More than 30 countries are participating in the 50th World Petanque Championships in Cotonou, Benin. It marks the first time that a world cup is being hosted in West Africa.

Fatal skirmishes last week near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border between troops and militants has resulted in a renewed crackdown on Afghan refugees.

As France hosts hundreds of thousands of rugby fans from around the world for the 2023 World Cup, we take a deep-dive into the business that surrounds the game with Herbert Mensah, president of Rugby Africa who joins us from Accra in Ghana, as well as Christina Philippou, a principal lecturer at the University of Portsmouth with a particular research interest in sports finance.

A year ago, the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini triggered an unprecedented protest movement in Iran against the authorities of the Islamic Republic. Women led demonstrations questioning the wearing of the hijab, which has since become the symbol of defiance against the oppressive government. Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, spoke to FRANCE 24 about it.

Ovidio Guzman faces charges related to fentanyl trafficking, which kills about 200 Americans per day. The extradition is seen as a victory for the Biden administration.

The International Assistance Mission said 18 staff members, including an international team member who local media reported as being a US national, were taken from their office on two separate occasions in a month.

Fiji claim historic win over Australia as England hold firm against Japan

Ovidio Guzman Lopez was recently extradited to the US by the Mexican government. Charges against him include drug trafficking and money laundering.

Prehistoric ruins outside the ancient West Bank city of Jericho have been given UNESCO World Heritage status after a vote of the World Heritage Committee in Riyadh. The UN agency says Tell al-Sultan was home to a permanent settlement by the 9th or 8th millennium BC. But the decision has sparked controversy, with Israelis denouncing the move and Palestinians celebrating it. FRANCE 24's Science reporter Shirli Sitbon examines how UNESCO tries to dissociate heritage from politics.

Organizers of the Benin World Petanque championship hailed the event as a cultural victory for the country. From leisurely street games to fierce club tournaments, Benin is carving out its place in the sport. Angela Ukomadu has more.

Iran and Afghanistan have reportedly extended the cooperation between their intelligence services. Repeated terrorist attacks in Iran have exposed shortcomings in Iran's security agencies.

Noureddin Bongo Valentin, the eldest son of ousted Gabonese president Ali Bongo, has been charged with corruption, embezzlement of public funds and money laundering. Several cabinet members were also indicted. Also in this edition: famine aid for Somalia is to be temporarily suspended after a UN probe found widespread theft and misuse of funds.