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

Atletico Madrid routs Barcelona 4-0 to seize Copa del Rey semifinal first-leg control Atletico Madrid overwhelmed Copa del Rey holder and La Liga leader Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg of their semifinal on Thursday, shredding a high defensive line with a furious first-half surge to take a commanding advantage into the March 3 return at the Camp Nou. An early own goal set the tone before Antoine Griezmann, Ademola Lookman and Julian Alvarez struck to cap a blistering opening 45 minutes. Diego Simeone’s side then managed the…

DUBAI — DP World said Friday that longtime chairman and chief executive Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem has resigned, a move that follows mounting pressure over his alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein and days after key investors froze new commitments to the Dubai-based ports and logistics group. The company named Essa Kazim as chairman of the board and elevated Yuvraj Narayan to group chief executive officer, Dubai Media Office said. Dubai’s ruler also issued a decree appointing a new chairman to the emirate’s Ports, Customs and Free…

Egypt backs Somalia’s unity, rejects unilateral recognition at AU summit Friday February 13, 2026 Photo courtesy of Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Egypt reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity and rejected any unilateral steps that could fragment the country, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said during talks with Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Ali on the sidelines of the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa. Abdelatty “categorically” rejected any unilateral…

Peter Mandelson has been asked to testify before the U.S. Congress over his relationship with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to a letter from two Democratic members of the House of Representatives. The lawmakers urged Mandelson to appear for a transcribed interview with staff of the House Oversight Committee as part of the panel’s ongoing probe into Epstein. The letter, reviewed by Axadle Times, stated: “Given the appalling allegations regarding Epstein’s conduct, we request that you make yourself…

Germany opens talks with France on European nuclear deterrent as Munich forum urges reset with U.S. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Berlin has begun confidential talks with France about a European nuclear deterrent, arguing Europe must become stronger as it seeks to reset relations with the United States. The remarks came in an opening address to the Munich Security Conference that framed a more self-reliant Europe as essential in a “dangerous new era of great power politics.” “In the era of great power rivalry, even…

Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia has lit a geopolitical fuse in the Horn of Africa. On Dec. 26, 2025, Israel became the first country to officially recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, challenging Somalia’s territorial integrity and colliding head-on with a core African norm: that borders inherited at independence should remain intact. The move drew immediate regional and international pushback and opened a new chapter in great‑power maneuvering along one of the world’s most…

MINNEAPOLIS — A federal judge has ordered U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to immediately restore detainees’ access to lawyers in Minnesota and to halt rapid out-of-state transfers that sever legal contacts, finding the agency’s recent practices “all but extinguish a detainee’s access to counsel.” U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel, appointed by President Donald Trump, issued a 14-day temporary restraining order in a class-action lawsuit filed Jan. 27 on behalf of noncitizen detainees. The order requires the government…

Escalating Crisis in South Sudan: 280,000 Displaced Amid Violence The ongoing violence in South Sudan has led to a dire humanitarian crisis, particularly affecting children and vulnerable populations. With at least 280,000 people displaced in Jonglei State alone, the situation is becoming increasingly grave. Majority of those displaced are women and children, many fleeing multiple times. Health services are collapsing, with critical facilities attacked and looted. Urgent need for humanitarian access and…

Drought in Somalia: A National Emergency in the Making The ongoing drought in Somalia has escalated into a crisis affecting millions, prompting fears of famine without urgent intervention. This section outlines the immediate impact of the drought, including the number of people affected and the infrastructure in disrepair. 4.61 million people affected, with over 490,000 displaced. 171 boreholes are non-functional nationwide, disrupting basic needs. Many schools have closed due to migration and resource…

China Responds to US Lawmakers’ Allegations of Illegal Mining in Nigeria The Chinese government has vehemently rejected allegations made by five US lawmakers claiming that it sponsored illegal mining activities in Nigeria and provided financial support to militias for protection. The embassy in Nigeria characterized the accusations as baseless and unfounded. In a statement, the Chinese embassy expressed dissatisfaction with what it termed as false claims, underscoring that Chinese nationals are required to adhere to…