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

A diplomatic row at the heart of government has erupted around Keir Starmer after it emerged that the Foreign Office overrode a security vetting recommendation to approve Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the US. The prime minister and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper have both lost confidence in Foreign Office permanent under-secretary Olly Robbins over the affair, and he is expected to leave the role, according to reports. Security officials had originally refused to grant Mr Mandelson clearance, before Foreign…

By Abdulkarim AbdulleSaturday April 18, 2026 A recent article from Ethiopia’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) on Baidoa has drawn a sharp rebuttal, with critics saying it distorts events on the ground and misreads Somalia’s constitutional security structure. Although the original piece attempted to place developments in South West State within a wider regional security debate, its argument leaned on conjecture, selective history, and a flawed reading of the Federal Government of Somalia’s responsibilities. The central…

ANTALYA, Turkey — Egypt has sharply denounced Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia and the appointment of a diplomatic envoy there, with Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty calling the move a “flagrant violation” of international law during talks with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Saturday. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, as Cairo deepens its political and military backing for Mogadishu amid changing power dynamics in the Horn of Africa. Acting under…

Live updates: Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz Middle East

NAIROBI, Kenya — Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed, widely known as Lafta-Gareen, has reappeared on the political stage in a conspicuous way, hosting a high-profile luncheon in Nairobi on Saturday nearly a month after stepping down as president of Somalia’s Southwest State. The gathering drew federal lawmakers, prominent politicians and longtime allies who stood by him through a bitter confrontation with the federal government at Villa Somalia. Among those present was Mohamed Mursal, the former Speaker of the House of the People, who…

Saturday April 18, 2026 Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi Iran said the Strait of Hormuz is “completely open” to commercial shipping and will stay that way for the duration of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, as United States President Donald Trump declared that a deal to end the US-Israeli war on Iran was “very close”. “In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas…

Live updates: Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz Middle East

Efe Ozkan and Seyit KurtSaturday April 18, 2026 State Minister Ali Mohammad Omar says Mogadishu rejects recognition of breakaway region, warns of security risks in Red Sea corridorANTALYA / ISTANBUL Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs has accused Israel of undermining Somali sovereignty after recognizing a region within North Western State of Somalia, saying the move could deepen instability in a strategically sensitive part of the Horn of Africa. Speaking to Anadolu on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum,…

After a brief signal from Tehran that the Strait of Hormuz was open again, at least eight oil and gas tankers moved through the vital waterway, according to maritime tracking data, offering a fleeting glimpse of relief before Iran appeared to tighten control once more. Data from tracking firm Kpler showed that one crude oil tanker, four liquified petroleum gas carriers, two oil and chemical tankers and one vessel classified as an "oil products" ship crossed the strait following the Iranian announcement yesterday afternoon.…

Saturday April 18, 2026 Adan Gedi Mohamed sits in a neighbour's compound after his own house was destroyed in airstrikes/Muna Hussein/Ergo A wave of airstrikes on a farming community in southern Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region has driven hundreds of families from their homes, stripping many of food, water, shelter, and any dependable way to make a living. Since late March, the attacks have flattened houses, farms, and small businesses in Bulo-Khalif, a village where residents relied on the land to survive. Some families have…