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Moroccan fans stormed the pitch during Olympic soccer

Africa /

The men’s Olympic soccer tournament began with a dramatic and tumultuous start on Wednesday, marked by Morocco’s stunning 2-1 upset over two-time gold medalists Argentina. The match in Saint-Etienne unfolded chaotically, culminating in a nearly two-hour suspension due to disorderly conduct by Moroccan fans. The unrest erupted following Argentina’s disputed late goal in the 16th minute of added time, prompting a wave of protests and objects thrown onto the pitch. Confusion ensued regarding the match’s status, initially believed to be concluded before a final three-minute segment was played in an empty stadium. Just before resuming play, VAR intervened to annul Cristian Medina’s contentious goal for offside, solidifying Morocco’s unexpected victory. Argentina’s soccer federation swiftly lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, urging regulatory action in response to the incident. Organizers for Paris 2024 expressed commitment to investigating the causes and implementing necessary measures. Moroccan fans, incensed by what they perceived as an unfair decision depriving their team of a critical win, reacted vehemently. The scene escalated into chaos with security intervening as objects were hurled onto the field, disrupting play and forcing a temporary halt. Despite initial confusion, the match eventually resumed after an extended delay, with Morocco maintaining their lead established earlier in the game. The match, broadcast nationwide in Morocco amid high national fervor following their recent World Cup success, sparked passionate reactions across the country. In a separate match, tensions were palpable as Israel faced Mali amidst heightened security measures at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. Israel’s team arrived under heavy police escort amid concerns over safety in a tense international climate. The game itself unfolded amidst mixed emotions, with Israel taking an early lead through an own goal before Mali equalized, prompting jubilant celebrations among their supporters. The match underscored broader geopolitical tensions, evident in the atmosphere both on and off the field. Overall, the opening matches of the Olympic men’s soccer tournament were marred by controversy and geopolitical undercurrents, highlighting the sport’s ability to reflect and amplify global issues beyond the playing field.

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Thousands demonstrate in Washington against Netanyahu visit

World /

Thousands of people, including Jewish Americans, demonstrated in Washington on Wednesday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint  session of the US Congress. They had descended on Capitol Hill, the seat of the US government, chanting “Free, Free Palestine” as some tried to block streets ahead of Netanyahu’s speech. Police wearing gas masks blocked the crowd, which was calling for an end to the war that has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians, from getting closer to the Capitol. Tall steel barriers ringed entrances to the complex, and security officers deployed by the score on foot, bicycle, and with dogs. Overnight, hundreds of protesters organised by a Jewish group staged a sit-in at a congressional office building, crying, “Not in our name.” The prime minister was greeted by Republican House Speaker, Mike Johnson, as he arrived in the afternoon at the Capitol, for a speech arranged weeks ago and instigated by the Speaker. “I think people are rageful that the United States government has the gall, after months and months of genocide, not to hold Benjamin Netanyahu accountable, but to continue to roll out the red carpet for him,” said demonstrator Zaid Khatib. Carrying posters saying “Wanted. War Criminal Benjamin Netayahu”, protesters demanded the prime minister’s arrest, as requested by the international criminal court’s chief prosecutor in May. One protester, who travelled from Maryland to take part in the demonstration, said it was important to show that not all US citizens support the government’s policies towards Israel. “They don’t support the policies of our elected officials. We are in a rogue kind of administration that are disconnected from the people,” said Michael Prentice. “I think it’s important to show, come out and show the world that the American people, our policies, are not popular with the American people, if that makes sense.” Inside Congress, dozens of high profile Democratic lawmakers decided not to attend Netanyahu’s speech, expressing their dismay over the civilian deaths and humanitarian crisis as a result of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. The most notable absence was behind him. Vice President Kamala Harris, who serves as president of the Senate and traditionally would sit behind whatever dignitary is speaking, said a long-scheduled trip would keep her away.

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18 dead bodies recovered after plane crash in Nepal

World /

18 bodies of passengers and crew have been recovered after a plane crashed on Wednesday in Nepal. Captain MR Shakya of the Saurya Airlines airplane was rescued and is under treatment at a hospital. The aircraft “crashed during takeoff” at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in the capital Kathmandu, the daily Kathmandu Post reported. Premnath Thakur, TIA spokesman, said the incident happened at around 11 a.m. (0515GMT). Among the 19 people were crew members as well and the plane was en route to the city of Pokhara in central Nepal. The Nepalese army led the rescue operations that are underway at the accident site.

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UN says nearly 40 million people had HIV in 2023

Discover /

In a new report launched by the UN on Monday, it was revealed that nearly 40 million people were living with HIV/AIDS last year, with over 9 million not receiving any treatment. The report highlighted that someone died of AIDS-related causes every minute, underscoring the ongoing global impact of the disease. While progress has been made in combating the AIDS pandemic, the report noted a slowdown in advancements, accompanied by shrinking funding and rising new infections in specific regions: the Middle East and North Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and Latin America. In 2023, approximately 630,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses, marking a significant decrease from 2.1 million deaths in 2004. However, this figure still exceeds the 2025 target of fewer than 250,000 deaths set by UNAIDS. Gender inequality was identified as a critical factor exacerbating risks for girls and women, particularly in parts of Africa where HIV incidence among adolescents and young women remains disproportionately high. The report also highlighted an increasing proportion of new infections among marginalized communities facing stigma and discrimination, such as sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs. This proportion rose to 55% in 2023 from 45% in 2010. UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima emphasized the importance of upholding commitments made by world leaders to end the AIDS pandemic as a public health threat by 2030. She stressed the need for adequate resources for the HIV response and protection of human rights for all individuals. Despite progress in HIV treatments, including the development of long-acting injections, affordability remains a significant barrier. These injections, costing $40,000 annually for two doses, are inaccessible to all but the wealthiest individuals with HIV. UNAIDS has been advocating for reduced costs to make these treatments available in low and middle-income countries. Moreover, the report mentioned promising cases where individuals treated for leukemia showed no detectable HIV virus afterward, a development to be discussed at the 25th International AIDS Conference in Munich. Looking ahead, UNAIDS continues to advocate for the development of an AIDS vaccine as part of its efforts to prevent the spread of HIV globally.

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Sierra Leone court finds 11 involved in alleged coup guilty

Africa /

In Sierra Leone, a court has delivered verdicts against 11 individuals charged with treason and related offenses in connection with what authorities termed an attempted coup. The leader of the group, Amadu Koita Makalo, received a staggering sentence of 182 years in prison for charges including treason, murder, and attempted murder, according to Moses Lamin Kamara, spokesperson for the judiciary. The incident in November involved a group of gunmen who raided the country’s armory and a prison, resulting in the release of over 2,000 inmates and the tragic deaths of 18 security personnel. Authorities arrested approximately 80 suspects, with a dozen formally charged in January. Among those charged was former president Ernest Bai Koroma, who was later granted medical leave. Amadu Koita Makalo, formerly a bodyguard of Koroma and a vocal critic of current President Julius Maada Bio on social media, was identified as the mastermind behind the attack. Alongside Makalo, the other 10 defendants were also found guilty of treason and murder, receiving sentences ranging from 30 to 112 years in prison. Ernest Bai Koroma, although officially retired from active politics, continues to wield influence within his political party. Many of those implicated in the attack were reportedly former associates of the ex-president, as noted by Information Minister Chernor Bah. Sierra Leone has experienced heightened political tensions since President Bio’s reelection last year, which the opposition alleged was marred by electoral fraud. In the aftermath of Bio’s reelection, authorities apprehended several individuals, including senior military officers, who were purportedly planning protests aimed at destabilizing peace in the country. The nation remains in the process of recovery from a devastating 11-year civil war that concluded over two decades ago. Sierra Leone, with a population of 8 million, ranks among the world’s poorest nations. Nearby Guinea has also been grappling with political instability following a coup in 2021, contributing to regional concerns. The developments underscore ongoing challenges in governance and stability across West Africa, amid efforts to address socio-economic disparities and promote lasting peace.

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Trash balloon from North ‘lands’ in South Korean presidential compound

World /

Heightening tensions between the divided Koreas, a trash balloon allegedly sent from North landed in presidential compound in South Korea on Wednesday. “Nothing dangerous was found,” the Presidential Security Service told Seoul-based Yonhap News. The divided Koreas have been flown balloons carrying trash across the border in recent weeks. Seoul has also resumed blaring out propaganda through loud speakers towards North from the border.

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Rescue efforts ongoing after Southern Ethiopia’s deadly mudslide

Africa /

The search for survivors of a devastating mudslide in southern Ethiopia, which has tragically claimed the lives of at least 229 people, continued on Tuesday. The death toll, initially reported at 55, rose significantly, with local authorities confirming that many of the deceased were individuals who had bravely attempted to rescue others. The disaster struck Ethiopia’s remote Kencho Shacha Gozdi district following heavy rains. Among the victims were young children and pregnant women. Despite the grim toll, there have been at least five survivors rescued, according to Dagmawi Ayele, a local administrator. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed his condolences on Facebook and announced the activation of the federal disaster prevention task force to aid in ongoing search and rescue operations. The exact number of people still missing remains unknown. On Monday, funerals were held for numerous victims while rescue teams continued to comb through the rugged terrain affected by previous mudslides. Authorities from the communications office in Gofa Zone, where the mudslides occurred, confirmed that search efforts were ongoing. Markos Melese, director of the disaster response agency in Gofa Zone, noted that several rescuers themselves remain unaccounted for. Amidst the rescue operations, emotional scenes unfolded as onlookers witnessed rescuers using shovels to clear away thick mud in hopes of finding survivors. Landslides are a recurring hazard during Ethiopia’s rainy season, which spans from July to mid-September.

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Palestinian factions pledge to ‘end divisions’ during Beijing talk...

World /

Palestinian factions have pledged to end divisions during their reconciliatory talks in Beijing, the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced on Tuesday. The representatives inked the declaration “pledging to end division and strengthen unity.” Representatives from 14 groups of Palestinians have held talks in Beijing since Sunday. Video footage released by Chinese state media showed Wang walking along with the representatives of the Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah, after their meeting held in Beijing.

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Somali forces kill dozens of militants in retaliatory strike

Africa /

Officials reported that dozens of al-Shabab militants were killed in recent clashes in southern Jubaland state. The clashes occurred following three coordinated attacks by militants on military bases held by federal and regional forces west and south of Kismayo town. Bulo Haji, Harbole, and Mido were among the bases seized from al-Shabab in the past month. The militants also targeted a fourth base at Bar Sanguni, apparently aiming to disrupt potential reinforcements. Major Mohamed Farah Dahir, spokesperson for Jubaland regional forces, told VOA Somali that 135 militants were killed in the attacks. “In total, we confirmed 135 killed,” he said. “We have also recovered weapons from the deceased. … I have never witnessed such a large number of casualties in one location in my life.” He stated that at least six militants were captured alive. He also noted that the most significant loss of life occurred in Bulo Haji. However, the federal government, which has troops stationed at the attacked bases, provided a different count of casualties. In a prepared statement, the federal Ministry of Information asserted that all assaults were repelled and over 80 militants were killed. Social media accounts have released purported video clips and photos showing numerous dead bodies. Al-Shabab asserted that their militants successfully took control of the bases and claimed that more than 70 soldiers were killed in their assaults. The casualty figures and video clips presented by both sides have not been independently verified by VOA. Al-Shabab has been battling to remove Somalia’s central government in Mogadishu for nearly twenty years. The government has partnered with local clan militias to combat the Islamist insurgents in an ongoing effort bolstered by African Union troops and U.S. air strikes. In the meantime, the Somali government has honored a prison guard with a medal for bravery who was killed after he refused to give the keys to militant prisoners during an attempted jailbreak at Mogadishu’s central prison on July 13th.

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