Maritime Security in the Red Sea: Somalia, Ethiopia, Yemen and Djibouti met in Nairobi to tighten maritime law enforcement and information-sharing against piracy, trafficking and shipping disruptions, with Djibouti’s Maritime Authority warning that wider Middle East tensions can leave the Gulf of Aden exposed. Djibouti-linked AU Role in Somalia: The AU authorized its Somalia peacekeeping mission (AUSSOM) to fight alongside federal forces against Darwish militia loyal to ousted Southwest leader Abdiasis Laftagaren, citing growing Al-Shabaab links—an issue that directly touches Djibouti’s regional influence. Ethiopia’s Maritime Push: Ethiopia proposed a National Maritime Information Centre to better protect the Red Sea corridor, arguing maritime security is an economic necessity for a landlocked state. Horn Climate Readiness: IGAD’s early warning for Oct–Dec 2026 rains urges governments and humanitarian agencies to prepare for wetter-than-normal conditions, after flash flooding reports from Baidoa, Somalia. AU Financing: Ethiopia agreed to nearly double its AU budget contribution, moving to the top “Tier-One” bracket as the bloc faces financing strain. US Visa Processing Update: The US Embassy in Abuja will keep handling diplomatic and official visas (A/G/C), even as routine visa services shifted to Lagos. Somali Piracy Dispute: Somalia says Turkey freed the MV Lutuf after a 10-day pursuit, killing pirates, while Puntland disputes any rescue and alleges ransom—highlighting renewed piracy risk. Wildfire Tragedy: USFWS mourns federal wildlife officer David Taylor, who died helping evacuate families during Oklahoma’s Railroad South Fire.