Power & Infrastructure: TCN announced a planned electricity disruption on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026 (8am–1pm) for preventive maintenance at the Bida 132/33kV substation, affecting Bida Town, Agaie, Doko, Baro, Masaga and other Niger State communities, with supply expected to resume after the work. Sovereign Finance & Aviation: Niger settled a long-running dispute with Middle East airport operator Menzies Aviation, averting a $35m New York mansion seizure tied to a $7.6m arbitration award over a cancelled ground-handling contract. Sahel Security & Military Cohesion: A failed mutiny at Niamey’s Air Base 101 in late August reportedly killed at least 13 Presidential Guard members and exposed rifts in Niger’s military leadership, amid heavy defense spending. Border Risk & Mining Tragedy: An Algerian helicopter strike on an artisanal gold mining site at the Niger-Algeria frontier killed at least 48 civilians, raising fresh questions about cross-border operations and Niger’s sovereignty. Energy Markets & Fuel Smuggling: Aliko Dangote said Nigeria’s petrol remains “cheaper” than neighbours (including Niger, cited at 20–25% higher), arguing the price gap fuels smuggling and can also worsen supply availability as Middle East tensions disrupt product flows. Uranium Industry Watch: A report on Somaïr’s uranium output collapse in Niger points to a sharp production fall in early 2026 and criticises management and logistics explanations.