Axadle - Leading News from Somalia and the Horn of Africa

Somalia Blocks Armed Personnel Ahead of National Dialogue This article examines the recent actions taken by the Somali government to block armed personnel and weapons from entering Mogadishu in preparation for a crucial national dialogue. The decision emphasizes public safety and adherence to security protocols. Somali government cites public safety as a key reason for the blockade. Involved parties include leaders from Puntland State and Jubbaland states. The government reaffirms commitment to stability in…

Trump says India will buy Venezuelan oil as U.S. eases curbs, aiming to replace Russian supplies President Donald Trump said India will begin purchasing Venezuelan oil, a move he cast as helping the world’s third-largest oil importer pivot away from Russian crude as Washington loosens restrictions on Caracas. “We’ve already made that deal, the concept of the deal,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he traveled to his Florida residence from Washington. The comments followed a Reuters report that the United States…

Somali president consults Cabinet after aircraft carrying leaders’ guards turned back MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has launched closed-door consultations with his Cabinet after aircraft carrying advance security personnel for the presidents of Puntland State and Jubaland were denied clearance to land in Mogadishu, a move that has intensified strains with the federal member states. Government officials said the talks are focused on the political, security and governance implications of the…

Urgent Call for Humanitarian Access in Jonglei, South Sudan The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a strong call for an immediate halt to military operations in Jonglei State. The organization emphasizes the urgent need for de-escalation to facilitate safe humanitarian access, which is critical for delivering food assistance to those in dire need. The call comes amid rising tensions that threaten the safety of around two million residents. Nearly 60 percent of the population faces crisis levels of…

MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Jubaland and Puntland State regional administrations on Sunday accused the federal government of blocking planes carrying their soldiers and presidential security guards from landing in the capital, an escalation that threatens a planned high-level consultative conference on elections. Both regional states said aircraft transporting advance delegations and security details were ordered to turn back shortly before landing at Aden Adde International Airport. The orders, they said, were unsafe, politically…

Norway’s royal family faces a fresh test as Marius Borg Hoiby, the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship, goes on trial Tuesday in Oslo accused of 38 counts, including four rapes and multiple assaults against former girlfriends. The 29-year-old, who grew up in the royal household but holds no official role, was arrested on Aug. 4, 2024, on suspicion of assaulting his then-girlfriend and damaging her apartment the previous night. In the weeks that followed, several ex-partners came forward with…

Zelensky announces Feb. 4–5 Abu Dhabi talks with U.S., Russian envoys as strikes hit Ukraine Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday’s two-day talks among U.S., Russian and Ukrainian envoys will open in Abu Dhabi, describing the latest bid to halt the Ukraine war as Russian strikes again hit civilians and critical infrastructure. “The dates for the next trilateral meetings have been set — February 4 and 5 in Abu Dhabi,” Zelensky wrote on X. “Ukraine is ready for a substantive discussion, and we are interested…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Puntland State and Jubaland on Sunday accused Somalia’s federal government of endangering their delegations and security personnel after aircraft carrying troops and advance officials were ordered to turn back en route to Mogadishu. In separate statements, the two Federal Member States condemned what they said was a federal government decision to deny air clearance to planes transporting security teams ahead of the arrival of Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni and Jubaland President Ahmed…

MOGADISHU — Mogadishu City Club and Horseed Sports Club will contest the Jaranaal Da’uud Tournament final on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, with the Somali Football Federation unveiling an updated format that guarantees a decisive result on the day — extra time and, if needed, penalties — as part of a broader bid to raise standards across the domestic game. In a letter signed by SFF Chairman Ali Shiino and circulated Saturday, the federation confirmed both clubs’ participation in the final and detailed the match regulations designed…

Israel moves to shut down Doctors Without Borders in Gaza as Rafah crossing set for limited reopening Israel said it is terminating the humanitarian operations of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) in the Gaza Strip after the group failed to provide a list of its Palestinian staff, as authorities prepare a partial reopening of the Rafah crossing for people. The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism said it is “moving to terminate the activities of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in the Gaza…