Horn of Africa Diplomacy: Israel’s first ambassador to Somaliland, Michael Lotem, says ties are rapidly deepening beyond security into energy, infrastructure, tech, education and communications—after Israel became the first to recognize Somaliland in December, pulling the breakaway territory further into regional tensions. Maritime Security Watch: France’s Charles de Gaulle carrier group has reached the Arabian Sea for a possible Strait of Hormuz mission, as European allies keep laying groundwork for a defensive, multinational shipping-protection effort. Djibouti Energy Build: Djibouti has started construction of the Sh20.7bn Fuelstor multi-product fuel terminal in the Damerjog corridor, aiming to boost regional fuel storage and trading as East Africa weighs refinery plans. Piracy Pressure: In Karachi, families of Pakistani seafarers held by Somali pirates protest again, with reports of rising ransom demands and worsening conditions for captives. Ethiopia Agribusiness: Ethiopia’s potato sector is drawing investment in seed systems and cold storage to close a major yield and post-harvest losses gap.