Marine Conservation in Benin: Benin has designated its first coral reef protected area off Ouidah, covering about 140 sq km and sheltering 200+ fish species, after researchers and local fishers mapped the reef and highlighted threats like overfishing and pollution. Benin–Morocco Cooperation: Morocco’s foreign minister Nasser Bourita met Benin President Romuald Wadagni in Cotonou, with both sides pledging stronger ties across trade, tourism, agriculture, security, education, science, digital tech, and culture—while Benin reaffirmed support for Morocco’s Sahara autonomy plan. Cultural Heritage & Restitution: France introduced a new law to streamline how countries reclaim cultural artifacts from French public collections, aiming to reduce the need for separate political/legal processes—following earlier high-profile returns to Benin. Regional Governance: ECOWAS approved new appointments for key statutory roles (2026–2030), including a Benin judge for the ECOWAS Court of Justice. Culture & Community Events: Africa Fest in the US is expanding to two days, featuring a Parade of Nations and Benin Kingdom libation at the opening, while Cleveland’s City Stages highlights West African sounds with Benin-born Afrobeat/juju guitarist Leon “Kaleta” Ligan-Majek. Road Safety & Daily Life: Asagba of Asaba urged welfare-first policies to curb road crashes, linking dangerous driving and overloading to economic pressure.