Sahel Human Rights Pressure: US Congressman James P. McGovern urged Washington to sanction officials in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger over alleged abuses by security forces, warning that rights violations fuel recruitment by armed groups. Niger Energy Push: Niger signed a US$1.9bn deal with Canada’s Zimar to build a 100,000-bpd refinery and petrochemical complex in Dosso, with construction set for 3 years and 13 years of operation before transfer to the state. Hostage Update: American missionary pilot Kevin Rideout, held in Niger for over nine months, has been released and is preparing to return to the US after reuniting with his wife, Krista. Regional Diplomacy & Security Claims: Russia’s Lavrov accused Ukraine of “state terrorism” tied to Sahel attacks and said Moscow will deepen security cooperation with ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States. Agriculture Monitoring in Togo: Togo published first SCORECARD results under the West Africa Food System Resilience Program, covering trade and farm performance across Niger and other countries. Local Loss in Niger State: Information Minister Mohammed Idris mourned Alhaji Ibrahim Wali, the Garkuwan Kontagora, praising his philanthropy and community service.