AU - Africanews

1. New president sworn in as Somaliland seeks international standing

   Somaliland, the breakaway region of Somalia, inaugurated its new president following last month's election, which strengthened its quest for international recognition.

2. Major step forward: Zimbabwe senate approves death penalty end

   The Senate of Zimbabwe has approved legislation to abolish the death penalty, a crucial step towards eliminating a law that has not been applied in nearly 20 years.

3. African development bank approves $108 million loan for Zambia

   The African Development Bank Group's Board of Directors has approved a $108 million loan to Zambia to enhance the nation's economic governance and implement reforms in essential public sectors.

4. Homs celebrates the end of Assad's regime

   After nearly 14 years of civil war, Syrians are beginning to return home. In the Baba Amr district of Homs, residents are celebrating the end of the Assad regime, welcoming former exiles and hoping for a new life.

5. Boat capsize near Lampedusa: 11-year-old girl rescued

   An 11-year-old girl from Sierra Leone was found adrift in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Lampedusa, Italy, and is thought to be the only survivor of a migrant boat that capsized after departing from Sfax, Tunisia.