Ethiopia–Djibouti Fuel Pipeline: Ethiopia and Djibouti moved closer to energy resilience with a $660m, 120-km refined-products pipeline from Damerjog (Djibouti) to Dewele (Somali region), backed by Ethiopian Investment Holdings and Aliko Dangote, promising faster deliveries, lower logistics costs, and reduced tanker traffic. Red Sea Risk & Freight Costs: With Houthi pressure near Bab el-Mandeb and Perim/Mokha, war-risk premiums and route disruptions are raising Ethiopia’s corridor costs—keeping Djibouti’s port central to regional trade economics. Tigray Conflict Spillover: Fighting in northern Ethiopia is intensifying, with reports of internet disruption and fears of a repeat of the 2020–2022 telecoms blackout and supply blockade—an added threat to the Ethiopia–Djibouti trade lifeline. UN Maritime Security Push: At the UN General Assembly, India and Gulf states urged protection of sea lanes as attacks and disruptions threaten energy, food security, and global commerce; Djibouti was among countries calling for de-escalation. Food Insecurity in the IGAD Region: A new IGAD report warns 40.3m people across six countries face acute food insecurity in 2026, with Djibouti among the hardest hit as conflict, drought, and funding gaps deepen hunger. Regional Diplomacy: Oman’s UNGA meetings included Djibouti, focusing on bilateral cooperation and maritime navigation as tensions rise around the Horn and Red Sea.