Sahel Diplomacy: Algeria and Mali have moved to restore ties, including returning ambassadors and reopening airspace after a 15-month standoff, with Russia’s regional push also in the background. AFCON 2032: CAF has accepted the joint declaration of interest from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to host AFCON 2032, kicking off the formal bidding process; CAF also opened bidding for 2028, 2032 and 2036. Terror Threats: The AU condemned recent attacks on Niger and Mali’s forces, while reports say the US is weighing strikes against al-Qaeda-linked JNIM in Mali. Niger Security & Regional Pressure: ACLED warns Sahel militants are increasingly using mines to fund insurgency and expand control. Nigeria Oversight & Accountability: Nigeria’s Senate threatens action over MDAs refusing finance hearings, and the House probes alleged irregularities around Nigeria’s Mining Marshals. Health Workers Under Fire: New data says armed groups kidnapped 91 health workers and killed 15 in Nigeria’s conflict zones from 2023-2025. ECOWAS Currency: ECOWAS reiterates plans to launch the ECO single currency in 2027, likely via a phased rollout based on meeting convergence conditions.