Axadle - Leading News from Somalia and the Horn of Africa

ABU DHABI — Negotiators from Russia, Ukraine and the United States met in the United Arab Emirates on Friday for a second day of talks on a plan backed by U.S. President Donald Trump to end the almost four-year war, even as Russian strikes left thousands in Kyiv without heat amid sub-zero temperatures. The UAE Foreign Ministry said the meetings in Abu Dhabi were scheduled to last two days and were “part of ongoing efforts to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis.” The first known direct contact…

A Canadian former Olympic snowboarder accused of leading a major drug operation has been arrested in Mexico and is being brought to the United States to face cocaine trafficking and murder charges, FBI Director Kash Patel said. Ryan Wedding, 44, has been on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, a designation reserved for the bureau’s highest-priority targets. The U.S. State Department recently offered a $15 million (€12.7 million) reward for information leading to his capture, underscoring the urgency of the search. In a…

Trump pulls Canada’s invite to ‘Board of Peace’ after Davos clash with Mark Carney U.S. President Donald Trump has withdrawn an invitation for Canada to join his “Board of Peace,” a new multinational body he launched at the World Economic Forum in Davos and framed as central to efforts to secure a Gaza ceasefire and broader conflict resolution. “Please let this Letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canada’s joining, what will be, the most prestigious Board of Leaders…

US military says strike on suspected narco-trafficking boat in Eastern Pacific kills two; Coast Guard searches for survivor The US military said it killed two alleged drug traffickers in a strike on a boat in the Eastern Pacific, as the Coast Guard searched for a third person seen in video footage who survived the blast. US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said in a post on X that “intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking…

Investigators probing Spain’s deadly high-speed train collision say a cracked rail likely existed before the crash, a preliminary finding that could shift scrutiny toward infrastructure on one of the world’s busiest high-speed networks. A report released today by Spain’s CIAF rail accident investigation committee said an inspection of the Iryo train involved in Sunday evening’s collision in Andalusia found “notches in the tread of the right-sided wheels” on four carriages. Similar notches with a compatible geometric pattern…

Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia has jolted Somalia’s public square, igniting protests in the streets, on social media and from mosque pulpits. The outrage is understandable: for many Somalis, it feels like a direct strike at sovereignty and territorial integrity. But the larger truth can’t be shouted down. This moment is less a bolt from the blue than the culmination of long-standing vulnerabilities Somalis have allowed to deepen at home. This opinion argues that the crisis is a mirror, not a…

Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan Amid Prolonged Conflict The ongoing civil war in Sudan has caused a large-scale humanitarian crisis, marked by extensive displacement and acute food shortages. This section explores the dire humanitarian conditions and the impact on the population. Conflict between Sudan's army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Tens of thousands dead, approximately 11 million displaced. Over 21 million facing acute food insecurity. UN's Condemnation and Call for Action UN Human Rights commissioner…

National Disaster Declared Amid Deadly Floods in Southern Africa South Africa and Mozambique are grappling with devastating floods that have claimed lives and displaced thousands. Authorities in both countries are working tirelessly to respond to this catastrophic event. Severe flooding declared a national disaster in South Africa. Heavy rains have affected Mozambique, with entire neighborhoods submerged. Rescue efforts are ongoing as both nations strive to recover and assist survivors. Impact in South Africa…

Escalating Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan's Western Region The humanitarian catastrophe in western Sudan is worsening, with recent attacks leading to significant casualties and displacement. The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has created critical challenges. Over 103 civilians killed and at least 88 wounded in attacks. 18,000 families displaced toward Chad, fleeing violence. Public spaces and civilian institutions destroyed in Tina locality and nearby…

Uganda's Political Tensions Escalate Post-Election Following a disputed election, Uganda faces rising political tensions. The government's crackdown on dissent intensifies, with General Muhoozi Kainerugaba openly threatening opposition leader Bobi Wine. President Yoweri Museveni was re-elected with 71.6% of the vote. Bobi Wine, the opposition leader, won 24%, amidst allegations of electoral fraud. General Kainerugaba's threats have raised concerns about political violence. Military Threats Against Opposition…