East Africa Energy Push: Uganda’s Museveni used the $16bn Dangote East Africa refinery groundbreaking in Kenya to renew calls for an East African political federation, arguing borders would be a problem for oil flows and jobs. Nigeria Energy Politics: Former senator Shehu Sani says Nigeria’s “biggest refinery” irony is that it still imports refined fuel, urging politicians to focus on reactivating local refineries instead of debating import subsidies. South Africa–US Diplomatic Rift: Pretoria reprimanded US Ambassador Brent Bozell for “undiplomatic conduct” for a third time, while Washington says the relationship hinges on South Africa meeting US demands on land, race-based policies and security priorities. Morocco Historic Appointment: Morocco named Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri its first woman prime minister after her party topped elections, a milestone with wider regional symbolism. South Africa GBVF Pressure: Ramaphosa’s GBVF crackdown faces pushback from civil society over whether municipal safety audits will deliver real consequences. Local Elections in South Africa: Ahead of November 4 local polls, fragmented ballots and an ANC candidate exclusion highlight coalition kingmaker politics. Drug Security: Nigeria faces rising crystal meth production and trafficking concerns, with NDLEA reporting industrial-scale clandestine labs. Ghana at the UN: Foreign Minister Ablakwa defended ICC accountability and pressed for stronger Africa representation and reparatory justice at the UN. AFCON Readiness: Museveni ordered release of Shs 102bn to upgrade Bunyoro hotels for 2027 AFCON.