AFP UK

Juiz de Fora (Brazil) (AFP) – Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro arrives at an event accompanied by his wife Michelle Bolsonaro, to launch his presidential campaign in Juiz de Fora, in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais, where he was nearly killed in a stabbing attack four years ago.

Hambantota (Sri Lanka) (AFP) – A Chinese research vessel enters Sri Lanka’s Chinese-run southern port of Hambantota despite concerns from India and the United States about its activities. The Yuan Wang 5 entered the port after securing permission to enter Sri Lankan waters on condition it will not engage in any research. The Indian government has lodged a complaint with Colombo over fears the ship could spy on its activities, and the United States has also expressed concern.

Kabul (AFP) – Flash floods triggered by heavy rains have killed at least 29 people in eastern Afghanistan, officials said on Monday. Scores of Afghans die each year in torrential downpours, particularly in impoverished rural areas where poorly built homes are at risk of collapse.

Kyiv (Ukraine) (AFP) – In his nightly address, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky says “if now the world lacks the strength and determination to protect one nuclear plant, it means that the world will lose.” “It is yielding to nuclear blackmail,” he adds, warning that “this may be a precedent that other terrorists will see.”

Dinant (Belgium) (AFP) – Contestants in the Dinant Bathtub Regatta sail down Belgium’s Meuse River every year on August 15 in specially-built boats adapted from bathtubs. This year marks the event’s 40th anniversary, attracting around 15,000 spectators.

Nairobi (AFP) – Kenya’s president-elect William Ruto promises to “work with the opposition” moments after police force back fighting crowds. Ruto becomes the fifth president of Kenya, and the first member of the Kalenjin ethnic group to be elected head of state in twenty years, succeeding two presidents from the Kikuyu community – including the outgoing Uhuru Kenyatta.

Giza (Egypt) (AFP) – Funerals are held for 41 victims of a fire that ripped through a Coptic Christian church during mass, forcing worshippers to jump out of windows. Hundreds gather to pay their respects in and around the two Giza churches where clergymen pray for the victims.

London (AFP) – London-based yoga instructor Stacie Graham is on a mission to make the ancient practice, now a $30 billion-a-year industry according to the Global Wellness Institute, more racially and socially diverse.

Kabul (AFP) – Taliban fighters chant victory slogans next to the US embassy in Kabul as they mark the first anniversary of their return to power in Afghanistan, following a turbulent 12 months that has seen women’s rights crushed and a humanitarian crisis worsen.