france24--2020-07-31--Nantes: A maritime metropolis of arts and culture

Straddling the Loire and looking out to the Atlantic , water has long shaped the history and identity of Nantes @ @ @ @ @ now capitalising on its maritime history , as its former shipyards play host to the @ @ @ @ @ A journey to Nantes '' .
FRANCE 24 's Olivia Salazar-Winspear meets its founder and @ @ @ @ @ tells us about the city 's strategy to bring together culture and tourism , as @ @ @ @ @ and Evor Damoiseau , who are reinventing the urban landscape with their installations .
We @ @ @ @ @ two sights that shed light on the history of Nantes : the Castle of the @ @ @ @ @ Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery , both of which provide key insights into how @ @ @ @ @ shaped modern French society .
And we check in with the city 's steampunk mascots @ @ @ @ @ .
These fantastical , mechanical creatures have become synonymous with contemporary culture in Nantes and @ @ @ @ @ elephant , regularly draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the site .

Straddling the Loire and looking out to the Atlantic, water has long shaped the history and identity of Nantes. The French city is now capitalising on its maritime history, as its former shipyards play host to the innovative contemporary art event "A journey to Nantes". FRANCE 24's Olivia Salazar-Winspear meets its founder and director Jean Blaise, who tells us about the city's strategy to bring together culture and tourism, as well as artists Myrtille Drouet and Evor Damoiseau, who are reinventing the urban landscape with their installations.
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We also take a stroll around two sights that shed light on the history of Nantes: the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany and the Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery, both of which provide key insights into how the city's past has shaped modern French society.
And we check in with the city's steampunk mascots: the Machines de l'île. These fantastical, mechanical creatures have become synonymous with contemporary culture in Nantes and their star player, the elephant, regularly draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the site.
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france24--2020-07-31--Iraq after Saddam Hussein: Two powers competing for influence

In the spring of 2003 , Saddam Hussein 's regime was toppled .
Iraq then had to rebuild itself , with the presence of US forces who had put an end to the dictatorship .
But after the departure of US troops in 2010-11 , the Iraqi state never succeeded in asserting its authority , leaving the country open to becoming a zone of competing influence between the US and neighbouring Iran .
We take a look back at nearly 20 years of Iraqi history : a state under twin American and Iranian domination .
Ten years ago , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ withdraw from Iraq after seven years of occupation , following the war led by the coalition that overthrew Saddam Hussein 's dictatorship in March 2003 .
This withdrawal was meant to be the effective liberation of Iraq .
But the Obama administration 's disengagement from Iraq effectively left the field open for Iran and its Shiite supporters , in a divided country that now resembled a giant geopolitical chessboard .
The Americans , the Sunnis and the Shiites all placed their pawns , as did the fundamentalists of the Islamic State ( IS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threatening the entire region .
The Americans returned to Iraq , indirectly , from 2014 , acting within the international coalition against the IS group .
> > Watch our Reporters show : At the heart of Iraq 's uprising In this context of a new Cold War , the population is taking to the streets to make its voice heard .
Young Iraqis have been campaigning since October 2019 for a new Iraqi citizens ' pact , rejecting all forms of sectarianism and foreign interference and demanding a life of dignity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' of Iraq .

In the spring of 2003, Saddam Hussein's regime was toppled. Iraq then had to rebuild itself, with the presence of US forces who had put an end to the dictatorship. But after the departure of US troops in 2010-11, the Iraqi state never succeeded in asserting its authority, leaving the country open to becoming a zone of competing influence between the US and neighbouring Iran. We take a look back at nearly 20 years of Iraqi history: a state under twin American and Iranian domination.
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Ten years ago, in August 2010, US forces began to withdraw from Iraq after seven years of occupation, following the war led by the coalition that overthrew Saddam Hussein's dictatorship in March 2003. This withdrawal was meant to be the effective liberation of Iraq.
Iraq, a geopolitical chessboard
But the Obama administration's disengagement from Iraq effectively left the field open for Iran and its Shiite supporters, in a divided country that now resembled a giant geopolitical chessboard. The Americans, the Sunnis and the Shiites all placed their pawns, as did the fundamentalists of the Islamic State (IS) group, which became a danger threatening the entire region.
The Americans returned to Iraq, indirectly, from 2014, acting within the international coalition against the IS group.
>> Watch our Reporters show: At the heart of Iraq's uprising
In this context of a new Cold War, the population is taking to the streets to make its voice heard. Young Iraqis have been campaigning since October 2019 for a new Iraqi citizens' pact, rejecting all forms of sectarianism and foreign interference and demanding a life of dignity, individual freedoms and an effective "liberation" of Iraq.
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france24--2020-08-01--Trump vows to ban Chinese-owned video app TikTok from US

TikTok logos are seen on smartphones in front of a ByteDance logo in this illustration from November 27 , 2019 .
President Donald Trump said Friday he will bar fast-growing social media app TikTok from the United States as American authorities have raised concerns the service could be a tool for Chinese intelligence .
US officials and lawmakers in recent weeks have voiced fears of the wildly popular video platform being used by Beijing for nefarious purposes , but the company has denied any links to the Chinese government .
Media reports circulated earlier Friday saying that Trump would require @ @ @ @ @ @ @ divested from its Chinese parent firm ByteDance , but the president announced a ban .
Speaking to reporters on Air Force One , Trump said : `` As far as TikTok is concerned , we 're banning them from the United States . ''
He added he would take action as soon as Saturday using emergency economic power or an executive order .
Trump 's move comes following a review by the Committee on Foreign Investment ( CFIUS ) in the United States , which investigates deals affecting US national security .
TikTok @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create and watch its short-form videos , has an estimated billion users worldwide .
Queried by AFP , TikTok declined to comment on the reports of the forced sales , saying only : `` We are confident in the long-term success of TikTok .
`` Hundreds of millions of people come to TikTok for entertainment and connection , including our community of creators and artists who are building livelihoods from the platform . ''
'We are not the enemy' The firm this week pledged a high level of transparency , including allowing reviews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and regulators .
`` We are not political , we do not accept political advertising and have no agenda -- our only objective is to remain a vibrant , dynamic platform for everyone to enjoy , '' TikTok CEO Kevin Mayer said in a post this week .
`` TikTok has become the latest target , but we are not the enemy . ''
The popularity of the platform surged after ByteDance acquired US-based app Musical.ly in 2017 and merged it with its own video service .
James Lewis , head of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Strategic and International Studies , said he believes the security risk of using TikTok is `` close to zero '' but that ByteDance could face pressure from China to engage in censorship .
`` It looks like ByteDance may be getting squeezed by Beijing , so making them divest makes sense , '' Lewis said .
`` They could start censoring stuff . ''
Lewis said US authorities under CFIUS have the power to unwind an acquisition previously approved and that a similar action was taken in 2019 with the dating app Grindr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firm .

President Donald Trump said Friday he will bar fast-growing social media app TikTok from the United States as American authorities have raised concerns the service could be a tool for Chinese intelligence.
TikTok logos are seen on smartphones in front of a ByteDance logo in this illustration from November 27, 2019.
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US officials and lawmakers in recent weeks have voiced fears of the wildly popular video platform being used by Beijing for nefarious purposes, but the company has denied any links to the Chinese government.
Media reports circulated earlier Friday saying that Trump would require the US operations of the app be divested from its Chinese parent firm ByteDance, but the president announced a ban.
Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump said: "As far as TikTok is concerned, we're banning them from the United States."
He added he would take action as soon as Saturday using emergency economic power or an executive order.
Trump's move comes following a review by the Committee on Foreign Investment (CFIUS) in the United States, which investigates deals affecting US national security.
TikTok, especially popular with young audiences who create and watch its short-form videos, has an estimated billion users worldwide.
Queried by AFP, TikTok declined to comment on the reports of the forced sales, saying only: "We are confident in the long-term success of TikTok.
"Hundreds of millions of people come to TikTok for entertainment and connection, including our community of creators and artists who are building livelihoods from the platform."
'We are not the enemy'
The firm this week pledged a high level of transparency, including allowing reviews of its algorithms, to assure users and regulators.
"We are not political, we do not accept political advertising and have no agenda -- our only objective is to remain a vibrant, dynamic platform for everyone to enjoy," TikTok CEO Kevin Mayer said in a post this week.
"TikTok has become the latest target, but we are not the enemy."
The popularity of the platform surged after ByteDance acquired US-based app Musical.ly in 2017 and merged it with its own video service.
James Lewis, head of the technology policy program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said he believes the security risk of using TikTok is "close to zero" but that ByteDance could face pressure from China to engage in censorship.
"It looks like ByteDance may be getting squeezed by Beijing, so making them divest makes sense," Lewis said. "They could start censoring stuff."
Lewis said US authorities under CFIUS have the power to unwind an acquisition previously approved and that a similar action was taken in 2019 with the dating app Grindr after it was bought by a Chinese firm.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-08-01--French soldier dies in Chad during maintenance operation on base

A French soldier died during a maintenance operation in Chad after a piece of equipment exploded , the defence ministry @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
The ministry said armed forces were investigating the causes of the accident at @ @ @ @ @ which killed Andy Fila , a brigadier-chef of the infantry regiment and an electro-mechanic specialist @ @ @ @ @ 5,000 troops in the West African Sahel region as part of international efforts to fight @ @ @ @ @ and has based its counterterrorism forces in Chad .

A French soldier died during a maintenance operation in Chad after a piece of equipment exploded, the defence ministry said in a statement on Friday.
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The ministry said armed forces were investigating the causes of the accident at the base in N'Djamena, which killed Andy Fila, a brigadier-chef of the infantry regiment and an electro-mechanic specialist.
France has more than 5,000 troops in the West African Sahel region as part of international efforts to fight Islamist militants in the area and has based its counterterrorism forces in Chad.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-08-01--Thousands in Russia's Far East protest against Putin for fourth weekend in a row

People walk in the rain during an anti-Kremlin rally in support of former regional governor Sergei Furgal , who was arrested on murder charges , in the far eastern city of Khabarovsk , Russia on August 1 , 2020 .
Thousands of people marched in the Russian far eastern city of Khabarovsk on Saturday for the fourth weekend in a row , protesting at President Vladimir Putin 's handling of a local political crisis .
Residents of Khabarovsk , around 3,800 miles ( 6,110 km ) and seven time zones east of Moscow , are unhappy about the July 9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regional governor , Sergei Furgal , who was arrested on murder charges he denies .
His detention , which his supporters say was politically motivated , has triggered weeks of street protests , creating a headache for the Kremlin which is trying to troubleshoot a sharp COVID-19-induced drop in real incomes and keep a lid on unrest as the economy stutters .
Sheltering from sporadic and heavy rain beneath umbrellas , protesters chanted `` Freedom ! ''
and `` We came here of our own will . ''
One banner read `` Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Putin resign ! ''
Many held up placards in solidarity with the arrested governor , reading `` I am/We are Sergei Furgal '' .
Some marchers wore face masks with the same slogan .
City authorities estimated around 3,500 people had taken part .
Some local media put the number at around 10,000 or higher , but said the crowds were smaller than one week ago .
The protests have highlighted anger among some in the far east over what they see as policies emanating from detached Moscow-based authorities on the other side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the arrested governor and a member of the nationalist LDPR party , feel he is being belatedly punished for defeating a candidate from the ruling pro-Putin United Russia party in 2018 .
The Kremlin says Furgal has serious charges to answer .
Such sustained demonstrations are unusual for Russia 's regions , as is the fact that the authorities have not yet moved to break them up .
Putin has named a new acting governor , but protesters say he has no connection with the region and have called on him to @ @ @ @

Thousands of people marched in the Russian far eastern city of Khabarovsk on Saturday for the fourth weekend in a row, protesting at President Vladimir Putin's handling of a local political crisis.
People walk in the rain during an anti-Kremlin rally in support of former regional governor Sergei Furgal, who was arrested on murder charges, in the far eastern city of Khabarovsk, Russia on August 1, 2020.
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Residents of Khabarovsk, around 3,800 miles (6,110 km) and seven time zones east of Moscow, are unhappy about the July 9 detention of the wider region's popular regional governor, Sergei Furgal, who was arrested on murder charges he denies.
His detention, which his supporters say was politically motivated, has triggered weeks of street protests, creating a headache for the Kremlin which is trying to troubleshoot a sharp COVID-19-induced drop in real incomes and keep a lid on unrest as the economy stutters.
Sheltering from sporadic and heavy rain beneath umbrellas, protesters chanted "Freedom!" and "We came here of our own will."
One banner read "Russia without Putin" and protesters chanted "Putin resign!"
Many held up placards in solidarity with the arrested governor, reading "I am/We are Sergei Furgal". Some marchers wore face masks with the same slogan.
City authorities estimated around 3,500 people had taken part. Some local media put the number at around 10,000 or higher, but said the crowds were smaller than one week ago.
The protests have highlighted anger among some in the far east over what they see as policies emanating from detached Moscow-based authorities on the other side of the country.
Supporters of Furgal, the arrested governor and a member of the nationalist LDPR party, feel he is being belatedly punished for defeating a candidate from the ruling pro-Putin United Russia party in 2018. The Kremlin says Furgal has serious charges to answer.
Such sustained demonstrations are unusual for Russia's regions, as is the fact that the authorities have not yet moved to break them up.
Putin has named a new acting governor, but protesters say he has no connection with the region and have called on him to step down too.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-08-01--UAE launches start-up operations at first nuclear power plant in Arab world

A file photo taken on November 12 , 2019 and obtained as a handout picture from the media office of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant shows a general view of the plant in the Gharbiya region of Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates .
The oil-rich United Arab Emirates on Saturday announced the startup of its Barakah nuclear power plant , scoring another first for the Arab world .
The announcement , coinciding with the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha , comes hot on the heels of the UAE 's launch of the Arab world 's first probe to Mars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant has achieved first criticality and successfully started up , '' tweeted Hamad Alkaabi , the country 's representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency .
`` This is a historic milestone for the nation with a vision set to deliver a new form of clean energy for the nation , '' he tweeted in English , along with a photograph of technicians raising their arms in celebration .
The UAE premier and ruler of Dubai , Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum , tweeted that work at Barakah had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , carrying out comprehensive tests and successfully completing the operation '' .
`` Congratulations on realising this historic achievement in the energy sector & marking this milestone in the roadmap for sustainable development , '' Sheikh Mohammed said .
The UAE started loading fuel rods into the reactor at Barakah in February , after regulators gave the green light for the first of the plant 's four reactors , opening the way for commercial operations .
The plant on the Gulf coast west of Abu Dhabi had been due to go online in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delays that officials attributed to safety and regulatory requirements .
The Nawah Energy Company said at the time that Unit 1 would begin commercial operations after a `` series of tests '' leading to the start-up process .
During the process , the unit would be synchronised with the power grid and the first electricity produced .
The UAE has substantial oil and gas reserves , but with a power-hungry population of 10 million it has made huge investments in developing clean alternatives , including solar energy .
The plant is a regional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's top oil exporter , has said it plans to build up to 16 nuclear reactors , but the project has yet to materialise .
Barakah was built by a consortium led by the Korea Electric Power Corporation at a cost of some $ 24.4 billion .
When fully operational , its four reactors have the capacity to generate 5,600 megawatts of electricity , around 25 percent of the nation 's needs .
The remaining three reactors are almost ready for operation .
As well as generating competitively priced electricity , the UAE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its status as a key regional player , building on its success as a hub for tourism , banking and services .
On July 20 , the first Arab space mission to Mars , an unmanned probe dubbed `` Hope '' , blasted off from Japan on a mission to reveal more about the atmosphere of the Red Planet .
The Barakah plant , on the coast facing Iran across the Gulf , stands just 50 kilometres ( 30 miles ) from the Saudi border and closer to Qatar 's capital Doha than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confrontation between Iran and the United States over Tehran 's nuclear programme , the UAE has said it will not be developing a uranium enrichment programme or nuclear reprocessing technologies .
The UAE has repeatedly said its nuclear ambitions are for `` peaceful purposes '' and moved to dispel any concerns over safety .
It says it has welcomed more than 40 international reviews and inspection missions .

The oil-rich United Arab Emirates on Saturday announced the startup of its Barakah nuclear power plant, scoring another first for the Arab world.
A file photo taken on November 12, 2019 and obtained as a handout picture from the media office of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant shows a general view of the plant in the Gharbiya region of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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The announcement, coinciding with the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, comes hot on the heels of the UAE's launch of the Arab world's first probe to Mars.
"UAE first nuclear reactor at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant has achieved first criticality and successfully started up," tweeted Hamad Alkaabi, the country's representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency.
"This is a historic milestone for the nation with a vision set to deliver a new form of clean energy for the nation," he tweeted in English, along with a photograph of technicians raising their arms in celebration.
#UAE first nuclear reactor at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant has achieved first criticality and successfully started up.This is a historic milestone for the Nation with a vision set to deliver a new form of clean energy for the Nation. pic.twitter.com/d8FbWEB9lJ — Hamad Alkaabi (@hamadnuke) August 1, 2020
The UAE premier and ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, tweeted that work at Barakah had "succeeded in loading nuclear fuel packages, carrying out comprehensive tests and successfully completing the operation".
"Congratulations on realising this historic achievement in the energy sector & marking this milestone in the roadmap for sustainable development," Sheikh Mohammed said.
The UAE started loading fuel rods into the reactor at Barakah in February, after regulators gave the green light for the first of the plant's four reactors, opening the way for commercial operations.
The plant on the Gulf coast west of Abu Dhabi had been due to go online in late 2017 but faced a number of delays that officials attributed to safety and regulatory requirements.
The Nawah Energy Company said at the time that Unit 1 would begin commercial operations after a "series of tests" leading to the start-up process.
During the process, the unit would be synchronised with the power grid and the first electricity produced.
The UAE has substantial oil and gas reserves, but with a power-hungry population of 10 million it has made huge investments in developing clean alternatives, including solar energy.
Regional first
The plant is a regional first -- Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil exporter, has said it plans to build up to 16 nuclear reactors, but the project has yet to materialise.
Barakah was built by a consortium led by the Korea Electric Power Corporation at a cost of some $24.4 billion.
When fully operational, its four reactors have the capacity to generate 5,600 megawatts of electricity, around 25 percent of the nation's needs. The remaining three reactors are almost ready for operation.
As well as generating competitively priced electricity, the UAE also hopes the nuclear plant will elevate its status as a key regional player, building on its success as a hub for tourism, banking and services.
On July 20, the first Arab space mission to Mars, an unmanned probe dubbed "Hope", blasted off from Japan on a mission to reveal more about the atmosphere of the Red Planet.
No enrichment
The Barakah plant, on the coast facing Iran across the Gulf, stands just 50 kilometres (30 miles) from the Saudi border and closer to Qatar's capital Doha than to Abu Dhabi.
Amid a tense confrontation between Iran and the United States over Tehran's nuclear programme, the UAE has said it will not be developing a uranium enrichment programme or nuclear reprocessing technologies.
The UAE has repeatedly said its nuclear ambitions are for "peaceful purposes" and moved to dispel any concerns over safety.
It says it has welcomed more than 40 international reviews and inspection missions.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-08-01--PSG edge Lyon on penalty kicks to take French League Cup final

PSG players Neymar ( L ) , Kylian Mbappé ( C ) and Marco Verratti celebrate after the team ’ s victory against Lyon in the French League Cup final at the Stade de France on July 31 , 2020 .
Pablo Sarabia scored the winning penalty in a shoot-out as Paris Saint-Germain warmed up for their assault on the Champions League in Lisbon by defeating Lyon in Friday 's French League Cup final to claim another domestic treble .
The Spaniard 's successful kick came after Keylor Navas saved from Bertrand Traore and allowed PSG to win 6-5 on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ de France finished 0-0 at the end of extra time .
The victory comes a week after they beat Saint-Etienne 1-0 in the French Cup final , the first competitive match on French soil since the coronavirus shutdown .
They had previously been awarded the Ligue 1 title by virtue of being top when the season was ended in April with 10 rounds of matches unplayed because of the health crisis .
Before penalties , Thomas Tuchel 's team had the better of a terse final on a sweaty night , but they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The masked France superstar watched from the stands as Lyon kept PSG at bay for two hours before having Brazilian defender Rafael sent off for chopping down Angel Di Maria on the edge of the box late in extra time .
Mbappe was injured in last week 's French Cup final , suffering a sprained ankle that looks likely to rule him out of the Champions League quarter-final against Atalanta in Lisbon on August 12 .
PSG are desperate for tangible success in Europe but on this evidence they still have some rust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that test .
`` We suffered but it 's beautiful to win at the end .
We will celebrate this and then tomorrow we will start to think about another big match , '' the excellent Marco Verratti told France 2 television .
This is the Qatar-owned club 's fourth treble in the last six years , but the League Cup , an unloved competition , will be discontinued next season .
Covid-19 concerns did not prevent a crowd from attending this match -- postponed back in April -- but only 3,500 fans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was the Parisian contingent who were celebrating at the end , as their team lifted the trophy for the ninth time in total , denying Lyon a first trophy since 2012 .
Both of these teams must fear being at a disadvantage in the latter stages of the Champions League though after France opted against restarting its league season , unlike the other major European leagues .
As a consequence , the two cup finals are the only competitive match practice PSG will have managed in five months before facing Atalanta .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and only competitive game since early March before they make a daunting trip to Turin to play Juventus in their Champions League last 16 second leg next Friday .
At least they have a 1-0 lead to defend , but they will still need to do better than they fared here .
PSG created almost all the notable chances , despite Mauro Icardi looking sluggish up front .
Neymar looked sharper , fresh from scoring the winner in the French Cup final .
He had the first chance of the game when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Thiago Silva lay-off in the eighth minute , and he also saw a header tipped over by Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes late in normal time before going on to coolly net in the shoot-out .
In between , Lopes also made a spectacular save to turn an Idrissa Gueye piledriver over late in the first half .
Verratti 's performance in midfield was a major positive for Tuchel who along with Mbappe 's injury also has major problems at full-back .
Here , left-back Layvin Kurzawa was needed on the right but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half .
Lyon , meanwhile , will now not be in Europe next season for the first time in 24 years , unless they win the Champions League .
PSG , Marseille and Rennes will be France 's representatives in the 2020/21 Champions League , with Reims now joining Lille and Nice in the Europa League .

Pablo Sarabia scored the winning penalty in a shoot-out as Paris Saint-Germain warmed up for their assault on the Champions League in Lisbon by defeating Lyon in Friday's French League Cup final to claim another domestic treble.
PSG players Neymar (L), Kylian Mbappé (C) and Marco Verratti celebrate after the team’s victory against Lyon in the French League Cup final at the Stade de France on July 31, 2020.
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The Spaniard's successful kick came after Keylor Navas saved from Bertrand Traore and allowed PSG to win 6-5 on penalties after the game at the Stade de France finished 0-0 at the end of extra time.
The victory comes a week after they beat Saint-Etienne 1-0 in the French Cup final, the first competitive match on French soil since the coronavirus shutdown.
They had previously been awarded the Ligue 1 title by virtue of being top when the season was ended in April with 10 rounds of matches unplayed because of the health crisis.
Before penalties, Thomas Tuchel's team had the better of a terse final on a sweaty night, but they badly missed the injured Kylian Mbappe.
The masked France superstar watched from the stands as Lyon kept PSG at bay for two hours before having Brazilian defender Rafael sent off for chopping down Angel Di Maria on the edge of the box late in extra time.
Mbappe was injured in last week's French Cup final, suffering a sprained ankle that looks likely to rule him out of the Champions League quarter-final against Atalanta in Lisbon on August 12.
PSG are desperate for tangible success in Europe but on this evidence they still have some rust to shake off before being ready for that test.
"We suffered but it's beautiful to win at the end. We will celebrate this and then tomorrow we will start to think about another big match," the excellent Marco Verratti told France 2 television.
This is the Qatar-owned club's fourth treble in the last six years, but the League Cup, an unloved competition, will be discontinued next season.
No European football for Lyon?
Covid-19 concerns did not prevent a crowd from attending this match -- postponed back in April -- but only 3,500 fans were allowed inside the 80,000-capacity venue.
It was the Parisian contingent who were celebrating at the end, as their team lifted the trophy for the ninth time in total, denying Lyon a first trophy since 2012.
Both of these teams must fear being at a disadvantage in the latter stages of the Champions League though after France opted against restarting its league season, unlike the other major European leagues.
As a consequence, the two cup finals are the only competitive match practice PSG will have managed in five months before facing Atalanta.
Meanwhile, this was Lyon's one and only competitive game since early March before they make a daunting trip to Turin to play Juventus in their Champions League last 16 second leg next Friday.
At least they have a 1-0 lead to defend, but they will still need to do better than they fared here.
PSG created almost all the notable chances, despite Mauro Icardi looking sluggish up front.
Neymar looked sharper, fresh from scoring the winner in the French Cup final.
He had the first chance of the game when he drilled a first-time shot just wide from a Thiago Silva lay-off in the eighth minute, and he also saw a header tipped over by Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes late in normal time before going on to coolly net in the shoot-out.
In between, Lopes also made a spectacular save to turn an Idrissa Gueye piledriver over late in the first half.
Verratti's performance in midfield was a major positive for Tuchel who along with Mbappe's injury also has major problems at full-back.
Here, left-back Layvin Kurzawa was needed on the right but hobbled off hurt midway through the second half.
Lyon, meanwhile, will now not be in Europe next season for the first time in 24 years, unless they win the Champions League.
PSG, Marseille and Rennes will be France's representatives in the 2020/21 Champions League, with Reims now joining Lille and Nice in the Europa League.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-08-01--World Tour cycling returns with Italy’s Strade Bianche as riders adjust to Covid-altered calendar

The pack rides through a gravel road during the one-day classic cycling race Strade Bianche ( White Roads ) around Siena in Tuscany , Italy on March 9 , 2019 .
After breaking sweat in the Tour of Burgos this week , cycling moves up a gear on Saturday with the Strade Bianche , the first World Tour level race in 139 days .
Elite-level cycling climbed out of the saddle on March 14 after Nairo Quintana won the seventh stage of the curtailed Paris-Nice .
On Saturday , racing resumes in Italy and France .
While the one-day Strade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sport 's big names will be at the mountainous four-day Route d'Occitanie as riders try to plan their seasons across an unfamiliar calendar .
Here AFP sport looks at four issues as racing resumes .
Originally scheduled for March 7 , the Strade Bianche will present a different test on its famous white dirt roads with temperatures in the high 30s Celsius in the heat of the Tuscan summer .
The illusion that cycling is returning to normal is maintained with the Milan-San Remo classic on August 8 .
While the length @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miles ) and the famous finish is the same , the switch from March has forced changes to the route as mayors along the Italian Riviera decided they do not want to add to their summer traffic congestion .
Further down the road , the International Cycling Union ( UCI ) has tried to squeeze as many events as possible into 100 days in countries that will allow racing .
More than ever , teams will be campaigning upon two or even three simultaneous fronts .
Teams and riders are trying to limit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race almost entirely in Italy and opted out of the Tour de France ( August 29 to September 20 ) , although that does open the way for his one brief foreign expedition : across the border for the road race that closes the World Championships in Switzerland ( September 20-27 ) .
On the other hand , riders and teams targeting the Tour de France ( Egan Bernal at Ineos , Primoz Roglic of Jumbo Visma ) have set up a training camp in France , which also allows them to carry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , success on the Tour , even if only in the shape of a stage victory , has become the focus of the shortened season .
That means normally low-key mid-summer French stage races are attracting stellar fields .
The Route d'Occitanie opens this weekend with Tour winners Bernal and Chris Froome and French hopefuls Thibaut Pinot and Romain Bardet .
Next up , the three-day Tour de l'Ain , has Bernal , Geraint Thomas , Roglic and Quintana .
The Dauphine , a traditional Tour rehearsal which has moved to August 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidates for the yellow jersey .
How are your legs ?
`` You can work as hard as you want in training , everything is different in the race , '' Nibali told Italian newspaper La Gazzetta Dello Sport this week ahead of the Strade Bianche .
`` It 's the race that will do the talking . ''
The question is even more confused for four-time Tour de France winner Froome .
He suffered an appalling crash in June last year and returned for the UAE Tour only for the race to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of July he announced he was leaving Ineos for Team Israel next season .
Will he be able to race at the highest level ?
Even if he is will Ineos , with Tour winners Bernal and Thomas to keep happy , pick him ?
The rearranged season could still be derailed .
The return of cycling in Spain with the Tour of Burgos ended up closely following an increase in cases in the country .
`` The risks exist , every race is at risk , '' UCI President David Lappartient recently @ @ @

After breaking sweat in the Tour of Burgos this week, cycling moves up a gear on Saturday with the Strade Bianche, the first World Tour level race in 139 days.
The pack rides through a gravel road during the one-day classic cycling race Strade Bianche (White Roads) around Siena in Tuscany, Italy on March 9, 2019.
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Elite-level cycling climbed out of the saddle on March 14 after Nairo Quintana won the seventh stage of the curtailed Paris-Nice. On Saturday, racing resumes in Italy and France.
While the one-day Strade Bianche carries the prestige, many of the sport's big names will be at the mountainous four-day Route d'Occitanie as riders try to plan their seasons across an unfamiliar calendar.
Here AFP sport looks at four issues as racing resumes.
A crowded and unfamiliar calendar
Originally scheduled for March 7, the Strade Bianche will present a different test on its famous white dirt roads with temperatures in the high 30s Celsius in the heat of the Tuscan summer.
The illusion that cycling is returning to normal is maintained with the Milan-San Remo classic on August 8.
While the length remains an intimidating 299 kilometres (185.8 miles) and the famous finish is the same, the switch from March has forced changes to the route as mayors along the Italian Riviera decided they do not want to add to their summer traffic congestion.
Further down the road, the International Cycling Union (UCI) has tried to squeeze as many events as possible into 100 days in countries that will allow racing.
More than ever, teams will be campaigning upon two or even three simultaneous fronts.
The home front
Teams and riders are trying to limit travel.
Vincenzo Nibali has opted to race almost entirely in Italy and opted out of the Tour de France (August 29 to September 20), although that does open the way for his one brief foreign expedition: across the border for the road race that closes the World Championships in Switzerland (September 20-27).
On the other hand, riders and teams targeting the Tour de France (Egan Bernal at Ineos, Primoz Roglic of Jumbo Visma) have set up a training camp in France, which also allows them to carry out course reconnaissance.
For many teams, success on the Tour, even if only in the shape of a stage victory, has become the focus of the shortened season.
That means normally low-key mid-summer French stage races are attracting stellar fields.
The Route d'Occitanie opens this weekend with Tour winners Bernal and Chris Froome and French hopefuls Thibaut Pinot and Romain Bardet. Next up, the three-day Tour de l'Ain, has Bernal, Geraint Thomas, Roglic and Quintana.
The Dauphine, a traditional Tour rehearsal which has moved to August 12, will bring together almost all the candidates for the yellow jersey.
How are your legs?
"You can work as hard as you want in training, everything is different in the race," Nibali told Italian newspaper La Gazzetta Dello Sport this week ahead of the Strade Bianche. "It's the race that will do the talking."
"It's a big question mark."
The question is even more confused for four-time Tour de France winner Froome.
He suffered an appalling crash in June last year and returned for the UAE Tour only for the race to be cut short. At the start of July he announced he was leaving Ineos for Team Israel next season.
Will he be able to race at the highest level? Even if he is will Ineos, with Tour winners Bernal and Thomas to keep happy, pick him?
They're starting, will they finish?
The rearranged season could still be derailed.
The return of cycling in Spain with the Tour of Burgos ended up closely following an increase in cases in the country.
"The risks exist, every race is at risk," UCI President David Lappartient recently told Gazzetta.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-07-31--Filmmaker Alan Parker, director of 'Midnight Express', dies at 76

British film director , producer and writer Alan Parker poses with his BAFTA fellowship award during the annual BAFTA British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House in London , UK , on February 10 , 2013 .
British filmmaker Alan Parker , director of movies ranging from `` Bugsy Malone '' , a gangster comedy featuring children armed with cream-shooting guns , to tense prison drama `` Midnight Express '' , has died aged 76 , British media reported on Friday .
Parker , who also directed `` Fame '' , `` Evita '' , `` Mississippi Burning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other successful movies , died on Friday after a lengthy illness , according to the media reports .
Known for his eclecticism , Parker was equally at ease in the worlds of musical comedy and of hard-hitting true crime drama .
`` Bugsy Malone '' , his highly original feature film debut in 1976 , was a musical parody of Prohibition-era gangster movies , performed entirely by children .
It featured a young Jodie Foster as glamorous singer Tallulah , and other child actors who went on to have successful careers .
Parker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , based on the true story of an American man imprisoned in Turkey for smuggling hashish .
The film won two Oscars , including one for Oliver Stone , who wrote the script .
Again moving in a different direction , Parker then made the gritty musical `` Fame '' , about the highs and lows of the lives of performing arts students in New York - a huge commercial success that spawned a spin-off TV series .
Subsequent successes included `` Birdy '' , a drama about Vietnam War veterans , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the true story of an FBI investigation into the disappearance of three civil rights activists in the 1960s .
Although widely acclaimed at the time , garnering seven Oscar nominations and winning one , that film was also criticised by some in the Black community .
Among other issues , critics took issue with a lack of Black role models and what they saw as a narrow focus on two white FBI agents .
The actor Matthew Modine , one of the stars of `` Birdy '' , said on Twitter he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death .
`` Being cast in his epic film , Birdy , transformed my life .
Alan was a great artist whose films will live forever , '' Modine said .
Parker later returned to the world of music , with commercial success , directing comedy `` The Commitments '' about a short-lived soul band in Dublin , and `` Evita '' , starring Madonna and based on an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical .
Andrew Lloyd Webber , who collaborated with Parker on `` Evita '' , said he was `` one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on screen '' .
He also made a film version of `` Angela 's Ashes '' , based on the bestselling memoir of the same name by Frank McCourt .
Parker received honours in Britain for his achievements in filmmaking , including a knighthood in 2002 .
He is survived by his wife Lisa Moran-Parker , five children and seven grandchildren , according to the BBC .

British filmmaker Alan Parker, director of movies ranging from "Bugsy Malone", a gangster comedy featuring children armed with cream-shooting guns, to tense prison drama "Midnight Express", has died aged 76, British media reported on Friday.
British film director, producer and writer Alan Parker poses with his BAFTA fellowship award during the annual BAFTA British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House in London, UK, on February 10, 2013.
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Parker, who also directed "Fame", "Evita", "Mississippi Burning", "The Commitments" and other successful movies, died on Friday after a lengthy illness, according to the media reports.
Known for his eclecticism, Parker was equally at ease in the worlds of musical comedy and of hard-hitting true crime drama.
"Bugsy Malone", his highly original feature film debut in 1976, was a musical parody of Prohibition-era gangster movies, performed entirely by children. It featured a young Jodie Foster as glamorous singer Tallulah, and other child actors who went on to have successful careers.
From "Fame" to "Midnight Express," two-time Oscar nominee Alan Parker was a chameleon. His work entertained us, connected us, and gave us such a strong sense of time and place. An extraordinary talent, he will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/OxZPBxTE8F — The Academy (@TheAcademy) July 31, 2020
Parker followed up with "Midnight Express", based on the true story of an American man imprisoned in Turkey for smuggling hashish. The film won two Oscars, including one for Oliver Stone, who wrote the script.
Again moving in a different direction, Parker then made the gritty musical "Fame", about the highs and lows of the lives of performing arts students in New York - a huge commercial success that spawned a spin-off TV series.
Subsequent successes included "Birdy", a drama about Vietnam War veterans, and "Mississippi Burning", based on the true story of an FBI investigation into the disappearance of three civil rights activists in the 1960s.
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of BAFTA Fellow Alan Parker. As BAFTA-winning filmmaker, he brought us joy with Bugsy Malone, The Commitments, Midnight Express and many more. pic.twitter.com/fVOcXARgKM — BAFTA (@BAFTA) July 31, 2020
Although widely acclaimed at the time, garnering seven Oscar nominations and winning one, that film was also criticised by some in the Black community. Among other issues, critics took issue with a lack of Black role models and what they saw as a narrow focus on two white FBI agents.
The actor Matthew Modine, one of the stars of "Birdy", said on Twitter he was very sad to learn of Parker's death. "Being cast in his epic film, Birdy, transformed my life. Alan was a great artist whose films will live forever," Modine said.
Parker later returned to the world of music, with commercial success, directing comedy "The Commitments" about a short-lived soul band in Dublin, and "Evita", starring Madonna and based on an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical.
Andrew Lloyd Webber, who collaborated with Parker on "Evita", said he was "one of the few directors to truly understand musicals on screen".
RIP Alan Parker, director of The Commitments. pic.twitter.com/ePKd5cVKT9 — Irish Film Institute (@IFI_Dub) July 31, 2020
He also made a film version of "Angela's Ashes", based on the bestselling memoir of the same name by Frank McCourt.
Parker received honours in Britain for his achievements in filmmaking, including a knighthood in 2002.
He is survived by his wife Lisa Moran-Parker, five children and seven grandchildren, according to the BBC.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-08-01--Thousands flee Islamist insurgents in northern Mozambique

An armed group known locally as al Shabaab ( though it has no links with the better-known Somali Islamist militant group of the same name ) has been carrying out attacks in Cabo Delgado , which is rich in gas deposits , since October 2017 .
Over the past three years , more than 1,400 people have been killed in these attacks , according to the NGO The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project ( Acled ) , which is documenting the situation in Cabo Delgado .
The group ’ s last large-scale attack , which occurred on June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Islamic State ’ s Central Africa Province .
On June 27 , the insurgents attacked Mocimboa da Praia , a port town with a population of 30,000 that represents `` a crucial logistical hub for economic activity and humanitarian relief for the northern part of the province '' , according to Acled .
At least 40 civilians were killed along with eight employees of a South African company contracted by the French company Total .
Witnesses told the press that the attackers , who occupied the town for three days , decapitated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ruling party Frelimo , who had links to the government .
On March 23 , insurgents took over Mocimboa da Praia .
Two days later , they attacked the town of This attack , the third against Mocimboa da Praia since 2017 , was part of a series of offensives that targeted major towns in Cabo Delgado over the past few months.On March 23 , insurgents took over Mocimboa da Praia .
Two days later , they attacked the town of Quissanga , located 200 kilometres to the south , and destroyed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one housing the local government , which has since suspended its activities completely .
Insurgents wielding an IS group flag posted a video online announcing their intention to impose Islamic law on the region .
In April , insurgents launched several attacks on the district of Muidumbe , targeting both In April , insurgents launched several attacks on the district of Muidumbe , targeting both Namacande , the provincial capital , and several villages .
According to police , insurgents carried out a massacre in Xitaxi on April 7 , slaughtering 52 young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group .
In the village of Nangololo , the insurgents attacked a church , as illustrated by several photos posted on social media .
Mozambique Aftermath of attack at Nangololo : Catholic missionary church ( Muidumbe ) .
Attack was on 09 April Photo credit : Pinnacle News pic.twitter.com/P1MWNho4PF Jasmine Opperman ( @ Jasminechic00 ) April 11 , 2020 The Mozambican collaborative news site Pinnacle News posted these images after insurgents attacked a church in Nangololo ( Muidumbe ) .
Jasmine Opperman , an analyst at the NGO Acled , posted these images @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video here On May 28 , insurgents led an assault on the town of Macomia , population 29,000 , which had already absorbed many refugees who had fled previous attacks on other communities .
The town ’ s health centre was pillaged and staff for medical charity Doctors Without Borders fled .
In early June , the organisation suspended its activities in the province .
Thousands of people have fled their homes in these districts .
Since March , the number of internally displaced persons in Cabo Delgado has doubled , reaching 250,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people have fled their homes in these districts .
Since March , the number of internally displaced persons in Cabo Delgado has doubled , reaching 250,000 in July , according to the OCHA , the UN ’ s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs .
People flee Mocímboa da Praia for Pemba , the capital of the province in these photos shared by the Mozambican collaborative media outlet Pinnacle News Before leaving their villages , people who intend to flee the conflict in Cabo Delgado have to get a declaration of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local leader .
This document is a confirmation of refugee status .
It costs 100 MT ( ~ USD $ 1.5 ) which is costly for many .
pic.twitter.com/Wd5DHZSNjZ Pinnacle News ( @ news_pinnacle ) May 26 , 2020 Before leaving their villages , people attempting to flee the conflict in Cabo Delgado had to get a residence certificate from local officials , explains the caption of this photo published by Mozambican collaborative media outlet Pinnacle News .
`` This document is the confirmation of their status as refugees , ” explains the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1.50 .

MOZAMBIQUE
The image on the left shows a scorched home in Cabo Delgado. The image on the right shows people fleeing Mocimboa da Praia, which was attacked by insurgents on June 27. These photos were published by the collaborative media site Pinnacle News.
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Since October 2017, an armed Islamist insurrection has been tearing apart the resource-rich province of Cabo Delgado in northern Mozambique. In 2019, the Islamic State group began claiming responsibility for some of the attacks carried out by this group. In the past few months, the insurgents have led a campaign of brutal and violent attacks on towns and cities in the province, causing thousands of residents to flee.
An armed group known locally as al Shabaab (though it has no links with the better-known Somali Islamist militant group of the same name) has been carrying out attacks in Cabo Delgado, which is rich in gas deposits, since October 2017. Over the past three years, more than 1,400 people have been killed in these attacks, according to the NGO The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (Acled), which is documenting the situation in Cabo Delgado.
The group’s last large-scale attack, which occurred on June 27, was claimed by IS-Cap, the Islamic State’s Central Africa Province. On June 27, the insurgents attacked Mocimboa da Praia, a port town with a population of 30,000 that represents "a crucial logistical hub for economic activity and humanitarian relief for the northern part of the province", according to Acled. At least 40 civilians were killed along with eight employees of a South African company contracted by the French company Total. Witnesses told the press that the attackers, who occupied the town for three days, decapitated civilians, such as teachers and members of ruling party Frelimo, who had links to the government.
Mozambique
Video released by @news_pinnacle telegram channel with scenes from MdP pic.twitter.com/3oK0OxMgA4 Jasmine Opperman (@Jasminechic00) July 25, 2020
This video, which was posted on Telegram by the collaborative media outlet Pinnacle News, shows the destruction in Mocímboa da Praia. Jasmine Opperman, an analyst at the NGO Acled, reposted this on Twitter.
Attacks on provincial capitals
This attack, the third against Mocimboa da Praia since 2017, was part of a series of offensives that targeted major towns in Cabo Delgado over the past few months.
On March 23, insurgents took over Mocimboa da Praia. Two days later, they attacked the town of Quissanga, located 200 kilometres to the south, and destroyed a number of important buildings, including one housing the local government, which has since suspended its activities completely. Insurgents wielding an IS group flag posted a video online announcing their intention to impose Islamic law on the region.
In April, insurgents launched several attacks on the district of Muidumbe, targeting both Namacande, the provincial capital, and several villages. According to police, insurgents carried out a massacre in Xitaxi on April 7, slaughtering 52 young men when they refused to join the group. In the village of Nangololo, the insurgents attacked a church, as illustrated by several photos posted on social media.
Mozambique
Aftermath of attack at Nangololo: Catholic missionary church (Muidumbe). Attack was on 09 April
Photo credit: Pinnacle News pic.twitter.com/P1MWNho4PF Jasmine Opperman (@Jasminechic00) April 11, 2020
The Mozambican collaborative news site Pinnacle News posted these images after insurgents attacked a church in Nangololo (Muidumbe). Jasmine Opperman, an analyst at the NGO Acled, posted these images on Twitter. You can see another video here
Assim está parte da aldeia #Muatide em #Muidumbe após ataque desta semana. Que fique claro que eles não só sabotam instituições do Estado, mas também privadas. Na primeira foto podemos ver um centro de cópias incendiado. #CaboDelgado #Mocambique pic.twitter.com/iY1rhCTpHS Alexandre (@AllexandreMZ) April 9, 2020
A journalist from Zitamar News posted photos of the attack on Muatide, a village in Muidumbe. He explained that the insurgents destroyed both government buildings and private property.
On May 28, insurgents led an assault on the town of Macomia, population 29,000, which had already absorbed many refugees who had fled previous attacks on other communities. The town’s health centre was pillaged and staff for medical charity Doctors Without Borders fled. In early June, the organisation suspended its activities in the province.
Aftermath of the insurgent attacking Macomia pic.twitter.com/0v5AJZ0tOM Pinnacle News (@news_pinnacle) May 31, 2020
These shops in Macomia were burned by insurgents, as shown in this video shared by Mozambican collaborative media outlet Pinnacle News. The video was geolocalized here.
Thousands of people have fled their homes in these districts. Since March, the number of internally displaced persons in Cabo Delgado has doubled, reaching 250,000 in July, according to the OCHA, the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
CABO DELGADO - Mocimbua
28-6-220
Por causa da intensidade dos combates entre integrantes das FADM e DAESH, população refugia-se para distritos supostamente seguros, usando a via marítima, sem mantimentos e sem certeza sobre o como serão acolhidos, no destino. pic.twitter.com/41iZNdkAY4 Pinnacle News (@news_pinnacle) June 28, 2020
People flee Mocímboa da Praia for Pemba, the capital of the province in these photos shared by the Mozambican collaborative media outlet Pinnacle News.
Before leaving their villages, people who intend to flee the conflict in Cabo Delgado have to get a declaration of residence which is issued by the respective local leader. This document is a confirmation of refugee status. It costs 100 MT (~ USD $1.5) which is costly for many. pic.twitter.com/Wd5DHZSNjZ Pinnacle News (@news_pinnacle) May 26, 2020
Before leaving their villages, people attempting to flee the conflict in Cabo Delgado had to get a residence certificate from local officials, explains the caption of this photo published by Mozambican collaborative media outlet Pinnacle News. "This document is the confirmation of their status as refugees,” explains the media outlet. It costs about $1.50.
"We walked 60 kilometers and spent three days in the forest”
The city of Pemba, which is the capital of Cabo Delgado, is today home to a large number of displaced persons. While some of them arrived shortly after the last attack on Mocimboa da Praia, others have been there for several months, says Miguel Momade, a farmer who fled Quissanga with his family:
"The evildoers arrived in Quissanga the morning of March 25. My family and I hid for an entire night. The next day, we returned to our home and we saw that the house had been burned down. We lost everything. That’s why we left. When we got here, we had to ask for clothing, especially for the children. We had to walk nearly 60 kilometres and spent three days in the forest before we managed to find a truck to bring us to Pemba. I knew that I could find a place to stay there because my sister lives there. I brought 20 people with me, including several children. The house where we are staying isn’t big and there isn’t enough food. The children wake up crying because they are hungry. In Quissanga, I had a job so that I could feed my family. Here, I don’t have anything. I’d like to go back there but only when the government of the district has also returned."
Miguel Momade’s family in Pemba. This photo was sent to our team by Georginelta Eurosia Eduardo, who is a member of the "Ukhavihera" movement (see the second part of this article to find out more).
"There are many more displaced peoplethan have been counted by the government"
Emidio Beula is a journalist and a researcher for the Center for democracy and development (CDD). He says that aid organisations have been overwhelmed by the large increase in the number of displaced people.
"Before, most of the displaced people remained in their home districts, fleeing from one village to another, or heading towards the provincial capital. Many people fled just five or 10 kilometres. But when the insurgents started attacking more villages as well as the provincial capitals in late March, people started fleeing further. Two districts were abandoned – Quissanga and Mocimboa da Praia. In the town of Metuge, not far from Pemba, the government set up a camp with enough tents to house 10,000. But that only accounts for a small number of displaced people. Others went to stay with friends or family in Pemba, in other neighbouring provinces or in Tanzania. There are many more displaced people than have been counted by the government. Some, we don’t know how many, are currently surviving in the wilderness with nothing. No roof, no water, no food. A lot of these people are too elderly or too poor to travel elsewhere. Moreover, when Mocimboa da Praia was attacked, many people climbed into overcrowded boats to travel dozens of kilometres by sea to Pemba and we have no idea if they all arrived safely. It’s hard to get information and journalists have very little access to the zones under attack.
This photo, which was published by the Mozambican collaborative media outlet Pinnacle News on Facebook on July 7, shows displaced people in Mueda in Cabo Delgado. According to the original post by Pinnacle News, some people were unable to find shelter there and had to follow the road all the way to Montepuez.
What do we know about the insurrection?
Researcher Eric Morier-Genoud, a professor of African history at Queen’s University in Belfast, says the armed group grew out of a religious cult that has been around "since at least 2007".
"The change occurred around 2016 when they stopped just living outside of society with their own rules and instead adopted a vision of jihad, picking up arms in an attempt to force the society to adopt sharia law [Islamic law],” Morier-Genoud said.
The group carried out their first large scale attack in October 2017 in Mocimboa da Praia. Currently, there are between 500 and 1,000 fighters, most of whom are Mozambican.The cult began before the development of the gas extraction industry in the region and the ruby mine in Montepuez.
Morier-Genoud says the "economic and social transformation in the 2010s surely lead to frustration, especially in terms of the expected benefits of these discoveries [for the local population]”.
In May 2018, a photo showing these combattants brandishing a Islamic State flag circulated widely on social media in Mozambique. But it wasn’t until June 2019 that the Islamic State organisation released a statement about one of the attacks in the province. Initially, Mozambican authorities denied that the organisation had an active presence on their territory. They finally confirmed on June 23, 2020 that the Islamic State organisation had claimed responsibility for the attack in Cabo Delgado, “revealing the presence of an exterior aggression on the part of terrorists".
The insurgents equipped themselves by stealing the weapons belonging to the security forces, and stealing food and other supplies during attacks.
"None of the rumours that they are involved in the illegal trade of wood, precious stones or drugs have been proved," says Eric Morier-Genoud.
Article by Maëva Poulet


france24--2020-08-01--Coronavirus pandemic will be with us for a long time, WHO warns

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , director general of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) , attends a news conference in Geneva , Switzerland on June 25 , 2020 .
The World Health Organization on Saturday warned the coronavirus pandemic was likely to be `` lengthy '' after its emergency committee met to evaluate the crisis six months after sounding the international alarm .
The committee `` highlighted the anticipated lengthy duration of this COVID-19 pandemic '' , the WHO said in a statement , and warned of the risk of `` response fatigue '' given the socio-economic pressures on countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fourth time over the coronavirus crisis , half a year on from its January 30 declaration of a public health emergency of international concern ( PHEIC ) -- the WHO 's highest level of alarm .
`` WHO continues to assess the global risk level of COVID-19 to be very high , '' said its latest statement .
`` The committee highlighted the anticipated lengthy duration of this COVID-19 pandemic , noting the importance of sustained community , national , regional , and global response efforts . ''
The novel coronavirus has killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 17.6 million since the outbreak emerged in China last December , according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP .
Unsurprisingly , the panel , comprising 18 members and 12 advisers , unanimously agreed that the pandemic still constituted a PHEIC .
Several countries around the world have imposed strict lockdowns in a bid to control the spread of the respiratory disease , plunging economies into sharp contraction .
The committee urged the WHO to provide nuanced , pragmatic guidance on COVID-19 reactions `` to reduce the risk of response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
The panel urged the WHO to support countries in preparing for the rollout of proven therapeutics and vaccines .
The committee also urged the agency to accelerate research into the remaining `` critical unknowns '' of the virus , such as the animal source and potential animal reservoirs .
It called for improved understanding of the epidemiology and severity of COVID-19 , including its long-term health effects .
And the committee wanted more light shed on the dynamics of the virus , such as `` modes of transmission , shedding , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protection '' .
The near six-hour gathering was hosted at the WHO 's headquarters in Geneva , with some participants joining via video-link .
The committee will reconvene in three months ' time .
Going into the meeting , WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the pandemic 's effects would be long-lasting .
`` It 's sobering to think that six months ago , when you recommended I declare a PHEIC , there were less than 100 cases and no deaths outside China , '' he said Friday .
`` The pandemic is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of which will be felt for decades to come . ''
The WHO has been sharply criticised for the length of time it took to declare an international emergency .
The United States , which accused the organisation of being too close to China , officially began its withdrawal from the organisation in July .
The agency has also been criticised for recommendations deemed late or contradictory , in particular on wearing masks , or the modes of transmission of the virus .
`` Many scientific questions have been resolved ; many remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
`` Most of the world 's people remain susceptible to this virus , even in areas that have experienced severe outbreaks . ''

The World Health Organization on Saturday warned the coronavirus pandemic was likely to be "lengthy" after its emergency committee met to evaluate the crisis six months after sounding the international alarm.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organization (WHO), attends a news conference in Geneva, Switzerland on June 25, 2020.
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The committee "highlighted the anticipated lengthy duration of this COVID-19 pandemic", the WHO said in a statement, and warned of the risk of "response fatigue" given the socio-economic pressures on countries.
The panel gathered Friday for the fourth time over the coronavirus crisis, half a year on from its January 30 declaration of a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) -- the WHO's highest level of alarm.
"WHO continues to assess the global risk level of COVID-19 to be very high," said its latest statement.
"The committee highlighted the anticipated lengthy duration of this COVID-19 pandemic, noting the importance of sustained community, national, regional, and global response efforts."
The novel coronavirus has killed at least 680,000 people and infected at least 17.6 million since the outbreak emerged in China last December, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP.
Unsurprisingly, the panel, comprising 18 members and 12 advisers, unanimously agreed that the pandemic still constituted a PHEIC.
Crisis fatigue warning
Several countries around the world have imposed strict lockdowns in a bid to control the spread of the respiratory disease, plunging economies into sharp contraction.
The committee urged the WHO to provide nuanced, pragmatic guidance on COVID-19 reactions "to reduce the risk of response fatigue in the context of socio-economic pressures".
The panel urged the WHO to support countries in preparing for the rollout of proven therapeutics and vaccines.
The committee also urged the agency to accelerate research into the remaining "critical unknowns" of the virus, such as the animal source and potential animal reservoirs.
It called for improved understanding of the epidemiology and severity of COVID-19, including its long-term health effects.
And the committee wanted more light shed on the dynamics of the virus, such as "modes of transmission, shedding, potential mutations; immunity and correlates of protection".
The near six-hour gathering was hosted at the WHO's headquarters in Geneva, with some participants joining via video-link.
The committee will reconvene in three months' time.
Effects 'felt for decades'
Going into the meeting, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the pandemic's effects would be long-lasting.
"It's sobering to think that six months ago, when you recommended I declare a PHEIC, there were less than 100 cases and no deaths outside China," he said Friday.
"The pandemic is a once-in-a-century health crisis, the effects of which will be felt for decades to come."
The WHO has been sharply criticised for the length of time it took to declare an international emergency.
The United States, which accused the organisation of being too close to China, officially began its withdrawal from the organisation in July.
The agency has also been criticised for recommendations deemed late or contradictory, in particular on wearing masks, or the modes of transmission of the virus.
"Many scientific questions have been resolved; many remain to be answered," Tedros said Friday.
"Most of the world's people remain susceptible to this virus, even in areas that have experienced severe outbreaks."
(AFP)
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france24--2020-08-01--France begins requiring Coronavirus test for certain travelers

Travelers entering France from 16 countries where the coronavirus is circulating widely now must undergo virus tests upon arrival at French airports and ports .
French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced last month that the tests would be required starting Aug. 1 for passengers France is allowing in from a list of approved countries unless they present proof of a negative test done within 72 hours of their departure .
Those who test positive in France as of Saturday must quarantine for 14 days .
France is not permitting general travel to and from the 16 countries , which include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing requirement therefore only applies to people entering under limited circumstances : French citizens who live in these countries or citizens of these countries with an established residence in France .
Daniel Court was tested at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport after coming in from the French Riviera city of Nice .
He acknowledged not loving the experience .
“ It ’ s very fast , but I have to say that it ’ s not very pleasant , '' he said .
“ But we have to do it . ''
Another passenger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ main airport , Nadia Vusik of Belarus , said she thought the new policy made sense .
“ It is definitely necessary , and I am happy that in France it is possible to do right here .
It ’ s very convenient , ” she said .
French health authorities say the number of daily confirmed COVID-19 cases has jumped on the French mainland in recent weeks .
The government has already made mask-wearing mandatory in all indoor public spaces .
France has had over 225,000 confirmed infections and over 30,200 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Johns Hopkins University , but experts say all numbers in the pandemic are too low for various reasons , including limited testing and missed cases .
The French government has so far ruled out imposing another nationwide lockdown after the one that brought the country to a standstill for nearly two months between March and May .

Travelers entering France from 16 countries where the coronavirus is circulating widely now must undergo virus tests upon arrival at French airports and ports.
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French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced last month that the tests would be required starting Aug. 1 for passengers France is allowing in from a list of approved countries unless they present proof of a negative test done within 72 hours of their departure.
Those who test positive in France as of Saturday must quarantine for 14 days.
France is not permitting general travel to and from the 16 countries, which include the United States and Brazil. The testing requirement therefore only applies to people entering under limited circumstances: French citizens who live in these countries or citizens of these countries with an established residence in France.
Daniel Court was tested at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport after coming in from the French Riviera city of Nice. He acknowledged not loving the experience.
“It’s very fast, but I have to say that it’s not very pleasant,'' he said. “But we have to do it.''
Another passenger who got tested after landing at Paris’ main airport, Nadia Vusik of Belarus, said she thought the new policy made sense.
“It is definitely necessary, and I am happy that in France it is possible to do right here. It’s very convenient,” she said.
French health authorities say the number of daily confirmed COVID-19 cases has jumped on the French mainland in recent weeks. The government has already made mask-wearing mandatory in all indoor public spaces.
France has had over 225,000 confirmed infections and over 30,200 virus-related deaths, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University, but experts say all numbers in the pandemic are too low for various reasons, including limited testing and missed cases.
The French government has so far ruled out imposing another nationwide lockdown after the one that brought the country to a standstill for nearly two months between March and May.
(AP)
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france24--2020-08-01--Anti-Netanyahu protests in Israel continue to grow

Protesters , mask-clad due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic , gather for a demonstration against the Israeli government near the Prime Minister 's residence in Jerusalem on August 1 , 2020 .
Thousands of demonstrators gathered outside the official residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday and thronged the streets of central Jerusalem , as weeks of protests against the Israeli leader appeared to be gaining steam .
The demonstration in central Jerusalem , along with smaller gatherings in Tel Aviv , near Netanyahu 's beach house in central Israel and at dozens of busy intersections nationwide , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of protests .
Throughout the summer , thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets , calling for Netanyahu to resign , protesting his handling of the country 's coronavirus crisis and saying he should not remain in office while on trial for corruption charges .
Though Netanyahu has tried to play down the protests , the twice-a-week gatherings show no signs of slowing .
Israeli media estimated at least 10,000 people demonstrated near the official residence in central Jerusalem .
Late Saturday , thousands marched through the streets in a noisy but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and blew loud horns as they marched .
Many held posters that said “ Crime Minister '' and “ Bibi Go Home ” or accused Netanyahu of being out of touch with the public .
The rallies against Netanyahu are the largest Israel has seen since 2011 protests over the country 's high cost of living .
Netanyahu has dimissed the demonstrators as “ leftists ” and “ anarchists.
” Late on Saturday , his Likud Party issued a statement that accused Israel 's two private TV stations of giving “ free and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exaggerating the importance of the gatherings .
While the demonstrations have largely been peaceful , there have been signs of violence in recent days .
Some protesters have clashed with police , accusing them of using excessive force , while small gangs of Netanyahu supporters affiliated with a far-right group have assaulted demonstrators .
Netanyahu has claimed demonstrators are inciting violence against him .
Israeli police have arrested some 20 far-right activists in recent days and police said they were on high alert for violence at the demonstrations .
Several arrests of Netanyahu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man who got out of his car in the northern city of Haifa and threw a stone toward a crowd of protesters .
Police said a 63-year-old woman was slightly hurt .
The demonstrations are organized by a loose-knit network of activist groups .
Some object to Netanyahu remaining in office while he is on trial .
He has been charged with fraud , breach of trust and accepting bribes in a series of scandals .
Many carry black flags , the name of the grassroots movement .
Many of the demonstrators , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Netanyau of mishandling the coronavirus crisis and the economic damage it has caused .
After moving quickly to contain the virus last spring , many believe Israel reopened its economy too quickly , leading to a surge in cases .
The country is now coping with record levels of coronavirus , while unemployment has surged to over 20 % .

Thousands of demonstrators gathered outside the official residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday and thronged the streets of central Jerusalem, as weeks of protests against the Israeli leader appeared to be gaining steam.
Protesters, mask-clad due to the Covid-19 pandemic, gather for a demonstration against the Israeli government near the prime minister's residence in Jerusalem on August 1, 2020.
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The demonstration in central Jerusalem, along with smaller gatherings in Tel Aviv, near Netanyahu's beach house in central Israel and at dozens of busy intersections nationwide, was one of the largest turnouts in weeks of protests.
Throughout the summer, thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets, calling for Netanyahu to resign, protesting his handling of the country's coronavirus crisis and saying he should not remain in office while on trial for corruption charges. Though Netanyahu has tried to play down the protests, the twice-a-week gatherings show no signs of slowing.
Israeli media estimated at least 10,000 people demonstrated near the official residence in central Jerusalem. Late Saturday, thousands marched through the streets in a noisy but orderly rally. Demonstrators hoisted Israeli flags and blew loud horns as they marched. Many held posters that said “Crime Minister" and “Bibi Go Home” or accused Netanyahu of being out of touch with the public.
The rallies against Netanyahu are the largest Israel has seen since 2011 protests over the country's high cost of living.
Netanyahu has dimissed the demonstrators as “leftists” and “anarchists.” Late on Saturday, his Likud Party issued a statement that accused Israel's two private TV stations of giving “free and endless publicity” to the protesters and exaggerating the importance of the gatherings.
While the demonstrations have largely been peaceful, there have been signs of violence in recent days. Some protesters have clashed with police, accusing them of using excessive force, while small gangs of Netanyahu supporters affiliated with a far-right group have assaulted demonstrators. Netanyahu has claimed demonstrators are inciting violence against him.
Israeli police have arrested some 20 far-right activists in recent days and police said they were on high alert for violence at the demonstrations. Several arrests of Netanyahu supporters were reported Saturday, including a man who got out of his car in the northern city of Haifa and threw a stone toward a crowd of protesters. Police said a 63-year-old woman was slightly hurt.
The demonstrations are organized by a loose-knit network of activist groups. Some object to Netanyahu remaining in office while he is on trial. He has been charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in a series of scandals. Many carry black flags, the name of the grassroots movement.
Many of the demonstrators, including many young unemployed Israelis, accuse Netanyau of mishandling the coronavirus crisis and the economic damage it has caused.
After moving quickly to contain the virus last spring, many believe Israel reopened its economy too quickly, leading to a surge in cases. The country is now coping with record levels of coronavirus, while unemployment has surged to over 20%.
(AP)
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france24--2020-08-01--Protest against coronavirus curbs draws crowds in Berlin

Thousands of demonstrators march down the Friedrichstrasse street as they take part in a demonstration by the initiative `` Querdenken-711 '' with the slogan `` the end of the pandemic-the day of freedom '' to protest against the current measures to curb the spread of the Coronavirus , in Berlin , on August 1 , 2020 .
Loudly chanting their opposition to face masks and vaccines , thousands of people gathered in Berlin on Saturday to protest against coronavirus restrictions before being dispersed by police .
Police put turnout at around 20,000 -- well below the 500,000 organisers had announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freedom '' from months of virus curbs .
Despite Germany 's comparatively low toll , authorities are concerned at a rise in infections over recent weeks and politicians took to social media to criticise the rally as irresponsible .
`` We are the second wave , '' shouted the crowd , a mixture of hard left and right and conspiracy theorists as they converged on the Brandenburg Gate , demanding `` resistance '' and dubbing the pandemic `` the biggest conspiracy theory '' .
Few protesters wore a mask or respected the 1.5-metre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an AFP journalist reported , despite police repeatedly calling on them via megaphone to do so .
After several warnings , Berlin police ordered demonstrators to leave the area at the end of the afternoon .
Police tweeted they had launched legal proceedings against organisers for not respecting virus hygiene rules .
A handful of people held a counter demonstration .
Dubbing themselves `` grandmothers against the extreme right '' , they hurled insults against `` Nazi '' protesters .
The protest 's `` Day of Freedom '' slogan echoes the title of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Riefenstahl on a party conference by Hitler 's National Socialist German Workers ' Party .
Several politicians condemned the demonstration as Germany seeks to minimise transmission of a virus which had claimed just over 9,000 deaths as of Saturday -- a far lower toll than its neighbours .
Saskia Esken of the Social Democrats , a junior coalition partner in Angela Merkel 's government , blasted the demonstrators as `` Covidiots '' .
In a tweet Esken railed : `` No distancing , no mask .
They are not only putting at risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic as well as economic recovery , education and society .
Irresponsible ! ''
Health Minister Jens Spahn agreed : `` Yes , demonstrations should also be possible in times of coronavirus , but not like this .
Distance , hygiene rules and masks serve to protect us all , so we treat each other with respect . ''
Jan Redmann , regional head of Merkel 's Christian Democrats in the eastern state of Brandenburg , also took aim at the marchers .
`` A thousand new infections a day still and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures ?
We can no longer allow ourselves these dangerous absurdities , '' Redmann complained .
Interior Minister Horst Seehofer , who hails from Merkel 's traditional right ally the Christian Social Union , showed a measure of understanding , however .
`` Of course there are always different opinions regarding infringements of basic rights and restrictions of freedom -- first , it 's normal and , in my view , it 's not the majority , '' Seehofer told Bavarian daily Passauer Neue Presse .
Saturday saw 955 new infections -- a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since May 9 , according to the Robert Koch health institute .
But marchers insist the risk of catching the virus is being much overblown .
`` It 's pure scare tactics .
I do n't see any danger with the virus , '' one marcher , Iris Bitzenmeier , told AFP .
`` I do n't know any other sick people .
I knew many in March -- skiers , holidaymakers .
Something was really afoot in February -- but now there are no longer any sick people , '' she insisted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had come to the capital after attending similar rallies in Baden-Wuerttemberg in the southwest , shared that view .
`` People who do n't inform themselves -- unlike ourselves -- remain ignorant and believe what the government tells them .
They get caught up in the fear the government puts in our heads -- and that fear weakens the immune system , '' she said .

Loudly chanting their opposition to face masks and vaccines, thousands of people gathered in Berlin on Saturday to protest against coronavirus restrictions before being dispersed by police.
Thousands of demonstrators march down the Friedrichstrasse street as they take part in a protest against the current measures to curb the spread of the Coronavirus, in Berlin, on August 1, 2020.
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Police put turnout at around 20,000 -- well below the 500,000 organisers had announced as they urged a "day of freedom" from months of virus curbs.
Despite Germany's comparatively low toll, authorities are concerned at a rise in infections over recent weeks and politicians took to social media to criticise the rally as irresponsible.
"We are the second wave," shouted the crowd, a mixture of hard left and right and conspiracy theorists as they converged on the Brandenburg Gate, demanding "resistance" and dubbing the pandemic "the biggest conspiracy theory".
Few protesters wore a mask or respected the 1.5-metre (five-foot) social distancing requirement, an AFP journalist reported, despite police repeatedly calling on them via megaphone to do so.
After several warnings, Berlin police ordered demonstrators to leave the area at the end of the afternoon.
Police tweeted they had launched legal proceedings against organisers for not respecting virus hygiene rules.
A handful of people held a counter demonstration. Dubbing themselves "grandmothers against the extreme right", they hurled insults against "Nazi" protesters.
The protest's "Day of Freedom" slogan echoes the title of a 1935 documentary by Nazi-era film-maker Leni Riefenstahl on a party conference by Hitler's National Socialist German Workers' Party.
Several politicians condemned the demonstration as Germany seeks to minimise transmission of a virus which had claimed just over 9,000 deaths as of Saturday -- a far lower toll than its neighbours.
'Covidiots'
Saskia Esken of the Social Democrats, a junior coalition partner in Angela Merkel's government, blasted the demonstrators as "Covidiots".
In a tweet Esken railed: "No distancing, no mask. They are not only putting at risk our health but also our success against the pandemic as well as economic recovery, education and society. Irresponsible!"
Health Minister Jens Spahn agreed: "Yes, demonstrations should also be possible in times of coronavirus, but not like this. Distance, hygiene rules and masks serve to protect us all, so we treat each other with respect."
Jan Redmann, regional head of Merkel's Christian Democrats in the eastern state of Brandenburg, also took aim at the marchers.
"A thousand new infections a day still and in Berlin there are protests against anti-virus measures? We can no longer allow ourselves these dangerous absurdities," Redmann complained.
Interior Minister Horst Seehofer, who hails from Merkel's traditional right ally the Christian Social Union, showed a measure of understanding, however.
"Of course there are always different opinions regarding infringements of basic rights and restrictions of freedom -- first, it's normal and, in my view, it's not the majority," Seehofer told Bavarian daily Passauer Neue Presse.
Saturday saw 955 new infections -- a level which the country had not seen since May 9, according to the Robert Koch health institute.
'Scare tactics'
But marchers insist the risk of catching the virus is being much overblown.
"It's pure scare tactics. I don't see any danger with the virus," one marcher, Iris Bitzenmeier, told AFP.
"I don't know any other sick people. I knew many in March -- skiers, holidaymakers. Something was really afoot in February -- but now there are no longer any sick people," she insisted.
Another demonstrator, Anna-Maria Wetzel, who had come to the capital after attending similar rallies in Baden-Wuerttemberg in the southwest, shared that view.
"People who don't inform themselves -- unlike ourselves -- remain ignorant and believe what the government tells them. They get caught up in the fear the government puts in our heads -- and that fear weakens the immune system," she said.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-08-01--Black Lives Matter: Ahmaud Arbery 'never thought his life would have been cut short that way'

Ahmaud Arbery , an unarmed Black jogger , was shot dead by two white men in Brunswick , Georgia on February 23 , 2020 .
Ahmaud Arbery , an unarmed 25-year-old Black jogger , was shot dead by two white men when he was out running in Brunswick , Georgia earlier this year .
He adds his name to the list of young Black men whose lives have been violently cut short , sparking a wave of national protests against racism .
FRANCE 24 went to speak to his friends and family .
Arbery ’ s mother , Wanda Cooper-Jones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ son , she is thankful that his death is serving a greater purpose .
`` I 'm glad Ahmaud is going to be a part of this movement , ” she said .
“ I think Ahmaud is in heaven and he 's pleased he 's a part of it . ''
His childhood friend Akeem Baker said that the two didn ’ t really think about racism when they were young .
As they got older , that reality became much clearer .
“ We touched on racism a lot but he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut short that way , ” Baker said .
Click on the player above to watch the video in full .

On The Ground
Ahmaud Arbery, an unarmed 25-year-old Black jogger, was shot dead by two white men when he was out running in Brunswick, Georgia earlier this year. He adds his name to the list of young Black men whose lives have been violently cut short, sparking a wave of national protests against racism. FRANCE 24 went to speak to his friends and family.
Ahmaud Arbery, an unarmed Black jogger, was shot dead by two white men in Brunswick, Georgia on February 23, 2020.
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Arbery’s mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, said that while she mourns her son, she is thankful that his death is serving a greater purpose. "I'm glad Ahmaud is going to be a part of this movement,” she said. “I think Ahmaud is in heaven and he's pleased he's a part of it."
His childhood friend Akeem Baker said that the two didn’t really think about racism when they were young. As they got older, that reality became much clearer. “We touched on racism a lot but he never thought his life would have been cut short that way,” Baker said.
Click on the player above to watch the video in full.
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