Maritime Security & Food Supply: Russia’s drone and missile attacks around Odesa continue to hit commercial shipping, including a Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel carrying wheat (Mera Queen), killing one seafarer and injuring three, as Ukraine warns the strikes threaten global food security. Regional Mediation: Senegal has started as ECOWAS facilitator for Guinea-Bissau’s political transition, meeting transitional President Horta Inta-A and Prime Minister Ilidio Vieira Te, and pushing for a transparent Aug. 30 constitutional referendum and Dec. 6 elections. Political Crisis Solutions: Guinea-Bissau researchers and academics propose a national dialogue and a unity-government transitional framework with international guarantors, calling for a political ceasefire, prisoner releases, security guarantees, and an amnesty. Tax Reform in West Africa: WATAF gathered nearly 400 participants across 16 countries to advance digital VAT reform and strengthen domestic revenue mobilization. Sports (Guinea-Bissau link): UDIB of Guinea-Bissau has been drawn to face Nigeria’s El Kanemi Warriors in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round.