Pharmaceutical Pollution: Researchers report a “chemical cocktail” of common medicines in Djibouti’s Gulf of Tadjourah, with untreated urban wastewater flagged as the main pathway—ibuprofen, caffeine, carbamazepine and the antibiotic levofloxacin were detected, raising ecological risk for coral reefs, mangroves and fish nurseries. Regional Connectivity: Kenya’s EU-backed digital push includes €37 million for the Blue Raman submarine cable extension linking Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania, aiming to boost bandwidth, cut costs and improve reliability across the region. Inclusive Growth Debate: A Djibouti-focused op-ed argues the country’s growth remains fragile—high debt and exposure to Red Sea shocks threaten whether benefits reach everyone. Climate Signal: NOAA says El Niño is back, with impacts that can shift rainfall and raise drought and heat risks across parts of Asia and beyond—relevant for planning around water and food security. Maritime Security: A shipping incident near Yemen’s Bab Al Mandeb highlights ongoing risks to commercial traffic, with authorities urging extra caution.