China's Ban On Ivory Trade Comes Into Force

A complete ban on the ivory trade is now in force in China and the move is being hailed as a major development in efforts to protect the world's elephant and rhino population.

Plus there are calls for DR Congo's President Joseph Kabila to keep his promise to stand down.

And at the start of a new year, what are the continent's leaders hoping for in 2018?

(Image: A elephant walks amid dry brush in southern Kenya. Credit: AFP/Getty Images)