Axadle - Leading News from Somalia and the Horn of Africa

Somalia bans UAE military and cargo aircraft from its airspace amid escalating rift MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia has barred military and cargo aircraft owned or leased by the United Arab Emirates from entering its airspace, according to media reports citing Somali security officials, in a sharp escalation that underscores deteriorating ties between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi. The reported decision, which sources said took effect Jan. 8, follows suspicions that the UAE transported Aidarus al-Zubaidi, head of Yemen’s Southern…

COPENHAGEN — A senior European official warned that a U.S. move to seize Greenland by force would spell “the end of NATO,” as Denmark and multiple European capitals rallied behind the self-governing Arctic territory and urged Washington to abandon coercive rhetoric. European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius said European Union member states would be obliged to come to Denmark’s assistance if faced with military aggression. “I agree with the Danish Prime Minister (Mette Frederiksen) that it will be the end…

Ethiopian intelligence chief makes surprise visit to Mogadishu amid regional tensions MOGADISHU, Somalia — Ethiopia’s intelligence chief arrived in the Somali capital Tuesday on an unannounced visit to deliver a message from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, officials said, in a move that underscores rising diplomatic strains across the Horn of Africa. Redwan Hussein, who heads Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service, met with Mohamud at the presidential compound, Villa…

MOGADISHU — Somalia’s federal cabinet has annulled all agreements previously signed with the United Arab Emirates, voiding deals that covered defense cooperation, port management and security assistance, in a sweeping move aimed at reasserting federal control over foreign partnerships. The cabinet cited breaches of sovereignty stemming from UAE agreements with regional authorities. The decision follows Mogadishu’s ban on Emirati military and cargo flights and the start of a UAE military drawdown in Somalia, according to…

South African Protests in Support of Pro-Palestine Hunger Strikers South African civil society groups staged nationwide protests, showing solidarity with pro-Palestine hunger strikers detained in U.K. prisons. The demonstrators urged the British government to intervene and secure their release. Protests took place outside British Council offices and consulates in major South African cities. Demands were handed over to officials to act on behalf of the hunger strikers. Calls were made for both U.K. and South…

Tanzania's Election Week Violence: A Deep Dive into the Chaos Tanzania’s recent election period has been marred by unprecedented political violence. This article examines the turmoil and its implications, weaving together eyewitness accounts and official responses. Analyzes the context and spread of violence Uncovers witness testimonies and official narratives Explores the broader political implications Shootings Beyond the Protest Zones Tanzania's post-election violence transcended typical protest arenas,…

Türkiye and OIC's Firm Stance Against Israeli Recognition of North Western State of Somalia Türkiye and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have reiterated their strong support for Somalia, firmly rejecting Israel's recognition of North Western State of Somalia as an independent state. This decision was made clear during the 22nd Extraordinary Session of the OIC's Council of Foreign Ministers in Saudi Arabia. The session was chaired by Turkish Deputy Minister Ambassador Musa Kulaklıkaya. Türkiye emphasized…

‘Please leave us alone’: In Nuuk, generations of trust in the U.S. give way to fear For generations, many in Greenland saw the United States as a protector — the superpower that helped shield the Arctic island during World War II and maintained a reassuring presence ever since. In Nuuk today, that faith has curdled into fear as talk of an American move to seize the territory reverberates across the capital’s snowy streets. Tillie Martinussen still remembers her grandmother returning with Wrigley’s gum passed out by U.S.…

Somali military says airstrike kills 17 al-Shabab militants in Middle Shabelle MOGADISHU, Somalia — The Somali National Army, working with international partners, carried out an overnight airstrike late Monday in the Middle Shabelle region that killed 17 militants and destroyed weapons and vehicles used in attacks on civilians, the military said Tuesday. The strike hit the Jabad Godone area, which the army described as a planning site for militant operations, particularly bombings targeting civilians and public…

BBC moves to dismiss Trump’s $10 billion defamation lawsuit over Panorama edit The BBC will ask a Florida court to dismiss US President Donald Trump’s $10 billion (€8.5 billion) defamation lawsuit over a Panorama episode edit, arguing the court lacks jurisdiction, the venue is improper and the complaint fails to state a claim, according to court filings made late Monday UK time. The broadcaster’s motion says it neither created, produced nor broadcast the documentary in Florida and disputes Trump’s assertion that the program…