
Belgium's Red Devils secured a 3-2 victory over Senegal's Lions of Teranga in extra time, qualifying for the round of 16 in the 2026 World Cup. Senegal initially led by two goals, with Habib Diarra scoring in the 25th minute and Ismaila Sarr adding another in the 51st minute. However, Belgium mounted a comeback in the final minutes of regular time. Romelu Lukaku scored in the 86th minute, followed by Youri Tielemans' equalizer three minutes later, bringing the score to 2-2. In extra time, a foul by Lamina Camara on Tielemans resulted in a penalty for Belgium, which Tielemans converted to secure the win. Belgium will now face either the United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the next round.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Lefaso.net.
Must ReadBurkina Faso's National Armed Forces and Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland thwarted complex and coordinated terrorist attacks on June 30, 2026, in Gayéri, Solhan, and Sebba. The General Staff of the Armies announced on July 1, 2026, that over 400 enemy combatants were neutralized during the confrontations and targeted airstrikes. The attacks simultaneously targeted combatant positions in these localities within Sirba and Liptako. Ground units, supported by air assets, swiftly retaliated. Operations resulted in the seizure of over 250 motorcycles, 353 weapons of various calibers, war ammunition, and communication equipment. The army believes these attacks followed Burkina Faso's decision to sever diplomatic ties with France, aiming to cause high civilian and military casualties to fuel negative narratives about the country's security situation. The Chief of General Staff of the Armies commended the forces' commitment, bravery, and professionalism, honoring three fallen soldiers two in Solhan, one in Gayéri and wishing a swift recovery to the injured. Security operations continue in the affected area to pursue fleeing assailants and enhance civilian protection.
Must ReadMaurice Azonnankpo, the interim Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in Burkina Faso, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, on June 30, 2026. Their discussions focused on the implications of the suspension of activities of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights OHCHR in Burkina Faso. This meeting followed the Burkinabe government's decision in April 2026 to suspend the OHCHR office's activities, a measure taken after statements by the High Commissioner for Human Rights accusing the Burkinabe state of restricting civic space. During the audience, Azonnankpo informed the Burkinabe authorities of the UN's intention to apply the provisions of the headquarters agreement, which stipulate the closure of offices in cases of prolonged activity suspension. Before this six-month closure process, the UN System requested the designation of a national focal point to support the transition. UN representatives also expressed a desire for a new dialogue framework between both parties to define new cooperation modalities based on shared interests. The Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that this situation should lead international organizations to adopt an approach that is more respectful of agreed commitments and state sovereignty. He emphasized that the Burkinabe government's position aims to underscore the importance of mutual respect in partnership relations. While acknowledging the prospective closure of the OHCHR o

Burkina Faso's economy demonstrated resilience in 2025, achieving an estimated real Gross Domestic Product GDP growth of 5.3%, up from 4.8% in 2024. This performance was driven by a strong agricultural season, a dynamic services sector, and a rebound in mining activity. Inflation also saw a negative rate of -0.5%, primarily due to falling food and energy prices, which improved household purchasing power and reduced poverty. Hamoud Abdel Wedoud Kamil, the World Bank's Resident Representative in Burkina Faso, noted that these results indicate strengthening economic fundamentals despite a complex global context. Public finances also showed positive trends, with budgetary consolidation leading to a significant reduction in the public deficit and an improved debt trajectory. Souleymane Nabolé, technical advisor representing the Minister of Economy and Finance, attributed the economic resilience to government measures under the leadership of the President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, and highlighted increased resource mobilization. The 2026 edition of the World Bank's economic note specifically focuses on women's economic participation, which the institution views as crucial for development. Seynabou Sakho, Regional Director for the World Bank's Prosperity Hub for 22 West and Central African countries, emphasized that full female participation is essential for Burkina Faso to reach its growth potential, noting that only 17% of women have access to financial services. Despite gl