Maritime Security Crisis: The IMO chief in London renewed an urgent call for the release of 44 seafarers held by Somali pirates, warning that food and water are running critically low aboard three hijacked vessels (MT Honour 25, Eureka and Sward) as piracy and armed robbery incidents rise. Regional Power & Connectivity: Ethiopia’s Water and Energy Minister said Addis Ababa will keep pushing Eastern Africa Power Pool plans for an integrated regional electricity market, as EAPP ministers met in Addis Ababa. Ethiopia–Kenya Security Cooperation: Ethiopia launched a new forensic science scholarship programme for police officers across IGAD, with Kenya eligible to send officers to the Ethiopian Police University in Sandafa. Horn of Africa Trade Links: Kenya reaffirmed its push for deeper Horn trade integration, highlighting transport and logistics corridors including Lamu Port and the LAPSSET route connecting Kenya, Ethiopia and beyond, with Djibouti among partners. Djibouti Corridor Dependence: A new analysis revisited Ethiopia’s heavy reliance on Djibouti for over 95% of maritime trade, arguing the near-monopoly raises costs and creates economic and security vulnerabilities. Environment & Monitoring: Scientists from 21 African countries met in Accra to harmonise microplastics monitoring protocols for coastal environments using nuclear and isotopic techniques. Sports: Tanzania’s Simba SC confirmed its return to the Cecafa Kagame Cup after seven years, with Rwanda hosting from July 24 to August 8, 2026.