World Cup Kickoff in Africa’s Spotlight: Mexico opened the 48-team FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 win over South Africa in Mexico City, in a match marked by three red cards. South Africa Pride Moment: Grammy winner Tyla performed South Africa’s national anthem at the opening match with the Mzansi Youth Choir. Sahel Security Push: Nigeria’s foreign policy debate is framed against a worsening Sahel crisis after major attacks in Mali, with calls for sustained regional and global mediation at the Oslo Forum. Niger-Türkiye Partnership: Niger’s president’s Ankara visit signals Türkiye’s shift toward long-term defense, energy and trade ties in the Sahel. Climate Watch: Scientists warn a “cold blob” in the North Atlantic may signal weakening ocean currents, raising the stakes for climate tipping points. Energy Trade Shift: Ghana and other countries are importing more petrol from Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery as Africa’s refined fuel map changes. El Niño Anxiety: A strengthening El Niño in the Pacific threatens food, water and economic shocks across regions. Maritime Tensions: Israel’s “buffer zone” in southern Lebanon is drawing alarm over possible moves into offshore waters.