Red Sea Shipping Shock: The IMO condemned renewed attacks on commercial vessels after Houthi strikes on Saudi oil tankers, warning the violence is “indefensible” and endangering seafarers and global supply chains. Regional Security Escalation: The African Union also condemned the Houthis’ blockade threats, stressing freedom of navigation and warning that disruption to Red Sea routes could hit energy security and trade for Africa. Iran–Houthi Military Link: Reuters reports Iran flew IRGC commanders and missile/drone-related equipment into Yemen on July 13, aimed at boosting Houthi capability to threaten Red Sea shipping. Somalia Maritime Risk: A hijacked fuel/chemical tanker (MT Assana) is reported to have fallen under pirates’ control near Somalia after an attack off Yemen, underscoring Gulf of Aden piracy pressure. Somalia–China Trade Boost: Somalia signed a zero-tariff seafood protocol with China, giving duty-free access for exports like tuna and lobster and aiming to expand fisheries jobs. Food Security Pressure: Global hunger is easing, but nutrition progress is still too slow for women and children, while Gaza remains at crisis levels despite improved aid access. Climate on Livelihoods: Extreme heat is harming camel herders in the Horn, with reported calf deaths and stress from hotter, drier conditions. Somalia Security Capacity Gap: A new analysis argues Somalia’s real challenge is not just training soldiers, but retaining, paying, equipping, and deploying them once trained. Trade Barriers for Farmers: A report on Somali banana access highlights transport and checkpoint/levy costs that keep local growers from competing, even as regional trade talks continue.