ECOWAS Peacekeeping: Nigeria has completed a troop rotation in Guinea-Bissau’s ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission, with Lt. Col. Afam Junior Chidi taking over from Lt. Col. Bibode Clarke after the Aug. 3 handover in Bissau. The change follows the routine switch from Nigerian Company 4 to Company 5, with both commanders stressing discipline and professionalism. U.S. Visa Bonds: The U.S. has made its refundable visa bond programme permanent, effective Aug. 3, meaning consular officers may require eligible B1/B2 business and tourist applicants from 50 countries—including Guinea-Bissau—to post up to $20,000 before a visa is issued, with refunds only if travellers comply and leave on time. Regional Marine Funding Push: A fisheries official urged Gulf of Guinea countries, including Guinea-Bissau, to share fisheries and marine biodiversity data to unlock international conservation funding and protect coastal livelihoods. Global Context: UN/FAO reports show hunger is falling worldwide but remains highest in Africa, while new research links climate change to shifting malaria risk across the continent.