Red Sea Shipping Security: Italy says it will escort its merchant vessels through Bab el-Mandeb without waiting for the EU’s Aspides mission, warning that delays could hit prices and business costs; the Italian frigate Bergamini is already in Djibouti as about a dozen Italian-flagged or Italian-owned ships seek passage. Yemen Conflict & Oil Risks: A week after Houthi advances along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, fighting has displaced tens of thousands and raised fears for Saudi oil exports as Houthis target shipping and Saudi infrastructure; Qatar warns a loss of Bab el-Mandeb would be “catastrophic” for global trade. Djibouti’s Strategic Role: A US think tank report says China upgraded its Djibouti base with new antennas and communications gear, boosting monitoring reach across the Middle East and Africa. Djibouti Humanitarian Pressure: Djibouti says Yemenis fleeing the conflict have exceeded national capacity, with arrivals expected to rise sharply without more international funding. Regional Diplomacy: IGAD renewed its call for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan, urging coordinated mediation and safe humanitarian access. Agri-Food Investment: IFAD joined Djibouti and the World Bank to launch the AgriConnect Compact to strengthen livestock, horticulture and date palms value chains and create rural jobs.