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

Savannah Guthrie said her family is offering up to $1 million for information leading to the recovery of her mother, Nancy Guthrie, who was kidnapped 24 days ago from her home in Tucson, Arizona. The US TV anchor acknowledged in an emotional Instagram post that her 84-year-old mother may be dead, a stark admission that underscores the urgency and anguish surrounding a case that has gripped the country and baffled investigators since Feb. 1. “We need her to come home,” Guthrie said, fighting back tears. “For that reason, we…

North Western State of Somalia says it dismantled foreign-funded network aimed at undermining Israel recognition Tuesday, February 24, 2026 Hargeisa (AX) — North Western State of Somalia authorities said Tuesday they have dismantled a network allegedly financed by the Somali federal government and unnamed foreign actors to weaken public support for Israel’s recognition of the self-declared republic. At a news conference in Hargeisa, Minister of Interior and Security Abdalle Mohamed Arab Sandheere accused domestic operatives…

PARIS — The head of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars, has resigned after months of mounting crises at the world’s largest museum, including a high-profile robbery of French crown jewels, the French presidency announced. President Emmanuel Macron accepted Des Cars’ resignation, with the Elysee hailing it as “an act of responsibility at a time when the world’s largest museum needs appeasement and a new strong impetus to carry out major security projects.” Macron appointed Des Cars to lead the Louvre in 2021. Des Cars had come…

Sheinbaum says Mexico has ‘all the guarantees’ for 2026 World Cup after cartel leader’s death sparks unrest MEXICO CITY — Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said there is “no risk” to visitors and “all the guarantees” for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to proceed in the country, after the capture and death of Mexico’s most-wanted cartel leader triggered roadblocks, arson and security clashes, notably in Jalisco state. Sheinbaum, speaking at a morning news conference, said the situation was continuing to normalize even as…

Political Tensions Rise Over Proposed Criminal Procedure Law in Liberia The political landscape in Liberia is experiencing turbulent shifts as the Secretary General of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Jefferson Koijee, has publicly denounced the proposed amendment to the country's criminal procedure law. Koijee asserts that the changes are a strategic maneuver aimed at targeting former President George Weah. Koijee's concerns revolve around the perceived increase in discretionary powers granted to prosecutors,…

Al-Azhar warns of Ramadan terror escalation as Al-Shabaab executes 10, Kenya says Nairobi plot foiled The Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism has warned of escalating terrorist threats along the Somali-Kenyan border during the holy month of Ramadan, citing what it called a “bloody strategy” by the militant group Al-Shabaab to intimidate civilians and step up cross-border attacks. In a statement Monday, the Cairo-based observatory said the latest surge began Saturday night, when Al-Shabaab militants executed 10…

More than 150 lawmakers were absent at the start of official proceedings in the Malawi Parliament, lawmakers and observers reported, raising fresh concerns about attendance at sittings where national laws, budgets and policies are debated and approved. The First Deputy Speaker called the widespread absence "very saddening" and warned that members who continue to miss sittings without permission face sanctions, including the withdrawal of parliamentary allowances. Authorities said the pattern undermines the House’s…

Thailand alleges truce breach in border flare-up with Cambodia; Phnom Penh denies weapons use Thailand’s military said its troops exchanged fire with Cambodian forces along their disputed border after a grenade was launched near a Thai patrol in Sisaket province, accusing Phnom Penh of violating a December ceasefire. Cambodia’s government rejected the claim as “entirely false,” insisting no weapons were fired. In a statement, the Thai army said Cambodian forces “fired a single 40mm grenade round” near a patrol, prompting…

Somali journalist Abdihafid Nur Barre arrested in Mogadishu; opposition figures decry media crackdown Tuesday February 24, 2026 MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali Cable TV journalist Abdihafid Nur Barre was arrested Tuesday in Mogadishu’s Waaberi district, the broadcaster said, prompting a wave of condemnation from prominent political figures who cast the detention as a blow to press freedom. Somali Cable TV said military forces carried out the arrest. Security agencies had not issued an official statement clarifying the…

US airlines said they plan to ramp up operations after a powerful Nor’easter crippled travel across the Northeast, forcing thousands of cancellations and leaving hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses without power. The disruption has rippled across the Atlantic. Nine flights to or from Dublin Airport and one to or from Shannon were canceled today on New York, Boston and New Jersey routes. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines before traveling. The storm hammered major corridors overnight with heavy snow…