Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is worsening, with confirmed cases rising to 689 and 139 deaths, as it spreads across eastern provinces like Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu; officials cite community resistance to post-mortem testing, limited care capacity, shortages of infection prevention materials, weak surveillance, and a US$21.5m funding gap. Green Legacy: Ethiopia says it has readied over 8 billion seedlings for its Green Legacy planting season, aiming to expand forest cover and boost fruit trees for nutrition and exports. Underground Climate Allies: A new global study maps massive underground fungal networks, estimating arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi filaments could stretch 110 quadrillion kilometres and help cycle carbon in soils. Oil & Coasts: Kenya faces fresh offshore oil licensing pressure, with an advocacy group warning new blocks could threaten coral reefs, mangroves, marine protected areas and biodiversity. Refugees & Livelihoods: In Juba, UNHCR and partners urged South Sudan to treat refugees as entrepreneurs and investors, not only aid recipients, linking inclusion to finance, skills, and markets. South Sudan Budget: The Economic Cluster approved an SSP 11.335tn budget for 2026/27, with agriculture and food security at the centre. Care Economy: South Sudan and UN Women launched an assessment of unpaid care work, linking it to gender inequality and barriers like limited clean water and energy. Disaster Risk Messaging: Juba media and disaster partners wrapped a workshop on disaster risk communication and early warning systems, stressing shared terminology and better reporting.