Red Sea Tensions: Iran-backed Houthis seized Yemen’s Mayun/Perim island and earlier Mokha, tightening control of Bab el-Mandeb and raising fears for global shipping and oil flows. Energy & Markets: Analysts warn the chokepoint threat could push fuel costs higher as Hormuz remains disrupted and military activity escalates. Ebola Watch (DRC): Congo’s Ebola outbreak has spread to a seventh province, with officials confirming the Bundibugyo strain in Sud-Ubangi. Youth Jobs (Namibia): Stakeholders urged Namibia to move from training to real employment after youth unemployment remains high, with calls for honest progress checks. Waste-to-Green (Botswana): Botswana plans to partner with Zimbabwe’s Geo Pomona to turn landfills into recycling hubs and green energy projects. Civic Action (South Africa): Communities are stepping in as municipalities fail, with residents restoring services and public safety where local government falls short. Culture (Ivory Coast): Street dance biama is drawing crowds in Abidjan, turning working-class neighbourhoods into weekly youth stages. Power Sector (Nigeria): NISO says it’s prioritizing grid stability, market discipline, and staff welfare, citing new control centres and a major regional synchronization test. Elections & Integrity (South Africa): NCC leader Fadiel Adams rejects “gimmicks,” pointing to community work as his party prepares for local government polls amid fraud-related court proceedings. Public Health (Kenya/Global context): A separate wave of AI tools is emerging to improve hospital triage and reduce wasted operating-room time.