Maritime Security in the Red Sea: The Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment chair warned that the humanitarian situation aboard the hijacked MT HONOUR 25 has “rapidly deteriorated” after more than two months in captivity, with unsafe water, food reportedly cut to rice, and five of 17 crew (including the master) now suffering health problems; the statement also flagged similar conditions for the crews of the SWARD and MV EUREKA and urged intensified diplomatic, operational, and legal action for their release. Piracy Response Near Djibouti: The IMO reported deteriorating conditions for crews held by Somali pirates, while the Indian Navy said INS Trikand foiled a piracy attempt on MV Golden Arsenal near Djibouti and secured the 21 crew, underscoring how the region’s security vacuum is being filled by regional navies. European Naval Posture for Hormuz: Germany said it may recall minesweeping ships staged in Djibouti for a possible Strait of Hormuz mission if preconditions aren’t met soon, with Defence Minister Boris Pistorius warning there’s no clear path to operations. Djibouti Media Freedom Debate: A commentary argued that real media freedom in Djibouti would require independent licensing and structural political openness, noting the current system benefits from “silence.” Regional Mobility Note: A Henley Passport Index update placed Djibouti among visa-on-arrival destinations for Pakistani passport holders, reflecting ongoing travel policy shifts affecting regional movement.