Sahel Security: JNIM-linked fighters in Mali have shifted tactics, using tax collection and controlled distribution of food and medicine in places like Poutchi, after earlier years of terror—Reuters reports the group’s April offensives included killing Mali’s defence minister and seizing bases. Border Governance: Ethiopia has adopted a roadmap for integrated border management after a high-level dialogue with GIZ and the AU border programme, aiming to strengthen security, development and mobility at borders. Global Peace Watch: A new Global Peace Index finds peace has worsened for a 12th straight year, driven by conflicts, militarisation, external intervention and drone/AI warfare. West Africa Crime Probe: Nigeria’s Ogun police say suspects in an “Ignite” online fraud syndicate claim they took orders from a Malaysian national they never met. Horn of Africa Diplomacy: Somalia’s president calls Israel’s recognition of Somaliland a “trap,” warning it could pull Mogadishu into an unwanted conflict. Climate Alert: NOAA confirms El Niño has begun, with fears of extreme weather impacts across Africa. World Cup Spotlight: Brazil open Group C against Morocco as Africa’s 10-nation presence at the expanded 2026 tournament becomes a headline.