Commonwealth Games Countdown: Glasgow 2026 is now in its final stretch with just 16 days left, featuring 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and a streamlined, cost-saving format aimed at better sustainability—Gabon and Togo are among the participating countries. Public Opinion Surveys: Afrobarometer has begun Round 11 fieldwork in Zimbabwe and Gabon, planning coverage of up to 40 countries and adding new themes tied to democratic resilience and fast-changing regional realities. Gabon Mining & Infrastructure: Millennial Potash says Gabon’s Mines Minister visited its Banio Potash Project, with officials reiterating support and discussing infrastructure help and regional initiatives. Forest Loss & Climate Pressure: New global forest monitoring data shows 2025 tree cover loss at 25.5 million hectares, with fires driving most damage and Congo Basin forests still under heavy threat. Wildlife Under Demand: A report warns vulture populations in Central Africa are being pushed toward risk as belief-based demand spreads from West Africa, including poisoning and trapping near slaughter sites. Plastics Action: Kenya launched a National Plastic Action Partnership to push a circular plastics economy and cut marine pollution—useful context for regional waste and coastal protection efforts. Congo Basin Carbon Debate: A study suggests managed logging concessions could remove more net carbon, sparking debate over whether that’s better than tackling illegal clearing and conflict-driven forest loss. Gabon Trade Compliance: SGS renewed Gabon’s pre-export verification of conformity mandate, extending a decade-long partnership focused on consumer protection and import quality.