Canary Islands Migration Rescue: Spain’s Maritime Rescue Service found a “precarious” boat drifting off Gran Canaria after nearly a month at sea, rescuing 44 West African migrants (including three airlifted) while at least five died and dozens were feared lost; survivors reported dehydration and illness after drinking seawater, with departures linked to Gambia and passengers from Mali or Senegal. Ceuta Border Crisis Fallout: Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez told parliament there is “no evidence whatsoever” Morocco orchestrated the July Ceuta border surge, as tens of thousands protested across Spain and the political fight over responsibility deepens. Red Sea Connectivity: Telecom Egypt signed a deal to extend its Sharm El Sheikh–Taba submarine cable, aiming for a continuous coastal digital corridor along Sinai and boosting route options for Asia-Africa-Europe traffic. Energy Trade Routes: With Iran-related disruptions and longer voyages, major oil importers are shifting from concentrated corridors to more dispersed, costlier supply lines to reduce geopolitical risk. Horn of Africa Integration: A Horn-focused governance op-ed argues real regional integration must start at border communities, where trade, insecurity, climate stress and crime spill across jurisdictions. South Africa Weather Warnings: SAWS issued severe storm alerts, including Orange Level 5 for parts of Northern Cape, warning of flooding, hail, damaging winds and lightning impacts. Ghana Football: Carlos Queiroz is reappointed as Ghana Black Stars coach for the next phase after his World Cup exit, with contract details still pending. El Niño Alert: The WMO says El Niño is firmly established and likely to persist into Feb 2027, with heightened risks of floods, drought and extreme heat.