Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • History-maker Girmay signs for Iniesta’s new team

    History-maker Girmay signs for Iniesta’s new team

    In a landmark development for professional cycling, Eritrean champion Biniam Girmay has embarked on a new chapter with NSN Cycling, the recently rebranded team co-owned by Spanish football legend Andres Iniesta. The three-year agreement marks a significant transition for Girmay, who departs from Belgian outfit Intermarche-Wanty Gobert after achieving unprecedented success.

    Girmay’s cycling credentials are extraordinary, having made history as the first black African to claim the Tour de France’s prestigious green points jersey in 2024. His palmarès also includes stage victories at both the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia, complemented by a triumph at the challenging cobbled classic Gent-Wevelgem in 2022.

    The 25-year-old phenom brings exceptional talent to his new team, particularly excelling in one-day races and Grand Tour stages featuring rolling terrain and sprint finishes. His remarkable pedal power and tactical intelligence have established him among the peloton’s most formidable competitors.

    “I’m genuinely excited to join NSN Cycling and embrace this fresh atmosphere and new beginning,” Girmay stated. “Examining the team’s sprint capabilities, they’ve consistently demonstrated impressive strength. I eagerly anticipate our collaboration.”

    NSN Cycling represents the transformation of the former Israel-Premier Tech team, which faced substantial controversy during the previous season. The team encountered protests related to the Israel-Gaza conflict during September’s Vuelta a España, culminating in the cancellation of the final Madrid stage amid chaotic scenes involving rider interventions.

    The organizational overhaul saw co-owner Andres Iniesta’s Never Say Never entertainment company assume full financial control after previous sponsors Premier Tech and Factor withdrew support. The team has now been officially registered in Switzerland with Spanish operational structures.

    Girmay’s transition reportedly involves a substantial salary increase, potentially doubling his previous seven-figure euro compensation from Intermarche-Wanty Gobert. Beyond financial considerations, the Eritrean champion emphasized the team’s commitment to developing African cycling through community initiatives, including a cycling track project in Rwanda.

    “In Eritrea, cycling represents our cultural identity – it flows through our veins,” Girmay explained. “As an African competitor, I’m dedicated to advancing African cycling development. This organization has already accomplished remarkable work, and we need stakeholders who can provide opportunities, facilitate European access for riders, and deliver essential infrastructure.”

    The restructured team retains considerable sprinting talent, including British riders Ethan Vernon and Jake Stewart, potentially creating one of the peloton’s most formidable lead-out trains for Girmay’s finishing capabilities.

  • Pastor and new bride abducted in latest Nigeria attacks

    Pastor and new bride abducted in latest Nigeria attacks

    A fresh wave of coordinated kidnappings has struck Nigeria, with armed assailants seizing at least 20 individuals across two separate incidents over the weekend, exacerbating the nation’s ongoing security crisis.

    In the central Kogi state, attackers violently stormed the newly established Cherubim and Seraphim Church during Sunday services. The assailants discharged firearms into the congregation, creating panic and chaos as worshippers scrambled for safety. The gunmen subsequently abducted the church pastor, his wife, and several other parishioners in a brazen assault on religious freedom.

    Simultaneously, in the predominantly Muslim northern region of Sokoto, a pre-wedding gathering turned into a nightmare when gunmen raided a residential compound. The perpetrators kidnapped a bride-to-be along with her bridesmaids and wedding guests who had assembled for traditional pre-nuptial ceremonies. Additional victims included an infant, the child’s mother, and another woman according to confirmed reports.

    These incidents represent an alarming pattern of targeted attacks on educational institutions and places of worship throughout northern and central Nigeria. While criminal gangs seeking ransom payments are widely believed responsible for most abductions, presidential spokespersons have controversially attributed the attacks to jihadist organizations, creating conflicting narratives about perpetrator motivations.

    Kingsley Fanwo, official spokesperson for the Kogi state government, verified the Ejiba church attack to international media while acknowledging difficulties in confirming precise casualty figures. Fanwo stated that combined security forces comprising conventional agencies and local defense networks have initiated pursuit operations to locate the kidnappers.

    This security crisis has highlighted the acute vulnerability of rural communities, with approximately 250 schoolchildren and 12 educators remaining missing following a massive abduction several weeks prior. Although some previous kidnapping victims have reportedly been released, the persistent attacks have intensified pressure on Nigerian authorities to enhance protective measures for at-risk populations.

    The Nigerian government has implemented a official ban on ransom payments to disrupt the economics of kidnapping enterprises, though widespread circumvention of this prohibition is believed to continue. The situation attracted international attention recently when former US President Donald Trump threatened military intervention if Christian protections weren’t strengthened, though Nigerian officials maintain that victims represent all religious demographics equally.

  • South Africa to be fully engaged in G20 despite tensions with Washington: president

    South Africa to be fully engaged in G20 despite tensions with Washington: president

    South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphatically declared his nation’s commitment to full participation in G20 affairs, notwithstanding escalating diplomatic tensions with the United States. The announcement came during a national address following Johannesburg’s hosting of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, which notably proceeded without American representation.

    President Ramaphosa underscored South Africa’s foundational role within the G20 framework, asserting the nation’s inherent right to participation. “We must make it clear that South Africa is one of the founding members of the G20 and therefore a member in its own name and right,” stated Ramaphosa. “We will continue to participate as a full, active and constructive member.”

    The diplomatic strain emerged after US President Donald Trump announced intentions to exclude South Africa from next year’s G20 meetings, citing alleged human rights concerns. Trump had previously boycotted the Johannesburg summit based on claims of “white genocide” in South Africa—assertions that Ramaphosa vehemently denounced as “blatant misinformation” and “baseless and false allegations.”

    Despite these tensions, Ramaphosa confirmed the formal transition of G20 presidency to the United States this week, emphasizing South Africa’s continued valuation of bilateral relations with Washington. The African leader expressed regret over the US absence from the recent summit, characterizing the situation as rooted in misinformation while reaffirming commitment to diplomatic dialogue.

    The United States is scheduled to formally assume G20 leadership on December 1, setting the stage for potentially complex multilateral negotiations amid ongoing bilateral disagreements.

  • Nigeria: 14 kidnapped, including bride and 10 bridesmaids

    Nigeria: 14 kidnapped, including bride and 10 bridesmaids

    Nigeria faces a severe security crisis as mass abductions continue to plague the nation, with armed bandits kidnapping 14 individuals including a bride and her bridal party in northeastern Sokoto State. The overnight raid on Chacho village represents the latest in a series of coordinated attacks that have resulted in hundreds of citizens being taken captive in recent weeks.

    According to local resident Aliyu Abdullahi, the assailants targeted the Zango neighborhood during the night of Saturday through Sunday, abducting the newlywed woman along with ten bridesmaids. The attack also claimed a mother and her infant child, plus another female villager. The timing exploited a regional tradition where brides spend their initial married night accompanied by their bridesmaids in their new residence before their husbands join them.

    This incident marks the second assault on Chacho within months, following an October kidnapping where 13 residents were taken and subsequently released only after ransom payments were made. The persistent violence has intensified pressure on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which declared a nationwide state of emergency last Wednesday in response to the deteriorating security situation.

    An intelligence document obtained by AFP indicates Sokoto experienced its highest frequency of bandit-initiated abductions in November over the past year. Security analysts suggest this surge may stem from agreements brokered by neighboring states attempting to negotiate ceasefires with criminal elements. Critics contend these pacts inadvertently enable militant groups to consolidate their strongholds while expanding operations into regions with reduced military presence.

    The escalating crisis has drawn international attention, with former US President Donald Trump threatening military intervention in Africa’s most populous nation, citing violence against Christian communities by radical Islamists. Nigeria continues to struggle against multiple security threats including jihadist factions and criminal networks locally termed ‘bandits,’ who engage in systematic kidnappings for ransom, village raids, and destructive attacks on civilian populations.

  • Isak scores first Premier League goal as Liverpool earn much-needed win

    Isak scores first Premier League goal as Liverpool earn much-needed win

    In a pivotal Premier League clash at London Stadium, Alexander Isak shattered his scoring drought to propel Liverpool to a crucial 2-0 victory over West Ham United on Sunday. The Swedish international, whose £125 million transfer from Newcastle had previously yielded no league goals, finally found the net in his sixth appearance, marking a turning point for the struggling Reds.

    The breakthrough arrived in the 60th minute when Cody Gakpo’s precise cutback found Isak inside the penalty area. The record signing calmly guided a low shot past goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, triggering emotional celebrations after 10 matches without a goal for club and country. Gakpo later secured the points in stoppage time with a clinical 12-yard finish after West Ham’s defensive clearance fell apart.

    Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed palpable relief following the team’s first win in four matches across all competitions. “There’s definitely a feeling of relief because if you have lost so many times, then winning is important,” Slot acknowledged. “We hardly conceded a chance and we were able to create chances ourselves. This is a good first step for us.”

    The match began with West Ham paying emotional tribute to legendary captain and manager Billy Bonds, who passed away earlier Sunday at age 79. The hosts initially matched Liverpool’s intensity, with Areola producing a spectacular save to deny Isak’s acrobatic bicycle kick in the first half.

    West Ham’s challenges compounded when Lucas Paqueta received two quick yellow cards for dissent in the 84th minute, reducing the home side to 10 men. The Brazilian argued vehemently with referee Darren England following a foul decision and subsequently received his marching orders for failing to disengage from the official.

    The victory lifted Liverpool to eighth in the Premier League table, providing respite from their worst run since the 1953-54 season that included nine losses in 12 games. Meanwhile, elsewhere in the Premier League, Boubacar Kamara’s superb strike earned Aston Villa a 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers that moved them to third place, while Manchester United ended Crystal Palace’s nine-month unbeaten home record with a 2-1 comeback victory.

  • ‘I saw them driving over injured people’ – the terrifying escape from war in Sudan

    ‘I saw them driving over injured people’ – the terrifying escape from war in Sudan

    In the aftermath of el-Fasher’s capture by Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), survivors have provided harrowing testimonies of systematic atrocities committed against civilians during the city’s fall. After an 18-month siege that culminated in October, the strategic Darfur city witnessed what victims describe as targeted violence against unarmed populations attempting to flee.

    Abdulqadir Abdullah Ali, a 62-year-old diabetic who suffered permanent nerve damage during the siege due to medication shortages, recounted how RSF fighters fired live ammunition at fleeing civilians. “They were shooting at the people – the elderly, the civilians, with live ammunition, they would empty their guns on them,” Ali stated from a northern Sudan displacement camp where BBC journalists documented accounts under official monitoring.

    The humanitarian crisis has reached catastrophic proportions, with United Nations estimates indicating over 260,000 former el-Fasher residents remain unaccounted for. Those who escaped describe nightmarish journeys through multiple RSF checkpoints where extortion, sexual violence, and executions were commonplace.

    Mohammed Abbaker Adam, a local official who grew a white beard to appear older and avoid suspicion, described witnessing summary executions: “They shot some people directly in front of us and then carried them and threw them far away. On the road, we saw dead bodies out in the open, unburied.”

    Multiple accounts corroborate widespread sexual violence, with fighters allegedly separating women from groups behind trees or taking them out of sight. One 19-year-old survivor described how RSF members abducted a girl from her travel group at a checkpoint, forcing the others to continue without her.

    The RSF has denied systematic abuses through Dr. Ibrahim Mukhayer, an adviser to RSF leader Gen Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo. “Any RSF member proven responsible for wrongdoing will be held fully accountable,” Mukhayer stated, characterizing allegations as politically motivated media campaigns.

    However, evidence gathered from displacement camps near al-Dabbah, approximately 770km northeast of el-Fasher, reveals consistent patterns of violence. Young men faced particular suspicion of being soldiers, with 15-year-old boys subjected to hours of interrogation under threat of whipping and execution.

    The crisis has drawn international condemnation, with the United States previously determining the RSF committed genocide in Darfur. President Donald Trump has promised increased involvement in ceasefire efforts, though survivors remain focused on immediate survival in camps where they arrive stripped of possessions and resources.

    As families struggle to reunite and secure basic shelter, the fall of el-Fasher represents both a strategic victory for the RSF and a humanitarian catastrophe that continues to unfold across Sudan’s devastated landscape.

  • Pakistan ready for the 2026 T20 World Cup, says Salman Agha

    Pakistan ready for the 2026 T20 World Cup, says Salman Agha

    Pakistan’s national cricket team has demonstrated formidable form ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, securing a commanding victory against Sri Lanka in the tri-series final at Rawalpindi Stadium. Captain Salman Agha expressed strong confidence in his squad’s preparedness following their comprehensive six-wicket triumph on Saturday.

    The decisive match saw Pakistan’s bowling unit dismantle Sri Lanka’s batting lineup, restricting them to a meager 114 runs in 19.1 overs. Spin specialist Mohammad Nawaz delivered an exceptional performance with figures of 3-17 from his four overs, while pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi matched this brilliance with 3-18 from three overs. This bowling dominance set the stage for a controlled chase, completed with eight balls remaining.

    Batting stalwart Babar Azam anchored the innings with an unbeaten 37 runs from 34 deliveries, supported by young opener Saim Ayub’s contributing 36 runs. The victory caps a successful two-month period for Pakistan, having previously outperformed South Africa in both ODI and T20I series.

    Captain Agha emphasized the strategic development of squad depth during post-match comments: ‘Our preparation philosophy focuses on establishing a solid core of 15 players while ensuring reliable backup options. We’ve consciously provided opportunities for emerging talent to prove their capabilities under pressure.’

    Nawaz, awarded Player of the Series for claiming 10 wickets across five matches, attributed his success to simplified strategic approach: ‘As a finger spinner, versatility is limited so I prioritize reading game situations and executing fundamental bowling principles with precision.’

    Conversely, Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka acknowledged his team’s shortcomings, noting particular difficulties against Pakistan’s varied bowling attack. Only three Sri Lankan batsmen reached double figures, with Kamil Mishara’s 59-run contribution providing the sole resistance.

    The tri-series performance positions Pakistan as serious contenders for the upcoming global tournament, with six scheduled matches remaining for final tactical refinements before the World Cup commences in India and Sri Lanka.

  • African nations push to recognize crimes of colonialism in Algeria

    African nations push to recognize crimes of colonialism in Algeria

    ALGIERS, Algeria — In a landmark gathering with profound historical implications, African leaders convened Sunday in Algiers to advance a coordinated campaign demanding formal recognition, criminalization, and reparations for colonial-era crimes. The conference represents a significant escalation in Africa’s long-standing quest for justice regarding historical injustices committed during the colonial period.

    Diplomats and government officials from across the continent gathered to operationalize an African Union resolution adopted earlier this year that explicitly calls for comprehensive justice and reparations for victims of colonialism. Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf set the tone in his opening address, drawing direct parallels between Algeria’s brutal experience under French rule and the broader African narrative of colonial exploitation.

    “Africa possesses every right to demand official and explicit recognition of the crimes perpetrated against its populations during the colonial era,” Attaf declared, emphasizing that such acknowledgment constitutes “an indispensable first step toward addressing the consequences of that period.” He argued that African nations continue to bear the heavy costs of colonial legacy through persistent exclusion, marginalization, and developmental backwardness.

    The economic dimensions of colonial exploitation were highlighted as particularly staggering, with preliminary estimates suggesting trillions of dollars in extracted wealth through the systematic plunder of natural resources including gold, rubber, diamonds, and various minerals. European powers accumulated vast fortunes while implementing brutal methods that left indigenous populations impoverished and systematically disadvantaged.

    A critical component of the emerging framework involves establishing legal mechanisms that would transform restitution from being perceived as “neither a gift nor a favor” but rather as an obligation under international justice principles. This legal approach seeks to address the notable absence of explicit colonial crime references in existing international conventions, including the United Nations Charter, which prohibits territorial seizure by force but lacks specific colonial crime provisions.

    The choice of Algeria as the conference host carries profound symbolic significance. The North African nation endured particularly severe French colonial rule, culminating in a bloody war of independence that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. French forces employed torture, forced disappearances, and village devastation as counterinsurgency tactics during the conflict.

    Beyond historical reckoning, the reparations discussion extends to contemporary issues including the ongoing repatriation of looted artifacts from European museums and addressing what participants characterized as “unfinished decolonization” in territories like Western Sahara. Attaf specifically referenced the Sahrawi people’s struggle for self-determination as emblematic of persistent colonial-era challenges.

    The movement faces complex diplomatic considerations, particularly regarding relations with former colonial powers. While French President Emmanuel Macron previously acknowledged certain historical actions as “crimes against humanity,” he stopped short of issuing formal apologies and urged against excessive focus on past injustices—a position that contrasts sharply with Africa’s escalating demands for comprehensive accountability.

  • Dubai Police call on motorists to follow rules during Eid Al Etihad celebrations

    Dubai Police call on motorists to follow rules during Eid Al Etihad celebrations

    Dubai Police have issued a comprehensive set of traffic and safety regulations for motorists participating in the 54th Eid Al Etihad (Union Day) celebrations. General Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations at Dubai Police, emphasized that traffic awareness and legal compliance are essential for maintaining public safety during the national festivities.

    The senior officer outlined specific prohibited behaviors including: the use of spray paint by any individuals on roadways, obscuring license plates, displaying inappropriate vehicle stickers or slogans, unauthorized vehicle color modifications, overloading vehicles, leaning out of windows or sunroofs, and covering windows with obstructive materials. Additionally, random gatherings, road stunts, and displaying flags other than the UAE national flag are strictly forbidden.

    General Al Mazroui specifically warned against vehicles emitting excessive noise, playing loud music, or using unauthorized sirens. Violators will face significant penalties including fines and vehicle impoundment, with only official Union Day stickers and UAE flags permitted for display.

    For travelers, police advised advanced planning and early departure to airports, particularly around Dubai Airports where congestion is anticipated. Priority will be given to departing and arriving passengers during the holiday period.

    The Assistant Commander-in-Chief emphasized that Union Day represents a symbol of national pride, unity, and belonging that should be celebrated responsibly. Reckless driving and traffic violations could not only cause accidents but also diminish the festive spirit and tarnish the UAE’s civilized international image.

  • UAE Commemoration Day: Ajman honours 19 martyrs by naming streets after them

    UAE Commemoration Day: Ajman honours 19 martyrs by naming streets after them

    In a profound act of national remembrance, the Emirate of Ajman has permanently etched the names of 19 martyrs into its urban landscape by renaming streets in their honor. This significant initiative, executed under the directives of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and implemented by Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, represents a lasting tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation.

    The newly designated streets will be situated in close proximity to the family residences of the honored martyrs, creating a permanent physical connection between their memory and the community they protected. This strategic placement ensures that the legacy of these national heroes remains deeply embedded within the neighborhoods they once called home.

    The commemorative action coincided with the UAE’s annual Commemoration Day observances on November 30th, when the nation fell silent at 11:30 AM in unified tribute. Throughout the country, flags were lowered to half-mast beginning at 8:00 AM as citizens, residents, and leaders collectively honored the nation’s fallen heroes.

    Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi emphasized the profound significance of Commemoration Day, describing it as an occasion that embodies the highest values of sacrifice and devotion. “This day honors men who were true to their duty and met it with honor, rising as martyrs on the fields of dignity and pride in defense of their homeland,” stated the Ruler of Ajman.

    The street naming initiative transcends symbolic gesture, serving as both a memorial to extraordinary bravery and an enduring source of inspiration for future generations. By integrating the martyrs’ names into the city’s infrastructure, Ajman ensures their legacy becomes an inseparable part of the community’s identity, continually reminding residents and visitors alike of the values of courage, loyalty, and patriotism.

    Sheikh Humaid further reflected on the enduring impact of the martyrs’ sacrifices, noting that they established a radiant example of courage and selflessness while laying the foundation for the nation’s current security and stability. “The UAE will remain faithful to its martyrs, preserving their memory and guided by their sacrifices,” he affirmed. “Their heroism will remain a beacon lighting the way forward and instilling in generations to come the spirit of sacrifice and devotion.”