He also accused Cairo of training and providing drones to the country’s army, which has recently gained an upper hand in the conflict that has ravaged the country for almost 18 months.

The Egyptian foreign ministry later issued a statement in which it denied Hemedti’s accusations regarding the participation of Egyptian aviation in the ongoing war in Sudan.

“While Egypt denies those claims, it calls on the international community to ascertain the evidence that proves the truth of what the RSF militia leader said,” the foreign ministry added. While Egypt has been perceived as close to the Sudanese army and its chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the country has joined efforts by the U.S. and Saudi Arabia to mediate the conflict.

Cairo also hosted talks between rival political factions earlier this year.

In his recorded video message, Hemedti said Egypt used U.S. bombs in its strikes.

“If the Americans were not in agreement these bombs would not reach Sudan,” he added.

He also referred to Tigrayan, Eritrean, Azerbaijani and Ukrainian mercenaries being present in the country and reiterated accusations that Iranians participated in the war alongside the army.

The army has recently made advances in the Sudanese capital Khartoum and the southeastern Sennar state, where Hemedti suggested the alleged Egyptian airstrikes against his troops pushed them back from the strategic Jebel Moya area.

In what appeared to be a change in tone from previous statements supporting peace efforts, the RSF’s head said: “This war will not end in one or two, three, four years. Some talk about one million soldiers and soon we will reach one million.”

The war in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, has forced almost 10 million people from their homes, sparked widespread hunger and famine, and seen waves of ethnically-driven violence blamed largely on the RSF.

By Agencies

The post Sudan’s RSF Accuses Egypt Of Being Involved In Airstrikes On Group’s Troops appeared first on KahawaTungu.

The tensions ratcheted up this week with the arrival of two Egyptian C-130 military aeroplanes in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, signalling the beginning of the deal signed earlier in August during a state visit by the Somali president to Cairo.

The plan is for up to 5,000 Egyptian soldiers to join a new-look African Union force at the end of the year, with another 5,000 reportedly to be deployed separately.

Ethiopia, which has been a key ally of Somalia in its fight against al-Qaeda-linked militants and is at loggerheads with Egypt over a mega dam it built on the River Nile, said it could not “stand idle while other actors take measures to destabilise the region”.

Somalia’s defence minister hit back, saying Ethiopia should stop “wailing” as everyone “will reap what they sowed” – a reference to their diplomatic relations that have been on a downward spiral for months.

Why are Ethiopia and Somalia at odds?

It all comes down to the ambitions of Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who wants his landlocked country to have a port. Ethiopia lost its access to the sea when Eritrea seceded in the early 1990s.

On New Year’s Day, Mr Abiy signed a controversial deal with the self-declared republic of Somaliland to lease a 20km (12-mile) section of its coastline for 50 years to set up a naval base.

It could also potentially lead to Ethiopia officially recognising the breakaway republic – something Somaliland is pushing hard for.

Somaliland broke away from Somalia more than 30 years ago, but Mogadishu regards it very much as part of its territory – and described the deal as an act of “aggression”.

Somalia fears such a move might set a precedent and encourage other countries to recognise Somaliland’s independence, geopolitical analyst Jonathan Fenton-Harvey told the BBC.

He added that neighbouring Djibouti was also worried it could harm its own port-dependent economy, as Ethiopia has traditionally relied on Djibouti for imports.

In fact in an attempt to deescalate tensions, Djibouti’s foreign minister has told the BBC his country is ready to offer Ethiopia “100%” access to one of its ports.

“It will be in the port of Tadjoura – 100km [62 miles] from the Ethiopia border,” Mahmoud Ali Youssouf told BBC Focus on Africa TV.

This is definitely a change of tune for as recently as last year, a senior presidential adviser said Djibouti was reluctant to offer its neighbour unfettered access to the Red Sea.

Attempts so far to calm tensions – by Turkey – have failed, with Somalia insisting it will not budge until Ethiopia recognises its sovereignty over Somaliland.

Why is Ethiopia so upset by Somalia’s reaction?

Somalia has not only brought its Nile enemy Egypt into the mix, but also announced that Ethiopian troops would not be part of the AU force from next January.

This is when the AU’s third peace support operation begins – the first one was deployed in 2007 months after Ethiopian troops crossed over the border to help fight al-Shabab Islamist militants, who then controlled the Somali capital.

There are at least 3,000 Ethiopian troops under the current AU mission, according to the Reuters news agency.

Last week, the Somali prime minister also said Ethiopia would have to withdraw its other 5-7,000 soldiers stationed in several regions under separate bilateral agreements – unless it withdrew from the port deal with Somaliland.

Ethiopia sees this as a slap in the face for, as its foreign minister put it, “the sacrifices Ethiopian soldiers have paid” for Somalia.

The withdrawal of troops would also leave Ethiopia vulnerable to jihadist attacks, Christopher Hockney, a senior researcher at the Royal United Services Institute, told the BBC.

The planned deployment of Egyptian troops along its eastern border would also make Ethiopia particularly apprehensive, he added.

Egypt sees Ethiopia’s Nile dam – in the west of the country – as an existential threat – and has warned in the past that it will take “measures” should its security be threatened.

Why is the Nile dam so contentious?

Egypt accuses Ethiopia of threatening its supply of water with the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (Gerd).

This began in 2011 on the Blue Nile tributary in Ethiopia’s northern-western highlands, from where 85% of the Nile’s water flow.

Egypt said Ethiopia pushed forward with the project in complete “disregard” of the interests and rights of downstream countries and their water security.

It also argued that a 2% reduction in water from the Nile could result in the loss of around 200,000 acres (81,000 hectares) of irrigated land.

For Ethiopia the dam is seen as a way of revolutionising the country by producing electricity for 60% of the population and providing a constant flow of electricity for businesses.

The latest diplomatic efforts to work out how the dam should operate – and determine how much water will flow downstream to Sudan and Egypt – fell apart last December.

How worried should we be?

Egypt sees its military deal with Somalia as “historic” – in the words of Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi – and a possible chance to settle scores over the mega dam.

Indeed the Nile dispute may well play out in Somalia, warns Dr Hassan Khannenje, the director of the Horn International Institute for Strategic Studies.

It could potentially lead to a “low-scale inter-state conflict” between Ethiopia and Egypt if their troops meet at the Somalia border.

Somaliland has also warned that the establishment of Egyptian military bases within Somalia could destabilise the region.

Both Ethiopia and Somalia are already coping with their own internal strife – Ethiopia with low-level rebellions in several regions and Somalia, recovering from a destructive 30-year civil war, still has al-Shabab to contend with.

Experts say neither can afford further warfare – and more unrest would inevitably lead to further migration.

Dr Khannenje told the BBC that if a conflict broke out, it could further complicate the geopolitics of the Red Sea by drawing in other players and further affect global trade.

At least 17,000 ships go through the Suez Canal each year, meaning that 12% of annual global trade passes through the Red Sea, amounting to $1tn (£842bn) worth of goods, according to shipping monitor Lloyd’s List.

For this reason, countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Turkey have been keen to forge partnerships with African nations like Somalia that border the Red Sea.

According to Mr Harvey, Turkey and the UAE stand a better chance at mediating and finding a middle ground.

The UAE has heavily invested in Somaliland’s Berbera port and holds significant influence over Ethiopia because of its investments there.

All eyes will be on the next diplomatic push by Turkey, which has ties with both Ethiopia and Somalia. Talks are due to start in mid-September.

By BBC News

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The round of 16’s second day resulted as the following. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/H12VD932YU

— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 29, 2024

The game saw Meschack Elia giving DR Congo an early lead with a header virtually on the goal line, but Mostafa Mohamed equalized for Egypt with his fourth tournament goal from the penalty spot just before halftime. The absence of injured talisman Mohamed Salah and a red card for Egypt midfielder Mohamed Hamdy in extra time added to the intensity, leading the match to a shootout.

This victory for DR Congo marks the first time in 50 years that they have beaten Egypt in a Cup of Nations clash, reminiscent of their triumph in the semifinals half a century ago. The win also highlights Egypt’s struggle to secure a decisive outcome in regular time, with their sixth consecutive draw dating back to the previous tournament in Cameroon.

Also Read: Angola Secures Quarter-Final Berth in Africa Cup of Nations, Defeating Namibia in Dramatic Clash

The game’s turning point came in extra time when Hamdy received a red card, forcing The Pharaohs to adopt a defensive stance. Despite Abou Gabal’s earlier success in converting a penalty, his miss in the shootout became a pivotal moment, ultimately sealing Egypt’s exit from the tournament.

The clash in San Pedro showcased DR Congo’s resilience and determination, as they capitalized on their opportunities to secure a historic victory. The Ivory Coast tournament has seen both teams involved in a series of draws, underscoring the competitive nature of the matches.

As DR Congo advances to the quarterfinals, their clash with Guinea promises to be another exciting encounter. Stay tuned for the latest updates and highlights from the Africa Cup of Nations as the action unfolds in Abidjan on Friday.

The post DR Congo Secures Thrilling Victory in AFCON Shootout Against Egypt appeared first on KahawaTungu.

𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗵𝘆. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/AvCrYtL7oT

— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 24, 2024

In an astonishing turn of events, Ivory Coast, the tournament hosts, faced a close call, narrowly avoiding an early exit. The group stage witnessed lesser-known teams securing comfortable victories, outshining the superstar players who were expected to dominate the headlines. The stage was set for unprecedented plot twists that even Hollywood scriptwriters might find too fanciful.

Amidst the thrilling on-field action, the group stage also witnessed surprising managerial departures. One departure, in particular, caught the attention, not as a consequence of elimination, adding an unexpected layer to the unfolding drama.

Also Read: Mauritania Stuns Algeria with 1-0 Victory, Secures Historic Round of 16 Spot in AFCON

With the knockout stage scheduled to kick off on Saturday, football enthusiasts are bracing themselves for more edge-of-the-seat moments. As the journey to determine the continental champions progresses, BBC Sport Africa reflects on the exhilarating and unpredictable opening 11 days that have set the stage for a memorable Afcon tournament.

Unforeseen Upsets and Dramatic Twists Dominate

Nigeria’s comeback to secure a draw against Equatorial Guinea in the early stages of the finals hinted at the series of upsets that unfolded. Egypt, a seven-time champion, took an early lead against Mozambique but required a 97th-minute penalty from Mohamed Salah to salvage a 2-2 draw, setting the stage for the thrilling matches that followed.

Ghana, Algeria, and Tunisia, all former champions, surprisingly failed to advance to the last 16. Equatorial Guinea, Cape Verde, and Angola emerged as group leaders, with Ivory Coast suffering a stunning 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea in their final Group A match, a match witnessed by iconic striker Didier Drogba.

Ivory Coast’s loss marked them as the only host nation to lose two group games, repeating a record set in 1984 when they previously hosted the tournament. Namibia, ranked 115th globally, caused a major upset by securing their first win in the finals at the 10th attempt, defeating 2004 champions Tunisia 1-0.

While Mauritania defeated Algeria on the same night, resulting in the 2019 champions exiting early for the second consecutive time, The Gambia and Cameroon engaged in a remarkable Group C showdown. Despite being the lowest-ranked team, Cameroon took an 85th-minute lead, but two late goals secured their progression.

Defending champions Senegal, with a flawless 100% record, smoothly advanced to the last 16. The group stage of the tournament provided unforgettable moments, featuring unexpected outcomes and dramatic turnarounds, making it a spectacle for football fans worldwide.

Goal-Scoring Dramas Unfold

Garry Rodrigues’ 92nd-minute winner for Cape Verde added pressure on Ghana after capitalizing on defensive errors. Ghana’s rollercoaster continued with a two-goal lead squandered against Mozambique due to goals in the 91st and 94th minutes.

Egypt experienced late drama, taking the lead in the 93rd minute against Cape Verde but conceding a 99th-minute equalizer. Despite drawing all three group games 2-2, the Pharaohs secured a spot ahead of Ghana.

Burkina Faso advanced with Bertrand Traore’s 96th-minute penalty, while Algeria’s fate was sealed despite Baghdad Bounedjah’s 95th-minute header salvaging a draw against Burkina Faso.

With an increased tally of five goals between the 86th and 90th minutes, compared to three in the past two tournaments, late-game heroics have become a defining feature. Notable instances include Namibia’s Deon Hotto securing a victory two minutes from time and Cameroon’s comeback against The Gambia with James Gomez’s 87th-minute own goal and Christopher Wooh’s winner a minute into added time.

These thrilling late-game moments have contributed to an impressive average of 2.47 goals per game, setting the stage for an unforgettable tournament. As knockout football approaches, anticipation looms over whether the trend of late-game drama will persist.

Salah’s Afcon Journey in Jeopardy as Attention Shifts to Other Star Performers

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, the center of attention at Afcon 2023, faces uncertainty following a first-half stoppage time hamstring injury during Egypt’s 2-2 draw against Ghana. Despite expressing a strong desire to secure his first title, Salah’s return to the tournament appears doubtful as he seeks treatment back at Anfield.

West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus showcased his talent with both goals against Egypt, only to experience disappointment as Ghana suffered a setback against Mozambique, attributing it to a lapse in concentration.

African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen, though yet to match his Serie A glory from last season, leads Afcon in expected goals (xG) and attempts, scoring once from a combined xG of 2.72 with 13 shots.

34-year-old Equatorial Guinea striker Emilio Nsue, formerly with Middlesbrough and Birmingham City, steals the spotlight as Afcon’s top scorer with five goals. His historic hat-trick against Ivory Coast propelled the National Thunder to an unexpected Group A leadership.

Intriguing performances from these players add layers of excitement to Afcon 2023, as the tournament unfolds with unexpected narratives and standout individual contributions.

Managerial Shake-ups Follow Big Exits in 2023 Afcon

When top-tier teams exit the tournament, managers face the consequences. Ghana swiftly dismissed Chris Hughton after their elimination, triggering a series of managerial departures. The Gambia’s Tom Saintfiet resigned moments after their exit, unable to replicate the success of their debut quarter-final appearance two years prior.

In less surprising moves, Algeria and Tunisia witnessed managerial changes, with Djamel Belmadi parting ways with Algeria and Jalel Kadri resigning as Tunisia’s manager. Ivory Coast took decisive action after finishing third in Group A, with Jean-Louis Gasset paying the price for a historic defeat against Equatorial Guinea.

In a surprising twist, Ivory Coast still qualified despite Gasset’s departure and is set to face reigning champions Senegal on Monday. Meanwhile, mid-tournament bans were imposed by the Confederation of African Football on Tanzania’s Adel Amrouche and Morocco’s Walid Regragui, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the managerial landscape.

As the drama unfolds, the managerial carousel continues, shaping the narrative of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The post Unpredictable Twists and Thrilling Moments Define 2023 Afcon Group Stage appeared first on KahawaTungu.

FULL-TIME!

Two goals in the added time and a very thrilling draw #CPVEGY | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/EdcI93ATHY

— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 22, 2024

In a must-win situation to secure second place in Group B, Egypt encountered a formidable Cape Verde side boasting an unexpected 100% win record in the tournament. The absence of a victory in their initial two group games added pressure on Egypt, urging them to make a strong start. The opportunity presented itself when Mohamed narrowly missed a header from Zizo’s cross early in the game.

The Blue Sharks initially displayed a lackluster performance, possibly influenced by their secure top spot in the group. Vozinha, Cape Verde’s veteran goalkeeper, played a crucial role in denying Egypt an early lead, making key saves against Omar Marmoush’s long-range attempt and Mohamed’s rebound. However, Cape Verde managed to surprise with a goal just before halftime, as Benchimol found space in the area to score.

Also Read: Ghana’s Heartbreak: Late Equalizer Dashes AFCON Hopes in Draw Against Mozambique

An impactful halftime substitution by Rui Vitória saw Trézéguet entering the game, and he quickly made an impact by equalizing after being set up by Ahmed Hegazi. The momentum shifted in favor of the seven-time AFCON champions, with Trézéguet almost giving them the lead with a looping effort, expertly saved by Vozinha.

In a dramatic turn of events, Mohamed seized the moment in stoppage time, controlling Trézéguet’s through ball and chipping it past the onrushing Vozinha to make it 2-1, following a tense VAR check. However, the excitement didn’t end there, as Bryan Teixeira capitalized on a mistake by Mohamed El Shenawy to level the game in the ninth minute of stoppage time.

Despite the late equalizer, Egypt secured their spot in the knockout stages, finishing in second place, as Ghana drew with Mozambique 2-2 in the other Group B finale. The Pharaohs’ resilience and late-game drama added to the intensity of their AFCON journey.

The post Egypt Secures AFCON Knockout Berth in Dramatic 2-2 Draw Against Cape Verde appeared first on KahawaTungu.

FULL-TIME!

Both teams share the points as Egypt's late goal cancels out Mozambique's great comeback. #EGYMOZ | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/aWLBDUcPdR

— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 14, 2024

The nail-biting encounter showcased Egypt’s dominance, but Mozambique’s resilience threatened to create a historic upset in the Africa Cup of Nations. Let’s delve into the key moments of the match and analyze how Salah’s late heroics spared Egypt from an unexpected setback.

Egypt’s Fast Start and Mozambique’s Comeback

Egypt made a blistering start in Abidjan with Mostafa Mohamed finding the net within two minutes, displaying their early dominance. However, Mozambique capitalized on spurned opportunities by scoring twice in the second half through Witi and substitute Clesio Bauque. The quick turnaround threatened to deny Egypt a victory, putting immense pressure on the Pharaohs.

Also Read: AFCON 2023 Kicks Off: Exciting Fixtures and Group Stage Highlights

Salah’s 97th-Minute Penalty

As the match approached its conclusion, Mozambique’s dream of a historic Cup of Nations win seemed within reach. However, Egypt was awarded a crucial penalty after a Video Assistant Referee check, following a foul by Mozambique defender Domingos Macandza in the box. Mohamed Salah calmly converted the spot-kick, securing a dramatic draw and preventing Mozambique from achieving a historic victory.

Mozambique’s Perspective

Despite the heartbreaking draw, Mozambique midfielder Guima expressed resilience, stating that the experience would only make the team stronger. Mozambique will face Cape Verde in their next fixture, eager to bounce back from the missed opportunity against Egypt.

Egypt’s Next Steps

With the draw behind them, Egypt now shifts focus to their upcoming pool fixture against Ghana. The Pharaohs, led by Salah, will aim to secure a decisive victory and assert their dominance in the Africa Cup of Nations.

The post Salah’s Last-Minute Heroics Secure Egypt’s Draw Against Mozambique in AFCON Thriller appeared first on KahawaTungu.

Another Israeli was wounded in the attack on Sunday morning, which the ministry said a “local” carried out.

There was no immediate confirmation from Egyptian authorities.

But the private Extra News TV channel reported that a policeman had opened fire on a group visiting an ancient Roman site known as Pompey’s Pillar.

Read: UPDATE: Almost 1,000 Killed In Israel War With Hamas

The assailant fired “at random” using his personal weapon, it cited a security source as saying, adding that he was detained at the scene.

Footage of the aftermath of the attack posted on social media showed at least two people apparently dead on the ground at an archaeological site.

The Israeli foreign ministry said it was working with Egyptian authorities in order to return the Israeli citizens to Israel as soon as possible.

The shooting happened a day after the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel, sending hundreds of gunmen across the frontier from Gaza and launching thousands of rockets.

Read Also: Israeli Death Toll from Hamas’ Attack Rises to 600

At least 350 people are reported to have been killed in Israel, while another 313 people in Gaza have been killed in retaliatory Israeli air strikes.

Egypt was the first Arab country to make peace with Israel in 1979, but Israeli policies towards the Palestinians make it unpopular with many Egyptians.

In June, an Egyptian police conscript killed three Israeli soldiers near the two countries’ border. Egypt said he exchanged fire with the soldiers while chasing drug smugglers, but Israel said it was a terrorist attack.

By BBC

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Ethiopia has been in dispute with Egypt and Sudan over the megaproject since its launch in 2011. Egypt relies on the Nile for nearly all its water needs.

Egypt’s foreign ministry said Ethiopia was disregarding the interests of the downstream countries.

Ethiopia says the $4.2bn (£3.4bn) dam will not cut their share of Nile water.

“It is with great pleasure that I announce the successful completion of the fourth and final filling of the Renaissance Dam,” Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said on X, formerly Twitter.

He admitted the project had faced “internal and external obstacles” but “we endured all that”. The dam began generating electricity in February 2022.

Ethiopia believes the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (Gerd) will double the country’s electricity output, providing a vital development boost, as currently half the 127-million population lacks electricity.

The plan is to generate more than 6,000 MW at the dam, which is about 30km (19 miles) from Ethiopia’s border with Sudan.

Egypt and Sudan argue that common rules for the operation of Gerd must be agreed, fearing that energy-hungry Ethiopia may exacerbate their existing water shortages.

Negotiations over the project resumed last month, having been suspended in 2021.

Sudan – currently mired in fighting between rival armies – did not immediately react to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s announcement on Sunday.

The Egyptian foreign ministry said in a post on facebook Ethiopia’s “unilateral” filling of the reservoir violated a declaration of principles signed by the three countries in 2015, and branded Ethiopia’s action “illegal”.

“The declaration of principles stipulates the necessity of the three countries reaching an agreement on the rules for filling and operating the Gerd before commencing the filling process,” the statement said.

“Ethiopia’s unilateral measures are considered a disregard for the interests and rights of the downstream countries and their water security, as guaranteed by principles of international law.”

By BBC

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On 6 February 2022, Manè scored the fifth penalty as the Teranga Lions won their maiden Africa Cup of Nations against the Pharaohs in Cameroon.

A month later on Tuesday, the fifth spot kick was preserved for Manè as they beat Egypt again on penalties to reach the Qatar showpiece.

Read: Liverpool’s Sadio Manè Leads Teranga Lions Against Egypt

Both are dependable players of Liverpool in the Premier League.

Manè reportedly refused a celebration organised by Liverpool upon return from Cameroon as he did not want to upset Salah.

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