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

The Nigerian government has officially launched the prosecution of over 500 individuals connected to militant attacks, marking one of the largest terrorism trials in the nation’s history. These defendants are charged with aiding and abetting terrorism, primarily in the northeast region, where the Boko Haram insurgency has persisted for 17 years. The high-profile trial commenced at a court in the capital, Abuja, with 227 suspects appearing before a panel of 10 judges. This year alone, bombings and various assaults have…

A tense Middle East standoff deepened as US President Donald Trump said American military forces would stay in the region until a peace agreement with Iran is secured, while warning that any failure to comply could trigger a dramatic widening of the conflict. The prospect of further turmoil pushed oil prices higher as markets fretted over supply risks and continuing restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. In a social media post, Mr Trump said US ships, aircraft and personnel — backed by extra ammunition and weapons — would…

Thursday April 9, 2026 Rescuers stand amid rubble at the site of an Israeli strike in Tyre, Lebanon, on April 8 President Donald Trump said Lebanon was left out of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, a position that directly undercut Pakistan’s claim that it had helped secure a truce covering the wider region. The comment came after Israel unleashed a sweeping assault on Lebanon on Wednesday that killed and wounded more than 1,400 people in crowded areas. Trump brushed off the fighting between Israel and…

Thursday April 9, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — In a move aimed at keeping children in class, the Banadir Regional Administration has outlawed the practice of locking school gates to punish late arrivals, saying the policy protects students’ right to education and helps curb dropout rates. The announcement came after a meeting between the Banadir Regional Education Directorate and principals from 48 public schools in Mogadishu. The talks centered on raising education standards and tackling the problems that continue to affect…

Shipping companies are holding back from returning to the Strait of Hormuz, saying they need firmer assurances on the terms of the US-Iran ceasefire after Tehran said the vital waterway remains off-limits to vessels sailing without a permit. The six-week war all but choked off traffic through the strait, a narrow corridor that handles about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments, sending energy prices sharply upward around the world. Iran said it would provide safe passage in coordination with its armed…

NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyan security agencies say they have broken up part of a suspected cross-border terror logistics network after uncovering dozens of bales of militant combat uniforms concealed in Nairobi’s Eastleigh neighborhood, in a night operation that has widened an already regional investigation. The intelligence-driven raid took place near the KBS Garage area and was led by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU), working with other agencies. Investigators believe…

Thursday April 9, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia on Wednesday welcomed the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, describing it as a meaningful step toward lowering tensions and protecting regional and international stability. In a statement released in Mogadishu, the Federal Government said that, as a member of the United Nations Security Council, Somalia considers the ceasefire a timely and significant move toward de-escalation, confidence-building and the preservation of peace and security. The government…

Please paste the full article text, including the HTML, and I’ll rewrite it exactly as requested.

By  JAMES ROBSONWednesday April 8, 2026 Arsenal are one step away from a second successive Champions League semifinal after Kai Havertz struck late to secure a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday. At Estadio Jose Alvalade, Havertz came off the bench to score in stoppage time and put Mikel Arteta’s side firmly in command of the quarterfinal tie before next week’s second leg at the Emirates. The substitute fired past goalkeeper Rui Silva from close range to give Arsenal the advantage ahead of next week’s…

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…