Strait of Hormuz Mine-Clearing Costs: Germany’s foreign minister says Iran should ultimately pay for clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, arguing Tehran “unlawfully mined” an international shipping lane; Germany says it’s open to joining a mission but only with a clear legal mandate and a secure environment, with littoral-state consent and progress in US-Iran talks seen as key. Regional Air Freight Boost: ProCharter Aviation launched four new direct air cargo corridors from Nairobi, including weekly routes linking Nairobi with Mogadishu, Kismayo, Djibouti, and Juba—aimed at faster, more reliable trade flows for time-sensitive goods. Climate Restoration Spotlight: Africa’s “Wall of Trees” (Great Green Wall) is highlighted as an 8,000-km living restoration effort across the Sahel—restoring forests, grasslands, wetlands, and farmland to fight desertification, improve food security, and create jobs, reaching toward Djibouti. Water Stress Data: A new global map ranks water-stressed countries using freshwater withdrawals versus renewable supplies, underscoring how climate pressure and demand are pushing some nations far beyond sustainable limits. Cyber Resilience in the Horn: IGAD’s Regional Cyber Drill 2026 wrapped up with calls for stronger cross-border cooperation, including plans for a regional information-sharing center to better defend critical infrastructure.