Global Pulse

标签： Africa

非洲

  • Senegal wins Africa Cup of Nations after chaotic final against host Morocco

    Senegal wins Africa Cup of Nations after chaotic final against host Morocco

    RABAT, Morocco — Senegal secured its second Africa Cup of Nations title in a tumultuous final against host nation Morocco on Sunday, prevailing 1-0 after extra time in a match marred by controversy, fan unrest, and a 14-minute stoppage. Pape Gueye emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 94th minute with a left-footed strike into the top right corner.

    The match descended into chaos during second-half stoppage time when Senegal’s players staged a walk-off protest after a controversial penalty was awarded to Morocco. The decision came moments after Senegal had a potential winning goal disallowed for a disputed foul. Television replays showed minimal contact between Senegalese defender Abdoulaye Seck and Moroccan Achraf Hakimi, who fell before Moussa Niakhaté headed the rebound into the net.

    As tensions escalated, organized Senegalese fans attempted to storm the field from behind one goal, with at least one chair thrown onto the pitch. Additional altercations broke out in the press box, possibly involving fans posing as journalists. Moroccan substitutes clashed with opposing players, requiring intervention from coaching staff including Morocco manager Walid Regragui.

    When play resumed after the extended delay, Moroccan star Brahim Díaz squandered the opportunity to end Morocco’s 50-year trophy drought with a poorly executed Panenka penalty that landed directly into goalkeeper Édouard Mendy’s arms. Díaz, the tournament’s top scorer with five goals, was subsequently whistled by Moroccan fans during the medal ceremony.

    The victory marks Senegal’s first goal from open play in a final across their four appearances. Their previous title in 2021 came via penalty shootout against Egypt.

    For World Cup 2030 host Morocco, the defeat represents a significant setback despite substantial investments in soccer infrastructure. The kingdom’s aggressive sports development has faced criticism from citizens who feel other public services are being neglected.

    Prior to the final, the Senegalese Football Federation had raised concerns about inadequate security, substandard accommodations, and limited ticket access for their supporters, alleging a lack of ‘fair play’ from tournament organizers.

  • Look: Rajkummar Rao, Patralekhaa share first photo of baby girl

    Look: Rajkummar Rao, Patralekhaa share first photo of baby girl

    Bollywood power couple Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa have officially introduced their newborn daughter to the world through a heartfelt social media revelation. On January 18, 2026, the actors shared an intimate photograph on Instagram showcasing their infant’s tiny fingers gently clasping both parents’ hands, accompanied by a deeply personal announcement.

    The caption accompanying the emotional image read: “With folded hands and full hearts, we introduce our greatest blessing,” simultaneously disclosing their daughter’s name as Parvati Paul Rao. This marks the first public glimpse of the child since her birth in November 2025, which coincidentally aligned with the couple’s fourth wedding anniversary on November 15th.

    The birth announcement originally came through a separate social media post where the elated parents expressed: “We are over the moon. God has blessed us with a baby girl. Blessed parents – Patralekhaa and Rajkummar,” further describing their daughter as divinity’s “greatest blessing.”

    The couple’s romantic and professional journey began on the sets of the 2014 film ‘Citylights,’ which marked Patralekhaa’s Bollywood debut. They subsequently solidified their relationship through marriage in November 2021 during an intimate Chandigarh ceremony attended exclusively by close family members.

    Beyond their parental milestones, both actors continue to advance their cinematic careers. Rajkummar recently completed production for ‘Nikam,’ an anticipated biopic chronicling the life of renowned Indian public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. Simultaneously, the couple has embarked on a joint entrepreneurial venture with the establishment of their production company, KAMPA Films.

    The nomenclature KAMPA carries profound sentimental value, derived from combining the initials of their mothers’ names—a thoughtful tribute to the influential matriarchs in their lives. Patralekhaa previously articulated their vision for the venture, stating: “We’ve always believed in the power of storytelling. With KAMPA, we’re looking forward to sharing these stories with the world.”

  • South Africa declares a national disaster over flooding and severe weather

    South Africa declares a national disaster over flooding and severe weather

    CAPE TOWN, South Africa — The South African government has escalated its response to devastating weather conditions by declaring a national state of disaster following torrential rains that have triggered severe flooding across multiple provinces. The official declaration, announced Sunday through the National Disaster Management Center, enables enhanced federal coordination of emergency response efforts.

    The catastrophic weather system has resulted in at least 30 confirmed fatalities, primarily concentrated in the northern provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Beyond the tragic loss of life, the flooding has inflicted substantial damage to infrastructure, destroying thousands of residential properties and crippling transportation networks by washing away critical roads and bridges.

    This weather emergency extends beyond South Africa’s borders, with neighboring Mozambique and Zimbabwe experiencing similar devastating conditions. Collectively, these three nations have reported over 100 weather-related fatalities since the onset of unusually heavy rainfall patterns beginning late last year.

    The flooding’s impact has reached South Africa’s conservation areas, forcing the complete closure of Kruger National Park. Emergency personnel executed the evacuation of hundreds of tourists and staff members from flooded campsites to safer areas within the park’s perimeter.

    Limpopo Province Premier Stan Mathabatha provided preliminary damage assessments indicating approximately $240 million in infrastructure losses within that province alone, noting that numerous structures had been completely destroyed by floodwaters.

    This disaster represents the latest in a series of severe flooding events to strike South Africa in recent years. The Eastern Cape province witnessed over 100 fatalities last year, while the 2022 KwaZulu-Natal flooding claimed more than 400 lives, highlighting the nation’s increasing vulnerability to extreme weather events.

  • Uganda’s president says strong election victory over his youthful challenger a taste of his strength

    Uganda’s president says strong election victory over his youthful challenger a taste of his strength

    KAMPALA, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni has interpreted his decisive electoral triumph as a resounding affirmation of his National Resistance Movement’s enduring dominance in Ugandan politics. Addressing the nation from his western residence on Sunday, the veteran leader characterized the opposition as fortunate to have witnessed only a fraction of his party’s true political strength.

    The official results indicate Museveni secured 71.6% of votes, extending his four-decade rule with a seventh term that positions him to approach nearly fifty years in power. His principal challenger, musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine (legally named Kyagulanyi Ssentamu), garnered 24.7% but immediately dismissed the outcome as fraudulent.

    This electoral process unfolded against a backdrop of notably diminished public participation, with voter turnout plummeting to 52%—the lowest since Uganda reintroduced multiparty politics in 2006. Museveni speculated that many absent voters belonged to his own party, suggesting their absence reflected confidence rather than apathy.

    The election was marred by significant operational challenges, including a nationwide internet blackout and widespread malfunctions of biometric verification systems that delayed polling in critical areas including the capital. Wine’s campaign additionally alleges systematic ballot stuffing in Museveni’s strongholds.

    Security forces maintained an overwhelming presence throughout the electoral period, with opposition figures reporting persistent harassment and violent suppression. Wine frequently campaigned wearing protective gear due to safety concerns. Museveni accused opposition elements of terrorism and treason, referencing an incident in Butambala where police killed seven supporters of a parliamentary candidate affiliated with Wine’s party.

    The constitutional pathway for challenging results remains theoretically open, though previous legal attempts to overturn Museveni’s victories have proven unsuccessful. With term limits and age restrictions already removed from Uganda’s constitution, and potential rivals imprisoned or marginalized, the nation continues its six-decade absence of peaceful presidential transitions since independence.

  • New Year babies in UAE: Are families really planning births on January 1?

    New Year babies in UAE: Are families really planning births on January 1?

    Contrary to popular perception and media spotlight, January 1st does not witness a significant surge in childbirths across UAE hospitals, according to medical authorities. While the date carries substantial cultural and emotional weight as a symbol of new beginnings, delivery rooms maintain operational normalcy with staffing levels and birth frequencies comparable to any other day of the year.

    Aster Hospitals recorded 14 deliveries on New Year’s Day this year, a figure consistent with daily averages without indicating a notable spike. Chief Nursing Officer Sarah Illyas clarified that approximately 70% of these births occurred spontaneously, while only 30% resulted from planned procedures. This pattern aligns with observations at NMC Speciality Hospital in Abu Dhabi, which reported no births whatsoever on January 1st of the previous year.

    Medical professionals acknowledge growing patient inquiries about scheduling deliveries for symbolically significant dates, particularly January 1st. Dr. Aysha Salam of Aster Hospital, Mankhool, attributes this trend to the date’s association with fresh beginnings and amplified social media visibility of “special date” births. However, physicians emphasize that medical considerations consistently override personal preferences, with elective procedures generally recommended only after 39 weeks of gestation.

    Dr. Kiran Mehndiratta, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecology at NMC Speciality Hospital, notes that while January 1st stands out symbolically, it holds no demographic significance in birth statistics, a phenomenon consistent both within the UAE and globally. Hospital administrators confirm that despite occasional requests for date-specific deliveries, clinical decisions remain guided exclusively by maternal and infant health considerations rather than calendar preferences.

  • Will final be Mane’s last Afcon dance with Senegal?

    Will final be Mane’s last Afcon dance with Senegal?

    As Senegal prepares to face Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final this Sunday in Rabat (19:00 GMT), all eyes are on legendary forward Sadio Mane, who might be making his final appearance in the continental championship. The 33-year-old Al-Nassr striker, who scored the decisive penalty against Egypt to secure Senegal’s first AFCON title in 2021, now stands on the brink of claiming his second continental crown.

    Mane’s journey began on the red-earth streets of Bambali in southwestern Senegal, where he first developed his passion for football. His career has since blossomed into an extraordinary legacy that includes Premier League and Champions League triumphs with Liverpool, alongside his historic achievements with the Teranga Lions.

    Despite his global success, Mane has remained deeply connected to his roots. His philanthropic efforts in Bambali include funding hospital and school construction, supporting mosque projects, and contributing to pandemic relief efforts. This humility was evident during his time in England when he anonymously helped clean toilets at a Liverpool mosque after matches.

    On the pitch, Mane has been instrumental in Senegal’s 2025 AFCON campaign, leading the tournament in chances created (18), shots on target (10), and touches in the opposition half (295). His 78th-minute semifinal strike against Egypt—another chapter in his ongoing rivalry with the Pharaohs—secured Senegal’s place in the final.

    Teammates describe Mane as both a tactical leader and spiritual motivator. Midfielder Pape Gueye revealed how Mane’s pre-match speeches have galvanized the squad, while defender Moussa Niakhate called him “an incredible man” whose legacy transcends football.

    The Senegalese squad now hopes to convince their record goalscorer (53 goals in 120+ caps) to reconsider his potential AFCON retirement and continue through the 2027 edition. Coach Pape Thiaw stated unequivocally: “The country does not agree with his decision, and I as coach do not agree at all. We would like to keep him for as long as possible.”

    As Sunday’s final approaches, Senegal’s players have extra motivation: to deliver a second star for the man who has given so much to Senegalese football. As Gueye expressed, “If this really is his last AFCON, we want to offer him this trophy.”

  • How Malaga-born Diaz became Morocco’s national icon

    How Malaga-born Diaz became Morocco’s national icon

    As Morocco prepares for Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final, all eyes are on their unexpected national icon: Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz. The 26-year-old scoring sensation, born in Malaga to a Spanish mother and Moroccan father, has become the tournament’s top scorer while embodying a modern multicultural identity that resonates across continents.

    Diaz’s football journey began in the tight spaces of futsal courts, where he developed the technical excellence that now defines his game. His patient development path—from modest Malaga teams to Manchester City’s academy and ultimately to Real Madrid—reflects a family philosophy prioritizing education and gradual growth over shortcuts. Despite early injury setbacks at Madrid and a transformative loan spell at AC Milan where he won Serie A wearing the iconic number 10, Diaz persevered with unwavering self-belief.

    His 2023 decision to represent Morocco rather than Spain culminated years of courtship by the Moroccan federation. Since debuting in 2024, he has scored 13 goals in 21 appearances, finding the net in every round leading to the AFCON semifinals—a first for any Moroccan player. His celebration gesture, lifting elbows and hands as if to say “what looks difficult becomes easy with work,” has become a national symbol of perseverance.

    Beyond the pitch, Diaz’s impact resonates throughout Moroccan society. His social media engagement surpasses that of African superstars like Mohamed Salah, while his image dominates billboards and promotional campaigns. Though maintaining a deliberately private profile at the request of both Real Madrid and the Moroccan federation, his spontaneous traditional dance celebration during the tournament went viral and became a national victory ritual.

    Now, as Morocco seeks only its second AFCON title while hosting the tournament amid enormous expectations, Diaz carries the hopes of a nation that sees in him the embodiment of their footballing ambition. His technical excellence in crowded spaces, experience in high-pressure matches, and dual cultural heritage have positioned him as the symbol of a modern, ambitious Morocco—with Sunday’s final offering the ultimate stage for his remarkable journey.

  • UAE welcomes phase two of Gaza peace plan, formation of National Committee

    UAE welcomes phase two of Gaza peace plan, formation of National Committee

    The United Arab Emirates has formally endorsed the commencement of Phase Two of the comprehensive Gaza peace proposal and the establishment of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a transitional governance body. Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, expressed strong support for these developments while also acknowledging the creation of the ‘Board of Peace’ framework announced by US President Donald Trump.

    In her official statement, Minister Al Hashimy praised the diplomatic leadership demonstrated by President Trump and recognized the sustained efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye in advancing regional stability. She characterized these multilateral initiatives as crucial frameworks for consolidating security measures and revitalizing the political negotiation process.

    Minister Al Hashimy expressed particular honor regarding her appointment to the Gaza Executive Board, interpreting this designation as international recognition of the UAE’s constructive role in conflict resolution. She emphasized that the UAE remains committed to transforming humanitarian challenges into sustainable opportunities for the Palestinian population and broader Middle Eastern communities.

    The Minister articulated the UAE’s firm conviction that achieving durable peace necessitates coordinated international collaboration and effective administrative governance in Gaza. Such governance must guarantee the legitimate rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people while contributing to regional stability and fostering prosperous development.

    Al Hashimy further stressed the critical importance of building upon existing progress within the peace framework. She advocated for diligent efforts to reinstate a comprehensive political process oriented toward a two-state solution, ultimately aiming for an equitable and permanent resolution to the conflict.

  • I want to show the world what Africa is – YouTube star brings joy and tears on tour

    I want to show the world what Africa is – YouTube star brings joy and tears on tour

    Global YouTube phenomenon IShowSpeed is revolutionizing digital content creation through an unprecedented 20-nation African tour, generating both massive adoration and thoughtful critique. The 20-year-old internet sensation, born Darren Watkins Jr., has been drawing extraordinary crowds across the continent during his “Speed Does Africa” expedition, captivating millions with his unfiltered, high-energy broadcasting style.

    In a remarkable cultural immersion, Speed participated in traditional initiation ceremonies in Eswatini where he was honored with the name “Logijimako” (meaning “the one who runs”) and recognized as a warrior entrusted with protecting the royal family. His journey has included everything from dancing with traditional performers in Ethiopia to braving the Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls in Zambia, all while maintaining his characteristic marathon livestreams that typically span 3-11 hours.

    The tour has sparked complex conversations about cultural representation and digital influence. While young fans across Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Zambia have expressed overwhelming excitement—with many describing emotional meetings with their online hero—some critics on platforms like Reddit’s AskAnAfrican have questioned the depth of cultural exchange, characterizing the events as “fleeting spectacles” that provide temporary distraction from systemic challenges.

    Despite controversies including past platform bans and occasional mishaps—such as accidentally overlooking Miss Universe Zimbabwe during a chaotic livestream—Speed’s genuine engagement with local traditions has impressed many observers. His willingness to try regional delicacies, learn historical contexts, and participate in cultural practices has been widely noted by both fans and local organizers.

    The tour represents a significant moment in digital content creation’s intersection with cultural tourism, demonstrating how online personalities can influence global perceptions. As Speed continues his journey through Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Liberia, and Ghana, he maintains his declared mission: “I want to show the world what Africa really is.”

  • ‘Sense of pride’: UAE residents watch fighter jets fly past at Day of Solidarity parade

    ‘Sense of pride’: UAE residents watch fighter jets fly past at Day of Solidarity parade

    Across the United Arab Emirates, residents gathered along coastlines and city corniches on Saturday evening for a solemn aerial display marking the nation’s Day of Solidarity. Military aircraft flew in precise V-formations over all seven emirates in a coordinated parade organized by the UAE Armed Forces, creating a powerful visual symbol of national unity and resilience.

    The event commemorated the January 17, 2022 attack on civilian infrastructure in Abu Dhabi that resulted in three fatalities and six injuries. Unlike typical air shows, the atmosphere remained contemplative as spectators watched in reflective silence, many recording the moment on mobile devices while explaining the significance to younger generations.

    Authorities had previously published designated viewing locations and timings to ensure public safety during the nationwide observance. At Buhaira Corniche and Al Zohra Beach, families gathered not for entertainment but for education and remembrance. Ahmed Karim, a Sharjah resident attending with his family, noted: ‘We explained to our children that this is not a show for fun, but a reminder of something serious that happened and how the country stayed strong.’

    The emotional resonance was palpable among attendees. Ajman resident Aisha Mehreen observed: ‘People around me were not cheering or clapping. We all knew why the planes were flying today. It reminded us of that day we read about in the news, and of how important it is to stay united and grateful for the safety we have.’

    In official statements, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized that the day reflects the strength and unity of the nation’s people and their determination to safeguard the country’s future. Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum similarly highlighted the occasion as a reminder of shared values and collective responsibility.

    The fourth anniversary observance served both as memorial for victims and reaffirmation of national commitment to security and stability, with the aerial formation representing both military readiness and emotional solidarity among citizens and residents alike.