Mining & Finance: Montage Gold says its Koné mine in Côte d’Ivoire has poured first gold ahead of schedule and on budget, with annual output projected at ~350,000 ounces in early years and resources now put at 8.3 million ounces. Fiscal Policy: Côte d’Ivoire raised 110 billion CFA francs on the UMOA financial market via Treasury bond auctions (364 days and 3/5/7-year maturities). Illegal Gold Crackdown: Authorities moved to shut down illegal artisanal gold sites, warning of up to 20-year prison terms and targeting complicity as the sector fuels environmental damage and armed-group financing. Infrastructure & Transport: AGL Côte d’Ivoire transported five heavy locomotives (332.28 tonnes) for Abidjan Metro Line 1, from the Port of Abidjan to the Abobo Sagbé receiving site. Regional Trade & Security: Abidjan is reopening dialogue with the AES space, including customs easing for transit from Mali and Burkina Faso, while differences remain. Cocoa Markets: Cocoa prices fell on dollar strength and signs of ample supply, with Ivory Coast port shipments reported up year-on-year. Business & Industry: Midea Building Technologies reaffirmed its West Africa push through partner planning in Ghana, including Côte d’Ivoire.