ICC Withdrawal Wave: Chad has notified the UN it plans to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, joining Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, accusing the court of “limited and uneven” effectiveness and bias toward Africa, while the US backs more exits. Sahel Security Pressure: A new debate in Washington points to possible military action against JNIM in Mali as insurgents expand and Mali says it relies on itself. Niger State Energy Push: Niger State secured a $150m IsDB loan for a major solar power project, with jobs and social programmes tied to the rollout. Niger State Security & Pastoral Policy: Niger State says pastoralists entering without permits will be treated as rustlers, and it has started profiling herders to curb infiltration and cattle rustling. Banditry Relief in Niger: N-HYPPADEC donated over N50m in building materials and a boat to victims of banditry attacks in Borgu, urging flood-prone communities to prepare for heavy rains. Governance & Justice in Niger State: The Niger State Assembly passed the Magistrates’ Courts Law, 2026, and urged expansion of solar-powered irrigation for dry-season farming. Media Under Strain: WAJSIC launched a report on press freedom in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, citing legal restrictions, surveillance and intimidation. Sports & Culture: Niger State’s solar and justice moves sit alongside Nigeria’s WAFCON rewards and volleyball ranking updates, while a Sahel story highlights hidden manuscripts in Timbuktu.