Zambia Election Watch: International observers say Zambia’s vote counting was marred by intimidation and abductions, after counting was briefly suspended amid violence and ballot-paper theft reports, with missions urging parties to cool inflammatory rhetoric. Nigeria Politics & Tax: Atiku Abubakar accuses Tinubu’s government of failing a US fiscal transparency test and “suffocating” Nigerians with excessive taxation, while debate over who benefits from reforms continues. Energy Security: A fresh attack on a UAE-linked oil vessel through the Strait of Hormuz raises fuel-supply risks for import-dependent African economies, adding to repeated incidents that could push up freight and insurance costs. Regional Power Build-Out: Niger signs off a $1.9bn, 100,000-bpd refinery plan to turn the country into a West African energy hub, with pipelines and storage included. Sports & Culture: Nigeria’s NSC creates a dedicated budget line for traditional sports, aiming for international recognition; Cameroon’s women’s team eyes a first WAFCON crown after a surprise run. Health: WHO warns DRC’s Ebola outbreak is set to become the deadliest on record as cases outpace contact tracing. Conflict & Minerals: A new look at Sahel lithium shows how armed groups exploit the mineral rush amid weak governance.