Red Sea Disruption Watch: The IMF says the Middle East conflict is still battering shipping and air routes, with traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait (between Yemen and Djibouti) stuck at about half pre-crisis levels—raising transport costs and hitting tourism and import-reliant economies hardest. Debt Snapshot for Travelers: The IMF also highlighted African countries with relatively low outstanding debt to the lender, a sign of more fiscal room that can support public services and stability. China-Africa Tourism & Culture: China marked 70 years of China-Africa ties with Africa Day events in Beijing, including Djiboutian performances, alongside new zero-tariff access for many African nations—good news for travel and cross-border trade. Medical Tourism Angle (Horn of Africa): Ethiopia is pushing to become a medical tourism hub, citing patients already coming from Somalia, Djibouti and northern Kenya, plus upgrades like St. Paul’s Hospital’s expanded facilities. Regional Travel Risks (Somaliland/Red Sea): Somaliland’s push for an embassy in Jerusalem is drawing condemnation across Muslim nations, while broader Red Sea tensions continue to swirl—worth keeping an eye on for route planning.