Democracy Under Pressure in West Africa: Burkina Faso’s junta leader Ibrahim Traoré told citizens to “forget” democracy, arguing “Democracy kills,” as the region wrestles with jihadism, rebuilding, and a wider pattern of coups and ECOWAS withdrawal. Pastoral Politics in Bissau: A Catholic bishop in Bissau warned priests against “facade democracy” and urged clergy to stay close to people, not the internet—linking political legitimacy to real alternation and service to the poor. OMVG Energy Integration at Risk: Guinea’s energy minister and OMVG chair Laye Sekou Camara warned that cash-flow problems and contractual tensions could delay major projects like the Sambangalou Dam and the OMVG Interconnection, calling for member states to clear dues and fund 2026 budgets. Maritime Security With Guinea-Bissau in the Mix: The multinational Obangame Express exercise returned to Cameroon, with Guinea-Bissau among participating countries, targeting piracy, illegal fishing, and trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea. Press Freedom Alarm: A global RSF map shows press freedom at a 25-year low, with over half of countries in “difficult” or “very serious” categories—another reminder of shrinking civic space. Regional Mobility Push: Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from January 2027, adding momentum to continent-wide travel liberalisation.