Eritrea-EU Finance Talks: Eritrea’s ambassador Negassi Kasa joined the OACPS Council of Ministers in Brussels, urging the bloc to become financially self-reliant and to pay revised member contributions on time, warning that without ownership of policy it can’t engage the EU as an equal partner. Public-Sector Audit Capacity: Eritrea’s Auditor General and the Finance Ministry trained 75 internal auditors (including 23 women) from defense and other institutions, covering audit planning, reporting, budget execution, bookkeeping, procurement, and asset management. Red Sea Trade Risk: As Iran-US tensions rise, reports say Iran has urged Yemen’s Houthis to be ready to close Bab el-Mandeb if US strikes hit Iranian power infrastructure—raising fears of another shipping and energy shock that would directly affect the Eritrea-linked corridor. Maritime Security Mandate: The EU is weighing expanding its Red Sea naval operation, including possible minesweeping, as it tries to keep key routes open near Bab el-Mandeb. Ethiopia’s Sea Strategy Debate: Former Tigray chief administrator Gebru Asrat argues Ethiopia needs a legally grounded, institutional national strategy for sea access, including a dedicated executive body to compile technical and historical documentation. Regional Politics Watch: The TPLF rejected a planned Addis Ababa rally, accusing organizers of serving the federal agenda, while the council behind it says it’s meant to enforce the Pretoria agreement and stop forced conscription. AfCFTA Push: AfCFTA urged South Sudan to speed up ratification to unlock trade and investment across Africa. Visa/Trade Facilitation: India released its 2026 e-Visa list including Eritrea, and Mozambique published its 2026 eVisa eligibility list for African travelers.