Maritime Security & Trade: Saudi Arabia says 14 countries—including the Comoros—back a new multinational maritime defence alliance to protect navigation in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb, with talks in Riyadh covering charter and command plans. Sanctions & Shipping Compliance: The US OFAC sanctions two Iranian firms over an “extortion” insurance scheme for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz and adds eight tankers to its list, underscoring pressure on maritime trade routes. UNESCO Heritage (Comoros milestone): UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee inscribed 25 new sites for 2026, including the historic medinas of the Comoros—its first World Heritage listing—while also adding major global landmarks like D-Day beaches and Mount Olympus. Local Economy & Living Costs (Comoros): AFP reports Moroni’s water shortages are worsening, with residents queuing for tanker deliveries and paying more for water as the city’s pumping infrastructure struggles to meet demand. Regional Finance (SADC): South Africa and Angola announce the kwanza will join the rand in the SADC RTGS system, aiming to cut costs and speed cross-border payments for most member states (Comoros excluded). Digital Payments (Comoros-linked): Visa rolls out a virtual card SDK for banks and mobile money operators, listing Comoros among markets already using the tool to expand card-linked payments. Energy & Investment (Comoros-hosted event): Registration opens for the 11th African Rift Geothermal Conference in Moroni (19–24 Oct 2026), targeting geothermal policy, financing and project development.