Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • Joshua crash driver case adjourned to March

    Joshua crash driver case adjourned to March

    The driver involved in a December vehicle collision that resulted in the deaths of two members of boxer Anthony Joshua’s training team has been formally charged in Nigerian court. Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, appeared before Sagamu Magistrates Court in Ogun state facing serious charges including causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent operation of a vehicle, driving without due care, and operating without a valid driver’s licence.

    The tragic incident occurred on December 29th along the heavily traveled Lagos-Ibadan expressway in southwest Nigeria when the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua collided with a stationary lorry. The accident claimed the lives of Joshua’s personal trainer Latif Ayodele and strength coach Sina Ghami, both of whom were pronounced dead at the scene. The 36-year-old former world heavyweight champion sustained injuries requiring hospital treatment but was discharged after two days of care.

    During Wednesday’s court proceedings, prosecutors requested additional time to prepare their evidence, leading to an adjournment until March 13th. Kayode, who was making his second appearance before the court, has not yet entered a formal plea to the charges. The case continues to develop as Nigerian authorities pursue justice for the victims of this devastating roadway tragedy.

  • How Zimbabwe returned from abyss to World Cup resurgence

    How Zimbabwe returned from abyss to World Cup resurgence

    In a stunning display of resilience, Zimbabwe’s cricket team has completed one of sport’s most remarkable comebacks by defeating Australia and advancing to the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup. This achievement marks the culmination of a two-decade journey through political oppression, financial ruin, and international exile that nearly destroyed the nation’s cricket legacy.

    The Chevrons’ current success stands in stark contrast to their dark period beginning in 2003, when players Andy Flower and Henry Olonga staged their iconic black armband protest against Robert Mugabe’s regime, symbolizing the ‘death of democracy’ in Zimbabwe. The subsequent years witnessed mass player resignations, voluntary suspension from Test cricket, and overwhelming debt that reached $27 million.

    Former all-rounder Sean Williams recounted the bleakest era: ‘There were more office members employed than players. It looked like Zimbabwe Cricket was dying – if not dead.’ The crisis peaked in 2019 when the International Cricket Council suspended Zimbabwe from international competitions.

    The turnaround began with chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani’s financial restructuring that eliminated nearly all debt through stringent budgeting and staff sacrifices. Strategically, the board embraced an old-school approach focused on Test cricket development. ‘Let’s go back and play Tests – this is the only way our team’s going to improve,’ explained Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Givemore Makoni.

    Pivotal appointments included Justin Sammons as head coach in 2024, who implemented rigorous fitness programs and promoted young talents like Brian Bennett and Blessing Muzarabani. However, the team’s heartbeat remains captain Sikandar Raza, whose journey from failed fighter pilot aspirant to cricketing superstar embodies Zimbabwe’s resilience. Raza’s leadership proved crucial when he rallied the team after poor performances forced them to qualify through a tournament in Kenya.

    The current World Cup campaign has electrified the nation, with Raza noting: ‘This is probably the first time in a long time where fans have travelled to support. We have given them hope that this team is onto something.’

    Despite a recent 107-run defeat to West Indies in the Super 8 stage, Zimbabwe’s victories against former champions Australia and Sri Lanka have already secured their place as tournament darlings. With the 2027 ODI World Cup co-hosted by Zimbabwe on the horizon, the nation’s cricket future appears brighter than ever. As former captain Tatenda Taibu reflected: ‘Possibilities? They are always there where Zimbabwe is concerned.’

  • Two Ugandan women detained after allegedly kissing in public

    Two Ugandan women detained after allegedly kissing in public

    Ugandan authorities have detained two women in their twenties following allegations of public same-sex intimacy, marking another enforcement case under the nation’s stringent Anti-Homosexuality Act. The arrest occurred on February 18 in Arua, a northwestern city, after local residents provided photographic evidence to police showing the women kissing outdoors.

    Police spokesperson Josephine Angucia confirmed that neighbors reported witnessing homosexual behavior and documented the incident before alerting law enforcement. Additionally, residents raised suspicions about overnight gatherings at the women’s one-bedroom residence, suggesting possible same-sex activities. The case has now been forwarded to prosecutors for evaluation and potential judicial action.

    Under Uganda’s controversial legislation, enacted in May 2023, consensual same-sex relations carry life imprisonment penalties, while aggravated offenses including repeat incidents or involvement of minors may result in capital punishment. The detained women currently remain in custody without legal representation according to AFP reports.

    The law has drawn significant international criticism since its implementation, with human rights advocate Frank Mugisha highlighting increased risks of blackmail and extortion against LGBTQ+ individuals who fear reporting violations. Western governments and global organizations including the United Nations have condemned the legislation, leading to temporary suspension of World Bank lending until 2025. Uganda maintains its conservative Christian values amid ongoing international scrutiny regarding human rights protections.

  • Senegal PM proposes tougher anti-LGBT law, doubling prison terms

    Senegal PM proposes tougher anti-LGBT law, doubling prison terms

    In a significant legislative move, Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has proposed substantially increased penalties for same-sex relations, potentially doubling prison terms to a maximum of ten years. The controversial bill, approved by the cabinet last week and formally submitted to parliament on Tuesday, represents the government’s latest effort to strengthen existing prohibitions against homosexual activities in the predominantly Muslim nation.

    The proposed legislation specifically targets what it categorizes as “acts against nature,” elevating potential prison sentences from the current one-to-five year range to five-to-ten years. Notably, the draft law stipulates that offenses involving minors would automatically incur the maximum penalty. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for punishing those who promote or advocate for same-sex relations with three to seven years imprisonment, while also prescribing penalties for unsubstantiated accusations of homosexuality.

    Financial penalties have also been substantially increased under the proposed legislation, with fines reaching up to 10 million CFA francs (approximately $18,000). Despite these heightened punishments, Prime Minister Sonko emphasized that same-sex relations would maintain their current classification as misdemeanors rather than being elevated to more serious criminal categories.

    The legislative initiative follows a recent wave of arrests targeting alleged same-sex relationships, with local media reporting approximately 30 detentions this month alone, including two public figures and a prominent journalist. These developments occur against a backdrop of longstanding tensions surrounding LGBT rights in Senegal, where conservative religious groups frequently characterize pro-LGBT activism as foreign interference and have organized demonstrations demanding stricter enforcement of anti-homosexuality laws.

    Prime Minister Sonko, a former opposition leader appointed to his current position in 2024, had previously pledged to criminalize same-sex relations in the West African country. His Pastef party maintains control of the parliamentary chamber where the bill will eventually be voted upon, though no specific date has been set for the legislative debate.

    International human rights organizations have condemned both the proposed legislation and recent enforcement actions. Human Rights Watch specifically criticized the crackdown as violating “multiple internationally protected rights,” including principles of equality and nondiscrimination. Senegal’s move aligns with a broader trend across several African nations, including Burkina Faso and Mali, which have recently implemented similar sanctions against LGBT communities. Uganda notably enacted some of the world’s most severe anti-homosexuality legislation in 2023, including potential death penalties for certain same-sex acts.

  • UGC Season 3 heads to the Earth Course for a high-stakes Elite Matchplay showdown

    UGC Season 3 heads to the Earth Course for a high-stakes Elite Matchplay showdown

    The Ultimate Golf Challenge (UGC) enters its most strategically pivotal phase as Season 3 transitions to the renowned Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates for Round 2 on February 26. Following the Stableford format opening at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, the competition adopts the intense Elite Matchplay system—a dramatic shift that promises to reshape the championship landscape.

    This format revolution transforms the game into nine simultaneous head-to-head duels where each hole constitutes an individual battle. Unlike traditional stroke play, matchplay demands psychological resilience and tactical precision as players compete to win more holes than their direct opponents. Five athletes from each of the ten participating teams will engage in these parallel contests, with victories earning five points and halved matches yielding two points.

    Tournament Director Brandon De Souza emphasized the round’s extraordinary significance, noting: ‘With up to 225 points potentially in play, this represents a monumental opportunity for teams to radically alter their standings. A single player’s performance can contribute 45 points to their team’s total—a game-changing scenario that could propel lower-ranked squads into immediate contention.’

    The Earth Course itself presents a formidable challenge. Known as one of the region’s most demanding layouts and home to the DP World Tour Championship, it will test competitors’ technical mastery and mental fortitude. The combination of world-class terrain and the unforgiving matchplay format creates what De Souza describes as ‘a potentially season-defining showdown where participants will emerge as either heroes or villains for their teams.’

  • England in T20 World Cup semi-finals after 2-wicket win against Pakistan

    England in T20 World Cup semi-finals after 2-wicket win against Pakistan

    England secured a dramatic berth in the T20 World Cup semifinals following a tense two-wicket victory over Pakistan in their Super Eights clash. The match’s defining moment came from captain Harry Brook, who delivered a spectacular maiden T20 international century under immense pressure. Brook’s promotion to number three in the batting order—a strategic move by coach Brendon McCullum—proved instrumental as he anchored England’s chase of Pakistan’s 164-9 target.

    Facing early adversity at 0-1 after Phil Salt’s golden duck, Brook constructed a masterful innings of exactly 100 runs from just 51 deliveries. His performance featured ten boundaries and four sixes, marking the second-fastest century in T20 World Cup history and the first by any team captain in the tournament. Brook’s partnership with Will Jacks (28 off 23 balls) contributed 52 crucial runs, though late wickets from Mohammad Nawaz induced nervous moments before Jofra Archer sealed victory with a boundary off the final over’s first ball.

    Pakistan’s bowling effort was led by Shaheen Shah Afridi’s impressive return of 4-30, including early breakthroughs that threatened England’s stability. Earlier, England’s bowling unit had restricted Pakistan through Liam Dawson’s 3-24, supported by Jamie Overton (2-26) and Archer (2-32). Opener Sahibzada Farhan provided Pakistan’s batting highlight with a 63-run contribution from 45 deliveries.

    The outcome leaves Pakistan’s semifinal hopes contingent on defeating Sri Lanka and favorable results from other Super Eight matches, after their opening game against New Zealand was washed out. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha acknowledged Brook’s ‘outstanding’ innings as the decisive factor that ultimately took the game away from his side.

  • Drones hammer Sudan’s gold and oil zone – the pivotal new front line

    Drones hammer Sudan’s gold and oil zone – the pivotal new front line

    The strategic Kordofan region has emerged as the devastating new frontline in Sudan’s protracted civil war, where daily drone strikes are inflicting massive civilian casualties and reshaping the conflict’s trajectory. Since both warring factions solidified their positions across other battlefields in this nearly three-year confrontation, the south-central area has become the epicenter of violence.

    The brutal conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has escalated into one of Africa’s deadliest confrontations for civilians, continuing unabated despite international peace initiatives. Recent weeks have witnessed near-daily aerial assaults targeting markets, healthcare facilities, humanitarian convoys, and residential neighborhoods throughout Kordofan, drawing sharp condemnation from United Nations officials and humanitarian organizations.

    UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk recently demanded an immediate cessation of attacks on civilian infrastructure, emphasizing that ‘the parties must take urgent measures to protect civilians, including by refraining from the military use of civilian objects.’ This appeal followed reports of over 50 civilian fatalities within just 48 hours from separate drone strikes across North and West Kordofan.

    The strategic significance of Greater Kordofan—comprising three states—cannot be overstated, as it forms the crucial corridor connecting the RSF-controlled western Darfur region to the SAF-held capital of Khartoum in the eastern Nile Valley. The region’s substantial gold and oil resources further intensify its strategic value, with control over Kordofan potentially enabling the RSF to seize Sudan’s central corridor and solidify its parallel administration in western Sudan.

    The RSF has forged alliances with the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-Army North (SPLM-N), based in South Kordofan, gaining access to experienced combatants and strategic border territories. However, recent weeks have seen the SAF achieve significant strategic advances, breaking the RSF and SPLM-N blockade imposed on South Kordofan’s primary urban centers—Kadugli and Dilling—where two-year sieges had created famine conditions according to UN-backed food monitors.

    The technological dimension of the conflict has evolved dramatically, with both sides deploying sophisticated drone capabilities. The RSF reportedly utilizes Chinese-manufactured CH-95 long-range drones allegedly supplied by the United Arab Emirates, while the SAF employs Turkish Baykar drones, potentially including advanced Akinci combat models. Recent operations have targeted aerial defense systems, with the Sudanese military claiming successful strikes against RSF air defense infrastructure in both Kordofan and Darfur regions.

    International involvement has complicated the conflict further, with investigations revealing Egypt’s increased engagement over the past six months, reportedly alarmed by RSF advances in Darfur. Meanwhile, recent attacks in Blue Nile State threaten to expand the conflict regionally, with Sudan accusing neighboring Ethiopia and South Sudan of permitting RSF operations from their territories—allegations both nations deny.

    Despite US envoy Massad Boulos expressing optimism about securing a truce agreement before Ramadan, the Muslim holy month began with another devastating drone strike on families gathering at a water collection point in West Kordofan, resulting in numerous child fatalities. The continued violence underscores the immense challenges facing peace efforts and the horrific humanitarian cost of this protracted conflict.

  • James Yeomans wins EGC’s Men’s Club Championship following thrilling 36-hole duel

    James Yeomans wins EGC’s Men’s Club Championship following thrilling 36-hole duel

    Emirates Golf Club witnessed a spectacular display of golfing excellence as James Yeomans emerged victorious in the 2026 Men’s Club Championship on February 21st. The prestigious tournament, featuring a competitive field of 80 golfers, culminated in a dramatic finish across the club’s renowned Faldo and Majlis courses.

    Yeomans demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout the two-day stroke play event, posting a combined score of 146 (+2) to claim his inaugural championship title. His victory was sealed with exceptional composure during the final holes on the Majlis course, where he delivered two crucial birdies on the seventeenth and eighteenth holes to overcome strong competition.

    Runner-up Ross Jones finished three strokes behind at 149 (+5), showcasing impressive recovery skills after an initial challenging start. Jones battled back from four consecutive opening bogeys with strategic play that included birdies on the tenth and twelfth holes during his final round.

    The championship highlighted exceptional performances across multiple categories. Sanjay Dhandsa secured third place with 150 (+6), while defending champion Pontus Fredriksson finished fifth at 151 (+7). The tournament also recognized outstanding achievements in net and gross categories, with Arda Obuz recording an impressive net 63 (-9) on the Faldo Course and Arjun Manghnani claiming the best net round on the Majlis with 70 (-2).

    Division honors were awarded to Ewan Cameron in Division A (Handicap Index 5.1 and below) with a net score of 143 (-1), while Tirth Shergill dominated Division B (Handicap Index 5.2 and above) with an exceptional 137 (-7) net performance.

    Club Captain Scott Campbell praised the exceptional quality of competition and sportsmanship displayed throughout the event. The championship once again demonstrated Emirates Golf Club’s status as a world-class golfing destination, home to the DP World Tour’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic and the region’s exclusive 18-hole night golf facility on the Faldo Course.

  • EGF launches nationwide Golf Sixes League to develop UAE’s next generation of golf stars

    EGF launches nationwide Golf Sixes League to develop UAE’s next generation of golf stars

    The Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) has announced the nationwide expansion of its successful Golf Sixes League program following two triumphant seasons in Abu Dhabi. This developmental initiative, originally introduced by The R&A and backed by the EGF, aims to cultivate the next generation of golf talent across the United Arab Emirates through an engaging, team-based format.

    For the 2026 season, two competitive leagues will operate simultaneously in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, featuring teams representing both the EGF and various golf clubs throughout the UAE. The competition will unfold over several months, culminating in qualification for the prestigious Abu Dhabi Challenge scheduled for April.

    The innovative league format organizes participants into seven squads of 14 players each, with six players rotating per round. Teams compete in a two-ball Texas scramble stroke play format across six holes, with the best two scores from three pairs contributing to the team’s total. The top three teams from each pool will advance to the championship finals.

    Six premier golf facilities have been designated as host venues for the preliminary rounds: Trump International Dubai, Emirates Golf Club, The Montgomerie, Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Yas Links Golf Club, and Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club. In a significant show of support, each participating club has waived green fees for all competitors, ensuring broad accessibility for young golfers.

    Cameron Van Rooyen, Director of Instruction at EGF, emphasized the program’s importance: “This League serves as a crucial stepping stone for our junior golfers to experience competition in a fun, inclusive environment that reduces intimidation. We’re confident that integrating this into our EGF development pathway will not only nurture emerging talent but also strengthen the golf community for years to come.”

    Neal Graham, R&A Development Manager for the Middle East, Central Asia, and India, added: “The R&A is proud to support the Emirates Golf Federation in this national expansion. The Golf Sixes League has demonstrated global success as a development initiative that introduces new participants to golf through enjoyable, competitive experiences. It enables young athletes to transition their skills from practice environments to the course within a supportive team structure.”

    The competition commenced with impressive performances in the opening round. In the Dubai Pool, Claude Harmon III Academy from The Els Club claimed first place at +4, followed by Emirates Golf Club and Emaar both at +7. The Abu Dhabi Pool saw Abu Dhabi City Golf Club lead at +7, with Yas Links Golf Club at +8 and Emirates Golf Federation’s Future Falcons at +11.

    The second round matches are scheduled for February 28th at Emirates Golf Club and March 1st at Yas Links Golf Club, continuing the pursuit of championship qualification.

  • Ex-LA fire chief sues the city over her firing after the Palisades Fire

    Ex-LA fire chief sues the city over her firing after the Palisades Fire

    LOS ANGELES — In a dramatic legal escalation, former Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley has initiated litigation against the city, contending that her termination constituted a calculated political maneuver orchestrated by Mayor Karen Bass. The lawsuit alleges the mayor engineered a smear campaign to deflect accountability for the catastrophic January 2025 Palisades Fire, which stands as the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history.

    The legal filing, submitted last week, asserts that Mayor Bass disseminated deliberate misinformation to safeguard her political standing following the disaster. Specifically, Crowley challenges the mayor’s claims of being unaware of forecasted extreme weather conditions, denying budget reductions to the fire department, and asserting that additional firefighting resources could have been mobilized.

    Central to the lawsuit is the allegation that Bass sought to divert attention from criticism regarding her international travel as part of a presidential delegation to Africa when the fire erupted, despite prior meteorological warnings of dangerously conducive wildfire conditions.

    Mayor Bass terminated Crowley’s employment on February 21, 2025, approximately six weeks after the fire’s ignition. While initially praising Crowley’s response efforts, Bass subsequently justified the dismissal by citing the chief’s alleged refusal to compile a critical after-action report and claiming that up to 1,000 additional firefighters could have been deployed during the crisis—assertions that Crowley’s legal team vehemently disputes.

    The Palisades Fire commenced on January 7, 2025, under extreme wind conditions, devastating the affluent Pacific Palisades community. The conflagration resulted in 12 fatalities and destroyed or damaged approximately 8,000 structures. Simultaneously, another major fire in Altadena, east of Los Angeles, claimed 17 lives and impacted over 10,000 buildings.

    Crowley’s unsuccessful appeal to the City Council in March 2025 preceded the current legal action, which seeks unspecified economic and compensatory damages. Neither the mayor’s office nor the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office has issued formal statements regarding the litigation.