AU - Africanews

1. Venezuela holds mass funeral for soldiers killed in US military operation

   Venezuela’s military has begun burying dozens of soldiers killed in a United States military operation, holding a mass funeral in the capital, Caracas, on Wednesday.

2. Ivorian Government resigns after ruling party’s landslide win

   Ivory Coast’s government has formally resigned, paving the way for a new cabinet following last month’s legislative elections. President Alassane Ouattara accepted the resignation on Wednesday, January 7, after the ruling RHDP party secured a landslide victory.

3. African Union demands Israel reverse recognition of Somaliland

   The AU’s Council for Political Affairs, Peace and Security issued the call on Tuesday, condemning what it described as a unilateral and illegitimate move.

4. Putin attends Christmas Eve service with veterans of Ukraine war

   Russian President Vladimir Putin celebrated Christmas Eve at an Orthodox service in the Moscow region on Tuesday evening. He was joined by veterans of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and their families.

5. CAR President extends Putin invitation

   The newly re-elected president of the Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadera, has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit the country. Moscow has become a key ally of Touadera in recent years.