Parliament & Governance: Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud inaugurated the Federal Parliament’s eighth session, urging lawmakers to push security gains, pass key legislation, and strengthen institutions as the democratic transition continues. Red Sea Trade Security: Somalia signed on to a Saudi-led maritime defense alliance for the Bab al-Mandeb, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, joining 13 other countries to protect shipping and energy routes amid Houthi attacks and claimed tanker reroutes. AUSSOM Funding Pressure: Troop-contributing leaders in Kampala urged the UN Security Council to extend AUSSOM support for 18–24 months, warning that any premature pullout could create a security vacuum; Museveni also said Africa will stand by Somalia even if donors withdraw. Digital Security Risk: Somalia raised concerns with WhatsApp over a new username-based chat feature, warning it could make criminals harder to trace in a country reliant on mobile money. US Immigration Legal Fight: A US judge extended a block on ending Temporary Protected Status for eligible Somali nationals while an amended legal challenge proceeds, affecting about 5,000 potential beneficiaries. Somalia’s Economic Reform Signals: Somalia’s finance leadership and cabinet discussions highlighted business reform efforts and the push to expand payment systems linking banks and mobile money.