Volta Basin Action Call: Côte d’Ivoire urged urgent, shared protection of the Volta Basin, warning that climate change, population growth, farming expansion and mining are degrading water, forests, wetlands and biodiversity—calling for faster ecosystem restoration, stronger cross-border governance, more climate resilience funding, and wider roles for women, youth and local communities. Mali Mining Money Dispute: Mali’s junta is pressing a roughly $512M tax and dividend claim against Barrick Gold over the Loulo-Gounkoto complex, as negotiations enter a critical phase amid broader resource-nationalism moves. Plastic-to-Products Recycling Push: The Bamagreen project’s second phase in Bamako and Ségou will convert plastic waste into construction and electrification products, aiming to recover 960+ tonnes yearly, train 150 people, and support thousands through circular production. Hunger Warning for Mali: A UN FAO/WFP report flags worsening acute hunger in Mali and other hotspots as conflict, economic shocks and climate impacts collide—while humanitarian funding has fallen sharply. Education Crisis Spotlight: Another UN-backed report says 93 million crisis-affected children worldwide are out of school, with Mali among countries where displaced children face steep barriers to learning and staying enrolled. Sahel Security Pressure: JNIM claimed responsibility for a June attack on Niger’s Niamey airport, underscoring how jihadist violence is reaching major infrastructure across the region.