Axadle - Leading News from Somalia and the Horn of Africa

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s drive to build a 100,000-strong national army gained fresh momentum as a new unit trained in Qatar was deployed across Mogadishu, part of a broader, multinational effort to professionalize the country’s security forces after years of conflict. About 600 Somali soldiers returned from long-term training in Doha and have been placed under the National Intelligence and Security Agency’s Banadir command, according to multiple security sources. Turkey is supplying weapons and gear to the unit as…

Portland police arrest third suspect in 2022 killing of Uber driver and father of eight PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland police have arrested a third suspect in the 2022 shooting death of Shaani Mohamed, a Somali immigrant, Uber driver and father of eight whose killing rattled the city’s Somali community. Police said 41-year-old Shaperryia L. Lambert was taken into custody Wednesday in Northeast Portland and charged with second-degree murder. According to court records, investigators allege Lambert was involved in an attempted…

Nigeria's Internal Challenges: A Call for Non-Interference from China The Chinese government has reiterated its stance that Nigeria must be allowed to navigate its own internal issues without external intervention. In a recent statement, the Chinese foreign ministry emphasized its role as a strategic partner, asserting opposition to any foreign nation that leverages religion or human rights as pretexts for sanctions or military threats against the West African nation. This declaration follows remarks by U.S. President…

JAMAME, Somalia — Jubaland regional forces, backed by the Somali National Army’s Danab commandos, have advanced on Jamaame in Lower Jubba, tightening pressure on al-Shabaab and opening corridors for civilians after days of coordinated operations outside Kismayo, according to security officials. Officials and security sources said troops have pushed through a string of settlements surrounding the town — including Araare, Muusa Xaaji, Koban and Bangeeni — establishing safe routes for aid and deploying police and…

Mogadishu — Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been named the CAF Best Male Referee for 2025, a landmark honor announced Wednesday evening at a ceremony at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Rabat, Morocco. The award marks a historic breakthrough for Somali football and its match officials, drawing swift congratulations from the nation’s top leadership. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud called the accolade “historic” and said Artan’s rise reflects the talent and professionalism of a new generation of Somali officials…

Russian spy ship Yantar is being tracked north of Scotland after what British officials described as a recent incident in which lasers were directed at Royal Air Force pilots, the UK government said Thursday, prompting heightened naval surveillance and changes to rules of engagement. A government spokesperson said Defence Forces "are aware of how a known Russian ship is currently tracking" and that Minister for Defence Helen McEntee has been briefed. For operational and security reasons McEntee declined to comment…

Nigerian Violence: A Growing Concern Amid Escalating Attacks This section explores the recent surge in violence attributed to banditry in Nigeria, particularly focusing on the abduction of schoolgirls and the death of military personnel. These incidents highlight the urgent need for a reassessment of Nigeria's security strategies. Experts indicate that Nigerians constitute 99% of the bandits in the region. Public outrage is growing due to the alarming nature of the violence. Recent incidents have sparked…

Arsenal Ends Sponsorship Deal with Visit Rwanda English Premier League club Arsenal has decided to conclude its eight-year sponsorship agreement with Visit Rwanda effective at the end of the 2025-26 season. The announcement underscores the partnership's initial goals of enhancing tourism, conservation, and Rwanda's sporting aspirations. Arsenal's collaboration with Visit Rwanda began in 2018. The deal is valued at over $13.3 million annually. The partnership aimed to position Rwanda as a premium conservation…

ECCHR accuses TotalEnergies of complicity in Mozambique massacre The European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights filed a complaint with French prosecutors accusing TotalEnergies of complicity in war crimes over a 2021 massacre near its multibillion-dollar gas project in northern Mozambique. The complaint centers on allegations that Mozambican security forces tortured and executed civilians held in shipping containers at a site tied to the project. The complaint alleges involvement in torture and executions of…

Human Rights Watch says Israel’s expulsions from West Bank refugee camps amount to war crimes Human Rights Watch released a 105-page report alleging that about 32,000 Palestinians were forcibly displaced from the Jenin, Tulkarm and Nur Shams refugee camps during Israeli "Operation Iron Wall" in January and February. The rights group says the expulsions, destruction of homes and denial of return meet the thresholds for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The report, titled "All My Dreams Have Been Erased," documents…