Northeastern Politics: Northeastern President Abdikadir Ahmed Ali Firdhiye condemned MPs who defected to Somaliland, saying it damaged public trust but also opens the door to replace them with lawmakers loyal to the administration. Prisoner & Legal Moves: The Northeastern parliament ordered trials for Somaliland fighters detained after the 2023 Las Anod and Gooja Adde battles, shifting the focus from prisoner swaps to court prosecutions. Somaliland Peace Talks: Somaliland’s Deputy Education Minister Mohamed Muse Haaji Abdi Galaydh said prisoners held by both sides will be released once a formal agreement is reached, with the Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee handling talks. Sool Unity Signal: Somaliland President Abdirahman Irro reiterated that Sool is part of Somaliland and urged dialogue to resolve grievances after political fallout tied to Las Anod. Berbera Power Struggle: Berbera Mayor Abdishakur Mohamud Hassan (“Iddin”) resigned after 14 years, with his deputy stepping down too, as an extraordinary council session prepares new leadership ahead of local elections. International Noise: Guinea-Bissau denied social media claims it plans to recognize Somaliland. Red Sea Security: A wider Horn of Africa–Red Sea risk picture intensified as Bab el-Mandeb disruption fears grew, with piracy and regional rivalries flagged as potential flashpoints.