•The Ivorian government deploys forty-four thousand troops and other resources to ready the security sector ahead of the October 25 elections. •Malian authority releases activist El Bachir Thiam after months of secret detention. •Guinea-Bissau's rejection of Pereira's candidacy file sparks concern over the potential misuse of institutions to sideline political opponents. •And, Ghana’s President Mahama renews call for Africa’s Permanent Seat on the UN Security Council.