Hormuz Watch: European allies are quietly positioning warships and minesweepers for a possible defensive maritime mission to keep shipping moving through the Strait of Hormuz if tensions ease—an effort that could include escorting vessels and clearing mines. EU–UN Regional Updates: In Addis Ababa, the AU and EU pushed “Silencing the Guns,” while the US pressed South Sudan to restore the 2018 peace deal and imposed visa restrictions on officials accused of undermining talks and fueling corruption. Djibouti Diplomacy: South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir is in motion across the region—first attending Djibouti’s Guelleh inauguration, then heading to Uganda—while Djibouti’s new term is drawing high-level partners, including Morocco’s foreign minister. Somalia Travel Risk: Britain updated its Somalia warning, advising against travel to most areas due to terrorism and armed violence, with border crossings and land routes flagged as unpredictable. Piracy Human Toll: A Somali-held tanker crew says they’ve run out of food, medicines, and clean water, surviving on boiled rice and dirty water. Travel Access Note: Pakistan’s passport ranking slipped to 100th, but Djibouti remains on the visa-free/visa-on-arrival list for 2026.