Axadle - Leading News from Somalia and the Horn of Africa

Impact of Conflict on El-Fasher Residents The capture of el-Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces has left its residents in dire conditions, highlighting a severe humanitarian crisis. U.N. aid coordinator Denise Brown provides insights into the ongoing challenges faced by those left behind. El-Fasher captured by RSF in October after more than 500 days of siege. Residents struggle with lack of water, sanitation, and reliable food supplies. Reports of mass atrocities and evidence of mass graves reviewed by AFP.…

Sudan Faces Dire Malnutrition Crisis Amid Ongoing Conflict Children in Sudan's North Darfur region are experiencing an acute hunger crisis, with many lives hanging in the balance. Recent assessments reveal alarming malnutrition rates, requiring urgent international attention and aid. Over 50% of children in Um Baru suffer from acute malnutrition. 18% face severe, life-threatening malnutrition. Current levels exceed the WHO emergency threshold by over threefold. Devastating Statistics from Recent Nutrition…

Somalia's Stance on Israeli Presence in North Western State of Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has expressed strong opposition to any Israeli presence in North Western State of Somalia. He warns that such a recognition could introduce regional conflicts into the Horn of Africa. Somalia government opposes Israeli recognition of North Western State of Somalia. President Mohamud highlights concerns over regional conflict spread. Emphasizes respect for international law and sovereignty.…

Somalia’s President to Visit Saudi Arabia Amid Shifting Alliances MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to make an official visit to Saudi Arabia later this week, officials said, a trip aimed at consolidating ties with Riyadh as Mogadishu recalibrates its regional alliances across the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. Somali officials said the agenda will center on strengthening bilateral relations, regional cooperation and security coordination, with both governments looking to formalize a…

Thursday, January 1, 2026 Somalia takes helm of UN Security Council for January 2026, signaling diplomatic resurgence MOGADISHU — Somalia has officially assumed the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council for January 2026, a milestone that underscores the country’s diplomatic recovery and growing international standing. The presidency places Mogadishu at the forefront of the UN’s most powerful body, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security. Diplomatic observers view the moment as…

AMSTERDAM — A massive fire gutted one of Amsterdam’s best-known 19th-century churches during a New Year’s Eve marked by two fireworks deaths and what the Dutch police union called “unprecedented” violence against officers and emergency crews nationwide. The blaze broke out in the early hours at the Vondelkerk, a neo-Gothic landmark that has stood beside the city’s Vondelpark since 1872 and is a frequent stop for tourists. Amsterdam officials said the church’s 50-meter (164-foot) tower collapsed and the roof was badly…

Trump to pull National Guard from Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland as courts curb deployments President Donald Trump said his administration is removing National Guard troops from Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland, but warned federal forces will “come back” if crime rises — a retreat that follows a string of legal setbacks, including a U.S. Supreme Court order limiting his authority to seize control of state guards. Local leaders in those cities and Democratic officials have argued the deployments were unnecessary and…

Thursday January 1, 2026 MOGADISHU — Somalia’s federal government on Wednesday thanked its international partners for what it called steadfast support for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity after Israel became the first nation to formally recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, a move that has drawn widespread condemnation. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said allied countries had shown “principled engagement and unwavering solidarity” at a critical moment for…

Thursday January 1, 2026 MOGADISHU — Somalia’s government on Wednesday thanked its international partners for what it called steadfast support for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity after Israel became the first nation to formally recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, a move drawing swift condemnation across capitals. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised allied nations for “principled engagement and unwavering solidarity” at what it described as a critical…

NEW YORK — Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City mayor in the first minutes of the new year at the historic, long-closed City Hall subway station, setting a populist tone for his administration with a ceremony that highlighted working New Yorkers and his own insurgent rise. New York State Attorney General Letitia James administered the oath. “Happy New Year to New Yorkers, both inside this tunnel and above,” Mamdani said beneath the station’s vaulted tiles and arched skylights. “This is truly an honor and a privilege…