Subsea Connectivity Boost: The EU has pledged €37 million to extend the Google-backed Blue-Raman submarine cable into East Africa, linking Djibouti with Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania—aimed at higher capacity, lower bandwidth costs and stronger network resilience. Digital Economy Push: The same Brussels visit also brought Kenya €102 million under the EU–Kenya Digital Partnership, with plans spanning connectivity, digital transformation, data governance and digital trade. Health & Environment Watch: A Djibouti Gulf of Tadjourah study found common medicines (including ibuprofen, caffeine and carbamazepine) in untreated urban wastewater, raising ecological risk in a marine biodiversity hotspot. Climate Alert: NOAA says El Niño is back, with impacts that can shift drought, monsoon rains and heatwaves across the region—though effects vary by place. UN Leadership: Kenya’s Monica Juma was sworn in as UNODC Executive Director and UN Office in Vienna chief, taking charge of efforts against drugs, crime and corruption. Trade Facilitation: Egypt extended customs facilitation for transit shipments for six months, including routes involving Djibouti and other East African partners.