Maritime Security (Horn of Africa): The Djibouti-linked Gulf of Aden saw another piracy disruption as India’s INS Trikand intercepted MV Golden Arsenal about 300 nautical miles east-northeast of Djibouti; MARCOS commandos boarded, cleared the ship, and restored it for continued transit with all 21 crew safe. Humanitarian Risk (Seafarers): The Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment chair warned that conditions aboard hijacked MT HONOUR 25 have deteriorated for 17 crew held for over two months, with health issues, unsafe water, and reduced food, while other vessels remain in captivity. Trade & Shipping (Regional flows): New reporting highlights how shipping lines are shifting away from mega-hubs toward secondary regional ports as Red Sea instability and fuel-rule delays reshape logistics networks. Agriculture (Cotton): USDA data shows Upland cotton export sales weakened in the week ended June 25, while Pima sales hit a marketing-year low—signals for regional buyers including Djibouti’s wider import ecosystem. Policy & Industry (AfCFTA): Tanzania’s AfCFTA uptake is rising, with certificates of origin enabling preferential trade into markets that include Djibouti.