It is hot in Tillia, Niger, with red sand as far as the eye can see. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz prepared well for his trip to the military base in the Nigerien desert where more than 200 German troops are stationed. On his first trip to Africa since taking office , Scholz is looking for allies in Africa, promising to support democratic countries. His first stop was Senegal on Sunday, then Niger on Monday and onto South Africa on Tuesday. "Africa is Europe's neighboring continent and it is therefore essential that we make intensive efforts to maintain very good relations with all states in [the continent]," Scholz told DW "It is also important that we strengthen our relations with all democratic states in the world. Democracy, the rule of law — these are important issues to us, and not just something associated with the so-called Western countries." Watch video 03:46 Scholz visits troops in Niger: Michaela Küfner reports German troops remain in … [Read more...] about German chancellor woos allies in Africa
South africa
Andre Esterhuizen exclusive: ‘I’m too South African to play for England’
It is official: England supporters can snuff out any torches they were holding for Andre Esterhuizen. Provided that South Africa do not come calling before then, August 17 will mark three years since the exceptional centre’s last Test cap . According to new eligibility rules that came into force last November, Esterhuizen would be allowed to represent another nation, were he to qualify through birth or family heritage, at that point. A low chuckle greets the obvious question. “No,” confirms the 28-year-old, who has been voted as the Premiership players’ player of the season by his fellow professionals. “I’m too South African for that! I’ve got no ancestors in the UK or any other country.” There is more ominous news for fans of rival nations. Thanks to his phenomenal form with Harlequins, Esterhuizen is back on the Springboks’ radar. He has been involved in recent alignment camps and is acting upon technical pointers. “A big thing for me has been ball placement,” Esterhuizen … [Read more...] about Andre Esterhuizen exclusive: ‘I’m too South African to play for England’
Group H Preview – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Will the star strikers produce on the big stage?
FOOTBALL NOW is a new show that brings to light some of the global game's biggest issues, challenges, and debates. The group draw for the 22nd edition of the biggest sporting tournament recently took place in Doha. It's all starting to feel real with only 179 days until the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, Luis Suarez of Uruguay, and Son Heung-Min of South Korea are three of the tournament's star players who will face each other at the World Cup in six months time. With over 200 goals between them, it's fair to say that Group H is awash with A-List strikers. Group H's other team, Ghana, may not have the same star quality in their forward line, but don't rule out the African nation from progressing out of one of the most competitive groups in the World Cup. Group H Dates, (Local) Times and Locations Thursday, November 24th 16:00 Uruguay v South Korea - Education City Stadium 19:00 Portugal v Ghana - Stadium 974 Monday, November 28th … [Read more...] about Group H Preview – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Will the star strikers produce on the big stage?
A look at the Queen’s Cullinan Diamonds collection weighing over 1000 carats
Kate Middleton wears sapphire and diamond earrings Sign up for royal alerts including a daily special Jubilee edition SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info The Cullinan Diamond is the largest diamond ever found, and it was unearthed near Pretoria in South Africa in the early 20th Century. Uncut, the enormous gem weighed 3,106 carats and it was presented to King Edward VII by the Transvaal government in 1907, in the hopes of building a good relationship between Britain and South Africa in the aftermath of the Boer War. The diamond was cut into nine large stones, some of which take pride of place in the Crown Jewels, and nearly 100 small brilliants were also created. Express.co.uk spoke to Daniel O’Farrell; Founder, Bespoke Jeweller … [Read more...] about A look at the Queen’s Cullinan Diamonds collection weighing over 1000 carats
Princess Charlene details ‘painful’ year of ill health for FIRST TIME
May 26, 2022 - 11:06 BST Princess Charlene of Monaco was taken ill in May 2021 with an ear, nose and throat infection, disappearing from the public eye. She's back in Monaco now and gave an update on her health Princess Charlene of Monaco spent much of 2021 in South Africa due to an ear, nose and throat infection. She was unable to return home to Monaco, but this month saw her finally return to the public eye. Following one of her first appearances in almost a year, Princess Charlene opened up about the ill health that has plagued her. "My state of health is still fragile, and I don't want to go too fast," the royal told Monaco Matin . "The road has been long, difficult and so painful. Today I feel calmer." Loading the player... WATCH: Princess Charlene and Prince Albert share touching video in honour of wedding anniversary Commenting on her return to the public eye, which included appearances at Monaco Fashion … [Read more...] about Princess Charlene details ‘painful’ year of ill health for FIRST TIME
Love Island confirms launch date is just days away as narrator Iain Stirling teases show’s ‘sexiest’ season yet
Love Island bosses have confirmed the show will officially be back on June 6 as narrator Iain Stirling has forecasted it will be the 'sexiest' season yet. Series eight of the hit realty TV classic will air next month from inside a brand new spacious villa in Mallorca. The show's official Twitter account confirmed the news with a post on Tuesday. Back in love: Series eight of the hit realty TV classic will air next month, fit with a brand new spacious villa in Mallorca (last year's winners Millie Court and Liam Reardon pictured) Hot summer ahead: The show's official Twitter account confirmed the news with a post on Tuesday It read: 'Here's your first hot date of the summer #LoveIsland is back Monday 6th June on @itv2 and @itvhub!' RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next EXCLUSIVE: Love Island's new villa FINALLY looks near... 'We're super excited': Love Island's Laura Anderson, 33,... 'I'm really struggling with my body': … [Read more...] about Love Island confirms launch date is just days away as narrator Iain Stirling teases show’s ‘sexiest’ season yet
First look at BBC’s Elizabeth: The Unseen Queen as monarch shares private family videos
The first clip from a new documentary about Queen Elizabeth shows the monarch like we've never seen her before. Ahead of the upcoming documentary from BBC Studios Productions, they have released a first look clip at the documentary, which features a multitude of never before seen footage to celebrate the upcoming Platinum Jubilee. Elizabeth: The Unseen Queen will feature a number of private videos which have been shot by the Royal Family themselves and have never been seen by the public until this day. This new clip shows Queen Elizabeth relaxing with her family on HMS Vanguard in the 1940s. The documentary has been released to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee ( Image: BBC / Royal Collection Trust) In the clip, The Royal family can be seen relaxing on board the Royal Navy's latest battleship, HMS Vanguard in 1947. It was the vessel which transported them from South Africa for their tour that year. On the clip, the audio comes from extracts from The Queen's … [Read more...] about First look at BBC’s Elizabeth: The Unseen Queen as monarch shares private family videos
Quad: The China factor at the heart of the summit
By Vikas Pandey Published 2 days ago Share close Share page Copy link About sharing Related Topics Russia-Ukraine war Leaders of the Quad nations are meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday in what can be described as one of the most important meetings in recent years that will affect the geopolitics and security of the Indo-Pacific region. The group - composed of Japan, the US, Australia and India - seems to be emerging from the shadows of the Covid-19 pandemic and, to some degree, from Russia's invasion of Ukraine as well. The top leaders are gathering for the fourth time - they have already met once in Washington last September and twice virtually - in less than two years. That underscores the importance of the Quad, which was largely just a concept until 2017. That year, then-US President Donald Trump revived the group in a bid to take on China in its own backyard. But … [Read more...] about Quad: The China factor at the heart of the summit
News digest: Border tailback eases after agreement on cars taken to Ukraine
Good evening. Here is the Thursday, May 26 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes. Skryť Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryť Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Border crossing tailback eases Cars bought by Ukrainian people in the EU near the Ubľa border crossing in eastern Slovakia. (Source: Jana Otriová) A month-long permanent tailback at a border crossing with Ukraine has eased , according to customs officials. A queue of cars which eventually stretched to kilometres began forming at the Ubľa - Maly Berezny border crossing almost a month ago as Ukrainians started to take home used cars they had bought in Slovakia. They had flocked to the country to buy them after Ukrainian authorities removed customs and taxes on imported vehicles in a move designed to make it easier for both the Ukrainian army and citizens to replace … [Read more...] about News digest: Border tailback eases after agreement on cars taken to Ukraine
How England plan to take their attacking platform to new levels in Australia and beyond
Martin Gleeson finds himself walking a tricky tightrope, trying to convincingly explain that England's attack is going to take a step forward this summer after only scoring eight tries in the Six Nations while, at the same time, trying to not reveal too much about what England are working on behind the scenes to make that happen. "I don't really want to go into that," Gleeson responds when asked what were the positive steps taken by England's attack in the Six Nations. "There's another big area of our attack that we need to improve on, which is the next step we'll be working on heading to Australia," he also offered teasingly, without pulling back the curtain. When interviewed back in March , there were more buzz words. "We want to try to play a new way of rugby"; "we want to generate quick ball, and it does not really matter who is going in at nine" "you are not playing to any predetermined pattern". Gleeson also conceded that trying to play in that "new way" was "harder to … [Read more...] about How England plan to take their attacking platform to new levels in Australia and beyond