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

Iranian security forces have killed at least 45 protesters, including eight minors, during a sweeping crackdown on demonstrations over economic hardship, the Norway-based group Iran Human Rights (IHR) said, as a nationwide internet blackout was reported by monitoring group NetBlocks amid new subsidy reforms. IHR said the latest day of unrest was the deadliest of the 12-day movement, with 13 protesters confirmed killed. The organization’s director, Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, said in a statement that hundreds more have been…

Colombia’s Petro, Trump agree to ‘joint action’ against ELN along Venezuela border after first call, minister says BOGOTA — Colombia’s leftist President Gustavo Petro agreed with U.S. President Donald Trump to take “joint action” against the National Liberation Army (ELN) along the Venezuelan border after the two leaders held their first phone call, Colombia’s interior minister said. Interior Minister Armando Benedetti told Blu Radio that Petro and Trump used the conversation to de-escalate tensions and align on confronting…

U.S. signals no retreat on Trump’s Greenland push as Europe, Canada rally behind Denmark U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he will meet Danish leaders next week and signaled no retreat from President Donald Trump’s aim to take control of Greenland, even as alarmed allies scramble to coordinate a response and lawmakers in Washington push back. A weekend U.S. military operation that seized the leader of Venezuela rekindled concerns about intentions toward Greenland, and U.S. officials have done little to allay fears.…

Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s federal government has opened an urgent investigation into allegations that its airspace and airports were used without authorization to move Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the UAE-backed leader of Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council, amid rising regional tensions involving Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The Immigration and Citizenship Agency said Thursday it is examining claims that al-Zubaidi transited through Somali territory after skipping planned peace talks in…

SCHIEDAM, Netherlands — Dutch police arrested two teenage boys as they investigated the death of a 60-year-old man following a suspected assault that may have begun with a dispute over snowballs, authorities said. Emergency services rushed to the scene in the city of Schiedam but were unable to resuscitate the man, who died Monday, police said. Investigators identified the teenagers through CCTV footage and took them into custody for questioning to determine what role they may have played in the incident. “A fight may have…

Somalia’s Political Cycle: Stalled Progress Amid Promises This article explores the recurring patterns in Somalia's political landscape characterized by the cyclical transitions of leadership that inevitably lead to stagnation, especially regarding security and governance. By examining recent developments, the article underscores the need for accountability and long-term commitments to national priorities. New leaders often bring initial hope and energy. However, political intransigence leads to cycles of…

Russia warns Western troops deployed to Ukraine would be “legitimate combat targets,” escalating tensions after the U.K. and France announced plans to deploy a multinational force in the event of a cease-fire. In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said “militaristic declarations” by a coalition of pro-Ukraine governments were becoming increasingly dangerous. It said any Western “military units, military facilities, depots and other infrastructure on Ukrainian territory will be classified as foreign intervention,…

Somalia’s e-visa data breach has spiraled from a technical failure into a national test of digital governance, exposing at least 35,000 applicant records and prompting warnings from the United Kingdom and the United States. Launched Sept. 1, 2025, as a flagship Digital Public Good meant to secure borders and modernize services, the platform instead revealed how fragile the country’s digital public infrastructure remains without guardrails, oversight and trust. At stake is more than cybersecurity. The incident has triggered…

Ireland’s prime minister, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, said Monday that Greenland “is part of Denmark” and that the European Union stands “rock-solid” behind Copenhagen after U.S. President Donald Trump renewed talk of acquiring the Arctic territory and the White House said all options — including military action — remain on the table. Speaking during an official visit to Shanghai, Martin urged “common sense,” adding that territorial integrity is a matter for the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland. He called a U.S.…

Somalia probes alleged illegal use of airspace for flights linked to Yemeni leader, Israeli foreign minister MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s federal government says it has opened an investigation into reports that the country’s airspace was used unlawfully by a flight carrying South Yemen leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi, who is said to be traveling on behalf of the United Arab Emirates. In a statement, the immigration agency said that if the allegations are confirmed, the incident would amount to a serious violation of Somali law…