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

MOGADISHU — Somalia has won a seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council for the 2026–2028 term, a diplomatic milestone that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday cast as proof of the country’s renewed standing on the continent and beyond. In a national address, Hassan Sheikh said the election reflects Somalia’s growing credibility and the reemergence of its voice in regional affairs after years of rebuilding state institutions. “This victory demonstrates the significant progress of Somalia’s diplomacy and…

TUMBLER RIDGE, British Columbia — Canadian police on Tuesday identified 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar as the gunman who killed eight people, including family members and students at her former school, before taking her own life in one of the worst mass shootings in Canada’s history. Authorities revised the death toll to nine, including the attacker, down from an earlier count of 10. A motive has not been determined. Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said Van Rootselaar first killed…

Former Somali premiers warn reforms timetable is unrealistic, urge consensus on elections MOGADISHU — Two former Somali prime ministers sharply criticized the federal government’s push to complete sweeping constitutional and political changes before the current term ends, warning that the roughly three months remaining are insufficient and risk deepening instability. Speaking at an event in Mogadishu on Wednesday, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire said the administration’s reform agenda — including a constitutional…

US Troops to Train Nigerian Military Amid Islamist Threats The United States is set to deploy approximately 200 troops to Nigeria as part of a strategic initiative to bolster the Nigerian military's efforts in combating the growing menace of Islamist militants. This move marks the first confirmed US ground presence in Nigeria since the controversial Christmas Day airstrikes ordered by former President Donald Trump. Training Deployment Details The troops are expected to arrive within weeks and will focus on providing…

Nine people were killed and at least 27 others were wounded in a mass shooting that shattered the small Canadian town of Tumbler Ridge, authorities said, as a local pastor called the violence “beyond comprehension.” The suspected shooter appears to have taken their own life at Tumbler Ridge High School, police said. Six people were shot dead at the high school, and a seventh person with a gunshot wound died while en route to a hospital, according to authorities. Separately, police said two more bodies were found at a…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Turkish Navy warships docked at Mogadishu’s seaport Tuesday, marking a new phase in Somalia–Turkey security cooperation as the allies expand joint maritime operations alongside deepening energy ties in Somali waters. The vessels were formally welcomed Wednesday by a high-level Somali delegation led by State Minister for Defense Omar Abdi Ali. Somali National Army Commander Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud, who also oversees the navy and coast guard, attended alongside senior naval officers and…

Emergency Landing Incident at Mogadishu Airport An aircraft carrying 55 people overran the runway at Aden Abdulle International Airport and ended up in shallow water. A technical issue shortly after takeoff necessitated the emergency landing. The Fokker plane was operated by Starsky Aviation. The incident occurred 15 minutes into the flight bound for Gaalkacyo. No injuries were reported; everyone was safely evacuated. Details of the Incident After experiencing technical difficulties, the crew attempted to…

Sudan’s Conflict: Drone Strike on Mosque Escalates Civilian Toll The conflict in Sudan between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the national military intensifies with a recent drone strike on a mosque, resulting in the casualties of two children and injuries to 13 others. The attack occurred in al-Rahad city, North Kordofan, during a dawn lesson. Reported by the Sudan Doctors Network, it highlights escalating violations against civilians. No comment has been received from the RSF regarding the strike.…

WASHINGTON — Congressional Democrats accused Attorney General Pam Bondi on Tuesday of orchestrating a “cover-up” of the Jeffrey Epstein files and turning the Department of Justice into an “instrument of revenge” for President Donald Trump, sparking a raucous House Judiciary Committee hearing attended by several Epstein victims. Bondi defended the Justice Department’s handling of the court-ordered release, saying teams of government lawyers undertook a massive review under tight deadlines and that “pending investigations” in…

Klitschko urges European support, defends Kyiv’s winter response amid intensified Russian strikes Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said European backing remains “critically important” as Ukraine fights what he called a “senseless war” with Russia, urging allies to sustain support while defending his administration’s preparations for winter under relentless missile barrages. “We Ukrainians want to part of the European family. We want to build a democratic country,” Klitschko told RTÉ’s News at One. He cast Russian President…