ICC Withdrawals & Accountability: A new wave of African states has renewed criticism of the International Criminal Court, after Chad announced its withdrawal, joining Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, as the ICC also faces internal turmoil over the removal of Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan. Nigeria Insecurity & Elections: Atiku Abubakar condemned Nigeria’s rising killings, citing 5,091 deaths in three months, while ADC figures push for 2027 polls to be held in one day and warn about Electoral Act loopholes. Counterterrorism in the Lake Chad Basin: Nigeria’s air force says it killed an ISWAP commander and eight others in Borno, as reports also claim Shekau’s biological son is emerging within Boko Haram ranks. Religious Freedom & Political Tension: Nigeria’s ambassador-designate Femi Fani-Kayode rejected viral claims that Muslims outnumber Christians, stressing Nigeria is secular and multi-religious, amid election-era sensitivities. Public Service & Power: South Africa’s acting police minister urged Reiger Park residents to reclaim streets after a deadly gang ambush, while Nigeria’s Power minister inaugurated the Rural Electrification Agency board, calling for people-centred governance. Regional Governance & Trade: MTN Ghana’s Dr Ishmael Yamson urged African governments to back home-grown multinationals and harmonise regulations to make AfCFTA work. Blue Economy: The AU adopted the Luanda Declaration to strengthen governance and accountability for Africa’s blue economy, with implementation and community inclusion highlighted. Somalia Mission Funding Uncertainty: UNOPS in Somalia issued a tender to sell mission equipment as uncertainty grows over U.S. support for AUSSOM logistics.