Ebola Border Measures: Madagascar tightened entry rules to prevent Ebola importation, requiring health declarations and screening at Ivato Airport, and temporarily banning entry for foreign nationals who were in or transited through affected countries in the prior 21 days—except for Malagasy citizens and certain visa holders, who must undergo strict 21-day quarantine under medical supervision. SADC Rule-of-Law Tension: Opposition efforts to raise alleged government non-compliance with court orders at the SADC summit in Durban were left out of the agenda, with the opposition saying it remains hopeful SADC will still take up its grievances. SADC Chair Focus & Critique: As Cyril Ramaphosa assumed the SADC chair, regional debate sharpened over whether the bloc’s priorities—like infrastructure and critical minerals—have a credible security and geopolitical strategy behind them. Trade Diplomacy: Ramaphosa urged South Africa and Zimbabwe to tackle a growing trade imbalance at the South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission, while Zimbabwe and South Africa signed six cooperation agreements spanning correctional services, agriculture, arts/heritage, and gender equality. Rare Earth Push: The US development finance agency committed $62.8 million to rare-earth projects in Malawi, Angola, Madagascar and South Africa, but Reuters reports private investors remain wary and projects have yet to reach production. Regional Security Watch: The US Coast Guard kept 22 countries on its port security advisory list, including Madagascar, citing inadequate antiterrorism measures at ports. Film & Training: The Madagascar Film Festival opened in Antananarivo with screenings across regions, plus training sessions on smartphone filmmaking, animation, streaming, and film financing.