Red Sea Shipping Risk: A commercial vessel was attacked in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis, killing at least three crew members; the strait handles about 12% of global trade, keeping maritime costs and insurance concerns front and center. Horn Security & Eritrea’s Role: Multiple reports warn the Horn is edging toward renewed escalation, citing Eritrean military involvement in northern Ethiopia/Tigray and the “Tsimdo” anti-Ethiopia alignment as a destabilizing proxy risk. Eritrea’s Development Debate: Commentaries argue Eritrea must choose a realistic development model, moving away from command-style governance toward institutions and predictable rules that can support markets and growth. Public Finance Capacity: Eritrea’s Office of the Auditor General trained 75 internal auditors (including 23 women) on risk-based auditing, budget execution, procurement, and the coordinated financial management system—aimed at strengthening governance. Education & Community Support: In Gala-Nefhi, Embeyto Elementary School received basic maintenance funded through community contributions, with local officials urging similar village-led efforts. Visa Processing Shift (Asmara listed): The U.S. says routine visa services in Asmara and other African posts are being consolidated into regional hubs, with embassies continuing other consular work. Youth & Agenda 2063: A Kampala summit drew 1,000+ delegates from 11 countries, including Eritrea, pushing “Bold Asks” on funding, inclusion, and seats to advance AU Agenda 2063.