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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.
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The UK government and NatWest have announced new initiatives to expand affordable housing, with NatWest setting a £10bn funding goal for social housing by 2028. Scotland plans to establish a new housing agency, while Dunkirk port regeneration includes a potential ferry route to Scotland, reflecting broader regional development efforts.
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Armed men launched a coordinated attack on Niamey's main airport, a key military and uranium hub. Niger's forces responded swiftly, killing 20 attackers and arresting 11. The government accused France, Benin, and Ivory Coast of backing the assault, while thanking Russia for aid. No group has claimed responsibility.
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France's parliament is set to pass a law simplifying the restitution of looted artworks and artifacts to former colonies, including requests from Benin, Algeria, and Mexico. The bill aims to streamline procedures for items acquired between 1815 and 1972, reflecting a shift towards acknowledging colonial history.
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A coordinated attack on Niamey's airport was repelled with help from Russian forces, according to Niger's military. ISIL claimed responsibility, and Niger's government accused France, Benin, and Ivory Coast of backing the militants amid growing ties with Russia. The attack resulted in casualties and damage to the airport.
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Last week's attack at Niger's Niamey airport, claimed by Islamic State's West Africa affiliate, resulted in damage to aircraft and casualties. Niger's military reports 20 attackers killed, amid ongoing jihadist violence linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State. The incident heightens regional instability.
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Rising coffee costs in the U.S., up 18.3% in January and 47% over five years, are prompting Americans to cut back on café visits, switch to cheaper options, or quit coffee altogether. Climate issues and import costs are key factors behind the price surge, impacting daily routines nationwide.
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A sharp decline in cocoa prices has led to widespread land abandonment and alternative land uses in Ghana and Ivory Coast, with farmers turning to illegal mining and other activities as their yields and incomes plummet amid climate change and market volatility.
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Ivory Coast has received its first cultural artifact from France since colonial times, a traditional talking drum used by the Atchan people. The drum, looted in 1916, was displayed at the Quai Branly Museum in Paris. Its return marks a step in broader efforts to repatriate African artifacts. The ceremony included traditional songs and dances, symbolizing cultural restoration.