Red Sea Pressure on Djibouti Trade: The French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle strike group has safely transited Bab el-Mandeb and is now anchored at Djibouti, but the wider corridor remains jittery as Iran’s new transit rules and continued Houthi activity keep shipping rerouted and insurance costs elevated—an immediate concern for the Addis–Djibouti route that carries over 95% of Ethiopia’s trade. Somaliland Recognition Ripple: Israel’s December 26 de jure recognition of Somaliland is still reshaping regional politics, drawing sharp condemnation from Somalia and others while deepening the territory’s search for global visibility. Green Hydrogen Push: Ethiopia approved Ming Yang’s 8.4 GW renewables-to-hydrogen license (about US$14.1bn), aiming to scale clean fuels and strengthen energy security. Debt Worries in the Horn: Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance will assume Ethiopian Railway Corporation debt after restructuring with Chinese creditors, signaling tighter control of state liabilities. Climate Land Restoration: Nature-based “Living Labs” are expanding across Djibouti and other countries to restore land and water through local tree planting and pond rehabilitation.