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Italy bring back Capuozzo for France Six Nations trip

Capuozzo missed Italy's first two tournament matches with a finger injury suffered playing for his club side Toulouse against La Rochelle in December.

He returned to training last week but did not make the squad for the 20-13 defeat to Ireland in Dublin.

The French-born 26-year-old is 10th in the list of Italy's all-time top try-scorers with 16 in his 31 Tests.

Although usually a wing, he replaces Lorenzo Pani at full-back after the 23-year-old Zebre back was given his first start for the...

French minister pledges tight security at rally for killed activist

Quentin Deranque, 23, died from head injuries after being attacked by at least six people on the sidelines of a protest against a politician from the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party in the southeastern city of Lyon last week.

His death has fomented tensions ahead of municipal elections next month and presidential polls next year, in which the far-right National Rally (RN) party is seen as having its best chance yet at winning the top job.

President Emmanuel Macron -- who is serving hi...

Traore backs 'hungry' Italy against France in Six Nations

Having beaten Scotland in their tournament opener, they narrowly missed out on a first away victory against Ireland in the Six Nations, after leading at half-time.

This weekend, Italy head to Lille to face the tournament holders, who began their campaign by hammering Ireland and then Wales.

"The recent matches show the team is working hard to become what they are right now because they're hungry and they want the world to see that they're growing, they're evolving," Traore told AFP on Wedn...

Paris prosecutor calls on Epstein victims in France to testify

The call to file complaints and give evidence follows the latest cache of millions of files released last month by the US Justice Department from the investigation into Epstein, who died in prison in 2019.

"We already want to stand alongside these victims," Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau told broadcaster Franceinfo. "If they wish, we will receive all the statements they would like to make, either in the form of complaints or testimony."

The Paris prosecutor's office has jurisdiction when a...

First woman envoy for Palestine dies in France: family

"She died today," her sister Zeina told AFP, without providing further details.

Born in Lebanon in 1949, Shahid was the first woman to represent the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) abroad, beginning her career in Ireland before also becoming representative in the Netherlands.

She served as envoy in France and later as the representative at the European Union.

She was one of the first Palestinians to establish contacts with Israelis who were in favour of peace efforts.

"Leila Shah...

France arrests nine over far-right activist's killing

Quentin Deranque, 23, died after sustaining a severe brain injury when he was attacked by at least six people last week on the sidelines of a far-right protest against a left-wing politician speaking at a university in the southeastern city of Lyon.

The incident has fuelled tension between France's far right and hard left ahead of municipal elections in March and the 2027 presidential race, in which the far-right National Rally (RN) party is seen as having its best chance yet of winning the...

France grants safe haven to anti-Kremlin couple detained by ICE

His 29-year-old wife Nadezhda, a former volunteer for the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, was expected to arrive on a separate flight from Miami, also on Monday morning.

But she did not show up at the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport as planned.

"I am in shock," a visibly distressed Alexei, who had not seen his wife for more than 20 months, told AFP at the airport.

The couple were both swept up in US President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, and had been held by the country's...

France loosens rules on allowing farmers to shoot wolves

Once hunted to extinction in France, wolves began crossing over from Italy after gaining protected status under the 1979 Bern Convention.

But they have been killing more livestock, too, with 12,000 farm animals lost last year, according to preliminary figures.

Under current rules, farmers can only shoot wolves if they attack animals inside a protected enclosure -- a restriction centrist President Emmanuel Macron's government said would now be relaxed.

"Protected or not, farmers will have ...

Killing of far-right activist stokes tensions in France

Quentin Deranque, 23, died of his wounds after being attacked Thursday on the sidelines of a far-right protest against a left-wing politician speaking at a university in the city of Lyon.

The incident has fuelled tension between France's far right and hard left ahead of municipal elections in March and the 2027 presidential race.

The investigation is still ongoing, but the government has already blamed rhetoric from the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party for fuelling the violence that le...

'Ultra-left' blamed for youth's killing that shocked France

The victim, 23-year-old Quentin Deranque, died of his wounds after being attacked Thursday at a protest against a left-wing politician in the southeastern city of Lyon.

Supporters said Deranque had been providing security at a protest against an appearance by Rima Hassan, a member of the European Parliament for hard-left party France Unbowed (LFI), when he was assaulted by a gang of rival activists.

Deranque was hospitalised after the attack and placed into a coma, but prosecutors on Satur...

Wales' Tandy tips hat to France after Six Nations hammering

Wales's two tries were overshadowed by France's eight as the visitors put on a sparkling display of open rugby at the Principality Stadium.

"If you look at the athletes France have, if we kick a little too far, or if there's an offload, they come alive," Tandy told the BBC.

"You have to tip your hat to France and where they are as a team."

Tandy's team has now shipped 50 points or more in four of the five games he has been in charge for -- England only managed 48 last week -- and have not...

France run rampant to thrash sorry Wales 54-12 in Six Nations

Wing Theo Attissogbe scored twice in the second half but it was fly-half Matthieu Jalibert who orchestrated France's biggest ever score against Wales, improving on the 51 they scored at Wembley in 1998.

The Bordeaux-Begles no. 10 showed off his pace and skills as he scored one try and teed up three others as France made it two wins from two.

After two rounds they are the only side that can still claim a Grand Slam while Wales sit bottom of the table with two thumping defeats.

Steve Tand...

France's Macron urges calm after right-wing youth fatally beaten

The death of the young man -- identified only as Quentin -- has intensified tensions between France's far-right and hard-left who are both eyeing 2027 presidential elections.

He had been in hospitalised in Lyon on Thursday after being attacked while providing what his supporters said was security for a protest against an appearance by hard-left MEP Rima Hassan at the Lyon branch of the Sciences Po university.

The office of the Lyon prosecutor on Saturday told AFP he had died of his wounds....

French prosecutors announce special team for Epstein files

With Epstein's known circle now extending to prominent French figures after the release of documents by the US authorities, the prosecutor's office said it would also thoroughly re-examine the case a former French modelling agency executive Jean-Luc Brunel, a close associate of the American financier, who died in custody in 2022.

The new team will work closely with prosecutors from the national financial crimes unit and police with a view to opening investigations into any suspected crimes ...

Paris police shoot dead knife man at Arc de Triomphe

The man was shot several times by police as he threatened officers during the ceremony to rekindle the flame at the tomb of the unknown soldier, a police source told AFP.

One of the officers on honour guard duty sustained slight wounds from a knife blow before another officer opened fire on the attacker, according to the gendarmerie. The man was also carrying scissors.

France's national anti-terrorism prosecutor's office said the suspect, a French citizen born in 1978, died of his wounds a...

Cash-starved French hospitals ask public to pitch in

This week, the Basque Coast Hospital Centre (CHCB) in Bayonne was the latest to appeal to the public to help fund urgent needs and purchase medicine, medical devices and vaccines through what it calls "citizen loans".

Under the scheme, people lend money to public hospitals that later reimburse them, with interest.

The model has emerged in France over the past few years, with several hospitals and nursing homes inviting people to invest in their healthcare facilities.

The CHCB hopes to rai...

Macron slams 'antisemitic hydra' as he honours 2006 Jewish murder victim

To commemorate Halimi, whose abduction and murder in 2006 horrified France, Macron planted an oak tree in the garden of the Elysee Palace, joined by Halimi's sister, Anne-Laure Abitbol.

Macron stressed that the fight against antisemitism must involve all French people, and called for a "penalty of ineligibility" for elected officials guilty of antisemitic and racist remarks.

Halimi was kidnapped by a gang of around 20 youths in January 2006 and tortured in a low-income housing estate in th...

Cracknell given Six Nations debut as Wales make changes for France

The 31-year-old No.8, who won his first cap in November, features in a revamped back row following last week's 48-7 thrashing by England -- Wales's 12th successive Six Nations defeat and their 22nd loss in 24 Tests.

Tandy has made four personnel changes and two positional switches following the Twickenham trouncing, with props Rhys Carre and Tomas Francis -- the latter making his first Test start since the 2023 Rugby World Cup -- replacing Nicky Smith and Archie Griffin in the front row.

T...

Merz, Macron to address first day of Munich security meet

Russia's war against Ukraine, which is set to enter its fifth year this month, will be high on the agenda, alongside efforts by European NATO members to build up their defences.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who arrived Friday in Munich, is due to speak at the annual gathering over the weekend as is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, organisers said.

They are among more than 60 heads of state and government and around 100 foreign and defence ministers who have descended on the so...

Hundreds of thousands without power after storm lashes France

High winds and hard rain brought chaos across southern France, northern Spain and parts of Portugal on Thursday, forcing cancellations of flights, trains and ferries and disruption on roads.

French officials said a truck driver was killed when a tree smashed through his windscreen, while dozens were injured in weather-related incidents in Spain and a viaduct in Portugal partially collapsed because of flooding.

French forecasters said the storm, named Nils, was "unusually strong" and France...

France picked uncapped Brau-Boirie at centre to face Wales

The 20-year-old will start in the French midfield alongside his Pau teammate Emilien Gailleton, 22, after Bordeaux-Begles pair Nicolas Depoortere and Yoram Moefana were ruled out through injury.

The rest of the starting XV for Sunday's match is identical to the one that thumped Ireland 36-14 in France's tournament opener last week.

Galthie had hinted at pairing the Pau centres against Wales when he played them together with the rest of the starters in training on Tuesday, as Depoortere and...

'Exhausting' off-field issues hang over Wales before France clash

Last weekend's 48-7 thumping at historic rivals England in their tournament opener came with a backdrop of another crisis in the nation of little more than three million people.

Last month the Welsh Rugby Union, founded in 1881, began the process of culling one of its four professional clubs, the Ospreys, in the latest instalment of the off-field problems engulfing the governing body.

The Swansea-based side's owners are likely to take over Cardiff.

Only the Scarlets in Llanelli, the Dra...

France seeks probe after diplomat cited in Epstein files

The case around diplomat Fabrice Aidan, who has rejected all the charges, is the latest to shake France in the fallout following the US Department of Justice's release last month of new Epstein investigation files.

"When I learnt about it, I was appalled," Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Wednesday told the RTL broadcaster.

In an X post late on Tuesday, he said he was referring allegations against Aidan to the public prosecutor, and launching an internal inquiry into the "foreign affai...

French court to rule on July 7 in Marine Le Pen appeal trial

A lower court last year handed the 57-year-old veteran politician a five-year ban from public office over a fake jobs scam at the European parliament, dashing her presidential ambitions.

If the appeals court upholds last year's bombshell ruling, the three-time presidential candidate would be banned from running in 2027, widely seen as her best chance at the top job.

At the end of Wednesday's proceedings, the court's president said it will deliver the ruling on July 7 in the early afternoon...

Macron says wants 'European approach' in dialogue with Putin

He spoke after dispatching a top adviser to Moscow last week, in the first such meeting since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

"What did I gain? Confirmation that Russia does not want peace right now," he said in an interview with several European newspapers including Germany's Suddeutsche Zeitung.

"But above all, we have rebuilt those channels of discussion at a technical level," he said in the interview released on Tuesday.

"My wish is to share this w...

Macron backs ripping up vines as French wine sales dive

The head of state visited the huge Wine Paris trade show on Monday, telling producers there that their business was a part of "France's way of life".

Efforts to help the crisis-hit industry include the government's latest 130-million-euro ($155-million) "arrachage" fund which opened last Friday, offering loss-making owners subsidies to uproot their vines.

"It has to be done... so that the others (producers) retain their value," Macron said.

France's wine sector is dealing with over-produc...

A French yoga teacher's 'hell' in a Venezuelan jail

Camilo Castro, who has Chilean origins, was detained on June 26, 2025 after crossing into Venezuela from neighboring Colombia, where he lived.

His plan was to renew his Colombian visa by exiting and immediately re-entering the South American country.

But he was pounced upon by masked agents from Venezuela's intelligence services, who whisked him away to an underground prison in the oil city of Maracaibo.

His ordeal there provides an insight into conditions suffered by hundreds of dissiden...

French cycling hope Seixas dreaming of Tour de France debut

Seixas is just 19 but starts the new season as the leader at French team Decathlon CMA CGM firmly in the spotlight.

In his first season he kept pace with cycling's elite, taking third place in the road race at the European Championships behind four-time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar and double Olympic gold medallist Remco Evenepoel.

"Obviously when you follow these guys once, it gives you a lot of confidence," Seixas told AFP at his Sierra Nevada altitude training camp in Spain.

"Be...

France detects Russia-linked Epstein smear attempt against Macron: govt source

Politicians, celebrities and royals have been caught up in the turmoil after the US Justice Department last week published a new cache of nearly three million documents related to the investigation of Epstein, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking.

France's Viginum agency, which counters foreign disinformation campaigns, detected Wednesday the operation involving a fabricated video report "accusing President Emmanuel Macron of being involved in the 'Epstein affair'", the...

Lebanese army must be given 'means' to disarm Hezbollah: French FM to AFP

Hemetsberger a 'happy psychopath' after final downhill training

A fall on Thursday left the racer with a broken nose, lacerations on his cheek and a badly bruised left eye, as well as a sore leg.

The 34-year-old, who finished 21st in Beijing four years ago, came second in Friday's training, proclaiming himself a very satisfied "psychopath" after overcoming mental and physical challenges.

Times were unimportant, however, as the racers who deigned to take to the Stelvio course finetuned their lines down the course in the kind of flat light that is also f...

Dupont, Jalibert click to give France extra spark in Six Nations bid

Superstar scrum-half Dupont was making his first Test appearance since suffering a serious knee injury last March.

In-form fly-half Jalibert was handed the key playmaking role in the absence of Dupont's long-time club teammate Romain Ntamack as Fabien Galthie's side started the defence of their title with a scintillating attacking display.

Dupont set up Jalibert for France's second try while Jalibert turned the provider for winger Theo Attissogbe in additional time to make sure of a perf...

In show of support, Canada, France open consulates in Greenland

Since returning to the White House last year, Trump has repeatedly insisted that Washington needs to control the strategic, mineral-rich Arctic island for security reasons.

The US president last month backed off his threats to seize Greenland after saying he had struck a "framework" deal with NATO chief Mark Rutte to ensure greater American influence.

A US-Denmark-Greenland working group has been established to discuss ways to meet Washington's security concerns in the Arctic, but the deta...

Galthie lauds France's remarkable attacking display against Ireland

A brace of tries from Louis Bielley-Biarrey and one from mercurial fly-half Matthieu Jalibert helped France storm into a 29-0 lead before taking their foot off the gas and allowing Ireland back into the match, before winger Theo Attissogbe put some gloss on the victory late on.

"In an attacking sense, with the ball, the team played with great accuracy," Galthie said.

"It was one of the most accurate attacking performances in a long time despite the weather conditions.

"The variety between...

Bielle-Biarrey sparkles as rampant France beat Ireland in Six Nations

Star scrum-half Antoine Dupont may have been making his long-awaited return to the national team 11 months after a cruciate knee ligament injury, but it was flying wing Bielle-Biarrey and mercurial fly-half Matthieu Jalibert who stole the show, although lock Mickael Guillard was rewarded for his industry with the man-of-the-match award.

Bielle-Biarrey's brace took him to 22 tries in just his 23rd cap, while Jalibert scored one try and lit up the Stade de France with his ingenuity.

Second-r...

Lens cruise into French Cup quarters, Endrick sends Lyon through

Goals by Florian Sotoca and Andrija Bulatovic, as well as a Abdallah Sima brace, saw surprise Ligue 1 title contenders Lens through their last-16 tie.

Martin Adeline had levelled before half-time for second flight leaders Troyes before three goals in eight minutes early in the second period put Pierre Sage's side firmly in charge.

At home to Ligue 2 strugglers Laval, Lyon struggled to break down their opponents until a moment of individual excellence by Real Madrid loanee Endrick.

Followi...

All lights are go for Jalibert, says France's Dupont

The mercurial 27-year-old has been at his brilliant best this season with Champions Cup holders Bordeaux-Begles, as he was in helping them to the title last May.

With scrum-half Dupont's Toulouse half-back partner Romain Ntamack still working his way back to full fitness after an injury, Jalibert is due to line up in the number 10 jersey on Thursday at the Stade de France.

And as ever, the attention is going to be intense around his performance, particularly given his inconsistent form for...

France's Kante joins Fenerbahce after Erdogan 'support'

World Cup winner Kante, who turns 35 next month, had been set to move to Istanbul earlier but the transfer seemed to have failed due to an administrative error.

The length of Kante's contract has not been revealed but it offers the two-time Premier League winning midfielder (Leicester 2016, Chelsea 2017) a chance to further his claim for a place in France's World Cup finals squad.

Erdogan was in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday making his first visit to the country in more than two years.

"Our cl...

Demanding Dupont set to fire France in Ireland opener

The 29-year-old scrum-half will be making his first appearance for Les Bleus in 11 months following a cruciate knee ligament injury against the Irish in last season's tournament.

Although France still romped to victory in Dublin once their talisman went off, and sealed the Six Nations title the following week at home to Scotland, Dupont was sorely missed during an uninspired autumn campaign.

France were humbled 32-17 at home by 14-man South Africa before labouring to beat both Fiji and Aus...

Marseille do their work early to beat Rennes in French Cup

Marseille, who had crashed out of the Champions League in unlikely fashion last week, and then thrown away a two-goal lead at Paris FC in Ligue 1 on Saturday, calmed their nerves in the second minute on Tuesday.

Rennes midfielder Quentin Merlin dallied deep in his own area and was ambushed by Timothy Weah who passed to Amine Gouiri. The striker scuffed the ball home from close range. The quality did not improve in an error-strewn, foul-filled first half.

It took Marseille 75 seconds to sco...

French prosecutors stick to demand for five-year ban for Le Pen

If the court upholds last year's bombshell ruling by a lower tribunal, Le Pen would be banned from running in France's 2027 presidential election, widely seen as her best chance at the top job.

The prosecution also sought a four-year prison term with three suspended and a 100,000 euro ($118,000) fine for the figurehead leader of the National Rally (RN) party, which has been riding high in the opinion polls.

Le Pen had hoped her appeal against her ban over a fake jobs scam at the European p...

Macron says work under way to resume contact with Putin

Macron said last year he believed Europe should reach back out to Putin, rather than leaving the United States alone to take the lead in negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine that started with Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

"It is being prepared and so discussions are taking place at a technical level," Macron said Tuesday in response to a question during a visit to northeastern France.

He said the preparations to resume dialogue with Putin were being done "transparently" and ...

Prosecutors to request bans from office in Le Pen appeal trial

"We are going to ask you to largely uphold the criminal liability established in the initial trial, and ineligibility sentences will of course be sought," a prosecutor told a Paris court.

The demand came during the retrial of Le Pen, her National Rally party and 11 others over a fake jobs scam at the European Parliament that the far-right leader denies.

A lower court last year sentenced Le Pen, a three-time presidential candidate, to four years in jail, including two suspended, and banned ...

Fit-again France captain Dupont partners Jalibert against Ireland

Dupont has not played for France since tearing his cruciate knee ligament against Ireland in March during last year's Six Nations tournament.

That was a pivotal moment as France bounced back from their shock 38-17 defeat at home to the Irish in 2024 to record a thumping 42-27 success in Dublin that propelled them to the Six Nations crown.

The 29-year-old made his competitive return after eight months out for club Toulouse in November.

He will partner Bordeaux-Begles fly-half Mathieu Jalib...

France summons Musk for 'voluntary interview', raids X offices

The operation, which involves EU police agency Europol, is part of an investigation opened in January 2025 into whether X's algorithm was used to interfere in French politics.

"A search is being conducted today at the French premises of the X platform," the prosecutor's office said in a statement.

"Summons for voluntary interviews on April 20, 2026, in Paris have been sent to Mr. Elon Musk and Ms. Linda Yaccarino, in their capacity as de facto and de jure managers of the X platform at the ...

Malaysian court acquits French man on drug charges

The High Court in the northern city of Alor Setar ruled that prosecutors failed to prove that Tom Felix, 34, had control, custody or possession of the drugs in the case.

"The accused is, therefore, released and acquitted," Alor Setar High Court judge Evawani Farisyta Mohammad said.

Felix, in court wearing a white shirt and trousers, his hands cuffed, looked visibly pleased as the judge delivered the decision.

His parents, Jean Luc and Sylvie Felix, embraced after the ruling.

"We are very...

Former France striker Benzema switches Saudi clubs

"Karim Benzema is officially Hilali," the club announced on social media.

The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, who scored eight goals in 14 league matches this season, joined on a free transfer, his new club added.

The 38-year-old did not take part in Al-Ittihad’s last two matches because he was unhappy with the extension offer he received, media reported.

Benzema reportedly received an offer from Michael Emenalo, sporting director of the Saudi league, which he considered "insulting" as it would...

French PM ends budget deadlock after no confidence motions beaten

Lawmakers rejected two no-confidence motions from the hard left and far-right parties tabled after the premier on Friday forced his budget through parliament without a vote for the third and final time.

The outcome cleared the way for the budget's final approval after four months of political deadlock over government spending.

The stalemate had pushed Lecornu last month to make an about-face on his pledge not to force the budget through parliament without a vote, a decision he called a "pa...

France poised to adopt 2026 budget after months of tense talks

The premier on Friday forced his budget through parliament without a vote for the third and final time, triggering another wave of motions from the hard left and far-right parties.

If Lecornu survives the challenges -- which are expected to be rejected on Monday evening -- the budget will move forward for final approval.

The motions follow four months of political deadlock over the budget that last month forced Lecornu into an about-face on his pledge not to force the budget through parlia...

More baby milk recalls in France after new toxin rules

French maker Popote said it was recalling two lots, while Vitagermine removed three different batches of Babybio formula from the shelves in the latest such recalls to rock the infant formula industry in recent weeks.

Several manufacturers, including European giants like Nestle, Danone, and Lactalis, have issued recalls of infant formula that could be contaminated with cereulide in more than 60 countries since December.

French authorities are investigating the deaths in December and Januar...

France great Benazzi relishing 'genius' Dupont's Six Nations return

Scrum-half Dupont, one of rugby's most gifted individuals, suffered a serious knee injury last March which sidelined the 29-year-old for eight months.

The 2021 World Rugby player of the year has become a global name, even securing a sponsorship deal with luxury brand Louis Vuitton, to take the sport beyond its traditional spheres.

"It's not every decade but from time to time, you have a genius like that," Six Nations council president Benazzi, a former France forward who won 78 caps, told...

French IT giant Capgemini to sell US subsidiary after row over ICE links

Capgemini, which operates in about 50 countries and is one of France's largest listed companies, held an extraordinary board meeting this weekend after facing questions in parliament and calls for transparency from the government.

The company has been in the spotlight for days over the deal its American subsidiary signed with ICE to identify foreigners on US soil and track their locations.

The killings of two people -- Renee Good and Alex Pretti -- by ICE and CBP border patrol agents in Mi...

Marseille buckle as Paris FC battle back for draw

Mason Greenwood converted a first-half penalty for his league-best 13th goal of the season and set up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to double Marseille's lead early in the second half.

However, three days after crashing out of Europe in improbable fashion, Marseille came unstuck again as Jonathan Ikone's header brought Paris FC back into the game and Ilan Kebbal levelled with an injury-time spot-kick.

Marseille lost 3-0 at Club Brugge on Wednesday but it took a last-gasp header from Benfica's ...

France tightens infant formula rules after toxin scare

The infant formula industry has been rocked by several firms recalling batches that could be contaminated with cereulide, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

French authorities launched an investigation into the deaths in December and January of two babies who were thought to have drunk possibly contaminated powdered milk.

At this stage investigators have not established a direct link between the symptoms and the milk consumed.

The recalls have raised fresh questions about f...

France rescues over 6,000 UK-bound Channel migrants in 2025

France has long been a launchpad for migrants hoping to cross the Channel and start a better life in Britain, where the centre-left Labour government is under pressure from the anti-immigration hard right to curb arrivals.

Despite the dangers, attempts to make the perilous journey in flimsy craft have "not slowed down", said France's maritime prefecture for the Channel and the North Sea (PREMAR).

Nearly 50,000 people aboard 795 boats attempted to cross the Channel from France to the United...

Chad, France eye economic cooperation as they reset strained ties

The two leaders met in Paris late Thursday and agreed plans for a "revitalised partnership" with a focus on economic ties, the Elysee said.

The largely desert country had been a key link in France's military presence in Africa and its last foothold in the wider Sahel region after the forced withdrawal of French troops from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger in the wake of military coups.

But in a surprise move, Deby ended military cooperation with its former colonial ruler in November 2024 and ...

Fijian Drua sign France international back Vakatawa

The 33-year-old was forced to quit Top 14 side Racing 92 in September 2022 due to his heart problem, although the following year he controversially joined Bristol Bears in the English Prem for one season.

The news comes in the same week that France international prop Uini Atonio was forced to retire at the age of 35 after suffering a heart attack.

Vakatawa, who won 32 caps for France as a centre or wing, trained with the Super Rugby side Drua last year, also playing in the Fijian domestic ...

Lowly Montauban 'not dead' in French Top 14 survival hunt

Ahead of Saturday's visit of Champions Cup-holders Bordeaux-Begles, Montauban trail Perpignan in the relegation play-off spot by seven points, having lost 31-8 to the Catalans last weekend.

Les Sapiacains, promoted to the top-flight this season for the first time since 2010, have 11 rounds of the regular campaign to go to salvage their first division status.

"Mathematically, we're not dead," former France scrum-half Tillous-Borde told AFP.

"As long as there is a chance to save ourselves...

'Pretty boring': Trump cuts short cabinet meeting after dozing claims

But Trump denied that he had been caught napping during the previous gatherings at the White House, one of which lasted three hours and 17 minutes as his team took turns praising him.

"We are going to ask a couple of people to say a few words, and we're not going to go through the whole table," Trump said after his opening monologue Thursday, which lasted 25 minutes.

"Because the last time we had a press conference, it lasted for three hours, and some people said 'he closed his eyes.'

"Lo...

French Senate adopts bill to return colonial-era art

The draft legislation was unanimously approved by the upper house and will next be sent to the National Assembly lower house before it can become law.

France still has in its possession tens of thousands of artworks and other prized artefacts that it looted from its colonial empire.

President Emmanuel Macron has gone further than his predecessors in admitting past French abuses in Africa.

Speaking on a visit to the Burkina Faso capital Ouagadougou shortly after taking office in 2017, Macr...

Greenland dispute is 'wake-up call' for Europe: Macron

European powers have sought to join forces after US President Donald Trump roiled the transatlantic alliance by threatening to seize strategically-located and mineral-rich Greenland.

Speaking alongside the prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland, Mette Frederiksen and Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Macron said the "awakening" must focus "on asserting our European sovereignty, on our contribution to Arctic security, on the fight against foreign interference and disinformation, and on the fight agai...

Greenland dispute 'strategic wake-up call for all of Europe,' says Macron

European powers have sought to join forces to show they can stand on their own feet after US President Donald Trump has roiled the transatlantic alliance by threatening to seize Greenland.

Speaking alongside the prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland, Mette Frederiksen and Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Macron said the "awakening" must focus "on asserting our European sovereignty, on our contribution to Arctic security, on the fight against foreign interference and disinformation, and on the figh...

Heart attack ends iconic French prop Atonio's career

The 35-year-old New Zealand-born star had been a pivotal figure for France, under coach Fabien Galthie, winning two Six Nations titles, including the Grand Slam in 2022.

He was still part of Galthie's plans having been named in his initial squad last week for France's upcoming defence of their Six Nations crown.

"Atonio was admitted to La Rochelle hospital yesterday with a suspected cardiac problem," read the statement from the Top 14 club, where he has been since 2011.

"The medical exams...

French ex-senator found guilty of drugging lawmaker

The high-profile trial of former senator Joel Guerriau comes months after France was stunned by a case that saw Frenchman Dominique Pelicot jailed for 20 years for repeatedly drugging his then-wife so he and dozens of strangers could rape her.

Guerriau, 68, has been on trial since Monday for allegedly using a synthetic drug known as MDMA or ecstasy to spike a glass of champagne that National Assembly MP Sandrine Josso was drinking in November 2023.

Josso said shortly after late Tuesday's v...

Lula, Macron push for stronger UN to face Trump 'Board of Peace'

Both Brazil and France were invited by Trump to join his new global conflict resolution organization, to be headed by Trump himself.

France has already declined the invitation.

The leftist Lula has echoed concerns that Trump is seeking to create a rival to the UN "where he is the owner."

In a phone call on Monday, he asked Trump to limit the activities of the "Board of Peace" to Gaza and "include a seat for Palestine."

In a separate call on Tuesday, Lula and Macron "defended the strengt...

French aircraft carrier heads to North Atlantic amid Greenland tensions

On Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron is to meet the leaders of Denmark and Greenland in Paris, his office said.

European powers rallied together when US President Donald Trump this month undermined the transatlantic alliance by threatening to seize the autonomous Danish territory.

Greenland is strategically located between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean.

The French defence ministry did not specify where the Charles de Gaulle was being deployed. But sources familia...

French lawmakers pass bill banning social media for under-15s

The lower National Assembly adopted the text by a vote of 130 to 21 in a lengthy overnight session from Monday to Tuesday.

It will now go to the Senate, France's upper house, ahead of becoming law.

Macron hailed the vote as a "major step" to protect French children and teenagers in a post on X.

The legislation, which also provides for a ban on mobile phones in high schools, would make France the second country to take such a step following Australia's ban for under-16s in December.

As so...

Aussie-born Staniforth was on France radar for years, says Galthie

The 31-year-old lock recently qualified for France on residency grounds having spent more than five years playing for Castres in the Top 14.

And Galthie took the opportunity last week to call up Staniforth for his expanded 42-man squad ahead of the reigning champions' Six Nations opener against Ireland next week.

"He was a player who we were interested in already three years ago," Galthie said of Staniforth, who was still some way off qualifying for France back then.

"He was the best tack...

Appeal trial over 2020 teacher's beheading opens in France

Paty, 47, was murdered in October 2020 by an 18-year-old Islamist radical of Chechen origin after showing cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed in class.

His attacker, Abdoullakh Anzorov, was killed in a shootout with police.

In December 2024, seven men and one woman were found guilty of contributing to the climate of hatred that led to the beheading of the history and geography teacher in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, west of Paris.

Four of the men have appealed against sentences ranging from 13 ...

Suspected Russia 'shadow fleet' tanker bound for French port

French forces, with the help of allies, boarded the oil tanker called "Grinch" on Thursday between Spain and Morocco, after it started its journey from the Russian Arctic port of Murmansk.

The tanker is now expected to arrive on Saturday morning at the port of Marseille-Fos in southern France, according to the same source.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday announced that the French Navy, with the support of allies, had intercepted a vessel "subject to international sanctions" an...

Galthie confirms Dupont as France captain for Six Nations

He also left the door open for a return of the three big names who were dropped from his 42-man squad.

Gael Fickou, Greg Alldritt, both of whom have captained France in the absence through injury of Dupont, were omitted from the squad along with France's record try-scorer Damian Penaud.

Galthie, however, said that all three "will come back".

"They've deserved it enormously and will surely deserve it in the future. I'm certain they'll come back with us," said Galthie who took over as co...

French navy boards tanker 'from Russia' in Mediterranean

"This morning, the French Navy boarded an oil tanker coming from Russia, subject to international sanctions and suspected of flying a false flag," he said on X in English, adding the operation had been carried out "with the support of several of our allies".

Local maritime authorities said the navy seized an oil tanker called "Grinch" between Spain and Morocco, after it started its journey in the Russian Arctic port of Murmansk.

A ship called "Grinch" is under UK sanctions, while another c...

Iran warns protesters who joined 'riots' to surrender

But the government also pledged to tackle economic hardships that sparked the demonstrations, which were met with a crackdown that rights groups say has left thousands dead.

The protests constituted the biggest challenge to the Iranian leadership in years, with the full scale of the violence yet to emerge amid an internet blackout.

National police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan on Monday urged young people "deceived" into joining the "riots" to turn themselves in and receive lighter punishment.

T...

Central African Republic top court says Touadera won 78% of vote

In an address immediately afterwards before a group of supporters from his United Hearts Movement, Touadera thanked Central Africans and called for unity to "build the country together for its development".

His main opponent, Anicet-George Dologuele, who had appealed the provisional results complaining of fraud, won 13.5 percent, the top court added, saying the appeal had been rejected.

Touadera, 68, had presented himself as the stability candidate in an impoverished country that has end...

Mbappe calls out Madrid fans after Vinicius jeered

Vinicius and Jude Bellingham came in for ire from the home fans after a disastrous week in which they lost to Barcelona in the Super Cup and second-tier Albacete in the Spanish Cup.

Madrid also fired coach Xabi Alonso last Monday.

"The fans shouldn't single out one individual to be booed, none of this is Vinicius' fault, it's all of our faults if we play poorly," said Mbappe.

"I didn't like that at all."

Mbappe described Vinicius, who narrowly missed out on the Ballon d'Or in 2024, as on...

Senegal awaits return of 'heroic' AFCON champions

After a night of jubilation in Dakar, the morning newspapers were ebullient: "Heroic!" Le Soleil wrote as its single-word headline, while L'Observateur simply called the triumph "Unforgettable".

Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations Sunday as Pape Gueye's extra-time winner sunk hosts Morocco 1-0 after a chaotic final that saw the eventual champions storm off the pitch late in the game.

"From hell to paradise, the Lions experienced every emotion", Le Soleil wrote, calling the tense and clos...

Over 400 Indonesians 'released' by Cambodian scam networks: ambassador

Scammers working from hubs across Southeast Asia, some willingly and others trafficked, lure internet users globally into fake romances and cryptocurrency investments, netting tens of billions of dollars each year.

Some foreign nationals have left suspected scam compounds across Cambodia this month as the government pledged to "eliminate" problems related to the online fraud trade, which the United Nations says employs at least 100,000 people in Cambodia alone.

Recent Cambodian law enforce...

China's Buddha artisans carve out a living from dying trade

Zhang is one of a dwindling number of master woodcarvers in the village of Chongshan near the city of Suzhou, where generations of residents have made a living creating Buddhist and Taoist sculptures for display in temples across China.

Carving the intricate statues, which are often adorned with bright paint and gold leaf, was an art he learned from his father as a teenager.

"My grandpa and my grandpa's grandpa were also craftspeople," Zhang told AFP in his dusty studio.

But "once our gen...

Vietnam begins Communist Party congress to pick leaders

The Southeast Asian nation of 100 million people is both a repressive one-party state and a regional economic bright spot, where the Communist Party has sought to deliver rapid growth to bolster its legitimacy.

Nearly 1,600 delegates representing the party's more than five million members gathered Monday for a sombre tribute to national hero Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum in Hanoi, before attending a closed-door preparatory session of the party congress.

The official opening ceremony will be...

Feisty Medvedev hopes positive mindset pays off at Australian Open

The colourful Russian battled through 7-5, 6-2, 7-6 (7/2) on a hot Margaret Court Arena and will meet French qualifier Quentin Halys in round two.

But it was a less-than-convincing performance from the 29-year-old, who was twice broken serving for the match.

At least he was on his best behaviour, unlike last year, when Medvedev was fined for mangling his racquet and a net camera in an epic temper tantrum at the same stage.

"I've made a big push to try to be more positive on the court. So...

Gauff through, Auger-Aliassime retires as Djokovic begins record quest

A bumper second day at the season-opening Grand Slam also sees six-time major winner Iga Swiatek and three-time Australian finalist Daniil Medvedev in action.

Home hope Alex de Minaur and fourth seed Amanda Anisimova also enter the fray, but the tournament is over for seventh seed Felix Auger-Aliassime who retired from his opening match.

Gauff came through her first-round test against Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova 6-2, 6-3, but it was less than convincing, with seven double faults and 31 ...

Gauff overcomes wobble in winning start to Melbourne title bid

The 21-year-old eased past Russia-born Kamilla Rakhimova of Uzbekistan 6-2, 6-3 on a hot and sunny Rod Laver Arena.

The American plays Venus Williams's conqueror Olga Danilovic of Serbia in round two.

"I tried not to put too much pressure on myself," Gauff said of her mindset heading into the first round.

"I want to win this tournament. I am only satisfied if I win, but I am proud of myself regardless of how I get on."

The two-time major winner admitted that her return of serve had been ...

Harry set for final courtroom battle against UK media

The trial, expected to last up to nine weeks, is scheduled to start at London's High Court on Monday.

It is the third and final case brought by the prince, who is said to see holding the media to account as a personal mission.

Harry has long blamed the media for the death of his mother Princess Diana, who was killed in a Paris car crash in 1997 while trying to shake off the paparazzi.

King Charles III's younger son is bringing the case along with six other high-profile complainants includ...

Louvre heist probe: What we know

Three months on from the brazen heist, four suspects are in police custody but the jewels are still nowhere to be found.

Here is what we know -- and don't.
Four detained
Four men in their thirties, arrested in October and November, are suspected of being the team who conducted the theft on October 19, 2025.

The pair suspected of having broken in include Abdoulaye N., an unlicensed taxi driver turning 40 this month, who previously showed off his motorbike stunts on social media.

The other ...

Surging billionaire wealth a political threat, Oxfam warns as Davos opens

US President Donald Trump's policies in particular spurred the fortunes of the ultra-rich, which jumped 16.2 percent in the first year of his second term to $18.3 trillion, the NGO said in a report released each year ahead of the Davos forum.

"Actions of the Trump presidency including the championing of deregulation and undermining agreements to increase corporate taxation have benefited the richest around the world," Oxfam said.

The world now has more than 3,000 billionaires for the firs...

Senegal fuelled by 'injustice' in AFCON final triumph, says hero Gueye

The match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat was still goalless deep in injury time at the end of normal time when Morocco were awarded a spot-kick following a VAR check for a challenge on Brahim Diaz.

Already furious at having a goal disallowed at the other end for a soft-looking foul minutes earlier, Senegal reacted angrily to the decision and some of their players walked off the pitch in disgust.

Meanwhile trouble broke out in the stands as some Senegalese fans tried to ente...

Brazilians Abner, Endrick help Lyon climb to 4th in Ligue 1

Lyon took advantage of Lille's loss at Paris Saint-Germain on Friday to jump above the northerners in the table.

Paulo Fonseca's men are two points behind third-placed Marseille, but 10 adrift of surprise leaders Lens, who are one point clear of champions PSG.

"The team's goal is always to win. There are still great things to play for," said forward Endrick, on loan at Lyon from Real Madrid.

"What I want is for us to share something beautiful this season."

Brest forward Romain Del Castil...

Morant shines as Grizzlies top Magic in London

Morant, who clashed with the Grizzlies coaching staff early this season and found himself the subject of trade speculation this month as he nursed a calf injury, set all that aside in the showcase game at the O2 Arena.

"It felt good," he said of stepping back on court. "Especially to be able to do this -- first time playing a real overseas game ... I needed it."

Excitement was high for league's 10th regular-season game in London, and the first since 2019, although transatlantic tensions fl...

South Africa declares national disaster as floods batter region

Heavy rains and storms have battered the two southern African countries for weeks, claiming more than 30 lives in South Africa's northeastern Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces.

Rivers burst their banks and swallowed entire neighbourhoods in several regions of Mozambique, displacing thousands including a woman who was forced to give birth on a roof as she sheltered from flood waters.

"I classify the disaster as a national disaster," the head of South Africa's National Disaster Management Cen...

Smith's Quins eliminate La Rochelle, Bordeaux and Glasgow secure top seeds

Earlier, Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored an opportunistic late try to complete his hat-trick and secure a 27-15 victory for Bordeaux-Begles at Bristol that earned them the top seeding for the knock-outs.

Glasgow made sure they would also enjoy home advantage all the way to the semi-finals with a dominant 28-3 victory over Saracens in Pool 1.

La Rochelle needed only a losing bonus point to book their place in the last 16 at fellow two-time winners Leicester's expense but were undone by a late Q...

Gang members in Guatemala kill seven police after prison crackdown: minister

The killings occurred a day after gang-affiliated inmates took 46 people hostage in three prisons across the country. Police regained control of one of the prisons on Sunday.

"I am deeply saddened by the deaths of seven National Civil Police officers who were cowardly attacked by these terrorists in response to the actions the Guatemalan state is taking against them," Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda told a press conference.

Ten other police officers were wounded in the retaliatory ...

Smith's penalty sees Quins eliminate La Rochelle, Bordeaux secure top seeding

Earlier, Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored an opportunistic late try to complete his hat-trick and secure a 27-15 victory for Bordeaux-Begles at Bristol that earned them top spot in Pool 4.

La Rochelle needed only a losing bonus point to book their place in the last 16 at fellow two-time winners Leicester's expense but were undone by a late Quins flourish.

The 2022 and 2023 winners were pushing for a clinching score in the final 10 minutes when level at 17-17, only for Quins to burst upfield and...

Elvira wins Dubai Invitational after Lowry's last hole meltdown

The Republic of Ireland veteran had begun the closing round in a tie for second, two strokes off the Spaniard, but a birdie at the 15th lifted him into the lead and the title seemingly his to lose.

Which he somehow conspired to do in unfortunate and cruel circumstances.

He found both the bunker and water on the 18th to finish with a double bogey which opened the door to Elvira to claim the first European Tour win of 2026.

The Spaniard, who had struggled early in the round, duly parred the...

Jeong snatches Union late draw at Stuttgart

Germany winger Chris Fuehrich's goal had Stuttgart on course for third spot but the South Korean's late equaliser leaves the German Cup holders in fourth, a point ahead of fifth-placed RB Leipzig.

"At the end it is OK," Fuehrich told DAZN. "As expected, it was a tough game and there was a fair bit of to-and-fro in the opening half.

"We'll take the point and we can take plenty of positives out of the past few games -- that's what counts."

Unfancied Union are now unbeaten since early Decem...

Alcaraz kicks off career Grand Slam bid with tough Australian Open test

The Spanish superstar won 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena, blasting eight aces and 38 winners to set up a second-round clash with Germany's Yannick Hanfmann.

But he also made 36 unforced errors, more than his 81st-ranked opponent, in his first competitive clash for nine weeks.

"First of all, I'm just really, really happy to step on the court once again for the first time this season," he said, having only played a light-hearted exhibition against great rival Jannik Sinner in the lea...

Indonesian rescuers find debris from missing plane

The Indonesian Air Transport turboprop plane lost contact with the air traffic controller on Saturday afternoon while en route from Yogyakarta to the city of Makassar in Sulawesi Island.

Among the debris, the joint search and rescue team found what is believed to be "the fuselage, the tail section, and the windows", head of Makassar search and rescue agency, Muhammad Arif Anwar, said at a press briefing.

A rescue unit was also deployed by air to search for the missing passengers, Arif sai...

Paolini races into round two to kickstart Australian Open

The seventh-seeded Italian outclassed Belarusian qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-1, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena.

Paolini faces Poland's Magdalena Frech or Veronika Erjavec of Slovenia next.

"It was pretty good today, I did not expect that," she said of her emphatic win in 69 minutes.

"Always tough to play first round. I played pretty good. I was solid, focused, so happy.

"Before the match I was a little nervous, to be honest, but then stepped on court and felt good from the first ball."

Th...

Portugal presidential vote wide open as far-right surge expected

Polls predict Andre Ventura, leader of the far-right Chega ("Enough") party, could top the first round but would lose round two, regardless of which of the other candidates he encounters there.

This would be the first time in four decades that a candidate has not won outright in the first-round ballot, which requires securing more than 50 percent of the vote.

Among the record 11 candidates standing, only five have a realistic chance of making it to the decisive vote on February 8 to succee...

Thousands march in France to back Iranian protesters

The protests in Iran over past weeks are the largest since the "Woman, Life, Freedom" street movement in 2022-2023, sparked by the death in custody of an Iranian Kurdish woman arrested for allegedly not following a required dress code.

"Woman, Life, Freedom," chanted marchers in the French capital, some holding portraits of deceased Iranian protesters.

"Death to Khamenei," cried some, in reference to 86-year-old supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Galia, a 36-year-old woman who did no...

Hundreds in London protest against Beijing 'mega embassy'

Protesters, their faces mostly covered with scarves or masks, chanted "No to Chinese embassy" and waved flags reading "Free Hong Kong. Revolution now".

Others held up placards with slogans such as "MI5 warned. Labour kneeled", referring to the UK's domestic intelligence agency and Prime Minister Keir Starmer's ruling party.

Others read: "CCP (Chinese Communist Party) is watching you. Stop the mega embassy."

China has for several years been trying to relocate its embassy, currently in the ...