IGAD Governance: IGAD’s Executive Secretary pushed back on a Standard Newspaper report, saying anonymous allegations can’t replace proof and stressing that member states—not the secretariat alone—set major decisions through IGAD’s formal oversight bodies. Maritime Security & Trade: A new push argues the U.S. should recognize Somaliland to help secure the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint that links Djibouti to Yemen and carries a major share of container and oil trade. Horn of Africa Ports: Analysis says liner shipping is moving away from Asia’s mega-hubs toward secondary regional ports, a shift that could reshape Djibouti’s port competition dynamics. Low-Carbon Shipping Rules: Wärtsilä warns that IMO delays and a fragmented regulatory path are making low-carbon fuel adoption harder and costlier for carriers. Regional Cyber Capacity: IGAD launched a 2026 regional cyber drill in Addis Ababa to improve cross-border readiness against cyber threats. Djibouti in the Spotlight: A report on Djibouti’s crowded military footprint highlights how the Bab el-Mandeb’s strategic value keeps major powers investing locally. Energy & Infrastructure: Ethiopia’s megaproject expansion is being reassessed as officials concede debt and underused capacity, signaling a more commercially driven investment approach. Film & Culture: Qatar’s Doha Film Institute announced 2026 spring grants, including projects from Djibouti.