Fire crews make headway as Algerians pray for those who lost their lives
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Firefighters in Algeria are finally making progress in their battle against blazes that have ravaged northern parts of the country. Emergency services say most of the forest fires in the worst-hit region of Tizi Ouzou have been extinguished thanks to fire crews, army engineers, civilian volunteers and the help of two French firefighting planes. Fuelled by high wind and extreme heat, the fires have killed at least 90 people since August 9.Â
Also in this edition, Zambia has voted in its presidential election and ballot counts are underway in what may be the closest election in years. It is the third successive standoff between President Edgar Lungu and opposition candidate Hakainde Hichilema, the results of which will be announced on Monday. Meanwhile, a judge in Lusaka ordered the complete restoration of internet access after widespread restrictions were placed on social media.
Finally, two Tunisian athletes shocked their nation when they won medals in the Tokyo Olympics. Ahmed Hafnaoui, who won gold in swimming, and Mohamed Jendoubi, who won silver in taekwondo, both symbolise a generation of athletes who made it despite training in a country with very little investment in high-level sports.
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