Andy Burnham named Labour leader ahead of taking over as UK Prime Minister

LONDON, England 

Andy Burnham was on Friday elected leader of the Labour party clearing the way for him to become the UK Prime Minister next week following the departure of Keir Starmer. 

Burnham has risen to leadership on a pledge to thwart the rise ‌of the populist Reform UK and said he would "give hope back" to people.

Andy Burnham, nicknamed the "King of the North", became leader of Britain's governing Labour Party on Friday, the final step before becoming its seventh prime minister in a decade.

At a "special conference" on Friday, Burnham, who earned the regal moniker ⁠for his determination as mayor of Greater Manchester to defend the region's interests, was elected after gaining overwhelming support from Labour lawmakers.

The event is little more ‌than a formality before he replaces Keir Starmer as Britain's leader on Monday, when the party ⁠will be eager to find out his cabinet team and learn more about his approach to government.

There is still much to learn about how Burnham will govern.

He has given one speech since returning ​to parliament last month after winning a parliamentary seat in Makerfield, the start of a four-week process to install him as prime minister and remove Starmer, whose unpopularity across Britain turned his lawmakers against him.

In it, he sketched out ​some of his domestic agenda, saying he wanted to oversee the "biggest rebalancing of power" from London to Britain's regions – something ​he believes will reduce inequality and the anger felt by 'left-behind communities' who have increasingly ​flocked to Reform.

That message of having a plan to thwart the rise of Reform won over Labour lawmakers, who feared they would lose their parliamentary seats to veteran Brexit ​campaigner Nigel Farage's populist party at the next national election, due by 2029.

Reform has topped opinion polls for months.

Some of that sheen has been tarnished in recent weeks by Farage's acceptance of funds from wealthy donors, perhaps giving Burnham an opening to revive Labour's fortunes.

Yet he does not have much time.

With a general election no more than three years away, Burnham ⁠will need to start implementing some of his pledges, many of which are based on long-term thinking, as quickly as possible.

20 children killed in bus crash in Uganda

KAMPALA, Uganda 

Twenty children and one adult were killed on Friday when their bus overturned in Uganda.

The group from King David Junior School in the capital Kampala were returning from a trip to Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa District when the crash occurred, police say.

"The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, which veered off the road, struck a large stone along the roadside, and overturned," police said in a statement on social media.

"The crash claimed the lives of one adult male and 20 pupils, while three adult males and several juveniles sustained injuries," the statement said. Police also shared a photograph of the badly mangled bus.

Uganda has a poor road safety record. Last year, two buses collided on a major highway in Uganda, killing 46 people. In 2024, there were 4,434 fatal collisions and 5,144 deaths, according to a report.

At least 20 killed in jihadist attacks in eastern DRC

KIVU, DR Congo 

At least 20 people were killed this week in three attacks by suspected jihadist fighters in eastern DR Congo, according to a report from RFI.

The attacks took place in North Kivu’s Beni territory between the 12 and 15 of July.

On Sunday, fighters from the Islamic State-linked Allied Democratic Forces, or ADF, targeted an area west of the city of Beni - the seat of North Kivu’s government since Goma fell to the M23 armed group last year. 

Seven civilians were killed and three soldiers from the Congolese armed forces were ambushed.

Overnight on Tuesday, the ADF attacked the town of Mangina, near the border with Ituri province, killing four civilians.

Ten others were killed in a separate assault on Mangina on Thursday.

Survivors have been fleeing to Beni town centre, which has so far been spared from attack.

The ADF’s brutal campaign of violence has been underway in North Kivu and Ituri for years. It includes abductions and forced labour, child recruitment, forced marriage and forced pregnancy.

A recent report from Amnesty International accused the group of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 17/7/2026

 

At least 11 dead in Algiers orphanage fire

ALGIERS, Algeria

A fire tore through an orphanage on the outskirts of Algiers early Thursday, killing at least 11 people and injuring 19 others, Algerian civil defence officials said.

The blaze broke out before dawn, with emergency crews responding around 3 a.m. local time. It struck the Fondation de l'Enfance Assistée, a children's care facility in Mohammadia, a district east of the Algerian capital.

Firefighters were still working to bring the flames under control hours later. Officials have not yet said what caused the fire.

Rescue teams managed to evacuate five children with special needs to safety as the operation continued.

Authorities have not released the ages of those killed.

Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb visited survivors in hospital, footage on state television showed.

The tragedy comes as Algeria battles a prolonged heatwave. Nearly 1,000 wildfires have broken out across the country in just the past week, straining emergency services already stretched thin.

Why England's loss to Argentina felt like most painful in 60 years of hurt

By Phil McNulty, ATLANTA United States

England's years of hurt will now stretch beyond 60, but the late collapse to a World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina may just be the most painful wound of all.

The clock inside the magnificent Atlanta Stadium showed England were five minutes of normal time away from ending the wait for a men's World Cup final that stretches back to 1966, when they lifted the Jules Rimet trophy at Wembley.

England's players and head coach Thomas Tuchel had immortality in their hands as they led through Anthony Gordon's 55th-minute goal.

Their grasp, however, was being loosened by catastrophic decision making from Tuchel that instigated wave after wave of Argentina attacks orchestrated by Lionel Messi.

One goal seemed inevitable - and it came from Enzo Fernandez in the 85th minute.

Then, with England on the ropes, they were floored by Lautaro Martinez's injury-time header.

England could not come back, so a stunned football nation wakes up to another desperate near-miss from this nearly team.

US launches fresh strikes on Iran as Trump warns Tehran it 'better behave'

WASHINGTON, United States 

The United States said it had launched a fresh wave of strikes against Iran on Wednesday as President Donald Trump warned Tehran it "better behave".

The US military said "Iranian military capabilities used to threaten vessels" moving through the Strait of Hormuz had been targeted. Air defences also sounded in the capital Tehran, according to state media.

Iran meanwhile said it had struck US military targets in the region, including in Bahrain and Kuwait, as a fifth day of renewed hostilities strained their preliminary deal to end the war.

Iran's top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, told state media Tehran had "no reason" to abide by the deal if it did not benefit from it.

Trump had threatened late on Tuesday to attack bridges and power plants should Iran not return to talks next week.

Asked by reporters late on Wednesday whether he would give a deadline before doing so, he responded: "I ‌don't like giving ​deadlines, but they pretty ⁠much know, they know ​the story... ​they ​better ​behave."

He later told delegates at a defence summit that Iran was "not happy right now".

"They want to settle so badly. They don't like what we're doing," he said. "We'll find out whether we want to settle with them or if we just finish it off."

Ghalibaf, however, said Iran's national security depended on Tehran maintaining "Iranian arrangements" in the strait.

He added that negotiation - along with war - was part of Iran's strategy of resistance as it engaged an "existential" conflict with the US.

A previous threat by Trump in April to bomb Iran's civilian infrastructure drew condemnation at the time from UN human rights chief Volker Türk, who said it would be a war crime.

Despite the renewed fighting, Trump welcomed what he saw as a potential olive branch from Tehran in freeing an American detainee that the US president said had been "wrongfully detained" in December 2024.

"She is now safely outside of Iran, and in good condition," Trump wrote on Wednesday evening on his Truth Social social media platform. "The United States of America appreciates this gesture of Goodwill by Iran!"

The woman, Dena Karari, was on her way back to the US, according to her attorney, Jared Genser, in a post on X.

The latest US strikes marked the second wave its military said it had carried out during daylight hours on Wednesday. It said it had "further degraded Iran's ability to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz" earlier in the day, and that it had also fired on a ship attempting to violate its renewed blockade of Iran's ports.

A 90-minute wave targeted Iran's coastal defences and cruise missile storage and launch sites on Greater Tunb Island, US Central Command (Centcom) added.

At 21:00 ET (01:00 GMT) on Wednesday, Centcom said the second wave of US attacks had been completed.

Its statement said the US had hit Iranian "command centers, air defense sites, missile and drone capabilities, and coastal surveillance facilities", including in Bandar Abbas, an Iranian city on the Strait of Hormuz.

In addition to the air defences sounding in Tehran, state media reported that in Ahvaz, near the head of the Gulf, a hospital was evacuated due to nearby missile strikes.

In response to the US strikes, Iran said it had targeted US army communication systems and storage facilities in Jordan using drones, state media reported. Jordanian state media reported that its military had intercepted eight drones and that the attack led to no injuries or material damage.

Centcom also said it had redirected two commercial vessels since reimposing its blockade on Iranian ports on Tuesday evening, which stops vessels from transiting to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas.

The blockade had previously been lifted as part of a deal that was struck by the two countries last month - known as a memorandum of understanding - that aimed to end the months-long conflict.

However, a dispute over the strait has become a key point of contention.

In response to the renewal of the US blockade, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned the US that it should "expect the closure of other oil and gas export routes that serve the interests of the United States and its allies". It did not elaborate on which routes could be affected.

Ongoing US-Iran hostilities have underscored the strategic importance of the Strait to the global economy, with a sharp rise in oil prices triggered by tanker traffic virtually stalling through the key shipping lane.

Argentina late show sinks England and sets up World Cup final against Spain

ATLANTA, United States 

Argentina's Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez struck late goals to snatch a 2-1 win over England in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday to send Lionel Messi's reigning champions into the weekend showpiece match against Spain.

Just when England appeared set for victory after ​Anthony Gordon's second-half goal, Argentina mounted a relentless late siege and got their reward as Fernandez levelled before Martinez completed the turnaround in the 92nd minute with Messi providing the ‌pass for the equaliser and the cross for the winner.

The result added another unforgettable chapter to one of football's fiercest rivalries, a contest rich in history, emotion and tension from the opening whistle.

For England, dreams of a first World Cup final since 1966, when they enjoyed their only triumph at the global tournament, were dashed in the closing stages, while Argentina celebrated a comeback that kept alive their quest for another world title.

With England inexplicably parked in their own end, an Argentina ​equaliser felt inevitable and, after waves of late pressure, Fernandez finally broke through in the 85th minute when Messi found him in space on the edge of the box to fire ​home from 20 metres past Jordan Pickford into the corner.

Martinez, an 81st-minute substitute, struck the winner early in added time when Alexis Mac Allister drove a ⁠shot off the post that Messi recovered. The 39-year-old talisman drove down the right to send in a brilliant ball for Martinez to head home.

"We are truly unique, and that's not arrogance," said Argentina boss ​Lionel Scaloni. "From the bottom of my heart, these players led us to victory. I'm lost for words. A joy for our country, for our people."

The victory carried particular significance for 39-year-old Messi, ​who was featuring in what is widely expected to be the final World Cup of his glittering career.

For England, the defeat was a devastating blow after they matched Argentina for much of a hard-fought contest.

The Three Lions had appeared poised for victory after Gordon broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Nicolas Tagliafico's attempted clearance landed at the feet of Declan Rice, who sent a through ball to Morgan Rogers.

Gordon popped up at the back post to guide Rogers' cross ​with his instep past goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, sparking bedlam among the England players and fans.

But Thomas Tuchel's side failed to withstand a relentless late assault as Argentina turned the game on its head.

"Just gutted ​for the boys, gutted for everyone, the team, the staff, the fans," England captain Harry Kane said.

"We played a good game for the large majority of it. Once we went 1-0 up, we seemed to just try and hold ‌on. At ⁠this level, it's not enough.

"Gutted because we've worked so hard to be here and the lads have given every last bit of running, sweat, blood, tears, whatever it is. So to fall short like we did today ... just gutted."

Tuchel said he had no regrets.

"The team gave everything and we were very, very close," the German said. "The team was top, we couldn't bring it over the line, no, (but) at the moment no regrets."

The semi-final between the two footballing giants needed little added drama, arriving steeped in history and expectation.

One of football's fiercest rivalries, shaped by iconic World Cup clashes and political undertones, has produced no ​shortage of memorable moments over the decades.

This latest ​chapter was no different.

Both teams navigated difficult routes ⁠to the last four, relying on resilience, composure and a knack for delivering when it mattered most.

Argentina produced more of the same on Wednesday, as a side that had repeatedly found a way to win when the odds seemed stacked against them once again leaned on late-game heroics to keep their World Cup ​dream alive.

"This is really emotional," Martinez said. "The first time my dad bought me a pair of boots, I always dreamed of scoring this goal. ​It was really tough today.

"Enzo scored ⁠a brilliant goal and I'm confident this team is continuing to show what it’s made of."

Argentina's supporters vastly outnumbered England's, turning the arena into a sea of sky blue and white that made Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium feel more like La Bombonera in Buenos Aires, with their fans drowning out England's attempted pre-match rendition of "Sweet Caroline" with a wall of whistles.

Renowned ring announcer Michael Buffer set the tone before kick-off with his trademark cry of "Let's ⁠get ready to ​rumble!"

The players appeared to take him at his word.

Tempers flared almost immediately and it took only a matter of minutes for ​the simmering rivalry to spill over into a series of heated exchanges in a first half that was more notable for robust challenges than genuine scoring opportunities.

The tension produced goals in the second half but after England scored they never really threatened again. ​Argentina were left to lay siege to their opponents' goal with Fernandez and Martinez striking the blows that led to Sunday's final.

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 16/7/2026

 

Spain beat France 2-0 with controlled display to book final against Argentina or England

ARLINGTON, United States 

Spain snuffed out France’s dream of a third World Cup triumph, taming their galaxy of forwards to win 2-0 and progress to a final against England or Argentina.

Didier Deschamps’s men were hot favourites for the trophy after a string of breathtaking displays in the United States, but they met their match against the slick European champions at the semifinal stage on Tuesday.

Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring for the 2010 winners with an emphatic penalty in the first half in Arlington, Texas, and Pedro Porro doubled their lead in the second half.

Shell-shocked France could not find a way back into the match despite their wealth of attacking riches.

The game at Dallas Stadium caught fire midway through the first half when Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton pointed to the penalty spot after a reckless challenge by France left-back Lucas Digne on Spain winger Lamine Yamal.

Oyarzabal hammered the ball past France goalkeeper Mike Maignan for his fifth goal of the World Cup to leave France trailing for the first time in the tournament.

Spain went agonisingly close to extending their lead after some dazzling one-touch football, but Dayot Upamecano’s challenge denied Fabian Ruiz.

France finished the half without a single shot on target and just two attempts overall.

Deschamps threw on Desire Doue for Bradley Barcola in the 57th minute in a bid to supercharge his attack, but a minute later, they were 2-0 down after a stunning team goal for Luis de la Fuente’s men.

Defender Porro delivered a sharp pass to the feet of Dani Olmo on the edge of the box and collected the return ball before coolly slotting past Maignan.

Deschamps threw on Theo Hernandez and Rayan Cherki after the second hydration break in a desperate bid to get back into the match.

But France could not find a way back into the game against solid opponents who refused to yield.

Spain have conceded just once in the entire tournament, combining defensive steel with the trickery of winger Yamal in attack.

They are now just 90 minutes away from winning the first-ever 48-team World Cup as they seek to match the achievement of Vicente del Bosque’s team 16 years ago.

The defeat in Texas is a bitter blow for a French team that has enthralled fans at the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

France had reached the past two World Cup finals, winning in 2018 in Russia, and losing on penalties to Lionel Messi’s Argentina four years ago in Qatar in an epic final despite a hat-trick from Mbappe.

Real Madrid forward Mbappe was just one cog in a star-studded attack that also included Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele and the elegant Michael Olise.

Defeat leaves just the third-place playoff for France coach Didier Deschamps, who is stepping down after the tournament following 14 years in charge.

Meanwhile, Porro told Television Espanola that the victory was a “dream come true”.

“This is all down to the team; I can’t take credit. I just congratulate everyone, as they played great games,” he said.

"We knew that to get close to the final we needed to have the ball. We knew that to counter their strengths was key. And we did that. So we’re really happy.”

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 15/7/2026