AU - Africanews

1. Mali's junta creates a new ministerial-level post to oversee the mining sector

   Mali's military junta has created a new ministerial-level post to oversee the mining sector, tightening the government's direct grip on the country's crucial gold industry, and has appointed a former Barrick Mining executive to the job.

2. Nigeria's strategy to combat illegal logging and poaching

   Facing catastrophic deforestation, Nigeria is deploying an unconventional defense: recruiting the very poachers and loggers who once threatened its last wildlife refuges.

3. Eco-charcoal gains traction as a cleaner, cheaper alternative to firewood {Business Africa}

   Clean cooking is gaining ground in Cameroon. Eco-charcoal is emerging as a practical response to health, energy and environmental challenges while Cocoa exports stall in Ivory Coast as 660 tonnes pile up without clearance. Farmers go unpaid while exporters demand compensation for losses.

4. Ghana's multidimensional poverty rate declines for third consecutive quarter

   The rate fell from 23.9% in the first quarter to 21.9% in Q3, confirming a steady improvement in living conditions nationwide.

5. Uganda election violence: Bobi Wine ally arrested

   Police on Thursday detained a key ally of opposition figure Bobi Wine, accusing him of participating in bouts of violence in a remote part of central Uganda during last week's election.