Maritime Security: The IMO chief urged urgent action to secure the release of 44 seafarers held by Somali pirates, warning crews aboard three hijacked vessels face critical shortages of food and water. Regional Trade & Infrastructure: Kenya renewed calls for regional backing for the Lamu Port–South Sudan–Ethiopia Transport Corridor as Dangote confirms a major Lamu refinery investment. Climate & Humanitarian Preparedness: Action Against Hunger and IGAD’s ICPAC launched a two-year ECHO-funded initiative to scale anticipatory action systems across Ethiopia, Somalia and Djibouti, targeting 243,801 people. Environment & Science: Scientists from 21 African countries met in Accra to harmonise microplastics monitoring protocols using nuclear and isotopic techniques, with Djibouti among participants. Maritime Information Sharing: Yemen advanced plans for a National Maritime Information Sharing Centre and stronger regional links, building on the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment. Public Health & Safety: Ethiopia announced a forensic science scholarship programme for IGAD member states, including Kenya, to strengthen police investigative capacity. Migration Flows: A UN report says nearly 100,000 irregular migrants entered Yemen in the first half of 2026, with 80% arriving via Djibouti. Sports: Djibouti’s Garde Republicaine FC was drawn into a tough CECAFA Kagame Cup group alongside APR FC and Gor Mahia.