Axadle - Leading News from Somalia and the Horn of Africa

Australia bans social media for under-16s, ordering platforms to block access or face multimillion-dollar fines, in a first-of-its-kind move the government says will help families “take back control.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the landmark law, calling it a decisive step against the influence of powerful technology companies and an overdue safeguard for children. “This is Australia showing enough is enough,” he said, describing the measure as “one of the biggest social and cultural changes that our nation has…

Somali Danab commandos arrest two suspected al-Shabab members in Lower Shabelle raid One detainee identified as son of senior militant commander as operation near Tooratoorow targets extortion network, officials say File photo: Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers ride on a military vehicle during a security patrol in southern Somalia. The SNA’s elite Danab commandos have intensified operations in Lower Shabelle as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt al-Shabab activity across the region. MOGADISHU — Somali Danab…

Sudan's Escalating Conflict: Rapid Support Forces Seize Key Oil Field The recent takeover of the Heglig oil field by Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict. This move highlights the strategic importance of the region's resources. The RSF's capture of Heglig demonstrates their increasing control over resource-rich areas. This development follows the RSF's recent successes against the regular army in South Darfur and Kordofan. The capture has serious implications…

Violence Shatters Hope for Peace in Eastern Congo Amid a tense peace agreement mediated by the U.S., violence in Eastern Congo spiraled again with a bomb blast in Sange, killing over 30 people. This incident underscores the volatility in a region long fraught with conflict. The explosion resulted from a clash between Congolese troops and Wazalendo militiamen. Residents are fleeing to Burundi, seeking safety from renewed violence. Recent peace deals have been rendered fragile by ongoing hostilities. Violent…

Somalia’s long campaign for debt relief culminated in December 2023, when the IMF and World Bank certified the country had reached the HIPC “Completion Point.” In March 2024, Paris Club creditors followed with sweeping cancellations, clearing much of the stock of legacy obligations. On paper, the breakthrough restores Somalia’s access to concessional finance and signals confidence in the government’s economic direction. Yet the core domestic underpinnings that are supposed to safeguard a post-relief economy remain uneven…

South African President Ramaphosa on Middle East and Global Conflicts South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently addressed pressing international conflicts during the ANC's 5th National General Council. His statements focused on the Israel-Palestine situation, Sudan, and Ukraine. Stressed Israel’s violation of Palestinian rights Voiced concern over humanitarian tolls in Gaza and Sudan Highlighted peace efforts in Ukraine Israel-Palestine Conflict and Ceasefire Violations President Ramaphosa emphasized…

Puntland State deploys new forces to Al-Miskaad as campaign against ISIS-Somalia enters ‘closing phase’ BOSASO, Somalia — Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025 Puntland State has deployed new military units to the Al-Miskaad mountain range in the Bari region as its yearlong campaign against the Islamic State group’s Somali branch moves into what officials describe as its closing phase. Regional authorities said Monday that hundreds of recently assigned soldiers were sent to the Baallade valley and surrounding areas to reinforce and…

OSLO — Nobel officials canceled a planned press conference with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado amid uncertainty over the Venezuelan opposition leader’s whereabouts and whether she will collect the award in person at Wednesday’s ceremony. The event, scheduled for 1 p.m. local time, was first postponed and then called off after organizers said they could not confirm Machado’s attendance. “Maria Corina Machado herself said how difficult it was to come to Norway. We hope she will attend the Nobel Prize award…

MOGADISHU — Somalia’s passport has climbed to 100th place on the 2025 Henley Passport Index, giving Somali travelers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 33 destinations, according to data released by Henley & Partners in October 2025. While labeled “2025,” the latest Henley ranking reflects travel-access conditions measured during 2024, a methodological detail that underscores how passport power often lags behind diplomatic change by a year. Even so, the new standing marks one of Somalia’s strongest positions in more…

Mthunzi Gxashe, a close aide and son-in-law to Archbishop Desmond Tutu who served as the clergyman’s spiritual companion during his retirement, has died in Johannesburg, his family and associates said. Gxashe was widely regarded at home and abroad for his long association with Tutu, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and moral voice of South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement. In retirement years, Gxashe was described by those around Tutu as a constant presence — helping to manage daily affairs, offering spiritual support and…