Comoros in the spotlight for science: Burundi’s Kiswahili push gets a tech boost as officials and researchers in Bujumbura discuss using AI and digital platforms to expand Swahili across education and communication. Marine pollution monitoring: Scientists from 21 African countries, including Comoros, are meeting in Accra to harmonise coastal microplastics monitoring protocols using nuclear and isotopic techniques, aiming for comparable data to guide better environmental policy. Health & lifestyle research: A global study links alcohol intake and smoking as the strongest shared risk factors for breast cancer and atrial fibrillation, suggesting population-wide reductions could prevent a large share of cases. Environment & mining: A new study warns that mine development is accelerating forest loss across Africa, with road and settlement expansion driving much larger deforestation impacts than the mine footprint alone. Fintech partnerships (Comoros-linked release): YWO announces a major relaunch and expansion of its global affiliate partnership programs, adding clearer commission qualification rules and enhanced real-time reporting tools. Regional governance & security: A piece on the Swahili Arc argues insurgent groups thrive where state authority is weak, turning governance gaps into control. Policy training for SADC: Officials from across SADC meet in Johannesburg for cost-benefit analysis training to help governments spend limited budgets more effectively. Energy diplomacy: Russia signals expanding civilian nuclear cooperation in Africa, with Djibouti talks expected to progress around the third Russia-Africa Summit.