Niger’s Rights Clampdown: Niger’s military-run government criminalised same-sex relations in a new penal code, with jail terms of 5–10 years and fines, plus 10–20 years for same-sex marriage. Sahel Security Shock: Mali’s worst attack in years killed the defence minister in a major assault, as Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso push to fight back while Nigeria remains divided. Oil & Infrastructure: Algeria’s SONATRACH broke ground on its Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline section linking Nigeria through Niger to Europe, spanning about 4,128 km. Courtroom Crackdown (Nigeria–Niger State): Nigeria’s courts handed 25-year jail terms to five men over the Papiri Catholic school attack, including Nigerien nationals, after DSS recovered rifles and ammunition. Education Under Threat: UNN deployed soldiers and police and banned commercial motorcycles after a viral terror rumour; meanwhile DSS–Army teams foiled ESN plans to abduct WASSCE students. World Economy Pressure: The World Bank cut global growth to 2.5% for 2026, citing Iran-war impacts and higher inflation, with new support for developing countries.