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Nigerian Women’s Basketball Team Denied Entry to Opening Ceremony Boat at Paris Olympics Due to Overcrowding

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Nigerian Women’s Basketball Team Denied Entry to Opening Ceremony Boat at Paris Olympics Due to Overcrowding

The Nigeria women’s basketball team faced an unexpected setback when they were denied entry to the delegation’s boat for the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. This information was disclosed by an anonymous source familiar with the situation, who spoke to The Associated Press on Friday.

The denial came from a Nigerian official who stated that the boat was at full capacity with more than 200 people already on board. Despite being part of the Nigerian delegation, the basketball team was unable to join the rest of their compatriots, who shared a boat with athletes from Niger and Norway.

Efforts to obtain a comment from a Nigeria press officer were unsuccessful. Messages left seeking clarification on the incident have yet to receive a response.

The team had traveled from Lille, where the preliminary basketball rounds are taking place, to Paris. They were part of a bus convoy that included several teams, escorted by police. The journey covered a distance of approximately 138 miles (222 kilometers) and took around two hours and 28 minutes.

Upon reaching the designated boarding area for the ceremony, the basketball team was informed that there was no space for them. Consequently, they had to return to the athletes’ village, missing out on the chance to participate in the prestigious event.

Due to this logistical mishap, the team spent the night in Paris instead of returning to Lille. This disruption caused them to miss their scheduled morning practice session in Lille.

Nigeria, participating in its third Olympics, is set to open its campaign on Monday against Australia. The Nigerian women’s basketball team holds a unique place in Olympic history as the only African nation to win a game at the Olympics. This victory came during the 2004 Athens Games when they defeated Korea in the 11th-place contest.

Seven Killed, Many Injured in Concert Stampede in Congo’s Capital

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Seven Killed, Many Injured in Concert Stampede in Congo’s Capital

Seven people were killed and numerous others injured during a stampede at a music concert in Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, on Saturday, authorities reported.

The tragic incident occurred at the 80,000-capacity Stade des Martyrs stadium, located in the heart of Kinshasa, where Mike Kalambay, a popular Congolese gospel singer, was performing. The concert, which was part of a larger event organized by the management company Maajabu Gospel, drew an estimated 30,000 attendees. According to Kinshasa Governor Daniel Bumba, the stampede happened during the peak of the concert.

State television RTNC reported that among the seven fatalities, some victims were children, and several others injured were admitted to intensive care units for treatment. The exact number of injured individuals was not immediately clear, as the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Authorities did not comment on the precise cause of the stampede. However, the local music management company organizing the event suggested that the chaos erupted when “security services tried to neutralize some troublemakers.” This intervention is believed to have triggered panic among the concertgoers, leading to the deadly stampede.

Eyewitnesses and videos from the scene depicted large crowds gathered outside the stadium, pushing against barricades as they waited to enter. Once inside, attendees were seen rushing toward the center stage, contributing to the disorder.

Footage broadcasted from the event showed a chaotic scene with people attempting to flee the densely packed venue. The situation rapidly deteriorated, resulting in the tragic loss of life and numerous injuries.

The Stade des Martyrs has a history of such incidents, often attributed to poor crowd control measures and inadequate safety protocols. Just last October, a similar stampede during a music concert at the same stadium resulted in the deaths of eleven people. The recurrence of such tragedies underscores the urgent need for improved safety and crowd management strategies at large public events in Congo.

Authorities are now conducting a thorough investigation to determine the factors that led to the stampede and to hold accountable those responsible for ensuring the safety of the attendees. As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to emerge about the events that led to this latest tragedy.

The Associated Press

UK Police Arrest Far-Right Activist Tommy Robinson Under Anti-Terror Laws Following Film Complaint

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UK Police Arrest Far-Right Activist Tommy Robinson Under Anti-Terror Laws Following Film Complaint

Far-right activist, Tommy Robinson, has been arrested under anti-terror laws, as reported by his supporters, after a protest at which a film was allegedly screened in contempt of court.

Robinson’s detention was made public through a post on his verified X account, following a march led by him and a counter-protest in central London on Saturday, which attracted thousands of people. The protest was marked by a significant police presence, ensuring that the event remained peaceful despite the large turnout.

A complaint was later filed over a film that was allegedly shown to the crowd in breach of a High Court order, prompting the police to initiate further inquiries. The details of the film and the specific court order it violated were not immediately disclosed, but the incident has raised significant legal questions.

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley Lennon, also posted a one hour and 45-minute film on X on Saturday afternoon, in which he claimed that he had previously avoided publishing the video because he was “scared”. The content of this film is believed to be central to the complaint and subsequent police action.

In a post on his X account on Sunday, Robinson’s team stated: “We can confirm that Tommy Robinson has been detained by police using powers afforded to them under the Terrorism Act 2000. That’s right, you read that correctly, Tommy is being held by police using counter terrorism legislation. We will update you as and when we can.”

The Metropolitan Police later issued a statement clarifying that there was “no Met involvement” in the context of Tommy Robinson’s arrest, suggesting that another branch of law enforcement was responsible for his detention.

The arrest has sparked a significant response on social media, with Robinson’s supporters and critics alike expressing their views. The situation continues to evolve, with further details expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.

Robinson’s lawyer confirmed the arrest on X on Saturday evening, stating, “Tommy Robinson has been arrested and detained under the Terrorism Act. We are seeking to understand the full circumstances of his detention and will provide further updates as soon as possible.”

Rebel Coalition in Mali Claims to Have Killed Dozens of Soldiers and Russian Wagner Mercenaries in Major Battle

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Rebel Coalition in Mali Claims to Have Killed Dozens of Soldiers and Russian Wagner Mercenaries in Major Battle

A coalition of armed groups in Mali’s predominantly Tuareg north claimed on Saturday that it had killed dozens of government soldiers and Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group during a fierce battle near the border with Algeria. This significant engagement reportedly involved heavy casualties on both sides and the destruction of multiple vehicles.

Videos circulating on social media depicted the aftermath, showing the lifeless bodies of several white men and Malian soldiers scattered on the ground, surrounded by destroyed vehicles. The footage, although unverified, provides a grim visual of the reported clashes.

The Malian army, in a statement issued on Friday night, confirmed that two soldiers had been killed and ten wounded in a rebel attack. The army also claimed that it had managed to kill around 20 rebels and destroy several of their vehicles. Despite these claims, independent verification of the exact details and casualties remains elusive.

Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, spokesman for the pro-independence CSP-DPA coalition, provided a detailed account of the battle. He stated that a two-day conflict erupted on the outskirts of Tinzaouaten village, with the rebels managing to “routed the entire column of Malian army and Russian mercenaries.” He further claimed that the enemy had suffered substantial losses in terms of both lives and equipment, including dozens of dead and wounded soldiers. Additionally, Ramadane mentioned that some Malian soldiers and Wagner mercenaries had surrendered to the Tuareg fighters.

If the claims are accurate, this would represent the most significant setback inflicted on Wagner mercenaries by Tuareg rebels in Mali to date. The Wagner group, a Russian private military company, has been involved in various conflicts across Africa, often supporting government forces against insurgents and rebels.

Rida Lyammouri, a senior fellow at the Policy Center for the New South, a think tank based in Morocco, commented on the implications of the battle. He suggested that the conflict sends a strong message to the Malian government, indicating that recapturing and controlling northern regions would be more challenging than anticipated. Lyammouri also warned that this setback could potentially lead to increased attacks against civilians by both government forces and Wagner mercenaries.

The ongoing conflict in Mali continues to be a source of instability in the region, with frequent clashes between government forces, supported by international mercenaries, and various rebel groups vying for control and autonomy.

Democratic Republic of Congo Releases First Inmates from Kinshasa Jail to Ease Overcrowding

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Democratic Republic of Congo Releases First Inmates from Kinshasa Jail to Ease Overcrowding

At least 7,000 inmates are set to be granted conditional release from the Makala Central Prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo in a bid to ease overcrowding at the facility.

Located in Kinshasa, Makala Central Prison is the country’s largest jail. Built for 1,500 inmates in 1957, it now holds more than 15,000 people, including children and women.

Conditions at the prison are notoriously bad, with inmates crammed into cells, eating poorly, and some suffering from water and respiratory diseases.

Justice Minister Constant Mutamba approved the release of the first 421 inmates on Saturday, stating that prisoners will be released at a rate of 400 per week.

Mutamba indicated that efforts are underway to reduce overcrowding in all Congolese prisons. He announced that a commission has been established to examine the cases of prisoners eligible for conditional release.

Additionally, Mutamba ordered the release of those who are sick and minors from Makala Central Prison and has forbidden the admission of new inmates.

The aim is to halve the number of prisoners at the facility.

Nigeria Court Convicts 125 Boko Haram Militants in Mass Trial

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Nigeria Court Convicts 125 Boko Haram Militants in Mass Trial

A court in Nigeria has convicted 125 Boko Haram Islamist militants and financiers on various terrorism-related offences.

The Attorney General’s office stated that the charges included “bordering on terrorism, terrorism financing, rendering material support, and International Criminal Court-related crimes.”

The mass two-day trial was overseen by five Federal High Court judges at a military detention facility in Kainji, Niger State.

Since the Boko Haram insurgency began in 2009, thousands have been killed, and millions displaced. This has led to a humanitarian crisis in northeastern Nigeria, pressuring the government to resolve the conflict.

Of the 125 convicted, 85 were found guilty of terrorism financing, 22 for ICC-related crimes, and the remaining defendants for other terrorism offences. They were sentenced to various jail terms.

The last mass trials of Boko Haram suspects took place between 2017 and 2018, where 163 people were convicted and 887 set free.

In 2014, Boko Haram kidnapped over 270 girls from a school in Chibok, northeastern Nigeria. The abductions triggered a global campaign, #BringBackOurGirls, endorsed by former United States First Lady Michelle Obama. More than 180 of the abducted girls have since been freed or escaped, while many remain missing. Those who returned often face numerous challenges, including reintegration into their communities and dealing with the trauma of their captivity

Ghana Police File Injunction to Stop Gen-Z Demonstration

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Ghana Police File Injunction to Stop Gen-Z Demonstration

The Ghana Police Service has filed an injunction to prevent the Gen-Z demonstration from taking place.

The seven-day protest, scheduled from July 31 to August 6, 2024, aims to bring over 2 million young people onto the streets of Accra.

The demonstration intends to address severe economic hardships primarily affecting the youth, driving many into drug addiction, dangerous migrations, and some even joining terrorist groups.

Protesters also aim to challenge the heavy taxes imposed by the government in Ghana, including the controversial betting tax, COVID-19 tax, sanitation tax, and increased internet data taxes.

Additionally, the protest seeks to express Gen-Z’s strong disapproval of the widespread corruption and nepotism allegedly characterizing the incumbent administration.

The court is scheduled to hear the injunction application on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.

Reacting to this, the conveners of the demonstration have pledged to defend their right to protest, citing constitutional provisions that protect citizens’ rights to demonstrate.

It appears the organizers are taking a cue from the massive protests by the young people of Kenya, which has forced the President to make drastic changes.

Celine Dion Shares Heartfelt Message After Breathtaking Comeback Performance at Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony

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Celine Dion Shares Heartfelt Message After Breathtaking Comeback Performance at Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony

Celine Dion has admitted she’s “so full of joy” after her breathtaking comeback performance at the 2024 Paris Olympic Opening Ceremony on Friday night. The Canadian singer, 56, who is battling the incurable stiff-person syndrome, closed the ceremony with a jaw-dropping performance on the Eiffel Tower.

Twenty-eight years after making her Olympic debut in 1996 at Atlanta’s stadium, Celine proved she’s still got it by following her emotional act in the French city. And after bringing fans to tears, Celine reflected on the iconic moment with a heartfelt message on X.

She wrote: “I’m honored to have performed tonight, for the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, and so full of joy to be back in one of my very favorite cities! Most of all, I’m so happy to be celebrating these amazing athletes, with all their stories of sacrifice and determination, pain, and perseverance.

All of you have been so focused on your dream, and whether or not you take home a medal, I hope that being here means that it has come true for you! You should all be so proud, we know how hard you have worked to be the best of the best. Stay focused, keep going, my heart is with you! – Celine xx…”

Celine looked incredible in a shimmering silver gown as she performed in front of the Eiffel Tower. She gave a rendition of “Hymne à L’amour,” which was originally sung by French music icon Edith Piaf. The song was originally released in 1950, and its title translates into English as “Hymn to Love.”

Her “My Heart Will Go On” songstress looked to be on the verge of tears as she finished the performance to cheers from the crowd, whilst viewers at home were also left emotional. One wrote on X: “Celine got my a** crying #OpeningCeremony. Wow Celine Dion! If you’ve seen her documentary, you’ll know… #OpeningCeremony.”

Celine’s performance was particularly significant given her battle with stiff-person syndrome, an incredibly rare neurological disorder that causes severe muscle stiffness and spasms. Her return to the stage marked her first major performance since being diagnosed with the disorder in 2022.

Dion’s Olympics performance marks her return to performing after years of struggling with the condition. At the premiere of the documentary “I Am: Celine Dion,” she told The Associated Press that returning required therapy “physically, mentally, emotionally, vocally.” She added, “So that’s why it takes a while. But absolutely why we’re doing this because I’m already a little bit back,” she said.

Celine’s stirring performance and touching message have resonated with fans worldwide, inspiring many with her resilience and dedication to her craft. Her return to the stage at such a prestigious event highlights her enduring talent and the impact she continues to have on the music world and beyond.

Daily MailOnline.com

Lady Gaga Stuns Fans With Surprise Song Outside Paris Hotel a Day After Olympic Performance

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Lady Gaga Stuns Fans With Surprise Song Outside Paris Hotel a Day After Olympic Performance

Pop superstar Lady Gaga, 38, has left an indelible mark on Paris with two remarkable performances over the weekend. The singer first wowed audiences at the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony on Friday night, followed by a surprise impromptu performance for fans outside her hotel on Saturday.

At the Olympic Opening Ceremony, Gaga delivered a stunning rendition of ‘Mon Truc En Plumes’ on a set of stairs along the Seine River. The performance, which featured the singer in pink plumes, was a tribute to French culture and history. Despite the grandeur of the event, some viewers reported issues with sound quality and noted that wet weather caused a dancer to slip during the routine.

Following the ceremony, Gaga took to social media to express her gratitude, stating, “I feel so completely grateful to have been asked to open the Paris @Olympics 2024 this year.” She also detailed the preparation for her performance, including studying French choreography and collaborating with Dior for custom costumes using naturally molted feathers.

The ceremony audience included world leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and Sir Keir Starmer, the recently-elected British Prime Minister. However, fan reactions to the performance were mixed, with some praising it as “sensational” while others criticized the sound quality and questioned the choice of an American artist for a French event.

Just a day after her Olympic performance, Lady Gaga delighted fans with an unexpected encore. The “Born This Way” singer emerged from the sunroof of her car outside her Paris hotel to perform “Always Remember Us This Way,” a hit song from her 2018 film “A Star Is Born.” Dressed in a black suit, Gaga spread her arms theatrically and encouraged the crowd to sing along.

This impromptu performance was met with enthusiasm from gathered fans, many of whom Gaga graciously stopped to sign autographs for and pose with for photos before entering her hotel.

The song “Always Remember Us This Way” is particularly significant as it’s featured in “A Star Is Born,” the fourth English-language adaptation of the story. The film, which co-starred Bradley Cooper, received numerous accolades, including eight Academy Award nominations. Gaga’s work on the film led her to become the first woman in history to win an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, a BAFTA Award, and a Golden Globe Award in the same year.

These Paris performances showcase Lady Gaga’s versatility as an artist, from her ability to command a global stage at the Olympics to her willingness to connect intimately with fans in an impromptu street performance. Despite the mixed reactions to her Olympic show, Gaga’s dedication to her craft and her fans remains evident.

As the Olympics continue and Paris remains in the global spotlight, Lady Gaga’s performances have certainly added to the city’s artistic vibrancy, reinforcing her status as one of the world’s most captivating and unpredictable performers.

Ben Affleck Buys $20.5M Pacific Palisades Home Amid Jennifer Lopez Relationship Speculation

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Ben Affleck Buys $20.5M Pacific Palisades Home Amid Jennifer Lopez Relationship Speculation

Academy Award-winning actor Ben Affleck, 51, has reportedly closed escrow on a new $20.5 million estate in the oceanside enclave of Pacific Palisades, according to TMZ. This significant real estate move comes amidst swirling speculation about the status of his relationship with singer and actress Jennifer Lopez, 55.

The newly acquired property boasts five bedrooms and six bathrooms, complete with breakfast and dining areas, a separate family room, den, walk-in closets, media room, powder room, and a guest house. These amenities are typical of high-end real estate in the area.

This purchase has raised eyebrows in Hollywood circles, particularly as Affleck and Lopez recently listed their Beverly Hills home for $68 million. The couple had purchased that estate for $60 million in May of last year, but have reportedly struggled to find immediate buyers in the current market.

Adding fuel to the rumor mill, reports suggest that Affleck and Lopez spent their second wedding anniversary apart. Sources claim that while Lopez has been staying in their marital home, Affleck has been living in a $100,000 monthly rental property near his ex-wife Jennifer Garner’s Brentwood house. Affleck and Garner, 52, who were married from 2005 to 2018, share three children: Violet, 18, Fin, 15, and Samuel, 12.

Speculation about potential marital issues began circulating in May when the couple hadn’t been seen together publicly since late March. An unnamed source told In Touch, “Ben already moved out and they’ll likely have to sell the dream house they spent two years searching for. They’ll never stop loving each other, but she can’t control him, and he can’t change her. There’s no way it could have lasted.”

However, not all sources paint a gloomy picture. One of Lopez’s LA-based friends told the Daily Mail, “If it is only a question of putting the work in then you had better believe that [Jen] will turn it around. She has thrown her heart and soul into her love story with Ben and will not give it up without a fight. From what I hear there is still a lot of love there, so there must be hope.”

As of now, Lopez is reportedly in New York City, having recently celebrated her 55th birthday in the Hamptons. She hosted a Bridgerton-themed party, which Affleck did not attend, and later thanked her fans for their birthday messages in a heartfelt social media post.

While these recent developments have sparked intense speculation about the couple’s future, it’s important to note that neither Affleck nor Lopez has made any official statement regarding their relationship status. As with all celebrity news, it’s crucial to approach such reports with a degree of skepticism until confirmed by the individuals involved.

As this story continues to develop, fans and onlookers alike will be watching closely for any official word from the high-profile couple about their relationship and future plans.

Source: Daily MailOnline

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