AU - Africanews

1. Belgian ex‑official appeals war crimes trial over 1961 Congo leader's murder

   A 93-year-old former Belgian diplomat ordered to stand trial over the 1961 killing of Congolese independence icon Patrice Lumumba has appealed the decision, his lawmaker said Friday.

2. Senegal distances itself from AU support for Macky Sall at the UN

   The Permanent Mission of Senegal to the African Union informed the AU Commission on Friday that the Senegalese government has at no stage endorsed the candidacy of former president Macky Sall for the post of Secretary-General of the United Nations.

3. Gabon’s tiny turtles race against extinction as funding for protection dries up

   Gabon is intensifying efforts to protect vulnerable sea turtle hatchlings as nesting season peaks between December and March along the country’s Atlantic coast.

4. Rival presidential candidates on campaign trail in Benin

   Incumbent finance minister Romuald Wadagni is a strong favourite to win against opposition candidate, Paul Hounkpé.

5. First golden snub‑nosed monkey born outside Asia makes debut at French zoo

   A golden snub-nosed monkey has been born at France’s ZooParc de Beauval, in what the zoo says is a first outside Asia and a milestone for conservation.