Counterterrorism in Borno: Nigerian troops repelled an ISWAP infiltration at Cross Kauwa, recovering a Sony camcorder whose footage is being analysed to map how the raid was planned and executed. Church leadership in Abidjan: Pope Leo XIV’s appointee, Bishop-elect Kouamé, was urged to live as “a man of peace and unity,” with guidance stressing closeness to the people he will serve. EU money-laundering blacklist hits trade: Cameroon was flagged by the EU for strategic AML/CFT gaps, a move that can mean longer processing times and heavier compliance checks for firms dealing with EU partners, including those tied to agricultural exports. Abidjan infrastructure and investment: At an ECOWAS forum in Abidjan, Nigeria’s infrastructure regulator pushed for stronger rules and “bankable” projects to unlock long-term private capital through PPPs. Cocoa reform push (Ivory Coast & Ghana): Both countries discussed market reforms and farmer pay as prices swung sharply, with farmgate cuts raising union fears over living wages. Côte d’Ivoire oil & gas contract: OneSubsea won an EPC deal for Phase 3 of Eni’s Baleine deepwater development, including subsea production systems for 13 wells. UK visa tightening: The UK updated its visitor visa list, keeping Côte d’Ivoire among African countries requiring advance visas for short stays. Reforestation drive: Côte d’Ivoire marked National Tree Day, aiming to lift forest cover to at least 20% by 2030. Press freedom in the region: RSF and West African journalists renewed calls for the release of jailed Beninese reporters, marking one year since their arrest.