Axadle Editorial Desk

Somalia: Southwest State Accuses Federal Government of Waging “Direct War” MOGADISHU, Somalia — South West State officials accused the Federal Government of Somalia of effectively launching a “direct military war” against the regional authority, warning the standoff could ignite fresh nationwide conflict. In a blunt statement, the regional presidency said conditions had “significantly deteriorated,” alleging that federal leaders had recast the Somali National Army into a force acting on clan lines. “Local communities…

Thursday March 26, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — A sweeping protest gripped Mogadishu’s Bakaara Market on Wednesday as hundreds of traders flooded the streets, accusing Somalia’s federal government of moving to shut down the country’s largest commercial hub so the land can be transferred to wealthy businessmen with connections to officials. Demonstrators cut off major routes leading into the market, denouncing what they said was an impending eviction that would wipe out livelihoods built over years. Traders alleged the authorities…

Traders protest eviction order at Bakara Market in Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia — Hundreds of merchants at Bakara Market, Somalia’s biggest commercial artery, poured into the streets Wednesday, saying authorities had ordered the market closed and told them to clear out — a move they fear will pave the way for politically connected investors to seize the land. Demonstrators blocked key access roads to the market, decrying what they called an effort to uproot long-established businesses. Many accused the government of trying…

Timothy Abraham, BBC Sport journalist and Aadam Patel, Liverpool reporterWednesday March 25, 2026 Mohamed Salah’s nine-year Liverpool story is heading for its final chapter after the forward announced he will leave Anfield at the end of the season. The 33-year-old Egypt international, signed from Roma in June 2017, confirmed his decision in a video posted on his social media accounts. "Unfortunately the day has come. This is the first part of my farewell," Salah said. "I will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season."…

Somali Cabinet Appoints New Custodial Corps Chief Amid Political Shifts MOGADISHU, Somalia — In a swift reshuffle aimed at tightening control over Somalia’s security apparatus, the Council of Ministers on Wednesday approved Maj. Gen. Mohamed Sheikh Hassan Hamud as the new chief of the Somali Custodial Corps during an extraordinary session led by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre. Acting on a recommendation from the Ministry of Justice, the cabinet’s decision takes immediate effect and removes the former chief, Gen. Mahad…

Wednesday March 25, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s cabinet has named a new head of the Somali Custodial Corps, a leadership change that comes as tensions deepen between the federal government and the Southwest administration. During its weekly session chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, the Council of Ministers on Wednesday approved the appointment of General Mohamed Sheikh Hassan Hamud as commander of the Somali Custodial Corps, replacing General Mahad Abdirahman. The Ministry of Justice put forward the…

Somalia: Security Forces Surround Residence of Dismissed General MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali federal forces have cordoned off the Mogadishu home of Gen. Mahad Abdirahman Aden, known as “Shub,” after his abrupt ouster as head of the Custodial Corps. Axadle confirmed that Somali Police Force units took up positions outside the residence shortly after the Council of Ministers announced his dismissal on Wednesday. The…

Wednesday March 25, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — A senior Somali federal lawmaker has broken ranks with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s political camp, stepping down from a top party post in a move that underscores intensifying disputes over governance, constitutional changes and the path to elections. Abdirahman Mohamed Hussein Odawaa announced on March 25, 2026 that he is resigning as Secretary General of the Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP) and ending his membership in the party, which is led by President Mohamud. In a…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Abdirahman Odowaa, the Secretary-General of Somalia’s ruling Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP), resigned on Wednesday, a move that exposes widening rifts at the top of the country’s leadership. In a scathing resignation statement, Odowaa faulted President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for “obduracy and intransigence,” underscoring a breakdown over the administration’s political and legislative course. The exit is widely seen as a sharp setback for the President’s inner circle amid mounting domestic pressures…

Wednesday March 25, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — A senior Somali lawmaker has broken publicly with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s ruling political camp, resigning from a top party post and warning that disputes over governance, constitutional changes and elections are pushing the country into deeper political strain. Somali federal MP Abdirahman Mohamed Hussein Odawaa stepped down as Secretary General of the Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP) and relinquished his membership, according to a statement he published on his official…