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

North Western State of Somalia Denies Allegations of Hosting Israeli Military Base North Western State of Somalia has officially refuted claims that it agreed to host an Israeli military base or resettle Palestinians in exchange for Israel recognizing its independence. The controversy arose after Israeli recognition sparked protests and accusations from Somalia. North Western State of Somalia firmly rejects claims of accepting Palestinians or hosting a base. Somali President alleges conditions linked to Israeli…

Fatal fire labeled ‘one of worst tragedies’ in Swiss history A fatal fire in Switzerland has been described as “one of the worst tragedies” in the country’s history, according to live updates from Europe. Immediate details remained scarce as authorities worked to confirm the scope of the disaster. Officials had not released the location of the blaze, a death toll or information about the cause at the time of the initial reports. The characterization underscores the severity of the incident and indicates a significant loss of…

Taiwan’s Lai vows to defend sovereignty after China’s ‘Justice Mission 2025’ drills TAIPEI — Taiwan President Lai Ching-te pledged to “resolutely defend” the island’s sovereignty and accelerate its defense buildup after China fired rockets toward Taiwan and massed warships and aircraft nearby in sweeping “Justice Mission 2025” military drills. In a New Year’s address delivered from the presidential office and broadcast live, Lai said the international community is watching to see whether Taiwanese people have the resolve to…

Somalia warns Israel against presence in North Western State of Somalia, citing risk of regional spillover MOGADISHU — Somalia’s president warned Tuesday that any Israeli move to recognize or establish a presence in North Western State of Somalia would export Middle East conflicts to the Horn of Africa, urging respect for Somalia’s sovereignty and international law. “We have never attacked Israel. We have never created a problem for Israel. We don’t want Israel to come to us and bring their problem to us,” President Hassan…

Crans-Montana bar fire kills ‘tens,’ injures about 100 during New Year’s Eve party, Swiss officials say A fast-moving fire tore through Le Constellation, a crowded bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, shortly after 1:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day, leaving “tens” of people presumed dead and about 100 injured, most of them seriously, authorities said. Swiss police declined to provide a precise death toll, while Italy’s foreign ministry said information it received from Swiss police indicated about 40 deaths. Officials…

AXADLE, Somalia — Puntland State on Tuesday issued its first public response to Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, rejecting any move that further fragments Somalia and reaffirming its commitment to a unified federal system. Puntland State Minister of Information Mahamud Aydid Dirir said the northeastern federal member state stands by the principles on which it was founded and will continue to support the development of an effective Somali federal government. He framed Israel’s…

ISTANBUL — Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud warned that Israel’s unexpected recognition of North Western State of Somalia risks destabilizing the Horn of Africa and could be tied to attempts to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, escalating tensions across a strategic maritime corridor linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. In an interview with Al Jazeera on Tuesday from Istanbul, where he met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Mohamud said Israel’s move was “not merely a diplomatic gesture but a cover for…

UN Reaffirms Somalia's Sovereignty Amidst Israeli Recognition of North Western State of Somalia The United Nations held an emergency session to address Israel's recent decision to recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state. Key figures emphasized Somalia's territorial integrity, expressing concerns about the potential consequences of the move. Khaled Khiari highlighted the UN's respect for Somalia's sovereignty as reaffirmed in Resolution 2809. Somalia's UN envoy condemned Israel's recognition…

Impact of Conflict on El-Fasher Residents The capture of el-Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces has left its residents in dire conditions, highlighting a severe humanitarian crisis. U.N. aid coordinator Denise Brown provides insights into the ongoing challenges faced by those left behind. El-Fasher captured by RSF in October after more than 500 days of siege. Residents struggle with lack of water, sanitation, and reliable food supplies. Reports of mass atrocities and evidence of mass graves reviewed by AFP.…

Sudan Faces Dire Malnutrition Crisis Amid Ongoing Conflict Children in Sudan's North Darfur region are experiencing an acute hunger crisis, with many lives hanging in the balance. Recent assessments reveal alarming malnutrition rates, requiring urgent international attention and aid. Over 50% of children in Um Baru suffer from acute malnutrition. 18% face severe, life-threatening malnutrition. Current levels exceed the WHO emergency threshold by over threefold. Devastating Statistics from Recent Nutrition…