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

Israel unleashed its most intense strikes yet on Lebanon, killing hundreds and provoking a threat of retaliation from Iran, which signaled it would be “unreasonable” to move ahead with talks aimed at securing a permanent peace deal with the United States. The remarks from Iran’s chief negotiator, parliament speaker Mohammed Bager Qalibaf, underscored how fragile the region remains even after President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire. The United States and Iran have entered Saturday’s planned peace talks with sharply…

Wednesday April 8, 2026 Kylian Mbappe (bottom) scored in the second half to give Real Madrid a lifeline in the Champions League battle with Bayern Munich © Thomas COEX / AFP Bayern Munich left the Santiago Bernabeu with a precious 2-1 victory over Real Madrid on Tuesday, a result that moves the German giants a big step closer to the Champions League semifinals. Luis Diaz and Harry Kane struck for Bayern, while Kylian Mbappe answered for Madrid in a match that produced chances at both ends — though Bayern, the record…

The ceasefire struck between the US and Iran has ended the fighting without delivering Israel’s core war aims, analysts say, prompting swift condemnation from Israeli opposition figures who cast the outcome as a serious strategic setback. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had framed the conflict around a central objective: eliminating, or at minimum sharply crippling, Iran’s nuclear programme, which he has long portrayed as an "existential threat" to Israel. He also said Israel sought to dismantle Iran’s ballistic…

Matthew Perry’s fatal overdose case reached a major turning point as Jayvee Sangha — the alleged drug supplier known as the “Ketamine Queen” — was sentenced in the US to 15 years in prison for her role in delivering the ketamine dose that killed the Friends actor. Sangha, 42, admitted she operated a “stash house” for illegal narcotics from her home in Los Angeles’ North Hollywood neighbourhood and pleaded guilty in September to five felony drug charges linked to Mr Perry’s 2023 death. Sangha, 42, who holds dual US and…

By Ambassador Fathudin Ali OspiteWednesday April 8, 2026 Xiriirka Soomaaliya iyo Turkiga waxa uu ku taagan yahay wax ka badan hadal iyo heshiisyo lagu dhawaaqo; waxa uu ku dhisan yahay natiijo la arki karo. Waa iskaashi muddo lagu soo tijaabiyey, ku saleysan kalsooni, isla markaana si dhab ah u saameeyey nolosha dadka. Jamhuuriyadda Federaalka Soomaaliya iyo Jamhuuriyadda Turkiga waxay leeyihiin mid ka mid ah iskaashiyada laba geesoodka ah ee ugu adag uguna saamaynta badan ee maanta ka muuqda masraxa caalamiga ah. Xilli…

Greece will block children under 15 from accessing social media starting 1 January next year, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced today, unveiling what he described as a tough but necessary step. "We have decided to proceed with a difficult yet necessary measure: ban access to social media for children under 15 years old," he said in a video posted on TikTok. "Greece is one of the first countries in the world to adopt such a measure," the prime minister said, adding that he intends to press the European Union to…

Wednesday April 8, 2026 Garowe (AX) — Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni has placed the region’s security forces on full alert, citing a mix of threats that he said range from terrorism and piracy to infiltration from within. Addressing senior officers and troops on Monday in Qardho district, Deni said Puntland State was fighting what he called a “just war” to protect its people and its territory. “Puntland State is waging a just war to defend its people and its land,” Deni said. “We will not give our forces wrong…

By Manuel NtoyaiWednesday April 8, 2026 A sweeping security raid in Nairobi has uncovered what investigators suspect is a dangerous terror supply line, after officers seized dozens of bales of alleged Al-Shabaab combat uniforms concealed in Eastleigh. The nighttime, intelligence-driven operation around the busy KBS Garage area brought together a multi-agency team led by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Starehe and the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU), who moved in on a consignment thought to be part of a broader…

Zimbabwe’s human rights watchdog has warned that public hearings on proposed constitutional changes are being undermined by intimidation and the exclusion of critics, with opponents of the bill reportedly singled out. The Zimbabwean Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) noted strong turnout at the sessions and praised Parliament for widely promoting the hearings and inviting written submissions. However, it flagged serious risks to participants’ safety. Commission Chairperson Jessie Majome said that "whilst those in support...…

After a week in captivity in Baghdad, US journalist Shelly Kittleson has been freed by Iraq's powerful armed faction Kataeb Hezbollah, according to statements from the Iranian-backed group and the United States. News of her release came just hours before the United States and Iran reached a ceasefire agreement, ending more than a month of war. "In recognition of the national stances of the outgoing prime minister, we have decided to release the American defendant Shelly Kittleson, on the condition that she leave the country…