Regional Power Talks in Addis: Ethiopia’s Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Iteffa opened the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) steering committee meeting, saying Ethiopia will push an integrated regional electricity market under constitutional governance, institutional integrity, regional solidarity, and the rule of law. Tigray Rights Under Scrutiny: Human Rights Watch alleges Tigray authorities are forcibly recruiting men and boys, including from mining sites, amid fears of renewed conflict; TPLF denies the claims. Diplomacy and Security Signals: Russia’s FM Sergey Lavrov began an Africa tour with a visit to Addis Ababa, urging a bigger African role in global decision-making, including UN Security Council reform. Forensics Scholarship for Police: Ethiopia announced the Dr Workneh Gebeyehu forensic science scholarship for IGAD member states, with Kenya eligible, aimed at strengthening cross-border crime investigation capacity. Aid and Localisation Debate: Addis hosted the 10th East Africa Philanthropy Conference, where delegates warned that shrinking external aid is forcing a shift toward “anchoring systems” and funding what’s already strong in communities. Sudan Spillover Near Ethiopia: The Sudanese army reported retaking Kurmuk from RSF near the Ethiopian border, promising civilian protection and service restoration. Ethiopia–Zambia Sports: Zambia’s “Copper Princesses” left for Addis for the second leg of the U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier, chasing qualification. Energy for Small Businesses: PUFF awarded $1.5m to 19 companies across Kenya, Nigeria, and Ethiopia to expand solar-powered productive appliances and green jobs.