Axadle - Leading News from Somalia and the Horn of Africa

Somalia condemns Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as regional “threat” Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud denounced Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland, calling it “a threat to the security and stability of the world and the region” in an emergency parliamentary session that underscored rising tensions in the Horn of Africa. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Friday that Israel would become the first country to recognize Somaliland, the self-proclaimed republic that has sought international…

Liverpool 2-1 Wolves: Wirtz breaks duck as Slot’s side hold off late surge after Jota tribute ANFIELD — Florian Wirtz finally opened his Liverpool account and Ryan Gravenberch struck the opener before a nervy finish, as Liverpool edged Wolves 2-1 in a match framed by a moving tribute to the late Diogo Jota and a bleak milestone for the visitors’ winless season. Wolves, competitive throughout and adventurous after the break, fell to a record that underlines the scale of their struggle. Their 18th match without a win from the…

U.S. Airstrikes Target Islamic State-Aligned Camp in Nigeria On Christmas Day, U.S. airstrikes launched from MQ-9 Reaper drones targeted camps linked to Islamic State-aligned militants in Sokoto state, northwestern Nigeria. While the operation has drawn attention, details remain scant. No civilian casualties have been reported. U.S. Africa Command (Africom) announced on December 26 that "multiple ISIS terrorists were killed in the ISIS camps." However, the lack of transparent information has raised concerns among human…

Trump to meet with Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago Former President Donald Trump is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago, the oceanfront club and residence in Palm Beach, Florida. Details on the timing, agenda and format of the conversation were not immediately available. The planned Trump–Zelensky meeting comes as the war in Ukraine grinds on and Kyiv continues to press international partners for air defenses, long-range strike capabilities and sustained financing. Any interaction between the former U.S.…

Skiers ascend Mount Etna as eruption continues and Italy raises alert level to yellow Ski mountaineers took advantage of the Christmas holiday period to climb and carve down the snow-covered slopes of Mount Etna even as Italy’s most active volcano continued to erupt, drawing onlookers eager to witness thick ash clouds against clear winter skies. Italy’s Department of Civil Protection has raised the alert level for Etna from green to yellow, citing the potential for a rapid escalation in volcanic activity. The shift in status…

MOGADISHU — The European Union on Saturday said respecting Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity is “key to the peace and stability of the entire Horn of Africa,” after Israel recognized the breakaway region of North Western State of Somalia as an independent state a day earlier. In a statement, the EU said it “reaffirms the importance of respecting the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” in line with Somalia’s Constitution and the charters of the African Union…

Low turnout marks junta-run election in Myanmar as critics call vote not credible Voters in Myanmar appeared to cast ballots in low numbers in the first phase of a military-organized general election, the country’s first since the 2021 coup toppled the elected civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The ruling junta, which crushed nationwide pro-democracy protests after seizing power and now faces an entrenched armed rebellion, says the three-stage vote is a path to stability and a restored civilian-led system. But the…

Chaos and Despair as Congolese Refugees Flee to Rwanda Renewed violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has forced thousands of Congolese to seek refuge in Rwanda. Despite a peace deal mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump, fighting continues, causing untold human suffering. Approximately 1,000 Congolese have arrived at the Nyarushishi refugee camp in Rwanda. The conflict has been fueled by the M23 rebel group's aggressive advances. Rwanda-backed M23 has captured major areas, worsening the…

US Airstrikes Target Daesh Forces in Northwestern Nigeria The United States has escalated its involvement in Nigeria's ongoing security crisis by launching airstrikes against Daesh-linked terrorists. Announced by President Donald Trump, these strikes represent a notable intervention in a region plagued by violence. The airstrikes specifically targeted Daesh-linked forces believed to be responsible for attacks on Christian communities. President Trump characterized the operation as "powerful and deadly," but offered…

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said the United States will not rush to follow Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia’s independence, signaling Washington will keep the issue under review even as pressure mounts from allies and some U.S. lawmakers. Speaking to U.S. media, Trump acknowledged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s push for the United States to mirror Israel’s move. But he described North Western State of Somalia’s status as “politically and geographically complex” and said his…