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  • Ricky Hatton, former world boxing champion dies at 46

    Ricky Hatton, former world boxing champion dies at 46

    Hatton, nicknamed “The Hitman,” was one of Britain’s most celebrated fighters. He won world titles at both light-welterweight and welterweight, building a reputation for his relentless fighting style and close connection with fans.

    His career highlight came in 2005 when he defeated Kostya Tszyu to claim the IBF light-welterweight title, a victory often described as one of the greatest moments in modern British boxing.

    He later faced legendary opponents including Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, fights that, despite ending in defeat, cemented his place among the sport’s biggest names.

    Hatton remained a fan favorite throughout his career for his courage, determination, and down-to-earth personality.

    Away from the ring, Hatton spoke openly about his struggles with mental health following retirement. He also battled issues related to weight, alcohol, and allegations of drug use.

    Despite these challenges, he remained an influential figure in British boxing, training fighters and continuing to engage with fans.

    Tributes poured in after news of his death. Former world champion Amir Khan described him as “not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior.” Former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury wrote, “There will only ever be 1 Ricky Hatton… can’t believe this so young.”

    The British Boxing Board of Control expressed “deep sadness” and praised Hatton’s legacy as one of the modern greats of the sport.

    Manchester City Football Club, of which Hatton was a lifelong supporter, honored him ahead of a derby match, with both sets of fans applauding in his memory.

    Former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton has died at the age of 46. Police in Greater Manchester confirmed that he was found dead at his home and stated there were no “suspicious circumstances” surrounding his death.
  • Suspect in Charlie Kirk’s murder linked to ‘leftist ideology’

    Suspect in Charlie Kirk’s murder linked to ‘leftist ideology’

    The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, allegedly shot Kirk on September 10, while he was delivering a speech at Utah Valley University. Kirk, who co-founded the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was a prominent figure among American conservatives.

    Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, Governor Cox stated that Robinson “spent time in dark places online” and had adopted “a leftist ideology” despite his family background. “He was raised in a conservative family. His parents are registered Republicans, but somewhere along the way, he veered in a very different direction,” Cox said.

    Authorities revealed that Robinson had been living with a transgender roommate, with whom he was romantically involved. According to Cox, the roommate is cooperating with investigators and “had no knowledge of Robinson’s alleged actions.”

    Robinson had been registered as a nonpartisan voter, though investigators say his online activity reflected strong left-leaning beliefs.

    The killing has sparked widespread reactions across the United States, heightening concerns over political polarization and rising threats of violence.

    According to reports, some users on social media responded to Kirk’s death with celebration, a development that has been condemned by leaders across the political spectrum. In the aftermath, Governor Cox urged the public to avoid fueling further division.

    “This tragedy should not be weaponized,” he said. “We cannot allow the language of hate and revenge to dictate our future.”

    Conservative activist Charlie Kirk Kirk was assassinated on September 10.
  • AFC/M23 unveils over 7,000 new recruits

    AFC/M23 unveils over 7,000 new recruits

    The induction ceremony, held on September 14, 2025, was attended by Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, leader of the coalition, and M23 commander Maj Gen Sultani Makenga.

    According to AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, the new recruits include former soldiers of the Congolese army (FARDC) as well as fighters from groups aligned with the Wazalendo coalition. He said they joined M23 after the capture of Goma and Uvira earlier this year.

    In his address, Maj Gen Makenga said the recruits had been trained to “liberate their country,” accusing President Félix Tshisekedi’s government of killing civilians on ethnic grounds, destroying villages, and weakening the national army.

    “He has destroyed everything. Even the army, he ruined it, turning it into a dumping ground,” Makenga said, further alleging that the Congolese army has been mixed with Wazalendo militia, the FDLR, Imbonerakure, and foreign mercenaries.

    He argued that Tshisekedi values foreign forces more than his own army, adding: “A leader who disrespects the army does not respect the country, nor the Congolese people, and should not remain in power.”

    Makenga urged the new fighters to maintain discipline, respect civilians, and distinguish themselves from their adversaries, insisting this would help them achieve their stated objective of liberating the country.

    Earlier this month, Makenga declared that M23 aims to expand its control to other key cities, including Kalemie in Tanganyika Province, Kisangani in Tshopo, and Kindu in Maniema, saying this required continued recruitment.

    Nangaa echoed the ambition, telling fighters that the movement ultimately plans to “liberate” additional cities, among them Lubumbashi in Haut-Katanga, Mbandaka in Equateur, and the capital, Kinshasa.

    New M23 recruits underwent training at the Rumangabo military camp.
    Senior AFC/M23 officers attended the ceremony.
    Maj Gen Makenga urged the fighters to uphold high standards of discipline.
    Corneille Nangaa told the fighters that AFC/M23 intends to continue its campaign until it takes control of Kinshasa.
  • UAE to launch ‘Aid Foresight Programme’

    UAE to launch ‘Aid Foresight Programme’

    Titled “Aid Foresight Programme,” the initiative is aimed at aligning the UAE’s commitment to helping shape the future of global foreign aid with in-depth knowledge and theoretical and practical insights on the current state of humanitarianism.

    Anchored in four pillars – education, capacity building, experience sharing, and strategic networking – the programme is designed to strengthen the UAE’s aid ecosystem with the foresight and clarity needed to navigate a rapidly changing landscape.

    The UAE is a leading player in the humanitarian space now. The people who lead the country’s efforts in aid delivery must be equipped with a sharp and nuanced understanding of their areas of engagement. This is the first programme of its kind, and it puts global expertise face-to-face with the leadership of the UAE’s aid ecosystem.

    In today’s world, where geopolitical, humanitarian, and development challenges are deeply interconnected, foresight is not a luxury; it is a necessity.

    Among the selected speakers slated to run the masterclasses are Beatriz Nofal, Bart Fonteyne and Hosuk Lee-Makiyama.

    Beatriz Nofar is a senior advisor on global governance, regional integration and foreign affairs. She served as Argentina’s G-20 Sherpa and Special Representative for G-20 Affairs. Her advisory work spans the World Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank.

    Bart Fonteyne is a Senior Advisor on Development and Humanitarian Aid at Hyphen. He has led complex policy evaluations and strategic planning efforts, including assessing ENABEL’s 2030 international cooperation strategy for Belgium in Africa and developing strategic development models for higher education in Mozambique, Ethiopia, and Angola on behalf of the EU, the Netherlands, and German international cooperation agencies.

    A Senior Advisor on Trade, Technology and International Affairs, Hosuk Lee-Makiyama is a Distinguished Senior Fellow at LSE Trade Policy Hub, and a Director at ECIPE. He regularly advises G7 and G20 governments on trade policy, economic integration and security. His advisory work has shaped trade agreements and diplomatic negotiations with the EU and influenced economic strategies across Europe.

    The programme is designed to position the UAE as a thought leader in shaping future foreign aid through innovation, collaboration, and strategic leadership. The programme prepares UAE leadership to engage more effectively in regions impacted by crisis or under-served by traditional donors, including Africa, Asia, Latin America, and fragile post-conflict environments.

    The programme is led by the Office of Development and Affairs (ODA) with support from the Presidential Court. Core participating institutions include Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), Emirates Red Crescent, UAE Aid Agency (as part of MOFA), and the 13 affiliates of Erth Zayed Philanthropies.

  • M23 repels Wazalendo fighters in Walikale

    M23 repels Wazalendo fighters in Walikale

    This confrontation took place during heavy clashes on the night of Saturday, September 13, around Bueni Hill, located between Luberike and Waloa Yungu groupements in Walikale.

    According to Actualité, calm had returned by the morning of Sunday, September 14, as the fighting had ended and no further gunfire could be heard.

    The Wazalendo fighters had been trying to push the AFC/M23 out of its positions on the hill since June this year. However, the group resisted and forced them to retreat toward the Waloa Yungu groupement.

    The positions remain under the control of AFC/M23, which first occupied them in June during an offensive to dislodge Wazalendo forces from their stronghold in Buhimba, within the Waloa Yungu groupement.

    The M23 rebel group, fighting against the Congolese government, has repelled Wazalendo coalition forces attempting to dislodge it from positions on Bueni Hill in Walikale Territory, North Kivu Province.
  • Hamas official says prisoner swap negotiations suspended after Israel’s attack on Doha

    Hamas official says prisoner swap negotiations suspended after Israel’s attack on Doha

    “Negotiations cannot continue if the delegation responsible for them is attacked inside the country acting as mediator,” Tahir al-Nono, a senior Hamas official, said in a statement.

    Hamas said Israeli airstrikes last Tuesday hit residential compounds in Doha used by its leaders while they were discussing a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal. The delegation, led by senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya, survived, but five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer were killed, the group said.

    Al-Nono accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of obstructing efforts to reach both a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange. He warned that intensified Israeli strikes on residential towers in Gaza could endanger Israeli captives held there.

    “The only logical solution is for the international community to issue and enforce a decision to stop this war,” he said.

    Al-Nono also dismissed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Israel on Sunday, saying Hamas expected no change in Israel’s position.

    The comments came as Israeli airstrikes leveled residential buildings in Gaza City in recent days, killing dozens, according to Palestinian health officials. Israel says its operations target Hamas infrastructure and fighters, while Palestinians say civilians are bearing the brunt of the attacks.

    Qatar, Egypt and the United States have tried to broker a ceasefire and prisoner exchange since the latest Gaza war erupted, but the Doha strike has cast fresh doubt on prospects for progress.

  • Albania names AI bot as ‘minister’ to combat corruption

    Albania names AI bot as ‘minister’ to combat corruption

    The AI, named Diella, meaning “sun” in Albanian, will oversee all public tenders, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced at a party assembly in Tirana on Thursday.

    Diella was first introduced earlier this year as a virtual assistant on the e-Albania platform, helping citizens access government services and navigate the system. Her avatar appears as a young brunette woman dressed in traditional Albanian attire.

    Since her launch, Diella has assisted in issuing over 36,600 digital documents and provided nearly 1,000 services through the platform.

    “Diella is the first cabinet member who isn’t physically present but is virtually created by AI,” Rama said. “Public procurement must be transformed, and we need to gradually transfer it to AI, making Albania a country where public tenders are 100 percent free from corruption.”

    Enio Kaso, head of Albania's Department of Artificial Intelligence and Cryptocurrency Licensing, introduces AI 'minister' Diella, in Albania's capital Tirana, on Friday, 12 September, 2025.

    Albania has long struggled with corruption, consistently ranking low on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, coming 80th out of 180 countries last year. Graft scandals have frequently erupted around public contracts, complicating the country’s bid for European Union membership, for which it was officially granted candidate status in 2014.

    Recent corruption cases, including a major waste management scandal in April that saw seven former officials convicted of abuse of power, have added urgency to the government’s anti-graft agenda.

    While Rama has framed Diella as a transformative tool for transparency, the move has raised questions about its legality and effectiveness. Albania’s constitution requires government ministers to be mentally competent citizens aged at least 18, leaving Diella’s official ministerial status ambiguous.

    Opposition figures have criticised the appointment, with Gazmend Bardhi, parliamentary group leader of the Democrats, calling it “unconstitutional” and labelling it “buffoonery.”

    Despite scepticism, some experts see potential in using AI to curb corruption.

    “AI is still a new tool—but if it is programmed correctly, when you put a bid in online, you can see clearly and more closely if a company meets the conditions and the criteria,” said Dr Andi Hoxhaj of King’s College London, who specialises in the Western Balkans and corruption.

    Rama has emphasised that Diella is more than a symbolic gesture. “We’re working with a brilliant team, both Albanian and international, to develop the first full AI model in public procurement,” he told the BBC. “Not only will we remove every potential influence on public bidding, but we will also make the process faster, more efficient, and totally accountable.”

    Though reactions are mixed, the government hopes the move will encourage other agencies to modernise and rethink traditional ways of working.

    As Albania pushes to accelerate EU accession negotiations, with a target completion by 2027, the success of Diella could set a precedent for other nations seeking innovative solutions to entrenched corruption.

    Albania has made history by appointing an artificial intelligence (AI) bot as a virtual minister in what authorities describe as an attempt to tackle corruption in public procurement.
  • AU welcomes UN General Assembly resolution on advancing UN-AU cooperation

    AU welcomes UN General Assembly resolution on advancing UN-AU cooperation

    The UN General Assembly, in its 79th session, adopted a resolution on UN-AU cooperation, emphasizing that strengthening the cooperation will contribute to the advancement of the principles of the UN Charter and of the Constitutive Act of the AU.

    “This resolution is a strong endorsement of Africa’s leadership and of the vital partnership between the UN and AU in advancing peace, security, and sustainable development,” the AU Commission chief said in a statement issued Saturday.

    “Together, we will translate this commitment into concrete action that delivers for Africa’s people and contributes to global stability,” he added.

    The resolution, among other things, emphasized that the AU’s 50-year continental development blueprint Agenda 2063 “reflects the commitment to the pan-African vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the international arena.”

    Youssouf reaffirmed the AU’s “unwavering commitment to working hand-in-hand with the UN” in achieving both Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

    The resolution emphasized the need to pursue ongoing measures to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of UN-AU cooperation in addressing threats to peace and security, as well as obstacles to development, and promoting human rights in Africa.

    AU welcomes UN General Assembly resolution on advancing UN-AU cooperation.
  • Volleyball: Rwanda falls to Morocco in U-20 African Championship opener

    Volleyball: Rwanda falls to Morocco in U-20 African Championship opener

    The match, held on Saturday night, September 13, 2025, at Cairo’s Hassan Mostafa Hall, saw Rwanda start strongly, taking the first set 25-20. However, Morocco responded by winning the second set 25-16.

    The North African side carried their momentum into the third set, overpowering Rwanda 25-13. Rwanda bounced back in the fourth set, winning 25-21 to force a decisive fifth set. Morocco ultimately clinched the match with a 15-11 victory in the tie-break.

    Rwanda will face Cameroon in their second Group B match on September 15, before closing their group stage against Kenya on September 17, 2025.

    Rwanda U-20 volleyball team opened their African Championship campaign with a 3-2 loss to Morocco.
    Rwanda started the match strongly but dropped the second set.
    Rwanda’s campaign got off to a rocky start at the African U-20 Championship.
  • Film stars to win cars as Mashariki African Film Festival returns with a new look

    Film stars to win cars as Mashariki African Film Festival returns with a new look

    Scheduled for 22–29 November 2025 in Kigali, the festival is also expanding beyond the capital, with activities lined up in different provinces. More than 160 nominees are in the running across 23 categories, selected through the Iziwacu Cinema programme.

    Festival CEO and founder Trésor Senga said the changes were designed to push the event to new heights and give more value to the individuals behind Rwanda’s fast-growing film industry.

    Alongside the new car prizes for the People’s Choice categories, the festival has introduced a slot for film technicians, shining a spotlight on often-overlooked creatives. Winners in most categories will be picked by a jury, but fans will have their say through online voting, which opens on Monday, September 15. Voters will even get 20% of their money back for each vote cast.

    Among the actors vying for Best Actor (People’s Choice) are familiar names such as Mugisha Emmanuel, a.k.a. Kibonge (Deceiver), Benimana Ramadhan, better known as Bamenya (Bamenya Series), and Niyitegeka Gratien, popularly known as Papa Sava. On the actresses’ side, contenders include Mumararungu Joyeuse (Micky in Igihome), Dusenge Clenia (Madedeli in Papa Sava), and Irakoze Ariane Vanessa, who fans know as Kate/Maya in Hurts Harder.

    The week-long event will also feature Mashariki Market, a three-day industry forum expected to draw more than 500 film representatives from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and across Africa. For local creatives, it’s a chance to plug into international networks through platforms like Mashariki Residence and Mashariki Academy.

    But the festival isn’t just about red carpets and awards. This year, film stars will tour five districts across Rwanda to connect with audiences, showcase their work, and take part in community service.

    With bigger prizes, fresh categories, and wider reach, Mashariki African Film Festival 2025 promises to be its most exciting edition yet.

    Key figures from the film industry recently met with the organisers of the festival.
    Trésor Senga, CEO and co-founder of the Mashariki African Film Festival, met with various film industry stakeholders to discuss the festival’s new journey this year.
    Festival CEO and founder Trésor Senga said the changes were designed to push the event to new heights and give more value to the people behind Rwanda’s fast-growing film industry.