UN Security Council Reform Push: Kenya’s William Ruto told the UN General Assembly Africa is “permanently excluded” from the Security Council and urged permanent representation, alongside calls to reform the UN’s peace-and-security and financial systems. Ethiopia Peace Deal in Jeopardy: Renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia is shattering the 2022 Pretoria peace pact, with TPLF forces seizing airports in Mekelle, Axum and Shire and the UN chief warning of wider conflict and urging AU-led de-escalation. Tigray Escalation: TPLF says it is in “full-blown war” with federal forces, reporting heavy artillery attacks in neighboring regions and raising fears the conflict could spread. AU Mediation Alarm: AU Commission Chair Mahmoud Youssouf called for immediate restraint, warned airport seizures undermine peace efforts, and urged renewed talks under the Pretoria Agreement. West Africa Farmer-Herder Lessons: Nigeria’s Senate/ECOWAS Parliament leadership urged regional lawmakers to tackle farmer-herder conflict drivers—land and water pressure, displacement and insecurity—through ranching investment, early-warning systems and better oversight. Women’s Budget Engagement: Nigeria’s SPARK project helped smallholder women farmers in Nasarawa engage state budget processes, though uptake of their demands remains partial and agriculture allocations still fall short of the Maputo/Malabo benchmark. Morocco Vote Update: Morocco’s PAM led in parliamentary election preliminary results, but turnout hit a 20-year low, setting up coalition negotiations. Digital Governance: Microsoft South Africa outlined a six-part approach to “digital sovereignty” for regulated institutions adopting AI, emphasizing layered controls and resilience. Healthcare Logistics Deal: Côte d’Ivoire approved an eight-year Zipline expansion to scale drone medical deliveries nationwide, funded through a mix of US upfront support and government-paid operations. Sports & Public Confidence: Nigeria’s Super Eagles stakeholders urged a win over Madagascar in AFCON 2027 qualifiers to restore confidence.