AU - Africanews

1. South Africa produces first local vaccine to combat foot-and-mouth disease

   The country is facing its worst outbreak of the illness that infects cattle herds. But the first locally-produced vaccine could become a major ally in fighting the disease.

2. Dakar universities rocked by renewed clashes between students and police

   Cheikh-Anta-Diop university in Senegal's capital has been the place of unrest since early December. Students have been protesting a lack of financial aid from the government, leading to clashes with police. On Friday, the situation there deteriorated again. Other institutions also saw protests.

3. Milan Winter Olympics open with glittering ceremony

   The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics opened on Friday with a glittering ceremony at the San Siro stadium echoed by festivities at venues across the snow-capped Italian Alps. The opening ceremony sparked numerous reactions across the world - even in Russia, whose team is competing under a neutral flag.

4. Drought in Kenya spreads beyond arid north

   After one of the driest rainy seasons on record at the end of 2025, drought is spreading in Kenya. This time, it is also affecting areas that are usually less prone to droughts than the country's north.

5. Iran says 'good start' made in talks with US over nuclear programme

   Tehran said the indirect discussions in Oman have ended with a broad agreement to maintain a diplomatic path.