Global Pulse

标签： Africa

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  • Nigerian police probe 37 deaths in custody of suspected illegal miners

    Nigerian police probe 37 deaths in custody of suspected illegal miners

    A devastating incident in north-western Nigeria has left 37 suspected illegal miners dead while in government detention, triggering official investigations, public mourning and sharp disputes over the cause of death, local authorities have confirmed.

    The group of young men was taken into custody on Tuesday by security forces on suspicion of engaging in unlicensed mining activities near Borgu, a community in Niger state – a mineral-rich region that has long been a hub for small-scale informal gold extraction. Two days after their arrest, all 37 detainees were found dead inside a detention facility operated by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    In an initial statement, the NSCDC attributed the mass death to an apparent outbreak of infectious disease, specifically naming diphtheria – a severe bacterial infection that can turn fatal without prompt medical intervention. However, an intelligence document shared with the AFP news agency has presented an alternative narrative, claiming the deaths stemmed from extreme overcrowding and inadequate ventilation in the holding cell where the suspects were held. Relatives of the deceased have gone further, rejecting the official disease explanation entirely and alleging the suspects were deliberately killed while in custody.

    In a press conference held Thursday, Niger state governor Mohammed Umaru Bago described the incident as “sad and tragic”, announcing that a senior NSCDC commander has already been taken into custody in connection with the deaths. Bago has also declared a three-day period of official mourning across the state, and postponed the launch of election campaigning previously scheduled to begin ahead of January’s polls.

    Nigerian police have launched an independent probe into the incident. “The Niger State Police Command has commenced an immediate investigation into the unfortunate death of suspected illegal miners while in the detention facility of the NSCDC”, police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun confirmed in an official statement. The bodies of all 37 victims have been transferred to the general hospital in Minna, the capital of Niger state, to undergo post-mortem examinations to determine the exact cause of death.

    The incident shines a renewed spotlight on long-running issues surrounding informal gold mining in central Nigeria. According to government officials and independent analysts, unregulated competition for the region’s gold reserves has been a key driver of widespread criminal gang violence across the state. A 2024 investigation by SwissAid also found that a large share of the gold extracted from illegal mines in the region enters global supply chains through illicit trafficking networks.

  • British woman rescued in Malawi shootout that left four suspected kidnappers dead

    British woman rescued in Malawi shootout that left four suspected kidnappers dead

    A 47-year-old British national held captive by kidnappers for nearly six days in southern Malawi has been freed in a dramatic police operation that left four suspected abductors dead and a top-ranking police officer injured, Malawi law enforcement officials have confirmed.

    Nusrat Osman, a long-term Malawi resident who works for a local auditing firm and originally hails from Leicester in the UK, was recovered on Thursday during a targeted raid on a location in the outskirts of Blantyre, the country’s second-largest city. A shootout broke out when responding officers encountered the kidnappers, who were armed with a military-grade AK-47 assault rifle and a sidearm. All four suspects were hit by gunfire during the exchange and later died of their wounds after being transported to a local medical facility, the Malawi Police Service said in an official statement.

    Deputy Inspector General of Police Noel Kayira, who took part in the rescue mission, was also struck by gunfire during the clash. Authorities confirmed he is currently receiving hospital care and remains in a stable condition as of the latest update.

    Following her successful extraction, Osman was reunited with her family and immediately taken to a hospital for routine evaluation and care, including physical and mental health assessments, according to local media reports. Osman had been abducted on September 11 from Blantyre’s Mount Pleasant neighborhood: she was driving to her home when four unidentified men blocked her car, forced her into their vehicle, and abducted her at gunpoint.

    Her disappearance triggered a large-scale, cross-agency search operation, with Malawi authorities offering a substantial reward of 30 million Malawian kwacha (equivalent to roughly $17,000 USD or £12,500 GBP) for any information that would lead to her safe recovery and the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators.

    Investigators have faced multiple unanswered questions in the case in the days since the abduction. Notably, no ransom demand was ever received from the captors, and no communication was received from the group after Osman was taken – a detail that has left law enforcement confused as they work to establish a motive. Police have not yet released the identities of the four dead suspects, nor have they shared details of how intelligence teams tracked the group to the raided location. Authorities also have not confirmed whether additional accomplices remain at large.

    Osman, who is married with two young children, has lived and worked in Malawi for several years. Before the rescue, her family issued heartfelt public appeals for her safe return, describing the weeks of uncertainty as deeply traumatizing and urging anyone with even small details of her whereabouts to contact law enforcement immediately.

    The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirmed to the BBC shortly after the abduction that it was aware of the incident and had been in constant contact with local Malawian authorities to support the search effort.

    Kidnappings of foreign nationals are considered relatively rare in Malawi, so the abduction sparked widespread anxiety among both the southern African nation’s business community and the small population of British expatriates living in the country. In a statement after the rescue, authorities urged the general public to remain calm as investigators continue to piece together the full sequence of events that led to the kidnapping and the subsequent rescue operation. Police say their investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

    For more reporting from across the African continent, visit BBCAfrica.com, or follow BBC Africa on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

  • ‘This is our company’: Nigerians show off oil wealth after share-buying frenzy

    ‘This is our company’: Nigerians show off oil wealth after share-buying frenzy

    Across Nigeria, a ground-shaking shift in the country’s energy and investment landscapes has turned ordinary citizens into part-time oil industry owners, igniting a national wave of investor enthusiasm that has flooded trading platforms and dominated social media feeds. What started as an ambitious vision from Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest billionaire and Nigeria’s most iconic business leader, to create a “people’s IPO” has turned into the largest share offering in African history, capturing the imagination of a nation grappling with widespread economic hardship.

    On Monday, more than 4 billion shares in Dangote’s sprawling Lagos-based oil refinery hit the public market – accounting for just over 3% of the company’s total equity. The offering was structured to be accessible to everyday Nigerians, with a minimum purchase requirement of just 10 shares, equal to roughly $4 (or £3). This low barrier to entry has opened up stock market investing to thousands of first-time participants, turning casual citizens into joke-playing “part-owners” of a facility that has already reshaped Nigeria’s entire oil sector.

    Social media has erupted with playful memes and viral content celebrating the new status of small investors. One widely shared video shows a Nigerian stopping a speeding delivery truck owned by Dangote’s company, lecturing the driver against being reckless with “our company property.” Other memes show small stakeholders dialing up Dangote directly to weigh in on corporate strategy. A new slang term, “Yangote” – a Hausa language pun that translates roughly to “we all own a share now” – has quickly risen to the top of Nigeria’s social media trending charts.

    The unprecedented demand caught popular mobile trading platforms off guard. Leading Nigerian investment app Bamboo crashed entirely on the IPO’s opening day, overwhelmed by the surge of user activity trying to purchase shares. In a public statement after the outage, the platform apologized to users, acknowledging “We know we let you down.”

    Observers say this level of national excitement is almost unprecedented in Nigeria’s modern investment history. Public affairs analyst Jamil Ubah noted that the IPO has tapped into a deep-seated dream of financial advancement for a population where millions struggle to cover basic daily expenses. “I think the hope for the common man is that his money will grow into something big, and don’t forget this is coming at a time when many are struggling as the economy is not doing great,” Ubah explained in an interview with the BBC.

    That enthusiasm has translated directly into action for first-time investors like 25-year-old clothing vendor Idris Lawal Musa, who made his first ever stock market purchase by sinking 21,000 naira ($16, or £12) into 40 shares. “It is no longer Dangote but ‘Yangote’, the company belongs to us now,” Musa told reporters, laughing. Like many small investors participating in the offering, Musa said he plans to sell quickly if the share price rises, fitting with his background as a small business trader.

    The explosive popularity of the IPO also reflects a longer-term shift in Nigeria: the rise of a new investment culture among young Nigerians, who have increasingly embraced mobile trading platforms, digital savings products and cryptocurrency over the past decade. Pre-IPO hype spread rapidly across social media, with users sharing step-by-step investment guides, debating the refinery’s market valuation, and urging friends and family to join in to avoid missing out on the opportunity. That FOMO (fear of missing out) has pulled many first-time investors into the market who have little prior experience with stock risk.

    Even amid the national frenzy, financial experts have issued clear warnings about the potential downside of the hype. Shares can just as easily decrease in value as they can rise, meaning inexperienced investors could lose part or all of their initial investment. Financial analyst Shuaib Uwais cautioned that prospective buyers should not treat the IPO as a guaranteed path to quick wealth. He urged investors to carefully weigh multiple risks that could impact the refinery’s future performance, including disruptions to crude oil supply, unexpected operational challenges, shifting regulatory policies, and global fluctuations in demand for refined petroleum products. “If for any reason the company experiences difficulty in sourcing its raw materials, there could be challenges,” Uwais noted.

    Despite these risks, the IPO marks a major milestone for both Nigeria’s economy and Dangote’s years-long project to end the country’s reliance on imported refined fuel. Until the Dangote refinery launched operations two years ago, Nigeria – Africa’s largest crude oil producer – had no large-scale domestic refining capacity, forcing it to import nearly all finished petroleum products for domestic use. Today, the 700,000-barrel-per-day facility meets most of Nigeria’s domestic fuel demand, transforming the country’s energy sector. For Dangote, the public share offering is designed to raise capital to fund further expansion of the business – a goal that thousands of newly minted small Nigerian shareholders are now eager to support.

  • Ninth woman’s body found as South African police investigate string of deaths

    Ninth woman’s body found as South African police investigate string of deaths

    A grim new discovery has amplified growing anxiety across eastern Johannesburg, after South African police confirmed Thursday that the body of a ninth woman has been found in the region over the past two months. The latest victim, a woman believed to be in her 30s, was located half-naked, wrapped in a sheet, and dumped along a roadside in Dawn Park, with visible bruising and stab wounds according to local media reports. Authorities have not yet released her public identity as they work to confirm next of kin.

    The discovery marks the latest in a string of unexplained deaths stretching back to mid-July across Ekurhuleni, a populous urban municipality that encompasses eastern Johannesburg suburbs. The first victim’s body was found in Kempton Park on July 15, and a suspect was taken into custody two days after that discovery. To date, investigators have not connected this suspect to any of the subsequent eight deaths, which have been found across multiple communities including Olifantsfontein, Clayville, KwaThema and Kempton Park.

    Three victims have been publicly identified so far: Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, 38, who vanished last week while out for an afternoon run, whose body was recovered three days later behind a local Kempton Park hotel; Itumeleng Kekana, who had been reported missing in July; and Dineo Evelyn Motapane, 38, whose body was found on a KwaThema roadside this past Tuesday. Most of the recovered bodies have been found partially clothed with visible injuries, but official investigators have stopped short of confirming a direct link between all deaths or confirming a serial killer is at large. At this stage, acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has urged the public to avoid unconfirmed speculation, noting that current evidence points to what appear to be “quite distinct, separate events.” Police have also floated the possibility that a criminal group, rather than a lone offender, may be responsible for multiple deaths, and are currently pursuing a named person of interest, though they have not disclosed which cases the individual may be connected to.

    To advance the investigation, police have assembled a cross-disciplinary task force made up of seasoned detectives, intelligence analysts, forensic specialists and other expert investigators tasked with mapping potential connections between the cases. Top South African leaders have publicly committed to bringing those responsible to justice. President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed that “no stone will be left unturned” to hold perpetrators accountable, noting the killings have “caused fear and uncertainty in our communities.” Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi echoed that resolve Thursday, saying “Let’s not get emotional, the gloves are off,” and affirming that state authorities have the full capacity to resolve the killings and protect local communities.

    Officials have offered a substantial reward of 400,000 South African rand, equal to roughly $24,000 USD or £18,000 GBP, for any public information that leads to the arrest of additional perpetrators. They have also issued an appeal to families of missing women across the region to come forward to help identify the remaining unidentified victims.

    The string of deaths has sparked widespread alarm among residents of Ekurhuleni, particularly in the Kempton Park area, and has drawn renewed attention to a longstanding national crisis of elevated violence against women across South Africa. While investigators continue to sort through evidence and cross-reference case details, community unease remains high as authorities work to bring clarity and closure to affected families.

  • Abducted South African journalist found dead with gunshot wounds

    Abducted South African journalist found dead with gunshot wounds

    South Africa is in mourning this week following the tragic killing of veteran sports broadcaster Owen Ndlovu, a well-known figure to sports audiences across the nation, whose death has reignited widespread conversation about the country’s persistent crisis of violent crime.

    According to Gauteng police officials, Ndlovu, a 54-year-old former presenter and producer for the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), was abducted at gunpoint on Tuesday while waiting to pick up his wife after a church service in the Katlehong township, located east of Johannesburg. As his wife approached the couple’s vehicle, three unidentified assailants — one carrying a loaded firearm — ambushed the pair, pushed Ndlovu’s wife aside, and forced the broadcaster into the backseat of his own car before fleeing the scene.

    The abandoned vehicle, a Ford Raptor pick-up truck known locally as a bakkie, was recovered days later in Walkerville, a small town south of Johannesburg. Local residents discovered Ndlovu’s body alongside a road in Thokoza early Wednesday morning, just hours after the abduction. Witnesses reported the body bore visible gunshot wounds, though law enforcement officials note a formal post-mortem examination will be conducted to confirm the official cause of death. Ndlovu’s personal bag was found separately a short distance away on Gauteng’s East Rand, a heavily populated urban and industrial corridor.

    Police have launched an urgent manhunt for the three suspects and opened a formal murder investigation into the incident. Family spokesperson Eugene Mthethwa released a statement saying Ndlovu’s loved ones are reeling from what they describe as a devastating loss, and are currently awaiting updated details from investigating authorities. The family extended gratitude to local residents, law enforcement, and members of the public who joined search efforts after news of the abduction broke.

    Beyond his decades-long career in sports media, Ndlovu leaves behind a multi-faceted legacy in South Africa’s public life. A household name for his years of sports presenting and producing at SABC, he also delivered radio coverage of the country’s top-tier Premier Soccer League for years. Later in his career, he pivoted to advocacy work, pushing for fair royalty payments and creator rights for local musicians, and collaborated with high-profile initiatives including Artists United and the SABC Summer Song of the Year program.

    Fellow journalist Lelo Mzaca paid tribute to Ndlovu in a column for the *Mail & Guardian*, remembering him as a vibrant, energetic personality who brought unmatched enthusiasm and distinctive flair to every segment he hosted. “South Africa has lost a unique and spirited individual whose light shone brightly while it lasted,” Mzaca wrote.

    Ndlovu’s killing has pushed South Africa’s ongoing violent crime crisis back into the national spotlight. Officials from the Gauteng provincial government have called on local communities to share any information that could help investigators apprehend the suspects, emphasizing that combating violent crime remains a top governance priority.

    Data from the latest national crime report, covering the second quarter of 2026 (April to June), underscores the scale of the challenge: the period recorded more than 5,000 murders and nearly 4,000 carjackings across the country. When releasing the figures last month, acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia acknowledged that serious violent crime continues to erode safety and fuel fear in local communities, noting that many high-profile incidents are carried out by well-organized, heavily armed criminal networks that operate with advanced planning and sophistication.

  • African greats inspired by the potential of Nairobi 2029

    African greats inspired by the potential of Nairobi 2029

    In a landmark decision that has sent waves of celebration across the entire African continent, World Athletics announced Tuesday that Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, has secured the right to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships. This will mark the first time the sport’s flagship global event has ever been held on African soil, with Nairobi beating out two former Olympic host cities, London and Rome, to claim the historic bid.

    For decades, East Africa has been a powerhouse of global track and field, producing some of the sport’s most legendary champions and record-breaking athletes. That legacy makes the 2029 announcement feel like a homecoming for the sport, according to many local figures. A 2026 World Athletics survey underscores this deep cultural connection: 68% of Kenyan respondents reported high personal interest in athletics, reflecting the sport’s unique place in the nation’s identity. The 2029 championships will be held at the 48,000-seat Kasarani Stadium, which is already undergoing major redevelopment work to prepare for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

    Legendary Ethiopian long-distance runner Haile Gebrselassie, a two-time Olympic 10,000m gold medalist, was among the first to celebrate the announcement, calling the decision wonderful news for the entire continent. Gebrselassie predicted that the home-field advantage will create an unparalleled atmosphere for both athletes and fans. “Like in soccer, playing at home and playing away is different,” he noted. “It’s a big chance for Kenyans, it’s a big chance for Ethiopians, in 2029, to win a race.” The running great added that he plans to attend the event in person, and he expects the global community will be impressed by Kenya’s ability to host a world-class tournament. He also argued that the win will open doors for other African cities to bid for major global events in the future, saying “If Nairobi can host this championship, why not Addis Ababa? Why not Lagos or South Africa, Uganda, Rwanda? In 2029, I think the whole world will be surprised at how well they host.”

    2015 javelin world champion Julius Yego echoed that optimism, describing the bid win as a transformative moment for the entire continent. “I’m so happy that the world will come to Kenya,” Yego told BBC World Service. “Africa has produced the best of athletes but we’ve never had a chance to witness such a big championship. It is something that will bring people to Africa. And people will know Africa.” Yego added that the milestone should give African nations the confidence to pursue even larger global sporting events, including the Olympic Games. “As Africans, we need to think big and plan ahead and think ‘Yes, it is possible for Africa to host a championship like the World Championships’,” he said. “Same of course for the Olympics. Africa hosted the World Cup in 2010 in South Africa, so I think we’re capable of hosting big events. Let’s dream of hosting the Olympics and bring the best of the world in sports to Africa – to feel Africa, to enjoy Africa.”

    Current and former Kenyan stars have emphasized that the 2029 event will be more than a one-off celebration: it is expected to be a catalyst for a new generation of African athletic talent. Retired 800m world champion Janeth Jepkosgei, who now works as a coach, said the announcement has already electrified the young athletes she trains. “It means a lot for the youth and the juniors because it makes the dream really big,” she explained. “This is the time where the youth and juniors should begin dreaming of winning at home. We have three years for those athletes who are really promising. It is a good way to make them stay dedicated to it, focused and disciplined to the event. I’ve been speaking to my athletes and they’re saying ‘It has come home, we have to be there, on that starting line’.”

    Kenyan sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala, holder of the African 100m record, knows firsthand how a home global youth event can shape an athletic career: he was inspired by Nairobi’s hosting of the 2017 Under-18 World Championships. Now, he says the 2029 senior championships will give a massive boost to both current and future athletes. “I can imagine what this is going to do to up-and-coming athletes,” Omanyala said. “They’re going to see all these stars coming into the country and they’ll be having this chance to watch them warm up and compete. That will be a huge motivation.” He added that hosting the World Championships has always been a dream for the Kenyan athletics community.

    The 2029 World Athletics Championships fits into a growing pipeline of major global sporting events coming to Africa over the next four years. The first of these is the Youth Olympics, set to kick off in Dakar, Senegal, from October 31 to November 13 this year. Next year, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will co-host the men’s Cricket World Cup, and in 2030, the men’s FIFA World Cup will return to the continent for the first time since South Africa’s 2010 tournament, when Morocco co-hosts alongside Spain and Portugal. Both Egypt and South Africa have already publicly expressed interest in bidding to host the 2036 Olympic Games, building on the momentum of recent major event wins across the continent.

  • Legendary Nigerian actor Olu Jacobs dies aged 84

    Legendary Nigerian actor Olu Jacobs dies aged 84

    One of Nigeria’s most legendary and beloved entertainers, Olu Jacobs, who built a decades-long career that shaped the trajectory of Nollywood across theater, television, and film, has passed away at the age of 84. His death was confirmed by his wife, fellow veteran actress Joke Silva, in an official statement, where she asked that the public grant the grieving family space and privacy during this difficult period.

    In her statement, Silva honored Jacobs with the title “The Lion of Lufodo,” reflecting his towering status in Nigerian performing arts, and reflected that he had lived a full, purposeful life marked by unwavering dedication to his craft. Across his more than 50-year career, Jacobs built an extensive body of work, with standout roles in well-known projects including *My Kingdom*, *Covert Operation*, and *One Fine Day*.

    Widely regarded as a foundational father figure of Nollywood, Nigeria’s world-famous film industry, Jacobs commanded universal respect and admiration from audiences, peers, and industry stakeholders across the nation. Beyond his on-screen work, Jacobs and Silva co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, institutions that have nurtured generations of new performing talent across Nigeria, expanding his impact far beyond his own screen credits.

    Born on July 11, 1942, Jacobs received formal acting training at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. He launched his professional career with roles in British television series and international film productions before returning to focus on Nigeria’s growing entertainment sector, where he would emerge as one of the defining figures of the national film industry. He earned a reputation for his commanding on-screen presence and remarkable versatility, seamlessly moving between theater, television, and feature film roles across decades.

    Throughout his career, Jacobs collected numerous prestigious honors in recognition of his contributions. He won the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and received multiple lifetime achievement awards for his work elevating African cinema. In 2011, the Nigerian government awarded Jacobs the national distinction of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), one of the country’s highest civilian honors, in recognition of his decades of service to Nollywood.

    Jacobs had stepped back from public life in recent years, as he managed ongoing health challenges. In her statement, Silva reiterated the family’s request for privacy, calling on digital content creators and social media users to honor the family’s wishes as they mourn. For more coverage of African news and entertainment updates, visit BBCAfrica.com or follow BBC Africa on social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

  • South Africa prosecutors drop case against suspended police chief

    South Africa prosecutors drop case against suspended police chief

    South African national prosecutors have formally announced the withdrawal of criminal charges against the country’s suspended national police commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, after a full evidence review found no solid basis to secure a conviction in court. The 62-year-old top law enforcement official was first indicted in April this year on allegations of dereliction of duty, charged with failing to exercise adequate oversight over a controversial multi-million-dollar police health services tender that later triggered a wide-ranging corruption investigation. Masemola has maintained his innocence on all counts since the charges were first filed.

    Shortly after the criminal case was opened, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Masemola on administrative precautionary suspension pending the outcome of the legal proceedings. On Tuesday, the National Director of Public Prosecutions Andy Mothibi confirmed that after a thorough assessment of evidence collected by the Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), his office had determined there are “no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution” against the suspended police chief. Mothibi emphasized that moving forward with a criminal trial on the basis of insufficient evidence would run counter to the public interest.

    The charges against Masemola stem from a $21 million health tender that was ultimately canceled after corruption allegations came to light. The tender, which was meant to secure medical services for South Africa’s police force, has already led to formal criminal charges against a dozen senior police officers for their roles in the awarding process. The allegations were first uncovered during a national public inquiry into systemic corruption within the national police service, the Madlanga Commission, which Ramaphosa established in September of last year. The commission was launched in response to explosive claims from Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, a provincial police commissioner, that transnational organized crime syndicates had infiltrated the highest levels of South Africa’s national government.

    In a surprising development following the withdrawal announcement, Mothibi also confirmed that the National Prosecuting Authority will launch a separate internal probe into the circumstances that led to Masemola being charged in the first place. The investigation will examine whether any misconduct occurred during the initial evidence assessment and legal application processes that resulted in the charges being filed. Even with the withdrawal ordered, Masemola is still required to make a scheduled court appearance for the withdrawal to be formally entered into the official court record.

    Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has publicly expressed support for the prosecution’s decision, and confirmed that Masemola will meet with President Ramaphosa in the near future to discuss the next steps for his career. As of Tuesday, the presidency has not issued any formal statement confirming whether Masemola will be reinstated to his position as national police chief.

    Masemola’s case marks the third time that a sitting South African national police chief has been the subject of a criminal investigation during their tenure, highlighting the long-running battle against systemic corruption within the country’s law enforcement institutions. Jackie Selebi, the longest-serving police commissioner in South Africa’s post-apartheid history, was convicted in 2010 of accepting bribes from Italian drug kingpin Glen Agliotti in exchange for ignoring Agliotti’s criminal operations, and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. In 2017, former commissioner Khomotso Phahlane was hit with corruption charges; those charges were dropped in 2018, but he was rearrested on similar allegations in 2019, charges he continues to deny.

  • Mbappe, Vini and Konate obscure Real’s Ceuta message

    Mbappe, Vini and Konate obscure Real’s Ceuta message

    A pre-match display of solidarity with the Spanish North African autonomous city of Ceuta has stirred unexpected controversy in La Liga, after three of Real Madrid’s star players obscured the official message printed on unity T-shirts ahead of their dramatic Tuesday clash against Elche.

    Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and new signing Ibrahima Konate rolled their pre-match T-shirts up to chest level, hiding part of the slogan that read “Todos somos caballas” — translated as “We are all Ceutans” — that had been distributed to both squads to show support for the territory amid an ongoing migration crisis. While the three Real Madrid players adjusted their shirts, all other members of both Real Madrid and Elche kept the garments fully visible through all pre-match formalities. Mbappe and Vinicius went a step further, removing the shirts entirely before the traditional pre-match handshake between the two sides, while Konate left his on for several additional minutes. Representatives for all three players have been approached for comment on their choice to modify the solidarity garment.

    The pre-match tribute was organized as part of a broader La Liga-wide campaign to back Ceuta, which faced an unprecedented migration emergency in late July. Over two days, July 30 and 31, more than 72,000 migrants crossed the border from Morocco into the small Spanish territory, many swimming around the fortified border fence that divides the two territories. Ceuta’s mayor confirmed that at least 100 migrants lost their lives during the dangerous crossing. While the vast majority of arrivals have returned to Morocco, an estimated 5,000 people remain, staying in unregulated makeshift camps or sleeping rough on city streets and public beaches. The unplanned influx has sparked social unrest in the city, with local residents voicing widespread public safety concerns, and some locals taking extreme action including destroying migrant shelters and blocking humanitarian aid convoys.

    This is not the first public show of support for Ceuta from Real Madrid as a club. Earlier this season, ahead of a Champions League group stage match against Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu on September 8, fans in the stadium’s south stand arranged a card display featuring Ceuta’s official coat of arms, and the entire crowd joined the tribute with a unanimous round of applause.

    The controversy over the T-shirts emerged minutes before a memorable match for Real Madrid, who fought back from surrendering an early two-goal lead to secure a last-gasp 3-2 win. Carlos Espina scored the decisive winning goal in second-half stoppage time, with Mbappe among the club’s goal scorers on the night, and Vinicius named in the starting lineup.

    The incident also brings to light divides across La Liga over the Ceuta solidarity initiative. Barcelona declined to participate in the T-shirt campaign entirely, while players at most other top-flight fixtures across the league wore the garments as planned.

    As a side note, Real Madrid has enjoyed a blistering start to the current season, winning six of their seven matches across all competitions, cementing their position as one of the title favorites for the 2025-26 La Liga campaign.

  • Meet the Scottish teenagers poised to represent Uganda

    Meet the Scottish teenagers poised to represent Uganda

    For two teenage Scottish brothers from Partick Thistle, the dream of international football recognition is taking an unexpected and historic turn. Eighteen-year-old goalkeeper Olly Fisher and 16-year-old striker Seb Fisher are on track to represent Uganda, a path they never could have anticipated just a year ago. What makes this opportunity even more remarkable is their eligibility through birthright: their mother Kate was born in Uganda, after their grandfather moved there to teach and spent four or five years raising a family in the East African nation. If they earn their spots in the national youth teams, the siblings will become the first white players to ever wear an Uganda national football shirt, a milestone that has already captured attention across both countries.

    The chain of events that led to this unique opportunity started with a casual conversation years ago. The Fished’ father struck up a chance chat with a football consultant at a match in Nigeria, and six months ago, the family learned that Uganda’s national youth program was interested in bringing the brothers in for trials. By early August, the pair received official invitations to join the under-20 and under-17 national training camps respectively. They traveled to Jinja, in eastern Uganda, last week and are set to stay for another week to complete their camp assessments.

    Both brothers have described their shock and deep honor at receiving the call-ups. “I couldn’t believe it when I got the invitation,” Seb recalled in an interview with BBC Sport Scotland. “It’s the kind of opportunity that you never imagine coming your way, even in your wildest dreams. Most people I’ve told can barely believe it either.” Olly echoed his brother’s reaction, noting that the news brought a flood of conflicting emotions: “I was really shocked because I never thought this was a possibility. But at the same time, I felt so honored to be asked to represent Uganda. It’s a huge opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.” Their mother Kate, who was born in the country her sons are now set to represent, is ecstatic about the experience, telling the boys it will be life-changing no matter what happens.

    There is already a strong Scottish connection guiding the brothers through this process, as Laryea Kingston, the current head coach of Uganda’s under-20 national team, is a former Hearts and Ghana midfielder with deep ties to Scottish football. Coach Kingston is the one who first highlighted the historic nature of the Fisher brothers’ potential call-ups, a point that is not lost on the teenagers. “Coach Kingston told us we’d be the first white players to represent Uganda, which means this would be history in the making,” Seb said. “That makes it really, really special.” Olly agreed, adding that breaking new ground for the nation’s football program makes the entire experience feel one-of-a-kind.

    Growing up, the brothers heard countless stories about Uganda from their grandparents, so the country already feels like a connected part of their family history, even before they set foot on its soil. Though they have had to adapt to oppressively warm training conditions that they never experienced back in Scotland, the brothers say they have been embraced wholeheartedly by their new teammates. “Everyone has been so brilliant and welcoming,” Seb explained. “Some of the boys actually come from the same area where my mum was born, so we’ve had a lot to talk about already, and it’s helped us build those connections fast.”

    After the training camp concludes, the brothers will return to Scotland to resume their everyday lives: Olly will split his time between playing for Partick Thistle and starting university, while Seb will go back to playing for the club and finishing secondary school. But both are already planning ahead for their return to Uganda to join their international teammates. Olly has his sights set on securing a spot on the under-20 squad if Uganda qualifies for next year’s Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, while Seb is hoping to earn a place on the under-17 roster for the Under-17 World Cup scheduled for November in Qatar. For the young footballers, this opportunity is exactly what every aspiring player dreams of. “That’s what you want as a footballer, being in an international environment,” Seb said. “Pushing yourself against top talent and competing at this level will only make you a better player. I’m sure this experience will benefit us a lot when we go back to Scotland and continue playing for Partick Thistle.”