Ebola Alarm in DR Congo: WHO says the eastern Congo outbreak is on track to become the deadliest ever, with over 2,000 deaths and more than 4,300 cases, moving faster than the 2014–16 West Africa crisis and spreading beyond areas reached by health workers. Zambia Election Under Strain: Zambians vote in a presidential, parliamentary and local poll that opposition leaders say is unlikely to be free and fair, as President Hakainde Hichilema’s second-term bid hinges on whether reforms are easing cost-of-living pressure. Sudan’s Blue Nile Frontline: Fighting around Qaisan in Blue Nile state shows the war’s reach is expanding into complex border regions, with civilians and harvest livelihoods hit amid claims of RSF and SPLM-aligned involvement. ECOWAS Climate Push: ECOWAS is working to close a $294bn climate-finance gap by building a regional carbon market platform and unlocking West Africa’s carbon potential. Southern Africa Weather Stress: El Niño fears are raising alarms for South Africa’s water and food security, with drought and heatwave impacts expected to intensify later this year. WAFCON Shock: Malawi reach their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final after beating Algeria 3-1, while Cameroon set up the final by defeating hosts Morocco on penalties. Libya Security Jolt: Libya reels after a car bomb killed an eastern intelligence chief in Benghazi, followed by drone strikes on major oil infrastructure and central bank turmoil. Trade Talks Restart: India and SACU sign terms of reference to begin talks on a preferential trade agreement, aiming for lower tariffs on key exports like cars, pharma and machinery. Ghana Gold Boom: Ghana widens its lead as Africa’s top gold producer, with 2025 output and export earnings hitting record levels.