Sierra Leone Reconciliation: President Julius Maada Bio’s facilitation of former President Ernest Bai Koroma’s return from Nigeria after two years is energising Sierra Leone’s peace and national cohesion push, with Koroma meeting the Peace Commission to shift from crisis response to prevention. Nigeria Politics: INEC has released the final 2027 presidential candidates list, while the PDP and Tinubu mourn former PDP chairman Bamanga Tukur, whose burial is set for Sept 13 in Yola. Nigeria Economy & Energy Debate: The presidency rejects Atiku’s proposed production subsidy for local refineries, arguing the policy failed when Atiku was vice president, as the campaign trade war over fuel affordability heats up. BRICS & Global Finance: Egypt’s Al-Sisi urges BRICS to expand concessional financing and strengthen the New Development Bank, as the bloc backs UN Security Council reform and warns against unilateral tariffs. Ukraine War Spillover: Ukraine says it is preparing fresh peace talks with Russia in October, while also warning its economy is being crippled by intensified Russian strikes. Health & Nutrition: West Africa’s micronutrient gaps may be tackled better by diversifying fortified foods, not just single-nutrient programs. Tech & Industry: Ericsson marks 150 years globally and 30 years in Ghana, highlighting digital transformation gains.