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

Sub-Saharan Africa, recognized for its rapidly expanding population, tragically accounts for 70% of the global maternal death toll. Annually, the continent witnesses about 180,000 women succumbing to pregnancy-related conditions, accompanied by nearly 1 million newborn fatalities. The situation is particularly dire in war-torn regions like the Central African Republic, where conflict, displacement, and dwindling aid transform childbirth into a perilous endeavor. Maude Ahmad Fadala experienced this grim reality after…

In a harrowing turn of events, hundreds of foreign nationals have taken refuge in community halls along South Africa’s south coast. The exodus comes after mobs reportedly went door to door, demanding foreigners vacate the country. These displaced individuals, primarily from Malawi and Mozambique, recounted their harrowing journeys. Many sought safety in mountains and dense bushes over the weekend before reaching community centers in small towns. Thomas Vincent Baloyi, a Mozambican national residing in South Africa for…

Amid escalating tensions, violent clashes erupted between opposition supporters and state security forces in Mogadishu, Somalia's capital, sparking ongoing confrontations as of Thursday. The unrest followed a turbulent night of violence amidst plans for an "anti-government" demonstration. While authorities have yet to release official casualty numbers, international voices including the U.N. and the U.S. have issued urgent calls for restraint, with both the Somali government and opposition trading accusations over the…

President Donald Trump says Washington will host a massive rally on 24 June to mark America’s 250th anniversary, after planned concerts were scrapped when several performers withdrew. "In celebration of our Country's 250 Year History, we will be bringing you, LIVE, the Greatest Rally, EVER! It will be special at every level - A Rally to end all Rallies!" Mr Trump said on his Truth Social network. "We don't want singers with no talent, but big fees to put you to sleep, we've told them all to stay home," added the 79-year-old…

Donald Trump said a face-to-face meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin would be “great,” throwing his weight behind the prospect of direct talks while insisting that any breakthrough would require concessions from both Ukraine and Russia. “I’m glad that they’re maybe talking about meeting. I think we had a lot to do with it,” Mr Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “I think it would be great if they met. They should - get it done,” he added. Mr Trump, who has drawn criticism for berating Mr Zelensky in…

At just 20, Seán Dunne from Laragh, Co Wicklow has carved out a place in sheep shearing history, becoming New Zealand’s top junior shearer. His victory also marks a first: no non-New Zealander had previously claimed the title. Dunne said the achievement had been his target for the season, and reaching it left him feeling “pretty good now alright, to get over there and become the top ranked”. Only three years into the trade, Seán reckons he has already shorn 70,000 sheep. “I travelled to New Zealand twice, and I've shorn in…

Mohamed DhaysaneWednesday June 3, 2026 Somali forces, working with international partners, killed 28 al-Shabaab militants in coordinated operations in the Hiran and Middle Shabelle regions, according to an official statement released Tuesday. Among those killed in the airstrikes was Abdirahman Abdi Mudallib, identified as a senior terrorist figure in Hiran, along with five other militants. The Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency said Mudallib had played a direct role in organizing and plotting attacks in the…

AXADLE, Somalia — Puntland State on Thursday mounted a sharp attack on Somalia’s federal leadership, accusing it of creating a "constitutional vacuum" and blaming President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for armed raids carried out against former state leaders in Mogadishu. The rebuke came after a cabinet session in Garowe led by Puntland State’s Acting President and Vice President, Ilyaas Lugatoor. In a strongly framed statement, the cabinet denounced "armed confrontations targeting civilians and former senior leaders" in the…

Thursday June 4, 2026 Smoke billowed above Mogadishu’s Howl Wadaag neighbourhood on Thursday after reports of mortar fire, as the Somali capital endured some of its most intense fighting in years. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images Government troops and opposition-aligned militias have clashed violently in Somalia’s capital, leaving property damaged and forcing some residents to abandon their homes. As the confrontation gathered pace from Wednesday afternoon, opposition figures who had joined with militias were reported to have…

June 4, 2026 (DJIBOUTI, Djibouti) — As political tensions escalate in Somalia, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) warned Friday that recent violence in Mogadishu threatens the country’s fragile progress and urged swift steps to prevent further bloodshed. IGAD condemned all acts of violence and urged every party involved to show maximum restraint, work to reduce tensions, and seek resolution through peaceful, inclusive, and constructive dialogue. "At this critical moment, preserving peace, stability,…