Guinea Gold Policy: Guinea is pushing to become a regional gold refining hub, with mines officials saying a new refinery is set to begin commercial operations in July and help keep more value in West Africa after President Mamady Doumbouya’s ban on raw gold exports. Digital Governance: The Guinean government has started drafting a National Data Governance Strategy to set rules for how public institutions, businesses, and citizens collect, share, secure, and use data—aimed at strengthening the digital economy. China Debt-Trap Debate: Guinea’s Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah rejected “debt trap” claims about China, arguing development outcomes depend mainly on African governments’ governance and ability to turn partnerships into real public benefits. Regional Security Flashpoint: Sierra Leone has ordered the reopening of the Yenga road and crossing point after a tripartite de-escalation push in Conakry, but residents remain uneasy over continued Guinean military presence in the disputed border area. Health Security: Africa CDC and WHO launched a Joint Continental Incident Management Support Team in Uganda to coordinate Ebola response efforts across Uganda, DR Congo, and neighboring at-risk countries. Human Rights & Mining: A new report says allegations of human rights abuses in the mining sector are rising, as investors and regulators face growing pressure to address abuses and defenders’ safety.