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England became the first European team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, with other teams from Africa, Asia, and Oceania also securing spots. Forty-three teams will qualify through continental tournaments, with two more in intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March. The three host nations qualify automatically.
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Cameroon's presidential election has led to protests, accusations of vote tampering, and a unilateral declaration of victory by opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary. The official results are pending, with President Paul Biya expected to secure another term amid unrest and allegations of irregularities.
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Cameroon’s President Paul Biya begins an eighth term amid protests and allegations of electoral fraud, while Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan is re-elected in a vote marked by repression and opposition disqualification. Both countries face international criticism over democratic processes and human rights abuses.
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Mali faces escalating insecurity as jihadist groups, notably JNIM, intensify attacks, impose fuel blockades, and cause regional refugee flows. Despite government claims of mitigation, insurgents expand into neighboring Ivory Coast, worsening economic and humanitarian conditions amid regional instability.
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UK food prices for Christmas are up 5% overall, with some items rising sharply. Supermarkets are countering inflation with increased promotions, especially Aldi and Lidl, offering a full festive meal for less than £12 for eight people. Despite inflation, some prices, like potatoes and Yorkshire puddings, have fallen.
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On December 7, mutinous soldiers in Benin briefly seized state TV, declared a coup removing President Patrice Talon, and suspended the constitution. Loyalist forces, supported by Nigerian airstrikes and ECOWAS troops, swiftly regained control. Fourteen arrests were made; the coup leader remains at large. The incident highlights regional instability amid rising military takeovers in West Africa.
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The UK’s FSA warns against Dubai-style chocolates with undeclared allergens, while Nigeria’s NAFDAC recalls a non-approved noodle product due to undeclared milk and eggs. Both agencies emphasize strict regulation and consumer vigilance amid rising food safety concerns.
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The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 begins in Morocco on December 21, with 24 teams competing across six cities. Morocco, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Senegal, and Algeria are among the favorites. The final is scheduled for January 18 at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. All matches are broadcast free-to-air in the UK on Channel 4.
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Takumi Minamino suffered a serious knee injury during a French Cup match, ruling him out of the 2026 World Cup. The injury, a ruptured ACL, will sideline him for up to nine months, impacting Japan's squad and Monaco's season.
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Senegal beat Sudan 3-1 in the Africa Cup of Nations, with Ibrahim Mbaye scoring a late goal after coming off the bench. Senegal, the defending champions, will face either Mali or Tunisia in the quarter-finals. Sudan was eliminated despite a spirited performance, and other matches shaped the knockout stage standings today.
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The US and Ivory Coast signed a five-year, $937 million health cooperation agreement, emphasizing self-reliance and accountability. The deal aims to improve epidemic detection, strengthen health systems, and foster US business opportunities, marking a shift from aid to shared responsibility amid ongoing aid cuts affecting Africa's health services.
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Senegal and Ivory Coast fans face travel bans to the US due to new entry restrictions, affecting support at the upcoming World Cup. Despite exceptions for players, supporters without visas are barred, raising concerns about limited attendance and logistical challenges for teams and fans.