Electricity & Climate Stress: Sonelgaz says Algeria hit a new peak electricity demand of 21,378 MW on July 13 as a brutal heat wave pushes air-conditioning use to record levels, with the previous summer record at 20,628 MW in 2025. Wildfire Response: Civil protection reports 110 forest fires recorded in multiple wilayas on Monday, with 83 extinguished and 27 still active across 15 provinces, including blazes near mountain communities in Sétif and Bejaïa. Energy Trade & LNG: Adriatic LNG delivered 4.4 bcm of natural gas to Italy’s grid in Jan–Jun 2026, covering about 14% of Italy’s gas demand, as supply disruptions in the Gulf were offset by US cargoes. Diplomacy & Regional Tensions: Algeria is reported to have eased its standoff with Mali by reopening airspace to Malian aircraft and returning its ambassador to Bamako, continuing a pattern of pressure followed by quiet reversals. Sports & Women’s Football Funding: Kenya confirmed a Sh10m payout to Harambee Starlets ahead of WAFCON in Morocco, with funds already disbursed for preparations—an example of how governments are backing continental campaigns. Franco-Moroccan Reset: France’s PM Sebastien Lecornu leads a two-day ministerial visit to Rabat focused on defence, security, migration and investment after Paris recognised Moroccan Western Sahara sovereignty in 2024. Energy Industry Platform: APPO’s NOC-CEO Forum is set for Oct 12 in Cape Town alongside African Energy Week, aiming to push regional refining, cross-border petroleum trade and financing.