Maritime Security Crisis: The IMO chief in London renewed an urgent call for the release of 44 seafarers held by Somali pirates, warning crews are running critically low on food and water and face threats of violence aboard three hijacked vessels. Regional Cooperation on the Horn: The IMO is pushing its Red Sea Project forward, backing a Yemen roadmap to set up a National Maritime Information Sharing Centre and a Regional centre, using the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment standards. Djibouti’s Strategic Role: A new analysis highlights how Ethiopia’s heavy dependence on the Djibouti corridor—while historically vital—creates economic and security vulnerabilities, from high logistics costs to corridor disruption risks. Piracy Resurgence Watch: Reports say piracy and armed robbery incidents are up globally and spiking again off the Horn of Africa, as shipping faces renewed Red Sea and Gulf of Aden pressure. Ethiopia–IGAD Security Links: Ethiopia launched a forensic science scholarship programme for police officers across IGAD, including Kenya, aimed at strengthening regional crime investigation capacity. Ethiopia’s Power Market Push: Ethiopia reiterated its drive to deepen Eastern Africa Power Pool integration and build an integrated regional electricity market through shared rules and governance. Trade and Partnerships: Türkiye said exports to Africa jumped 12% to $11bn in the first half, stressing technology transfer and long-term private-sector partnerships.