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

Trump says nations to pledge $5B for Gaza as strikes shatter fragile ceasefire President Donald Trump said member states of what he called the Board of Peace will announce more than $5 billion in pledges for reconstruction and humanitarian relief in Gaza at a meeting Thursday, alongside commitments of personnel for a United Nations–authorized stabilization force and local policing in the enclave. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the gathering — described as the group’s first official meeting — will be held at the…

KISMAYO, Somalia — Jubaland security forces killed more than 60 al-Shabab fighters, including senior operatives, in a four-day operation targeting militant strongholds in Lower Juba, regional officials said Sunday. The offensive, centered on the Lagta Hola–Wajeer area of Badhaadhe district, struck what authorities described as the “Black Sea,” a dense, forested zone long used by the group as a staging ground for attacks. The push was led by Jubaland’s security director, Mohamed Ahmed Sabriye, known as “Basaam,” and supported…

SYDNEY — Accused Bondi Beach gunman Naveed Akram made his first public court appearance via video link, facing terrorism and 15 murder charges tied to December’s mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration — Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades. Akram, appearing from prison for about five minutes, spoke only once — responding “yeah” when asked whether he had heard a discussion on extending suppression orders, according to the court and local media reports. The brief hearing focused largely on procedural…

Accused Bondi Beach gunman Naveed Akram appeared via video link in a Sydney court in his first public hearing since a December attack on a Jewish Hanukkah celebration that authorities have called Australia’s worst mass shooting in nearly three decades. Akram is charged with terrorism and 15 counts of murder in connection with the rampage. The brief hearing focused largely on procedural matters, including the continued suppression of some victims’ identities, according to local media reports. Akram, who wore a green jumper,…

Starmer seeks broader powers to police internet access and child safety as U.K. weighs under-16 social media ban British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will move to secure broader powers to regulate internet access, arguing the U.K. must accelerate protections for children as digital risks evolve rapidly and platform rules shift faster than legislation can keep up. The push, announced as the government advances its review of online child safety, follows a plan unveiled last month to consult on an Australian-style ban on social…

Myanmar’s military government has ordered East Timor’s top representative to leave the country within a week, escalating a diplomatic rift after a rights group said Dili had opened a war-crimes case against the junta under universal jurisdiction. In a statement, the junta said East Timor’s reported appointment of a prosecutor to investigate alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity was a “great disappointment.” It said the charge d’affaires — currently East Timor’s most senior official posted in Myanmar — was summoned…

Dr. Hilary Cass, the pediatrician who led the landmark review of gender healthcare for children in the U.K., said young people have been “weaponised” and misled by social media about the realities of transitioning — comments that arrive as the government publishes draft guidance for schools on supporting gender-questioning pupils. Speaking on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Cass welcomed the Department for Education’s draft issued earlier this week, while acknowledging “it is impossible for it to be completely…

Rubio seeks reset with Europe in Munich, vows renewed friendship but offers few specifics MUNICH — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged to “revitalise” Washington’s friendship with Europe in a keynote at the Munich Security Conference, drawing a standing ovation after a year of turbulence in transatlantic relations. The speech, however, offered scant concrete commitments, made no mention of Russia and faulted Europe’s approach to migration and climate policy. “In a time of headlines heralding the end of the…

Somalia's Leap Into Digital Governance This section explores Somalia's progress in digital governance, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize public service access for citizens. Announcement of a unified digital system for essential documents. Key insights from government officials at the DPI 2026 Conference. Implications for economic growth and public service efficiency. Significant Developments Announced At the recent Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) 2026 Conference held in Mogadishu, Deputy Prime…

Netanyahu sets red lines for U.S.-Iran nuclear deal as talks shift to Switzerland; exiled shah’s son rallies supporters in Munich Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said any U.S.-Iran nuclear agreement must require the removal of all enriched uranium from Iran and address Tehran’s ability to enrich more, setting out hard-line conditions as a new round of talks moves to Switzerland this week. Speaking in Jerusalem to leaders of major American Jewish organizations, Netanyahu said a viable deal must also tackle Iran’s…