Coastal Pollution Watch: Researchers detected a “chemical cocktail” of everyday pharmaceuticals in Djibouti’s Gulf of Tadjourah, including ibuprofen, caffeine, carbamazepine and the antibiotic levofloxacin, with untreated urban wastewater flagged as the main pathway—raising ecological risks for coral reefs, mangroves and fish nurseries. Green Growth: Ethiopia’s PM Abiy Ahmed says more than 8 billion seedlings are ready for the Green Legacy planting season, citing a forest canopy rebound and a shift toward fruit trees like avocado, mango, papaya and apple. Regional Connectivity: Kenya secured €102 million from the EU for digital expansion, plus €37 million for the Blue Raman submarine cable linking Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania—aimed at boosting bandwidth and cutting costs. Climate Signals: NOAA reports El Niño is back, warning impacts vary but often mean drier conditions and higher risks of drought and heat in parts of Asia and Australia. Community Resilience: At Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, a weekly Safe Haven Open Mic at the chapel is giving deployed service members a creative outlet and stronger morale.