South Africa–US Rift: Pretoria again summoned US Ambassador Leo Bozell after Washington demanded clarity over Pretoria’s “five asks,” deepening a diplomatic standoff that’s now playing out alongside G20 exclusion and land/race disputes. Migration & Deportations: Anti-illegal immigration protesters marched in Durban as South Africa faces renewed xenophobia fears, while in the US African immigrants in New York say ICE crackdowns are tearing families apart; meanwhile the EU plans its first deportation “return hub” in Africa for 2027. Public Safety & Crime: Gauteng’s mass-killing and kidnapping crisis is worsening, with opposition pushing for clearer strategy, staffing, and protection from criminal infiltration. Health Crisis in Congo: A Congolese politician was beaten to death after defending the Ebola response, underscoring how mistrust is slowing efforts in North Kivu. Energy & Development: Riversdale inaugurated a solar project aimed at making it South Africa’s first energy-independent town; in Kenya, security is tight as Dangote’s $16bn East Africa refinery breaks ground, framed by Ruto as a leap for regional integration. Governance Watch: A midpoint review of South Africa’s Government of National Unity finds only 34% of 120 commitments moving, with most not yet started. Morocco Milestone: Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri becomes Morocco’s first woman prime minister, after a historic appointment.