Madagascar Economy & Aid: The IMF has approved the third and fourth reviews of Madagascar’s bailout, unlocking about $155 million to support the country amid political transition, cyclone fallout, and higher oil-import costs. Mining & Community Rights: In London’s High Court, more than 6,500 people in Madagascar have filed a claim against Rio Tinto over alleged lead and uranium contamination from the QMM mine, with children among the claimants; Rio Tinto says it hasn’t received full details and points to its water monitoring. Water Investment & Policy: Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged stronger, “bankable” investment in Africa’s water sector, linking water funding to food security, poverty reduction, and climate resilience. Culture & Language Education: The Russian House in Madagascar began special Russian language courses for military personnel, with participants praising the training and its usefulness for international cooperation. Church & Solidarity: SECAM leaders expressed solidarity with Zambia’s Catholic bishops after Archbishop Alick Banda’s arrest, calling for justice, due process, and calm unity. Health & Prevention: A new study reports chewing tobacco contributed to about 251,000 deaths worldwide in 2023, with the burden heavily concentrated in South Asia. Sports & Media: CAF confirmed Lagos will host the 2026 CAF Awards, while SuperSport secured rights for AFCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers and the tournament across Sub-Saharan Africa.