AES Roadmap Review: Burkina Faso’s National Commission of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) reviewed progress on the second-year roadmap, urging faster execution and stronger resource mobilization across defense, development and diplomacy. State Control of Gold: Burkina Faso authorized SOPAMIB to run the Bouboulou gold mine, its first state-operated industrial gold project, targeting about 7.27 tonnes of gold over 15 years and over 1,200 jobs. Mining Policy Shift: The cabinet also framed the move as a break from relying mainly on private concessionaires, with major expected government revenue. Health Upgrade in Ouagadougou: Surgeons at Tengandogo University Hospital performed Burkina Faso’s first bronchial sleeve lobectomy with support from the 17th Chinese medical team, using a lung-sparing approach. Cross-Border Cooperation: Burkina Faso and Ghana adopted a joint cross-border action plan to deepen security, governance, trade and community development along their shared border. US Travel Curbs: The US maintained full entry bans for Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Sierra Leone, while other West African states face partial visa restrictions. Digital Governance: Six Francophone West African countries adopted shared AI governance guidelines, pushing for transparent, safe and inclusive AI policies rooted in local contexts.