Axadle - Breaking news and analysis from Somalia, the Horn of Africa, and across Africa.

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Somalia was elected Wednesday to the African Union Peace and Security Council for the 2026–2028 term, a diplomatic milestone that positions the Horn of Africa nation at the center of decision-making on the continent’s most urgent security challenges. In a statement, Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the vote reflects renewed confidence in Somalia’s role and its growing contribution to Africa’s peace and security agenda. The government thanked AU member states for their support, with…

Undocumented Irish on edge as ICE crackdown tests a Boston man’s American dream The detention of Kilkenny native Seamus Culleton in a Texas immigration facility has become a flash point in the United States’ latest enforcement sweep, unsettling thousands of undocumented Irish and their families on both sides of the Atlantic. His case — a visa overstay turned protracted custody fight — captures how a harder-edged U.S. immigration regime is reshaping lives far from the border. Culleton entered the United States in March 2009…

ADDIS ABABA — Somalia’s foreign minister, Abdisalam Ali, on Friday chaired the sixth A3 high-level ministerial meeting on the sidelines of the 39th African Union Assembly, as African leaders moved to tighten coordination at the United Nations Security Council. Somalia currently serves as coordinator of the A3 — the three African non-permanent members of the Security Council: Somalia, Liberia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo — a role that places Mogadishu at the center of efforts to advance Africa’s priorities in New…

Europe’s race for economic self-defense has moved from white paper to red alert. Mario Draghi warned in 2024 that, “for the first time since the Cold War, we must genuinely fear for our self-preservation.” A year later, with Donald Trump’s 15% tariffs on EU goods in force and a deteriorating global backdrop, Brussels is scrambling to convert a decade of stalled ideas into hard law and money. The stakes are stark. Global trade is slowing. Cheap Russian energy is gone. The EU, Draghi argued, needs to mobilize up to €800…

Nile River Boat Tragedy in Northern Sudan A tragic accident on the Nile River claimed the lives of at least 21 people when a boat sank between two villages in northern Sudan. The local government and eyewitnesses have provided details, highlighting the dire state of river transportation in the region. 21 bodies have been recovered according to River Nile State's report. The boat was traveling between Tayba al-Khawad and Deim al-Qarai. A total of 30 people were on board when the accident occurred. Search and…

Türkiye and Nigeria: A Strategic Partnership in Africa The collaboration between Türkiye and Nigeria is centered on shared visions in counterterrorism and regional stability. This partnership highlights the strategic roles both nations play in their respective regions. Türkiye supports Nigeria in battling terrorist groups like Boko Haram. The partnership includes combating the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ). Nigeria is crucial to West Africa's stability and the continent as a whole. Strengthening Security and…

Kenya to Reopen Border with Somalia After 15-Year Closure Kenya's decision to reopen its border with Somalia marks a significant step toward mending regional ties and enhancing security cooperation. The closure, initially instituted due to security concerns, is set to end in April, facilitating cross-border movement. Closure enforced in 2011 due to al-Shabab attacks. Upcoming April reopening announced by President William Ruto. Initial reopening plan in May 2023 reversed after attacks. A History of Conflict…

AU Reaffirms Somalia’s Sovereignty Amid North Western State of Somalia Recognition Controversy The African Union’s Peace and Security Council has firmly maintained Somalia's sovereignty, rejecting any moves to recognize North Western State of Somalia as independent. This decision comes in response to contentious international actions affecting the region. The AU condemned Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia as an independent state. The council emphasized that no actor can change the territorial…

Munich — European leaders used the Munich Security Conference to step up calls for greater defense autonomy while seeking to stabilize transatlantic ties as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio prepared to address the gathering, aiming to reassure allies after months of strain under President Donald Trump. Leaders pledged to shoulder more of NATO’s shared burden, casting the push as essential to counter a hostile Russia and to keep the alliance credible. NATO chief Mark Rutte said “a strong Europe in a strong NATO means that…

Atletico Madrid routs Barcelona 4-0 to seize Copa del Rey semifinal first-leg control Atletico Madrid overwhelmed Copa del Rey holder and La Liga leader Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg of their semifinal on Thursday, shredding a high defensive line with a furious first-half surge to take a commanding advantage into the March 3 return at the Camp Nou. An early own goal set the tone before Antoine Griezmann, Ademola Lookman and Julian Alvarez struck to cap a blistering opening 45 minutes. Diego Simeone’s side then managed the…