The head of the World Health Organization warns the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus poses a global risk and has highlighted the need for global solidarity in fighting the pandemic. Plus, the tri-annual Sino-Africa summit has begun in Dakar, Senegal, focusing on trade and relations between China and the continent. And people in Accra pay tribute to the celebrated Ghanaian-American fashion designer, Virgil Abloh, who has died.

Scientists in South Africa have identified a new 'highly mutated' Coronavirus variant, but the WHO says it needs time to assess its real danger. The Prime Minister of Ethiopia posts a video showing him military fatigue following his promise to join the battlefront earlier this week. One of Sudan's former transitional council civil members says why he does not trust the military to deliver on democratic promises. The WHO's advice to fight HIV's resistance to antiretroviral drugs.

Those who bear the greatest responsibility for the crimes committed during the presidency of Yahya Jammeh in The Gambia should be prosecuted, according to head of a commission that has been looking into the events that took place during his 22-year rule. Campaigns against gender-based violence have made some gains, but the pandemic has put progress at risk, says Zebib Kavuma, UN Women Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa. Liberia singer Miatta Fahnbulleh on receiving a Life Time Achievement Award in recognition of her longevity in the music business.

Prominent Ethiopian athletes Haile Gebrselassie and Feyisa Lilesa say they are ready to follow Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to the front line in the war against Tigrayan rebel forces. Plus Somalia declares a state of emergency as the drought deepens. And climate activists in Mauritius are unhappy with a proposed government bill to allow more petroleum exploration in the region.

Ethiopia's PM Abiy Ahmed intensifies the war rhetoric and vows to join the front line to face rebels. The government of Nigeria rejects the findings of the judicial panel in the Lekki tollgate shooting. The cost of money in Ghana is going up. And is Kenya fair in banning unvaccinated people from restaurants and public transports?