Ebola Watch: DR Congo’s Bundibugyo-strain outbreak has topped 600 cases with 115 deaths, while Uganda reports 19 cases, as the EU and the US push for tighter regional preparedness. Regional Security: ECOWAS and the African Union are stepping up cooperation between their early-warning systems to improve conflict prevention across West Africa. Football & Diplomacy: Somali referee Omar Artan—denied US entry for the World Cup—has been appointed to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg, after a backlash over his visa treatment. Policy & Rights: Niger’s military government has criminalised same-sex relations with 5–10 year jail terms, adding heavy penalties for LGBTQIA+ groups. Africa-Global Partnerships: China and Ethiopia signed an agreement to expand Chinese language education in schools, while Egypt says its 70-year ties with China are a “model” of strategic partnership. Business & Connectivity: Qatar Airways resumes daily Philadelphia flights from August, and Cape Town becomes Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Major.