Red Sea Security: Saudi Arabia has launched a 14-nation maritime coalition, the Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance, to protect navigation routes around the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb and the Gulf of Aden as Houthi threats and Iran–U.S. tensions keep oil flows under pressure. Horn of Africa Tensions: Fresh flare-ups in Ethiopia’s Tigray—troop build-ups, drone strikes and accusations between the federal army and Tigrayan forces—are raising fears of a wider return to war after the fragile post-2022 calm. Eritrea’s Regional Role: Analysts and policy writers argue Eritrea is becoming more strategically important for Red Sea security and trade, while others warn that renewed conflict involving Asmara could reshape power across the Horn. Press Freedom Under Pressure: The Taliban were again condemned for tightening control over journalists, with watchdogs citing detentions, censorship and new legal punishments. Migration and Rights: Amnesty International is pressing Spain for details on the Ceuta mass arrival and alleged summary returns, while CPJ urges Cameroon to release a journalist held incommunicado over a photo related to the Anglophone crisis. Diaspora and Human Rights: Freedom House reports growing transnational repression against exiles and diaspora communities, with physical incidents recorded across many host countries. U.S. Visa Processing: The U.S. consolidated routine visa services across Africa, including stopping routine processing in Asmara and redirecting applicants to regional hubs.