AU - Africanews

1. Japan: Tokyo sakura season begins with Ueno Park picnics

   Japan officially entered cherry blossom season in Tokyo on Thursday after the Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed the first blooming of Somei Yoshino trees at Yasukuni Shrine.

2. Dubai hit by heavy overnight rain as floods snarl traffic and flights

   Heavy overnight rain flooded Dubai roads, stranding cars and disrupting commutes, as authorities warn of more storms and airport delays in the UAE.

3. Kenya's flower industry profits wither from Middle East war effect

   The ongoing conflict in the Middle East threatens to cripple Kenya’s floriculture sector as growers now report up to $1.4million in weekly losses.

4. UN slave trade resolution welcomed in West Africa, African Union

   The UN passed a resolution on Wednesday to recognise the transatlantic slave trade as "the gravest crime against humanity". The decision was welcomed across West Africa and also at the African Union.

5. WTO director-general says world order has changed irrevocably

   Speaking at the opening of the 14th ministerial conference, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said countries must look to the future to consider how to reform the global trade system.