Niger’s anti-LGBTQ crackdown: Niger’s military junta has introduced a new penal code criminalizing same-sex intimacy and LGBTQ associations, with penalties of up to 10 years for consensual same-sex acts and up to 20 years for joining or running LGBTQ groups. Security and justice in the Sahel: The week also brought fresh counter-terror and arms-control moves across the region, including Niger-related reporting on militant pressure and the wider Sahel security squeeze. Oil and investment push: Niger’s petroleum minister says the country has 35 oil blocks open to investors, with 44 total blocks in play, alongside claims of hundreds of wells and major exploration data available. Finance for recovery: NAB Consulting says it has completed a €250m structured finance facility for Niger, aimed at agriculture, energy, healthcare, infrastructure and support for SMEs. Climate resilience drive: Niger Basin climate programme implementation is being intensified ahead of a 2027 deadline, with funding support from major development partners. Public health alert: A diphtheria outbreak has triggered a new U.S. travel health notice covering Niger and several neighbors, urging vaccination updates.