Red Sea Security & Diplomacy: Djibouti Maritime Authority officials warned that wider Middle East tensions are spilling into the Gulf of Aden and boosting piracy opportunities, as regional states met in Nairobi to strengthen maritime law enforcement and information-sharing. Regional Maritime Coordination: Ethiopia pushed for a National Maritime Information Centre to protect the Red Sea corridor, with Djibouti, Somalia and Yemen also at the table. Somalia Stabilisation: The African Union cleared AUSSOM to fight alongside Somalia’s federal forces against Darwish militia in and around Baidoa, citing growing links with Al-Shabaab. Digital Infrastructure Investment: WIOCC secured $300m from AFC and Vision Invest to expand open-access carrier-neutral digital infrastructure across Africa, with Djibouti Telecom listed among shareholders. Humanitarian & Health Impacts: Yemen’s Sana’a authorities highlighted how the Saudi blockade and airport closure are delaying medicines, forcing some shipments to route via Djibouti and arrive spoiled. Somaliland Recognition Push: Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi is set for his first US visit, seeking broader recognition after Israel’s December 2025 move. Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan Defence Talks: Saudi Arabia hailed Istanbul outcomes under the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, including steps toward a General Secretariat in Saudi Arabia. Somalia Piracy Dispute: Somalia’s federal government said Turkey freed MV Lutuf after a 10-day pursuit, killing pirates, while Puntland disputed the account and raised ransom allegations.