Coastal Pollution Watch: Researchers report a “chemical cocktail” of common pharmaceuticals in Djibouti’s Gulf of Tadjourah, with untreated urban wastewater flagged as the main pathway; detected substances include ibuprofen, caffeine, carbamazepine and the antibiotic levofloxacin, 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—aimed at boosting bandwidth and lowering internet costs across the region. Climate Signals: NOAA says El Niño is back, with impacts that can shift rainfall and raise odds of drought, heatwaves and wildfires—reminding the Horn of Africa to plan for variable weather. Energy & Trade Pressure: Djibouti is again caught in wider Red Sea and Hormuz volatility, where higher oil and freight costs can quickly feed into local living costs. Green Growth (Neighboring): Ethiopia’s Green Legacy campaign says it has readied over 8 billion seedlings, continuing efforts to expand forest cover and fruit-tree planting.