AU - Africanews

1. Massive influx of Congolese refugees strains Burundi's humanitarian capacities

   The United Nations refugee agency recorded 40,000 new arrivals of Congolese refugees in Burundi between 5 and 11 December.

2. ECOWAS to cut air transport taxes in bid to lower cost of air travel in West Africa

   ECOWAS Member States will abolish air transport taxes from 1 January 2026.

3. Ethiopia to hold general election on 1 June 2026

   In an address to parliament in October, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the upcoming election would be the "best organised" in Ethiopia's history.

4. Floodwaters devastate Gaza camps amid ongoing humanitarian crisis

   Rains drenched Gaza's tent camps and winds froze the Palestinians huddling inside them Thursday as storm Byron descended on the war-battered territory, showing how two months of ceasefire have failed to sufficiently address the spiraling crises.

5. Egypt's koshary is inscribed on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage

   The popular, low-cost dish, consisting mostly of rice, lentils, pasta and fried onions, is the 11th item inscribed on the list under Egypt's name.