Horn of Africa: Reports say Ethiopian and Eritrean forces have exchanged drone strikes and artillery near Badme, driving civilians from the border as fears of a wider conflict grow. Climate Finance: At COP31, African negotiators called for a transition shaped and funded on the continent. Africa needs an estimated $277 billion a year for its climate plans, but receives only a small share of global climate finance. AU Funding: Ghana urged member states to reduce reliance on foreign funding, while Nigeria proposed a $10 billion African Union Peace Fund over the next decade. Football: Nigeria revived its 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign with a 3-1 win over Tanzania, as substitute Tolu Arokodare scored twice. Senegal: The Youth Olympic Games ended in Dakar, with organizers praising Africa’s ability to host major events. At the same time, Senegal has become a major departure point for migrants risking the Atlantic crossing to Spain’s Canary Islands, amid economic hardship and declining fishing livelihoods. South Africa: The ANC entered high-stakes coalition talks after a major local election setback. Travel Restrictions: Visa hurdles could keep contestants from several African countries out of the Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico.