SADC Pressure on Madagascar Politics: SADC leaders, meeting in an extraordinary summit chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa, demanded Madagascar’s transitional authorities release political prisoners, stop arrests of opposition leaders and activists, end arbitrary detentions, and set a clear, time-bound roadmap back to constitutional democracy and credible elections. Clean Water Accountability: A World Bank review flagged a major gap: despite $3 billion in active drinking-water projects, “lead” testing is essentially absent, raising concerns that lead contamination in pipes and plumbing parts may be overlooked. Energy Access in Madagascar and Beyond: A World Bank-backed “Mission 300” update says electrification is accelerating across Africa, with Madagascar among countries supported through mini-grids and related technologies, while major access gaps remain. Climate Risk for the Region: UN agencies’ El Niño anticipatory action appeal lists Madagascar among countries expected to face strong impacts, aiming to protect millions with early cash and resilience measures. Biodiversity at Home: Fota Wildlife Park announced the birth of two critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur babies, calling for public help naming them and spotlighting Madagascar’s biodiversity crisis. Tech for Disaster Response: Researchers are developing “cyborg” Madagascar hissing cockroaches with 3D-printed diving suits and oxygen systems, designed to help search flooded disaster zones when robots can’t reach.