AU - Africanews

1. Mali sees record surge in foreign kidnappings by jihadist groups

   With international actors increasingly targeted, the crisis poses growing risks for diplomacy, development projects, and regional security across West Africa.

2. Anguissa suffers long-term injury blow as Napoli’s crisis deepens

   Anguissa has been a key figure this season, contributing four goals and two assists in 15 appearances across Serie A and the Champions League.

3. Osimhen's double set Nigeria past Gabon into DR Congo final in world cup qualifying

   Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen delivered a masterclass in decisive timing, scoring two crucial goals in extra time to propel Nigeria to a 4-1 victory over Gabon in a tense World Cup qualifying semifinal playoff on Thursday, keeping the nation's hopes of reaching the 2026 tournament alive.

4. Conjoined twins Azaria and Azura Elson successfully separated in Riyadh

   A specialized Saudi medical team has successfully separated Jamaican conjoined twins Azaria and Azura Elson in a landmark operation at King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital, marking another milestone for the Kingdom's world-renowned conjoined twins separation program.

5. UN elects Phoebe Okowa of Kenya to International Court of Justice (ICJ)

   In a historic vote at the United Nations on Thursday, Kenyan law professor Phoebe Okowa was elected as a judge to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), emerging victorious from a competitive field of African candidates after a series of tense voting rounds.