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

International Opposition to Israeli Recognition of North Western State of Somalia China and several other countries have voiced strong objections to Israel's recent recognition of North Western State of Somalia as an independent state. This diplomatic move has garnered widespread condemnation and calls for adherence to Somalia’s territorial integrity. China, Sweden, and the EU reiterate support for Somalia’s sovereignty. Rejection of Israeli recognition comes from numerous countries, including Türkiye. North…

The Cookers cancel New Year’s Eve shows at renamed Trump Kennedy Center as backlash grows WASHINGTON — The veteran jazz ensemble the Cookers has canceled its New Year’s Eve performances at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., becoming the latest group to pull out after the arts institution was renamed to include President Donald Trump’s name. “Jazz was born from struggle and from a relentless insistence on freedom: freedom of thought, of expression, and of the full human voice,” the band said in a statement announcing its…

MOGADISHU — Somalia’s National Consultative Council on Monday condemned Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, calling the move an illegal affront to Somalia’s sovereignty and a threat to security across the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the wider Middle East. In a communiqué issued after a series of meetings in Mogadishu, the council described Israel’s step as a violation of Somalia’s territorial integrity and international law, citing the Provisional Constitution as well as the charters of the United…

SINGAPORE — Scammers convicted in Singapore now face mandatory caning of up to 24 strokes in the most serious cases, as a new law authorizing the punishment came into effect amid record financial losses linked to fraud and online syndicates. The Ministry of Home Affairs framed the move as a hard reset in the city-state’s fight against a wave of cyber-enabled crime that has swept Southeast Asia, saying “fighting scams is a top national priority.” Authorities have cast the penalties as aimed squarely at organized networks and…

MOGADISHU — Somalia’s National Consultative Council on Monday condemned Israel’s recognition of the breakaway region of North Western State of Somalia, calling the decision an illegal act that threatens security across the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and the wider Middle East. In a communiqué issued by the Office of the Prime Minister after meetings in Mogadishu, the council said the move violates Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and reaffirmed what it called a non-negotiable national stance on unity rooted in the…

Somalia condemns Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, warns of regional security risks MOGADISHU — Somalia’s National Consultative Council on Monday rejected Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, calling the move illegal and a direct challenge to Somalia’s sovereignty that could destabilize security across the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the wider Middle East. In a communiqué issued after meetings in Mogadishu, the council said Israel’s decision violates the Provisional Constitution of…

Ahmed al Ahmed, the fruit seller hailed as the Bondi Beach shooting hero, has described the moment he leapt on a gunman and wrested away a weapon during last month’s massacre in Sydney, as families of victims issued a fresh call for a national inquiry into antisemitism and systemic failures they say enabled the attack. In an interview published by a U.S. outlet, al Ahmed said he ran toward one of the attackers to protect “innocent people” as gunfire sent crowds scrambling across Sydney’s famed shoreline on Dec. 14.…

MAR-A-LAGO, Florida — President Donald Trump warned Iran against rebuilding its nuclear and missile programs as he welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for talks at his Florida estate, signaling support for further Israeli action if Tehran presses ahead. “Now I hear that Iran is trying to build up again,” Trump told reporters shortly after Netanyahu arrived at Mar-a-Lago. “We’ll knock them down. We’ll knock the hell out of them. But hopefully that’s not happening.” The meeting came amid a fragile Israel-Hamas…

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will travel to Ankara on Tuesday to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a high-stakes visit that comes days after Israel said it would recognize North Western State of Somalia and as Turkey and Somalia weigh the next steps in offshore energy exploration. Two people familiar with the plans said Erdogan is expected to address Israel’s unilateral move during talks with Mohamud. The Somali leader also plans to brief Ankara on a seismic survey completed in October off Somalia’s…

WASHINGTON — The FBI has surged agents and investigative resources to Minnesota to dismantle “large-scale fraud schemes exploiting federal programs,” director Kash Patel said Sunday, citing a pandemic-era case that authorities now view as only “the tip of a very large iceberg.” Patel said the bureau’s expanded deployment follows a multiyear probe that uncovered a $250 million scheme that siphoned federal food aid intended for children during the Covid-19 emergency. That investigation, which focused on operations in…