Energy & Trade Corridor: Ethiopia, Djibouti and the Dangote Group advanced a $660m refined fuel pipeline plan: a 120-km line from Damerjog (Djibouti) to Dewele (Ethiopia), with storage capacity topping 1 million m³, aiming to cut fuel delivery time from five days to one and reduce reliance on tanker trucks. Regional Security & Shipping Costs: As Houthi forces expand control near Bab el-Mandeb, war-risk premiums for Red Sea-linked tankers reportedly jumped, raising freight costs for Ethiopia’s Djibouti corridor. Horn of Africa Conflict Watch: Renewed fighting in Ethiopia’s Tigray—around Alamata and beyond—has killed civilians and disrupted transport, while accusations of Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt backing sides raise fears of spillover. Diplomacy in Djibouti: Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh to deepen security, economic and political cooperation, following talks in Ethiopia. Maritime Incident: Pakistan said five crew members died during the recovery operation for the hijacked MT Honour 25 off Somalia, with Djibouti-based embassy support for Pakistani nationals. Finance for Djibouti Infrastructure: Afreximbank backed a second phase for Djibouti’s Damerjog pipeline and storage, plus funding for industrial roads to strengthen East African commerce. Big Industry Signal (Region): Dangote’s $16bn East Africa refinery in Kenya’s Lamu broke ground, targeting 700,000 bpd and boosting LAPSSET logistics.