BRICS Summit Countdown: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will travel to New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit on Sept. 12–13, with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and cabinet officials joining; the Philippines says the visit will highlight ASEAN priorities on peace and security, people empowerment, and prosperity. Ethiopia–Qatar Ties: Ethiopia’s president met Qatar Chamber officials in Dubai to discuss boosting trade, investment, and private-sector cooperation. AU Mediation Under Strain: Rising federal–TPLF tensions in northern Ethiopia are testing the AU’s ability to turn early warning into action, with disputes over territories, displaced people, and disarmament still unresolved. Tigray Security Update: A reported drone strike in Hintalo woreda, southern Tigray, left multiple casualties, with claims and tolls still emerging amid wider diplomatic friction. FX Policy Debate: Ethiopia’s remittance surge is highlighted, but analysts warn hawala and parallel markets persist because official exchange rates still don’t match what people can actually get. Climate Finance Push for COP31: An African civil society leader urged stronger climate finance, adaptation, and food-systems outcomes at COP31, stressing that hosting a summit won’t help unless agendas are shaped by African priorities. Health & Climate Readiness: WHO and Kenya are stepping up preparedness for El Niño-related flooding, focusing on surveillance, safe water, and emergency response.