Moscow, Russia | AFP | Russian opposition and ordinary Muscovites plan to take to the streets of Moscow Saturday to demand free and fair polls despite a police crackdown including the jailing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. This week authorities jailed President Vladimir Putin’s top opponent for 30 days and launched …
Read More »Trump announces controversial asylum deal with Guatemala
Washington, United States | AFP | President Donald Trump announced Friday that a “landmark” asylum agreement has been reached with Guatemala, as the United States ratchets up pressure on its southern neighbors to stem the flow of migrants towards its border. The White House said Guatemala would now be considered a …
Read More »Missing or murdered: the grim fate of Tanzania dissidents
Nairobi, Kenya | AFP | Some turn up dead or injured. Others are never heard of again: A wave of kidnappings in Tanzania that appears to target critics of the government has set the nation on edge. In May, high-profile dissident Mdude Nyagali was snatched by four gunmen after leaving …
Read More »Atletico humble Real Madrid 7-3 in friendly
New York, United States | AFP | Diego Costa scored four goals as Atletico Madrid embarrassed La Liga rivals Real Madrid 7-3 Friday in a pre-season friendly at MetLife Stadium. Costa had a hat-trick by halftime and added one more goal before he was sent off in the 63rd, when both …
Read More »Coleman blazes to victory at US championships
Des Moines, United States | AFP | Christian Coleman swept to victory in the 100 metres at the US championships on Friday, booking his place at this year’s World Championships with a commanding performance. Coleman, who had comfortably outpaced world champion Justin Gatlin to win his semi-final in 9.96sec, led …
Read More »10 years into jihadist rebellion, no reprieve for Nigeria’s displaced
Maiduguri, Nigeria | AFP | Maiduguri resident Ahmed Muhammed wanders through the rubble left behind as he recalls the outbreak of fighting in his city a decade ago that launched the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria. “We heard shooting — badadadadadada — here, there, everywhere around us,” the 44-year-old railway …
Read More »Tunisia mourns, advances polls after death of president
Tunis, Tunisia | AFP | Tunisia is gearing up for snap elections as early as September following the death of president Beji Caid Essebsi, amid uncertainty over who could step forward to run the North African country. Essebsi, the country’s first head of state elected in nationwide polls, died Thursday at …
Read More »Iran poses loyalty test for ‘British Trump’ Johnson
London, United Kingdom | AFP | Iran’s seizure and continued detention of a UK-flagged tanker deals Boris Johnson an immediate loyalty test: Britain’s new prime minister may have to choose between Gulf escorts led by Europe or by the United States. Which way Johnson leans could set the tone for a …
Read More »Big Tech antitrust review: tough policy or publicity stunt?
Washington, United States | AFP | The antitrust review of Big Tech announced by US regulators could signal a tough new stand on competition policy, but it may just be a political publicity stunt. Legal experts said any antitrust enforcement action against technology giants remains far off, and that a breakup …
Read More »Sudan arrests top general, officers over foiled coup
Khartoum, Sudan | AFP | Sudan’s military said Wednesday it had arrested a top general and several others over a foiled coup attempt announced earlier this month. It said the plot aimed to re-install the party of longtime leader Omar al-Bashir, who was ousted by the army in April after months …
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