United States President Donald Trump is set to kick off America’s 250th Independence Day celebrations with a high-profile visit to Mount Rushmore on Friday, ahead of July 4 festivities marking the nation’s historic milestone.   According to AFP, as published by Punch Newspapers, Trump will deliver a speech beneath the iconic granite monument featuring former US presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. The visit marks the beginning of a weekend packed with patriotic displays, including a campaign-style rally on the National Mall in Washington, military jet flyovers and a large fireworks show. Trump’s appearance comes amid deep political divisions in the United States. His approval ratings have reportedly remained low, driven by concerns over the Iran conflict, rising living costs and criticism from Democrats over immigration and executive power. Speaking on a podcast hosted by second lady Usha Vance, Trump acknowledged the country’s political tensions but expressed confidence about America’s direction. He said the country was at a critical point but insisted it would move in the right direction. Efforts to make the US 250th anniversary a major national celebration have also faced setbacks. A Trump-linked organisation, Freedom 250, has reportedly taken control of several events from the bipartisan America250 group, leading to criticism and reduced attendance at some festivities. A “Great American State Fair” in Washington has also drawn sparse crowds, worsened by an intense heat wave that has discouraged visitors. Despite forecasts of temperatures reaching 41C on July 4, Trump said he remains unfazed and intends to deliver what he described as a lengthy speech. The anniversary comes as many Americans reflect on the country’s history and future. A recent Quinnipiac University poll found that 61 per cent of Americans believe the US is not fully living up to the ideals of the Declaration of Independence, highlighting sharp political divisions. Still, many citizens continue to view Independence Day as a moment of national celebration despite growing political tensions.

Africa’s hopes of a strong showing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup rest on three nations today, with Egypt, Cape Verde and Ghana all fighting for places in the Round of 16.   So far, Morocco remains the continent’s only team to secure a place in the next round after edging past Netherlands in a dramatic knockout clash. The Atlas Lions held the Dutch to a 1-1 draw after extra time before sealing victory in a tense penalty shootout, keeping African hopes alive in the tournament. Africa entered the expanded 2026 World Cup with a record 10 representatives and delivered one of its strongest group-stage performances, with nine teams progressing to the Round of 32. Tunisia was the only side eliminated during the opening phase. However, the knockout rounds have proved more difficult, with several African teams falling short, leaving Morocco as the sole team already through to the last 16. Egypt will be first in action against Australia in Dallas. The Pharaohs need victory to book their place in the Round of 16 and continue what is shaping up as one of their most impressive World Cup campaigns. Later, surprise package Cape Verde faces a daunting test against Argentina in Miami. The island nation has emerged as one of the tournament’s biggest stories and now faces a major challenge against Lionel Messi and his teammates. The final African side in action is Ghana, who will take on Colombia in Kansas City. The Black Stars face a difficult test against an in-form Colombian side as they aim to extend Africa’s presence in the competition. Friday’s matches will determine whether Africa sends more teams into the Round of 16 or whether Morocco will continue alone as the continent’s flag bearer in the tournament.

Nigeria’s evacuation of citizens affected by anti-migrant violence in South Africa gathered pace on Friday as another batch of returnees arrived safely in Lagos.   An Air Peace flight conveying the fourth batch of evacuees landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport with 268 Nigerians onboard, alongside two officers and crew members. Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu confirmed that the special charter flight, funded by the Federal Government, departed O. R. Tambo International Airport at 5:36am. According to the minister, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that evacuation efforts continue beyond the June 30 deadline issued by anti-migrant groups in South Africa. She disclosed that nearly 600 Nigerians had already been evacuated in three earlier batches before the deadline, with ongoing efforts to ensure all registered citizens willing to return home are safely repatriated. The minister said the Federal Government remains committed to protecting Nigerians abroad, describing their safety and dignity as a central pillar of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The evacuation comes amid rising tensions in South Africa, where thousands joined protests this week demanding the removal of undocumented foreign nationals. Demonstrations in cities including Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town were marked by isolated violence, looting and clashes with security forces. Anti-immigrant groups, including March and March and Operation Dudula, have intensified pressure on undocumented migrants, blaming them for unemployment and strained public services. Police said at least four foreign nationals, including two Mozambicans, an Ethiopian and a Malawian, have been killed in the latest wave of violence. Nigeria is also pursuing compensation for citizens forced to abandon businesses and properties in South Africa. Acting Nigerian High Commissioner Alexander Ajayi said the government is documenting losses suffered by returnees to support future discussions with South African authorities. Ajayi said affected Nigerians have been asked to provide detailed records of abandoned businesses, vehicles and other assets to help the government pursue compensation claims.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has awarded N200 million in damages to the widow of truck driver Kabiru Babai, who was unlawfully killed by a police sergeant in Osun State in 2021.   Justice Peter Lifu ruled that Babai’s killing violated his fundamental right to life under Section 33(1) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution and Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The court also ordered the Inspector-General of Police and the Osun State Commissioner of Police to immediately begin prosecution of Sergeant Moses Samuel, the officer accused of carrying out the fatal shooting. According to court documents, Babai was repairing a broken-down truck at Ota-Efun in Osogbo on December 3, 2021, when police officers approached the vehicle and confronted those present. During the incident, one officer allegedly shot the co-driver in the hand. Babai reportedly came out from beneath the truck to question the shooting, after which he was allegedly beaten with a shovel, struck with the butt of a rifle and shot in the chest by Sergeant Samuel. He died at the scene. Babai’s widow, Balkisu, filed the suit against the Police Service Commission, the Inspector-General of Police, the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Sergeant Samuel and the Attorney-General of the Federation. She had sought a declaration that her husband’s killing was unlawful, an order for the officer’s prosecution and N2 billion in compensation. In his judgment, Justice Lifu held that the applicant successfully proved that Babai’s constitutional right to life had been unlawfully violated. The court awarded N200 million as compensatory and exemplary damages against the IGP, the Osun State Commissioner of Police and Sergeant Samuel for the unlawful killing and the trauma caused to the deceased’s family. However, the court declined the request to compel the Attorney-General of the Federation to initiate criminal proceedings against the police sergeant. The case followed claims that although police authorities had earlier indicted Sergeant Samuel, he had not been prosecuted before the suit was filed in August 2022.