Uganda Faces Hurdles Over Extra Diesel Cargo in Mombasa Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Jul 12, 2024 Mombasa container cargo up 12pc as Dar struggles with congestion Uganda's effort to supply low-cost fuel hit a snag as the country faced unexpected bond fees from Kenya. On July 2, the first batch of petroleum products for the Uganda National Oil Company (Unoc) arrived in Mombasa, only to be met with a $40 million bond fee bill from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), an increase of $25 million due to an extra 17,000 cubic meters of undeclared diesel. Conflicting figures from Ugandan officials before the shipment raised suspicions of smuggling among Kenyan authorities. Shipping documents indicated that Unoc’s cargo exceeded the declared amount, prompting immediate action from Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Davis Chirchir. Unoc’s chief corporate affairs officer, Tony Otoa, insisted that the cargo, amounting to 80,000MT, was fully declared. However, a letter from Vitol, Unoc’s import partner, showed a request to KRA to allow in higher volumes than declared, which was rejected. Uganda's Energy Minister, Ruth Nankabirwa, traveled to Kenya twice in four days to negotiate the bond fees, resulting in no changes. Nankabirwa clarified that her trip aimed to thank President William Ruto and discuss future fuel import collaborations, despite earlier statements about the bond fees. Unoc explained that increased orders from oil firms exceeded Uganda's allocated import volume at a planning meeting in May. The Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) system was supposed to prioritize G-2-G transit diesel deliveries alongside Unoc’s first 650,000MT shipment. The ongoing issue has left Ugandan oil marketing companies uncertain about future pump prices, as they await the arrival of Unoc’s products to assess the impact on costs. The increased bond fees and volume discrepancies have complicated Uganda’s fuel import plans, posing challenges to its bid for low-cost fuel supplies. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

South African Artists Shine at BET Awards Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Jul 2, 2024 Tyla wins big at the BET Awards 2024! The South African singer proudly holds her trophy after being named Best New Artist and Best International Act. South African singer Tyla was one of the big winners at this year's BET Awards, dubbed "culture's biggest night," as she was named Best New Artist and Best International Act. "This is such a gift to be here. I want to dedicate this one to Africa," she said during her acceptance speech for Best New Artist, wearing a slinky black dress. "I want to dedicate this one to all the African superstars before me. Africa to the world!" Tyla's electrifying performance of her hit song "Jump," featuring US rapper Gunna and Jamaican dancehall DJ Skillibeng, captivated the audience. Dancers wearing tiger print bodysuits, a nod to her fanbase she affectionately calls Tygers, opened her act. The performance also included a gigantic elephant statue and performers on stilts. The BET Awards, founded in 2001 by the Black Entertainment Television network, celebrate and honor black and underrepresented people in the entertainment industry. This year's ceremony was held at the Peacock Theatre in California. Makhadzi Wins Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act Limpopo-born artist Makhadzi also made South Africa proud by winning the Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act. "I started music from the streets and today I'm here. My dream just came true. I'm just speechless. This is the best birthday ever," she said. She stunned in a fun pink ensemble for the red carpet. Usher Receives Lifetime Achievement Award R&B legend Usher was another highlight of the night, accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award with an emotional speech. Fashion Highlights The BET Awards are also known for showcasing incredible fashion. South African rapper Focalistic, nominated for Best International Act, looked dapper in a red suit. Senegalese-American singer Akon matched the vibe with a similarly striking red ensemble. Support from the Ministry of Sports, Arts, and Culture Newly appointed Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie took to social media to congratulate Tyla and Makhadzi. "Things are happening already, congratulations to both ladies. We want to assure South Africans that we will not be a Ministry content with just congratulating artists and creatives but will go out and unearth more Tylas and Makhadzis. Help us find more future superstars," he said. The success of these South African artists at the BET Awards highlights the country's growing influence in the global music industry. As Tyla said, "Africa to the world!" More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Nigeria Launches $10 Billion Diaspora Fund to Boost Economy Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Ayize claire Apr 27, 2024 ​ Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite In an ambitious move to bolster its economy, Nigeria is currently on the lookout for skilled fund managers to steer a newly proposed $10 billion diaspora fund. This initiative aims to harness the significant financial contributions of Nigerians living abroad to fuel investments in key sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education. With the World Bank reporting over $20 billion in diaspora remittances to Nigeria last year, the government sees a golden opportunity to channel these funds into sustainable local development. The planned diaspora fund is a strategic effort to attract more dollar inflows and foreign investments, which are crucial under the current economic strain marked by foreign currency shortages and a struggling naira. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued a public notice calling for experienced fund managers. The role involves comprehensive fund setup, including legal, operational, financial, and administrative frameworks. Prospective candidates should have a robust track record in Nigeria, showcasing substantial experience in raising capital and managing profitable venture capital funds. The fund, set to operate over a decade with a possible two-year extension, is looking at an initial investment period of three to five years, followed by subsequent investments. This timeline reflects the government's commitment to long-term economic growth fueled by diaspora engagement. Further strengthening this approach, Minister Doris Anite highlighted the initiative as an "unprecedented opportunity" for the Nigerian diaspora to actively participate in the country's economic advancement. Additionally, Nigeria is planning to issue diaspora bonds later this year, aiming to increase foreign exchange inflows further and alleviate the ongoing pressure on the naira. This new diaspora fund represents a critical step towards leveraging the economic potential of Nigerians abroad. By fostering significant investment in essential services and facilities, Nigeria aims to create a more resilient and diversified economy. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Kylian Mbappe's Masked Struggles Highlight France's Narrow Win Over Belgium Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Jul 2, 2024 Kylian Mbappe's masked discomfort was evident as France narrowly defeated Belgium Kylian Mbappe's discomfort was evident as he frequently adjusted his mask during France's narrow last-16 win against Belgium in Euro 2024. Despite the superstar's struggle, France managed to secure a spot in the quarter-finals, albeit through a stroke of luck. Mbappe's Visible Discomfort Throughout the match, Mbappe was seen adjusting his protective mask, a necessity following a recent injury. The mask seemed to impede his performance, reflecting the broader struggles of France's forward line. Despite their best efforts, France's attack failed to deliver a goal from open play. The Decisive Own Goal The breakthrough came in the 85th minute when Randal Kolo Muani's strike deflected off Belgium's Jan Vertonghen, resulting in an own goal. This fortunate event was enough to send Les Bleus into the quarter-finals, marking their third goal of the tournament, none of which have been scored from open play. Deschamps Defends the Team After the match, questions about France's attacking efficiency resurfaced. Head coach Didier Deschamps stood firm against the criticism. "If it is a deflected goal, even if it is an own goal, someone had to shoot," Deschamps stated. "It ended up in the back of the net." As France prepares for their next challenge in Euro 2024, all eyes will be on Mbappe and whether he can overcome his discomfort and lead the team to success. The team's hopes rest on improving their offensive performance and converting their chances into goals. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Chinese Cybercrime Gang Sentenced to Long Jail Terms in Zambia Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Ayize claire Jun 9, 2024 ​ An image of An anonymous cybercriminal at work, their identity concealed as they navigate the dark web. Lusaka, Zambia – In a landmark ruling, 22 Chinese nationals and one Cameroonian man have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms in Zambia for cyber-related crimes. The convicts, including the gang's mastermind, Li Xianlin, received sentences ranging from seven to 11 years, along with fines between $1,500 and $3,000. The only female convict, Gu Tianjiao, was visibly emotional as her seven-year sentence was announced in the Lusaka Magistrates Court. The cybercrime syndicate, known for its sophisticated internet fraud operations, targeted victims in Singapore, Peru, the United Arab Emirates, and beyond. The group's activities were centered around the Chinese-run Golden Top Support Services in Lusaka's Roma suburb. Following their arrests in April, the perpetrators pleaded guilty to charges including computer-related misrepresentation, identity-related crimes, and illegal network operation. The raid on Golden Top Support Services led to the discovery of equipment for disguising caller locations, 11 Sim boxes, over 13,000 Sim cards, two firearms, and two vehicles. Zambian authorities highlighted a significant rise in internet fraud cases, with Zambians losing money through international money-laundering schemes. The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) noted that dozens of young Zambians were also recruited as call-centre agents for these fraudulent activities. The investigation continues, with Zambian nationals involved in the syndicate released on bail to assist authorities. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Anthony Joshua VS Francis Ngannou in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on March 8, 2024 Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Dallas Hughes Mar 6, 2024 ​ Anthony Joshua VS Francis Ngannou scheduled match on March 8, 2024, Anthony Joshua is set to face Francis Ngannou in a highly anticipated match on March 8, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Joshua, a former world heavyweight champion, is aiming to continue his unbeaten streak following his victory over Otto Wallin last December. Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion and now competing in MMA for the Professional Fighters League, had his boxing debut last October against Tyson Fury. The event, dubbed 'Knockout Chaos,' will feature a 10-round non-title bout. The fight is scheduled on a Friday to avoid clashing with the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix happening the next day. This strategic scheduling is part of Saudi Arabia's larger ambition to become a prime destination for global sporting events. The bout will be available for viewing in the UK and Ireland on Sky Box Office, with a pay-per-view fee for Sky customers at £19.95 or €24.95 for those in the Irish Republic. Outside Britain and Ireland, the match can be watched on DAZN for a PPV fee of £19.99. The undercard lineup includes several notable fights, such as Zhilei Zhang vs Joseph Parker for the WBO interim heavyweight title and Rey Vargas vs Nick Ball for the WBC featherweight title, among others. Anthony Joshua is the favorite to win, but the match is expected to be highly competitive, given Ngannou's performance against Fury where he managed to knock Fury down in the third round despite eventually losing the match. This fight is more than just a sporting event; it represents the growing presence of big-fight boxing in Saudi Arabia, backed by significant investment and interest from local authorities. This match is part of a broader effort to enhance the region's appeal as a major venue for international sporting events​​​. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Islamist Insurgency continue to Flare in Mozambique Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Griffith Sarah Jun 18, 2024 ​ In the early hours of May 10, Tomas Langa, a civil servant in Macomia, Cabo Delgado, was jolted awake by heavy gunfire. Through his window, he saw four armed men outside his house. Terrified, he fled to the countryside, surviving on cassava plants for three days. “I was lucky they only insulted me as I ran,” he said, recounting his narrow escape. Islamic State (IS) linked fighters attacked government buildings and looted shops and warehouses, keeping the town under siege for two days. They also raided a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) medical facility, seizing vehicles and supplies, forcing MSF to suspend operations in Macomia. Another resident, Alfane Silva, was detained and interrogated by eight gunmen. “They told me to run to the bush or they would kill me if I stayed in town,” he said. Government reinforcements arrived two days later, but the militants had already left, leaving behind a town without medical facilities, electricity, and a pervasive sense of fear. This resurgence of violence, which had declined due to security efforts by local forces and troops from neighboring states, coincides with the withdrawal of Southern African Development Community (Sadc) forces. About 2,000 Sadc soldiers from eight countries are set to leave by July 15, despite warnings from regional security experts that the area remains unstable. Botswana and Lesotho have already withdrawn, while Angola and Namibia are in the process of leaving. However, Tanzania will maintain 300 troops, and South Africa will keep its troops until the end of 2024, but not under the Sadc mission. Rwanda, which initially deployed 1,000 troops in 2021, announced it would send an additional 2,000 troops to support Mozambique. Rwandan army spokesperson Brig-Gen Ronald Rwivanga stated that their decision was independent of the Sadc withdrawal. The IS-affiliated al-Shabab group has been active in Cabo Delgado since 2017, causing widespread destruction and displacing communities. Their insurgency forced French energy giant Total Energies to suspend its $20 billion liquefied natural gas project in 2021. While security had improved with the deployment of Sadc and Rwandan troops, recent months have seen a resurgence of attacks, displacing over 110,000 people since December 2023. Mozambique's neighbors are closely monitoring the situation. Tanzania, which faced jihadist attacks in 2020, has increased security measures, although these have been costly, raising the defense budget by 10% annually since 2021. There are concerns that if the insurgency gains momentum, neighboring countries like Malawi could be affected. Experts argue that strengthening Mozambique's armed forces is crucial for a military victory. However, the long-term solution lies in addressing the social and economic challenges in the north, where living standards are lower than in the south, fueling discontent and recruitment by jihadists. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

UK Home Office Challenged Over Deportation Risks to Alleged Minor Asylum Seekers to Rwanda Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Mbeki edmond May 12, 2024 ​ Lone minors are amongest people to be deported to Rwanda The UK Home Office is facing legal threats over the potential deportation of children to Rwanda, as errors in age assessment might wrongly classify them as adults. Amidst efforts to expedite the deportation of some asylum seekers to Rwanda, concerns have been raised about the initial methods used by officials to determine age based solely on appearance and demeanor. This approach has been criticized as insufficient and incompatible with the government's assurances that no children would be included in the deportation flights scheduled to start this summer. A pre-action legal letter from the Humans for Rights Network claims the current assessment process exposes unaccompanied minors to extreme risks, including forced removal to Rwanda. The organization highlighted significant mental health declines and increased suicidal thoughts among the children at risk. Data from last year showed that a substantial majority of young asylum seekers initially classified as adults were later found to be minors after more thorough evaluations. The Home Office maintains that its policy is lawful and that initial assessments are endorsed by the supreme court, yet the debate continues as the safety and accuracy of these assessments are called into question. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Guillaume Diop Dazzles South Africa: Paris Opera Star's Triumphant Performance in Johannesburg Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Ayize claire Jul 9, 2024 Guillaume Diop and Monike Cristina captivate the audience with a breathtaking performance of Albrecht in "Giselle" in Seoul Guillaume Diop, a principal dancer from the Paris Opera, took the stage at the Joburg Theater in South Africa, performing "Sleeping Beauty" alongside dancer Monike Cristina. The performance was highly acclaimed, and it marked a significant milestone for Diop, who is fascinated by South Africa and thrilled to captivate the local audience. Diop's decision to step away from the Paris Opera temporarily and join a new company paid off, largely thanks to his collaboration with Monike Cristina. "There are a lot of favorites on this dancer because it's important, too, to get along well with a dancer," said Diop. Their partnership proved to be both artistically enriching and personally fulfilling. Monike Cristina, who played Sleeping Beauty, expressed her desire for Diop to return annually. Diop, who became a principal dancer at the Paris Opera in 2023 at just 23 years old, continues to make waves in the ballet world. He is known for his efforts to address racial discrimination, having signed a manifesto in 2020 titled "On the Racial Question at the Paris Opera." During his visit to Johannesburg, Diop also engaged with young dancers in Soweto. Instead of heading straight to rehearsals, he prioritized working with students, demonstrating his commitment to cultural exchange and education. Elroy Fillis-Bell, director of the Johannesburg Ballet, praised Diop's dedication: "It's important for people to understand that the Johannesburg Ballet schools are not discovery workshops, but real centers of excellence." For Diop, the opportunity to connect with students who share his background was significant. Fillis-Bell noted, "It was important for Guillaume to work with students who look like him, providing inspiration and showcasing the diversity within ballet." Guillaume Diop's visit to South Africa was a testament to his talent, dedication, and the power of cultural exchange, leaving a lasting impact on both the local ballet community and his own artistic journey. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Support for South Africa's ANC Dips Below 50% Ahead of Elections, Ipsos Poll Finds Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Apr 26, 2024 ​ President Cyril Ramaphosa seeks re-election, followed by John Steenhuisen of the Democratic Alliance, and Julius Malema of the Economic Freedom Fighters wraps up the trio With South Africa's general election looming on May 29, the latest Ipsos opinion poll reveals a significant drop in support for the ruling African National Congress (ANC), now hovering around 40%. This development marks a pivotal moment that could lead to the most significant political shift since the end of apartheid. Although the ANC remains the frontrunner, its current polling figures suggest it may fall short of the 50% threshold required to govern alone. Such an outcome would necessitate forming a coalition government for the first time since Nelson Mandela led the party to victory three decades ago. "The nation's sentiment mirrors the apprehension of the first democratic elections of April 27, 1994," Ipsos noted, underscoring the weight of the upcoming elections, which not only include the national parliament vote but also the provincial legislatures that will subsequently elect the president. Incumbent President Cyril Ramaphosa is campaigning for a second term amidst these challenging conditions. The Ipsos poll, conducted through face-to-face interviews with 2,545 registered voters across all nine provinces in March and April, shows a slight decrease in ANC support from 40.5% in February to 40.2%. This poll has a margin of error of 1.9% at a 95% confidence level. In contrast, support for the Democratic Alliance (DA), the ANC’s closest competitor, has increased to 21.9% from 20.5%. Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) saw their support decline to 11.5%, possibly affected by the new political party, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), which garnered 8.4% and is backed by former President Jacob Z Voter discontent appears to be rising, influenced by persistent issues such as unemployment, corruption, crime, and inadequate public services. These factors could play a crucial role in the upcoming election, potentially reshaping South Africa's political landscape. The ANC aims to reinforce its achievements since the apartheid era as part of its campaign strategy. However, the party faces the prospect of having to collaborate with other political entities, including the economically liberal DA and the far-left Marxist EFF, both of which have expressed openness to a coalition. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Tanzania Ranks first in Africa for Mental Well-being,above Nigeria and zimbabwe being the third Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Mar 13, 2024 ​ Tannzinia President Mrs hassan suluhu. In a recent revelation by the Global Mind Project's 'Mental State of the World' report for March 2024, Nigeria has been recognized as Africa's second-leading nation in terms of mental well-being, outpacing Zimbabwe. The report, diligently prepared by Sapien Labs, showcases Tanzania at the forefront, holding the highest score in the continent's mental health standings. Amidst a challenging backdrop of economic difficulties, including a significant rise in the cost of living due to the removal of fuel subsidies and the consolidation of foreign exchange rates initiated by President Bola Tinubu since May 29, 2023, Nigeria's achievement in mental health is noteworthy. The economic strains have not deterred the nation's resilience and pursuit of mental wellness. Sapien Labs' comprehensive study involved over 500,000 participants from 71 countries, spanning nine distinct geographic regions, including Africa. The research employed a multifaceted approach to assess mental well-being, focusing on six critical aspects: mood and outlook, social identity, drive and motivation, resilience, cognition, and the mind-body connection. This significant report highlights a concerning global downtrend in mental well-being post-pandemic but shines a light on Nigeria's 2rd commendable position in Africa's mental health landscape More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Cameroonian Ulrich Chomche and LeBron James' Son Highlight Historic 2024 NBA Draft Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Jun 28, 2024 Cameroonian Ulrich Chomche and LeBron James' Son Bronny James Ulrich Chomche, a standout basketball talent from Cameroon, achieved a significant milestone by being selected 57th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2024 NBA Draft. Representing NBA Academy Africa in Saly, Senegal, Chomche's selection marks the first instance of an NBA Academy Africa prospect being drafted directly into the NBA, setting a precedent for the league's academies in Senegal, Mexico, and Australia. Chomche's basketball journey began when he joined NBA Academy Africa in 2019 at the age of 14. He competed in various high-profile international events and represented Rwanda Energy Group (REG) and Cameroon’s Forces Armées et Police (FAP) in the Basketball Africa League (BAL). His impressive performance caught the attention of scouts, leading to his historic draft selection. Additionally, he represented Cameroon’s national team in the 2023 FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament and played for the World Team at the 2024 Nike Hoop Summit. Adem Bona, a Nigerian centre, was taken 41st by the Philadelphia 76ers and will back up Cameroonian star Joel Embiid. This draft also marked a first for Cameroon, with two players being selected. Bronny James, the 19-year-old son of Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, was selected 55th overall by the Lakers. LeBron James has expressed a desire to play alongside his son, potentially creating the first father-son combination in NBA history. Bronny, a guard for the University of Southern California, averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists last season. Despite suffering cardiac arrest last July due to a congenital heart defect, he has been cleared to play and is seen as a top defensive prospect. The 2024 NBA Draft also featured international prospects like France’s Zaccharie Risacher, who was taken first overall by the Atlanta Hawks, and several others who were picked early in the second round, including Australian swingman Johnny Furphy and Spanish guard Juan Nunez. These selections highlight the global reach and impact of the NBA, showcasing the league's commitment to developing talent from around the world. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024