The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations will take place in June and July, says the acting Secretary General of Confederation of African Football (Caf), Abdel Bah.
The timing of the competition has been the subject of speculation after President Ahmad stated in June that it would take place in 2023 while saying he ‘did not know what month’.
“As of today, the 2023 Nations Cup is planned for June/July because, to make it clear, in the regulations we have decided to play all Nations Cups in June/July,” Bah told BBC Sport Africa.
In 2017, Caf decided to schedule all future Nations Cup for these months, enshrining the change in its tournament regulations. The next Nations Cup will take place in January 2022 however owing to unfavourable weather conditions in Cameroon in June and July, when the host country suffers some of the wettest months of the year.
“The Nations Cup in Cameroon, after the request of the authorities, was postponed to January/February,” added Bah. “As of today, we haven’t received the same request from Ivorian authorities.”
Given that Ivory Coast suffers its wettest month of the year in June, such a request should not be ruled out. However a move to earlier dates in 2023 could prove difficult as the 2022 World Cup will be played between 21 November and 18 December.
With a Nations Cup in early 2022 and mid-2023, and the 2022 World Cup it means some of Africa’s leading footballers could play three major tournaments in the space of 18 months.
(BBC)
Africa Cup of Nations 2023 to be played in June/July
DEHUMANIZING THE THIRD WORLD
The current state of thought amongst the powerful in regards to the ‘third world’, particularly Africa, is not what many a gullible sheeple (human mass) in the third world thinks. The commentary next column, written by one Jayant Bhandari, is illustrative of this overriding sentiment behind establishment dogma. Nevertheless, the writer, alias or not, has brought to light the efforts of global dominant interests to reestablish another dismissive narrative to undermine the rest of us! We certainly do not want to critique this or other commentaries; as this is not the forum for doing so. Suffice is to say, this game of ‘blaming the victim’ has been around for decades and its recent revival says a lot about impending scenarios. On our part, the main purpose of printing such simplistic view is to show readers how the global establishment and affiliates are willing to create denigrating narratives, with a view to further their objectives, amongst which, the perpetuation of polarizing globalization is paramount!
It is this column’s established trait to be swift and bold when it comes to criticizing the ever-present generalized degeneracy that overwhelms the ‘third world’. Therefore, it is only fair for us to side with the writer in espousing the values enumerated in the article, without condoning the underlining reasons. ‘…thrift, honesty, hard work, liberty, individuality, dispassionate reason, objective justice, loyalty, honor, stoicism, a desire to rise above oneself…’ are not values to argue against. In fact, we do not know any harmonious human collective in history that didn’t, at least formally, upheld these values. Harmonious societies evolved (throughout the ages), primarily by leveraging these and other principles. Why then are we failing to maintain them in a ‘typical third world’ country within the context of overbearing modernity? Does the overarching world system genuinely want empowered sheeple (human mass) to rise up and demand a higher level of emancipation, not only from needs, but also from the globally sanctioned wanton greed? As polarization is one of the features of the world system, do entrenched interests really want to eradicate the tools that have helped them secure their current status? In this regard, it is wise to note that the human vices of racism, ethnicism, sexism, remain the main pillars of the existing lopsided order. Does the system also want critical sheeple to interrogate the system’s callous attitude towards nature?
At the end of the day, the above values cannot exist or be realized in a vacuum, they need to be practiced in actually existing societies. When even basic conditions are not fulfilled in many third world countries, it might be ‘rich’ to extrapolate values that obtain only in well to do societies. The current western ideology doesn’t promote an enlightening human culture that is not going to be subservient to crass consumerism. To this end, Empire subjugates the third world into the dehumanizing ideology of incessant accumulation. Those who try to resist this abomination are being dealt with, mercilessly. Psychopathic gangsters, fully enslaved by greed of one kind or another, are the muscles employed to set up gangsterism across third world societies. The above listed values can only come about as a result of well functioning human societies, not in mambo jumbo collectives where humanity is only a mere cog in the wheel, as it were, only to serve capital’s insatiable craving for continuous accumulation by destruction. If truth be told, empire needs vagabonds as heads of these third world countries. Where are the democracies and attendant values (as enumerated above), forged by the alleged liberators? Is it in Iraq, Libya, Syria, Venezuela, Ukraine, etc.? We admit; third world degeneration is a fact of life, but it is not only caused by the incapacity of indigenous cultures to deal with dehumanizing modernity, challenging as it is. For a large part, it has to do with the interference of global powers in the affairs of the third world!
At this late stage of consumerism, societal degeneration is a built-in phenomenon; it comes with the territory, so to speak. The intended design of this techno led modernity is to obliterate, not only the values listed above, but also other traditional ones in organic cultures, to say nothing about its destruction of the natural world. After all, without crushing indigenous organic cultures, capital cannot have ‘smooth sailing’. Think Iran, Russia, Burma, Cuba, Yugoslavia, traditional Ethiopia, and contrast these countries, for example, with the emerging vassals of Eastern Europe, those still considered western by the writer, at least up to now! Even in the west, societal malaise is now in the ascendance. Yes, we fully agree on the need to have value-based societies, but when we are systemically indoctrinated to be absolute idiots, what is demanded is the complete overhauling of our enslaved mentality/societies. Dealing with all sorts stooges placed in power by the Deep State is not solely Africa’s or third world problems, it also prevails in the major countries of the rich. Since the 9/11 and 2008 financial crisis, democracy has been thrown out and is replaced by manipulative/callous placement. Italy, France, etc. are cases in point.
At the rate of degeneration the countries of the west are undergoing, it won’t be long before many are also classified as third world. Many of our Africans buffoons that pass as leaders, are, by and large, nothing more than thugs in suits, compliment of the empire. No third world society is left alone to sort out its problems, without the massive negative interference of the west. Third world countries are not allowed to have quality leadership, per force! Every time someone (or some indigenous institution) emerges that promises to be capable of implementing transformational initiatives, he/she will be pushed out, accidented, suicided, homocided, sickened, etc. Africa’s history is full of such tragedies: Lumumba, Sankara, Garang, Nkrumah, Gadhafi and many, many, others, not well known to the sheeple. Don’t be fooled; ‘Blaming the victim’, is one of the old strategies of global entrenched interests. It is used to thwart off challenging narratives emanating from the peripheries. See Kolbert’s article on genetics on page 28.
All in all, the existing order is a very sick global arrangement that should be replaced by a less destructive and humane model of existence. To a large extent, the article next column is a precursor of coming narratives that will be established/employed to dehumanize the third world, with an intention to implement measures that is way beyond the norm. Here is the real truth about the hidden power or deep state that is inhumanely shaping global societies, by no less an authority than the president of the USA himself. “Some of the biggest men in the United States, in the field of commerce and manufacture, are afraid of somebody, are afraid of something. They know that there is a power somewhere so organized, so subtle, so watchful, so interlocked, so complete, so pervasive that they had better not speak above their breath when they speak in condemnation of it.” Woodrow Wilson. Good day!
Ethiopia starts filling GERD
Ethiopia starts the first phase of filling the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on Wednesday July 8, after years of waiting.
Sources at the construction site told Capital that the dam starts catching water mid this week and expects to be filled to some level in few weeks for the first phase.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed this week told parliament that it is impossible not to start the filling in this season. According to sources the primary stage of filling will supply a level of 560 meters above sea level along with the “early generation of electricity”.
Satellite images also show that the catchment area is being filled with water. The filling stages that ensue will see a release based on the hydrological conditions of Abay.
GERD is a 6,000 MW hydropower project nearing completion on the Abay is located about 30 km upstream of the border with Sudan. It will be the largest hydropower project in Africa. Owned and operated by the Ethiopian Electric Power, the 145-m-tall roller-compacted concrete gravity dam will flood 1,874 km2 at a normal pool elevation of 640 m, and will have a tributary catchment of 172,250 km2. With a volume of 74 km3 (of which 14.8 km3 is dead storage), the reservoir can hold about 1.6 years’ worth of average flow of the Abay – 48.5 km3/yr – at the El Diem gage station, just below the border in Sudan.
Background
The GERD project is a majestic hydroelectric plant, which was born in the 60s concerning a vast and far-sighted plan to exploit the Abay potential for hydroelectric purposes and improve management of this huge water resource.
The concrete faced rockfill (CFRD) saddle dam is 60 m high and approximately 5 km long, with an embankment volume of 15 million m3. Its composite cut-off, made up by grouting and plastic diaphragm panels, was conceived to fulfil two different requirements: permeability and erosion control.
The river diversion system, designed to discharge up to 14’700 m3/s, includes four culverts for discharging during the dry season and a temporary stepped spillway structure located in the central part of the dam, for dam overtopping during the wet season.
A system of three spillways safeguards the project against the Probable Maximum Flood (30’200 m3/s peak and 18’000 m3/s routed discharge): the main service gated spillway, located on a saddle area; the aforesaid free-flow crest spillway on the overflow section of the main dam; the side channel un-gated emergency spillway.
The main dam is crossed by sixteen penstocks (8m diameter), two of which at lower elevation committed to early generation during reservoir impounding.
The two outdoor powerhouses are located at the main dam toe on the right and left riverside housing 10 Francis turbine units and 6 Francis turbine units respectively, with 375 MW each. The step-up transformers, erected in the yard between the main dam downstream face and the powerhouses, are connected through overhead lines to the 500 kV switchyard, located on right bank.
The project was made possible to the vision and ambition of the late PM Meles Zenawi, who resolved to fulfil the ancient dream of past emperors. He decided to build the plant directly to its maximum expansion, not in stages.
SMLH extends second round support to HizbawiSerawit School
The Ethiopian section of the SMLH-ONM, Société des Membres de la Légion d’Honneur and Ordre National du Merite, as part of their three-month food support project for disadvantaged students of HizbawiSerawit School and their families, donated the second round assistance on Saturday July 11.
The project that was launched on June 6th aims to benefit 100 students and their families in need of support from the school. To realize this project members of SMLH, Omedad Plc, Rened Consultancy & Trading Plc, Galani Coffee, Travel Ethiopia Plc, Laterite Ltd, and other companies and individuals came together to contribute their part as their corporate social responsibilities.
Today our association, SMLH-ONM has provided basic need support for 100 students and their families aiming to alleviate the challenges that they face in relation to the COVID 19 pandemic said TeguestYilma, President of SMLH-ONM Ethiopia. These students were part of the Addis Ababa City Government school feeding initiative that provides breakfast and lunch to children who go to school, but since schools have been closed due to the pandemic, the program has been halted.
“Over 500 family members will be beneficiary of SMLH’s initiative,” Teguest explained saying “this is to encourage the students to focus on reading and studying as much as they can while they stay at home because of the pandemic.” She also offered her condolences to those who lost their lives in the recent violence that shook Oromia Region.
Students and their families received basic food items like teff, edible oil, pasta, flour and sanitary products. This will continue for another one month, until September the end of the rainy season and hopefully school will resume, she said.
For SMLH that is formed to strengthen cooperation and friendship between French and Ethiopian communities, providing support for HizbawiSerawit School is not the first time; the association has also inaugurated a tap water and hygiene facilities for the students. “This is based on friendship, collaboration and good will,” said Colonel Francois David, from the French embassy and SMLH treasurer, thanking the parents and guardians that were present at the event.
During the second round donation held on Saturday July 11, the Director of HizbawiSerawit school, Abraham Atnafu on his part said that these kinds of support will help the students and their families to pass these difficult times. Such initiative, he noted, will also “inspire others to do their part to help our students.” He also urged the parents to assist their children by collecting reading materials from the school so as to be ready for next year’s classes, as they will be joining the next level.
DagneGebru Deputy Head of Addis Ababa Education Bureau said that “We are very grateful for the support SMLH provided today.” He noted that education is key for a better life and encouraged the families present to support their children’s study at home.”
“The ministry is planning to support the primary education through TV programs,” Dagne said.
ZerihunKorme, Yeka Sub City Woreda 2 Education Bureau Head also said that the community should stay vigilant about COVID 19. “The families and the students must be more careful in protecting themselves and others around them in these difficult times.”
Several actions have been carried out by the members of the SMLH for the benefit of the HizbawiSerawit School, in particular through educational projects.
SMLH Ethiopia has supported the school in Addis Ababa which is located in a popular and historic sector north of the capital. Close to the French Embassy, this district, called “Farensaï”, was reserved in the 1960s by emperor Haile Selassié for the settlement of the families of the combatants who participated in the first peacekeeping operations in Korea and Congo.
The association of SMLH Ethiopia was formed in 2013 by the recipients of the French government’s award of the Legion of Honor and Ordre National du Merite in recognition of eminent services rendered to their country and the strengthening of Franco-Ethiopian bilateral relations. SMLH-ONM Ethiopia brings together the decorated of these two French national orders living in Ethiopia, both French and Ethiopian nationals.
Since 2017 the section was joined by those honored with French ministerial awards, mainly academic awards in arts and literatures as well as agricultural merit, and maritime merit among others.