African Atlantic Gas Pipeline: ECOWAS leaders in Freetown signed the Intergovernmental Agreement backing the $25bn Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a 6,900km hybrid offshore-onshore project aimed at moving up to 30 bcm of gas annually across 13 West African countries, with 15 bcm earmarked for Morocco and European markets; the deal also sets up next steps like creating a project company in Casablanca and a governing authority in Abuja. ECOWAS Appointments: ECOWAS approved new statutory appointments for 2026–2030, including commissioners and judges for the ECOWAS Court of Justice, plus the Auditor-General and West African Health Organisation leadership. Mauritania–Europe Ties: Germany’s foreign minister Johann Wadephul begins a three-country Africa tour starting in Mauritania, seeking deeper cooperation on trade, energy and security, including refugee and Sahel stability issues. Migration Crisis (Mauritania): Mauritanian coast guard rescued 216 migrants in two operations, while more than 120 remain missing after a boat sank following mechanical failure and fuel exhaustion. Regional Security Cooperation: Morocco and Mauritania agreed to deepen coordination on border control, migration management, organised crime and counter-terrorism as Sahel instability spreads. Local Human Interest: A look at Mauritania’s famed iron-ore train highlights how extreme travellers are still drawn to the Sahara route.