Airport Attack in Niamey: Gunfire and explosions were heard early Thursday near Diori Hamani International Airport, with security forces cordoning off the area; no casualties were reported so far and no official Nigerien statement had been issued as of filing, though the Islamic State affiliate had claimed a similar attack in January. Sahel Security Pressure: The incident adds to mounting concerns about jihadist attacks across Niger and the wider Sahel, where militants linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State have intensified operations. Air Travel Disruption: Air France announced it will permanently close its Mali office from 30 June 2026, after suspending flights to Bamako, Ouagadougou and Niamey in 2023. Anti-LGBTQ Law Wave: Niger’s new penal code criminalising LGBTQIA+ activity (with penalties up to 20 years reported elsewhere) continues the broader crackdown sweeping parts of West Africa. Public Health in Niger State: Niger State launched a measles-rubella vaccination drive across 25 local government areas targeting children under five. Transport & Trade Finance: Rand Merchant Bank closed financing for the Kano–Maradi railway project linking Nigeria to Niger, backing a 374km rail line to boost regional trade.