Axadle - Leading News from Somalia and the Horn of Africa

Somalia: Jubaland releases federal senator after 16 months, seeks to calm tensions Jubaland frees Senator Ilyas Bedel Gaboose after prolonged house arrest in Kismayo President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe frames move as reconciliation, meets with Gaboose and Sheikh Dahir Ahmed Abdullahi Detention stemmed from challenge to Madobe’s re-election; release comes amid constitutional strains and ahead of 2026 polls KISMAYO, Somalia — The Jubaland administration on Sunday released federal senator and prominent opposition figure…

High Court Adjourns Prosecution of Ex-Finance Minister Kenneth Ofori-Atta The High Court in Ghana has formally adjourned the prosecution of former Finance Minister Kenneth Ofori-Atta and nine co-accused individuals. The decision was made to facilitate the "service of summons" on several fugitives residing in the United States, highlighting the complexities of international legal proceedings. During a session held recently, the court announced that the next hearing is scheduled for February 26, 2026. The delay arises from…

Newly released U.S. Justice Department records in the growing cache of "Epstein files" include the name of former South African president Jacob Zuma and reference a dinner organized during a 2010 state visit, according to court documents made public this week. The tranche of documents contains emails mentioning a dinner at the Ritz Hotel in London on March 5, 2010, while Zuma was on an official visit to the U.K. The emails, the Justice Department release shows, identify a man who described himself as a friend of Jeffrey…

Burkina Faso's Political Dismantling: A New Path to Unity? Burkina Faso's military government has dissolved all political parties in a move to restructure its political landscape. This significant step comes amid ongoing challenges and aims to harmonize governance and cohesion in the country. The decree was issued during a Cabinet meeting, emphasizing national unity. All political party assets are to be transferred to the state for reform purposes. A draft law will repeal existing party financing and operational…

North Western State of Somalia leader departs for UAE, seeks deeper ties as regional stakes rise HARGEISA, Somalia — North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Cirro, left for the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday at the head of a high-level delegation that includes cabinet ministers and senior advisers, his office said, in a visit aimed at deepening economic and political ties with Abu Dhabi. Abdullahi is traveling at the formal invitation of the UAE government and is expected to attend a…

Tottenham’s stirring fightback — lit by a scorpion-kick equalizer from Dominik Solanke — dented Manchester City’s chase and handed Arsenal clear daylight in the Premier League title race on Sunday. Solanke scored twice in the second half to rescue a 2-2 draw for Spurs after City had cruised to a 2-0 halftime lead. The point leaves Arsenal six clear at the top with 14 games left, a cushion that widened as Aston Villa lost at home to 10-man Brentford. It was a wild, consequential day across the league, shaped by late drama,…

Second Jeffrey Epstein accuser alleges 2010 encounter with Andrew at Windsor; Starmer urges testimony to U.S. Congress A second woman has alleged she was sent by Jeffrey Epstein to Britain for a sexual encounter with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor at his residence on the Windsor estate in 2010, when she was in her 20s, the BBC reported. The claim surfaces days after the U.S. Justice Department released a vast trove of Epstein-related documents, intensifying scrutiny on the disgraced royal. The woman’s U.S. attorney, Brad…

South Africa Expels Israeli Diplomat Amid Rising Tensions In a significant diplomatic escalation, South Africa has declared Israel’s top diplomat persona non grata, demanding his departure within 72 hours. This move intensifies existing tensions that could impact international relations. South Africa expels Israeli chargé d'affaires, Ariel Seidman. Action taken due to alleged diplomatic violations and social media insults. Response to ongoing issues regarding human rights in Gaza. Background and Rising…

Devastating Landslide Claims Over 200 Lives in Eastern Congo A catastrophic landslide at a mineral mine in North Kivu, eastern Congo, has resulted in the deaths of over 200 people, including miners, market traders, and children. This tragedy underscores the precarious working conditions prevalent in the region's resource-rich landscape. 227 bodies have been recovered following the landslide. The incident occurred at the Rubaya coltan mine, a significant global supplier. Safety and labor issues are rampant in…

Standoff threatens Somalia’s election talks as UN calls for urgent dialogue MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s latest push to unlock political talks on elections hit a new snag Sunday after a security dispute grounded delegations from Puntland State and Jubaland, prompting the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) to urge swift, good-faith dialogue to keep negotiations on track. In a statement posted on social media, UNTMIS said preparatory teams from the two regional states were unable to reach…