High Seas Protection: West African states are pushing to include the Eastern Atlantic—covering a key migration corridor from Cape Verde and Senegal down to Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe—in the first wave of marine protected areas under the Our Ocean high-seas treaty, aiming to protect at least 30% of ecosystems by 2030. Foreign Influence Watch: Ukraine’s intelligence says Russia is expanding a “Russian Houses” network across Africa to shape public opinion, coordinated through Rossotrudnichestvo and a 2024-linked public diplomacy group. UK Ocean Funding: The UK announced new ocean investment via its Blue Planet Fund for climate resilience, marine health and plastic pollution work, supporting initiatives including PROBLUE and ORRAA. World Cup Fallout: South Africa’s Bafana captain Ronwen Williams says players are facing unprecedented online abuse ahead of a crucial World Cup match, with criticism tied to anti-immigration politics. Sports & Education Links: The 35th AULP annual meeting opened in Macau with participation from São Tomé and Príncipe, focusing on cooperation in higher education across Portuguese-speaking countries. Health Patents: PATAM and Third World Network filed an observation at ARIPO challenging a broad Gilead HIV patent application, arguing earlier disclosures undermine novelty. Oil & Gas Interest: Petrobras is expanding internationally, including recent acquisitions in São Tomé and Príncipe, as it seeks reserves beyond Brazil.