ECOWAS Regional Push: Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye elected ECOWAS Chairman, taking over as the bloc faces security and political strain. Sahel Security: Niger reported 16 soldiers killed in a militant attack in Tera (Tillaberi), with sweeps ongoing near the Mali and Burkina Faso borders. Flood Risk in Niger & Region: Nigeria’s environment authorities issued a high flood alert for 28 states and FCT, warning of heavy rains, saturated soils and river overflow—Niger State is listed among critical-risk areas. Climate Warning: Experts urge fast preparation for El Niño, warning of heatwaves, floods and droughts that could hit food security and safety hardest. Energy & Environment Link: ECOWAS endorsed the Nigeria–Morocco gas pipeline (about $25bn), but construction depends on financing and transit rules—raising big questions for regional energy, land use and emissions. Health Coverage: Niger’s NiCare says it has secured the First Lady’s commitment to expand state health insurance, aiming to enroll more vulnerable residents. Oil Theft Crackdown: Nigeria’s Navy says Operation DELTA SENTINEL recovered millions of litres of stolen crude and dismantled illegal refining sites, supporting cleaner, safer operations.