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

MOGADISHU — The Somali National Electoral Commission said Thursday night that 20 political organizations have formally submitted candidate lists for the Banadir local council elections scheduled for December 25, closing the candidate registration phase for the Mogadishu-area vote. In a statement, the commission confirmed that candidate registration has concluded, capping a two-week extension granted last month to give parties more time to finalize their slates. A total of 61 political organizations registered earlier this…

House Democrats release new Jeffrey Epstein photos showing Trump as DOJ faces release deadline Democrats on the House Oversight Committee on Friday released a fresh batch of photos from the estate of the late Jeffrey Epstein, including three images of Donald Trump, intensifying pressure on the U.S. Department of Justice days before a court-ordered deadline to disclose its own cache of Epstein-related files. The committee’s Democrats said they are reviewing more than 95,000 images obtained from Epstein’s estate and made 19…

MOGADISHU — Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed said Friday that an opposition coalition conference planned in Kismayo will focus on forging a unified political vision and a credible path to national elections, rejecting claims the gathering is meant to form a parallel government. “The objective of the Kismayo conference is to agree on a common vision, particularly on elections, not to form a new government,” Sharif said in remarks to reporters, framing the meeting as a push for a viable, fair and inclusive electoral…

UN Initiatives for Peace Talks in Sudan The United Nations is poised to initiate peace negotiations in Geneva to address Sudan's ongoing conflict. Secretary-General António Guterres announced this diplomatic stride, signaling hope for resolution amid the turmoil. UN aims to restart communication between warring factions. Talks follow a prolonged stalemate with severe civilian impact. The timeline for discussions remains unconfirmed. Escalating Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis Since April 2023, Sudan has been…

Utah — The man accused of killing right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk made his first in-person appearance in a Utah courtroom, a case that has riveted national attention for its political overtones and possible death-penalty stakes. Tyler Robinson, 22, appeared calm as attorneys for both sides conferred over procedural matters expected to shape what observers say could become one of the most closely watched trials in recent years. Robinson wore a light shirt and tie. A judge had previously ruled he did not have to…

Haaland penalty completes City comeback in Madrid as Alonso’s Real sink deeper into trouble Erling Haaland’s second‑half penalty sealed a 2-1 comeback win for Manchester City over Real Madrid on a feverish Champions League night at the Bernabéu, tightening the pressure on Xabi Alonso after another bruising defeat. Real Madrid struck first through Rodrygo, his first goal in 33 club appearances, but City answered through academy midfielder Nico O’Reilly’s assured equaliser before Haaland punished a clumsy Antonio Rüdiger…

King Charles III says his cancer treatment will be reduced in the new year, crediting early diagnosis and effective care as he urged the public to take up available screenings. The monarch delivered the update in a video message airing during Channel 4’s Stand Up To Cancer broadcast. “Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives,” Charles said, adding that the message had been reinforced during his visits to cancer centers across the country. “I know, too, what a difference it has made in my own case, enabling me to continue…

Eritrea Announces Withdrawal from IGAD, Citing Long-Standing Grievances ASMARA, Eritrea — Eritrea has formally notified the Intergovernmental Authority on Development that it is withdrawing from the regional bloc, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Friday, accusing IGAD of failing its mandate and being used against certain member states, particularly Eritrea. In a statement, the ministry said Eritrea’s decision follows years of disillusionment with the Horn of Africa organization, which it claims has “reneged on its…

MOGADISHU — Puntland State security forces have destroyed more than 100 Islamic State (ISIS) bases in the Cal-Miskaad mountains during a yearlong sweep that has sharply degraded the group’s capabilities, the region’s police chief said Thursday. Police Commander Gen. Mumin Abdi Shire, speaking one year after Puntland State launched Operation Hilaac, said the offensive has eliminated key fighters and reduced ISIS’s military capacity by nearly 85 percent. He said weapons caches, supply depots and facilities used to manufacture…

Somali Journalists Syndicate Honored with 2025 Human Rights Tulip The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) received the prestigious 2025 Human Rights Tulip award at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, on December 10, marking a significant milestone for media freedom in Somalia. SJS was one of ten global human rights defenders to receive this accolade. The award is a testament to the resilience of journalists fighting for press freedom in challenging environments. Celebrated on International Human Rights…