Sudan Siege & Humanitarian Crisis: El Obeid remains under siege in Sudan’s war, with fears of another massacre after El Fasher, as analysts warn the humanitarian toll is among the worst globally. Iran–US Escalation: Strikes and counterstrikes around the Strait of Hormuz are intensifying, with shipping and energy routes again at the centre of regional risk. East Africa Energy Push: Aliko Dangote has confirmed his Lamu Island refinery in Kenya, a 700,000 bpd project that could reshape jobs and industrial supply chains across the region. DRC Copper Rail Revival: Congo approved a partnership with Portugal’s Mota-Engil to rehabilitate the Lobito Corridor rail link, aiming to speed up exports of copper and cobalt. Burkina Faso Resource Sovereignty: Burkina Faso granted full state control for the $68m Bouboulou gold mine via SOPAMIB, marking a shift away from foreign-led extraction. South Africa Fuel Security: South Africa proposes compulsory strategic fuel stocks—60 days for the state and 21 days for licensed firms—to cushion future supply shocks. Uganda Ebola Vaccine Trial: UK-backed Phase I trials for a new Ebola vaccine are set to be won or lost in Masaka, Uganda, as 110 volunteers prepare. Shipping Through the Red Sea: Maersk resumes another Red Sea service via Suez, signalling a cautious return to the trans-corridor. Ghana AFCON Focus: Black Stars goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi says Ghana can qualify for AFCON 2027, while Carlos Queiroz’s future remains a live debate among staff.