AGP Executive Report

Ethiopia-Djibouti Trade & Energy: Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority says it’s waiting for Ethiopia’s participation in the new Damerjog Liquid Bulk Port oil depot project, with talks involving Ethiopian Investment Holdings and a storage farm needed before operations can start. Regional Shipping Pressure: The IMF warns Middle East conflict is still disrupting global transport, noting Red Sea rerouting has left traffic near the Bab el-Mandeb (between Yemen and Djibouti) at about half pre-crisis levels—raising costs and slowing recovery. Djibouti Code of Conduct: The IMO’s Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment chair condemns the continued detention of the Palau-flagged tanker MT HONOUR 25 and urges action as piracy risks remain fragile in the Gulf of Aden. Investment Push for Fragile States: AfDB and the World Economic Forum launched the Humanitarian and Resilience Investing (HRI) Roadmap, with pilots already underway in Djibouti and other frontier economies to mobilize private capital. Eid Aid Update: Qatar Charity says its Udhiyah (Qurbani) project reached 900,000+ people across 43 countries, including support in Djibouti’s wider region.

Djibouti-Ethiopia Energy Deal: Djibouti’s Ports and Free Zones Authority says it’s waiting for Ethiopia’s budget-year financing to build an oil depot at the new Damerjog Liquid Bulk Port, with talks involving Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH) to fund the storage farm near the Ethio-Djibouti rail link. Ethiopia Election Countdown: Ethiopia has entered the mandatory electoral silence ahead of its June 1 general election, with preparations at the final stage and millions of voters set to choose lawmakers after weeks of campaigning. Regional Election Monitoring: IGAD has deployed 26 election observers and says it’s coordinating with Ethiopia’s electoral bodies and rights institutions to monitor the vote and complaints process. Press Freedom Watch: A new global map from Reporters Without Borders finds press freedom has hit a 25-year low, with most countries now facing “difficult” or “very serious” conditions. Djibouti Maritime Security: The IMO-backed Djibouti Code of Conduct chair warns piracy gains remain fragile, condemning the continued detention of a Palau-flagged tanker and urging sustained vigilance in the Gulf of Aden. Africa Investment Push: The AfDB and WEF launched the HRI Roadmap to channel private capital into fragile economies, with pilots already underway in Djibouti.

Ethiopia Election Watch: IGAD has deployed 26 election observers ahead of Ethiopia’s June 1 general election, with the mission working under African Union guidelines and coordinating with Ethiopia’s electoral bodies and civil society. Human Rights & Credibility Debate: Ethiopia’s vote is being framed as a democratic transition after the Tigray war, but critics warn that restrictions on civil liberties and ongoing insecurity could weaken trust in the process. Djibouti’s Strategic Stakes: With tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and shifting maritime risk, Djibouti is highlighted as structurally exposed at the Red Sea entrance—where foreign bases and regional logistics can turn disruptions into fast-moving economic pressure. Private Investment Push: The AfDB and World Economic Forum launched the HRI Roadmap for Africa to mobilize private capital for fragile economies, with pilots already underway in Djibouti. Maritime Security Alert: The IMO-backed Djibouti Code of Conduct warns Somali piracy is “suppressed, but not eradicated,” citing the continued detention of the Palau-flagged tanker MT Honour 25 and worsening conditions for its crew. Somaliland Tensions: Somaliland’s president accused Somalia and Djibouti of interference amid rising regional fallout over Somaliland’s ties with Israel.

AfDB & WEF Investment Push: The African Development Bank and the World Economic Forum launched the Humanitarian and Resilience Investing (HRI) Roadmap for Africa, aiming to mobilize private capital for fragile economies; pilots are already running in Liberia, Somalia, Mozambique, and Djibouti, as partners warn of a roughly $400bn annual financing gap. Ethiopia Election Watch: Ethiopia has entered electoral silence ahead of its June 1 general election, with the IGAD Election Observation Mission already in place to monitor voting and complaints, while reports also flag forced youth conscription in Tigray. Djibouti in Regional Security: The IMO-backed Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment warned that Somali piracy is “suppressed, but not eradicated,” citing the continued detention of the Palau-flagged tanker MT Honour 25 and urging sustained maritime coordination. Somalia–Somaliland Dialogue: Somalia’s deputy prime minister said Mogadishu is still ready to resume talks with Somaliland, even as tensions rise over Somaliland’s Israel ties and plans linked to Jerusalem. Port Tech in the Region: Djibouti Shipping Company adopted BoatOn Book alongside a major port in Réunion, highlighting growing digital maintenance and traceability in maritime operations. Health Security: IGAD launched a $31.9m PREPARE project to strengthen cross-border pandemic readiness across member states including Djibouti.

Ethiopia Election Silence: Ethiopia has entered the mandatory electoral silence ahead of its June 1 general election, with the National Election Board saying logistical and operational preparations are complete and results expected around June 11. AfDB/WEF Frontier Finance: The AfDB and World Economic Forum launched a Humanitarian and Resilience Investing roadmap to mobilize private capital for fragile frontier economies, with pilots already underway in Liberia, Somalia, Mozambique, and Djibouti. Somaliland–Djibouti Tensions: Somaliland President Abdirahman Irro accused Somalia and Djibouti of interfering in Hargeisa’s affairs, as regional anger grows over Somaliland’s Israel ties and plans tied to Jerusalem. Horn of Africa Health Security: IGAD unveiled a $31.9m PREPARE project to strengthen cross-border pandemic readiness across Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda. Maritime Security Watch: The IMO-backed Djibouti Code of Conduct warned Somali piracy is “suppressed, but not eradicated,” condemning the continued detention of the Palau-flagged tanker MT Honour 25 and urging renewed coordination in the Gulf of Aden.

Maritime Security: The IMO and the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment warn Somali piracy is “suppressed, but not eradicated,” pointing to the continued captivity of the Palau-flagged tanker MT Honour 25 since April 24, with 17 crew reportedly facing critically low supplies. Regional Diplomacy: Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro accused Somalia and Djibouti of interference after Hargeisa deepened ties with Israel, as 15 Arab and Islamic countries—including Djibouti—condemned Somaliland’s reported plan to open an embassy in occupied Jerusalem. Health & Preparedness: IGAD launched a $31.9m PREPARE project to strengthen pandemic response across Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda, backing cross-border surveillance and lab capacity. Ethiopia Watch: Ahead of Ethiopia’s June 1 election, IGAD’s election observation team met the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission to review monitoring, complaints handling and election-day rights. Development Finance: AfDB and the World Economic Forum unveiled new frameworks to close Africa’s roughly $400bn annual financing gap, with pilot programs already running in Djibouti.

Somaliland–Israel row: Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro accused Somalia and Djibouti of interfering in Hargeisa’s affairs as tensions rise over Somaliland’s ties with Israel and its reported embassy push in Jerusalem. Regional diplomacy: A coalition of 15 Arab and Islamic countries, including Djibouti, condemned the “illegal and unacceptable” embassy move, calling it a violation of international law and backing Somalia’s sovereignty. Maritime security: The IMO-backed Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment warned that Somali piracy is “suppressed, but not eradicated,” citing the continued captivity of the Palau-flagged tanker MT HONOUR 25 since April 24 and urging sustained vigilance in the Gulf of Aden. Health cooperation: IGAD launched a $31.9m PREPARE project to strengthen cross-border pandemic preparedness across Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda. Ethiopia focus: Ethiopia’s June 1 election campaign is underway amid security and external influence pressures, while Addis Ababa also pitches medical tourism upgrades using AI diagnostics and expanded tertiary care.

Maritime Security: The IMO and the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment (DCoC/JA) warned that Somali piracy is “suppressed, but not eradicated,” pointing to the continued captivity of the Palau-flagged tanker MT Honour 25 since April 24, with 17 crew members reportedly in worsening conditions and critically low provisions. Humanitarian Crisis: Aid agencies and Catholic Church leaders said Somalia is nearing the brink again, with 6.5 million people facing acute food insecurity and 1.8 million children suffering acute malnutrition, urging sustained international support. Regional Politics: IGAD deployed its Election Observation Mission to Ethiopia ahead of the June 1 general election, led by former Djibouti National Assembly president Mohamed Ali Houmed as deputy, with 26 short-term observers monitoring key steps on polling day. Red Sea Tensions: New reporting says Iran feels “deeply threatened” by Somaliland’s push for recognition and possible Western/Israeli use of its port and airbase, warning it could disrupt Iran’s Houthi-linked strategy around Bab-el-Mandeb. Public Health: Horn of Africa and Yemen countries reaffirmed plans to end variant poliovirus transmission, including stronger cross-border coordination and synchronized action, with Djibouti among participating health leaders.

Maritime Security: The IMO-backed Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment warned Somali piracy is “suppressed, but not eradicated,” citing fresh hijackings in the Gulf of Aden and western Indian Ocean, including the Palau-flagged MT Honour 25 held since April 24. Somalia Humanitarian Crisis: Aid agencies say Somalia is nearing catastrophe, with 6.5 million people facing acute food insecurity and 1.8 million children suffering acute malnutrition, urging sustained support. Red Sea Diplomacy: A coalition of Arab and Islamic states, including Djibouti, condemned Somaliland’s plan to open a “purported embassy” in occupied Jerusalem as “illegal and unacceptable,” warning it violates international law and undermines East Jerusalem’s status. Regional Health Cooperation: Djibouti joined Horn of Africa and Yemen health leaders to push stronger cross-border action to end variant poliovirus transmission, citing ongoing outbreaks and immunity gaps. Climate & Livelihoods: The Great Green Wall—spanning the Sahel from Senegal to Djibouti—marks two decades of efforts to restore degraded land, curb desertification, and protect farmland.

Somaliland–Jerusalem Backlash: A coalition of Arab and Muslim foreign ministers—including Djibouti—condemned Somaliland’s plan to open a “purported embassy” in occupied Jerusalem as “illegal and unacceptable,” saying it violates international law and undermines the city’s status; the move follows Israel’s December 2025 recognition of Somaliland and has triggered widening diplomatic friction across the region. Red Sea Logistics: Saudi Arabia is expanding Red Sea cargo routes, including a new service linking Jeddah with Djibouti, as Gulf states look for alternatives amid broader shipping-security worries. Somalia Humanitarian Alarm: Aid agencies warn Somalia is again nearing catastrophe, with millions facing acute food insecurity and severe malnutrition, prompting calls for sustained global support. Public Health Watch: WHO-linked research says snakebite risk may rise as venomous snakes shift habitats with warming temperatures.

Somaliland–Jerusalem Backlash: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Turkey, Pakistan, Indonesia, Djibouti, Somalia, Palestine, Oman, Sudan, Yemen, Lebanon and Mauritania condemned Somaliland’s plan to open a “purported embassy” in occupied Jerusalem as “illegal and unacceptable,” saying it violates international law and undermines the city’s legal status; Gulf Split: UAE and Bahrain did not join the GCC condemnation; Red Sea Logistics: Saudi Arabia is expanding Red Sea cargo routes, including a new service linking Jeddah with Salalah and the Port of Djibouti, as governments look for alternatives amid wider security worries; Health & Climate: A WHO-led study warns warmer weather could increase snakebite risks as venomous snakes shift closer to people; Aviation Update: Western Global has restarted one of its grounded MD-11 freighters, with operations now reaching Djibouti.

Diplomacy Shock: Arab and Islamic foreign ministers—including Djibouti—condemned Somaliland’s plan to open a “purported” embassy in occupied Jerusalem, calling it “illegal and unacceptable” and warning it violates UN resolutions and undermines East Jerusalem’s status. Horn of Africa Health: Ministers from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen recommitted to ending variant poliovirus transmission, stressing tighter cross-border coordination and synchronized action in a region shaped by insecurity and population movement. Trade & Connectivity: ASEAN Cableship marked its 40th anniversary by unveiling a new logo and highlighting fleet upgrades, as submarine cable demand keeps rising. Regional Logistics: Saudi Arabia announced expanded Red Sea cargo services linking Jeddah, Salalah and Djibouti, aiming to strengthen supply routes amid wider shipping disruption concerns. Community & Aid: Qatar Charity said Eid clothing reached thousands of orphans across 22 countries, including 600 children in Djibouti.

Somaliland Backlash: Saudi Arabia and a bloc of Arab and Muslim states—including Djibouti, Egypt, Qatar, Pakistan, Türkiye, Jordan, Somalia and others—condemned Somaliland’s reported plan to open a “purported embassy” in occupied Jerusalem, calling it “illegal and unacceptable” and a “flagrant violation” of international law, while reiterating support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity. Horn of Africa Security: Somaliland also says its ties with Israel are deepening, with reports of special forces returning from training in Tel Aviv and talk of further official visits. Red Sea Trade Push: Saudi Arabia is expanding cargo routes across the Red Sea, including a new service linking Jeddah with Salalah and the Port of Djibouti, as Gulf states look for safer corridors. Local Humanitarian Note: Qatar Charity says Eid clothing reached 600 sponsored children in Djibouti as part of its global “Greatest Days” campaign. Health Watch: WHO-linked research warns warmer weather could increase snakebite risks as snakes shift toward more populated areas.

Diplomacy Shock: Saudi Arabia and a widening bloc of Arab and Muslim states—now including Pakistan, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Türkiye, Indonesia, Djibouti, Somalia, Palestine, Oman, Sudan, Yemen, Lebanon and Mauritania—have condemned Somaliland’s plan to open a “purported embassy” in occupied Jerusalem as “illegal and unacceptable,” calling it a “flagrant violation” of international law and pledging support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity. Horn of Africa in Focus: The backlash lands as Somaliland pushes deeper ties with Israel, while Somalia welcomes the condemnations. Regional Logistics: Saudi Arabia is also expanding Red Sea cargo routes, adding services that link Jeddah with Salalah and the Port of Djibouti, as Gulf states look for safer trade corridors. Local Angle: Oregon Army National Guard engineers are mobilizing for a year-long Africa mission based in Djibouti, supporting construction across the region.

Diplomacy Under Pressure: Jordan and 15 other countries— including Djibouti and Somalia—have condemned Somaliland’s reported plan to open a “purported embassy” in occupied Jerusalem, calling it illegal, unacceptable, and a direct infringement on the status of East Jerusalem since 1967, while also reaffirming support for Somalia’s unity and sovereignty. Red Sea Logistics Shift: Saudi Arabia is expanding cargo routes across the Red Sea to reduce disruption risks tied to the Strait of Hormuz, with new services linking Saudi ports to Oman, Djibouti, Egypt and Jordan. Maritime Strategy Watch: India’s Great Nicobar Project is being framed as a move to strengthen its presence near key East–West shipping lanes and cut reliance on foreign transshipment ports. Local Life & Food Security: Kenya’s weather agency urged farmers to use ongoing rains to boost crops and pasture, as rainfall is expected across parts of the Rift Valley and coastal counties.

Humanitarian Alarm: Somalia is nearing the brink again, with aid agencies warning that 6.5 million people face acute food insecurity and 1.8 million children are suffering acute malnutrition. Health Push: Gilead and the WHO renewed a five-year push to eliminate kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis), including donations of 400,000+ vials of AmBisome and added funding focused on East Africa—explicitly including Djibouti. Climate Pressure: IGAD forecasts below-normal June–September rains across much of the Greater Horn, with Djibouti among the areas most at risk, raising the stakes for food and water planning. Red Sea Logistics: Saudi Arabia launched a new cargo route linking Jeddah to Salalah and the Port of Djibouti, part of a wider Vision 2030 push to strengthen maritime connectivity. Regional Politics: Somaliland marked its independence anniversary with renewed recognition efforts, while the wider Horn remains tangled in disputes over sea access and security.