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

MOGADISHU, Somalia — China is moving to deepen its security cooperation with Somalia, pledging increased support for the country’s fight against al-Shabaab and the Islamic State (ISIS) group as Beijing seeks to safeguard its citizens and economic interests in the Horn of Africa. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed the commitment during a high-level meeting with Chinese diplomats stationed in Mogadishu, according to officials briefed on the talks. Discussions centered on Somalia’s volatile security landscape and the…

Joan Laporta was reelected as FC Barcelona president, securing a new five-year mandate with 68% of the vote in a member ballot that reaffirmed his grip on the club’s future and its most consequential rebuilding effort in a generation. Barcelona announced the result shortly after midnight in the Catalan capital. Víctor Font, Laporta’s only rival, conceded earlier in the evening and congratulated the incumbent on what he called an “unquestionable victory.” The club said more than 48,000 of its 114,000 eligible members cast…

Joan Laporta has secured another five-year term as FC Barcelona president, winning a members’ vote that cements his control of the club at a pivotal moment for its finances, stadium rebuild and sporting project. Shortly after midnight in Barcelona, the club announced Laporta’s victory. With the count complete, Barcelona said Laporta received 68% of ballots cast. His only challenger, Víctor Font, conceded earlier in the evening, congratulating Laporta for what he called an “unquestionable victory.” More than 48,000 of Barça’s…

European Union energy ministers will meet today to weigh options for curbing energy costs, as Brussels drafts emergency plans to blunt the impact of surging oil and gas prices triggered by the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The European Commission is preparing a package to shield households and businesses from soaring bills, according to EU officials familiar with the talks. Measures under consideration include targeted state support for energy-intensive industries, temporary cuts to national taxes and…

Gulf Powers Call for Unified Front Against Rising Iranian ‘Aggression’ RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a joint warning Monday, condemning continued Iranian attacks against Gulf states as a “dangerous escalation” that threatens the stability of the region. In a high-level phone call, the two leaders said member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council would “spare no effort” to defend their sovereign territories. They pledged to mobilize all…

Gulf Powers Call for Unified Front Against Rising Iranian ‘Aggression’ RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a joint warning Monday, condemning continued Iranian attacks against Gulf states as a “dangerous escalation” that threatens regional stability, and vowing that Gulf Cooperation Council member states would “spare no effort” to defend their territories. In a high-level call, the leaders pledged to mobilize “all available capabilities” to…

AL-MISKAD MOUNTAINS, Somalia — On a windswept ridge overlooking a maze of limestone caves, Puntland State Defence Forces soldiers huddle around a hand-held screen, tracking a lone figure sprinting through a chalky valley. “He has been to fetch water for his friends,” one says, as the dot moves toward a suspected hideout. Another adds: “He is running and carrying something on his back.” The suspected cave network below, commanders say, shelters 50 to 60 Islamic State group fighters. It is one node in a stubborn insurgency…

Police release tattoos details in bid to identify man found in wheelie bin at Coventry park Police in England have released details of “distinctive” tattoos in an urgent appeal to identify a man whose body was discovered in a council wheelie bin at a Coventry park late Friday afternoon. A member of the public found the man, believed to be between 40 and 50 years old, in Cash’s Park off Daimler Road at about 5 p.m. Friday, police said. The victim was inside a Coventry City Council-issued wheelie bin with a green lid.…

GALKAYO, Somalia — Security officials from Puntland State and Galmudug met Sunday in Galkayo to coordinate plans for stabilizing Somalia’s divided Mudug region, pledging closer cooperation and heightened vigilance ahead of Eid al-Fitr, officials said. The joint session brought together members of the two states’ security committees to assess the overall security picture, examine recurrent flashpoints along their shared boundary and align responses to threats that spill across administrative lines. The meeting, held in a city…

BAIDOA, Somalia — Southwest State’s information minister on Monday denied social media reports that fighting erupted overnight in Baidoa, insisting the regional capital remains calm despite unverified accounts of a mortar incident near a military installation. Minister says “no shooting” occurred and daily life is normal in Baidoa Unconfirmed online claims alleged a mortar round landed near a Southwest State base Officials accuse unnamed groups in Mogadishu of spreading misinformation Denial comes amid broader political…