Juba, South Sudan – (African Boulevard News) – Juba Boys FC, a team that started in 2020, is now participating in the country’s first-ever blind football league, offering new hope to visually impaired individuals in South Sudan.

Blind football, also known as Para-soccer, is a modified version of football for individuals with visual impairment. The game is played with a soccer ball equipped with a sound-emitting device, allowing the players to hear its movement on the field.

The Juba Boys FC is one of four teams that participated in the inaugural blind football league, which kicked off on May 15. The league was organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in collaboration with the South Sudan Football Association for people with disabilities.

According to the ICRC, the league aims to promote social inclusion and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in South Sudan, a country that faces significant economic and social challenges.

“The league shows that disability is not inability, and persons with disabilities can participate in sports like others,” said Brian Kenneth, ICRC’s physical rehabilitation program manager in South Sudan. “We hope that through the blind football league, persons with disabilities can develop their skills, be visible, and contribute positively to their communities.”

Besides offering a new source of hope to visually impaired individuals, blind football is also an opportunity to showcase South Sudan’s football talent, said Anthony John Luga, the president of the South Sudan Football Association for people with disabilities.

“Blind football offers a platform for the talented players to demonstrate their skills and talents, and it will also enable us to identify talents to represent South Sudan at the regional or international level,” Luga said.

The Juba Boys FC’s coach, John Lado, said that this is a dream come true for many of his players who have faced significant challenges due to their visual impairment.

“My players are excited to participate in the league, and they are grateful for the opportunity to showcase their talents,” Lado said. “It has been a challenging journey to get here, but we are hopeful that our participation in the league will inspire other visually impaired individuals to pursue their dreams.”

Blind football offers a new ray of hope to South Sudan’s visually impaired individuals, promoting equal opportunities and social inclusion. The league is also an opportunity to demonstrate the country’s football talent and inspire individuals to pursue their dreams.

Conakry, Guinea – (African Boulevard News) – The Guinean press associations have accused the ruling junta of censorship and blocking of access to news sites, in a tense context of political instability. According to press reports, the junta has restricted or blocked access to several news sites and popular social networks.

The move to restrict and block news sites and social media platforms has raised concerns among media and free speech advocates, who view it as a blatant attempt to muzzle the press and stifle dissenting voices. The move comes on the heels of the junta seizing power in a military coup in October 2021, and amid fears of a crackdown on the media in Guinea.

The Guinean Association of Private Press Editors and Publishers (AGEPI) has condemned the censorship and called for the immediate restoration of internet access to news sites and social media. AGEPI said in a statement that the censorship was a “violation of freedom of expression and the press, and a serious blow to democracy”.

Similarly, the Guinean Union of Journalists (UJG) has also condemned the censorship and called on the junta to respect press freedom and the right to access information. “We urge the junta to immediately lift the restrictions on access to news sites and social networks and allow journalists to carry out their work without fear or intimidation,” said UJG President Mamadouba Paye Camara.

The move to block access to news sites and social media platforms is seen as part of a wider crackdown on dissent and opposition voices in Guinea, as the junta seeks to consolidate its grip on power. The junta has already arrested and detained several opposition leaders and activists, and imposed restrictions on civil society and political activities.

Guinea has a history of political instability and military coups, and this latest move is seen by many as a setback for the country’s fragile democracy. The international community has also expressed concerns over the junta’s actions, which could undermine the efforts to restore democratic governance in Guinea.

In conclusion, the Guinean press associations have accused the junta of censorship and blocking of access to news sites and social media platforms. The move is seen as a violation of press freedom, freedom of expression, and a blow to democracy in Guinea. The international community has called on the junta to respect democratic principles and allow journalists to carry out their work without fear or intimidation.

Bamako, Mali – (African Boulevard News) – Mali’s head coach Soumaila Coulibaly has revealed that he has no regrets for rotating his squad in their third-place play-off 2-1 defeat to Burkina Faso at the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2023.

Coulibaly made a total of eight changes to his squad, which had successfully progressed from the group stages and quarter-finals before losing a closely contested semi-final to Cameroon.

Despite his team’s defeat in the third-place play-off, Coulibaly held no regrets for his team selection. In his post-match interview, he stated, “I have no regrets about rotating my squad because I had confidence in all of my players. We wanted to give everyone an opportunity to play, and they all did their best.”

Mali began the match on the front foot, but Burkina Faso responded with two quick goals within the first 20 minutes, which left the Eagles chasing the game for the remainder of the match. Despite pulling a goal back, they could not find the equalizer to force the game into extra time.

Coulibaly’s squad selection and the defeat in the third place play-off have raised eyebrows from football pundits and fans alike, as Mali was considered to be one of the favorites to win the tournament.

Despite the result, Coulibaly’s decision to rotate the squad was a strategic move to give his squad valuable playing time. He also wanted to ensure that the players would be able to perform in bigger matches at a later stage of their careers.

The TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations is a breeding ground for young talent, and Coulibaly made it clear that he had the bigger picture in mind, “We came to this tournament to showcase our young talent, and I am proud of what we have achieved. We have shown that we are capable of competing at the highest level.”

Mali’s performance at the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations was a bright spot for the country and a testament to the youth development programs that are being put in place. The future looks bright for the Eagles, and Coach Coulibaly’s decision to rotate his squad will surely reap dividends in the years to come.

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – (African Boulevard News) – In a heartfelt gesture, Ousmane Camara, the Guinean captain, has dedicated his Man of the Match trophy to the people of Burkina Faso. The announcement came after Guinea secured a 2-1 win over Mali in the third-place play-off of the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2023.

Camara’s decision to dedicate his trophy to the Burkinabe people showed his appreciation for the support and hospitality received from the West African country. Speaking to reporters after the match, Camara said, “I dedicate this trophy to the people of Burkina Faso for their warm welcome and amazing support throughout the tournament. I am also dedicating it to the Guinean people, who have been cheering for us.”

Camara’s dedication was warmly received by the people of Burkina Faso, who have shown immense hospitality to all the participating countries. The small West African nation played host to the tournament, which saw 12 countries participate in a thrilling competition that lasted from January 5 to 26.

The TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2023 was a showcase of the continent’s young footballing talent, and the tournament saw some incredible performances from individual players and teams. Ivory Coast emerged as the champions of the tournament, defeating Ghana 3-1 in the final.

The tournament was a chance for young players to showcase their skills and potentially launch their football careers. It also provided a platform for African football to continue to grow and develop at the grassroots level.

Camara’s dedication of his trophy was a poignant moment, highlighting the importance of sportsmanship and camaraderie in football. The gesture was a reminder that football is more than just a game; it is a unifying force that can bring people and nations together.

In conclusion, Camara’s dedication of his trophy to the people of Burkina Faso was a touching gesture that showed appreciation for the hospitality and support received during the tournament. The TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2023 was a showcase of young African footballing talent and provided a platform for the growth and development of African football. The tournament was a reminder that football is more than just a game and has the power to bring people together.

Harare, Zimbabwe – (African Boulevard News) – The Zimbabwean government has granted clemency to over 4,000 prisoners in a large presidential amnesty on Thursday, May 18. Nearly a fifth of all prisoners in the country are expected to be released. This move came amid growing concerns over prison overcrowding and the spread of COVID-19 in Zimbabwe’s correctional facilities.

The beneficiaries of this amnesty include those who were convicted of minor offenses such as theft, public order crimes, and those already serving an extra-judicial sentence. However, none of those convicted of serious crimes such as murder, rape, and treason were included in this amnesty.

The Zimbabwean authorities have been facing pressure from human rights groups to release prisoners due to the country’s prison conditions. According to the Prison Fellowship Zimbabwe, the country’s prisons have a capacity of around 17,000 inmates but are now holding more than 22,000 inmates.

This presidential amnesty is the third of its kind since President Emmerson Mnangagwa took power in 2017. The amnesty was granted as part of the country’s efforts to decongest prisons and curb the spread of COVID-19 among inmates.

In a statement, the Zimbabwe Prison and Correction Services (ZPCS) announced that they have already started releasing prisoners. They also revealed that all those who are eligible for release under this amnesty will be released by the end of the week.

The move sparked mixed reactions from the public, with some applauding the president’s efforts towards decongesting the prisons, while others argued that the amnesty should have included more serious crimes.

According to Zimbabwe’s Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi, the amnesty is a significant milestone towards reforming the country’s justice system. “The government’s move is meant to promote rehabilitation and re-integration of released prisoners into society and also promote their rights,” he said.

In conclusion, Zimbabwe’s presidential amnesty, which has seen the release of over 4,000 prisoners, including those convicted of minor crimes, is expected to ease the pressure on the country’s overcrowded prisons. While some have welcomed the move, concerns have been raised about its effectiveness in curbing the spread of COVID-19 in Zimbabwe’s correctional facilities.

Kinshasa, DRC – (African Boulevard News) – On Thursday, 19th May, a militia attack near Virunga National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has resulted in the death of four people, including three rangers and a technician. The attack, which occurred in the Rutshuru territory of the North Kivu province, saw the convoy of rangers and technicians ambushed by gunmen.

According to the authorities, the attack was carried out by the Mai-Mai militia, which is known for its attacks against civilians and rangers in the area. The Mai-Mai is a group of several armed factions that emerged during the DRC’s civil war, which ended in 2003 but has resulted in ongoing conflicts in eastern DRC.

The attack near Virunga National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to endangered species such as mountain gorillas, is a reminder of the dangers that rangers and conservationists face in the region. In recent years, conservationists in DRC have been targeted by armed groups, who see the wildlife and tourism industry as a source of revenue.

The attack has sparked outrage from conservationists and human rights groups, who have called on the government to take action to protect rangers and civilians in the region. In a statement, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) condemned the attack and called on the authorities to ensure the safety of rangers and protect the wildlife in the region.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of life of three rangers and a technician in the brutal attack near Virunga National Park. This is a tragic reminder of the dangers rangers face every day to protect the wildlife and forests that we all depend on. We call on the government to take urgent action to ensure the safety of rangers and protect the natural resources in the region,” said Inger Andersen, Director General of the IUCN.

The attack near Virunga National Park is just the latest incident in the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. The Mai-Mai militia and other armed groups have been involved in a series of attacks against civilians, rangers, and government forces in the region. The government has been struggling to maintain security in the area, and there are concerns that the attacks could escalate.

The government has yet to comment on the attack near Virunga National Park, and it remains unclear what measures will be taken to improve the security situation in the region. Conservationists and human rights groups are calling for urgent action to protect rangers and civilians in the area and ensure that the wildlife and natural resources are preserved for future generations.

Diaspora, Africa – (African Boulevard News) – The Hollywood Walk of Fame has added another name to its hallowed sidewalk. It’s none other than US rapper Ludacris! The “Stand Up” hitmaker couldn’t contain his excitement as he received his star on the iconic Hollywood Boulevard.

The Grammy Award-winning rapper, whose real name is Christopher Brian Bridges, is known for his unique blend of Southern-style rap and hip-hop beats. Ludacris has sold over 20 million records in the US alone, making him one of the best-selling rappers of all time.

In a heartfelt speech, Ludacris expressed his gratitude to his fans and the people who have supported him throughout his career. “No matter what people say I can’t do, I will continue to shatter those stereotypes and show people it’s possible in order to make everyone who got me here today proud. Because you all inspired my.”

Ludacris’s music career took off in the early 2000s with hit singles such as “Move B***h,” “Money Maker,” and “Get Back.” He has also made a name for himself as an actor, starring in popular movies like “2 Fast 2 Furious,” “Crash,” and the “Fast and Furious” franchise.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a prestigious honor that recognizes the contributions of performers in the entertainment industry. Over 2,600 celebrities have received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, including the likes of Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

The ceremony attracted a host of celebrities, friends, and family members who came out to support the rapper. Among them were his wife, Eudoxie Mbouguiengue, and their three children. The event was also attended by fellow rappers, including Snoop Dogg and Usher.

The Walk of Fame committee praised Ludacris’s achievements, noting that his music and acting have entertained millions of people worldwide. The chairman of Walk of Fame, Vin Di Bona, said, “We are proud to honor Ludacris with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His talent and contributions to the entertainment industry have left a lasting impact that will be felt for years to come.”

Ludacris’s star is located at 7060 Hollywood Boulevard, near the stars of fellow rappers Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. It’s an excellent addition to the Walk of Fame and a fitting tribute to a true icon of the music industry.

Rabat, Morocco – (African Boulevard News) – The Under-17 African Cup of Nations (U17 AFCON) is set to crown a winner on Friday, as Morocco and Senegal face off in the final at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers. The match is set to kick-off at 9 PM GMT, and with both countries eyeing their first-ever continental trophy, football fans are in for an epic showdown.

Throughout the tournament, it has been evident that both sides are equally matched and hungry for success. Senegal dominated Group A, scoring eight goals and conceding none, while Morocco topped Group B with nine points after winning all three matches. Senegal’s impressive performances continued in the semi-final, where they comfortably defeated Nigeria 3-0, while Morocco battled it out against Cameroon, winning 2-1 in extra time.

The final is expected to be a tense affair, with both teams having a lot to play for. Morocco’s coach, Jamal Sellami, believes his team is ready for the challenge, saying, “This match is important for us, and we have been working hard to reach this point. We have a lot of respect for Senegal, but we are confident that we can win.”

Senegal’s coach, Malick Daf, also shared similar sentiments, saying, “We have come a long way to reach this stage, and we are not going to let this opportunity slip. We have a talented team, and we believe we can win the trophy.”

Apart from being a battle for the trophy, the match will also be an opportunity for players to showcase their talents and catch the eye of scouts from top European clubs. Africa has produced some of the world’s best footballers, and it is no surprise that the U17 AFCON has attracted the attention of big clubs.

In conclusion, the U17 AFCON has been a thrilling tournament, with both Morocco and Senegal proving to be worthy finalists. The stage is set for an exciting evening of football, and with both teams eyeing their first continental trophy, it is anyone’s game.

Lilongwe, Malawi – (African Boulevard News) – In a move that has shocked many, Malawi authorities arrested over 400 refugees in the capital, Lilongwe. The crackdown came two months after the government issued an ultimatum for the refugees to return to Dzaleka, an overcrowded refugee camp north of the city.

According to local reports, the refugees, mostly from Somalia, were rounded up in different parts of the city and taken to a police station for processing. Many of the refugees had been living in Lilongwe for years, having fled their home countries due to conflict and persecution.

The Malawian government says the move is aimed at addressing the problem of illegal immigrants and ensuring that the refugees are properly documented and registered.

“Malawi is a sovereign state that has the right to control its borders and deal with illegal immigrants,” said a spokesperson for the government. “We are fully committed to ensuring that all refugees in Malawi are properly documented and registered, and that they are living in safe and secure conditions.”

However, human rights activists have criticized the government’s move, saying that it violates international human rights law.

“The arrest of these refugees is a blatant violation of their human rights,” said a spokesperson for Human Rights Watch. “Malawi is a signatory to several international human rights treaties, and it is obligated to protect the rights of refugees under those treaties.”

The refugees are currently being held at a police station in Lilongwe, where they are awaiting further processing. The authorities say they will be transferred to Dzaleka refugee camp once their documentation is complete.

The news has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from the international community, with many calling for the immediate release of the refugees.

“Malawi’s decision to arrest and detain refugees is a clear violation of international law,” said a spokesperson for the United Nations Refugee Agency. “We are calling on the Malawian government to release these refugees immediately and ensure that their rights are respected.”

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the hundreds of refugees who have been arrested and detained in Lilongwe. However, one thing is clear: their plight has captured the attention of the world, and the pressure is mounting on the Malawian government to act swiftly and decisively to protect their rights.

Rabat, Morocco – (African Boulevard News) – Taoufik Bouachrine, a prominent Moroccan journalist imprisoned since 2018, has alleged that he is a “victim of persecution,” according to his family.

Bouachrine, known for his critical reporting on Moroccan politics and society, has been imprisoned on charges of sexual assault, human trafficking, and conspiracy to undermine state security. He has repeatedly denied the charges and claimed that they are politically motivated.

His family visited him in prison on Thursday and expressed concern over his well-being. In a statement, they said that Bouachrine is suffering from “ill-treatment” from the prison administration and that his health is deteriorating.

“We are worried about Taoufik’s health and his safety in prison,” they said. “He is being kept in inhumane conditions and is not receiving adequate medical care. We call on the authorities to immediately release him.”

The case of Bouachrine has drawn international attention, with human rights organizations and press freedom groups calling on the Moroccan government to ensure a fair trial and respect for his rights.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has described his trial as a “parody of justice” and a “political trial,” and has called for his release.

“Taoufik Bouachrine is a victim of persecution because of his critical reporting on Moroccan politics and society,” said Arnaud Froger, the head of RSF’s Africa desk. “His detention is a glaring example of the Moroccan authorities’ crackdown on press freedom and political dissent.”

Amnesty International has also urged Moroccan authorities to ensure a fair trial for Bouachrine and respect for his rights.

“The Moroccan authorities must respect Bouachrine’s due process rights and ensure that he is not subjected to torture or other ill-treatment,” said Amnesty’s North Africa Campaigns Director, Najia Bounaim.

Morocco has been accused of cracking down on dissent and press freedom in recent years, with journalists, activists, and opposition figures being arrested and imprisoned on charges ranging from terrorism to defamation.

The case of Bouachrine has become a symbol of the government’s crackdown on independent journalism and political dissent. His family and supporters say that he is being punished for speaking truth to power and exposing corruption and abuses of power in Moroccan society.