BRICS Diplomacy: Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed met Russia’s Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the New Delhi BRICS summit, with Putin praising Ethiopia’s “constructive contribution,” citing a more than threefold jump in 2025 trade, and inviting Abiy to the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow on Oct. 28–29. Regional Security: Ethiopia’s PM advisor Getachew Reda told Pulse of Africa that Eritrea is trying to “internationalize” the conflict by backing the TPLF and other armed groups, warning that shifting alliances could deepen instability across the Horn. Infrastructure & Industry: Allied Gold says Ethiopia’s Kurmuk gold mine has completed grid connection and fed first ore into the crushing circuit, moving toward first gold pours as commissioning continues. Governance & Development: IGAD ministers in Addis Ababa endorsed the IGAD Regional Agrifood Systems Investment Plan (2026–2035) and an IGAD seed policy framework to harmonize standards and boost cross-border trade in climate-resilient seeds. Health & Society: Ethiopia’s Meserete Kristos Church announced withdrawal from the Mennonite World Conference over theological differences on same-sex relationships, a move described as a major loss for the global body. Air Links: A mayor in Addis Ababa welcomed a direct flight connection from Durban, underscoring Ethiopia’s push to expand regional connectivity.