Red Sea Tensions: Iran-backed Houthis announce a Red Sea “maritime embargo” on Saudi Arabia, warning ships not to load or discharge at Saudi ports—raising fresh fears of another Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint and renewed pressure on global fuel prices. East Africa Security: Kenya’s navy intercepted an unregistered dhow off Lamu carrying over 1,000kg of methamphetamine, underscoring how East Africa’s coast is being used for large-scale drug entry into local markets. Regional Health: The EAC is set to launch the Uganda Virus Research Institute as a regional virology centre of excellence, aiming to strengthen surveillance and lab training across partner states. West Africa Integration: ECOWAS leaders meet in Sierra Leone as President Barrow calls for stronger bloc unity to tackle terrorism and climate risks; Liberia’s Boakai signs key regional instruments including the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline framework. Energy & Trade: ECOWAS backs the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, while shipping analysts warn that Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea disruptions could trigger another oil shock. South Africa Water: WISA 2026 opens in Cape Town with a push to tackle water insecurity, as Ramaphosa pledges major funding and warns municipalities over service failures. Nigeria Justice: Nigeria charges six people, including senior security figures, over an alleged coup plot. Business & Investment: Egypt says it topped Africa for FDI inflows again in 2025; Kenya’s Co-op Bank wins retail and digital honours at Euromoney.