Qatar Charity & Orphans: Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre praised three Qatar Charity-sponsored Somali orphans who swept the top places in Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim Quran Competition, announcing free education support for the winners. EU Diplomacy: Mogadishu received credentials of the EU’s new ambassador, Laszlo Mathe, with both sides flagging closer cooperation on peace and security, governance, trade, and development. Security & Missions: The US extended UN support for Somalia’s AU mission drawdown, giving AUSSOM a 12-month wind-down timeline starting January 2027, while analysts warn the transition could strain Somalia’s stability. Counter-al-Shabaab: US Africa Command carried out an airstrike on an al-Shabaab conventional weapons storage site in Sanaag. Somalia–China Defense Ties: Somalia’s defence minister met China’s counterpart in Beijing to expand defense and security cooperation and accelerate rebuilding Somalia’s armed forces. Red Sea Pressure & Piracy: Reports say piracy off Somalia hit its highest regional level since 2013, as Red Sea and Hormuz tensions disrupt maritime security and deter shipping. Climate Risk: Somalia pushed climate priorities at UNEP, citing preparations for El Niño-linked storms and stronger environmental resilience planning.