DR Congo's Leopards rely on diaspora support for World Cup amid Ebola travel restrictions
via SeneNews2 min read
The Democratic Republic of Congo's national football team, the Leopards, is participating in the World Cup for the first time in 50 years, but travel restrictions due to the Ebola epidemic are preventing many supporters from the DRC from attending. Marcus Epwo, a prominent figure in the Congolese community in Houston, explained that usual supporters face a 21-day quarantine in a third country and specific airport procedures, including testing. The team itself underwent a 21-day isolation in a "sanitary bubble" in Belgium before entering the US. In response, the Congolese diaspora is mobilizing, particularly in Houston, home to approximately 10,000 Congolese, and Dallas, with over 16,000. They aim to recreate the atmosphere of a major global event, having already welcomed the players with flags, vuvuzelas, and traditional ndombolo dances at their Houston hotel. Supporters like 41-year-old Tshiunza Kalubi expressed sadness that many cannot travel but feel a greater responsibility to cheer for those back home. Some expatriates, not subject to the same restrictions, have also traveled, such as Antoinette Kayembe, who came from Paris with her daughters to support the team. The World Health Organization reported that the Ebola epidemic, originating in eastern DRC, continues to spread, with 676 confirmed cases and 136 deaths from the Bundibugyo strain, for which no vaccine or treatment is currently authorized. Furah Kashemwa, 50, noted the significance of the team's return to the Wo
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Canada secured its first World Cup victory by defeating Qatar 6-0 in Vancouver, moving closer to qualification for the 2026 World Cup round of 16. Jonathan David led the Canadian team with a hat-trick, scoring in the 29th, 45th+3, and 90th minutes. Additional goals were scored by Cyle Larin in the 16th minute, an own goal by Qatar's Mohamed Manai in the 75th minute, and Nathan Saliba in the 64th minute. Saliba, who replaced an injured Ismael Kone, held up Kone's jersey after his goal.
Must ReadAbdoul Aziz Diop, former special advisor to President Macky Sall, was taken into police custody by the Special Cybersecurity Division DSC following his questioning. The political analyst is being prosecuted for alleged statements contrary to public morals. Diop appeared before investigators in the morning and reportedly admitted to making the statements in question, but expressed neither regret nor apologies. Following the hearing, the public prosecutor at the High Court of Dakar reportedly ordered his detention. The petroleum and environmental engineer is expected to be brought before the prosecutor on Friday for further proceedings. Abdoul Aziz Diop is at the center of a controversy after making statements targeting Ousmane Sonko, president of the Pastef party and also president of the National Assembly, as well as some of his activists. These remarks were considered particularly serious by several observers and led to the initiation of this legal procedure. The investigation is ongoing, and Diop benefits from the presumption of innocence until a final court decision.
Must ReadIn recent months, several West African countries have enacted new laws criminalizing homosexuality, a trend reflecting a broader crackdown on the LGBT+ community across the continent. Only about 20 of Africa's 54 countries do not criminalize homosexuality. Explanations for this rise in anti-homosexuality laws include electoral strategies, rejection of perceived Western values, and a conservative surge. Uganda led the way in 2023 with an anti-LGBT+ law, considered one of the world's most repressive, where "aggravated homosexuality" can carry the death penalty, though it has not been applied for years. In September 2025, Burkina Faso passed a law with penalties up to five years in prison for "homosexual practices." Neighboring Niger followed in February, discreetly enacting a new penal code that criminalizes homosexuality, with sentences up to 20 years for same-sex marriage. In March, Senegal doubled penalties for homosexual relations from five to ten years in prison. Since the beginning of the year, over a hundred people have been arrested in Senegal, and one man was sentenced to six years for "unnatural acts" under the new law. Last month, Ghana's Parliament approved sentences of up to three years for homosexual acts and three to five years for promoting or supporting LGBT+ activities. Even before these laws, the LGBT+ community generally faced taboos and discrimination in these countries, as well as in those where homosexuality is legal, with rare exceptions. Human rights de