National Dialogue Countdown: ENDC chief Mesfin Araya says Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference, starting July 15 in Addis Ababa, is set to resolve root causes of long-running differences through inclusive consultation, with delegates from regions, woredas, Addis Ababa and Ethiopians abroad already arriving. Transport & Connectivity: PM Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the modernized King Tekle Haymanot Airport in Debre Markos after nearly 30 years, restoring domestic air links and boosting trade, tourism and logistics. Regional Air Links: Ethiopian Airlines launched its first direct Addis Ababa–Port Louis route, operating three times weekly, aiming to deepen Ethiopia–Mauritius economic and social ties. Somalia Security Shock: Reuters reports the US plans to stop UN support for the AU Somalia mission from next year, citing frustration with Mogadishu’s political conflicts and failure to defeat al-Shabaab. Gold Deal Cleared: Ethiopia approved Zijin Gold’s USD 4bn acquisition of Allied Gold, clearing the way for the Kurmuk project’s next phase. Export Concentration Watch: Ethiopia’s 2025/26 export surge topped $11bn, but gold and coffee still drive nearly 80% of foreign exchange receipts. Urban Green Renewal: Addis Ababa’s Kebena River project is being showcased as a major riverside regeneration, replacing pollution with green public space. Debt-Repayment Shift Pressure: China is urging African states to move debt repayments from USD to yuan, pointing to Kenya’s yuan-linked restructuring as a signal. US TPS Fallout for Ethiopians: In the US, TPS work permits for Ethiopians are set to lapse July 17 unless further legal action intervenes.