Niger-Turkey Defense Deal: Niger’s President Abdourahamane Tchiani told Turkey’s Erdogan he was instructed to get military equipment “and you can get paid later,” as Ankara deepens security and defense ties with Niamey. Power Sector Governance: Niger’s electricity regulator leaders in Nigeria warned that a proposed Electricity Act Amendment Bill 2026 could reverse devolution to states and stall about $1bn in capital investment. Electricity Access Tracking: AfDB launched Mission 300’s MapAfrica tracker to monitor electrification projects across Africa, including Niger, with millions already connected and more expected. Lake Chad Water Stability: EU and Germany launched LACHAWAMA to improve shared water management in the Lake Chad Basin, aiming to boost climate resilience and regional stability. Sahel Security Pressure: Mali announced a $3.55m bounty on a top JNIM leader as attacks intensify across the country. Local Finance Watch: Niger State’s assembly clarified it did not approve a $14.4m loan request after public outcry, saying the issue was a bank guarantee tied to a food security company. Humanitarian Strain: UN OCHA said about 24m people need aid across the Sahel as violence, displacement and climate shocks worsen, with funding at a decade low.