Axadle - Leading News from Somalia and the Horn of Africa

Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has sharply condemned the recent expulsion of Representative Yekeh Kolubah from the House of Representatives, characterizing the action as a serious infringement on free expression. She emphasized the importance of upholding the Liberian Constitution, calling on lawmakers to adhere to the rule of law, which she highlighted as vital for "good governance." This contentious expulsion stemmed from allegations against Kolubah, including breach of duty, official misconduct, and a violation…

The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation has sounded the alarm over a widening wealth gap across the continent, warning that economic gains are increasingly captured by a small elite while large numbers of workers grapple with rising living costs and shrinking opportunities.

MOGADISHU, Somalia — For British Ambassador Charles King, diplomacy in Mogadishu comes with a soundtrack few envoys ever hear: the thrum of F-16 fighter jets cutting across the morning sky. In a recently published account, King painted an unvarnished picture of life in Somalia’s capital, calling it one of the most dangerous diplomatic assignments in the world. He described a posting defined by security restrictions that shape nearly every movement, with armored vehicles, protective equipment and tightly controlled travel…

Friday May 1, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — In a show of broad support, the Hawadle Community Unity and Development Council held a senior-level meeting in Mogadishu on Thursday, drawing leaders and representatives from across the community. The session brought together government ministers, members of parliament, politicians, traditional elders, scholars, business figures, as well as youth and women representatives. Among those in attendance was the Hawadle community’s traditional chief, Ugaas Yusuf Ugaas Hassan Ugaas Khaliif. The…

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said at least 17 Sudanese refugees have drowned after a boat sank in the Mediterranean, in one of the latest deadly attempts to reach Europe. The craft reportedly held 33 people; authorities have confirmed seven survivors and listed nine others as missing. Since the 2023 outbreak of war in Sudan, over 500,000 Sudanese have crossed into Libya in search of safety. Experts caution that for many migrants, Libya functions less as a destination than as a "waiting room" before attempting the hazardous…

Echoing through the streets of Johannesburg and Pretoria, wave after wave of self-styled civic groups has marched in recent years with near-identical grievances. The banners and leaders may rotate, and the slogans get a fresh coat of paint, yet the refrain rarely shifts. From Operation Dudula to the more recent Put South Africans First, along with the Fiyela Movement, the All Truck Drivers Foundation, and several predecessors, the pattern endures. The labels evolve; the message persists, writes Jan Bornman for Our City News…

Scottish whisky is set for a major boost after US President Donald Trump said he will scrap tariffs on the industry, crediting the move in part to this week's White House visit by Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla. Trump pointed to the long-standing ties between Scotch makers and the American bourbon sector, as well as the effect of the royal visit, in announcing the change. Many Scotch distillers rely on casks sourced from the United States. The president said that although "people have wanted to do this for a long…

Friday May 1, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somali National Army units have taken part in a multinational military exercise held in Turkey over the past several days, according to the Turkish Ministry of National Defense. The expansive drill drew troops from a wide roster of countries, including Somalia, the United States, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Cameroon, Libya, Pakistan, Syria, and Saudi Arabia. According to a statement from the Turkish Ministry of National Defense, the exercise highlighted a broad spectrum of…

In a decisive move, Russia has asserted that its forces will maintain their presence in Mali, continuing to support the military government amid escalating tensions with Tuareg separatists demanding their withdrawal. This announcement follows recent surprise attacks that led to the pullout of Russian troops from the strategically significant town of Kidal. Once a hub of military operations, Kidal saw the Russian Africa Corps paramilitary unit retreat after insurgent strikes propelled a swift change in control. The town had…

Brazil’s Congress dealt President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva a stinging political blow by overturning his veto of legislation that sharply cuts the prison term of his longtime rival Jair Bolsonaro, marking Lula’s second significant setback in two days. Bolsonaro, the former president, 71, was sentenced last year to 27 years in prison for plotting a coup after trying to remain in power following his defeat to Lula in the 2022 election. Lula, a leftist leader seeking to block the measure, had opposed an effort by the…