National Dialogue Momentum: Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference is being praised abroad as a model for resolving fractures through dialogue, with calls to keep the process going for lasting peace and inclusive development. Water & GERD Politics: A prominent Ethiopian media figure reiterated that Ethiopia has the sovereign right to build dams beyond the GERD, while Thailand’s deputy PM said Ethiopia’s Red Sea access is a legitimate quest that needs neighborly understanding. Red Sea Security: Ethiopia joined a regional push in Nairobi to strengthen maritime law enforcement and information-sharing across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, including a proposal for a National Maritime Information Centre. Sudan Spillover Fears: Fighting in Sudan’s Blue Nile is drawing closer to Ethiopia’s border, with reports of RSF base seizures and the Sudanese army deploying an “elite brigade,” alongside drone incidents. Tigray War Risk: Analysts warn that renewed clashes in western Tigray show how unresolved disputes can derail the Pretoria peace deal and raise the risk of renewed full-scale conflict. Health Policy in Addis Ababa: At WHO RC76, African health ministers adopted three 10-year strategies focused on health financing, the workforce, and medical regulation, amid warnings of a looming health-worker shortage. Economy & Governance: The IMF plans to replace Ethiopia’s macro forecasting model by September 2026, and Ethiopia agreed to nearly double its AU budget contribution as the bloc faces financing strain. Energy & Infrastructure: Koysha Hydroelectric Project needs about €500m to finish, even as GERD remains a major share of power generation. Sports & Culture: Ethiopian Airlines launched a direct Chengdu–Addis Ababa freighter route, and DAZN secured LaLiga broadcast rights across Sub-Saharan Africa.