BRICS & Finance: Iran’s central bank chief says Tehran will soon join the BRICS New Development Bank, as BRICS finance ministers discuss linking payment systems and digital currencies to speed cross-border transfers. Ethiopia–Malawi Migration Pact: Ethiopia and Malawi sign an MOU to jointly tackle human trafficking and migrant smuggling along the Southern Route to South Africa, with shared prevention, protection, prosecution and dignified return. Maternal Health Upgrade: St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College inaugurates a Fetal Diagnostic and Intervention Center to improve prenatal monitoring and early treatment of congenital conditions. Regional Security Watch: Reports say Sudan’s RSF offensive and drone attacks are intensifying across Khartoum, Kordofan and Blue Nile, with fighting near the Ethiopian border raising wider spillover risks. Tigray Tensions: Ethiopia–Tigray relations remain tense as rebel authorities condemn drone strikes amid fears of renewed conflict. Diplomacy & Institutions: Ethiopia’s ambassador to Canada hosts a diaspora engagement drive bringing 120 young Ethiopians to Addis for a month of cultural and volunteer activities. Switzerland Posting: Switzerland appoints Dr Thomas Oertle as ambassador-designate to Ghana, Benin and Togo, with prior experience covering Ethiopia in the Horn of Africa. Trade Facilitation: A Horn of Africa Initiative roadmap validation in Nairobi sets priorities for a ministerial meeting in Addis next month.