Ebola Update: The Democratic Republic of Congo’s confirmed Ebola cases have surged past 1,000 (1,003) with 254 deaths, as health authorities push intensified surveillance and case management across Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. Guinea Economic Policy: President Mamady Doumbouya has ordered a ban on raw gold exports, saying Guinea will process and certify gold inside Conakry before any overseas sale, with licenses threatened for violators. Agriculture & Food Security (Guinea): Xinhua reports Chinese hybrid rice is boosting yields for Guinean farmers in Boffa’s Koba area, with modern cultivation expanding and harvests improving during the current season. Regional Energy Governance: ECOWAS Parliament lawmakers in Dakar discussed how to tackle West Africa’s electricity shortfalls, focusing on renewable energy and rural electrification. Diplomacy & Appointments (Nigeria): Former INEC chair Mahmood Yakubu has assumed duty as Nigeria’s ambassador to Qatar, welcomed by Qatari officials and a large African diplomatic delegation. Security & Arms (West Africa): A new report highlights Turkey’s growing drone and arms footprint across West Africa as France’s military pullback reshapes regional security dynamics. Air Connectivity (Nigeria): Air Peace secured Brazil approval for scheduled flights, signaling further expansion toward Canada, the US and China.