AI & Human Dignity: Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical warns that artificial intelligence must stay subordinate to the human person, criticizing power shifting to major tech and economic actors and warning of new forms of “slavery.” Digital ID & Privacy: Mauritius’ data protection chief says digital identity can’t run in a legal vacuum, urging strong data protection and cybersecurity as core requirements for digital public infrastructure. Ebola Vaccine Push: Scientists are accelerating a Bundibugyo ebolavirus vaccine (ChAdOx1 BDBV) with partners including Oxford and India’s Serum Institute to scale protection during the DRC outbreak. Public Health Preparedness: Ethiopia announces Ebola readiness steps—screening at entry points, airport surveillance, lab capacity boosts—despite no suspected cases yet. Energy Tech for Africa: NOV joins African Energy Week 2026 as a Gold Sponsor, backing offshore expansion and drilling automation across producers including Equatorial Guinea. Climate Finance for the Gulf of Guinea: Donors meet in Brazzaville to mobilize $5.32B for the Blue Fund for the Congo Basin, including projects spanning research, innovation, water, and epidemic risk prevention across member states like Equatorial Guinea. Local Science & Education Links: The Bridge to Africa program opens at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with a delegation from the University of Tifariti joining research and sustainable development discussions. Wildlife Medicine: A Seattle zoo reports a rare emergency C-section that helped a western lowland gorilla give birth, highlighting advances in veterinary care. Regional Security & Mining: Russia signals interest in DRC mining and also discusses cooperation with Equatorial Guinea on information security and other tech areas. Governance & Succession Talk: Cameroon’s constitutional move to reintroduce a vice-president role is fueling speculation about dynastic succession, with names including Franck Biya and Franck Hertz.