a suicide bomb, while security forces killed three others. Another attacker was captured alive, and one soldier lost his life during the assault. State news agency SONNA initially reported that five attackers were killed by security forces, with a sixth blowing himself up.
People gather as an ambulance carries the dead body of an unidentified woman killed in an explosion that occurred while revellers were swimming at the Lido beach in Mogadishu, Somalia August 3, 2024. REUTERS/Feisal Omar
Survivor Hassan Farah recounted the horrifying experience, describing how the explosion abruptly disrupted a peaceful evening. “I was in the restaurant sipping coffee and chatting with friends when suddenly, there was a flash of light and a massive blast,” Farah told Reuters. “We were engulfed in smoke. Inside and outside the restaurant, many people were lying on the ground, bleeding and crying.”
Disturbing footage posted on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) showed bodies lying on the beach amid the chaos and people fleeing to safety.
Despite being pushed back by government counteroffensives since 2022, al Shabaab remains capable of launching major attacks against government, commercial, and military targets in Somalia. The timing of the attack, coinciding with a busy period at the beach, underscores the group’s intent to inflict maximum harm on the Somali people, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire remarked on his X account.
