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

Southwest State President Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen arrived in Baidoa despite a reported suspension of flights and rising tensions with Somalia’s federal government. Southwest State President Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen reached Baidoa on Monday, despite an air travel suspension that halted passenger flights from Mogadishu earlier in the day. Reports indicate that the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) had sought to prevent his return to the regional capital, though this could not be independently…

Iran’s foreign minister said the killing of Ali Larijani will not destabilize the country’s leadership or governing system. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Wednesday that the assassination of Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, would not shake the leadership or the system that, he said, the United States and Israel aim to dismantle. He spoke in an interview with Al Jazeera that aired after Iranian authorities confirmed Larijani’s death. Araghchi said Washington and Jerusalem have…

Glasgow Central railway station has partially reopened after a March 8 fire in a neighboring building forced its closure. By Abdiwahab AhmedAxadle Times international–Monitoring The main part of the station had been shut since March 8 after the blaze destroyed much of the adjacent building, and it has now reopened in part. Network Rail previously said the partial reopening would operate with reduced capacity and urged passengers to check journey times before traveling. It also told passengers the station would look different…

Southwest State senators back suspension of ties with Mogadishu Senators from Somalia’s Southwest State on Tuesday endorsed their administration’s decision to suspend cooperation with the federal government, accusing Mogadishu of interference in regional political and security affairs. By Ali MusaAxadle Times international–Monitoring Wednesday March 18, 2026 In a joint statement, the Upper House lawmakers said the move by the Southwest administration responds to actions by federal authorities that they say have undermined…

Caf Overturns Controversial Final Outcome Played in Rabat The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reversed a prior decision regarding the outcome of the contentious final held in Rabat. CAF confirmed in a statement that the decision was taken in line with its regulations, overturning the earlier outcome of the controversial final played in Rabat. Details surrounding the match and the specific reasons for the reversal have not been disclosed. The previous decision sparked widespread debates among fans and…

UN estimates 4.9 million under-5 deaths in 2024 An estimated 4.9 million children died before age five in 2024, United Nations agencies said, underscoring a global slowdown in mortality reduction even before recent aid cuts. The estimate was produced by UNICEF, the World Bank, the World Health Organization and the UN Population Division. The agencies said most of the deaths were preventable with better access to healthcare and low-cost interventions for complications from pre-term birth and diseases such as malaria.…

By Abdiwahab AhmedAxadle Times international–Monitoring Micheál Martin defends Starmer to Trump in Oval Office Ireland’s Taoiseach defended UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to U.S. President Donald Trump during an Oval Office exchange, positioning Ireland as a bridge between the United States and Europe. During a press-filled Oval Office session, Micheál Martin waited through rapid-fire questions to the president before stepping in after Trump criticized the British prime minister, according to the exchange described in the…

Iran launches missile strike on Tel Aviv; two reported dead Iranian state TV said Tehran fired missiles with cluster warheads at Tel Aviv overnight in retaliation for the killing of security chief Ali Larijani, with at least two people reported dead in the city. By Abdiwahab AhmedAxadle Times international–Monitoring Iran targeted Tel Aviv with missiles carrying cluster warheads, Iranian state television reported, describing the attack as retaliation for what Tehran called Israel’s assassination of Ali Larijani, Iran’s…

Glasgow Central to Partially Reopen After Nearby Building Fire Glasgow Central railway station will partially reopen following a fire that destroyed much of a neighboring building, with Network Rail warning of reduced capacity and advising passengers to check their journeys. By Abdiwahab AhmedAxadle Times international–Monitoring The main part of the station has been closed since March 8 after the fire destroyed much of the building next to the station. Network Rail said the partial reopening will mean reduced capacity and…

Iran has said that traffic through a major strait is still not back to normal, but details remain scarce. In a brief update, officials didn’t specify which waterway they were referring to—though disruptions in routes like the Strait of Hormuz often raise immediate concerns due to their global importance. There was also no explanation of what caused the situation or how long it might last. So far, there’s little clarity on how this could affect shipping or military movement in the region. The source of the statement…