1. U.S. Tariffs, Trump–Putin Diplomacy Made Central
- The Trump administration unveiled sweeping new tariffs, pushing rates to their highest levels since 1934—some reaching over 40%—and impacting more than 60 countries. This move has triggered immediate global economic concern, especially among major exporters like Brazil, Switzerland, and Syria The Guardian.
- In parallel, there are signs of a diplomatic thaw: Trump expressed readiness to meet with Russian President Putin, while Putin himself signaled openness to dialogue—but emphasized that direct talks with Ukraine’s Zelenskyy remain unlikely for now The GuardianSky NewsReuters.
2. Oil Markets Slump Amid Trade Tensions & Output Shifts
Oil prices are headed for their sharpest weekly decline since June, with Brent crude down more than 4% ($66.40/barrel) and U.S. WTI off over 5% ($63.82) in Asia. Analysts point to weakened global demand due to U.S. tariffs, combined with OPEC+ accelerating its end to major production cuts. Adding to the volatility: renewed assertions of a possible Trump–Putin meeting, and potential U.S. tariffs on oil imports from India and China Reuters.
3. Netanyahu Vows Full Israeli Control Over Gaza
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced intentions for Israel to seize full military and administrative control over Gaza, as approved by his security cabinet. The move intensifies already heightened regional instability Sky NewsReuters.
4. Steep U.S. Tariffs on Indian Imports Spark Concern
- The U.S. has imposed even steeper tariffs on Indian goods—reportedly rising to 50%—in response to New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil. Indian exporters are warning of massive setbacks ahead www.ndtv.com.
Sudan
- Airstrike at Nyala airport kills 40 Colombian mercenaries
On August 6, a Sudanese airstrike struck Nyala airport in Darfur, killing at least 40 suspected Colombian mercenaries aboard a suspected Emirati aircraft delivering arms to the RSF. Sudan framed it as a deterrent against foreign interference, while the UAE denied involvement and responded by barring Sudanese planes from its airports. The UN confirmed the presence of Colombian mercenaries; Colombia has opened an investigation.AP News - Massacre at Zamzam displacement camp
Between April 11–13, the RSF brutally attacked Zamzam camp, home to around 500,000 displaced people. Eyewitnesses estimate over 2,000 killed, far exceeding earlier figures. The massacre involved mass killings, rapes, and abductions—survivors criticize the international community’s inaction despite advance warnings.The Guardian - Humanitarian crisis deepens in al‑Fashir
In al‑Fashir, the last army-held city in western Darfur, civilians face famine conditions under RSF siege: bakeries closed, no electricity, blocked aid convoys, outbreaks of cholera, and soaring death rates.Reuters
Somalia
Campaign to deliver 15 million digital IDs by 2029
Somalia’s government expanded national digital ID use cases. Starting on September 1, digital ID became mandatory for passport applications and starting next year, all domestic travel will require digital ID. biometricupdate.com
Funding cuts exacerbate Somalia’s humanitarian crisis
A new report highlights how funding cuts to humanitarian efforts in Somalia are exacerbating the crisis—rising hunger, malnutrition, displacement, and the threat to millions of lives already impacted by drought, flooding, conflict, and economic instability. CARE
Development planning talks with UN
Somalia’s Ministry of Planning worked with the UN to plan for aligning development plans which reflects an attempt to coordinate responses towards recovery while managing ongoing challenges. Wakaaladda Wararka Qaranka Soomaaliyeed
Camel milk market driving nutrition and employment
On a more positive note, the “camel milk revolution” is emerging as a positive nutritional and economic force—creating jobs, increasing incomes, and improving diets across some parts of the Horn of Africa. Good News Network
Djibouti
1. Migrant Tragedies in the Red Sea
A migrant boat capsized in the Bab al-Mandab Strait between Djibouti and Yemen, resulting in a death toll of at least 92. There were about 200 migrants on board, mostly Ethiopians, and the dangerous maritime route continues to take its toll on human life. It remains one of the deadliest migration corridors in the world. Deutsche Welle.
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2. Strengthened Somalia-Djibouti Defence Pact
On July 30, Djibouti and Somalia signed a Status of Forces Agreement (SoFA) to allow more Djiboutian troops to deploy to Somalia. This represents deepened commitment from Djibouti to regional security, and is especially relevant in support of counter-insurgency operations against al-Shabaab EIN NewsPlatform for Peace and Humanity.
3. Port Operations & Maritime Congestion
Djibouti’s port remains a critical logistics hub for the region. Over the last week, there has been an average waiting time for vessels to dock of about four days, illustrating continuing congestion issues in maritime operations myKN.
4. AU Leadership: Djibouti Diplomat Takes The Helm
Mahamoud Ali Youssouf who has served as Djibouti’s Foreign Minister for many years was elected as Chairperson of the African Union Commission on February 15, 2025. This represents a critical increased diplomatic stature of Djibouti, and the growing prominence for Djibouti at the continental level. WikipediaReuters.
5. Renewable Energy Development
Djibouti is making headway to clean energy:
The Ghoubet Wind Power Station, located in the Arta region of Djibouti, is a 60 MW wind farm that has been operational since September 2023 and is the country’s first grid-connected renewable energy project Wikipedia.
The Amea Grand Bara Solar Power Station, a 25 MW solar photovoltaic project with battery storage of energy, slated for completion in 2025, will be the first and largest solar plant,
6. International and Regional Relations
Djibouti has a Status of Forces Agreement with Somalia to enhance defence cooperation EIN NewsPlatform for Peace and Humanity.
In regard to Djibouti’s broader partnerships, there are partnerships with the global powers and regional organizations in order to address maritime security and diplomatic capacity Africa NewsroomEIN News.
Ethiopia
Humanitarian & Migration Crisis
Deadly shipwreck off Yemen “at least 68 Ethiopians have died and 74 are missing” as their migrant boat capsized to travel to the Gulf. The boat had 154 passengers aboard and only 12 were rescued. This is another deadly reminder about the risks of irregular migration from Ethiopia amidst a youth unemployment crisis of more than 20%. The government has warned citizens to avoid irregular migration routes, while African Union and UN entities are calling for safe migration alternatives to this horrible situation. AP News. The Washington Post
Refugee Integration & Success Stories
Art saves a refugee: Faduma Abukar, a Somali refugee resettled in Ethiopia, paints to cope with the trauma of displacement. She painted a mural and it drew the attention of the French Embassy which opened Faduma to recognition in the Ethiopian art scene, her first solo exhibitions, and sustainable income. Ethiopia allowed refugees to have digital “Fayda” IDs enabling access to banking, healthcare, and education, which all demonstrate how refugees can participate successfully when given the proper means to integrate. .TIME
Economic & Financial Sector Movements
New securities exchange launched: Ethiopia inaugurated its first stock exchange (ESX) in January 2025. Wegagen Bank will be the first company traded on this exchange. There are estimated to be as many as 90 companies that could come to the stock exchange in ten years. The development of the ESX is a critical step towards diversifying its economy and attracting foreign investment. .Wikipedia
Green Economy Movement
Electric transport expanded: Ethiopia is accelerating its green economy along the lines of other countries by promoting electric vehicles (EV) and electric rail systems, according to the Ministry of Transport and Logistics. This is an effort to be part of a more climate-resilient development agenda as well. tvbrics.com
Diplomatic & Global Role
Increased diplomatic prominence through conference diplomacy: The state successfully co-hosted the United Nations Food Systems Summit +4 (UNFSS+4) in July 2025 that attracted more than 30,000 delegates around the world to the main venue and helped boost Ethiopian tourism and hospitality. In this regard, Ethiopia is preparing to host the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) in September, showing leadership in its role as a diplomatic hub and a multilateral venue in Africa. .hornreview.org
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