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

Tuesday May 12, 2026 Hargeisa (AX) — North Western State of Somalia has named Greek national Dimitrios Tourikis as its special representative to Greece, a move that signals a fresh push to expand its diplomatic footprint in Europe. Tourikis said Monday in a post on X that he had accepted the appointment and was honored by the role, adding that he would work to strengthen ties between North Western State of Somalia and the Hellenic Republic. North Western State of Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not released…

Defying mounting pressure, President Cyril Ramaphosa says he will stay in office after the Constitutional Court’s judgment on the Section 89 impeachment process connected to the 2020 theft of cash at his Phala Phala farm, where thieves reportedly made off with thousands of dollars stashed in furniture at the game property. Ramaphosa says he will launch a legal challenge to the report that cleared the way for parliament to weigh impeachment proceedings. He denies any wrongdoing and maintains the funds were the lawful…

MANDERA, Kenya — Anger is mounting in Kenya’s northeastern Mandera County after a deadly ambush left at least six people dead and several others injured, prompting residents and local leaders to demand the removal of Jubaland forces they say are operating in the area. The calls for action followed Saturday’s attack on a passenger vehicle traveling between Mandera town and the Arabia area. Near Beer-Ayawon village, armed attackers opened fire on the civilians inside, turning the journey into a scene of bloodshed. Kenyan media…

Lok DarjeeTuesday May 12, 2026 Liban Mohamed, a 27-year-old progressive newcomer with deep immigrant roots, has turned a little-known campaign into one of Utah’s most closely watched Democratic contests — and his narrow convention win has given him a real opening heading into June’s primary. Liban Mohamed: ‘We have first-time delegates, young people, refugees, immigrants, working-class people, and longtime community members organizing to deliver a huge upset.’ Photograph: Liban Mohamed for Congress Mohamed, the son of Somali…

Macron Defends Europe’s Influence in Africa Amidst Rising Chinese Presence During a pivotal two-day economic summit in Nairobi, French President Emmanuel Macron advocated for Europe’s ongoing role in Africa, contrasting it with the expanding influence of China across the continent. Speaking to Jeune Afrique and The Africa Report, Macron reflected on his outspoken condemnation of colonialism upon assuming office in 2017. However, he emphasized the importance of not attributing Africa’s contemporary issues entirely to its…

As Israeli airstrikes hit more than 30 sites across Lebanon despite a ceasefire, the country’s top leaders pressed the US ambassador in Beirut to intervene and push Israel to stop the attacks. Lebanese officials said the total number of people killed in Israeli strikes since 2 March has risen to 2,869. The toll includes dozens of deaths recorded after the truce took effect on 17 April. Israel’s military, meanwhile, said one of its soldiers was killed a day earlier in fighting near the Lebanese border, raising its losses…

Ukrainian investigators have cast a harsh spotlight on President Volodymyr Zelensky's influential former chief of staff, naming him as a suspect in a sweeping corruption case that threatens to intensify pressure on the president's office at a delicate stage of the war with Russia. Kyiv's political establishment was jolted last year by the sprawling inquiry, which stirred public outrage and ultimately drove the former senior adviser — once Mr Zelensky's closest aide — Andriy Yermak, from office. Ukraine's anti-corruption…

The final two evacuation flights carrying passengers and crew from the hantavirus-stricken MV Hondius have landed in the Netherlands, AFP reported. On board the two aircraft were 28 people evacuated from the vessel, the Dutch foreign ministry said, including passengers, crew members and medical personnel. The first flight brought in six former Hondius guests: four Australians, one New Zealander and one British national living in Australia. Those six are expected to remain at a quarantine facility near the airport before…

Monday May 11, 2026 FC Barcelona sealed the 2025-26 La Liga title in emphatic fashion on Sunday, beating Real Madrid 2-0 at home to claim the championship in front of their own fans. Marcus Rashford put Barcelona in command early with a thunderous free kick in the ninth minute, before Ferran Torres struck again in the 18th after a slick exchange involving Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo. Real Madrid never looked like getting back into the game, and Barcelona was able to control the match in the second half. Thibaut Courtois kept…

Mohamed Gabobe in MogadishuMonday May 11, 2026 So worn they are now being turned away by buses, Somalia’s banknotes have become a symbol of a cash crisis deepened by a dollarised economy and the growing reach of mobile payments, which are driving up the price of basic goods Muse Omar Jama, 49, sits in his Mogadishu office beside piles of banknotes. He says a government order requiring the Somali shilling to be accepted is being ignored. Photograph: Mohamed Gabobe When US troops pulled out of Somalia in the spring of 1994, a…