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France concluded their World Cup preparations with a convincing 3-1 friendly win over Colombia, highlighting their attacking firepower and squad depth. The match, played at the Washington Commanders' home stadium in Landover, Maryland, served as a crucial test for coach Didier Deschamps ahead of naming his World Cup squad in May.Desire Doue opened the scoring for France with a low drive that was deflected in by Colombia's Daniel Munoz after 30 minutes. Doue struck again on 56 minutes, assisted by Marcus Thuram, who had also scored earlier just before halftime. Thuram's goal came from a cross by Maghnes Akliouche.Colombia's Jaminton Campaz pulled a goal back, but France's dominance was evident as they controlled the game. Kylian Mbappe, a late substitute, was rested for much of the game due to a recent knee injury. Mbappe remains one goal shy of equalling France's all-time scoring record of 57 goals, currently held by Olivier Giroud.France's performance in this and the previous match against Brazil has shown a balance of style and efficiency, boosting their confidence ahead of the World Cup. Deschamps' team appears to be heading into the tournament with growing certainty.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has embarked on a significant diplomatic visit to Germany, where he met with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss the reconstruction of his war-torn country and the potential return of refugees. During his visit, al-Sharaa highlighted investment opportunities in Syria's energy, transport, and tourism sectors, portraying his homeland as a diverse nation with a wealth of skilled people. He expressed his desire to see some of the Syrians who fled to Germany return to help with reconstruction efforts, particularly those who have acquired German expertise and education. German leaders have expressed their support for Syria's reconstruction. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul pledged to support reconstruction efforts, stating that the Syrians deserve a chance to rebuild their country. Chancellor Merz, who has been keen to limit irregular immigration, also suggested that many Syrians would return home voluntarily, citing the end of the war. The visit comes as Germany has resumed deportations to Syria, although only a handful of cases have been processed so far. About one million Syrians fled to Germany in recent years, many arriving in 2015-2016. However, protests have been registered in Berlin against plans to send refugees back to Syria, under the slogan 'No deportation deals with human rights abusers.' Al-Sharaa's visit was initially planned for January but was postponed due to ongoing fighting in Syria. His trip marks a significant step in Syria's efforts to rebuild and reintegrate with the international community, with Germany playing a crucial role in supporting these efforts.

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has ordered a British diplomat to leave the country within two weeks, alleging economic espionage activities. The UK has strongly rejected these claims, labeling them as 'completely unacceptable' and an attempt at intimidation.The FSB claims that Albertus Gerhardus Janse van Rensburg, the second secretary at the British Embassy in Moscow, was involved in intelligence and subversive activities that threaten Russia's security. According to the FSB, the diplomat attempted to obtain sensitive information during informal meetings with Russian experts in economics.The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has delivered a protest to Britain's charge d'affaires over the alleged spy. In response, the British Foreign Office stated that it would not tolerate intimidation of its embassy staff or their families.This development highlights the escalating tensions between Russia and the UK, particularly in the context of Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The UK supports Ukraine with financial and military aid, viewing Russia as its primary immediate threat due to alleged cyberattacks, killings, and sabotage campaigns.Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russian authorities have sought to suppress opposition to the war while rallying support among Russian citizens. This latest diplomatic expulsion underscores the deteriorating relations between Russia and Western nations.

Islamabad became the focal point of a new diplomatic track when the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt arrived this weekend, joining Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The quartet pledged to channel U.S. and Iranian confidence in Pakistan’s ability to host direct talks aimed at a comprehensive settlement. At the close of the meeting, Dar announced the creation of a Committee of Four—senior officials from each foreign ministry tasked with ironing out the procedural details of the peace process. The gathering marks the evolution of a broader Arab‑Islamic consultative effort that began in Riyadh on March 19 into a focused four‑nation push, with Pakistan positioned as the primary conduit between Washington and Tehran. In a candid interview with the Financial Times, U.S. President Donald Trump declared his “favourite thing is to take the oil in Iran,” hinting at a possible seizure of Kharg Island, which handles roughly 90 % of Iran’s crude exports. He reiterated an April 6 deadline for Tehran to accept a deal or face U.S. strikes on its energy infrastructure, yet on Air Force One he added, “I do see a deal in Iran, yeah. Could be soon,” describing the negotiations as “extremely well” progressing. Analysts stress that these mixed signals underscore the central tension confronting Pakistan’s initiative. While Islamabad and its partners are building a multilateral framework to curb escalation, Israeli strikes continue and the U.S. military presence in the region expands. Key diplomatic insights came from former Pakistani officials. Former information minister Mushahid Hussain Sayed highlighted the meeting as the first institutional Muslim‑world effort to open a dialogue pathway, noting that Pakistan and Turkey are among the most credible interlocutors—one a nuclear power, the other a NATO member. He cautioned, however, that the steps are “baby steps” in a war that is rapidly complicating. Former ambassador Masood Khan described the Committee of Four as a structured back‑channel enabling a “step‑by‑step, layered, and calibrated process.” He outlined four potential stages: trust‑building measures, cease‑fire negotiations, direct talks on the nuclear programme and the Strait of Hormuz, and finally reciprocal commitments. Khan warned that Iran’s demands for war reparations and sovereignty over the Strait could prove the toughest hurdles. High‑level outreach extended beyond the region. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a 90‑minute call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, while China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi pledged full backing for the initiative. A senior Pakistani diplomat confirmed Dar’s planned visit to China on March 31, underscoring the strategic weight of the Pakistan‑China relationship. On the economic front, Iran’s agreement to allow 20 Pakistani‑flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz represents the most immediate confidence‑building measure. The strait remains effectively closed to regular shipping, prompting the International Energy Agency to label the disruption as the “worst oil shock in history,” surpassing the crises of 1973 and 1979. Brent crude surged above $116 per barrel, up more than 50 % since the war began on February 28, while WTO Director‑General Ngozi Okonjo‑Iweala warned of the “worst trade disruptions in the past 80 years.” Nevertheless, experts argue that the Strait should not become the centerpiece of any settlement. The long‑term resolution will likely involve all eight littoral states under UNCLOS and established legal precedents, with the immediate priority being a broader halt to hostilities. Military dynamics remain volatile. U.S. Central Command reported that an amphibious task force of roughly 3,500 Marines and sailors aboard the USS Tripoli arrived in the region, with an additional 2,200 Marines and 2,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division slated to deploy. Trump affirmed that military options are still on the table, and reports suggest the Pentagon is preparing for potential ground operations. Iran’s leadership remains skeptical. A spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the U.S. 15‑point plan—calling for a one‑month cease‑fire, handover of highly enriched uranium, a halt to enrichment, missile curbs, and an end to proxy support—as “unrealistic, illogical and excessive.” Tehran’s counter‑proposal, aired on Press TV, demands a halt to aggression, concrete guarantees against recurrence, reparations, and formal recognition of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts such as Reza Khanzadeh of George Mason University argue that the burden of compromise falls on Washington, noting that Iran will not sacrifice regime survival. Meanwhile, former diplomat Masood Khan identified the most decisive confidence‑building measure as a U.S. commitment to halt Israeli attacks on Iran and Lebanon—a step he admits is “easier said than done.” In sum, Pakistan’s diplomatic corridor offers a glimmer of hope, but deep mistrust, divergent demands, and an accelerating military buildup render the path to a lasting settlement precarious.

Veron Mosengo-Omba, the general secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has resigned from his position, citing a desire to focus on personal projects. His departure comes at a turbulent time for African football, with a growing crisis of confidence in CAF's leadership.Mosengo-Omba's resignation follows repeated calls for his removal and criticism of his continued role in the organization beyond the mandatory retirement age of 63. An investigation into allegations of creating a toxic work environment had previously cleared him of wrongdoing.The controversy surrounding Mosengo-Omba's tenure includes the decision to strip Senegal of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, which has sparked outrage and calls for an international investigation into CAF's governance. Senegal's government has demanded a probe into the organization's integrity.Mosengo-Omba, a 66-year-old Swiss citizen of Congolese origin and former FIFA employee, is expected to run for the post of president of the Democratic Republic of Congo's football federation. This move could potentially position him for a future bid for CAF's top job, should current president Dr. Patrice Motsepe step down.In a statement, Mosengo-Omba expressed gratitude to CAF's president and teams, stating that he can retire 'with peace of mind and without constraint, leaving CAF more prosperous than ever.'CAF has announced that its competitions director, Samson Adamu, will take over as acting general secretary following Mosengo-Omba's departure.

Digital violence is on the rise in Africa, driven by the rapid growth of internet access and high youth populations. Experts warn that this trend has severe consequences, including mental health problems, withdrawal from public and economic life, physical attacks, and femicide.In Africa, internet access is growing exponentially, with more than 70% of the population under 30. This has created a toxic online environment with dire real-life consequences. A study across five countries in sub-Saharan Africa found that 28% of women had experienced online violence. As internet access expands, this number is expected to rise.Primary targets include women in politics, human rights activists, journalists, and women with a public profile. 46% of female parliamentarians across 50 African countries have been the target of sexist attacks online, and 42% have received threats of death, rape, beating, or abduction, often through social media.Legislation and digital literacy are crucial in combating digital violence. Only 38% of people on the continent are internet users, and among women, the figure falls to 31%. Experts stress that platforms need to be accountable for the harm that is taking place on them and put user safety over profit.Examples of digital violence include doxing, deepfake abuse, sexual harassment, intimidation, and sextortion. These actions can lead to stalking, physical violence, and damage to reputation. Globally, nearly two in every five women will experience tech-facilitated violence, while 85% of women who are online have witnessed or encountered online abuse.Fewer than 40% of countries have laws protecting women from cyber harassment or cyber stalking, leaving 44% of the world’s women and girls – 1.8 billion – without access to legal protection. In Africa, about 17 countries have introduced legislation looking at cybercrime, but most do not acknowledge the gendered nature of abuse.

The Idiot – A fresh five‑part series from the New York Times and Serial Productions, narrated by columnist M. Gessen, follows the unsettling tale of Allen, a self‑styled “idiot” who allegedly orders a hit on his ex‑wife. The narrative blends the investigative depth of earlier Serial hits like We Were Three and S‑Town, delivering a dark, character‑driven thriller that drops new episodes weekly.Friends Keep Secrets – Pop star Selena Gomez teams up with producer Benny Blanco, rapper‑actor Lil Dicky, and his wife Kristin Batalucco for a podcast that pushes the envelope of celebrity banter. Listeners can expect unfiltered conversations that even feature an unexpected Ed Sheeran interview, complete with the kind of raw, off‑beat humor that borders on “brain‑rot” territory.Screwed by AI – Hosted by Avantika Chilkoti of The Economist, this series travels to the Adult Video Network expo in Las Vegas – dubbed the “Oscars of porn” – to explore how the adult‑entertainment sector often foreshadows broader AI trends. The podcast examines the ripple effects on human relationships and the tech landscape, releasing new installments each week.Jacob Reed and Me – Described as an “investigative comedy,” writer Jacob Reed embarks on a nationwide quest to locate every other person sharing his name. The journey becomes a quirky storytelling experiment, featuring encounters with beach‑scene painters, economists, and even porn stars, all while the show’s advertisements are humorously sourced from fellow Jacob Reeds.Raven – This character‑driven investigation follows Raven Chanticleer, the founder of the African American Wax Museum in Harlem. The series weaves together Chanticleer’s flamboyant life story with the mystery surrounding the disappearance of his wax figures after his 2002 death, delivering a richly detailed narrative that unfolds weekly.All six podcasts are widely accessible across major platforms and release new episodes on a weekly schedule, offering a broad spectrum of content for listeners seeking true‑crime intrigue, celebrity insight, technological commentary, and off‑beat humor.

Congo-Brazzaville authorities have taken a significant step in their pursuit of Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas, the embattled president of the country's football federation, Fecofoot. An Interpol arrest warrant has been requested following his conviction for embezzling $1.1m in funds provided by FIFA.Mayolas, along with his wife and son, was sentenced to life imprisonment earlier this month for their roles in the embezzlement. The funds, part of FIFA's COVID-19 relief plan in February 2021, were intended to support the country's football community. However, the trio fled the country weeks before the hearing, with investigators suspecting they may be hiding in Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of the Congo.The embezzlement scandal involves $500,000 earmarked for the Congo women's team. According to allegations, only $20,000 of the allocated funds was actually paid out. Mayolas has denied all allegations, calling them a conspiracy. This is not the first time Mayolas has faced scrutiny; in 2015, he and other officials received six-month bans from FIFA for ethics violations related to gifts and benefits.The situation has led to significant repercussions for Congo's football community. The country was banned from international football due to third-party interference, resulting in the forfeiture of World Cup qualifiers against Tanzania and Zambia. While Congo has since been reinstated, the scandal continues to cast a shadow over the sport in the region.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a stark warning that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East will lead to higher prices and slower global growth, affecting countries worldwide. The Washington-based organisation emphasised that a rise in energy and food costs will harm economic growth this year and could leave lasting scars on the global economy.The IMF's analysis, published in a blogpost by its main department heads, including chief economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, noted that governments with high levels of borrowing will have limited access to funds to cushion the worst effects of the crisis. The organisation warned that all roads lead to higher prices and slower growth should the conflict continue to disrupt the supply of oil, gas, and fertiliser from the Gulf.While some countries, such as the US, may gain from higher fossil fuel prices as net exporters of oil and gas, the rise in bills for petrol, diesel, and food will harm living standards. Businesses are also forecast to come under pressure to raise prices, possibly forcing central banks to raise interest rates to combat inflation.The IMF highlighted that about a third of fertiliser production travels through the strait of Hormuz, which could push up prices. The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation projects that global prices could average 15% to 20% higher in the first half of 2026 if the crisis persists. Natural gas prices have more than doubled in the UK since last December to about £140 a therm, while a barrel of Brent crude that cost about $60 before the conflict hit more than $116 on Monday before falling back to $112.The IMF added that forecasts for sharp rises in the cost of gas and electricity in Europe next winter are forcing governments to consider higher subsidies and welfare payments to the worst-affected households. The organisation noted that countries such as Italy and the UK are especially exposed by their reliance on gas-fired power, while France and Spain are relatively protected by their greater nuclear and renewables capacity.