AGP Executive Report

Humanitarian & Migration: Nearly 9,000 Ethiopian migrants stranded in Yemen have returned home via sea crossings to Djibouti, with IOM urging safer, dignified routes as irregular flows keep rising. Regional Energy: Ethiopia and Kenya signed a new electricity supply deal to boost cross-border power trade and strengthen East Africa’s connectivity, with Ethiopia already exporting electricity to Djibouti and others. Horn of Africa Trade: Kenya backed regional trade facilitation reforms under the Horn of Africa Initiative, aiming to cut business costs through faster border clearance, better handling of non-tariff barriers, and improved logistics systems. Maritime Security: The IMO renewed calls for urgent action to secure the release of 44 seafarers held by pirates in Somali waters, warning of worsening conditions aboard detained vessels. Environment & Science: Scientists from 21 African countries met in Accra to harmonize microplastics monitoring protocols using nuclear and isotopic techniques, including Djibouti among participants. Local Relevance: A separate report highlights how Ethiopia’s heavy reliance on the Djibouti corridor raises costs and risks—fueling interest in diversifying routes and connectivity.

Ethiopia–Kenya Power Deal: Ethiopia and Kenya signed a new electricity supply agreement to boost cross-border power trade and strengthen East Africa’s energy connectivity, with Ethiopia selling to Kenya’s state distributor at about 24.07 birr per kWh. Djibouti–Horn Migration Links: Yemen is seeing a sharp rise in African migrant arrivals, with Djibouti as the main departure point (80% of June flows), while IOM also reported nearly 9,000 Ethiopian migrants returning from Yemen via sea crossings to Djibouti. Maritime Security in the Region: The UN’s maritime agency urged urgent action to secure the release of 44 seafarers held by pirates in Somali waters, warning of critical shortages and threats to crews. Regional Trade Push: Kenya backed trade facilitation reforms to cut border delays and business costs, including faster clearance for compliant traders and steps to tackle non-tariff barriers. Humanitarian Coordination: Qatar Red Crescent Society took part in ARCO’s 50th General Assembly in Nouakchott, focusing on regional humanitarian priorities and coordination with Arab partners. Environment & Science: Scientists from 21 African countries met in Accra to harmonise microplastics monitoring protocols for coastal pollution using nuclear and isotopic techniques, including Djibouti’s participation. Qatar Leadership Remembered: Qatar mourned the death of former emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, credited with major economic and “soft power” gains including the launch of Al Jazeera.

Horn of Africa Trade & Power: Ethiopia and Kenya signed a new electricity supply deal to boost cross-border power trade and reliability, while Kenya backed regional trade reforms under the Horn of Africa Initiative to cut clearance delays and tackle non-tariff barriers. Djibouti Corridor & Regional Logistics: Kenya also renewed calls for stronger regional support for the Lamu Port–South Sudan–Ethiopia Transport corridor, linking infrastructure to jobs and intra-African trade. Migration Through Djibouti to Yemen: IOM reports African migrant arrivals in Yemen jumped in June, with Djibouti the main departure point (80%), and many landings in Abyan after security pressure on smuggling networks eased. Maritime Security Pressure: The IMO urged urgent action to secure the release of 44 seafarers held by pirates off Somalia, as piracy risks rise again around the Horn and Gulf of Aden. Environment & Science: Scientists from 21 African countries met in Accra to harmonise microplastics monitoring protocols, including Djibouti’s participation. Regional Humanitarian Coordination: Qatar Red Crescent Society joined ARCO’s 50th General Assembly in Nouakchott to discuss humanitarian priorities and coordination across Arab states. Energy Shock From Iran War: A new analysis says the Iran conflict is feeding into African energy, food, and livelihood pressures via higher fuel costs and disrupted Gulf-linked trade.

Regional Energy Deal: Ethiopia and Kenya signed a new electricity supply agreement, with Ethiopia’s utility (EEU) selling power to Kenya Power at about 24.07 birr per kWh, aiming to boost reliable cross-border supply and East Africa’s energy connectivity. Trade Facilitation Push: Kenya endorsed Horn of Africa Initiative proposals to cut business costs, including faster border processing, stronger handling of non-tariff barriers, and plans for regional electronic cargo tracking and IT-based road management. Humanitarian & Migration Flows: IOM reports African migrant arrivals in Yemen jumped in June, with Djibouti as the main departure point (80% of flows), and it also notes deportations of Ethiopian migrants from Oman back to Yemen. Maritime Security Urgency: The IMO chief called for urgent action to secure the release of 44 seafarers held by pirates in Somali waters, warning of critical shortages and threats to crews. Djibouti in the Spotlight: A separate report on Yemen’s maritime information-sharing roadmap links regional coordination to the Djibouti Code of Conduct framework. Environment & Science: Djibouti is among 21 African countries meeting in Accra to harmonize microplastics monitoring protocols using nuclear and isotopic techniques.

Humanitarian Coordination: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) joined the 50th ARCO General Assembly in Nouakchott, discussing humanitarian priorities and how to strengthen coordination with Arab partners and the Qatari embassy to better support vulnerable communities. Migration Flows: New IOM figures show African migrant arrivals in Yemen jumped in June, with 13,339 entries (up 15% from May); Djibouti was the main departure point (80%), and most arrivals landed in Abyan. Maritime Security: The IMO renewed an urgent call to secure the release of 44 seafarers held by pirates in Somali waters, warning that piracy and armed robbery threats are rising again across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Regional Trade & Connectivity: Kenya is seeking deeper regional backing for the LAPSSET corridor as Dangote’s planned Lamu refinery moves forward, with Djibouti named among key Horn partners. Environment & Science: Scientists from 21 African countries met in Accra to harmonise microplastics monitoring protocols using nuclear and isotopic techniques, with Djibouti among the participants. Djibouti in the Spotlight: A separate report highlights Djibouti’s central role in Ethiopia’s maritime trade—over 95%—while noting the risks of relying on a single corridor.

Maritime Security: The IMO is urging urgent action to secure the release of 44 seafarers held by pirates in Somali waters, warning crews face critical shortages of food and water as attacks rise across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Regional Cooperation: Yemen has approved a roadmap to set up a National Maritime Information Sharing Centre in Aden, aiming to strengthen Maritime Domain Awareness and align with the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment information-sharing standards. Migration Flows: A new UN-linked IOM update says nearly 100,000 irregular migrants entered Yemen in the first half of 2026, with 80% arriving via Djibouti. Trade & Connectivity: Kenya is seeking regional backing for the LAPSSET corridor as Dangote confirms a major Lamu refinery project, with officials stressing smoother logistics and border operations. Environment & Science: Scientists from 21 African countries are meeting in Accra to harmonise microplastics monitoring protocols, including Djibouti’s participation, using nuclear and isotopic techniques.

Horn of Africa Trade & Connectivity: Kenya is pushing for deeper regional support for the Lamu Port–South Sudan–Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor, arguing that better roads, ports, rail and border processes—not just new infrastructure—will unlock intra-Horn trade and jobs, with Djibouti named among key partners. Maritime Security: The UN’s maritime body (IMO) is urging urgent action to secure the release of 44 seafarers held by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden, saying crews face critical shortages and threats of violence. Djibouti’s Regional Role in Migration: A new UN report says nearly 100,000 irregular migrants entered Yemen in the first half of 2026, with about 80% arriving via Djibouti. Environment & Science: Scientists from 21 African countries, including Djibouti, are meeting in Accra to harmonise microplastics monitoring protocols using nuclear and isotopic techniques. Regional Energy Integration: Ethiopia says it will keep advancing Eastern Africa Power Pool efforts to build an integrated regional electricity market.

Maritime Security in the Horn: The IMO chief in London urged urgent action to free 44 seafarers held by Somali pirates, warning crews are facing critical shortages of food and water aboard three hijacked vessels (MT Honour 25, Eureka, Sward) as piracy incidents rise across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Djibouti’s Regional Role: A new Yemen maritime information-sharing roadmap approved in Aden aims to set up a National Maritime Information Sharing Centre, and the IMO says it will use the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment standards as the basis for Yemen’s protocols—linking Djibouti’s security framework to wider regional coordination. Trade & Connectivity: Kenya reaffirmed plans to deepen Horn of Africa trade, highlighting transport corridors like LAPSSET and cooperation with Djibouti and Ethiopia. Environment & Research: In Accra, scientists from 21 African countries met to harmonize microplastics monitoring protocols for coastal ecosystems using nuclear and isotopic techniques. Regional Economy: Ethiopia said it will keep pushing Eastern Africa Power Pool plans for an integrated regional electricity market. Business Ties: Türkiye reported a 12% jump in exports to $11bn in the first half, stressing technology sharing and long-term partnerships with Africa.

Horn of Africa Trade Push: Kenya says deeper regional trade is key to peace and stability, urging better transport links and logistics corridors, with focus on expanding cooperation with Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea. Djibouti in the Spotlight: The Djibouti-linked maritime security push continues as the IMO backs information-sharing standards tied to the Djibouti Code of Conduct, now being used in Yemen’s roadmap for a National Maritime Information Sharing Centre. Maritime Security Urgency: The IMO warns piracy and armed robbery are up globally and is calling for urgent action to free 44 seafarers held by Somali pirates, citing dire shortages aboard three hijacked vessels. Regional Air Cargo Connectivity: ProCharter Aviation launches new direct cargo routes from Nairobi to Mogadishu, Kismayo, Djibouti and Juba to speed East Africa trade. Geopolitics & Shipping Risks: Oil prices rose after the U.S. canceled Iran’s crude sales license and launched strikes, escalating Strait of Hormuz tensions that could disrupt commercial shipping.

Maritime Security in the Horn: The IMO is urging urgent action to secure the release of 44 seafarers held by Somali pirates, warning conditions are worsening with critically low food and water aboard three hijacked vessels (MT Honour 25, Eureka, Sward). Djibouti Code of Conduct: Djibouti’s DCoC/Jeddah Amendment chair says the humanitarian situation on MT Honour 25 has rapidly deteriorated after more than two months in captivity, with health problems reported and food reportedly reduced to rice. Regional Shipping Risks: UN-linked reporting says piracy and armed robbery incidents are up globally, and attacks around the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden are rising again, raising new risks for commercial routes. Trade & Connectivity: ProCharter Aviation launched new direct cargo routes from Nairobi to Mogadishu, Kismayo, Djibouti, and Juba to boost East Africa market access. Local Governance & Society: A Djibouti media-freedom commentary argues real change needs structural reforms, independent licensing, and stronger journalist institutions, while highlighting young creators using social media to push back against censorship.

Maritime Security in the Gulf of Aden/Red Sea: The IMO says piracy and armed robbery incidents rose 17% globally (2024–2025) and is urging urgent action to free 44 seafarers held hostage off Somalia, including crews on MT Honour 25, Eureka and Sward, as conditions worsen with low food and unsafe water. Djibouti Code of Conduct: Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment signatories warned the humanitarian situation aboard Honour 25 is critical, with five crew (including the master) now ill and the vessel caught between rival armed groups. Regional Shipping Risk: A separate report says Somali pirate attacks are spiking, with some groups possibly exploiting wider Gulf tensions. Red Sea Project Update: The IMO is advancing Yemen’s Red Sea maritime security push, including a roadmap for a National Maritime Information Sharing Centre in Aden, using Djibouti Code of Conduct standards. Oil & Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Oil prices jumped after the U.S. cancelled Iran’s crude sales license and launched strikes, amid renewed concerns for shipping through Hormuz. Local Connectivity: ProCharter launched new direct cargo routes from Nairobi to Mogadishu, Kismayo, Djibouti and Juba to boost East Africa trade links.

Maritime Security: The IMO is pushing ahead with its Red Sea Project, including a Yemen-approved roadmap to set up a National Maritime Information Sharing Centre in Aden and a Regional centre under Yemen’s Maritime Affairs Authority, using the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment standards. Piracy Crisis: The IMO and the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment chair are sounding alarms over worsening conditions for 44 seafarers held by pirates in Somali waters, including the MT Honour 25 crew, where food is reportedly down to rice and water is unsafe. Regional Response: An Indian Navy operation in the Gulf of Aden foiled a piracy attempt on the MV Golden Arsenal, while the wider hostage situation remains urgent. Djibouti Connectivity: ProCharter launched new direct cargo routes from Nairobi to Mogadishu, Kismayo, Djibouti and Juba to boost East Africa trade links. Media Freedom Debate: A Djibouti-focused commentary argues real media freedom needs independent licensing and structural reforms, with young creators using social media to challenge censorship.

Maritime Security: The IMO says piracy and armed robbery incidents rose 17% globally in 2024–2025 and is urging urgent action to free 44 seafarers held by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden, warning crews are running critically low on food and water aboard three hijacked vessels (MT Honour 25, Eureka, Sward). Djibouti Regional Role: The Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment chair says the humanitarian situation aboard MT Honour 25 has deteriorated sharply, with unsafe water, food reduced to rice, and five crew members (including the captain) now suffering health problems, calling on Somalia, the flag state, shipowners, insurers and partners to intensify efforts for immediate release. East Africa Air Cargo: ProCharter Aviation launched four new direct cargo routes from Nairobi (to Mogadishu, Kismayo, Djibouti, and Juba), aiming to speed up East Africa import/export access for time-sensitive goods. International Shipping Risk: Germany’s foreign minister says Iran should ultimately pay for mine-clearing in the Strait of Hormuz, while noting any German role would need a clear legal mandate and secure conditions. Regional Commentary: A new debate piece highlights Djibouti’s media freedom challenges, arguing reforms are needed to end “silence” and protect journalists.

East Africa Air Cargo: ProCharter Aviation launched four new direct cargo routes from Nairobi to Mogadishu, Kismayo, Djibouti, and Juba, aiming to speed up exports/imports and support e-commerce and time-sensitive freight. Maritime Security & Hostages: The IMO chief urged urgent action to secure the release of 44 seafarers held by Somali pirates, while Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment leaders warned conditions are worsening aboard the hijacked MT Honour 25, with food cut to rice and unsafe water; they also raised concern for crews of Sward and Eureka. Strait of Hormuz Mine-Clearing: Germany said Iran should ultimately pay for mine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz, stressing any German role would need a clear legal mandate and secure conditions. Djibouti Media Freedom Debate: A Djibouti-focused commentary argues real media freedom would require independent licensing and structural reforms, noting young creators are pushing back despite censorship. Regional Mobility: A report on the Henley Passport Index put Pakistan at 100th, listing visa-free/VOA/ETA access that includes Djibouti.

Maritime Security: The Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment chair warned of a “grave humanitarian situation” aboard the Palau-flagged tanker MT HONOUR 25, hijacked on 24 April 2026, saying 17 crew have been held for over two months; five, including the master, now face health problems, with food reportedly cut to rice and water unsafe, while pirates guarding the ship reportedly exchanged gunfire with a rival faction. Regional Response: The same statement urged Somalia’s federal government, the flag state, shipowner, insurers, humanitarian groups and partners to intensify diplomatic, operational and legal efforts to secure the crews’ immediate release, as conditions also deteriorate for crews of the SWARD and MV EUREKA. Cyber Cooperation: IGAD’s Regional Cyber Drill 2026 concluded with Djibouti among participating states, calling for stronger cross-border cybersecurity coordination and capacity building, with plans to set up a regional information-sharing and analysis center. Mobility Watch: Pakistan’s passport remains at 100th in the Henley Passport Index, with Djibouti listed among visa-on-arrival destinations. Environment & Jobs: Djibouti sits at the Red Sea end of Africa’s “Wall of Trees” restoration push across the Sahel, aiming to restore degraded land, fight desertification and support livelihoods.

Maritime Safety in the Red Sea: The Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment says the humanitarian situation aboard the hijacked MT HONOUR 25 has “reached a critical stage,” with 17 crew held since April 24; five, including the master, now face health problems, food is reportedly down to rice, and water is unsafe as pirates reportedly fight rival factions. Regional Anti-Piracy Response: The IMO has also urged urgent action for crews of the Sward and Eureka, while the Indian Navy reported intercepting and securing the MV Golden Arsenal after an attempted pirate attack near Djibouti. Media Freedom Debate: A Djibouti-focused commentary argues real media freedom would require structural reforms like independent licensing and stronger journalist protections, noting young creators are pushing back despite censorship. Cyber Cooperation: IGAD’s Regional Cyber Drill 2026 concluded in Addis Ababa, with Djibouti among participants calling for stronger cross-border cyber defenses and plans for a regional information-sharing center. Visa Access Update: Pakistan’s passport remains 100th in the Henley Passport Index, with visa-on-arrival access including Djibouti.