Manchester City have come out as the largest beneficiaries of FIFA’s Club Benefits Programme for the 2026 World Cup, pocketing an estimated $4.4 million for releasing players to the tournament, according to figures compiled by The Athletic.
The Premier League champions lead the list ahead of Barcelona and Bayern Munich, with payouts tied to how many players each club sent to the tournament and how deep those players ran in the competition.
FIFA’s Club Benefits Programme compensates clubs for making players available for international duty during the World Cup, with payments calculated based on the number of days spent with national teams, covering both preparation camps and the tournament itself.
Barcelona finished second on $3.9 million, with Bayern Munich third on $3.4 million. Arsenal took fourth spot with $3.3 million, narrowly ahead of Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid, who both collected $3.2 million.
Crystal Palace rounded out a strong showing with $2.7 million, edging out Manchester United and Real Madrid, who each received $2.6 million. AC Milan completed the top 10 with $2.4 million.
Top 10 Clubs By FIFA World Cup Payout:
Manchester City (England) – $4.4 million
Barcelona (Spain) – $3.9 million
Bayern Munich (Germany) – $3.4 million
Arsenal (England) – $3.3 million
Paris Saint-Germain (France) – $3.2 million
Atletico Madrid (Spain) – $3.2 million
Crystal Palace (England) – $2.7 million
Manchester United (England) – $2.6 million
Real Madrid (Spain) – $2.6 million
AC Milan (Italy) – $2.4 million
The Athletic notes the figures are estimates drawn from FIFA’s distribution formula set out in Circular No. 1965, which governs how funds are allocated to clubs under the Club Benefits Programme.
Anthony Taylor has officially ended one of the most distinguished refereeing careers in modern football, bringing the curtain down on more than two decades as one of England’s leading match officials.
The 47-year-old announced his retirement from elite refereeing after officiating his final match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending a career that saw him oversee more than 800 matches, major domestic cup finals, UEFA competitions, European Championships and two FIFA World Cups.
His retirement comes after years of operating under intense scrutiny, with Taylor admitting that the demands of elite officiating ultimately influenced his decision to step away from the game.
“Officiating at the elite level has been an immense privilege, but the pressure is intense and the scrutiny is constant.”
Who Is Anthony Taylor?
Anthony Taylor is an English former professional football referee who spent more than 20 years officiating at the highest level of the game.
Widely regarded as one of England’s most experienced officials, Taylor officiated 831 matches during his career, including 432 Premier League fixtures and 163 international matches. He became one of the few referees trusted with some of football’s biggest occasions, including FIFA World Cups, UEFA European Championships and major domestic cup finals.
Early Life
Anthony Taylor was born on 20 October 1978 in Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester, England.
Growing up in Manchester, Taylor developed an early passion for football. Rather than pursuing a playing career, he became interested in refereeing while still young and gradually worked his way through England’s officiating ranks.
Education
Taylor has largely kept details about his educational background private. Unlike many professional footballers whose academic histories are well documented, the former referee has never publicly spoken extensively about his schooling or university education.
Before becoming a full-time referee, however, he worked as a prison officer, a profession that demanded discipline, communication and decision-making under pressure, qualities that later became central to his refereeing career.
Career Before Becoming A Referee
Prior to becoming a professional football referee, Anthony Taylor served as a prison officer.
He balanced his work while progressing through England’s refereeing structure before eventually committing fully to officiating after earning promotion into the professional ranks.
How Anthony Taylor Became A Professional Referee
Taylor’s rise through English football was gradual.
He joined the Football League referees list at the beginning of the 2006–07 season, consistently impressing with his performances.
His rapid development earned him promotion to the Premier League Select Group of Referees in 2010, where he quickly established himself among England’s top officials.
Premier League Career
Anthony Taylor spent 16 seasons officiating Premier League football.
During that period he:
Officiated 432 Premier League matches
Took charge of every major English domestic cup final
Became one of the most regularly appointed referees for high-profile league fixtures
Earned a reputation for fitness, consistency and calm decision-making under pressure.
Major Domestic Finals
Taylor officiated virtually every major domestic football event in England, including:
2015 League Cup Final
2015 FA Community Shield
2017 FA Cup Final
2018 Championship Play-off Final
2020 FA Cup Final
Notably, he became the first referee in well over a century to officiate two FA Cup finals within three years.
FIFA and International Career
Anthony Taylor spent 14 years on FIFA’s International Referees List.
His international appointments included:
FIFA World Cup 2022
FIFA World Cup 2026
UEFA Euro 2020
UEFA Euro 2024
FIFA Club World Cup (2022 and 2025)
Across his international career, he officiated 163 international matches.
UEFA Career Highlights
Taylor was selected for several of Europe’s biggest football matches, including:
UEFA Super Cup (2020)
UEFA Nations League Final (2021)
UEFA Europa League Final (2023)
UEFA Champions League Semi-final (2024)
Before reaching elite status, he also worked as an additional assistant referee during UEFA finals in earlier years.
Christian Eriksen Incident At Euro 2020
One of the defining moments of Taylor’s career came during Denmark’s Euro 2020 match against Finland, when Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch after suffering cardiac arrest.
Taylor received widespread praise for immediately stopping play and allowing medical personnel unrestricted access to the field, actions credited with helping create the conditions for Eriksen’s life-saving treatment.
Many football observers described his handling of the emergency as exemplary.
José Mourinho Europa League Controversy
Despite numerous accolades, Taylor’s career was not without controversy.
Following the 2023 UEFA Europa League Final between Sevilla and Roma, then Roma manager José Mourinho publicly criticised the referee.
After the match Mourinho confronted Taylor in a car park and later referred to him as a “disgrace.”
UEFA subsequently suspended Mourinho over the incident.
Taylor and his family were later subjected to abuse while travelling through Budapest Airport after the match, an episode he later described as one of the worst experiences of his career.
Speaking About Referee Abuse
In an interview before his retirement, Taylor reflected on the increasing abuse directed at referees.
Discussing the aftermath of the Europa League final, he explained that the experience affected not only him but also his family.
He stressed that officials often face criticism even when no significant mistakes are made, highlighting the growing challenges elite referees encounter.
Why Anthony Taylor Retired
Taylor announced his retirement immediately after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Explaining his decision, he said:
“Officiating at the elite level has been an immense privilege, but the pressure is intense and the scrutiny is constant.”
“The time is now right to step aside and look forward to transitioning to the next chapter of my career.”
His final professional match was Spain’s 1-0 victory over Portugal in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Reuters)
Howard Webb Pays Tribute
Howard Webb, Chief Refereeing Officer at Pro Ref, praised Taylor’s contribution to football.
According to Webb:
“Anthony has been a fantastic servant to the game over many years, both domestically and on the international stage.”
He also noted that Taylor’s professionalism and willingness to mentor younger officials made him a role model within English football.
Anthony Taylor’s Career In Numbers
Age at retirement: 47
Total matches officiated: 831
Premier League matches: 432
English professional matches: 668
International matches: 163
FIFA International Referee: 14 years
FIFA World Cups: 2022 and 2026
UEFA European Championships: 2020 and 2024
A Career That Shaped Modern Refereeing
Anthony Taylor leaves football as one of England’s most recognisable referees. Throughout his career, he officiated some of the sport’s biggest fixtures while navigating enormous public scrutiny.
His journey from prison officer to World Cup referee stands as one of the most remarkable officiating careers in English football, and his influence is expected to continue through mentoring and future roles within the game after retirement.
The House of Representatives has called for a comprehensive assessment of the losses suffered by Nigerians following recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, while urging the Federal Government to pursue compensation and stronger protection for affected citizens.
Lawmakers said the investigation should capture the number of casualties, the extent of economic losses and properties abandoned by Nigerians who were forced to flee the violence.
They also urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic engagements with South Africa, explore legal options and strengthen bilateral cooperation to guarantee the safety and protection of Nigerians living in the country.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the lawmaker representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Babajimi Benson, during Tuesday’s plenary presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.
The motion mandates the House Committees on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs to document the human and economic losses recorded during the attacks, compile an inventory of abandoned properties and recommend diplomatic and legal measures that would improve the protection of Nigerians residing in South Africa.
Lawmakers maintained that carrying out a detailed assessment of the attacks would provide the government with accurate data needed to support affected Nigerians while strengthening the country’s response to similar incidents in the future.
“There’s Hate In The Atmosphere”, Nigerian Returnee Recounts Xenophobic Experience In South Africa.
During the same plenary, the House also considered a motion seeking a comprehensive audit of all assets seized, forfeited and recovered by the Federal Government since May 29, 1999.
The motion, sponsored by Ibe Osonwa, who represents Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency of Abia State, proposed the creation of a national digital registry for recovered assets as well as the establishment of an ad hoc committee to improve transparency, accountability and legislative oversight in the management of recovered assets.
The House also received the report of its Constitution Review Committee on the proposed establishment of state police.
Lawmakers further considered reports relating to the Nigeria Police Trust Fund budgets, while several bills advanced through different stages of legislative consideration.
Meanwhile, shortly after plenary, the House Ad Hoc Committee investigating the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) expressed dissatisfaction over the failure of some heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to honour its summons.
The committee also faulted the absence of the Minister of Finance, who was represented by a ministry official, insisting that invited public officials must appear before the panel in person or risk further legislative action.
Chairman of the committee, Yusuf Gagdi, warned that the panel would not tolerate disregard for its directives.
The committee also summoned the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Security Adviser to explain how the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council allegedly continued to operate despite questions surrounding its legitimacy.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced that officers accused of extorting the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) at a checkpoint in Abuja will face prosecution if found guilty.
FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abuja, assuring residents that the officers involved are already in custody and undergoing investigation.
He stated that the command would ensure justice is served without bias, stressing that any officer found culpable would face dismissal and criminal prosecution.
“The affected officers are in custody, investigations are ongoing, and more arrests may follow. Those who deserve to be dismissed will be dismissed, while all those found culpable will be prosecuted,” Sanusi said.
The commissioner urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies, noting that effective policing depends on strong collaboration between the police and members of the public.
Sanusi also highlighted recent successes recorded by the command, including the arrest of a suspected logistics supplier to kidnapping gangs operating within and around the Federal Capital Territory.
According to him, investigations into the July 8 kidnapping incident at Yellow House in Mpape led operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to arrest Umaru, popularly known as “Danda,” a native of Zamfara State, at Gadabiu village in neighbouring Niger State on July 10.
Police alleged that the suspect served as a major supplier of hard drugs, logistics materials and other items used by the kidnapping syndicate.
Following his arrest, operatives raided three hideouts linked to the gang in Niger State, recovering 25 cards of 225mg tramadol, 30 cards of 100mg tramadol, suspected cocaine, cannabis tablets, dried cannabis leaves, two bottles containing 500 Embazol tablets each, a digital weighing scale, two ATM cards, two bags, two earpods, ₦250,000 cash and an AK-47 rifle.
The police also rescued a kidnapped victim in the Karshi area of the FCT, recovering a locally painted Makarov pistol, a dagger, military camouflage clothing and assorted charms during the operation.
In another breakthrough, officers arrested four suspected car thieves identified as Ibrahim Ismail, Ahmad Umar, Riskwa Shehu and Umar Abubakar for allegedly targeting Bolt and Uber drivers.
Investigators said the suspects posed as legitimate passengers by booking rides through e-hailing platforms before attacking drivers and stealing their vehicles and valuables.
Recovered from the suspects were an ash-coloured Toyota RAV4 with registration number YAB 240 DL and a grey Honda Civic bearing registration number ABC 72 JP.
The command also paraded several suspects linked to armed robbery, kidnapping and “one chance” robberies. Those arrested include Orji Chibueze, 35; Chibuike Odo, 33; and Chibuikem Stanley, 36.
Police recovered several exhibits from the suspects, including a wig, screwdriver, scissors, knife, suspected cannabis, three mobile phones, a cap and a rope.
Sanusi further revealed that on July 19, officers attached to the Nyanya Division responded to a distress call reporting an armed robbery at Area A, Nyanya.
Upon arrival, officers found five armed men attacking a resident, Mr Linus, after allegedly digging through the perimeter of his shop to gain access to his home.
The suspects reportedly opened fire on the responding officers, who returned fire, injuring two of the attackers and rescuing the victim.
A trail of blood later led officers to the arrest of 20-year-old Abdulrahman Ismail.
Recovered from the suspects’ hideout were bloodstained clothing, a toy gun, digging equipment, two machetes, a military belt, jewellery, a counterfeit ₦1,000 note, assorted charms, an MTN SIM card and identity documents.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Jamilu Yahaya, 25, for allegedly harbouring the suspects, while another suspect, Junaidu Usman, a chemist, was apprehended for allegedly treating one of the fleeing gang members, Danlami Abubakar, who remains at large.
Sanusi confirmed that all suspects would be arraigned in court after investigations are completed.
The commissioner also disclosed that the command had recovered five vehicles stolen within the FCT from various locations across the country, adding that while some have been returned to their owners, others are yet to be claimed.
Reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, Sanusi urged residents to remain alert and promptly report suspicious activities.
“Security is a shared responsibility. If you see something, say something. The FCT will not be a safe haven for criminals,” he assured.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is preparing to present former Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke, as a prosecution witness in the ongoing corruption trial of former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, over the controversial 2003 Mambilla Hydropower Project contract.
Although Mr Imoke appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday to testify, his evidence was postponed after the defence successfully argued that they had not been served with the summary of his witness statement, a requirement under Nigerian law. The court subsequently adjourned proceedings to allow the prosecution to comply with the legal process.
Court Postpones Imoke’s Testimony Over Procedural Objection
The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the testimony of former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke in the corruption trial involving former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, after the defence challenged the prosecution’s failure to provide a summary of the witness’s statement.
Mr Imoke was expected to testify as the sixth prosecution witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), but proceedings were halted following objections raised by Agunloye’s legal team.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie ruled that the prosecution must first serve the defence with the required witness statement summary before Mr Imoke can take the stand.
Why EFCC Wants Imoke To Testify
Mr Imoke succeeded Mr Agunloye as Minister of Power in July 2003, serving until January 2007 during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He later served as Governor of Cross River State between May 2007 and May 2015.
The EFCC listed him as one of its witnesses in the case against Mr Agunloye, who is facing seven criminal charges, including:
Disobedience to a presidential directive
Conspiracy
Forgery
Receiving gratification
The charges relate to the controversial $6 billion Mambilla Hydropower Project contract awarded in May 2003 to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited.
EFCC’s Allegations Against Olu Agunloye
According to the anti-graft agency, Mr Agunloye allegedly ignored a presidential directive issued during a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in 2003 by approving the Mambilla Hydropower contract.
The prosecution alleges that he signed a letter conveying government approval for the construction of the 3,960-megawatt Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station despite the directive.
The EFCC further accused him of conspiring with Leno Adesanya, who is currently at large, to forge documents relating to the project.
The commission also alleged that the former minister received gratuities exceeding ₦5 million from Sunrise Power and Mr Adesanya.
Mr Agunloye has pleaded not guilty to all seven counts.
Defence Challenges Imoke’s Testimony
During Monday’s proceedings, EFCC lead counsel Abba Muhammed (SAN) informed the court that the prosecution had filed additional documentary evidence and was ready to proceed with its next witness.
However, defence counsel Adeola Adedipe (SAN) objected, arguing that the prosecution had failed to comply with Section 379(1)(a)(i)(ii) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2021, and Section 36(6) of the Nigerian Constitution.
He maintained that the defence had not received the summary of Mr Imoke’s proposed testimony, making it impossible to adequately prepare for cross-examination.
According to him, introducing Mr Imoke without prior disclosure amounted to an attempt to ambush the defence.
EFCC Defends Its Position
Responding to the objection, EFCC counsel argued that the prosecution had already complied with the law.
Mr Muhammed told the court that Mr Imoke’s name had been listed among prosecution witnesses in the original proof of evidence filed on 27 September 2023, together with a summary of the expected testimony.
He also argued that documents tendered earlier in the proceedings already contained the necessary information.
Court Orders EFCC To Serve Witness Statement
After considering arguments from both parties, Justice Onwuegbuzie ruled that the prosecution must formally provide the defence with the summary of Mr Imoke’s statement.
The judge directed the EFCC to file and serve the document before further proceedings.
The matter was subsequently adjourned until 19 October.
Background of the Case
The EFCC has re-arraigned Mr Agunloye multiple times following amendments to the charges.
The former minister was first arraigned in January 2024, before subsequent amendments led to fresh arraignments in February 2024, September 2025, and again under the latest amended charge.
So far, the prosecution has presented six witnesses.
A major point of contention in the trial remains the minutes of the 21 May 2003 Federal Executive Council meeting, during which former President Olusegun Obasanjo was said to have issued directives concerning the Mambilla project.
The prosecution previously tendered the FEC minutes as evidence.
An EFCC investigator also told the court that Mr Obasanjo had been interviewed regarding the case and referenced a November 2023 letter in which the former president indicated his willingness to testify if required in the national interest.
However, the EFCC has yet to confirm whether Mr Obasanjo will eventually appear as a prosecution witness.
Agunloye’s Legal Battles Continue
The former minister has also challenged aspects of the EFCC’s actions outside the criminal trial.
After being declared wanted by the anti-graft agency in December 2023, Mr Agunloye voluntarily surrendered for questioning over the Mambilla project.
He later sued the EFCC over alleged violations of his fundamental rights, but the Federal High Court dismissed the case in March 2024.
Earlier this month, however, Mr Agunloye secured a legal victory after the FCT High Court ruled that the EFCC defamed him through one of its publications regarding the ongoing trial.
Justice Peter Kekemeke held that “EFCC failed to prove the truth in the said publication,” describing the agency’s report as unfair and based on a “sensational headline.”
The court awarded ₦10 million in damages against the EFCC, although the commission has since appealed the judgement.
The Controversial Mambilla Hydropower Project
The Mambilla Hydropower Project was originally awarded in 2003 to Sunrise Power and Transmission Limited under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The project, designed to generate 3,960 megawatts of electricity under a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement, has remained stalled for more than two decades.
In 2023, Mr Obasanjo accused Mr Agunloye of fraudulently awarding the contract without presidential approval.
The former minister rejected the allegation, insisting he was being unfairly blamed for broader government decisions surrounding the project and its eventual abandonment.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially launched its 2026 recruitment exercise, inviting qualified Nigerians to apply for a range of entry-level positions across different cadres.
According to a recruitment notice published on the commission’s official website, the online application portal opened on Monday, July 20, and will remain open until Monday, July 27, 2026.
The exercise is aimed at strengthening the commission’s workforce and boosting its capacity in critical areas, including electoral administration, voter registration, election logistics, data management and other constitutional responsibilities.
INEC stated that all applications must be completed online through its official recruitment portal. Applicants are required to create an account, complete the application form and upload all necessary supporting documents.
The commission also stressed that the recruitment process is completely free, warning applicants against submitting false information or forged credentials, noting that offenders will be disqualified and may face prosecution.
Available Positions In The INEC 2026 Recruitment
The vacancies are grouped into three major categories based on qualification and grade level.
Professional Cadre (Grade Levels 09, 10 and 12)
Qualified candidates can apply for the following positions:
Accountant
Clinical Officer
Lawyer
ICT Officer
Engineer
Quantity Surveyor
Applicants for these positions must possess a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in a relevant discipline. Some specialised roles may also require a Master’s degree from a recognised institution.
In addition, candidates are expected to possess relevant professional certifications where applicable, including:
NBA
COREN
NSE
NIQS
ICAN
ANAN
CPN
Applicants must also have:
At least two years of post-qualification experience
NYSC discharge or exemption certificate
Strong analytical, communication, ICT and problem-solving skills
Administrative Officer II (Registration Area Officer) – Grade Level 08
Candidates applying for this category must possess:
A Bachelor’s degree
Higher National Diploma (HND)
Or an equivalent qualification in the Social Sciences, Humanities or Sciences
Applicants are also expected to present:
NYSC discharge, exemption or exclusion certificate
Competence in data management and record keeping
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other ICT applications
Create an applicant account using your personal details, email address and National Identification Number (NIN).
Verify your email address.
Log into the portal and choose your preferred cadre and vacancy.
Upload all required documents, including:
Passport photograph
Birth certificate or declaration of age
O’Level result
Degree, HND, ND or NCE certificate
Local Government Identification Certificate
NYSC discharge, exemption or exclusion certificate (where applicable)
Carefully review your application.
Submit your application online before the closing date.
Important Things Applicants Should Know
INEC advised applicants to carefully select their preferred vacancy, explaining that applications cannot be edited or changed after submission.
The commission also reminded applicants that the recruitment exercise is free of charge and cautioned candidates against dealing with individuals or organisations claiming to offer recruitment assistance for a fee.
Application Deadline
The INEC recruitment portal opened on Monday, July 20, 2026, and applications will close on Monday, July 27, 2026.
Only applicants who are successfully shortlisted after the online application stage will be invited to proceed to the next phase of the recruitment process.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has retained the country’s benchmark interest rate, the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), at 26.5 per cent, following the conclusion of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in Abuja.
CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, who announced the committee’s decision on Tuesday, said the move reflected the need to balance encouraging domestic economic resilience with the growing risks posed by global geopolitical developments, particularly the renewed tensions in the Middle East.
According to him, although recent structural reforms have helped strengthen Nigeria’s economic outlook, global uncertainties continue to threaten energy prices and inflationary trends.
“The Committee decided as follows: retain the monetary policy rate at 26.5 per cent,” Cardoso announced at the end of the 306th MPC meeting, held in Abuja on July 20 and 21, 2026.
The decision followed extensive deliberations by committee members, who reviewed recent domestic economic performance alongside prevailing international economic conditions before agreeing to maintain the current lending rate.
Other Key Decisions by the MPC
Beyond retaining the benchmark interest rate, the committee also resolved to maintain several other monetary policy parameters.
These include:
Retaining the Standing Facilities Corridor around the MPR at +50 / -450 basis points.
Maintaining the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) at 45 per cent for Deposit Money Banks and 16 per cent for Merchant Banks.
Keeping the CRR for non-TSA public sector deposits at 75 per cent.
Why The CBN Maintained the Rate
Explaining the rationale behind the decision, Cardoso noted that while Nigeria recorded a slight moderation in headline inflation in June 2026, global developments remain a major source of concern.
“The committee’s decision to maintain the current policy stand follows a thorough assessment of the balance of risk. Although headline inflation moderated marginally in June 2026, global uncertainties have heightened due mainly to the renewed hostilities in the Middle East,” he said.
Despite the external pressures, the CBN Governor expressed confidence in the country’s economic resilience.
Cardoso stated that the Nigerian economy has “remained largely resilient to the external shocks”, attributing the stability to ongoing reforms and policy measures introduced over the past months.
Second Consecutive Hold in 2026
The latest decision marks the second consecutive MPC meeting in 2026 where the Central Bank has chosen to leave the benchmark interest rate unchanged, signalling its cautious approach to managing inflation while supporting economic stability.
The UN refugee agency reported on Tuesday that 144 migrants are dead or missing after attempting to reach Europe via the waters off Mauritania, following three separate rescue operations carried out between July 14 and 18.
The heaviest toll came from a single boat that departed Bufaloto, Gambia, and spent 25 days adrift before being rescued on July 18. By the time it reached shore in Nouadhibou, 143 people on board had died, leaving only 38 survivors. UNHCR staff present at the disembarkation said two children among the survivors had lost every member of their family during the journey and are now being treated in hospital. Agency spokesperson Matt Saltmarsh said it wasn’t yet clear whether the deaths were caused by drowning, dehydration, starvation, or other factors, though he confirmed the victims came from various sub-Saharan African countries.
A separate vessel that arrived on July 14 had one person dead on arrival. In total, the three rescue operations over that five-day window saved 387 people. UNHCR noted that Mauritania has now recorded 17 disembarkations in 2026 alone, with 2,147 people rescued so far this year.
The agency pointed to a broader shift in migration patterns: sea arrivals to Europe are down more than a third this year, with just over 40,000 recorded compared to 65,407 over the same period in 2025. Despite the drop in overall crossings, UNHCR warned that deaths and disappearances remain at troubling levels, and renewed its call for greater access to education and job opportunities in origin countries as safer alternatives to the sea route.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called on Guinea-Bissau’s military-led government to unconditionally free all detained political figures, including opposition leader Domingos Simoes Pereira, according to a statement issued after a summit of regional heads of state in Sierra Leone.
Freeing the political prisoners would help strengthen confidence in the country’s transition process, the bloc said in a statement released late Monday. Guinea-Bissau’s current leadership seized power in a coup last November and put in place a one-year transitional charter the following month.
Pereira, who previously served as prime minister and now leads the PAIGC party, was sent back to prison on July 10, according to his family. He had originally been detained on the day of the coup, then later moved to house arrest in February in what appeared to be a gesture aimed at satisfying ECOWAS. He faces accusations of economic crimes and alleged involvement in a coup plot from October 2025, charges he rejects.
The ECOWAS statement also noted that Guinea-Bissau is scheduled to hold a constitutional referendum on August 30, followed by general elections on December 6, 2026 — though the country’s government has yet to confirm these dates itself. A government spokesperson had not responded to questions about Pereira’s case as of Tuesday.
Top public health official in Africa has formally appealed to the United States to lift Ebola-related travel restrictions on Uganda, citing the country’s month-long streak without new infections.
Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya revealed he had written to U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. requesting the restrictions be dropped, telling a conference in Accra that there was no justification for the U.S. to keep them in place. He called on African nations to back his letter as a show of continental solidarity with countries battling the outbreak, whose epicentre remains the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Uganda discharged its last Ebola patient on July 16, starting a 42-day countdown under WHO guidelines before the country can be officially declared Ebola-free. The nation has recorded 20 cases in total, a fraction of the more than 2,400 reported in Congo.
Kaseya said it was time to lift the restrictions on Uganda while continuing to support Congo through its ongoing challenges.
The U.S. currently restricts entry for all travellers who have recently been in Congo, along with some travellers from Uganda and South Sudan — restrictions first imposed in May and tightened further just last week.
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