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

MOGADISHU, Somalia — International naval forces are tracking an Iranian-flagged dhow seized by suspected pirates off Somalia’s coast, maritime security agencies said Wednesday. The vessel, the Al Waseemi 786, was reported taken about 400 nautical miles east of Mogadishu. The Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) and the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) described the episode as a "probable piracy event," and said the dhow is likely being used as a "mothership" to support additional attacks on commercial…

Wednesday April 1, 2026 A migrant boat capsized off Turkey’s western Mugla province on Wednesday, killing at least 18 people as coastguard teams raced to find survivors, authorities said. According to a coastguard statement, the inflatable vessel, fitted with an outboard motor, was spotted at 0300 GMT near Mugla’s Bodrum district. The boat attempted to run despite repeated orders to halt, the coastguard said. The vessel later began taking on water amid rough weather and sea conditions in the area before sinking, the…

Rwanda has taken a significant step to widen access to surgery with the overhaul of the surgical department at Kibungo Level Two Teaching Hospital, a project delivered through a collaboration involving the Ministry of Health, the University of Rwanda, and the medical nonprofit Operation Smile. The revamped facility includes modern operating theatres, an intensive care unit, a high-dependency unit, and dedicated training areas. Built on a hub-and-spoke model to bring services closer to communities, the approach upgrades…

A 24-year-old man was charged after counter-terrorism police stopped him at Dover last week as he arrived in the UK from France, in a case involving ten alleged firearms offences. Khalid Ahmed, from Ealing in west London, is a dual Dutch and Irish national and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court. He will also face one count of possession of prohibited ammunition. Officers stopped Ahmed last Thursday after he reached Dover from France. A search of his car allegedly uncovered self-loading pistols, prompting the…

Wednesday April 1, 2026 Baidoa (AX) — Air traffic to Somalia’s Southwest State resumed on Tuesday, ending a suspension that had lasted nearly two weeks, just one day after federal forces took complete control of Baidoa, the region’s administrative hub. The return of commercial flights offers a tentative sign of calm after days of heavy fighting that forced Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen to step down and set off a fresh political transition in the region. Somalia’s Speaker of the House of the…

7 Fast Food Menu Traps That Add Hidden Calories Quickly Nutrition coach Kelsey Holgate says certain menu words and bundles—like “supreme,” “fried,” sugary drinks and “unlimited” deals—can quickly increase calories and other health risks. By Ali MusaWellness Desk – Health & Nutrition Monitoring. It’s hard to avoid fast food. Not only are there chains everywhere you go, but many people are busy, don’t always have enough time to cook at home, and don’t always want to spend the time or money at sit-down restaurants. We…

Top High-Protein, High-Fiber Costco Foods for Weight Loss A dietitian reveals the best high-protein, high-fiber Costco bulk foods for effective weight loss. Health professionals often recommend Costco for its healthy food options, and dietitian Tara Collingwood recently shared her top picks. Collingwood, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, emphasizes the importance of nutrient-dense, minimally processed foods for weight management. "These foods work because they help…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A high-profile ceremony in Mogadishu on Monday, March 30, brought the first season of the “Daaci 2026” program to a close, spotlighting a new generation of Somali creators whose online work promoted uplifting social and religious messages during Ramadan. The campaign was spearheaded by Nasiye, a startup created by young entrepreneurs and known for its IPTV services, with backing from telecom heavyweights Hormuud Telecom and WAAfi. Its central mission was to reshape Somali digital spaces by steering…

Wednesday April 1, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia has written a fresh chapter in its football history, edging Mauritius 4-2 on penalties on Tuesday to move into the next round of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers after a tense, scoreless second leg. The match at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex finished 0-0 in regulation time, just as the first leg in Mozambique had ended without a goal. After 180 minutes of play produced no breakthrough, the contest came down to a shootout,…

5 Coffee Creamers That Add More Sugar Than You Think Coffee creamers can be a hidden source of added sugar and saturated fat, and a sports dietitian says several popular options are easy to overdo. Coffee creamer may taste like a simple add-on, but registered dietitian Tara Collingwood says it can quickly become part of the problem if portions grow. “Coffee creamer isn't inherently unhealthy, but it can be an easy source of added sugar and saturated fat if the portions creep up,” said Collingwood, a Board Certified Sports…