Papal Peace Push: Pope Leo XIV wrapped up his first Africa trip with urgent calls for peace and direct engagement in conflict-hit areas, even as U.S. President Trump publicly criticized him as “weak on crime,” setting a tense backdrop for the pope’s message of “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Sanctions Scrutiny in Central Africa: In Yaoundé, an EU envoy accused Russia of using Cameroon-flagged ships to dodge oil sanctions, pointing to “ghost ships” tied to aging, poorly maintained tankers. Zimbabwe–Equatorial Guinea Trade Drive: Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo is set to visit Zimbabwe this weekend for the inaugural Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation, with both sides pushing to turn political ties into deals in energy, mining, transport, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and infrastructure. Travel/Access Watch: A new U.S. immigration study says several African countries—including Senegal, Burundi, and Nigeria—face the steepest barriers to entering the U.S., with very high tourism and work-visa rejection rates. Detention Spotlight: Spain’s foreign minister says he will press for improved conditions for two Spanish citizens held in Equatorial Guinea’s Black Beach prison, focusing on medical care and more frequent visits.