Red Sea geopolitics: A new US State Department framing treats Somaliland as part of Somalia, despite acknowledging Somaliland’s strategic value near Bab el-Mandeb and praising Berbera’s port and airfield—an approach that could reshape Red Sea security partnerships and access to critical minerals. Somaliland–Israel ties: During Somaliland’s Independence Day celebrations in Hargeisa, Israeli flags were reportedly waved in a show of celebration, alongside a symbolic presentation of an Iron Dome interceptor fragment—signaling deepening intelligence and security cooperation after Israel’s December recognition. Fuel shock hits Somaliland: A wider Africa/Asia analysis links Iran-war tensions to a major fuel-price surge, citing Somaliland petrol rising sharply (from about $0.78/litre to peaks near $1.30, then around $1.15), with knock-on pressure on transport and household costs. Food safety for pastoral markets: World Food Safety Day coverage highlights Somalia’s push to build trust in livestock exports through standards, storage, and certification, including work under the World Bank’s HOA DRIVE—relevant to Somaliland’s livestock trade and market access. Wildlife spotlight: A JETOUR/Discovery documentary, “Return of the Cheetah: Horn of Africa,” won major Telly Awards, boosting attention on wildlife conservation and habitat protection.