Maritime Security & Trade: The IMO is urging urgent action to secure the release of 44 seafarers held by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden and off Somalia, warning crews face critical shortages of food and water as attacks rise. Djibouti Code of Conduct Link: Yemen is moving to set up a National Maritime Information Sharing Centre in Aden and strengthen the Regional Maritime Information Sharing Centre, with the IMO pushing use of the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment information-sharing SOPs. Horn of Africa Logistics: ProCharter Aviation launched four new direct cargo corridors from Nairobi to Mogadishu, Kismayo, Djibouti, and Juba to speed East Africa freight and support e-commerce and time-sensitive goods. Regional Power & Industry Inputs: Ethiopia says it will keep advancing Eastern Africa Power Pool connectivity to build an integrated regional electricity market—key for industrial reliability. Mining & Jobs: Burkina Faso inaugurated its first state-owned gold mine, targeting over 7 tons of gold in 15 years and more than 1,200 jobs, as governments seek greater control of strategic resources. Environment & Monitoring: Scientists from 21 African countries, including Djibouti, are harmonising microplastics monitoring protocols in coastal areas using nuclear and isotopic techniques.