IMF Support for Niger: Niger is set to receive about $33m from the IMF after a staff-level deal on the ninth review of its ECF reform programme, with the amount awaiting approval by the IMF Executive Board. Sahel Security Shock: Mali’s al-Qaeda-linked insurgents have offered €4m bounties targeting top military leaders, escalating pressure on the junta as the wider Sahel crisis deepens. Niger Criminal Law Tightens: Niger’s military authorities introduced harsher penalties for same-sex relationships, with prison terms of 5–10 years for intimacy and up to 20 years for LGBTQ association-related offences. Oil and Investment Outlook: Niger says it has 44 oil blocks (with 35 open to investors) and aims for stable production of 110,000 bpd, balancing exports and domestic supply. Local Violence in Nigeria (Cross-border concern): Igboho’s Iru Ekun security network arrested two suspected kidnappers from Niger Republic in Osun and rescued two abducted civilians, while searching for a third victim. World Cup Visa Friction: The tournament faces early fallout from tightened U.S. entry rules, with some officials and fans denied entry.