Minerals & Security: The Congo is pushing a UN Security Council push for rules to curb armed-group exploitation of 3TG minerals, linking resource governance to protection of civilians and displacement in eastern DR Congo. Aviation & Tourism: Sierra Leone is among West Africa’s fastest-growing aviation markets, with a 23% year-on-year rise in estimated passenger arrivals in Q1 2026, pointing to improving connectivity. Public Health: UN data ranks Sierra Leone among the world’s lowest life expectancy countries, underscoring ongoing pressure from poverty, disease, and healthcare gaps. Roads & Connectivity: President Bio says the Makeni–Freetown highway is a “death trap” and pledges a dual carriageway upgrade, alongside more bridge and feeder-road investment. Energy Governance: Makeni’s mayor rejects Bio’s electricity theft figures, citing six months of outages and calling for a national loss database. ECOWAS Integration: Sierra Leone’s Bio urges ECOWAS to deliver results on jobs, integration and peace as the bloc commissions its new Abuja headquarters. Diplomacy: Australia appoints Keara Shaw as High Commissioner to Ghana with non-resident accreditation including Sierra Leone, signalling deeper trade and regional cooperation. Agro-Processing Jobs: Alpha Kanu urges investment in dairy and agro-processing in northern districts like Kamakwie and Kabala to create jobs and cut food imports. Social Protection: NaCSA completes Economic Inclusion grants to 842 extremely poor households in Pujehun, with a focus on women-headed and disability-including families. Tech for Creators: Google and Idris Elba’s $1m initiative offers free AI tools to 100,000 African creators, including in Sierra Leone.