South Africa Violence: Two separate mass shootings—one at a bar near Johannesburg and another at a store outside Cape Town—left at least 27 dead, with police still hunting suspects. Horn of Africa Security: Djibouti urged de-escalation in Ethiopia as fears grow over renewed fighting in the north, with the UN warning of a possible return to full-scale war. Red Sea Shipping Pressure: Analysts and officials warn that Yemen’s Houthi attacks and wider regional tensions are reshaping security around Bab el-Mandeb, threatening trade routes that Ethiopia relies on via Djibouti. Ethiopia’s Diplomacy & Sea Access: Ethiopia highlighted UNGA efforts focused on sea access, multilateral reform and regional integration, alongside plans for new energy and trade connectivity. Kenya Refinery Build-Up: Heavy machinery has arrived at Lamu Port for the Dangote East Africa Refinery, as preparations intensify for a September 30 groundbreaking. Ghana Farm Deal: A partnership in Ghana aims to cultivate and export 500+ acres of white sesame to international markets, boosting farmer access to higher-value buyers. Weather Watch (SA): SAWS warned of severe thunderstorms, hail and damaging winds in parts of Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo, plus fire danger in Limpopo.