Horn of Africa in the spotlight: Middle East powers are tightening their grip on the Red Sea corridor via port deals, defense agreements, energy projects and new diplomatic moves—Egypt’s maritime pact with Somalia is one example, while Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the UAE deepen different angles of influence across Somalia, Somaliland and beyond. EU-Russia sanctions friction: EU ministers failed to agree on a new 21st sanctions package, while Russia’s trade surplus reportedly rose as Moscow leans harder into Asia. Marine pollution science for the region: In Accra, scientists from 21 African countries are harmonising microplastics monitoring protocols using nuclear and isotopic techniques, with Djibouti among the participants—aiming for comparable coastal data and stronger policy. Disaster preparedness in the Greater Horn: Action Against Hunger and IGAD’s climate centre launched IMPAACT to scale anticipatory action systems in Ethiopia, Somalia and Djibouti, targeting 243,801 people. Forensic capacity building: Ethiopia announced a regional forensic science scholarship for police officers from IGAD states, including Kenya, to strengthen cross-border crime and cybercrime investigations. Sudan justice and health strain: Hemedti was sentenced to death in Sudan, as cholera risks rise with ongoing fighting and the rainy season approaching.