Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • Mane destroys Salah’s Afcon dream again – will he get another chance?

    Mane destroys Salah’s Afcon dream again – will he get another chance?

    In a dramatic semi-final clash at the Grand Stade de Tangier, Senegal secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Egypt in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, extending Sadio Mane’s dominance over former Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah on the international stage. The decisive moment arrived in the 78th minute when Mane unleashed a powerful strike that shattered Egyptian hopes and propelled the Teranga Lions into Sunday’s championship final.

    The match, characterized by tactical caution and limited scoring opportunities, saw Egypt’s offensive efforts stifled by Senegal’s organized defense. For Salah, the defeat marks another painful chapter in his quest for continental glory, adding to previous heartbreaks against the same opponent in the 2021 AFCON final and 2022 World Cup qualification playoff.

    Speaking post-match, Mane acknowledged his rival’s efforts: ‘It’s never easy for him—he did everything to carry his team until now. Unfortunately, one of us had to lose. I’m happy to be in the final.’

    The loss raises questions about Salah’s future in the tournament despite his impressive four-goal performance throughout the competition. The 33-year-old forward, who has won every major club honor with Liverpool, has consistently identified AFCON victory as his primary career objective. ‘Nobody, even in Egypt, wants to win this trophy more than me,’ Salah had declared after Egypt’s quarter-final victory against Ivory Coast. ‘I have won almost every prize. This is the title I am waiting for.’

    Football analysts including former Nigeria international John Obi Mikel expressed sympathy for Salah’s continued continental disappointment: ‘He has won everything at club level but everyone wanted him to win this title.’ Former Morocco midfielder Hassan Kachloul added that time is becoming a factor: ‘He will try to concentrate on the next tournament and win the title—or else it will be the one that gets away.’

    Egypt will face Nigeria in Saturday’s third-place playoff before Salah returns to Liverpool, where his long-term future remains uncertain following recent public comments about his club situation. While Salah could theoretically feature in the 2027 and 2028 tournaments before AFCON transitions to a four-year cycle, this defeat represents another missed opportunity for African football’s most celebrated player to claim its most coveted prize.

  • Actor-director Tim Busfield jailed on child sex abuse charges

    Actor-director Tim Busfield jailed on child sex abuse charges

    Prominent Hollywood actor and director Timothy Busfield, renowned for his roles in ‘The West Wing’ and ‘Thirtysomething,’ has been formally charged with multiple counts of child sexual abuse following his surrender to Albuquerque authorities. The 68-year-old performer was taken into custody without bond at Bernalillo County jail on Tuesday after an arrest warrant was issued the previous day.

    The allegations stem from incidents reportedly occurring during production of the Fox crime drama ‘The Cleaning Lady,’ where Busfield served as executive producer and director. According to court documents, twin boys aged 11 have accused the industry veteran of inappropriate physical contact over a two-year period beginning when they were seven years old. The criminal complaint indicates the alleged incidents took place on set during production pauses.

    In a pre-surrender video statement, Busfield vehemently denied all accusations, characterizing them as ‘lies’ and expressing confidence in his eventual exoneration. ‘I did not do anything to those little boys,’ the actor declared in the 45-second recording.

    The investigation affidavit reveals Busfield acknowledged occasional physical interaction with the children—such as tickling or lifting them—but maintained these actions were playful and occurred in the presence of others. The document also suggests potential motivation for false allegations, citing the mother’s alleged desire for revenge after her sons were reportedly replaced in the series’ final season.

    Busfield’s professional credentials include his Emmy-winning performance as White House reporter Danny Concannon in ‘The West Wing’ and his role in the groundbreaking ensemble drama ‘Thirtysomething.’ He is married to actress Melissa Gilbert, former Screen Actors Guild president and ‘Little House on the Prairie’ star.

    The case continues to develop as legal proceedings commence, with the entertainment industry closely monitoring one of its established figures facing serious criminal allegations.

  • Gates Foundation unveils $9 billion budget and plans to cut staff

    Gates Foundation unveils $9 billion budget and plans to cut staff

    The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has unveiled a groundbreaking $9 billion budget for 2026—the largest in its history—while simultaneously initiating a strategic restructuring that will reduce its workforce by up to 500 positions over the coming five years. This dual announcement represents a significant evolution for the world’s most influential philanthropic organization as it advances toward its planned closure in 2045.

    The record expenditure, approved by the foundation’s board this week, represents an increase from last year’s $8.74 billion budget and will accelerate funding across critical initiatives including women’s health, vaccine development, polio eradication, artificial intelligence applications, and U.S. education programs. Concurrently, the organization will implement an operational cost cap of $1.25 billion (approximately 14% of total budget) through careful staff reduction and efficiency measures.

    Foundation CEO Mark Suzman emphasized the deliberate nature of these changes, stating the staff reductions would occur incrementally rather than through sudden layoffs. ‘We will do this thoughtfully, carefully, and systematically,’ Suzman told the Chronicle of Philanthropy. ‘We’ll be recalibrating it every year. That 500-person target is a maximum target.’

    The strategic shift occurs against a challenging global backdrop where cuts in U.S. government humanitarian spending have increased the importance of philanthropic support. Bill Gates noted in a recent blog post that child mortality rates have increased for the first time this century, from 4.6 million in 2024 to 4.8 million in 2025, signaling that ‘the world went backwards’ last year.

    In response, the foundation will prioritize three key areas over the next two decades: maternal and child health, infectious disease prevention, and poverty reduction. The organization is also expanding its geographical presence with newly established Africa and India Offices Division, while transferring HIV and tuberculosis program management from Seattle headquarters to African offices.

    Despite the planned eventual closure, Suzman maintains optimism about the foundation’s future impact: ‘We are moving into what I believe is going to be the most impactful period of the Gates Foundation in its history. We’ve learned a huge amount over the last quarter century. We’ve built expertise, credibility, and partnerships.’

    The foundation continues to balance its embrace of technological innovation with caution, acknowledging both the potential benefits and risks of artificial intelligence. Last July, the organization joined a coalition pledging $1 billion in grants and investments to develop AI tools for public defenders and social workers over the next 15 years.

  • From Nizami kitchens to UAE: Asha Bhosle to unveil ‘The Royal Hyderabadi Table’ at Asha’s

    From Nizami kitchens to UAE: Asha Bhosle to unveil ‘The Royal Hyderabadi Table’ at Asha’s

    Renowned Indian playback singer Asha Bhosle has arrived in the United Arab Emirates to introduce ‘The Royal Hyderabadi Table’ culinary experience at her restaurant chain Asha’s. The legendary vocalist, whose career has spanned over seven decades, is personally overseeing the launch across Middle Eastern locations including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

    The new menu represents a deeply personal culinary journey for Bhosle, drawing inspiration from her 1962 visit to Hyderabad where she performed alongside her sister Lata Mangeshkar. During this formative trip, she immersed herself in the Nizami culture’s sophisticated hospitality traditions and time-honored cooking techniques that have influenced her culinary philosophy ever since.

    Bhosle will work directly with the restaurant’s culinary teams to ensure authentic reproduction of Hyderabadi flavors, spices, and cooking methods rooted in Nizami kitchen traditions. The menu highlights include lamb haleem, kunafa chicken, and premium Hyderabadi lamb chops finished with gold caviar—dishes presented as cultural heritage rather than mere indulgence.

    The Royal Hyderabadi Table also reflects the historical culinary connections between Hyderabad’s cuisine and Middle Eastern influences, where ingredients and traditions have intersected for centuries. Following its Middle Eastern debut, the special menu will launch later this year at Asha’s Birmingham location in celebration of the restaurant’s 20th anniversary.

    The initiative demonstrates Bhosle’s longstanding passion for cooking, which has previously manifested through her handwritten recipes that continue to influence Asha’s regular menu. The launch represents a convergence of cultural memory and gastronomic excellence, bringing a taste of royal Hyderabadi tradition to international diners.

  • Burkina Faso sack coach as Mali hit by resignations

    Burkina Faso sack coach as Mali hit by resignations

    West African football has been plunged into dual crises following the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Burkina Faso’s national team has terminated coach Brama Traore and his entire technical staff after their disappointing performance in the tournament.

    The Burkinabe Football Federation (FBF) announced the decisive move on January 14, 2026, citing the team’s failure to meet pre-established objectives. The Stallions had been targeting at least a semi-final berth but suffered a comprehensive 3-0 defeat against defending champions Ivory Coast in the round of 16.

    FBF chairman Oumarou Sawadogo expressed profound disappointment, stating that the early elimination had deeply frustrated supporters, football stakeholders, and governing bodies. Traore, who had been appointed in March 2024 following Hubert Velud’s departure, saw his tenure cut short after replicating Burkina Faso’s last-16 exit from the 2023 edition.

    Meanwhile, Mali’s football administration faces its own leadership vacuum after ten of the nineteen executive committee members of the Malian Football Federation (Femafoot) resigned en masse. This mass departure creates significant administrative challenges despite the national team’s relatively successful Afcon campaign, where they reached the quarter-finals matching their 2023 performance.

    Femafoot officials have moved quickly to dispel rumors regarding coach Tom Saintfiet’s position. Communications officer Ladji Kone explicitly told BBC Sport Africa that the Belgian tactician “has not been dismissed, and no decision has been taken in that regard.”

    The resignation wave notably excluded federation president Mamatou ‘Bavieux’ Toure, who was re-elected to a second term in April 2023 while detained on corruption allegations. Toure was subsequently released after spending 622 days in prison.

    Internal sources indicate the crisis stems from persistent administrative dysfunction and mounting internal tensions within the Malian football governing body.

    Saintfiet, who assumed coaching duties in September 2024, remained detached from the political turmoil, emphasizing his focus on sporting achievements. “I coached Mali to the quarter-final for the second time (in a row), that is the only thing I can say,” the 52-year-old Belgian stated from his home country.

  • Sudan peace talks resume in Cairo as war nears 3-year mark

    Sudan peace talks resume in Cairo as war nears 3-year mark

    Diplomatic efforts to resolve Sudan’s devastating conflict resumed in Cairo on Wednesday, with Egyptian officials joining United Nations and United States representatives in pushing for an immediate nationwide humanitarian truce. The talks come as the brutal war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) approaches its third year, creating one of the world’s most severe humanitarian catastrophes.

    Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty delivered a forceful statement during a joint press conference with Ramtane Lamamra, the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy for Sudan. Abdelatty declared Egypt’s unwavering position regarding Sudan’s territorial integrity, stating: “Egypt wouldn’t accept the collapse of Sudan or its institutions, or any attempt to undermine its unity or divide its territory.” He characterized these scenarios as “red lines” that Egypt would actively prevent through necessary measures.

    The diplomat drew a clear distinction between legitimate state institutions and armed militias, asserting: “There is absolutely no room for recognizing parallel entities or any militias. Under no circumstances can we equate Sudanese state institutions, including the Sudanese army, with any other militias.”

    Despite previous failed negotiation attempts, participants expressed cautious optimism. Lamamra noted that this fifth meeting of the Consultative Mechanism demonstrated that diplomacy remains a viable pathway toward peace. The discussions revealed regional consensus on securing an immediate humanitarian truce that would include specific troop withdrawals and establishment of safe humanitarian corridors.

    In a significant development, American-led negotiations facilitated the delivery of over 1.3 metric tons of humanitarian supplies to el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, on Wednesday. This marked the first such delivery since the city was besieged 18 months ago. Massad Boulos, the U.S. senior adviser for Arab and African Affairs, announced on social media platform X that the U.S. would continue pressing for nationwide truce while supporting mechanisms for unhindered aid delivery to famine-stricken regions.

    The humanitarian situation remains dire amid ongoing violence. Recent reports indicate at least 19 civilians killed during ground operations in Jarjira, North Darfur, on Monday, with additional casualties from drone attacks in Sinja, Sennar province. The Sudan Doctors Network accused the RSF of deliberately targeting civilians in what they described as “a full-fledged war crime.” According to the International Organization for Migration, recent violence has displaced over 8,000 people from North Darfur villages, with many fleeing to Chad.

    The United States has formally accused the RSF of committing genocide in Darfur, while rights groups have documented widespread atrocities by both sides. The so-called Quad mediators—Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States—have proposed a humanitarian truce that both warring parties reportedly agreed to, yet combat operations continue unabated throughout the country.

  • ‘Adolescence’ Season 2? Stephen Graham drops big hint after Golden Globes win

    ‘Adolescence’ Season 2? Stephen Graham drops big hint after Golden Globes win

    The acclaimed limited series ‘Adolescence’ may be poised for an unexpected return, as co-creator and star Stephen Graham revealed potential plans for a second season following his Golden Globes victory. Graham, who secured the award for Best Male Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology, or TV Movie for his portrayal of father Eddie Miller, indicated that creative discussions about continuing the story are underway.

    During backstage conversations at the awards ceremony, Graham acknowledged that while no definitive decisions have been made, the concept for a new season resides in what he described as the ‘deep recesses’ of his mind and that of co-creator Jack Thorne. The actor suggested a potential timeline of three to four years before any new installment might materialize, urging fans to ‘stay tuned’ for future developments.

    The speculation surrounding the show’s continuation began as early as April 2025, when Plan B co-presidents Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner confirmed preliminary discussions with director Philip Barantini about potential new iterations. Gardner emphasized their commitment to preserving the series’ core DNA while exploring innovative narrative directions that wouldn’t simply rehash the original storyline.

    ‘Adolescence’ achieved remarkable critical and commercial success since its debut, becoming Netflix’s second most-watched English-language series with over 146 million views within its first 91 days. The show’s awards season dominance included 13 Emmy nominations resulting in 8 wins, followed by 5 Golden Globe nominations. The recent ceremony also saw victories for Owen Cooper (Best Supporting Actor as Jamie Miller) and Erin Doherty (Best Supporting Actress as therapist Briony Ariston).

    The series explores the devastating aftermath of a serious crime committed by a 13-year-old boy, examining the profound impact on his family and their struggle for redemption. Its potential continuation represents a significant development in the streaming landscape, where successful limited series increasingly evolve into ongoing franchises.

  • Ethiopia begins $12.5 billion construction of 4-runway ‘Africa’s biggest airport’

    Ethiopia begins $12.5 billion construction of 4-runway ‘Africa’s biggest airport’

    Ethiopia has commenced construction on a monumental $12.5 billion aviation infrastructure project that will establish the continent’s largest airport in the town of Bishoftu. The ambitious Bishoftu International Airport, scheduled for operational launch in 2030, represents a transformative investment in Africa’s aviation landscape.

    Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali announced via social media platform X that this project stands as “the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa’s history.” The megaproject will feature four parallel runways and unprecedented capacity specifications, including parking facilities for 270 aircraft simultaneously and annual passenger handling capability of 110 million travelers.

    The scale represents a quantum leap from Ethiopia’s existing main airport, which currently operates at less than one-quarter of this capacity. Prime Minister Abiy noted that current aviation infrastructure would reach saturation within the next 24-36 months based on existing traffic growth patterns.

    State-owned Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, secured the design and development contract for the facility located approximately 45 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa. According to Infrastructure Development & Planning Director Abraham Tesfaye, the airline will directly fund 30% of the project cost while international lenders will cover the remaining 70%.

    Financial backing includes significant commitment from the African Development Bank, which pledged $500 million in August and will lead efforts to raise an additional $8.7 billion. Tesfaye confirmed strong financing interest from lenders across the Middle East, Europe, China, and the United States.

    The project budget has increased from initial estimates of $10 billion to the current $12.5 billion valuation. Earthworks preparation has already commenced with $610 million allocated for initial groundwork, scheduled for completion within twelve months. Primary construction contractors are expected to begin operations in August 2026.

    This infrastructure development coincides with Ethiopian Airlines’ continued expansion, having added six new routes during the 2024/25 fiscal year while reporting substantial revenue growth.

  • Uganda election chief says he has had threats over results declaration

    Uganda election chief says he has had threats over results declaration

    Uganda’s Electoral Commission Chairman Simon Byabakama has publicly denounced intimidation attempts from senior government officials seeking to influence the outcome of Thursday’s presidential election. The electoral head confirmed receiving direct threats warning him against declaring certain candidates as winners, though he declined to identify the officials involved.

    Byabakama’s statements came in response to a viral video featuring Presidential Assistant Yiga Kisakyamukama, who explicitly stated that the electoral body would never announce opposition leader Bobi Wine as president regardless of actual vote results. “Some people say if you don’t declare so-and-so as president, you will see. I tell them that I am not in the business of donating votes,” Byabakama asserted during a press conference at the commission’s Kampala headquarters.

    The electoral chairman emphasized his commitment to legal procedures, stating that only the will of voters would determine the election outcome. “The law says that the candidate who receives more than 50% plus one of the total valid votes cast is the president of Uganda. It is the voters who determine how many votes a candidate gets,” he explained, adding that results would be declared within 48 hours after polls close.

    This election pits 81-year-old President Yoweri Museveni, seeking his seventh term after nearly four decades in power, against main challenger Bobi Wine—a 43-year-old pop star-turned-politician who finished runner-up in the 2021 polls. Six other candidates are competing for the presidency, with approximately 21.6 million registered voters eligible to participate.

    The electoral process has been marred by significant tensions, including the disruption of opposition campaigns, detention of activists, and violent break-ups of rallies by police. Byabakama addressed concerns about the heavy military presence in urban areas, stating security forces were deployed to maintain peace but should not intimidate voters. He also acknowledged investigating reports of polling stations being established within military premises.

    Adding to the pre-election tensions, Ugandan authorities implemented nationwide internet restrictions and limited mobile services on Tuesday, citing the need to curb “misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud and related risks.” This network outage has raised additional concerns about potential repression during the critical voting period.

  • UAE weather: Fair to partly cloudy skies; temperatures to dip to 10ºC

    UAE weather: Fair to partly cloudy skies; temperatures to dip to 10ºC

    Meteorological authorities in the United Arab Emirates have issued a weather forecast indicating predominantly fair to partially overcast conditions across the nation on Wednesday, January 14th. According to the National Center of Meteorology, residents should anticipate increased humidity levels during nighttime and early Thursday morning, particularly in western coastal and inland regions where mist formation remains probable.

    Wind patterns are expected to shift from light to moderate southeasterly to northwesterly directions, with velocities ranging between 10-25 km/h. These winds may occasionally intensify, reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h during peak periods.

    Temperature readings recorded on Tuesday revealed a maximum of 28°C in Al Qor, Dubai, at 2:15 PM. The meteorological outlook for Wednesday suggests temperature variations between 10°C and 28°C nationwide. Dubai anticipates temperatures spanning from 18°C to 26°C, while Abu Dhabi expects a slightly broader range of 15°C to 26°C. The emirate of Sharjah will experience moderately cooler conditions with temperatures fluctuating between 14°C and 24°C.

    Maritime conditions in the Arabian Gulf are forecasted to remain slight to moderate, while the Oman Sea will maintain generally calm waters throughout the period.