Maritime Security & Health: A UN agency urged ships to “strongly discourage” crews from carrying firearms to defend against piracy, even as Somali pirates hold 90 sailors hostage—while new research warns drought can boost outbreaks like cholera, West Nile, and dengue, turning dry conditions into a disease risk. Counterterror Recruitment: A new analysis argues Al-Shabaab’s recruitment pipeline is largely self-reproducing through family ties, meaning deradicalization must tackle kinship networks, not just ideology. Regional Tech & Governance: Somalia and Tanzania discussed youth jobs and digital government cooperation, including how to run Cabinet processes and e-government systems. Digital Identity: Somalia is pushing stronger adoption of its eAqoonsi digital ID app, aiming to improve service delivery and verification. Trade & Diplomacy: Somalia’s ambassador to China says many Chinese entrepreneurs still see Somalia as an “untapped” market, calling for real partnerships after a Mogadishu business forum. Energy & Industry: Türkiye’s offshore drilling off Somalia is reportedly nearing early completion, with work at Curad-1 progressing ahead of schedule. Security Exit Watch: Uganda set a firm deadline to fully withdraw UPDF troops from Somalia by Aug 1, 2027, reshaping expectations for AUSSOM capacity. Piracy Spike: Reports say piracy near Somalia surged amid wider Red Sea tensions, with more hijackings and drone strikes targeting pirates.