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U.S. Men’s Soccer Team Ends Run at Paris Olympics with Heavy 4-0 Quarterfinal Loss Against Morocco

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The U.S. men’s soccer team’s dream of winning a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics ended with a decisive 4-0 defeat against Morocco in the quarterfinals on Friday at the Parc des Princes.

Morocco took the lead in the 28th minute when Soufiane Rahimi converted a penalty after Nathan Harriel fouled him in the box. The U.S. struggled to respond, failing to create momentum or level the score.

In the second half, Morocco extended their lead. Ilias Akhomach scored in the 62nd minute, doubling Morocco’s advantage after a brief VAR check. Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi added a third goal in the 69th minute with a stunning solo run from midfield, calmly finishing into the bottom right corner.

Morocco sealed their victory in stoppage time when substitute El Mehdi Maouhoub converted another penalty after Harriel handled the ball in the box.

The U.S. team, which had shown promise in the group stages, failed to maintain their earlier form of free-flowing attack and pace on the wings. Despite creating a few chances, they lacked the clinical finishing needed to get back into the game.

Key factors in the U.S. defeat included:

– Fouling in the box

– Failure to press effectively

– Lack of defensive organization

The pro-Moroccan crowd at Parc des Princes celebrated each goal with flares, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the match.

This victory marks Morocco’s first-ever knockout game win in the Olympics. They will advance to the semifinals to face either Japan or Spain.

For the U.S., this loss ends their Olympic journey and their hopes of reaching the semifinals for the first time since 2000. The team will need to reflect on this performance as they look to the future of their soccer program.

‘I love my black job’: Simone Biles Seems to Respond to Trump After Olympic Win

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Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, who recently won two gold medals in Paris becoming the most decorated U.S. gymnast, made a social media post Friday that appears to reference recent political comments.

Biles, 27, shared a post on X from singer Ricky Davila celebrating her victory. Davila wrote, “Simone Biles being the GOAT, winning Gold medals and dominating gymnastics is her black job.” Biles responded, “I love my black job,” adding a black heart emoji.

The post seems to allude to remarks made by former President Donald Trump during a June debate. Trump stated, “They’re taking Black jobs now and it could be 18, it could be 19 and even 20 million people. They’re taking Black jobs, and they’re taking Hispanic jobs, and you haven’t seen it yet, but you’re going to see something that’s going to be the worst in our history.” He was referring to the role of immigrants in the U.S. economy.

When asked to define a “black job” at the National Association of Black Journalists convention, Trump responded, “A black job is anybody that has a job, that’s what it is. Anybody that has a job.”

The controversy has also brought attention to past comments by Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, Trump’s vice-presidential running mate. In 2021, Vance criticized the praise Biles received after withdrawing from the Tokyo Olympics to focus on her mental health, stating it reflected poorly on society to praise people for their “weakest moments” rather than strength or heroism.

Biles’ recent Olympic success and social media comment have reignited discussions about these political statements, with many social media users defending Biles against Vance’s past criticism.

nbcnews.com

Ghanaian Farmer Sentenced to 20 Years for Attempted Sale of Son

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A 53-year-old farmer, Bashiru Gambo, has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment with hard labor by the Tarkwa Circuit Court in Ghana for attempting to sell his son. Gambo pleaded guilty to the charge of trading of person, contrary to section 2 (1) of the Human Trafficking Act 694 of 2005.

Superintendent of Police Juliana Essel-Dadzie, prosecuting, told the court that the victim, Alexander Kyeremeh, is a small-scale miner residing in Manukrom near Obuasi. Gambo, the biological father, lived in Wassa-Abreshia, near Wassa Akropong in Ghana.

The court, presided over by Mrs. Hathia Ama Manu, heard that police in Wassa-Nkonya received a tip-off about Gambo’s plan to sell his son. Undercover police officers posed as potential buyers and negotiated with Gambo, agreeing on a price of GH¢80,000 for the son.

Gambo accompanied the undercover officers to Manukrom, where he had arranged to meet his son. After identifying his son to the officers, they all boarded a vehicle together. Once the vehicle was in motion, the officers revealed their identities and arrested Gambo.

At the Wassa Akropong Police Station, Gambo admitted to the offense in his caution statement, claiming economic hardship as his motivation for attempting to sell his son.

The prosecution appealed for a strict sentence, citing an increase in missing persons cases in the area. The court subsequently sentenced Gambo to 20 years imprisonment with hard labor.

Kenyan Court Orders Extradition of Man Accused of Murdering Girlfriend in U.S.

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A court in Kenya on Thursday ordered the extradition of Kevin Kang’ethe to the United States, where he will face first-degree murder charges for the death of his girlfriend, Margaret Mbitu, in November 2023. The Kenyan national is set to be tried in Massachusetts.

Mbitu, a nurse, was found dead with multiple stab wounds in her SUV, parked in a garage at Boston’s Logan Airport, just two days after her family reported her missing. Authorities discovered that Kang’ethe had fled the country on a flight from Logan to Kenya a day before her body was discovered.

Following a three-month international search, Kang’ethe was arrested in Kenya but managed to escape from custody within a week. The escape involved a mini-van getaway, prompting a large-scale manhunt by Kenyan police. He was eventually located at a relative’s house in Nairobi and re-arrested.

In addition to Kang’ethe’s arrest, four police officers, two of Kang’ethe’s relatives, and a lawyer were also detained, accused of facilitating his initial escape. The extradition ruling follows a detailed investigation by Kenyan authorities, who had to untangle a network of alleged accomplices aiding the suspect.

Prosecutors in Nairobi testified that at the time of Kang’ethe’s arrest, he was in possession of items belonging to Mbitu, including her driver’s license, a Bank of America debit card, and a visa card, further linking him to the crime.

The decision to extradite Kang’ethe marks a significant step in the cross-border legal proceedings that have unfolded since Mbitu’s murder. This development reflects the ongoing cooperation between Kenyan and U.S. authorities to bring the suspect to justice and address the crime committed on U.S. soil.

As the legal process continues, both nations are expected to collaborate closely to ensure that Kang’ethe is held accountable under U.S. law, providing a semblance of justice to Mbitu’s family.

Source: myjoyonline.com

Famine Declared in Darfur Region Refugee Camp as Sudan Faces Humanitarian Catastrophe Amidst Ongoing Civil War

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In a dire announcement highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis gripping Sudan, famine has been officially declared in a refugee camp in the Darfur region. The announcement comes from the United Nations-backed Famine Review Committee (FRC), underscoring the devastating toll of the country’s 15-month civil war.

The crisis in Sudan has forced hundreds of thousands into camps where food security organizations struggle to meet the needs of a rapidly growing displaced population.

The Zanzam camp, located near the city of El Fasher in Sudan’s North Darfur state, has been in the throes of famine since June, according to the FRC. The camp’s population has ballooned to nearly half a million people as the civil war continues to displace communities. T

his declaration marks the FRC’s third such announcement since the monitoring system was established two decades ago and the first in more than seven years.

Official declarations of famine are rare and serve as urgent calls for international assistance. They are intended to galvanize global support and unlock funding to mitigate the crisis and prevent further loss of life. The FRC’s assessment is a stark reminder of the escalating humanitarian needs as the conflict shows no signs of abating.

While the famine declaration is currently limited to the Zanzam camp, the FRC has warned that many other areas across Sudan are at significant risk. The ongoing conflict and restricted humanitarian access exacerbate the risk of famine in these regions. The international community is urged to respond swiftly to prevent the situation from worsening.

The conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023 when the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a rebel group, launched an armed uprising against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). This conflict has devastated large swathes of the country, including the capital city of Khartoum, and has since spread to other regions.

The UN has labeled the situation in Sudan as one of the most severe humanitarian disasters in recent memory, with over 10 million people displaced internally and more than 25 million facing acute hunger.

The city of El Fasher, where the Zanzam camp is located, has been a focal point of the conflict. For months, it has been besieged by the RSF, further complicating efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to those in desperate need. The ongoing violence has crippled Sudan’s infrastructure, making it exceedingly difficult for aid agencies to operate effectively.

The declaration of famine in the Zanzam camp serves as a clarion call for international action. Humanitarian organizations emphasize the urgent need for increased funding and resources to address the growing crisis. Without immediate intervention, the situation could deteriorate further, leading to more widespread famine and suffering across Sudan.

The international community is being called upon to step up efforts to provide food, medical aid, and shelter to millions of Sudanese caught in the conflict. The UN and various NGOs are advocating for a coordinated response to ensure aid reaches those most in need, despite the challenging circumstances on the ground.

As Sudan faces this unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, the world watches with growing concern, aware that the actions taken in the coming weeks could determine the fate of millions.

Nigerian Police Consider Military Assistance Amid Violent Protests-AP

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Nigerian police are on red alert and may request military assistance following violent protests against the rising cost of living and governance issues, according to Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.

Reuters reporters and protesters reported at least three demonstrators killed in northern Kaduna state on Thursday. Amnesty International claimed on Friday that at least 13 protesters had been killed across three northern states, though authorities have not confirmed any deaths.

While major cities like Abuja and Kano appeared calm on Friday following clashes between police and protesters, further demonstrations are anticipated due to widespread anger over President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms.

Inspector General Egbetokun stated late Thursday that police are fully mobilized and prepared to respond swiftly to any further threats to public order. He added that the police are equipped to handle the situation but may seek assistance from other security agencies, including the military, if necessary.

The “#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria” protests, inspired by youth-led demonstrations in Kenya, have been organized online with plans to continue for 10 days.

Demonstrators gather as they participate in an anti-government demonstration to protest against bad governance and economic hardship in Lagos, Nigeria August 1, 2024. REUTERS/Akintunde Akinleye

Amnesty International accused security forces of deliberately using lethal tactics in Niger state, Maiduguri (capital of Borno state), and Kaduna. A Nigerian police spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment on these allegations.

Kano state has relaxed a 24-hour curfew imposed after protesters looted a shop and a government complex. Three other states have also implemented curfews in some areas.

President Tinubu acknowledges the pain caused by his reforms, which have fueled inflation and weakened the currency, but maintains they are necessary for Nigeria’s long-term economic growth.

The situation remains tense as authorities attempt to balance public order with citizens’ right to protest against economic hardships.

Zimbabwe Arrests 18 Activists, Including Prize Winner, Before SADC Summit

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Zimbabwe police have arrested 18 political activists, including some who were removed from a plane, according to their lawyers. The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights group reported the detentions, which occurred on Wednesday.

Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa

Among those arrested is Namatai Kwekweza, a 25-year-old pro-democracy campaigner and the 2023 winner of the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize. Kwekweza and three other activists were taken off a plane on the tarmac of the Robert Mugabe International Airport in Harare. An additional 14 activists were arrested the same day for protesting in another town.

The four removed from the plane are charged with disorderly conduct related to a courthouse protest in late June. They had been demanding the release of 77 opposition party members who have been in pre-trial detention for over six weeks.

Amnesty International has condemned the arrests, while the Kofi Annan Foundation expressed deep concern over the incident.

These arrests come as Zimbabwe prepares to host a meeting of southern African heads of state this month. The government had previously warned it would suppress opposition protests ahead of the summit.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who succeeded Robert Mugabe in 2017, faces accusations of cracking down on political opposition similarly to his predecessor. Numerous opposition members, university students, and labor unionists have been arrested since Mnangagwa took office.

Mnangagwa denies being oppressive but has warned against what he terms inciting violence. Authorities have moved to prevent new protests ahead of the southern African leaders’ meeting in Harare on August 17.

Earlier this year, the United States sanctioned Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe’s first lady, and others for alleged involvement in gold and diamond smuggling and human rights abuses.

The recent arrests highlight ongoing tensions between the government and opposition groups in Zimbabwe, drawing international attention as the country prepares to host regional leaders.

apnews.com

9 Killed in Nigeria’s Economic Protests, Says Rights Group

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At least nine people have been killed by security forces during mass demonstrations over economic crisis in Nigeria, according to rights group Amnesty International. Authorities reported that a police officer was also killed and several others injured in the clashes.

In the northeastern state of Borno, a bomb killed four protesters and injured 34 others. This region, affected by prolonged militant activity, has left millions displaced and facing hunger.

Nigerian police stated that over 300 protesters were arrested, and curfews were imposed in four northern states following the looting of government and public properties. National police chief Kayode Egbetokun announced that the police are on high alert and may seek military assistance.

Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International’s Nigeria director, said the group independently verified the reported deaths through witnesses, victims’ families, and lawyers.

The protests primarily focused on food shortages and accusations of misgovernment and corruption. Demonstrators, mostly young people, carried placards and Nigeria’s flag, demanding the reinstatement of gas and electricity subsidies that were recently canceled as part of economic reforms.

Violence and looting were concentrated in Nigeria’s northern states, which are among the hardest hit by hunger and insecurity. Protesters were seen carrying looted goods including furniture and cooking oil.

Police Chief Egbetokun stated that officers aimed to ensure peaceful conduct but claimed that events in some cities indicated “mass uprising and looting, not protest.” This claim was disputed by rights groups and activists.

Amnesty International’s Sanusi stated, “Our findings so far show that security personnel at the locations where lives were lost deliberately used tactics designed to kill.”

Authorities feared the protests could escalate similarly to the deadly 2020 demonstrations against police brutality or the recent violent tax hike protests in Kenya.

Anietie Ewang, a Nigerian researcher with Human Rights Watch, commented that the threats that emerged as protests turned violent in some places did not warrant the level of response from police officers.

The ongoing protests highlight the deep economic challenges facing Africa’s most populous country and the tensions between citizens and security forces as the nation grapples with these issues.

Nairobi, Kenya Proposes Taxes, Other Regulations for Cat Owners Amid Concerns Over Feline Population

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Nairobi, Kenya — The capital of Kenya, Nairobi, has introduced a proposed regulation requiring all cats within the city to be registered by their owners, a move that has sparked debate among residents. The proposed regulation, known as the Animal Control and Welfare Bill, aims to manage the city’s cat population and ensure the welfare of the animals.

Under the new proposal, cat owners in Nairobi would be required to obtain an annual license for their pets. The licensing fee is set at 200 Kenyan shillings ($1.50; £1.20) per cat. In addition to the licensing fee, owners must provide proof that their cats have received rabies vaccinations.

The regulation seeks to hold cat owners accountable for their pets’ behavior. According to the proposed bill, owners must ensure that their cats do not “scream or cry in a manner that disturbs the peace” of the community. Additionally, owners would be required to confine female cats in heat to prevent disturbances.

This legislative proposal is part of a broader effort by Nairobi County to address concerns related to animal control and welfare. However, it has faced criticism from some residents who perceive it as a “cat tax” and are questioning its enforceability.

Recently, there was a withdrawal of a similar bill that aimed to impose a financial levy on bicycles and motorcycles. This action has led to skepticism regarding the implementation of the new cat registration requirement, with some viewing it as a revenue-generating measure by the government.

The proposal is currently under consideration, and its potential impact on Nairobi’s feline population and the responsibilities of cat owners are being debated across the city.

A bbc.com report

Nigeria’s Kano State Imposes Curfew Following Nationwide Protests

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A curfew has been imposed in Kano, Nigeria’s second-largest state, following protests against the high cost of living. The governor’s office stated that the demonstrations were “hijacked by thugs,” resulting in widespread looting and property destruction.

Kano witnessed the largest crowds on the first day of nationwide protests, which forced many businesses to close. Demonstrators in major cities chanted slogans such as “We are hungry.” In Kano city, police used live bullets, tear gas, and hot water to disperse thousands of protesters. Four people were reported wounded and taken to hospital.

Earlier, protesters set tyres ablaze in front of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s house. Looters broke into a nearby warehouse, with people seen carrying away cooking oil and mattresses.

The curfew effectively halts further protests, requiring all residents to remain at home. Kano state’s population was 9.4 million in the 2006 census, with unofficial current estimates around 20 million.

These protests, planned for 10 days and organized via social media, were inspired by recent successful demonstrations in Kenya. In Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, a court ordered protesters to remain at the National stadium on the city’s outskirts. However, demonstrators attempted to move into the city center, prompting police to use tear gas.

In Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub, protesters shouted “ole” (thief in Yoruba) in reference to President Bola Tinubu and his government. Many are angered by Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023, which aimed to cut government expenditure but led to increased fuel prices and broader economic impacts.

Protesters are demanding the reversal of the subsidy removal decision and calling for reforms to the country’s electoral system and judiciary. The government had previously appealed for patience, but demonstrators like Lagos protester Kingsley Uadiale dismissed this, citing plans to purchase new planes for the president and vice president.

Activist Dabiraoluwa Adeyinka stated that if the government doesn’t yield to their demands, the protests will continue.

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