Maritime Security (Djibouti corridor): The Djibouti-linked Gulf of Aden saw a fresh anti-piracy win as India’s INS Trikand intercepted the St Vincent–flagged bulk carrier MV Golden Arsenal about 300 nautical miles east-northeast of Djibouti; MARCOS commandos boarded, sanitized the ship, found no suspicious personnel, and helped restore it for continued voyage after damage to the bridge area. Humanitarian Risk at Sea: The Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment chair warned that the hijacked MT HONOUR 25 has left 17 crew in captivity for over two months, with worsening health issues, unsafe water, and reduced food supplies, urging sustained action for all hostages. Regional Trade & Payments (AfCFTA): PAPSS is expanding local-currency cross-border payments, with Djibouti listed among East Africa “live” nations, aiming to cut costly dollar-based settlement delays. Climate & Land Restoration (Sahel–Djibouti): The Wall of Trees project is framed as an 8,000 km living green barrier across the Sahel to restore degraded land, curb desertification, and support food security and jobs, reaching toward Djibouti. AfCFTA Uptake (East Africa): Tanzania reports rising AfCFTA certificates of origin and exports under preferential tariffs, including shipments reaching Djibouti.