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Pope Calls For Peace In Coup-Hit Niger

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Pope Francis on Sunday urged a diplomatic solution to a political crisis in Niger, sparked by a coup that threatens stability in the region.

“I am following with concern what is happening in Niger, and join the bishops’ call in favour of peace in the country and stability in the Sahel,” said Pope Francis, addressing the faithful in St Peter’s Square after his Angelus prayer.

“I join with prayer the efforts of the international community to find a peaceful solution as soon as possible for the good of everyone,” said the 86-year-old.

Army officers ousted President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, making Niger the fourth West African nation to suffer a coup since 2020.

Meanwhile, Niger’s new military ruler said Saturday a transition of power would not go beyond three years, and warned that any attack on the country would not be easy for those involved.

“Our ambition is not to confiscate power,” General Abdourahamane Tiani said in a televised address. Any transition of power “would not go beyond three years”, he said.

But he added: “If an attack were to be undertaken against us, it will not be the walk in the park some people seem to think.”

He also said: “ECOWAS is getting ready to attack Niger by setting up an occupying army in collaboration with a foreign army,” without saying which country he meant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AFP

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International News

Isak Relishes Glorious World Cup Debut After Tunisia Trashing

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On June 15th , following Sweden’s 5-1 victory over Tunisia, the team’s striker Isak was interviewed.

 

Tunisia had not conceded a single goal in 10 World Cup qualifiers, but their clean-sheet record at this World Cup was broken immediately by Sweden. Isak delivered an exceptional performance in the match, directly contributing to 4 of the team’s 5 goals.

Isak said after the match: “It was incredible. We have a lot of players making their World Cup debuts, so to do it this way is really special.”

He was also satisfied with his performance: “Everyone played well, as did the whole team. We scored early, which made the game easier to manage.”

Speaking about his partnership with Gyökeres, he said: “The plan was to use the speed of our two forwards to counter-attack, make high-intensity runs, and then recover. We worked very well together.”

Swedish commentator Erik Niva said after the match: “No team will want to face Sweden in the matches ahead.”

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Amorim Clinches AC Milan Job 6 Months After Man U Sack

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The Rossoneri are looking to reshape their technical staff after parting ways with Max Allegri following a disappointing fifth-place finish and their first move is to hire Amorim ahead of the new campaign.

 

Amorim was dismissed from Old Trafford hotseat in January after launching a public attack on the club’s hierarchy following a 1-1 draw at Leeds United.

Now, he is set to return to management as he draws closer to taking over Italian giants AC Milan according to Fabrizo Romano.

The transfer specialist reports that
verbal agreement is done on deal valid until June 2028 plus option until June 2029.

“Amorim has accepted all conditions and will sign this week as new Milan manager.” Romano registered.

The good news for the Red Devils is that ESPN reports that club accounts released in February revealed United have “a provision of £15.9m” relating to money owed to Amorim and his coaching staff after he was sacked.

However, if Amorim takes a new job then the club would not have to pay the maximum for the Portuguese tactician which is great news ahead of the summer transfer window as funds are freed up.

United and AC Milan are scheduled to meet in a pre-season friendly on August 15th in Wroclaw, Poland in what could be an interesting reunion.

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UK Announces Under- 16s Social Media Ban From 2027

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The United Kingdom government has announced plans to ban children under 16 from accessing social media platforms, with the legislation expected to take effect by spring 2027

 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled the proposed law on Monday, describing it as a landmark move to protect young people online. The policy will restrict access to major platforms including X, Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok, aligning with a similar ban introduced in Australia last year.

Messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal will not be affected, as the government clarified that the policy targets user-to-user social platforms designed for public interaction and content sharing.

In a statement, the government said the measure would deliver “world-leading action” by reducing children’s exposure to harmful online content and encouraging healthier offline activities. “Children will be given back their childhoods, with less time for scrolling and more time for play,” the statement read.

The framework for the ban will follow Australia’s model, focusing on platforms that enable social interaction and rely on algorithm-driven content distribution.

Media regulator Ofcom has been tasked with developing and enforcing the detailed rules. The regulator noted that while progress has been made in online safety, including age verification systems and protections against grooming, further steps are needed to safeguard children.

Speaking on the policy, Starmer said parents are increasingly concerned about the risks posed by digital platforms. “The online world has made it harder than ever to keep children safe and happy. We are stepping in to protect children, support parents and set a new standard for future generations,” he said.

The government also announced additional measures targeting emerging technologies, including AI-powered “romantic companion” chatbots. These services will be restricted to users aged 18 and above, with tighter controls placed on similar features across AI platforms.

UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall described the initiative as “a bold and significant step” toward ensuring a safer and healthier online environment for children.

Officials added that the policy goes beyond a simple ban, forming part of a broader strategy to address the ways children experience harm online and strengthen overall digital safety protections.

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