A stampede that led to the deaths of eight people outside an Africa Cup of Nations stadium was caused by a “reckless” decision to open a gate in the face of a “flood of people”, Cameroon’s sports minister said on Friday (Jan 28).
“That entry gate was momentarily closed by security forces in the face of a surge of spectators despite other entry gates being in operation,” said Narcisse Mouelle Kombi at a press conference.
“Overwhelmed by this surge of people, the security forces took the reckless decision to open the south gate, leading to a crush,” which caused the tragedy on Monday at the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde.
The minister also acknowledged that the number of security staff was “insufficient” at the match at Olembe Stadium in Yaounde for the match between the home nation and Comoros.
He also blamed the number of people trying to get in with fake or used tickets or even without tickets for the crush.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, which also left 38 people injured, Patrice Motsepe, the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAN), announced that Sunday’s quarter-final due to be played at the Olembe Stadium will be switched to the Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium, also in Yaounde.
He also announced that CAF would not allow other matches to be played there if the Cameroonian authorities did not submit an investigation report by Friday.
“That gate was supposed to be open because if it was open they would have walked through, and for inexplicable reasons it was closed,” Mostsepe said on Tuesday.
The United States said Friday it was canceling $130 million in military aid to Egypt over human rights concerns. The announcement comes just days after the administration approved a massive $2.5 billion arms sale to the country.
The State Department said that Egypt had not met the conditions to receive the $130 million in foreign military financing that has been on hold since September. It said the money would be shifted to other programs. It did not elaborate.
In announcing the cancellation, the department made no mention of the $2.5 billion sale of military transport planes and radar systems that it had approved Tuesday without any mention of the frozen $130 million.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in September approved the release of $300 million in foreign military financing to Egypt but withheld another $130 million unless the government addressed “specific human-rights related conditions” by the end of January.
“The deadline for meeting those conditions will soon pass,” the department said. “The (government of Egypt) made notable progress on the conditions but to date has not met them all. Therefore, after January 30, the secretary intends to reprogram the $130 million to other national security priorities.”
Asked about the apparent inconsistency, US.officials have said the military aid and the arms sale are unrelated. They say Egypt will shoulder the cost of the $2.2 billion purchase of the 12 Super Hercules C-130 transport aircraft and air defense radar systems worth an estimated $355 million.
Congressional Democrats who had urged Blinken not to approve the $130 million were pleased with Friday’s decision, but did not address the arms sale that dwarfs the amount of the withheld assistance.
“I’m glad the Biden administration held the line by reprogramming these funds,” said Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut. “It sends the important message abroad that we will back up our commitment to human rights with action and gone are the days where dictators receive blank checks from America.”
The European Union coordinator Enrique Mora said Friday, the latest round of talks to salvage the Iran nuclear deal in Vienna have been put on pause, calling for “political decisions” to break the deadlock.
“Participants will go back to capital(s) for consultations and instructions to come back next week. Political decisions are needed now,” Mora tweeted.
The deal — sealed in 2015 by Iran, the United States, Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia — gave Tehran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program.
However, after the US pulled out of the accord and reimposed sanctions in 2018 under then-president Donald Trump, Iran began dramatically stepping up its nuclear activities.
Talks aiming to rescue the faltering accord began in the Austrian capital in April 2021 and — after a five-month suspension — resumed in November.
The EU has played the role of mediator, while Washington has been taking part indirectly in the negotiations.
On Monday Iran for the first time said it was open to direct negotiations with the US, which quickly declared itself ready to hold talks “urgently.”
The potential turning point came after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in mid-January that it was a “decisive moment” in the negotiations, warning there were only “a few weeks left” to save a deal.
Meanwhile, A senior White House official said Thursday that the US and Iran were “in the ballpark of a possible [nuclear] deal” in Vienna, while also clarifying that Washington is “very prepared” for the “pretty likely” scenario that there won’t be an agreement.
Everton have offered their vacant managerial position to former England midfielder Frank Lampard.
Lampard, 43, has been out of work for a year after being sacked as Chelsea manager last January, leaving the Blues after 18 months in charge.
Portuguese Vitor Pereira and caretaker Duncan Ferguson also had their second interviews for the job on Friday, but the club decided to move for Lampard.
Rafael Benitez was sacked after winning just one of his last 13 games.
The former Liverpool manager lasted less than seven months and a side lacking in confidence lies 16th in the Premier League, just six points above the relegation zone.
Pereira initially looked set to be offered the job after holding “very positive” talks and said club officials were “enthusiastic of what I proposed to them”.
But graffiti daubed on Everton’s Goodison Park home this week opposed the move and read ‘Pereira out, Lampard in’.
And on Wednesday night around 100 fans held a protest at Goodison at the way the club is being run.
Former Toffee Wayne Rooney was also in contention for the role but turned down thew chance to talk with Everton as he wants to stay at Championship strugglers Derby.
Ex-Rams boss Lampard held talks about becoming Norwich boss in November before dropping out of the running, with the Canaries appointing Dean Smith instead.
He could be appointed as Everton manager by the time they next play on 5 February against Brentford in the FA Cup.
What was Lampard’s record at Chelsea?
During his 13 seasons as a player at Stamford Bridge, Lampard made 648 appearances and won 11 major trophies – including four Premier League titles and the 2012 Champions League.
He guided Chelsea to fourth place and the FA Cup final in his first season in charge but a run of five defeats in eight games saw him sacked by owner Roman Abramovich.
Lampard’s points-per-game average of 1.67 is the lowest of any permanent Chelsea manager in the Premier League.
During the Abramovich era, only Andre Villas-Boas (47.5%) has a worse win rate than Lampard’s 52.4%, in all competitions among permanent Chelsea bosses.
Ashleigh Barty beat Danielle Collins to win the Australian Open title, ending the home nation’s 44-year wait for a Grand Slam women’s singles champion.
Top seed Barty fought back from 5-1 down in the second set to win 6-3 7-6 (7-2) on a jubilant Rod Laver Arena.
The 25-year-old Queenslander has won the title without dropping a set in Melbourne this fortnight.
“This is a dream come true for me. I am so proud of being Aussie,” said world number one Barty.
“As an Aussie, the most important part of this tournament has been being able to share this experience with the fans.
“This crowd is one of the most fun I’ve played in front of.”
Addressing the crowd, she added: “You relaxed me and forced me to play my best tennis. Thank you.”
After winning the 2019 French Open and last year’s Wimbledon title, Barty has now claimed three of the four majors.
Relief clear for Barty and the Australian crowd
With a partisan 12,000-strong crowd and a home nation watching on, Barty started and ended the final looking unburdened by the weight of expectation.
In between, there were anxious moments as Collins, troubling Barty with her powerful returning, earned a double break in the second set.
But Barty had dropped only 21 games on her way to the final and, although the second set looked to have got away from her, she regained her composure brilliantly to turn the match back in her favour.
Among those watching was Chris O’Neil, the last Australian to win the men’s or women’s singles title in Melbourne.
Barty, rarely overcome by emotion, shouted with delight when she clinched the title with a cross-court forehand winner.
Virtually everyone inside Rod Laver Arena jumped to their feet, roaring their approval, many with camera phones in hand to capture a long-awaited moment for the nation’s sports fans.
The world number one’s relief was clear.
Barty clenched both fists as she dropped to her haunches, before running over to the side where she beckoned former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua, now a television analyst, on to court for a warm hug.
After reaching the Melbourne semi-finals in 2020, with quarter-final defeats coming in the years either side, Barty finally landed the prize she really wanted.
Victory continued her supreme form in 2022, and she has now won all 11 of her singles matches this year.
After beating three top-20 players to win the Adelaide International title, she has continued that dominance in Melbourne.
Barty, who took a break from tennis in 2014 to pursue a professional cricket career, has often paid tribute to Dellacqua’s influence on her success and the kiss on her friend’s forehead indicated her gratitude.
There was another special moment for Barty – and the home fans – when the player’s idol, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, came on to court to present her with the Daphne Akhurst trophy.
Since O’Neil’s triumph in 1978, four players – Kim Warwick, Wendy Turnbull, Pat Cash and Lleyton Hewitt – had lost in the men’s or women’s singles final.
There had been home success in the wheelchair and quad events, through David Hall and Dylan Alcott, and in the doubles events.
Collins unable to spoil the Barty party
Danielle Collins will move into the world’s top 10 after reaching the Melbourne final
In her first Grand Slam final, American 27th seed Collins was aiming to spoil the Barty party.
Few, at least outside Australia, would have begrudged her claiming a major title after a difficult journey of her own.
In April, she said she was taking an indefinite break from tennis as she prepared to have surgery for endometriosis.
Collins returned to action two months later and, after surgery and helped by medication, says she is now having less painful periods and is able to train more consistently.
That resulted in a brilliant run in Melbourne, where she demonstrated her incredible power and will-to-win.
Against Barty, Collins looked to settle quickly and exploit any nerves the home favourite might be feeling.
The first break point of the match came the American’s way at 2-2 when Barty hit a loose forehand long, only for the Australian to save it with a gutsy forehand on to the line.
After holding with an ace, Barty settled down and was helped into a 4-2 lead when Collins threw in an double fault on break point.
Barty sealed the set to the sound of a rapturous crowd and, having only dropped serve once in the entire tournament, looked in a commanding position.
Collins, however, broke for a 2-0 lead in the second, leading to a passionate celebration from the American.
A double hand fist-pump squat perfectly illustrated her combative and competitive on-court personality.
The crowd started getting edgy as Collins moved 5-1 ahead and she was two points away from levelling the match at 5-3 30-0.
But Barty produced two forehand winners to unsettle her opponent and that sparked the fight-back that ended in Australian sporting immortality.
The National Blood Service Commission (NBSC) says that 500 units of blood were compromised due to the disconnection of the Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).
This is contained in a statement issued by Mr. Haruna Abdullahi, Head, Media and Publicity of the commission.
“No fewer than 500 units of blood collected from voluntary blood donors have been compromised following the power outage to our headquarters.
“The power outage also presents a major impediment to voluntary blood donors due to risks to their safety as donors.
“In the coming days, the shortage of safe blood for patients in need will affect Nigerians as a result of ill-conceived action by the AEDC, and that unless the problem is addressed,” the commission said.
In the statement, the commission explained how important the supply of electricity is to the commission, especially in the area of ensuring the safety of blood before use.
“The AEDC’s decision to cut off the commission’s electricity supply on January 21 after we made some outstanding payments in December 2021 leaves the commission surprised.
“This is all the more shocking given that the commission has just paid its outstanding bills.
“Available correspondence from the AEDC to the commission shows a bill presented to the commission on January 5, 2022 stating that the payment due date is January 17.
“The company’s decision to cut off the electricity supply leaves a point of disbelief and total disregard for civility, especially in a sector as sensitive as the blood commission.
“Why was the power cut off even when there was no history of a default disposition by the NBSC?
“Isn’t there a mandatory notice of 90 days of disconnection established by the Electricity regulator? The company’s lack of rigor in reconciling the data available to it.
“The inconsistency between the submitted invoices and the irregularity of the electricity supply to the NBSC headquarters is largely responsible for this avoidable crisis,” he stressed.
The commission also alleged that the AEDC refused to issue the requested prepaid meter after more than two years of continuous requests that would have allowed the commission to prudently monitor and control its electricity consumption.
The commission also frowned at the sudden increase in their bill from N350,000 to N700,000 in one year, even with the same equipment and consumption.
He added that a prepaid meter would allow the commission to regulate its consumption than the AEDC’s preferred, unscientific and difficult-to-measure estimated billing system.
Five months after taking over a heavily indebted country, the new government of Zambia is making significant progress in the recovery of its economy, its credibility and its solvency.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema said this in an interview with Newsmen.
With loans estimated at 12.7 billion euros, a third of which is due to Chinese creditors, the country had become last year the first in Africa to have defaulted on its debt since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, due to the lack of agreements between previous governments and creditors.
But after 100 days in power and intense negotiations, the new Zambian president obtained a promise of 1.24 billion euros in aid from the IMF at the beginning of December, a chance for the country, which has been strangled by a colossal debt, to get its head above water.
The debt problem could have plunged the new government into crisis but he country managed to manage this default quickly, moreso because previous governments had tried to find an agreement with the IMF, for seven, ten years, without succeeding.
According to him, it was a question of “credibility, seriousness, to join the gesture to the word, there is no doubt about it”, he declared during an interview given on the occasion of a trip to Johannesburg, in South Africa.
The three-year agreement in principle was conceded on the government’s commitment to undertake deep economic reforms.
The Zambian president is particularly pleased with the fact that “for the first time in 17 years, the local currency has appreciated” and that “in the first few months (of his presidency) we have been able to bring down inflation.
Elected in the presidential elections in August, “HH”, the eternal opponent, was elected on the promise of eradicating rampant corruption, reviving the economy and bringing back investors.
Kenya has tightened security in the capital, Nairobi and other cities in the country after several European countries warned of the risk of possible attacks.
Heavily armed police officers were patrolling the streets of Nairobi on Friday and tight security was also visible outside government offices, public buildings and shopping malls.
The French embassy in Kenya has issued a warning to its citizens against a “risk of attack in the coming days” in Nairobi, recommending to “avoid places frequented by foreign nationals” such as hotels, restaurants and shopping centres.
The French Foreign Ministry has reiterated the “real risk” of terrorist attacks in Kenya against public places frequented by foreigners.
In an update on Thursday on its website, the ministry called on “people in Kenya (to) be extremely vigilant” and avoid frequenting these public places in the coming days, including this weekend.
The German embassy issued a similar warning to its citizens, while the Dutch representation said it had been informed by the French of the possible threat, describing the information as “credible”.
Since its military intervention in southern Somalia in 2011 to fight the Somali Islamists Shebab, Kenya has been the target of several deadly attacks, including against the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi in September 2013, against the University of Garissa (east) in April 2015 (and against the Dusit hotel complex, in Nairobi, in January 2019.
In January 2020, the Shebab, a movement linked to Al Qaeda, warned Kenya that the country would “never be safe”.
Kenya is a major troop contributor to the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom), which in 2011 drove the Shebab out of Mogadishu. The Shebab still control large rural areas and regularly carry out attacks in the Somali capital.
West Africa’s main regional bloc, ECOWAS, has suspended Burkina Faso from its governing bodies over this week’s military coup and decided to send a delegation to the capital Ouagadougou.
Burkina Faso’s army overthrew President Roch Kabore on Monday, presenting the latest test to the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has struggled to mount an effective response to a series of coups in the region over the past 18 months.
It was not immediately known what other sanctions ECOWAS leaders might have decided to impose during an emergency summit held by video conference. An official statement was expected later in the day.
ECOWAS and its international allies have condemned the coup in Burkina Faso, which they fear could further destabilise a country beset by Islamist violence, but find themselves with limited leverage.
ECOWAS sanctions on the juntas that seized power in Mali and Guinea have done little to sway their behaviour, nor did they deter the latest coup.
Pro-democracy activists say ECOWAS is suffering from a crisis of credibility, with West Africans losing faith in regional leaders they see as manipulating the democratic process and failing to alleviate poverty or contain Islamist violence.
In opening remarks to the summit, Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo, the acting ECOWAS chairman, acknowledged the organisation has work to do convincing people of the benefits of democracy.
ECOWAS imposed sanctions against Mali and Guinea following military takeovers in August 2020 and September 2021, respectively.
It significantly tightened the sanctions on Mali this month after the transitional government there went back on an earlier commitment to hold elections in February.
The new restrictions included closing member states’ borders with Mali and freezing most financial transactions.
US President Joe Biden has sought to maintain pressure on Russian leader Vladimir Putin over Ukraine, announcing a small troop deployment to Eastern Europe even as top Pentagon officials backed a renewed push for diplomacy.
While President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Western leaders to avoid stirring “panic” over the massive Russian troop buildup on his country’s borders, Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed on the need for de-escalation.
Neither Putin nor his Western counterparts had until now appeared ready to give ground in the weeks-long crisis, the worst in decades in the region between Russia and Western Europe.
But according to a Macron aide, Putin told the French leader in a call lasting more than an hour that he had “no offensive plans.”
During his talks with Macron, Putin “expressed no offensive plans and said he wanted to continue the talks with France and our allies,” the aide to the French president said.
In Washington, Biden nevertheless said he would soon send a small number of US troops to bolster the NATO presence in eastern Europe as tensions remain heightened.
The United States already has tens of thousands of troops stationed across mostly Western Europe.
At the Pentagon, top officials urged a focus on diplomacy while saying that Russia now had enough troops and equipment in place to threaten the whole of Ukraine.
Since October, Russia has amassed more than 100,000 combat troops and equipment, as well as support forces, along its frontier with Ukraine and more recently in Belarus, which borders Ukraine on the north.
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