Axadle Editorial Desk

Sarah JohnsonSunday May 10, 2026 The journalists said they were arrested and assaulted by counter-terrorism police in Mogadishu on Friday. Photograph: Tony Karumba/AFP/Getty Images A Somali journalist who reported on a woman’s claim that she was being tortured in prison was detained by authorities and beaten with pistols, along with two other reporters, in what media groups say is the latest sign of an escalating crackdown on press freedom. Mohamed Bulbul was arrested on Friday evening in a restaurant in central Mogadishu…

Sunday May 10, 2026 Baidoa (AX) — Somalia’s Southwest State opened a new chapter in its political history on Sunday as voters went to the polls for direct elections to choose members of the regional House of Representatives and district councils, a significant break from the country’s entrenched indirect voting system. The ballot was being conducted in 13 districts across Bay, Bakool and Lower Shabelle regions. The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission said 376,212 voters had registered to take part,…

By Margaret KalekyeSunday May 10, 2026 A search operation is under way in Mandera after suspected militia opened fire on a Nissan matatu, killing six people and injuring several others in a brazen attack that has triggered a major security response. The National Police Service said it has deployed a multi-agency team, including specialised units, to pursue the attackers and comb the area for clues as investigators piece together what happened. “We are committed to bringing them to justice and ensuring they face the full…

Sunday May 10, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s federal government on Sunday stood firm behind its decision to confine planned opposition rallies in Mogadishu to a single location, arguing that scattered protests across the capital could threaten civilians, choke essential services and ignite street-level confrontations. In a statement, the Ministry of Information said the administration recognized citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, expression and political participation. It added, however, that those…

Sunday May 10, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed said Sunday that security forces had sealed off roads to his home and stopped lawmakers and opposition figures from reaching him as Mogadishu braced for planned anti-government demonstrations. Sharif, who leads the opposition Somali Future Council, said during an X Spaces discussion that troops had been stationed in parts of the capital and that the movement of politicians and members of parliament had been curtailed ahead of Sunday’s protest.…

Sunday May 10, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo on Saturday accused the federal government of seeking to curb and contain planned protests in Mogadishu, saying any effort to limit peaceful demonstrations would amount to a breach of citizens’ constitutional rights. His remarks came as tensions deepened between the government and opposition leaders over the location of Sunday’s protest. Authorities have directed demonstrators to assemble at Konis Stadium, but opposition figures insist…

Sunday May 10, 2026 Jigjiga (AX) — The Somali Regional State in Ethiopia has kicked off campaigning for its seventh regional and national elections, with the ruling Barwaqo Party drawing large crowds to rallies across several towns and districts on Saturday. Across the region, thousands of supporters filled public squares, brandishing flags and banners as party candidates began courting voters for both local and federal parliamentary seats. In Dhahaxbuur, Somali Regional State President Mustafa Muhumed Omar spoke at a major…

Saturday May 9, 2026 Somalia’s ambassador to Ankara, Fathudin Ali Mohamed, (C) attends the session on the bill at Parliament, Ankara, Türkiye, May 7, 2026. (AA Photo) Turkey’s Parliament on Thursday gave its approval to an in-kind grant support agreement with Somalia, underscoring the deepening ties between Ankara and the Horn of Africa country as lawmakers pointed to a relationship that now spans trade, security and development. The debate in the Turkish Parliament drew remarks from across the political spectrum, with…

By IRENE MWANGISaturday May 9, 2026 A passenger vehicle traveling in Mandera East Constituency came under a deadly ambush on Saturday morning, leaving at least six people dead and several others nursing injuries after suspected gunmen opened fire. The attack took place at Beer-Awayon village on the road connecting Mandera town and Arabia town, where the vehicle was headed before it was struck by heavy gunfire. According to preliminary reports, armed assailants intercepted the vehicle and opened fire, killing several…

Saturday May 9, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s opposition-backed Somali Future Council said Saturday that it will move ahead with Sunday’s demonstrations over forced evictions and demolitions in Mogadishu, brushing aside government demands that the protest be confined to one official venue. The council said the rallies would remain peaceful and would unfold across districts in the Banadir region. It accused the federal government of pushing residents out of homes and businesses without proper legal procedure, compensation,…