ECOWAS Transition in Guinea-Bissau: Senegal has started facilitating Guinea-Bissau’s political transition after ECOWAS named it, with talks in Bissau involving transitional President Horta Inta-A and Prime Minister Ilidio Vieira Te, as the country prepares for a constitutional referendum on Aug. 30 and elections on Dec. 6. VAT Reform Push: In Abuja, WATAF brought together nearly 400 participants from 16 countries to speed up digital VAT administration and boost domestic revenue across West Africa. Political Crisis Solutions: Guinea-Bissau researchers and academics propose a National Dialogue and a transitional framework for restoring constitutional order after the Nov. 2025 self-coup, calling for a political ceasefire, prisoner releases, judicial review, amnesty, and security guarantees. Black Sea Shipping and Food Security: Russia’s drone and missile attacks have hit civilian vessels near Odesa, including a Guinea-Bissau-flagged wheat ship (Mera Queen), killing a sailor and injuring others, raising fears for global grain supplies. CAF Football Draws: Guinea-Bissau’s UDIB will face Nigeria’s El-Kanemi Warriors in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round, while Shooting Stars meet Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien.