AU - Africanews

1. Legal case sheds light on US-Nigeria tensions over religious freedom

   A Nigerian defendant who suffered a stroke appeared in court Thursday as his lawyer sought bail on compassionate grounds, in a case unfolding against the backdrop of high-level US-Nigeria talks over Washington's designation of the country for religious freedom violations.

2. Zambia rejects U.S. health aid over mining partnership ties

   Zambia has halted a proposed $1 billion US health funding agreement over clauses tying aid to mining partnerships, joining Zimbabwe and Kenya in pushing back against what African nations view as sovereignty-compromising conditions.

3. Peru under state of emergency after El Niño floods hit Arequipa

   Flooding tied to El Niño Costero devastates Peru, killing dozens and damaging hundreds of kilometres of roads as a nationwide emergency speeds relief.

4. Russian overnight attacks pound Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia, dozens hurt

   Russian overnight drone and missile attacks struck Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia, injuring civilians, damaging apartment blocks and cutting heating to hundreds of homes.

5. Nearly 8,000 migrants died or vanished on routes worldwide in 2025

   At least 7,667 people died or went missing on migration routes globally in 2025, the UN migration agency reported Thursday, warning the true toll is likely higher and calling the ongoing losses a "global failure."