Posts tagged Egypt

The protection and safety of journalists continues to be a pressing issue across the continent. Within weeks of celebrating World Press Freedom Day commemorated on May 3, a number of cases of threats and attacks on journalists had already been reported in several African countries.

The recent killing of dozens of Christian worshipers at a Coptic Church in Egypt in an explosion has sparked concerns over the rising threat of terrorism in Africa targeting minority groups. There have been various deadly terrorist attacks perpetrated by terrorist groups on the African soil, and the rampage is increasingly becoming relentless. The rise in terrorism on the continent calls for urgent concerted efforts from national and regional social, political, and religious leaders, civil society and the public to curb the threats, which risk going out of control.

What it means to be black in the Arab world today lies at the complex intersection of religion, race, and class. There have been numerous cases of racial discrimination in the Arab world. The media often show pictures of light skinned Arabs, usually classified as white. This is despite the history of most Arab nations being occupied by black skinned people. So what’s this little dirty secret, asks Mona Eltahawy, that the Arab world is hiding?

Cameroon produced a masterstroke to beat highly fancied Egypt in the final of the 2017 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), held in Gabon’s capital, Libreville. The Indomitable Lions claimed their fifth #AFCON title against all the odds, considering their difficult pre-tournament journey but they triumphed through hard work and determination. Congratulations to The Indomitable Lions on clinching Africa’s most prestigious soccer title.

Africa’s biggest soccer showcase, the Africa Cup of Nations is certainly upon us, kicking off tomorrow (Saturday), the 14th of January. Hosts Gabon will get the ball rolling in the opening match in Libreville tomorrow in a game against debutants The Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau, in a Group A clash. We wish all the 16 teams participating in the tournament the very best. Let the 2017 games begin.

An amended law in Egypt, imposing tougher penalties on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and reclassifying the practice as a crime rather than a misdemeanour has come into effect. FGM practitioners will now face up to 15 years in jail if found guilty of carrying out the procedure. Although the practice was criminalised in 2008, FGM remains widespread in Egypt, and it is also silently practiced in other African countries. The amended law has been welcomed by anti-FGM campaigners.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the shortlist for the African Player of the year award, the continent’s biggest individual soccer prize. The five-man list includes reigning African footballer of the year and Bundesliga’s Player of the Year Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, English (PFA) Players’ Player of the Year, Riyad Mahrez, Senegal’s Sadio Mane, Egyptian Mohamed Salah, and Algeria’s Islam Slimani. Who are you tipping to clinch the top award?

South Africa’s two major cities Johannesburg and Cape Town have been named in the top 10 most visited destinations in the Middle East and African region, attracting a combined 4,9 million tourists, and earning a total of $2,7 billion according to this year’s MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index. Cairo and Casablanca also feature on the list of the most popular tourist destinations.

Cameroon hosts the 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in a few days. The 2016 games are upon us, kicking off on Saturday, the 19th of November to 3 December in the Cameroonian cities of Yaoundé and Limbe. We wish all the eight teams participating in the tournament the very best.

It’s the battle of Africa’s soccer heavyweights as the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Algeria’s Desert Foxes battle for the precious three points, vital in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia qualification. The game certainly promises to be a fascinating encounter considering the depth of both giants and high stakes on the table as the two soccer giants battle for glory in the Group B match. What’s your prediction?