Central Africa

The Ocean Stars: Turning the Tide in World Cup Qualifying In what can only be described as a monumental breakthrough, the Ocean Stars of Somalia etched their names into the annals of history by securing their first-ever point in World Cup qualifying. In the heart of Morocco, they held their ground against a formidable Guinea, drawing 0-0. Rarely does an event ripple through a nation as this achievement has, invigorating a team and its legion of supporters. The burning question on every fan's mind now is, could their…

Embracing the Globe: A Tale Beyond Borders For many of us, journeying across continents is a tantalizing thought, one that often requires meticulous planning over several months. But for Alma Asinobi, the reality was starkly different. On a brisk morning, specifically March 15, Alma embarked on an ambitious expedition to shatter the Guinness World Record for the "Fastest Time to Visit All Seven Continents," held presently by U.S. Air Force veteran Johnny Cruz Buckingham. His remarkable record stands at 64 hours.…

Over the past decades, the landscape of governance in Africa has been a subject of intense debate and scrutiny. The wave of independence that swept across the continent in the 1960s heralded a new era of self-rule. Yet, even as countless nations embraced democratic ideals, the journey has been anything but straightforward. While some African countries have steadfastly committed to democracy, others have circled back to a governance style reminiscent of Africa's early days of autonomy. But why does this oscillation occur?…

Football: Africa’s Cultural Canvas Football in Africa is akin to wind in the Sahara, omnipresent and unyielding. More than just a sport, it's a binding force that stitches communities together, telling tales of euphoria, despair, and patriotism. Gather around as we unravel the beauty nestled in this passion. Whether it's local derbies igniting age-old rivalries or international arenas throbbing with energy, the African love for football is profound. There's an electrifying enchantment that envelops the fans as…

A New Chapter for AU-Somalia Relations: A Landmark Visit Mogadishu, March 23, 2025 — In a visit that many anticipate will forge a deeper bond between nations, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the newly appointed Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, made his way to Mogadishu. His arrival on this sunny Saturday marks his inaugural visit to Somalia since taking on this prestigious role. It was early February 2025 when Youssouf ascended to the AU's chair,…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an unexpected yet exhilarating twist, Somalia clinched their first-ever point in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. What unfolded on Friday at the Stade Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan was not just a goalless draw against Guinea but a story of sheer resilience and unyielding spirit. Why, you might wonder, is this such a big deal? Against a backdrop of skepticism and doubt, Somalia delivered a disciplined defensive performance that left spectators, pundits, and even their opponents in disbelief. It…

1. The Rise of the Islamic State Before we delved into the narratives surrounding the establishment of the Islamic State in Somalia in 2015, a key player on this turbulent stage was the Somali jihadist group al-Shabaab. Imagine a landscape where al-Shabaab—deeply rooted in the northern territories—was not only a formidable entity by itself but also intricately tied to expansive smuggling networks. At a certain point, however, a chasm began to open within their ranks, leading to a fateful division. From this split emerged…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the ever-evolving landscape of global migration, fresh stories emerge that remind us how interconnected our world truly is. Just recently, the spotlight turned towards Bangladesh as border guards nabbed a Somali individual, citing unauthorized entry from neighboring India. This incident is yet another chapter in a growing narrative of unorthodox crossings in the region. Early on a Saturday morning, near the Nijkalika Border Outpost in Feni district's Parshuram sub-district, Abdiwali Mohammed Ali was…

LONDON, UK (Axadle Times) —  an ordinary journey taking a profound turn. At Newcastle International Airport, amidst the bustling travelers, a London man found himself at the heart of a legal storm over khat, a substance often cloaked in controversy.It's not every day that a simple trip lands one in headlines. For Ahmed Hirsi, aged 46, life took an unexpected twist after customs officers uncovered approximately £18,000 worth of khat concealed in his luggage. The discovery occurred on October 11, 2023, marking what should have…

Unfreezing Aid: A New Dawn In an unforeseen development, the United States has decided to thaw frozen aid funds, spotlighting a monumental moment in U.S. foreign policy. This decision arrives on the heels of a thought-provoking U.S. Supreme Court ruling that has, for lack of a better term, sent ripples across the boardrooms and communities alike. Can one decision truly alter the fabric of international relations? By revoking the freeze on aid, significant initiatives are back on track in healthcare, infrastructure, and…