Trump tells Cuba to 'make a deal, before it is too late'

WASHINGTON, United States 

Donald Trump has urged Cuba to "make a deal" or face consequences, warning that the flow of Venezuelan oil and money would now stop.

The US president has been turning his attention to Cuba since US forces seized Venezuela's leader Nicolás Maduro in a 3 January raid on its capital, Caracas.

Venezuela, a long-standing ally of Cuba, is believed to send around 35,000 barrels of oil a day to the island.

Cuba's foreign minister responded by saying his nation retained the right to import fuel "without interference", while its president said: "No one dictates what we do."

The Trump administration's tactic of confiscating sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers has already begun to worsen a fuel and electricity crisis in Cuba.

On Friday, it seized a fifth oil tanker it said was carrying sanctioned oil from Venezuela.

"Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela. In return, Cuba provided 'Security Services' for the last two Venezuelan dictators, BUT NOT ANYMORE!" Trump posted on Truth Social on Sunday.

"THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA - ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE."

Trump did not specify the terms of a deal or the consequences Cuba could face.

But Cuban foreign minister Bruno Rodriguez said the Caribbean island nation had "the absolute right to import fuel" from any willing exporter "without interference or subordination to the unilateral coercive measures of the United States".

He added that, unlike the US, Cuba does not lend itself to "blackmail or military coercion against other States".

Trump also referenced the raid to seize Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are now facing drug trafficking and other charges in the US.

Cuba has for years supplied Maduro with his personal security detail. The Cuban government said 32 of its nationals were killed during the US operation in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

Trump said: "Most of those Cubans are DEAD from last week's USA attack, and Venezuela doesn't need protection anymore from the thugs and extortionists who held them hostage for so many years.

"Venezuela now has the United States of America, the most powerful military in the World (by far!), to protect them, and protect them we will."

Rodriguez said Cuba had "never received monetary or material compensation for the security services it has provided to any country".

While the Trump administration has not stated clear plans for Cuba, the US president has previously said that a military intervention was unnecessary because the country was "ready to fall".

China warns against foreign interference in wake of Tanzania's contested election

DAR-ES-SALAAM, Tanzania 

China's top diplomat on Saturday warned against any foreign interference in Tanzania in the wake of its contested election late last year.

In a statement shared at the end of an official visit, Wang Yi, congratulated the country for what he described as the "successful conduct" of the polls.

"China reiterated its full confidence in Tanzania's leadership and institutions to manage internal affairs independently," it added.

The legislative and presidential elections saw Samia Hassan retain the presidency with 98 per cent of the vote in a race from which her main challengers were excluded.

Wang, who met with Hassan during his visit, made no mention of the post-election political violence that has soured Tanzania’s relations with the West.

The opposition says at least 2,000 people were killed by security forces following the October polls which international observers said were fraudulent.

Meanwhile, Beijing has stressed its support for the country's "national sovereignty and security".

China has invested heavily in Tanzania in recent years and in a statement, Wang pledged to strengthen cooperation noting a rise in trade between the two countries over the last five years.

Tanzania says Beijing has beefed up its investments in its low-tax special economic zones, where 343 Chinese-funded projects worth $3.1 billion were registered in 2025 alone.

After Tanzania, Wang will continue his tour of African countries in Lesotho, where US tariffs have strained relations with Washington.

Egypt eliminates Ivory Coast to book a date with Senegal

AGADIR,  Morocco 

Mohamed Salah scored and provided an assist as Egypt withstood the Ivorian wave to snatch a dramatic 3-2 victory in a thrilling quarter-final, where the Pharaohs’ efficiency made the difference against the territorial dominance of the Elephants.

In the 4th minute, Omar Marmoush set the tone. Served by Emam Ashour, the Manchester City forward made a decisive run and beat the Ivorian goalkeeper to open the scoring. 

Ivory Coast quickly took control of the ball, laying siege around the Egyptian penalty area. Diallo and Diomandé delivered multiple crosses, Guessand pushed to unlock the Pharaoh’s backline, but El Shenawy and his defense bent without breaking. 

Against the run of play, Ramy Rabia doubled the lead in the 32nd minute with a perfectly placed header from a Salah corner (2-0). 

Far from being demoralized, the Ivorians were finally rewarded when Yan Diomandé forced Fatouh into an own goal (40’), completely reopening the match five minutes before the pause.

After the break, Ivory Coast resumed with the same intensity, but it was again Egypt who struck. 

On the first real chance of the second half, Mohamed Salah, perfectly served by Ashour, fired a low shot to score his fourth goal of the tournament (47’, 3-1). 

Émerse Faé’s men did not give up. Kessié, Fofana, and Diallo pressed, until Guéla Doué reduced the deficit in the 73rd minute after a chaotic situation in the box (3-2).

The final minutes saw Cote D’Ivoire laying siege. Corners, crosses, and aerial balls rained down on the Pharaohs’ area, transformed into a red fortress. El Shenawy, warned for time-wasting, and his defense held firm until the final whistle.

Dominated but brutally efficient, Egypt ousts Cote D’Ivoire and continue their journey, staying true to their reputation as the record side in the competition.

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 11/01/2026

 

Super Eagles showcased their power over helpless Algeria

AGADIR,  Morocco 

Nigeria struck at exactly the right moment. Against a resilient Algeria side, the Super Eagles showcased their power and efficiency to secure a 2–0 victory and book their place in the semi-finals of AFCON 2025.

For forty-five minutes, the contest remained tight and tense. Algeria, well organized around a compact midfield block, managed to contain Nigeria’s attacks, even though Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams and Ademola Lookman posed a constant threat inside the box. 

The Fennecs looked to break through quick transitions but failed to truly trouble Nwabali. At halftime, everything was still to play for.

The match turned immediately after the restart. In the 47th minute, Victor Osimhen rose highest to thunder home a precise Onyemaechi cross with a powerful header. The goal, his fourth of the tournament released Nigeria and shattered the fragile balance of the game.

Ten minutes later, the Super Eagles struck again, ruthlessly exploiting Algeria’s weaknesses. Osimhen, once more at the heart of it, slipped Akor Adams in behind the defense. 

The forward kept his composure, rounding Luca Zidane before finishing into an empty net (57’). 2–0, game over.

Algeria attempted to respond, pushing more bodies into the final third, but lacked the sharpness and penetration to unsettle a disciplined and well-organized Nigerian defense. Nigeria, on the other hand, managed the game with maturity, slowing the tempo and closing down spaces.

Efficient, powerful, and clinical after the break, the Super Eagles march on — and enter the last four looking every bit like serious contenders.

Nigeria in their 16th AFCON semi final appearance will face hosts Morocco in the semifinal of the tournament.

Man City thrash Exeter 10-1 in the third round of FA Cup.

MANCHESTER CITY, England 

Antoine Semenyo made a goalscoring debut as Manchester City hit double figures in a 10-1 thrashing of Exeter in the FA Cup third round.

Rodri also struck his first goal for 20 months and Rico Lewis netted twice as Pep Guardiola's side demolished the League One outfit at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Youngster Max Alleyne began the rout with his first senior strike and there were two own goals before before Tijjani Reijnders, Nico O'Reilly and 17-year-old Ryan McAidoo got on the scoresheet.

Exeter's one bright moment was a superb late consolation strike from George Birch.

After faltering in the Premier League with three successive draws, and with a Carabao Cup semi-final to come in midweek, this was as comfortable an afternoon as City could have hoped for.

It was their biggest win since beating Huddersfield by the same scoreline in 1987. City also beat Burton by nine goals in a 9-0 victory in 2019.

Guardiola may not have been on the touchline as he served a one-match ban but it was clear from the teamsheet he meant business.

The City boss did make six changes but his line-up was a strong one with Semenyo straight in for his debut following his £62.5million move from Bournemouth and Rodri and Erling Haaland among the starters.

There was just a sprinkling of inexperience with McAidoo making his first appearance and Alleyne retaining his place from midweek.

Exeter almost made a dream start as Liam Oakes outjumped the City defence at an early corner but his header was palmed over by James Trafford.

Their hopes of causing an upset ended there.

City's opener came on 12 minutes as the visitors failed to clear in a crowded area and Alleyne, who began the month on loan at Watford, prodded home.

The hosts doubled their lead 12 minutes later as Rodri sent a 25-yard piledriver flying into the net after a Semenyo shot was blocked.

It was his first goal since May 2024 and a notable milestone in his continuing recovery from a long-term injury nightmare.

Two more goals followed in quick succession before the break. Both were recorded as own goals, though there was debate for the first over whether Jack Fitzwater's header had rebounded in off team-mate Jake Doyle-Hayes or City's Nathan Aké.

There was also uncertainty over which Exeter player got the final touch to the second own goal with Fitzwater and Doyle-Hayes in close proximity as a Reijnders cross was diverted in.

Fitzwater this time took the rap but what was clear was that the game was as good as over.

The second half was a procession. Lewis made it 5-0 early in the second half when he volleyed in from a Semenyo cross and the Ghana international scored himself soon after when he raced onto a long ball and slipped past Joe Whitworth.

Reijnders curled in a seventh from the edge of the area 20 minutes from time and substitute O'Reilly added another with a fine header from a Lewis cross.

McAidoo hit the ninth from just outside the area before Birch rattled a shot into the top corner to give the Grecians at least one moment to savour.

City were not done and Lewis lashed home a bouncing ball in stoppage time.

Iran medics describe overwhelmed hospitals as protests continue

By Our Correspondent, TEHRAN Iran 

As protests in Iran continue and Iranian authorities issued coordinated warnings to protesters, a doctor and medic at two hospitals told our correspondent their facilities were overwhelmed with injuries.

One doctor said a Tehran eye hospital had gone into crisis mode, while our correspondent also obtained a message from a medic in another hospital saying it did not have enough surgeons to cope with the influx of patients.

On Friday, US President Donald Trump said Iran was in "big trouble" and warned "you better not start shooting because we'll start shooting too".

Iran in a letter to the UN Security Council blamed the US for turning the protests into what it called "violent subversive acts and widespread vandalism".

Meanwhile, international leaders called for the right to peaceful protest to be protected.

Anti-government protests have taken place in dozens of cities, with two human rights groups reporting at least 50 protesters have been killed.

Most international news organisations are barred from reporting inside Iran, and the country has been under a near-total internet blackout since Thursday evening, making obtaining and verifying information difficult.

A doctor from Iran, who contacted our reporter on Friday night, said Farabi Hospital, Tehran's main eye specialist centre, had gone into crisis mode, with emergency services overwhelmed.

Non-urgent admissions and surgeries were said to have been suspended, and staff called in to deal with emergency cases.

A video and audio message obtained from a medic in a hospital in the south-west city of Shiraz on Thursday. 

The medic said large numbers of injured people were being brought in, and the hospital did not have enough surgeons to cope with the influx. He claimed many of the wounded had gunshot injuries to the head and eyes.

Since protests began on 28 December, at least 50 protesters and 15 security personnel have been killed, according to the US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA). More than 2,311 individuals have also been arrested, the group reported.

The Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) said at least 51 protesters, including nine children, had been killed.

Senegal ends Mali’s dream to book their place in the AFCON 2025 semi final

TANGIER,  Morocco 

Senegal booked their place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 after edging Mali 1–0 in a tense quarter-final clash at the Grand Stade de Tangier on Friday night. 

The match saw Mali reduced to ten men when their captain, Yves Bissouma, was sent off in added time at the end of the first half.

In a fiercely contested West African derby, the 2021 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations winners showed composure and tactical discipline to overcome a resilient Malian side. Senegal were guided by coach Pape Thiaw stood tall all evening. With both teams battling intensely for control in midfield and clear chances at a premium, Senegal proved more decisive in the key moments.

The breakthrough came in the 27th minute when Iliman Ndiaye capitalised on a goalkeeping error from Mali’s Djigui Diarra inside the penalty area. Reacting quickest to the loose ball, the Senegal forward calmly finished from close range to score what proved to be the match-winning goal.

Mali’s task became significantly more difficult moments before the interval when Bissouma received a second yellow card in stoppage time, forcing the Eagles to play the entire second half with a numerical disadvantage. 

Despite the setback, Mali reorganised defensively under Tom Saintfiet’s guidance and continued to search for a way back into the contest.

After the restart, Senegal controlled possession and dictated the tempo, probing patiently for a second goal. 

Mali defended with determination, and despite the defeat, goalkeeper Djigui Diarra was spectacular, making several key saves to keep the scoreline close and frustrating Senegal’s attacking efforts.

Senegal, however, managed the closing stages with maturity and control to secure their place in the last four of the competition, while Mali exited the tournament after a courageous and spirited quarter-final performance.

Senegal will face Saturday’s winner between record champions Egypt and holders Cote D’Ivoire.

Morocco roar past Cameroon to reach AFCON 2025semis

RABAT,  Morocco 

Hosts Morocco marched confidently into the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 after a commanding 2-0 victory over Cameroon under the Rabat lights on Friday night.

Goals in either half from Brahim Díaz and Ismail Saibari sealed a memorable triumph for the Atlas Lions in front of a raucous, sold-out Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Coming into the quarter-final under pressure following an unconvincing Round of 16 win over Tanzania, the hosts responded in emphatic fashion. Roared on by a deafening home crowd, Morocco delivered a performance brimming with authority, intensity and belief.

The victory carried extra significance. Not only was it a vital boost in confidence, it also ended a long-standing hoodoo against Cameroon. 

Morocco had never beaten the Indomitable Lions at AFCON in their previous three meetings, and this marked just their third victory over Cameroon in 13 encounters across all competitions.

From the opening whistle, the hosts set the tone. Morocco pressed high, dominated possession and pinned Cameroon deep inside their own half. Their early dominance was eventually rewarded in the 26th minute, when tournament talisman Brahim Díaz struck for the fifth time in Rabat.

The Real Madrid forward showed sharp instincts, deftly guiding the ball into the net with his thigh after Ayoub El Kaabi flicked on a corner delivered by skipper Achraf Hakimi. It was Morocco’s sixth corner inside the opening 25 minutes, a clear reflection of their relentless start.

The goal was historic for Díaz, who became just the second player in AFCON history — after Ghana’s Osei Kofi — to score in five consecutive matches at the tournament.

Buoyed by the breakthrough, Morocco continued to dictate the tempo and could have doubled their advantage before the interval. A swift counter-attack saw Abde Ezzalzouli release El Kaabi through on goal, but the striker could only find the side netting from close range.

Cameroon emerged from the break with renewed energy and greater attacking intent, but they found little joy against a disciplined and well-organised Moroccan backline. Their clearest opportunity came from a set-piece, when Georges-Kevin N’Koudou met a corner with a diving header, only to see his effort miss the target.

With a quarter of an hour left, Morocco delivered the decisive blow. From an Ezzalzouli free-kick, Nayef Aguerd’s clever touch found Saibari unmarked at the back post, and the midfielder calmly swept a low effort into the bottom corner to ignite wild celebrations in the stands.

At 2-0 up, with the stadium reverberating to the sound of belief and expectation, Morocco were in full control. 

Cameroon could not find a response, their hopes of reaching the semi-finals fading as the hosts closed out a famous night in Rabat with authority and composure.

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 10/01/2026

 

Rebel group holds funeral for victims of drone strike in eastern DR Congo

NORTH KIVU, DR Congo 

The AFC/M23 armed group held a collective funeral in Goma on Thursday for the 22 victims of a drone strike that took place in Masisi in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo earlier this month.

In an atmosphere heavy with emotion, marked by tears and moments of reflection, the coffins were laid out in front of grieving families.

Mubechi Bwere, father to one of the victims, said he travelled to Goma to attend the ceremony at the Unity Stadium in North Kivu’s provincial capital.

"I came here for the funeral of my child, Amani Bisibuzo, who died following a drone strike that hit Masisi,” he said.

It is civilians who continue to pay the highest price of the armed violence in the eastern DRC, which has continued for over three decades.

Between forced displacement, trauma, and human losses, bereaved families are calling for peace, justice, and an end to impunity.

Jean-Paul Kibinda, a relative of one of the victims, said people just want peace.

"We don’t want war, because war kills the population. May the authorities help us and give us peace. Let them reach an agreement in Kinshasa, AFC/M23, so that the people can find peace," he said.

Medical charity, Médecins Sans Frontières says 42 people, including many women and children, were injured by shrapnel during the strike.

The AFC/M23 rebellion claims the attack was carried out by the Congolese army, but so far the government has neither confirmed nor denied the accusations.

The United Nations mission in the DRC has called for an independent investigation to determine who was responsible.

In a statement, MONUSCO, condemned the use of drones and any attack targeting or impacting civilians and civilian infrastructure.

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 09/01/2026