KBC Channel 1

Author: Dismas Otuke

  • Kipyegon shutters 3rd World record in less than 2 months with women’s Mile record

    Kipyegon shutters 3rd World record in less than 2 months with women’s Mile record

    Two-time Olympic and World champion Faith Kipyegon stamped her authority as Queen of the Track after breaking the women’s Mile record at the Monaco Diamond League in France on Friday night, clocking 4:07.64 to obliterate 2019 Sifan Hassan’s record by 5 seconds.

    Running behind two pacemakers who hit 400m in 1:01.76 and 800m in 2:04.10, Kipyegon then took charge and was level with the trackside lights indicating world record pace.

    The 29-year-old now holds three world records in a span of less than two months after setting a 1500-metre record in 3:49.11 at the Florence Diamond League and smashing a 5,000-metre record in 14:05.20 at the Paris Diamond League a week later.

    All 13 athletes who finished the race clocked their personal best times.

    In other results of the night, Ferdinand Omanyala registered his first win in the Diamond League this year in 9.92 seconds, ahead of Botwasana Sentational Letsile Tebogo in 9.93 seconds, and Ackeem Blake of Jamaica in 3rd position.

    Simon Kiprop and Abraham Kibiwott led Kenya to a 1-2 finish in the 3,000 MSC in 8:4.19 and 8:9.54, respectively.

  • King Mohammed VI applauds Israel’s support of its sovereignty over Sahara

    King Mohammed VI applauds Israel’s support of its sovereignty over Sahara

    King Mohammed VI of Morocco has lauded Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netenyahu’s decision of recognising sovereignty of Morocco over Sahara and his plans of opening Israel consulate in the city of Dakhla in north African country.

    “I would like to express my sincere thanks and deep appreciation for your letter informing me of the State of Israel’s decision to recognise the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Morocco over its Sahara, and to favourably consider the opening of a Consulate in the city of Dakhla.”

    “The Moroccan people and the driving forces of the country have warmly welcomed this decision,” the statement reads.
    The Moroccan Sahara issue is described by the King as “the national cause of the Kingdom and is the priority of our foreign policy,” and he adds that “your important decision is both just and farsighted.”the King emphasised

    The Sovereign states that “it is just in that it reaffirms Morocco’s legal entitlement to, and irrefutable historical rights over, its Saharan Provinces,” noting that “the definite jurisdiction of the Moroccan State and the legal ties of allegiance which have existed, since time immemorial, between the Kings of Morocco and the Moroccan populations inhabiting these territories – which have always been so dear to Morocco’s Monarchs – are both well-established and unshakeable

    “Your decision is also far-sighted because it is in line with the irreversible international dynamic that has seen many countries, from all parts of the world, backing a final solution to this anachronistic regional dispute, on the basis of the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative for the Sahara region, within the framework of the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” continues His Majesty the King.

    The Sovereign also recalls that since December 2020, bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the State of Israel have gone from strength to strength in all sectors.

    “The momentum characterising our ties is unprecedented, be it in terms of the exchange of visits by officials and the business community, the development of the bilateral framework, the diversification of our cooperation or the consolidation of trade relations,” notes His Majesty the King, welcoming the fact that the deep human bonds that exist between the Kingdom of Morocco and the State of Israel – notably through the Jewish community of Moroccan origin – have been serving as a catalyst.

    The Sovereign expresses his confidence that the clear position taken by Mr. Netanyahu, on behalf of the State of Israel, regarding the Moroccanness of the Sahara “will contribute to closer ties between Morocco and Israel,” assuring him of His firm and unwavering commitment.

    “As I indicated during our telephone conversation on 25 December 2020, you are welcome to visit Morocco on a mutually agreed date, to be determined through diplomatic channels,” His Majesty the King stresses in the message.

    In this context, the Sovereign affirms that this meeting “will open up new possibilities for bilateral relations between Morocco and Israel” and “will also be an opportunity to promote the prospects of peace for all peoples in the region, bearing in mind the content of the Tripartite Declaration signed on 22 December 2020 by the Kingdom of Morocco, the United States of America and the State of Israel, including the principles which should guide the settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”

    The  King  also welcomed the fact that the strong human ties that exist between the Kingdom of Morocco and the State of Israel, particularly through the Jewish population of Moroccan ancestry, who have been acting as a catalyst for the strengthening of trade relations.
    The Sovereign expresses his conviction that Mr. Netanyahu’s forthright stance on the Moroccanness of the Sahara, adopted on behalf of the State of Israel, “will contribute to closer ties between Morocco and Israel,” assuring him of His steadfast and unshakable commitment.

    The King welcomed Israel PM for a state visit in Morocco on a mutually agreed date, to be determined through diplomatic channels, they had earlier discussed via telephone on December 25, 2020.

    In this regard, the Sovereign states that this meeting “will open up new possibilities for bilateral relations between Morocco and Israel” and “will also be an opportunity to promote the prospects of peace for all peoples in the region, bearing in mind the content of the Tripartite Declaration signed on 22 December 2020 by the Kingdom of Morocco, the United States of America, and the State of Israel, including the principles which should guide the settlement of the Isra dispute.”

    King Mohammed VI’s response comes barely days after Netenyahu’s letter in which he supported the need for Morocco’s sovereignty over Sahara region and plans of strengthening the ties between the two states .

    Israel is  the latest country to support Morocco’s plan of sovereignty and control over the Sahara besides Italy,Switzerland,Malta,Germany,Burkina Faso, and Serbia and other African countries.

  • Netenyahu supports Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.

    Netenyahu supports Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.

    Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netenyahu has supported King Mohammed VI of Morocco, in his territorial recognition plan over the Western Sahara.

    King Mohammed VI of Morocco has received a letter from the Prime Minister of the State of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu.

    In his letter received by King Mohammed VI, the Israeli Prime Minister brought to the King’s attention the decision of the State of Israel to recognise the sovereignty of Morocco over the territory of Western Sahara.’

    In this respect, the Israeli Prime Minister indicated that his country’s position will be ‘reflected in all relevant acts and documents of the Israeli Government.’

    He also stressed that the decision would be ‘transmitted to the United Nations, to regional and international organisations of which Israel is a member, and to all countries with which Israel maintains diplomatic relations.’

    In his letter to the Sovereign, the Israeli Prime Minister informed that Israel is positively examining ‘the opening of a consulate in the city of Dakhla as part of the implementation of this state decision.

    Several countries have supported King Mohammed VI’s sovereignty plan over Western Sahara, among them Italy,Switzerland,Malta,Germany,Burkina Faso, and Serbia.

  • Morocco raised the bar in AFCON under 23 organization

    Morocco raised the bar in AFCON under 23 organization

    Morocco delivered a superb 4th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations tournament adding icing on the cake by lifting it on home soil.

    The tournament which also served as an Olympic games qualifiers for next year summer games brought tighter 8 teams namely :Gabon,Niger,Mali,Egypt,Ghana,Guinea,Congo and host Morocco.

    The matches were staged at the country’s administrative city of Rabat at the Prince Mouley Abdallah stadium and the historical port city of Tangier at the Grande Stade Ibn Batouta.

    The modern and effective speed train transport nessecited movement of players and fans from Rabat to Tangier and from Casablanca to Rabat to cheer their favourite teams.

    For those using road transport was also smooth the intra city and intercity connections.

    The country also brags of world class hospitality with strategically located hotels such as hotel Rabat and Hasan Tour Palace not forgetting sofitel hotel which was a resident to many caf officials,teams and journalist covering the tournament.

    By virtue of finishing in the podium for the AFCON under 23,Morocco,Egypt and Mali qualified to represent Africa during next year’s Olympic games in Paris,France.

    The Royal Moroccan Football Federation used the championship to gauge its ability and drum support for its 2025 AFCON bid as well as the joint world cup bid in 2030.

    To achieve its objective of positioning as a football powerhouse and cradle land of talents the organiser invited over 10 legends for the two weeks tournament.

    Among the superstars who attended the tournament were former Ghana captains Anthony Bafoe and Asamoah Gyan,former Senegal talisman Elhadji Doiuf,Zimbabwe Al time top scorer Kalusha Bwalya,firmer Cameroon and Arsenal forward Alex Song Bilong,Waed Gomaa of Egypt,Nigeria Jay Jay okocha ,who was the tournament ambassador and Togo’s Emmanuel Adebayor .

    “Morocco has started something better and ot has manifested it.

    Morocco went to the semi final of FIFA world Cup and you see what they are doing in their country .Everything is all by planning and good infrastructure. “Said Gyan Ghana all time top scorer

    “At first no one believed that world cup could come to Africa in 2010 and am glad that I was part of the Cameroon team that participated in the tournament.its my call all former footballers in Africa to support their teams back home in planning and talent development and am certain that Morocco has the capacity to stage the tournament in 20230 “said Alex Song

    “In Senegal government support football at all levels that’s the secret to our national football teams success. As former player am assisting them in planning whenever am needed.”said Diouf

     

    Stade de Marrakech

    The final match pitting host against Egypt witnessed impressive fans attendance at the Prince Mouley Abdellah stadium with both security and attendance .

    Fez stadium

    Morocco will also stage the 2024 Women Africa Cup of nations and is favourite to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals .

     

    Stade Adrar

    Magreb has also partnered with neighbours Spain and Portugal in their joint 2030 World Cup host  bid.

    Ibn Batouta stadium
    Stade Moulay Abdella
    Stade Mohammed V

    Among the state of the art stadiums in Morocco ‘s bid for 2025 AFCON include :-
    Casablanca’s Mohammed V Complex (45,000 seats), Rabat’s Moulay Abdellah Complex (53,000), Grand Stade de Marrakech (45,240), Agadir’s Stade Adrar (45,480), Grand Stade de Tanger (45,000), and Grand Stade de Fez (37,000).

  • ADAK engages media in the fight against doing in Kenyan sports

    ADAK engages media in the fight against doing in Kenyan sports

    Anti doping agency if Kenya ADAK,will establish a long term  collaboration  with media to create more awareness and sensitization on doping among Kenyan sports men and women ahead of the 2024 summer Olympic games .

    According to ADAK CEO  Sarah Shibutse, they have doubled up  tests among Kenyan sports  men and women especially  in athletics to ensure no Kenyan athlete will  be flagged  during next month’s world Athletics  championships  in  Budapest,Hungary.

    “Because media has a wider reach we want to use it to create awareness on this war against doping ,we call upon all sports people to embrace clan sports .

    So as not to take anything to chance we discussed with Athletics Kenya to conduct trials for World Championships early so that we get time to do atleast 3 doping tests for the athletes before they travel for championships “Said Shibutse

    Shibutse was speaking on Saturday in  day one of the ADAK Sport Journalist Association  of Kenya media seminar in Mombasa at the Pride Inn Paradise Shanzu.

    National Olympic Committee of Kenya secretary General Francis Mutuku ,at the same time assured federations its commitment in realising clean sports  by funding only tested and proven  athletes for international  events.

    “In preparations for next year All Africa Games and the Olympic games we are urging respective federation to ensure only sports people who passes doping test are selected,”

    For us we are planning to send a team of 100 athletes to Olympic games in Paris next year but in this war against doping we are ready to take even a lower number so long as they are only clean athletes.”reaffirmed

    Mutuku also challenged federations in Kenya to consider young sports people in their selections to ensure continuity of their teams.

    For now we have a master plan upto the 2036 Olympic games as a result we are in discussions with all federations to embrace continuity by selecting young players .

    This way we won’t have a gap like the one being experienced in the Kenya rugby sevens like after the exit of Khayange ,Injera and other senior players seems there’s a big gap in continuity of the team we want to avoid such scenarios in future.”added Mutuku

    The two day ADAK media workshop  which brings together over 86 sports journalists  will culminate on Saturday.

  • Angola routes for a political based solution in the Morocco Sahara conflict

    Angola routes for a political based solution in the Morocco Sahara conflict

    Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, and Téte Antonio, Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Angola, co-chaired the Moroccan-Angolan Joint Cooperation Commission, which met for the third time on Tuesday in Rabat.

    In a joint statement, the two  ministers  stated that their countries “encourage the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy, Staffan Mistura, to find a just, lasting[contact-form][contact-field label=”Name” type=”name” required=”true” /][contact-field label=”Email” type=”email” required=”true” /][contact-field label=”Website” type=”url” /][contact-field label=”Message” type=”textarea” /][/contact-form]

    The two ministers also reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to the principles of international law and legality, as well as to respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, according to the joint statement.

  • Morocco to decide on future of its fisheries cooperation with the EU

    Morocco to decide on future of its fisheries cooperation with the EU

    Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, stated on Wednesday in Rabat that Morocco will decide on the future of cooperation with the European Union (EU) in the field of fisheries after considering its own evaluations and consulting with European partners.

    “The Morocco-EU Fisheries Agreement is still in effect. The fisheries Protocol, which was agreed to for four years (2019-2023), ends on July 17 instead, according to Bourita, who was speaking at a news conference following the third Ministerial Meeting of the Atlantic African States Process.

    This is, the Minister added, a “programmed” expiry since the conclusion of the Protocol for a period of 4 years, starting on July 18, 2019.

    Bourita described as “satisfactory” the implementation of the Protocol, noting that cooperation had been “positive and mutually beneficial” over the past four years.

    Kingdom has developed a national fishing strategy “Halieutis” and put in place a vision dedicated to the development of the sector, which takes into account the expectations of operators and calls for modifications within the context of engagement with partners.

    The third element, which the government is incorporating into its assessment and thinking, is related to scientific facts with the intention of protecting and safeguarding the sustainability of this crucial natural resource for Morocco and Moroccans, he continued.

    Bourita emphasized that Morocco will interact with the European side based on the current reflection, stressing that communication and collaboration with European partners are ongoing.

  • Lawyers want victims priority over war lords in the DRC conflict

    Lawyers want victims priority over war lords in the DRC conflict

    As the conflict in some areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo intensifies and more people are killed by the country’s atrocities, Collectif of Lawyers, a group of attorneys representing the Hema of Ituri Province, the Banyamulenge of South Kivu Province, and the Tutsi of North Kivu Province in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, has criticised the Congolese army for failing to step in and ensure the safety of its citizens.

    During a seminar that was immersed in controversy, one of the collectif’s solicitors, Benard Maingain, said, “We don’t ask for declarations; we want action; they have to give a guarantee of peace and security for each civil person, and our victims have rights to peace and security.”the victims’ harrowing accounts of the atrocities they endured at the hands of the rebels were accompanied by a dismal atmosphere.

    The three-day seminar will feature testimonies from the victims who will be recorded and given to the International Criminal Court. It was held in Nairobi because of its proximity to the victims and because Kenya has been a major player in peace negotiations in the DRC.

    Due to the constant politicisation of the conflict and its effects on the Congolese people, the conference also aims to give the victims a platform to share their stories and to inform the world of the horrors that take place there.According to Jean Paul Shaka, a member of the New York bar, participants in the armed organisations are responsible for the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    Jean went on to say that victims should be the focus of the Congo peace conference rather than armed groups, and their voices should be heard and given a chance to be heard. “It is without a doubt acceptable to bring people with blood on their hands, house them here, and pay them while they wreck havoc back home.” As a result, it has become necessary to hear from the victims about their experiences.

    The attorneys have also urged the UN general secretary to look into the behaviour of the During massacres, the MONUSCO stabilisation mission of the United Nations. MONUSCO has been accused of being complacent recently, with local authorities charging that despite being a part of the UN peacekeeping force, it had done little to affect the country’s protracted civil war.

    In addition to lawyers from Brussels and the New York City Bar Association, the Collectif of Lawyers is made up of lawyers who are members of the bar associations in Bunia, Goma, Bukavu, and Kinshasa. The lawyers’ pursuit of justice for the war victims began three years ago when a group from Banyamulenge requested legal assistance.

    The Collectif observes that the voices of the victims of these atrocities are sometimes disregarded or even unheard, which is why they are often .The victims are now hoping that they will find justice and be restored.

  • Germany reaffirms support for the Morocco-Sahara autonomous plan.

    Germany reaffirms support for the Morocco-Sahara autonomous plan.

    Germany reaffirmed its support for the Moroccan autonomy plan for the Sahara on Thursday, describing it as a “serious and credible” attempt by the Kingdom and a “very good basis for a solution accepted by the parties”.

    The head of German diplomacy, Annalena Baerbock, reiterated Germany’s “long-standing support for the UN-led process for a realistic, pragmatic, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution” following her meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, who was in Berlin on a working visit.

    The two ministers restated their shared stance on this occasion in favour of the “exclusivity” of the UN in the political process, as well as their support for the pertinent UN Security Council resolutions, which have noted the role and duty of the parties in attempting to reach a reasonable, practical, and long-lasting political agreement based on compromise.

    The two nations also reaffirmed their support for Staffan de Mistura, the personal envoy of the UN secretary general, and his initiatives to advance the political process in accordance with the pertinent UN Security Council resolutions.

  • Morocco crowned AFCON U23 champions

    Morocco crowned AFCON U23 champions

    Host Morocco won the 4th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations under 23 after putting up a spirited battle from a goal down to see off defending champions Egypt 2-1 in extra time in a tantalising final played on Saturday, July 8th, at the Prince Moulay Abdallah stadium in Rabat city.

    Mahmoud Sabre’s spectacular curling shot into the top corner gave Egypt the lead after just nine minutes of play for an early advantage, but he was sent off eight minutes later through VAR following a reckless challenge on the Young Atlas talisman Abdessamad Ezzalzouli.

    Despite playing a man down, the Young Pharos continued pressing for a second goal, forcing their defence to be exposed, which allowed Yanis Begraoui to equalise for the home side in the 37th minute.

    Both teams played cautiously in the 2nd stanza, with the score remaining the same until centre referee Peter Kamaku from Kenya blew the 90-minute whistle and proceeded for extra time of 30 minutes.

    After the restart of the last 15 minutes of extra time, substitute Oussamna Targhalline converted Ezzalzouli’s free kick with a strong shot that went past the Egyptian keeper to send the home fans into a frenzy.

    It was Morocco’s first continental silverware since they won the CHAN tournament in 2020.

    CAF President Dr.Patrice Motsepe and Morocco President Faouzi Lekjaa presided over the medal presentation ceremony, marking the end of a successful tournament in the north African Country.

    Morocco was staging the eight-nation AFCON U23 for the second time since 2011.

    As a result, Morocco, Egypt, and Mali will represent Africa in next year’s Olympic Games in Paris, France.