US Visa Update: The US has resumed visa processing for nationals of 25 African countries after two federal courts vacated late-2025 pauses, with the State Department ordering consulates to restart reviews of previously refused immigrant and Diversity Visa cases. Tourism & Culture Links: Emirates kicked off Arabian Travel Market 2026 by signing or renewing seven tourism deals covering Seychelles, Mauritius, Madagascar, Sharjah, Malaysia, Finland and Norway, plus renewed partnerships with Huawei and Dubai Duty Free—aimed at joint marketing, travel packages and familiarisation trips. Education & Livelihoods: UNESCO-backed vocational training is helping communities build livelihoods while protecting Madagascar’s forests, with fish-farming training in Marojejy’s Ala Fady area highlighted as a conservation-linked income option. Russian Influence Watch: Russia’s “Russian House” network is set to expand, with Madagascar included, alongside local cooperation such as Russian language courses and a library opening at the Russian House in Madagascar. Democracy & Civic Life: A reflection on International Day of Democracy points to two decades of democratic decline, with polarization and weakened accountability driving new challenges.